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One of Liverpool’s favorite sons, Jimmy Melia, is once again wearing the famed Reds of Liverpool. We are proud to announce that Jimmy Melia, one of the legends of Anfield will immediately assume the role of Technical Director of Liverpool FC America Youth Soccer. Jimmy will take an important leadership role as Liverpool FC America heads into the 2008-2009 soccer years.
Jimmy Melia had an esteemed career which began as a school boy in Liverpool England, dreaming of playing for Liverpool. At 15, Jimmy Melia caught the eye of Don Welsh, then manager of Liverpool FC. On his 17th birthday he was signed professionally and made his debut at age 18 at Anfield on December 17th, 1955. In his debut appearance against Nottingham Forest, Jimmy scored the first of many goals in his spectacular career for Liverpool FC.
The following year the sure footed Jimmy Melia started 27 matches for Liverpool. This impressive start was followed by a year of 36 starts for the talented second division team. When the infamous Bill Shankly took the reins in 1959, he saw Melia as a key part of his plan to take Liverpool to the top of Division I and to dominate the history of football in Europe.
In the early 60’s with the addition of St John and Yeats, Shankly’s Liverpool team finally made their long awaited run at the top with a resounding title win over Leyton Orient and posted a sound 8 point lead for the Second Division title. Melia became a crowd favorite at Anfield leading the scoring and working hard as a dangerous strike from the midfield to assure Liverpool would one day bring the first division championship trophy home to Liverpool.
And in 1964 with a great team effort, Liverpool won the championship with a win over Manchester United finally taking the division title. At the age of 27 Melia could add the glory of the first division trophy to his collection. After his playing days with Liverpool, Jimmy’s devotion to the game continued as he went on to coach/manage some of the top teams in Europe.
Jimmy Melia understands the game like few can. He has been there… on that hallowed ground of Anfield. He has played for the devoted crowds of Liverpool who have lived the history and traditions in one of the greatest homes of soccer in the world. We salute Jimmy, welcome his experience and are proud to have a player, coach, trainer and mentor of his caliber as a part of Liverpool FC America.
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214.675.9347
