Since 1979 Liverpool have had 5 different shirt sponsors. They are, Hitachi (1979-1982); Crown Paints (1982-1988); Candy (1988-1992); Carlsberg (1992-2010) and Standard Chartered (2010-Present). Some have been relatively short-lived. For instance, only three years for Hitachi and fours years for Candy. Just for a bit of fun and as a bit of interest, which sponsor would win?
In other words, if we were to pick the best XI for each shirt sponsor and we could play out an imaginary ‘play-off’, which sponsor would win?
Which Sponsor Would Win?
I have had a go at picking my best XI’s for each sponsor. Obviously, there have been crossover between sponsors. For instance, Stevie Nichol played for Liverpool between the years 1981 to 1995. This period covers four different shirt sponsors. Namely, Hitachi, Crown Paints, Candy and Carlsberg.
This crossover applies to several other players (not necessarily four sponsors though). So, in my selections I have placed players that appeared in more than one shirt sponsor that I think of being worthy to be selected for a best XI, purely on my own opinion which sponsor period they would best fit.
As I say, it is just a bit of fun and is open to debate, discussion, agreement, disagreement…and so on.
So, in your opinion, which sponsor would win?
I’ll list each of my select best XI’s below. Do you agree with the selections? If not, who would you select? For simplicity and not trying to complicate the selections in terms of formations, I have chosen my best XI’s in a 4-4-2 formation in each case.
No distinction either to be made between the pace of the different era, general fitness levels and so on. Purely on their footballing ability for that period of time.
My first best XI selection for Hitachi is as follows:
Which Sponsor Would Win – Hitachi – 1979 to 1982
How about this for an Hitachi Select XI – 1979 to 1982.
Clemence
Neal, Hughes, Thompson (Phil), Kennedy (Alan)
McDermott, Lee, Case, Kennedy (Ray)
Heighway, Johnson (David)
As Hitachi were our shortest period shirt sponsors you may think that selecting a best XI would be difficult. Not so. Maybe not the same number to select from, but quality wise? Some real quality in this team.
A good balance to the side by the looks of it. And goals available from plenty of positions.
Would this team win the “Which Sponsor Would Win” play-off though?
Let’s have a look at the next sponsors – Crown Paints.
Which Sponsor Would Win – Crown Paints – 1982 to 1988
Six years Crown Paints were our sponsors. Here is my Crown Paints best XI
Grobbelaar
Venison, Lawrenson, Hansen, Staunton
Johnston (Craig), Souness, Molby, Whelan
Rush, Dalglish
Again a good balance and goals aplenty from a variety of positions. A front two of Rush and Dalglish fed by Souness and Molby!!! Now that is a fab four!!
Moving on to our next shirt sponsors then.
Which Sponsor Would Win – Candy – 1988 to 1992
I don’t know why but it felt to me that Candy were around for a lot longer than 4 years. I loved that shirt. Only fours years but what a team for my Candy Best XI…..
James
Jones (Rob), Wright, Gillespie, Nicol
McManaman, Houghton, McMahon, Barnes
Aldridge, Beardsley
At first glance it looks like this XI would need to outscore any opposition. Plenty of flair and goals without a doubt. But is the back five strong enough to compete with the other shirt sponsors?
Moving on now though to our longest period shirt sponsors – Carlsberg.
Which Sponsor Would Win – Carlsberg – 1992 to 2010
Whenever I think of Carlsberg one of the things that springs to mind is a jokey photo on the front page of one of our fanzines when the Candy deal was announced. It featured Jan Molby and the caption said something along the lines of, “I don’t know what all the fuss is about. I’ve had lager down the front of my shirt for years!!”
Carlsberg could certainly send out a strong best XI though. Take a look at this team….
Dudek
Finnan, Hyppia, Henchoz, Riise
Murphy, Alonso, Hamann, Berger
Torres, Fowler
Not unsurprisingly, as Carlsberg have been the longest period shirt sponsors, a lot of top players have not made this best XI. Players like Kuyt, Redknapp, Garcia, Owen to name just a few. All down to opinion. In the case of Owen I decided against selecting him as there wasn’t necessarily always a great chemistry between him and Robbie Fowler. Nothing to do with him going over to the dark side!! I just think Torres in his pomp was a better all round player.
Last but not least….
Which Sponsor Would Win – Standard Chartered – 2010 to Present
This shirt sponsor period of course covers present day and again we have so many quality players who have pulled on that shirt.
Here’s my Standard Chartered Best XI
Reina
Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio
Gerrard, Mascherano, Henderson, Coutinho
Salah, Suarez
Such a tough decision to leave out Sadio Mane and Virgil Van Dijk to name just two. Again though opinions. This XI may well change the longer Van Dijk and Mane stay at the club.
All in all though just a bit of fun to get the old grey matter going and have a reminisce of all the great players we have and had over all the years we’ve had shirt sponsorship.
There is as well of course an argument to select a “Pre Shirt Sponsors Best XI”. Now that would be some as well wouldn’t it? The likes of Billy Liddell, Tommy Smith, Kevin Keegan, John Toshack, Ian St John, Roger Hunt to name just a handful.
What would your “Pre Shirt Sponsors XI” be?
What would be your Hitachi, Crown Paints, Candy, Carlsberg, Standard Chartered Best XI’s be?
Have a think and show us your team.
Who do I think would win the “Which Sponsor Would Win Play-Offs”? That’s easy…..I haven’t got a clue. They all look strong teams don’t they. And what subs benches we would have as well.
