Liverpool and Everton are the biggest of rivals, and there are very few things in world football that'll unite both these clubs. Andrew Hannah is one of those, as hardcore fans of both clubs would agree on his status as a legend for both clubs.
Despite playing for both rival clubs, Hannah went on to have an influential impact on both Everton and Liverpool. This makes him one of those rare individuals in football history that is adored by both sets of fans.
Let us now rewind his years in football, and look at the impact he made with the Merseyside clubs.
Made in Renton
Andrew Hannah's football journey began with Scottish side Renton, with whom he won the Scottish Cup twice. They were also crowned as the unofficial champions of the world after beating West Bromwich Albion in the 1888 World Championship tournament.
Hannah was excellent for Renton in the final, and the Scottish right back's heroics were noticed immensely by West Brom. This ultimately led to the English club signing him in the same year. However, the Scotsman struggled to adapt to life at West Brom and returned to Renton for a second spell.
Everton's maiden league winning captain
The Scottish right back returned to England after a year at Rendon, with Everton signing the player in 1889. The 1889-1890 was a promising one for Everton, as they managed to finish as runners-up in the league. It was in the succeeding season that Hannah and his teammates went on to make history, as the Scotsman led Everton to their first league title victory. Thus, Hannah became the first Everton captain to clinch the league.
He was also instrumental in the team's historic feat, missing only two games throughout the campaign and being a vital part of the side.
The following summer, however, was the end of his time with Everton. Hannah eventually returned to Renton yet again for a third spell in 1891.
Liverpool's first ever captain
Hannah made a return to England once again, this time to newly formed club Liverpool. Everton had departed from their stadium Anfield in 1892, and this was followed by the creation of a new club which were the Reds.
It was Liverpool's new manager John McKenna and treasurer William Barclay, who was Hannah's manager at Everton, that played a huge role in his signing for the club.
The Scotsman became Liverpool's maiden right back in their first ever competitive fixture, which ended in an 8–0 victory against Higher Walton on 3rd September of 1892. He followed this up by becoming one of Liverpool's 11 players that played in their first Football League fixture in the following season. The match took place against Middlesbrough Ironopolis, which ended with a 2-0 victory for the Reds. He went on to play in 24 of the 28 matches in Liverpool's historic Second Division winning campaign. Hannah was Liverpool's captain as well during this time, thus making him the only player in history to captain both Everton and Liverpool.
After making over 73 appearances for the Reds, Hannad left the club in 1985. He only managed to score a single goal during his time with the Merseyside club, which came in a 2-0 victory at Burslem Port Vale on 14th April 1894.
Remaining career and retirement
The former Everton right back returned to Scotland and played for Scottish clubs Rob Roy and Clyde before calling it a time on his career. Hannah retired from football in 1897, being one of those rarest individuals that cemented legendary status among both Everton and Liverpool fans.
Also Read |
