Phil Thompson was born in Kirkby in January 1954. A lifelong fan of Liverpool, he was an apprentice with the club before turning professional in February 1971. He made his league debut as a substitute against Manchester United at Old Trafford in April 1972. He won his first (of seven) championship medals in the following season although it was not until 1973/74 that he became established in the heart of the Liverpool defence. Shankly always admired Thompson's ability to read the game, once remarking that he was a 'matchstick man with sparrow's legs'.