A’Court’s loyalty with the Anfield club was finally rewarded when under Shankly’s leadership, they finally won promotion back to the First Division in 1962.

He stayed another two years at Anfield before departing in October, 1964 for a brief spell with Tranmere Rovers.

He later became player-coach at Norwich City before assisting at Stoke City where he was caretaker manager for a short spell in the late 1970s. Later he joined the sports coaching staff at the former North Staffordshire Polytechnic, now Staffordshire University.

After retiring from football and coaching he ran a newsagent shop in Wirral.

In all, A’Court made 381 appearances and scored 63 goals for the Anfield club.

He also holds the Liverpool record for the youngest player to make 200 league appearances, a feat he achieved just a few months past his 24th birthday.

Paying tribute last night, Liverpool legend Tommy Smith said: “I never played alongside Alan in the league for Liverpool, although I did play once with him in a game in America.

“Alan was a lovely, lovely fella. He was a member of the Former Players’ Association and it was a real shock to hear of his death.”

Ex-player Brian Hall, now Liverpool’s public relations manager, added: “It’s extremely sad news and everyone at the club is deeply saddened and shocked.

“We knew he had not been well, but we did not realise how serious it was.

“Alan was a terrific footballer and a lovely guy.

“Everyone at the club would like to pass on their sympathies to Alma and his family at this sad time.”