Liverpool legend Ian Rush's greatest day? An FA Cup tie for Chester at Newcastle in 1980

10 February 2010 07:27
Liverpool legend Ian Rush played all over the world during his 22-year career but the game that stands out most for him came long before the glory days.[LNB]That was then: Ian Rush during Chester's 1980 FA Cup run[LNB]The Wales striker netted nearly 400 goals in around 700 appearances for club and country, winning every domestic honour along the way - and a European Cup.[LNB]But Rush's most memorable day happened 30 years ago - for Chester City in the FA Cup.[LNB]The Seals - then in the old Division 3 - were on a fine FA Cup run and travelled to St James's Park, Newcastle, who were then riding high in Division 2.[LNB]And Rush, then aged just 18, admits the atmosphere as he travelled to the ground on January 5 1980 was the most remarkable of any game he ever played in.[LNB]'Our crowds weren't that big and to travel to Newcastle who played in front of 30,000-plus crowds was really something special,' said Rush.[LNB]'I'll never forget the noise, the bustle, the excitement as we neared the ground. I'd never seen that many people at a game before and it was incredible.[LNB]'We won 2-0 and I scored to make the day complete. It was the most amazing day of my life up to then - and made me want a lot more.'[LNB]He got plenty more - Liverpool paid £300,000 for him a few months later and the rest, as the cliche goes, is history.[LNB]Rush is now a judge for Barclays Around the World in 90 minutes, encouraging fans to recall their most memorable pre-match or pre-ground experiences anywhere in the world.[LNB]As a player his choice might have been surprising but as a fan it's less so.[LNB]'Walking through the streets of Istanbul in 2005 ahead of the Champions League was something else,' revealed Rush.[LNB] So many memories: Ian Rush will help judge the best pre-match experience ever[LNB]'To experience that atmosphere and that build-up hours before kick off was astounding - and the locals made it even better.[LNB]'I've watched Liverpool play in Dubai and Malaysia and the supporters' clubs out there are so knowledgeable. They know everything about the team and create a great occasion every time their heroes are on the TV.[LNB]'I get stopped for autographs and pictures before and after games, but they take the action deadly serious.'[LNB]Rush feels the current Liverpool side are hitting good form at a crucial time. [LNB] Greatest day ever: Liverpool supporters in Istanbul ahead of the 2005 Champions League Final[LNB]'Beating Everton has done us a power of good and if we can see off Arsenal we're only two points off third place.[LNB]'Liverpool simply have to finish in the top four because at the start of every season their supporters genuinely believe they will win the league.[LNB]'It seems incredible to think the title has not been to Anfield since 1990 and now Manchester United have levelled our record of 18.[LNB]'I suppose it could have been worse - Everton could have won those titles - but then again for United to do so well is just as bad.'[LNB]Ian Rush is a judge for Barclays Around the World in 90 Minutes and was speaking at the launch of the global fan competition to find the best Barclays Premier League match day experience across the globe. Fans have until 22nd March to enter via the competition website - www.barclaysfootball.com[LNB] MORE LIVERPOOL FC NEWSGerrard warns 'wounded' Gunners - you're next in line for 'cup final' defeat Kop flops: Liverpool crash out of Youth Cup while 'arrogant' coaches say sorryWenger dismisses claims that hitman Chamakh has sealed move to ArsenalAgger urges Liverpool to show derby determination to pile misery on ArsenalLIVERPOOL FC

Source: Daily_Mail