Who was the oldest player to play for Liverpool FC?
1904 OLDEST DEBUTANT
In September 1904 Ned Doig made his first appearance for Liverpool aged 37 years 307 days, making him older on his Liverpool debut than most players were on retirement
Doig had played over 400 games for Sunderland where Liverpool manager Tom Watson had been his boss in the early 1890s. After the Reds were relegated to the 2nd Division at the end of 1903-04, Watson spent £150 to bring his old keeper to Anfield and it proved to be an inspired signing
Doig's debut was on the opening day of the season, when the Reds beat Burton United 2-0 and he went on to play in all that season's league games. He conceded just 25 goals in 34 matches as Liverpool again won promotion back to the 1st Division at the first attempt.
Despite starting the 1905-06 season as first choice keeper, Doig lost his place after eight games to Sam Hardy. He went on to play just nine more games for the club, the last of which was in a 3-1 defeat at Newcastle United in April 1908. He was 41 years 165 days old in that game, a record that has not been beaten.
Doig was released by the club soon afterwards and he went on playing for two more years with St Helens Recs in the Lancashire League.
Extract taken from the book '100 Facts - Liverpool' by Steve Horton
Image: John Edward Doig (Ned Doig)