Earlier this month Sarsfield Memorials have erected a headstone at the previously unmarked grave of George Patterson, who managed Liverpool FC before the Second World War.

Patterson was born in Liverpool in 1887 and played semi professionally for Marine. In 1908 he joined Liverpool as an assistant secretary-manager to Tom Watson. When Watson who died suddenly in 1915 Patterson took charge of the team for the regionalised wartime competitions. On the resumption of the Football League in 1919, David Ashworth took charge of team affairs with Patterson remaining with the club as secretary.

In 1928 Matt McQueen, who succeeded Ashworth in 1923, resigned due to ill health.  Patterson replaced him as manager whilst also remaining secretary.  The eight years Patterson was in charge at Liverpool were not notable for success. The highest finish he could lead the Reds to was fourth in his first full season in charge. Most of the time was spent in mid table and after finishing nineteenth in 1936 he stepped down from the manager role, to be replaced by George Kay.

Patterson reverted back to a sole secretarial role. After the outbreak war in September 1939 he left the club, but a connection remained as his son made some appearances for them in war competitions. Kay led Liverpool to the league title in 1946-47, with two players that had been handed their debuts by Patterson playing key roles. They were joint leading scorer Jack Balmer and midfielder Phil Taylor, who would himself go on to manage the club.

He continued to attend games as a supporter until the early 1950s when his health made it impossible. He died on 8th May 1955 aged 68 at his home in Skerries Road, which was just a goal kick away from the Anfield ground.

For many years Patterson’s grave was unmarked. After being located by the Liverpool FC Graves Association and Friends of Anfield Cemetery, funds were raised to have a new headstone made and this was put in place by Sarsfield Memorials in early July.