I always rated McMahon very highly and I remember that game and goal in particular. He was the engine in that side and also the one to really stick the boot in if needed. I’ve always subscribed to the fact that your need some kind of leader / monster in the middle. Someone other teams don’t mess with. In that side it was McMahon and he was able to release the likes of Molby, Whelan (at the end of his playing career) to play the possession and probing game etc.
To me that side is the best Liverpool side I’ve seen. Touch and go with some sides that played under Paisley perhaps but in my mind we’ve not seen anything like that side since. Closest I can remember since was that season under Benitez where Alonso, and Masch held the middle and Gerrard / Torres just tore the opposition up. Note Masch was again that monster in the middle. But even that squad wasn’t as well balanced as that 80’s side. I include Klopp’s teams in that.
The only time I was dissapointed in Macca was the Wimbledon Cup Final.
He needed to clatter Vinnie Jones, and that would have set the tone.
Pity, because he was well capable of silencing that prick.
I really didn’t know about his depression issues, I hope he pulls through this one. I remember his reaction after Gary Speed’s death, it must have left a profound mark on him… I’ve always liked Craig, he’s a warrior, I hope he tames his demons.
I think a lot of people who have mental issues are exactly those who you’d never say they have mental issues, or lack confidence (at least leave the impression that they’re full of it).
