As a consequence of a recent game at Anfield, the topic of passion, commitment, whole-heartedness, coupled with pure exhilaration, was back on the agenda. The authorities of today, seem intent on stifling any signs of enjoyment within the game for fear of offending, or inciting a riot. This hasn't always been the case and one man, ironically from that very arena, typified those qualities in abundance.

"I knew he was a winner, there are some players you go to watch and you really think they can play, but you're not too sure. I knew with Emlyn Hughes there was no risk." ...Bill Shankly.

To many, Emlyn Hughes was a chirpy, jumper wearing, squeaky voiced team captain on the BBC's Question Of Sport, an antidote to the morose Bill Beaumont, a national institution. He was the man who was cheeky enough to put his arm around HRH The Princess Royal and get away with it.

There was more to Hughes, than the loveable joker.. much, much more.

Hughes came up through the ranks of Barrow Schoolboys, his potential was obvious for all to see and he was snapped up quickly by Blackpool. Talk of his potential attracted a number of scouts, for his debut in tangerine, in the crowd that day was Bill Shankly. So exciting was this raw youngster, that he immediately tabled a bid of £25,000, immediately after the game. The bid was refused but, 10 months later, with the sacking of Blackpool manager Ron Stuart, Shankly seized his opportunity and secured the services of the young midfielder. He joined Liverpool in 1967, as Shankly started to assemble a squad that was to dominate English football for a decade.

Hughes was versatile, he could play in midfield, left back, or where he finally settled in the heart of defence. Wherever he played, one thing was certain, he would run through a brick wall for his beloved Liverpool team. His style quickly endeared him to the watching Kop, he earned the name 'Crazy Horse', partly for his energetic performances and partly for the fact that he once rugby tackled Geordie winger Albert Bennett (his father was a Rugby League professional).

Narrowly missing out on the Championship to Arsenal, in 1972, Hughes felt a pain he was determined to quell. An ever-present the following season, Hughes almost single-handedly carried the team to an unprecedented double, they avenged the defeat by Arsenal taking the Championship back to Anfield, they also triumphed over German side, Borussia Monchengladbach and won the UEFA Cup. Hughes was handed a huge personal accolade on the eve of the following campaign when he was named club captain in succession to Anfield legend Tommy Smith. This began a bitter personal feud between the two, which never spilled onto the field of play. Hughes says of Smith: "He is the greatest captain I have ever played under. Although I never got along with him as a man, I had nothing but admiration and respect for him as a captain on the pitch." In the same year, Hughes was also charged with the captaincy of England and he succeeded the legendary Bobby Moore as the nation's leader, proudly filling the role 23 times. He later became the only player to represent his country in the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Shankly, ever the master tactician, devised a new style of play for Liverpool, gone were the days of the simple defensive stopper, Hughes was switched to centreback and encouraged to play the ball out of defense. This switch was a footballing revolution and was to reap rich dividends in the years to come. In his first season as captain, Hughes was to taste more success, by winning the FA Cup.

Written by: Resurrection Joe

The 75/76 season proved fruitful, as Hughes led Liverpool to another League and UEFA Cup double. It was the following season though, which defined Hughes.

It was Silver Jubilee Year and Liverpool were unstoppable, Shanks had gone, but had been replaced by the phlegmatic and shrewd Bob Paisley, he picked up where Shankly had left off and Hughes was inspired. Liverpool won the league in a canter, Hughes leading from the front. They narrowly lost to a rampant Manchester United in the FA Cup Final, but days later, on a barmy night in Rome, Hughes was to lead his Liverpool side to the pinnacle of European football. They defeated the old enemy Borussia Monchengladbach 3-1 in Rome, ironically, with a goal from his old nemesis Tommy Smith, helping them on their way. Hughes was rewarded with the Sports Writers Footballer Of The Year.

A year later, Hughes became the first English captain, ever to lift the trophy for a second time as Liverpool defended their title, against Bruges at Wembley. He captained Liverpool to another Championship the following year, but a troublesome knee injury brought the curtain down on his Anfield career. He played 665 times for Liverpool and won 2 European Cups, 4 League Championships, 2 UEFA Cups and an FA Cup.

..but the story doesn't end there. In 1979 he transferred to a struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers and his quest for the one trophy had eluded him as a player... and typically for Hughes, he would not be denied, leading the once great Wolves to their last top flight success in 1980.

A career in television followed and he became a much loved team captain on "A Question Of Sport", then faded from the public eye, although he was a diligent and dedicated charity worker.

Hughes re-emerged on the 25th anniversary of their glorious night at Wembley, appearing fit and full of life. Unfortunately, he was concealing a dark secret and determined to be treated no differently to his former team-mates. He had recently undergone surgery and had bravely fought back, showing a determination and an undiminished passion. Hughes was a battler, but this was one battle he was destined to lose, on November 9th 2004, Emlyn Hughes died of a brain tumour at the age of 57 and the world lost another great footballer.

Hughes was a fighter, a winner, a leader of men, passionate and committed, a TRUE legend, a man who would grace any team, with a smile that would light up a room.

Walk on, through the wind
Walk on, through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart
And you'll never walk alone
You'll never walk alone