My Liverpool Story: Following Footsteps
In the latest “My Liverpool Story” from the American Scouser project, our newest writer, TJ Andrews, explains, questionnaire-style, what brought him into the club’s fold.
READ MORE: My Liverpool Story: The Gift by Jack Champagne
SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW: YouTube / X (Formerly Twitter) / Instagram / TikTok / Patreon / BlueSky
Where are you originally from?
Originally, I am from Brighton (or just a bit north of the southeast coast city but no one knows anywhere close to where I am from, so I just say Brighton because most know where that is). My mum and dad’s family have all lived nearby for most of my life but none supported Liverpool, except for my dad and me.
How, when, and why did you become a Liverpool fan?
To tell you the story of why I support Liverpool, I need to tell you the story of why my dad does. My dad’s father left him when he was young and my dad’s older brothers picked Manchester United and West Ham United, for one reason or another. My dad didn’t like those choices, so he watched an England game and saw Kevin Keegan playing. Which caused him to say ‘Whoever that guy plays for, I am going to support.’ To that day, my dad has been a Liverpool fan and I have been a fan since birth. My earliest memory of ‘Wow, I’m a Liverpool fan.’ was us winning a treble with Gerard Houllier and specifically the FA Cup final where Michael Owen scored 2 goals to beat Arsenal and help us lift the trophy.
THE MY LIVERPOOL STORY SERIES
Who’s your all-time favorite Liverpool player and why?
My all-time favorite Liverpool player is Steven Gerrard, Captain Fantastic himself. It would have been amazing to see him play under Jurgen Klopp or Arne Slot now. Stevie G was a complete midfielder and would improve any team he stepped onto the pitch to play for. Special player.
Where do you watch Liverpool matches?
If I am unable to get away tickets for the London or Brighton away games, then I will invite my dad round mine, go round to his, or head to a local bar to watch the game.
What was your most memorable Liverpool game and why?
My most memorable Liverpool game is probably Istanbul. Going 3-0 down and hearing the fans singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ it felt like a prayer was being answered with the performance we gave for the rest of that night.
What is your all-time favorite goal for the Reds?
Corner Taken Quickly… Origi! It was just a moment of madness that became a moment of genius. Catching that Barcelona team out like this was truly remarkable. I genuinely didn’t believe it counted and was expecting it to be retaken for ages after the goal went in.
SHOP THE AMERICAN SCOUSER COLLECTION TODAY
Have you ever traveled to Liverpool?
I have traveled to Liverpool, to see Anfield and got a tour of the stadium as well. I dream of returning and being a fan in the Kop, losing my voice by singing along with every song and screaming for every call to go our way.
Have you seen Liverpool play in the States?
No, I have not and I don’t think I will ever be able to. The only time I will be in the United States is likely going to be with my family on holiday. Convincing them to go to a game with me might be too hard to argue for.
Who’s your favorite present-day Liverpool player, and why?
My favorite current Liverpool player is Virgil van Dijk. Current Liverpool captain, who is just as calm as you like and feels consistently in control of every situation against any opposition.
What do you do when you’re not cheering for the Reds?
First and foremost, I am a husband and a father. I am also a trader at a betting company, helping customers place bets on football, horse racing, greyhounds, etc. If you want any tips, though, I am not your man. Over recent years, most of my winning bets have been on backing Liverpool to do the impossible against tough teams.
