It’s 30 years because the Kop took its ‘final stand‘ and the bulldozers moved in to interchange the enduring terrace with a brand new, all-seater stand.
With that in thoughts, we take a stroll down reminiscence lane with 30 of our favorite images of The Kop.
We’re anticipating emotional and poignant scenes like a few of these under when Jurgen says his goodbye on Might 19.
We start with two of essentially the most iconic photographs in Liverpool FC historical past, Invoice Shankly saluting and being serenaded by The Kop – the latter picture being superbly colourised within the wonderful ‘Previous Liverpool FC in Color‘ guide.
Shanks stated of The Kop: “The Spion Kop at Liverpool is an establishment. And in case you are a member of the Kop you’re feeling as in case you are a member of a giant society the place you’ve bought hundreds of buddies all roundabout you. They usually’re united and dependable.”
WATCH: Shankly’s most ICONIC speech to 100,000 followers – after Liverpool LOST
The Kop, at its sensible greatest in the course of the sixties and seventies might maintain as much as 25,000 supporters on a matchday, packed in hours earlier than kick off, singing the songs of the charts and offering witty lyrics concerning the Reds.
Right here we have now a picture from the mid-eighties, displaying the match-going apparel of the period.
Shifting to extra just lately, and the 2 photographs under present The Kop earlier than the 2 epic Champions League semi finals in opposition to Chelsea in 2005 (backside) and 2007 (high).
Even now, the sound generated in that 2005 semi closing some who have been there’ll say is Anfield’s loudest evening.
We love this picture from that 2005 semi closing, taken simply earlier than kick off:
The Kop, since round 2001 and after it had turn out to be all-seater, has seen supporters organise spectacular pre-match mosaics, none extra so than this one under for the twenty fifth anniversary of the Hillsborough catastrophe in 2014.
SEE ALSO: In images – 20 years of The Kop’s mosaics
The Kop and its flags, which right this moment are largely offered by the supporters group Spion Kop 1906, present the enduring photographs which might be screened around the globe.
Right here’s an excellent picture of Jurgen Klopp taking all of it in throughout his first season on the membership, earlier than the Europa League quarter closing in opposition to his outdated membership, Borussia Dortmund – a match that may go on to jot down itself within the membership’s historical past with an unbelievable comeback.
One other of Jurgen’s most memorable nights, and arguably the best Anfield evening at Anfield – the 4-0 comeback in opposition to Barcelona in 2019.
That is how The Kop seemed earlier than that unbelievable evening.
READ: Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona: 10 belongings you won’t keep in mind about Anfield’s best evening
The picture under isn’t of The Kop, however of the gamers that evening celebrating in entrance of The Kop that evening.
Sticking to the European theme then, right here’s the skin of The Kop in the course of the epic parade after the 2005 Champions League closing.
Merseyside Police stated between 750,000 and 1 million individuals had gathered on the streets of the town after witnessing the miracle of Istanbul the evening earlier than, with the parade beginning at 4pm and going lengthy into the evening.
The Kop was additionally the scene for celebrations exterior when the Reds received the league in 2020, with followers congregating exterior after Man Metropolis‘s draw with Chelsea confirmed Klopp’s aspect as title winners.
And The Kop itself was the scene and backdrop for the moderately dystopian scenes of getting to carry the Premier League trophy in an empty stadium with out followers.
INTERVIEW: Liverpool have been 8 DAYS from lifting PL trophy in entrance of followers!
Right here’s how The Kop seemed throughout these pandemic video games. Unhappy occasions certainly.
As a result of there’s no sight higher in soccer than The Kop pre-match. You’ll be able to really feel the anticipation and pleasure.
And the well-known ‘surfer’ flag that passes over the heads pre-match. Anfield regulars will inform it might use a wash although!
How The Kop seemed earlier than the title conflict in opposition to Man Metropolis in 2014:
The Kop reminding Everton once they final received a trophy:
Earlier than a Champions League sport in opposition to PSG in 2018:
The well-known ‘Assist and Imagine’ banner:
Earlier than Roma in 2018:
One of many best and most essential photographs of The Kop, in the course of the six-minute protest, displaying ‘The Reality‘ in the course of the FA Cup sport in opposition to Arsenal as Anfield sang continuous ‘justice for the 96’.
Thierry Henry stated post-match: “I’ve such respect for this floor and these supporters. What a spot that is to play soccer.”
‘My Liverpool – The Kop will at all times rule’:
All the time loyal, at all times serenading the gamers, The Kop pays tribute to Roberto Firmino on his closing house look in 2023. Bobby was moved to tears post-match.
‘There are locations I’ll keep in mind all my life’:
Lastly, the present view from The Kop because the growth of the Anfield Street Stand, which takes Anfield’s general capability to round 61,000.
