Alec Lindsay’s professional football career is a tale of triumph, resilience, and unfulfilled potential, a story that intertwines with the golden era of Liverpool Football Club under the legendary Bill Shankly.

PART ONE

Alec Lindsay began with Bury, where he played 139 matches for his hometown club. It was during the 1967–68 campaign that Lindsay truly made his mark, helping The Shakers gain promotion to the Second Division and catching the eye of Bill Shankly. In March 1969, Shankly brought Lindsay to Liverpool for an estimated transfer fee of £67,000, a significant sum at the time, signaling the club’s belief in his potential. Lindsay’s debut for Liverpool arrived in an overwhelming 10-0 European Fairs Cup triumph against League of Ireland side Dundalk at Anfield on the 16th of September the same year and hinted at the success that would follow.

After a brief settling-in period, Lindsay eventually established himself as Liverpool’s first-choice left-back during the 1970–71 season. His performances were solid and dependable, earning him a place in the 1971 FA Cup Final against Arsenal, who were chasing a League and FA Cup double. The game ended 0–0 after 90 minutes, and in extra time, Liverpool took the lead, only for Arsenal to equalize with a scrappy goal before sealing a 2–1 victory. It was a bitter pill to swallow for Lindsay and his teammates, but it was also a sign of things to come. Liverpool, under Shankly, were building something special, and Lindsay was a key part of that project.

The following years would see Liverpool achieve unprecedented success. In 1973, the club won a double of their own, clinching the League Championship and the UEFA Cup. Lindsay played a crucial role in both triumphs, including the UEFA Cup final against German Bundesliga Borussia Mönchengladbach. His versatility and composure on the ball made him an invaluable asset, and his performances earned him widespread acclaim. However, it was in the 1974 FA Cup Final against Newcastle United that he would experience one of the defining moments of his career. Despite having a goal controversially ruled out for offside, he played a pivotal role as Liverpool secured a 3–0 win, earning him a winners’ medal and a place in the club’s history.

Following an entertaining, but a goalless, first half at Wembley, Liverpool completely dominated the second half of the final, and Lindsay thought he had broken the defensive deadlock with a well-taken strike some seven minutes into the last 45. However, the linesman’s flag cut short his celebrations, ruling the goal out for offside. Television replays later revealed that Newcastle defender Alan Kennedy had inadvertently played the final pass, meaning Lindsay’s goal should have stood. Despite this setback, Liverpool went on to win the match by a convincing 3-0 score, courtesy of a brace by Kevin Keegan and a goal from Steve Heighway.

PART TWO

The summer of 1974 marked a turning point in Lindsay’s career. Bill Shankly, the man who had brought him to Liverpool, announced his retirement, sending shockwaves through the football world. Shankly’s departure was a seismic event, and it had a profound impact on Lindsay. Bob Paisley, Shankly’s successor, had his own ideas about the team’s composition, and he quickly identified Phil Neal as his preferred left-back. Neal’s emergence, coupled with the arrival of Joey Jones, meant that Lindsay’s opportunities became increasingly limited. Despite his proven ability and previous contributions, he found himself on the fringes of the squad.

This period was particularly frustrating for Lindsay, who had already earned himself four caps for England. His international career, which began under caretaker manager Joe Mercer in a friendly against Argentina on the 22nd of May 1974, was cut short as he fell out of favour at Anfield. The match, played in front of an attendance of 68,000 spectators at Wembley, ended in an entertaining 2–2 draw, with Lindsay sharing the pitch with fellow Reds Kevin Keegan and Emlyn Hughes. It was a proud moment for the 26-year-old defender but it would also prove to be his final appearance for The Three Lions. His exclusion from the national team was a bitter blow, and it underscored the challenges that he faced in maintaining his place at the highest level.

At the beginning of the of the 1977-78 campaign, Alec Lindsay left Liverpool and joined Second Division side Stoke City. His time at Stoke began promisingly, with Lindsay converting three penalties in his first five matches under manager George Eastham. However, the club’s ambitions of an immediate return to the First Division were not realized, and Eastham was sacked in early 1978. His replacement, Alan Durban, opted to give younger players a chance, and Lindsay was allowed to move to the North American Soccer League (NASL).

His move to the NASL marked the start of the final chapter of his playing career. He joined the Oakland Stompers in 1978, and after the team relocated to Edmonton, Alberta, he moved to the Toronto Blizzard where he ended his playing days in 1979, aged 31. His time in North America was a far cry from the glories of Anfield, but it provided him with new experiences and an opportunity to extend his career in a different environment.

A talented and versatile player, Lindsay was part of one of the greatest teams in Liverpool’s history, contributing to their success in the early 1970s. However, the changing dynamics at Anfield, coupled with the emergence of new talent, meant that his time at the top was relatively short-lived. Despite this, Lindsay’s achievements should not be overlooked. He played a key role in Liverpool’s memorable double-winning season of 1972-73, and his consistent performances in Europe helped establish the club as a force to be reckoned with.

Lindsay’s journey is a reminder of the fine margins that define a footballer’s career. A few decisions, a change in management, or a moment of misfortune can alter the trajectory of even the most talented players. He may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of his contemporaries, but his contributions to Liverpool’s success during a pivotal period in their history ensure that he will always be remembered.