“That’s Lily’s place,” they said. And, truly, Anfield was.
For more than eight decades, Lily Black and Liverpool FC were blissfully entwined, her face familiar and welcoming to all those fortunate enough to meet her – fellow fans, players and managers alike.
A season ticket holder since 1964, president and founder member of the Liverpool Supporters’ Club, a match-goer into her 90s, Lily – who sadly passed away last month – was born, bred and forever Red.
She saw it all, from wartime football to life in the Second Division and back, Bill Shankly’s revolution, dominance throughout the 1970s and ‘80s, and into the modern era as Jürgen Klopp returned Liverpool to the very top.