Former Portsmouth boss and Liverpool legend Ian St John passes away

His family today released a statement announcing the Scot had passed away at the age of 82 in hospital in Merseyside.

St John made his name by scoring 118 goals in 425 appearances for Bill Shankly’s Liverpool winning the league title twice and FA Cup in the process.

He was later appointed Pompey boss by John Deacon in September 1974, moving from Motherwell to replace John Mortimore.

However, St John’s two-and-a-half year Fratton Park tenure would bring relegation to Division Three.

He was dismissed in May 1977 following 136 games in charge, consisting of 34 victories and 64 defeats.

It would prove to be his last management role, later serving as an assistant at Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry.

St John, of course, would later establish himself in the media and on television, forming a hugely popular partnership with Jimmy Greaves for Saint and Greavsie on ITV.

The Scot would be replaced as Pompey boss by Jimmy Dickinson, who quit as club secretary to take up the role in May 1977.

Today’s St John family's statement said: ‘It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you that after a long illness we have lost a husband, father and grandfather.

‘He passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside. We would like to thank all the staff at Arrowe Park Hospital for their hard work and dedication during these very difficult times.’

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