FORMER England star Larry Lloyd has died aged 75.
The legendary defender starred for Liverpool for five years between 1969 and 1974, before going on to win back-to-back European Cups with Nottingham Forest.
PA:Empics SportLarry Lloyd starred for Nottingham Forest under Brian Clough[/caption]
Lloyd twice won the European Cup under Brian Clough at ForestRex
Forest have paid tribute to their Bristol-born former hero.
In a statement, they wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Larry Lloyd.
“Part of the Miracle Men, Larry was an integral player in the Forest side that memorably won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, making 218 appearances for the club in total.
“We send our condolences to Larry’s friends and family at this truly sad time.
“Rest in peace, Larry.”
Plenty of fans also rushed to pay tribute.
One wrote: “So sad RIP Larry thank you for everything u did for this club.”
While a second gushed: “Thank you for all the memories Big Man. Condolences to all.”
A third echoed: “Thanks for the memories Larry.”
Another added: “Gutted. Massive part of the change from second-tier also-rans to champions of Europe. RIP Larry.”
Lloyd began his career with hometown team Bristol Rovers, playing 43 times before signing for Liverpool in 1969.
He played 214 times for the Reds over five years, winning the First Division and the Uefa Cup.
Two years at Coventry followed, before he joined Clough’s revolution at Forest.
Having been recommended by Cloughie’s former No2 Peter Taylor, Lloyd arrived at The City ground in a £60,000 deal.
Lloyd arrived at a Forest side languishing in the second tier, but within three years was one of the “Miracle Men” that won the European Cup against Malmo in Munich.
He forged a rock-solid partnership with Kenny Burns at the back, ahead of England icon Peter Shilton between the sticks.
Lloyd also starred alongside the likes of John McGovern, Viv Anderson, John Robertson Tony Woodcock in the final.
While it was £1million man Trevor Francis who memorably netted the winner.
The no-nonsense centre-back, once described as “almost as big as Nottingham Castle” by Clough, was once again a pillar in the side that retained the European Cup the following year, again starting alongside Burns as Forest beat Kevin Keegan’s Hamburg 1-0 in Madrid.
Lloyd eventually left Forest in 1981, moving to Wigan as player-manager.
Following two years in the role he took over as Notts County boss.
He went on to cover Forest as a pundit on local radio, before spending many years in Spain and working as a pub landlord.
Lloyd spent his final years back in Nottinghamshire, returning in 2021.
Larry Lloyd’s career in numbers
Bristol Rovers 1968-69 – 43 games
Liverpool 1969-1974 – 214 games
Coventry City 1974-76 – 54 games
Nottingham Forest 1976-80 – 214 games
Wigan – 1980-83 – 57 games
England – Four caps
Honours:
Liverpool – First Division 1973, Uefa Cup – 1973
Nottingham Forest – European Cup 1979, 1980. League Cup – 1978, 1979, Super Cup – 1979
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