Tribute to John Houlding, founder of the Liverpool Football Club, unveiled at Anfield

Liverpool hosts Everton on Sunday afternoon in the 232nd derby of Merseyside.

And the man responsible for the very first time in 1894 was greeted today at a special ceremony in Anfield.

John Houlding bought the land on which Anfield sits in 1885, he developed it as president of the Everton football club and eventually created a new football club after the infamous split of 1892.

More than a century later, his lasting legacy has been recognized by the unveiling of a bronze bust, created by the famous sculptor Tom Murphy.

Liverpool Mayor, Councilor Christine Banks, and CFL General Manager Peter Moore unveiled the tribute in preparation for the Merseyside weekend derby.

Wearing the same mayor chain sported by his predecessor, Mr. Houlding, the mayor described Houlding as "a legend" and "the essence of a Scouser".

"John Houlding is undoubtedly responsible for the football legacy of this city." He was the first president of Everton FC and the founder of Liverpool FC, in addition to being Liverpool's mayor.

"He was an important figure in our city's history and this magnificent tribute appropriately recalls what he started over 120 years ago."

Liverpool CEO Peter Moore presided over the unveiling ceremony with the mayor and said, "Look at his legacy, he founded TWO Premier League clubs, and no one else has made.

"I always think that he had the ideal business model, he had a brewery, a football stadium and he was mayor.

"He was a great man.

"It was more than a year since we were discussing his appearance.The location is also important.We discussed the question of whether he should look towards Goodison Park … but we have decided to look again at the main stand of 96 Avenue, with a sense of respect for what the stadium has become since the 1890s, was appropriate. "

Sculptor Tom Murphy added, "The only challenge was the scarcity of John Houlding's photos, as they were not freely available at the time.

"But the skits of the day were brilliant.The big debate was whether we should have left with a top hat!

"But it was a great honor and a privilege to work again with the football club."

Students from Four Oaks Anfield Elementary School, located in the shadow of the stadium, were also present to lend a hand to the Lord Mayor and Moore.

The first public release of the bust will take place at the Merseyside derby on Sunday, where it will certainly attract a lot of attention.