John Aldridge
Former Newport County, Oxford United, Liverpool, Real Sociedad, Tranmere Rovers and Republic of Ireland International striker.
One of British football’s all-time greatest goalscorers, John Aldridge rose to prominence as a former Kop favourite who bore an uncanny resemblance to Ian Rush. After joining Liverpool for £750,000 from Oxford United in January 1987, Aldridge stepped into Rush’s shoes when the Welsh icon moved to Juventus later that year.
Aldridge made his Liverpool debut as a substitute in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park in February 1987. He then marked his Anfield debut in style, scoring a superb header past Southampton’s Peter Shilton at the Anfield Road end.
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John Aldridge
Nicknamed “Aldo,” he became a fan favourite, forming a formidable partnership with fellow new signings John Barnes and Peter Beardsley under Kenny Dalglish during the 1987-88 season. Aldridge scored in each of Liverpool’s first nine matches that campaign, amassing 26 goals in 36 league appearances. His prolific form helped Liverpool win the First Division title and achieve a record-equalling 29-match unbeaten streak at the start of the season.
Despite his heroics, Aldridge experienced heartbreak in the FA Cup Final when his penalty was famously saved by Wimbledon goalkeeper Dave Beasant. However, the Republic of Ireland international—who began his career with South Liverpool and Newport County—bounced back the following season, continuing to score consistently even after Ian Rush’s return from Juventus.
Aldridge claimed an FA Cup winner’s medal in 1989, netting the opening goal in Liverpool’s 3-2 victory over Everton in the final. Later that year, he moved to Spanish side Real Sociedad for £1.1 million, but not before saying a memorable farewell to Anfield. Coming off the bench, he scored a penalty in a 9-0 win over Crystal Palace and threw his boots and shirt into the crowd as a gesture of gratitude.
Aldridge enjoyed a successful spell in Spain, becoming a fan favourite at Real Sociedad. However, the pull of Merseyside saw him return in 1991, joining Tranmere Rovers for £250,000. In his first season, he equalled the club’s scoring record with 40 goals and later took on the role of player-manager. Aldridge retired from playing in 1998, just shy of his 40th birthday, having scored 474 goals in 882 career appearances—a record that surpassed Jimmy Greaves as British football’s top goalscorer.
As Tranmere manager, Aldridge guided the club to the 2000 Worthington Cup Final, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to Leicester City. He stepped down as manager the following season but remains a prominent figure in football through media work and appearances with Liverpool’s old boys team in the Masters series.
Now a popular after-dinner speaker, John Aldridge shares captivating stories from his illustrious career, making him a sought-after name on the circuit.
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