Jamie Carragher has heaped praise on Steve Heighway after Liverpool confirmed the 75-year-old has retired from his coaching role at the club.
The Reds legend won the First Division and the Champions League on a number of occasions during his time as a player, making 475 appearances and scoring 76 goals. Heighway moved into coaching when he finished playing and had as much of an impact on that front, serving as head of youth development for a remarkable 18 years.
He guided Jamie Carragher, Robbie Fowler, Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen from the academy and into the Reds' first team, before initially retiring in 2007. However, Highway returned to Kirkby in 2015 and has since been a coach within the club's academy, serving as a full-time consultant to Alex Inglethorpe.
After the Reds' announcement, Carragher couldn't speak highly enough of Heighway, with the Sky Sports pundit praising his influence. He tweeted: "What a contribution from Steve Heighway @LFC as a player who won Leagues & European cups. Then heading up an academy that produced McManaman, Fowler, Owen, Gerrard... amongst a few others! A huge influence on me as a young player & still to this day. Thank you Steve."
Meanwhile, Inglethorpe lauded Heighway's impact at Liverpool and revealed he will still stay around the training ground watching matches to give players advice. "Steve has decided it is the right time to retire from his coaching role at the club," Inglethorpe told Liverpoolfc.com.
"Steve has not only enjoyed a successful playing career at the club, but also an incredible coaching career lasting over 40 years, in which he has overseen the development of some of the most iconic players to have played for Liverpool Football Club. "Whilst Steve may no longer be putting on his boots to work on the grass, he will still be at the Academy to watch games and share his expertise and wisdom for those fortunate to be in his company.
"I would like to lead the thanks to Steve for the time and guidance that he has given to not only myself but to all of us at the Academy over the last seven years."
Heighway, who started his youth career at Skelmersdale United, was snapped up in 1970 by Liverpool and his career took off from that point under Bill Shankly. A strong and pacey left winger with two good feet, Heighway settled into top-flight football with some ease after making his debut in September of that year against Mansfield.
He went on to become one of the most influential Liverpool players in the 70s as they dominated English football. To this day, his name is still sung at Anfield on matchdays, in the chorus of the popular Kop song 'Fields of Anfield Road'.
