Liverpool legend Ian Rush has opened up on his sadness at the passing of Peter Robinson this week, explaining just why the former chief executive was so revered at Anfield.
Former Reds chief Robinson presided over off-field matters at the club for 35 years that included the managerial reigns of Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Roy Evans and Gerard Houllier.
The hugely respected Robinson helped turn an under-achieving club into the most powerful one on the continent throughout the 1970s and '80s as the Reds won four European Cups.
Robinson's pioneering work saw Liverpool become the first team to wear a sponsor on their shirts when a £100,000 deal was struck with Hitachi in 1979.
Rush detailed the "ruthlessness" that Robinson operated with during his long-spanning tenure as the former Liverpool striker gave a glowing tribute following the passing of the 86-year-old.
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"I’m very saddened to hear of the passing of former Liverpool chief executive Peter Robinson, who played a big part in the most successful period in the club’s history," Rush said.
"He loved Liverpool Football Club and worked tirelessly to tie up all the deals while the manager looked after the players, the tactics and the training.
"Peter was always working away in the background, sorting out contracts and keeping Liverpool at the top.
"He was a very hard man to deal with, very firm but also very fair.
"I see some of the agents who are involved in football today and, I tell you this, they would have a more difficult job if they had Peter Robinson to deal with.
"He didn’t speak a lot to the players even though he worked very hard to get some of the signings over the line, always doing what was best for the club."
Rush continued: "We used to joke that if Peter Robinson spoke to you, you’ve made it at the club.
"I spoke to him when I first signed for Liverpool and it’s quite possible I never spoke to him again until I was leaving for Juventus.
"He was heavily involved in bringing me back from Juventus in 1988 – I remember speaking with him quite a lot at that time.
"But one thing about Peter was his ruthlessness.
"He would never allow himself to become friends with players because he knew, further down the road, he might have to sell you.
"But he was always very fair and very good at what he did and that’s why he’s a major part of the club’s history."
