Fans say goodbye to Hughes tonight

They left scarves, flowers and written tributes on the Shankly Gates and by the Anfield Memorial to one of Liverpool’s favourite sons.

In the hours after his death the Kop came to pay their respects to former captain Emlyn Hughes.

The messages were simple but defined how fondly he was thought of: “A God and a Legend”, read one; “Goodnight Emlyn, You’ll Never Walk Alone, read another.”

Anfield was awash with emotion tonight for the Carling Cup tie against Middlesbrough with the flags at half mast as supporters remembered Hughes and his wonderful legacy to the club.

This Carling Cup tie against Middlesbrough was special as supporters recalled the good old days when Hughes and co were kings at home and abroad.

This was a man who played 657 games in the colours, winning back-to-back European Cups in in 1977 and 1978 as well as four league championships.

His all-action style saw him win 62 caps for England and become widely known as "Crazy Horse".

A minute’s silence in honour of Hughes was respectfully observed by both sets of supporters before the action got under way.

Manager Rafael Benitez decided to include youngsters like Neil Mellor, Irish Under-21 Darren Potter, Zak Whitbread and Stephen Warnock in his starting line-up, while Dubliner Richie Partridge was on the bench.

Emlyn Hughes would no doubt have applauded the Spanish coach’s selection policy.

After all he was only a teenager when Bill Shankly handed him his debut – and he went on to have a wonderful career.

The last word goes to Benitez who said: “He was part of the best-ever Liverpool side and won a lot of trophies.

“It is important all the players look at a legend like this and hopefully he can inspire them.”