John Molyneux (footballer)
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John Molyneux (born February 3, 1931) was a footballer who played as a right-back.
[edit] Life and playing career
Born in Warrington, Cheshire, England, Molyneux played for Chester City before Liverpool manager Don Welsh paid £4,500 on the 23 June 1955, he made his debut on the 3 September the same year in a 2nd Division game at Ewood Park, it was an exciting game as the Reds and Blackburn Rovers shared the points in a 3 all draw. John's first goal didn't arrive until 8 January 1958 in a FA Cup 3rd round replay at Roots Hall after Southend United had earned a draw at Anfield, Liverpool again made hard work of the tie but Molyneux's 1st minute strike helped them gain a 3-2 victory, but only after late goals from Dick White (79th) and Tony Rowley (81st).
John spent 6 seasons at Liverpool without really setting Anfield alight, he was a consistent, tough tackling, uncompromising full-back who made a wingers job even more difficult than it already was, but during the club's promotion season of 1961/62 he was a peripheral figure playing just 3 league games and 1 cup match, this was mainly due to the phenomenal full-back partnership developed by Gerry Byrne and Geoff Strong.
Bill Shankly then decided that John was no longer a part of his plans and was allowed to leave in the August of 1962 after clocking up 249 appearances. Molyneux rejoined former club Chester, he also went on to play for New Brighton as an amateur.
[edit] Career details
- Liverpool F.C. (1955 - 1962) - 249 appearances, 3 goals
- England - Youth international
