A new dawn occurred at Liverpool FC after the first world war. After a disappointing period prior to the war, and as the 1920’s rolled around, a new look Liverpool side came to the fore, full of talent, confidence and ready to sweep all before them. They reigned supreme from the start of the 1922 season until the end, due to an incredible understanding between the players from front to back. As a result, they weaved around the pitch and changed positions in a way that had never been seen before. The core of the team were a result of Liverpool’s manager Tom Watson scouring the north of England and Scotland in the search for talent. It was formed by new signings Ephraim Longworth and Donald Mackinlay at full back, half back Walter Wadsworth and goalkeeper Elisha Scott. This defence was the catalyst of Liverpool’s success over the next several years. All four players were 100% dedicated to the club and served it for some 70 years combined.

 

Before his death in 1915, Watson also secured the services of Harry “Smiler” Chambers who he plucked from the shipyards in Newcastle, simply because he “liked the look of him”. Chambers became one of Liverpool’s most prolific goal scorers. The league was suspended during WWI, but when play continued in 1919, along came more talented players who came back onto the market including Liverpool local Tom Bromilow, a Beckhamesque character who posed in adverts for health giving tonics. Wadsworth was partnered with Jock McNab, and this duo were regarded as the clubs ‘hard nuts’. They were once sent off against Newcastle for fighting, but they were also skilful players.

 

The team hardly changed from 1920 onwards, and played in a 2-3-5 formation. Their first league triumph occurred in 1922 when they finished six points clear and lost only 7 of their 22 games. This earned them the nickname “The Untouchables” and they replicated the feat in the following season fielding practically the exact same side. The teams camaraderie was a significant factor of this achievement. As the players didn’t earn much, there were no distractions or celebrity. They were a team first and foremost, and they wanted to win for their club.

Achievements: English First Division – Champions x2

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Star player: Elisha Scott DoB 24 August 1893, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Scott kept goal for Liverpool from 1912 to 1934 and still holds the record as their longest serving player. He kept a clean sheet on his debut with a 0-0 draw against Newcastle. He was second choice keeper to Ken Campbell in the early part of his career, and then WWI interrupted things for 4 years, but as soon as it was over, Scott wanted to make the number 1 jersey his. He got his big break when Campbell left the club in 1920 and was a key member of the back-back championship winning teams of 1922 and 1923. There are several stories about Scott in Liverpool folklore. Once, in 1924 against Blackburn, Scott made a save that was so amazing, a man appeared from the crowd, went over to Scott and kissed him. He also had a huge rivalry with Everton legend Dixie Dean. A story goes that the pair once encountered each other in Belfast city centre the day before an England vs Ireland game. Dean, known for his incredible heading ability, touched his hat and nodded as they were about to pass. Scott dived to the ground and pretended to save an imaginary header to the shock and delight of dozens of witnesses. Mildly surprised, Dean smiled and kept on walking. As he aged, Scott lost his starting position in the Liverpool line up and returned to his homeland as a player-manager with Belfast Celtic. His final game was against Chelsea in 1936, after which he entered the directors box and gave an emotional farewell speech to his fans. His managerial career was successful, with 10 Irish league titles and 6 Irish cups.