Tales from Gerrard: My Autobiography

“Michael and I knew there would be half an hour at the end of five-a-side. ‘All those in Liverpool tops this end,’ Dave Shannon would shout, ‘and all the rest put bibs on.’ Kids wore all types of tops, but me and Michael came prepared: we agreed in advance which strip to wear. Come the five-a-sides we were always in the same team. ‘Right,’ Michael said, ‘let’s wear the Liverpool away kit next week.” I made sure I came in with the right Liverpool top on. If my extensive collection of strips did not contain the proposed outfit, I’d be on Mum and Dad’s case in the car all the way back home. ‘Mum, Dad, I must have this kit. If I don’t, Jason and Michael will be on a different team. Please? Mum and Dad usually relented and got me sorted. Thank God. The thought of letting Michael or Jason down made me almost sick.”