Gerry Byrne: Former Liverpool and England defender dies at 77

Legendary ex-Liverpool defender Gerry Byrne has passed away at the age of 77, the club confirmed on 28 November. The left-back, who spent his entire playing career at Anfield and also won two caps for England in the 1960s, had been suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Although he was part of the squad that triumphed at the 1966 World Cup, Byrne – who belatedly received his winners medal in 2009 – was perhaps best known for helping his club to a 2-1 extra-time victory over Leeds in the previous year's FA Cup final despite breaking his collarbone during the early stages of the match at Wembley. He also won two Division One titles with Liverpool having helped them win promotion to the top-flight before retiring in 1969.

"Liverpool Football Club are saddened to learn of the passing of former left-back Gerry Byrne at the age of 77," a statement on the club's official website read. "Gerry is famously known as the man who played in the 1965 FA Cup final win over Leeds United with a broken collar bone.

"The Liverpool-born defender was a model of consistency at left-back under Bill Shankly and a testament to his popularity was evident as 40,000 supporters were at Anfield for his testimonial in April 1970.

"Overall, he made 333 appearances in a red shirt, scoring four times, and lifted two League Championships, an FA Cup and a Second Division title. He was also a member of the England 1966 World Cup winning squad. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool FC are with Gerry's family and friends at this time."

Former Reds striker John Aldridge paid tribute to Byrne's strength and resolve, tweeting: "Sad news for football today! Gerry Byrne passed away. It was a massive honour to have met him. What a tough gentleman. RIP. YNWA."

Roy Evans, who also played for Liverpool under Shankly and managed on Merseyside between 1994-98, added: "One of our great 1965 boys sadly passed away today. Gerry Byrne, a top man. Our thoughts are with his family and all his friends. Rip YNWA."