Liverpool FC is conducting a countdown of 100 greatest players in the club's history, with Ian St John revealed as number 20.

Earlier this year, Liverpool FC invited fans, former players, journalists, and club officials to vote on the final rankings of the "100 Greatest Liverpool Players in History" through 2026.

Selection criteria were based on individual player ability, influence, historical significance, and achievements during their time at Liverpool.

The countdown will culminate in a special live broadcast in early July, revealing the top five greatest players and Liverpool's all-time greatest player.

100 Greatest Liverpool Players in History:

Ranks 100–91: Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Luis García, Jack Cox, Bobby Robinson, Lallana, Lucas Leiva, Curtis Jones, Dick Forshaw, Danny Murphy

Ranks 90–81: David Johnson, Jack Parkinson, Sam Raybould, Coutinho, Dudek, Phil Taylor, Jerry Byrne, Smicer, Matt Busby, Kauht

Ranks 80–71: Ray Houghton, Sturridge, Tommy Lawrence, Ronnie Morgan, Luis Díaz, Alan Acock, Humann, Tom Bromilow, Matip, Heskeyy

Ranks 70–61: St John, Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Fairclough, Gómez, Aldridge, Reyna, Riise, Peter Thompson, Johnston

Ranks 60–51: Longworth, Sammy Lee, Bob Paisley, Jota, Jamie Redknapp, Origi, Alonso, Beardsley, McKinley, Balmer

Ranks 50–41: Toshack, Jimmy Case, Milner, Raisbeck, McMahon, Lawler, Torres, Molby, Grobbellaar, Neal

Ranks 40–31: Harry Chambers, Alan Kennedy, McMahon, Tommy Smith, Ray Kennedy, Mark Lawrenson, McDermott, Ronnie Whelan, Elijah Scott, Gordon Hodgson

Ranks 30–21: Steve Heighway, Houghton, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ron Yeats, Robertson, Henderson, Michael Owen, Carragher, Firmino, Phil Thompson

100 Greatest Liverpool Players in History – Rank 20: Ian St John

Years at the club: 1961–1971

Appearances: 425

Goals: 118

Honours: Second Division champions (1961–62), First Division champions (1963–64, 1965–66), FA Cup winners (1965)

Although he lacked an imposing physique, Ian St John left an indelible mark on Liverpool FC's history.

Alongside Roger Hunt, Ron Yeats, and others, this Scottish forward became instrumental in Liverpool's transformation during the 1960s, as Bill Shankly began lifting the club from the depths of the Second Division to glory.

In May 1961, when Shankly learned that Motherwell would consider an offer for St John, he traveled north immediately to ensure that Anfield would be the player's next destination.

Shankly described him: "He is a strong player, an uncompromising player, and a very clever player. He was vital to the start of Liverpool's rise to the top."

"With Yeats controlling the game defensively and St John leading the attack, they sparked the climb to the top more than anyone else."

In his first season at Anfield, St John scored 18 league goals, helping the team return to the top flight.

The following season, his league tally increased to 19 goals. In 1963–64, he added 21 league goals, helping Shankly's first great Liverpool side clinch the league title.

In 1964–65, although his goal tally dipped slightly, St John scored one of the most famous and significant goals in Liverpool's history.

In the 1965 FA Cup final against Leeds United at Wembley, he scored with a diving header, securing a 2–1 victory and ending Liverpool's long wait for an FA Cup trophy—a period when they were seen as "cursed and unable to win."

He said: "I never scored a goal more important than that. That was the most important—because we won the FA Cup. After that, no matter what happens in your career, that honour cannot be taken away."

Beyond his goals, he contributed immensely to the team's play.

St John was an excellent game-builder, capable of creating chances for teammates. His fierce desire to win and fighting spirit embodied everything Shankly demanded from his players.

In 1965–66, Liverpool won the league title again, capping a remarkable five-year transformation with another triumph.

By the end of his distinguished ten-year service on Merseyside, St John had made over 400 appearances and scored more than 100 goals for Liverpool. He remains one of only eight players in club history to achieve both statistics.

He said: "I hope people see me as part of the club's development, part of Liverpool's revival under Bill Shankly.

"I believe I played my part in that, as everyone in our team did. We were fortunate to have a manager who came in, took charge of the club, and guided us on that path.

"I hope people remember me as a truly important part of that team."

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