Ian St John has died aged 82.
Ian St John
The former Liverpool footballer, who co-hosted ITV show 'Saint and Greavsie' with fellow pro Jimmy Greaves in the 1980s and early 1990s, passed away "peacefully" with his family by his side, after a long illness.
Ian's family said in a statement: "It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you that after a long illness we have lost a husband, father and grandfather.
"He passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside.
"We would like to thank all the staff at Arrowe Park Hospital for their hard work and dedication during these very difficult times.
"The family would be grateful for privacy at this extremely sad time."
A flurry of tributes have poured in for the late Scotland striker, who also played for Coventry City and Tranmere Rovers, and he managed Motherwell and Portsmouth.
A post on the Liverpool FC Twitter account read: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of a true Anfield legend, Ian St John.
"The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Ian's family and friends at this sad and difficult time.
"Rest in peace, Ian St John 1938-2021."
'Good Morning Britain' co-host Piers Morgan wrote on Twitter: "RIP Ian St John, 82.
Liverpool football legend & great TV broadcaster.
Loved his double act with Jimmy Greaves on Saint & Greavsie - such a knowledgable, warm, funny guy. Sad news. (sic)"
Sky Sports News presenter Jim White tweeted: "Sad news this morning, @LFC legend and one half of the iconic ‘Saint And Greavsie’ TV Show, Ian St John has died. He was 82. (sic)"
Former 'Soccer AM' presenter Max Rushden wrote: "RIP Ian St John. Saint and Greavsie was Saturday TV for me. They were so brilliant. Doubt they saw it in as grand terms but they were pioneers in making football broadcasting fun and upbeat and not taking itself or themselves too seriously x (sic)"
'Saint and Greavsie', in which the pair discussed the day's football stories, ran from 1985 to 1992, when Sky Sports won the rights to broadcast Premier League football.
The final episodes aired from Sweden during the 1992 European Football Championships, which was won by Denmark.
St John and Greaves had previously collaborated on Saturday lunchtime show 'On the Ball', which ran as part of ITV's 'World of Sport', which came to an end in 1985.
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