Football bids farewell to Hughes

Funeral photos

Hundreds of former players and fans gathered on Wednesday at Sheffield Cathedral for the funeral of ex-England and Liverpool captain Emlyn Hughes.

The Cathedral itself was packed to its 1,700 capacity with hundreds of mourners standing in the rain outside.

Liverpool greats John Toshack, David Johnson, Jimmy Case, Kevin Keegan, Ron Yates, Ian St John and Brian Hall were all present at the 12 noon service.

Hughes died of a brain tumour at his Sheffield home on 9 November, aged 57.

The service was led by The Dean of Sheffield, Very Reverend Peter Bradley.

Reverend Bill Bygroves, chaplain of Liverpool Football Club, offered condolences from the club and its fans.

The Archdeacon of Doncaster, Bob Fitzharris, gave a short homily.

New Wales manager Toshack paid tribute to Hughes in a reading during the service.

Toshack arrives at the funeral of his great friend and former team-mate

He said: " Emlyn epitomised what the club was all about in those heady days with Bill Shankly and then, later on, Bob Paisley.

"He was full of enthusiasm, a bubbly character who motivated his team-mates by his own example as much as anything else.

"Whatever the weather he would be first out onto the training ground and last to come in."

Two of Hughes' favourite hymns, Amazing Grace and I Vow to Thee My Country, were played at the service.

Liverpool chairman David Moores, chief executive Rick Parry, and former chief executive Peter Robinson, who was in charge of the club when Shankly bought Hughes from Blackpool, were also in attendance.

Other ex-Reds players at the service included Kenny Dalglish, Alan Kennedy, Phil Neal and current Newcastle manager Graeme Souness, while Coventry boss Peter Reid was also present.

One of the greats, rest in peace Emlyn From RH Have your say on 606

Neal, who won the European Cup in 1977 and 78 with Hughes, told the BBC: "It was a fitting tribute for a terrific man. Emlyn was a great ambassador - he played with a smile and a competitive edge and he was a great captain."

Dignitaries from the world of football included former top referee Keith Hackett, who was there along with ex-Manchester City player and manager Tony Book, former Sheffield Wednesday manger Danny Wilson, and players Carlton Palmer and Peter Eustace.

The 45-minute service ended with a rendition of Liverpool anthem You'll Never Walk Alone sung by the Cathedral choir.