Alan Hansen: Liverpool confirm club legend ‘seriously ill’ in hospital

Liverpool legend and former Scotland defender Alan Hansen is ‘seriously ill in hospital’, the Merseyside club have said.

The 68-year-old, who enjoyed an 18-year playing career as well as a successful punditry career, is viewed as one of Liverpool’s greatest ever defenders.

Hansen (second from right) represented Liverpool as a player for 14 years between 1977-91Credit: getty

A club statement read: “The thoughts and support of everyone at Liverpool FC are with our legendary former captain Alan Hansen, who is currently seriously ill in hospital.

“A defender of the utmost elegance, Hansen’s outstanding raft of honours across a 14-year spell with the Reds – he joined from Partick Thistle in 1977 – included eight league titles, three European Cups, two FA Cups and three League Cups.

“‘Jocky’, as he was known by teammates, is in the top ten for all-time appearances for the club having played 620 matches, and the Scottish centre-back also served as Liverpool skipper for four seasons.

“The club is currently in contact with Alan’s family to provide our support at this difficult time, and our thoughts, wishes and hopes are with Alan and all of the Hansen family.

“We will provide any further updates as we receive them in due course, and we request that the Hansen family’s privacy is respected at this time.”

Hansen played a key role in Liverpool’s success in the late 70s and 80s under Bob Paisley, which is the golden era in the club’s history.

He was given the role of club captain after Kenny Dalglish replaced Joe Fagan as manager in 1985, a role Hansen had for five years.

He represented his native Scotland on 26 occasions.

Hansen is viewed as one of Liverpool’s greatest ever defendersCredit: Getty

As well as being a hugely successful player, Hansen is also well known for his sports broadcasting career after retiring from football having worked for the BBC for 22 years.

Hansen became a popular pundit and famously declared ‘you can’t win anything with kids’ when analysing Sir Alex Ferguson’s Class of ’92 side that were thrown into Manchester United’s first-team in 1993.

Hansen retired from football punditry in 2014 and has largely lived a quiet life since. He has been married to wife Janet since 1980 and they have two children, a son Adam and daughter Lucy.

Gary Lineker, who worked alongside Hansen on Match of the Day, said: “Horrendous news. Thoughts are with Alan, Janet and all the family.”

Hansen’s long-time central defensive partner Mark Lawrenson posted on X: “Come on Big Al-you can beat this… Love to Janet, Adam, Lucy and all the family…. xx”

Ex-team-mate John Aldridge, chairman of the former players’ association Forever Reds, also sent a message of support.

“All our thoughts as ex-LFC players are with Alan (Jocky) Hansen and his family. Let’s hope he can pull through his illness. ynwa,” he wrote on X.

Former Liverpool and Scotland teammate David Speedie said: “Really sad to hear Alan Hansen is currently very seriously ill in hospital.

“Wishing him a speedy recovery, my thoughts are with Alan and his family at this difficult time.

“If anyone can fight back from this, it’s you Alan. Rooting for you pal.”

Former referee Keith Hackett said: Sorry to learn that Liverpool’s Alan Hansen is currently in intensive care. Such a wonderful player and a delight to referee. I send my best wishes for a speedy recovery.”