Former Liverpool striker Tony Hateley passes away, aged 72

A still of Tony Hateley from the year 1967.

Former Liverpool striker Tony Hateley has died at the age of 72, after suffering from long illness.

Signed by Bill Shankly for a club-record fee of £96,000 from Chelsea in the summer of 1967, Hateley was a  prolific goalscorer in the Reds’ team. He managed to start 52 matches during his debut season at Anfield and registered an impressive 27 goals, including a hat-trick on only his second appearance in front of the home fans.

He represented various clubs across the country, including Aston Villa, Coventry City, Birmingham City, Notts County and Oldham Athletic.

Hateley remained an active member of the Liverpool Former Players Association post retirement and was a popular figure around Anfield.

“Liverpool Football Club was today saddened to learn of the passing of former striker Tony Hateley, aged 72,” the official Liverpool announcement on their website.