‘Voice of Anfield’ to step down after more than 50 years at Liverpool

When George Sephton first took on stadium announcer duties at Liverpool the club had won seven league titles but had yet to taste success in European football.

However, on Sunday, ‘the Voice of Anfield’ will step down after more than five decades, when the Reds host Crystal Palace and lift the Premier League trophy to celebrate a record-equalling 20th top-flight title.

Sephton, 79, took the job in 1971 when Bill Shankly was manager and was a constant through the trophy-laden years of the 1970s and 1980s when four of Liverpool’s six European Cup triumphs also arrived.

He also enjoyed the best seat in the house for famous wins over Saint-Etienne in 1977, Chelsea in 2005, Borussia Dortmund in 2016 and Barcelona in 2019.

He has seen greats of the game such as Kevin Keegan, Graeme Souness, Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Alan Hansen and Steven Gerrard all represent Liverpool as players.

But along with the highs there were also the tragedies of Heysel and Hillsborough in 1985 and 1989 that deeply impacted the club, wider communities and the whole of the game.

More recently, modern-day heroes like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have helped to take Liverpool back to the top of the English game.

“I’ve been privileged to have a front-row seat at some of the greatest occasions in football history – memories I will cherish forever,” Sephton said.

“Anfield has been my second home for over 50 years, and I’ve loved every moment. But the time is right to pass the microphone on.”

Paul Cuttill, vice-president of stadium operations at the club, added: “George Sephton is more than just a stadium announcer – he is a part of the fabric of Anfield.

“His voice has soundtracked countless unforgettable moments in our club’s history, and his presence in the gantry will be deeply missed. We thank him for his remarkable tenure and dedication to the club.”