Liverpool have announced a new tribute to the victims of the Hillsborough tragedy, as well as the club’s most successful manager as part of the Anfield revamp.
Paisley Square and 96 Avenue will be the new public areas around the new Main Stand once the building works are complete, the club revealed on Wednesday.
A Liverpool statement said: “96 Avenue is the tree-lined path in front of the Main Stand that links Walton Breck Road high street with nearby Stanley Park. The avenue has been specially designed to reconnect the stadium to the wider community and the park.
“It is also the area where the Hillsborough memorial will be permanently located ahead of the first home game of the season.”
📰 96 Avenue and Paisley Square will take pride of place around Anfield's new Main Stand: https://t.co/5BaH7d7M99 pic.twitter.com/aLmd6RoKRX
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 17, 2016
Margaret Aspinall, chair of the Hillsborough Family Support Group, said: “We are delighted that this beautiful area in front of the Main Stand will be named in memory of the 96.
“We have been speaking with the club throughout the expansion project on all Hillsborough matters and I’m sure fans will enjoy walking down and visiting 96 Avenue.”
Meanwhile, the new Paisley Square will be at the corner of the Kop, where it meets the main stand. The club hopes it will be “an area where fans can gather together before the game to enjoy the Anfield atmosphere.”
(Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Robert and Graham Paisley, Bob’s sons, said: “It is truly an honour for our father to be recognised in this way and we’re grateful to the club for being involved in this incredible project.
“People who knew dad would know that he didn’t like any fuss or being in the limelight but having the Paisley Gates and now the Paisley Square is true testament to the success that he had as manager and ensures that his memory will live on.”
Reds fans welcomed the news, with a couple even making suggestions as to who the club should honour next:
.@LFC Lovely touch , still think the main stand should be re named the Kenny Dalglish stand…..
— ThiagoSZN (@6ThiagoSZN) August 17, 2016
Dalglish Gates have to be next, surely
— Con (@con_k23) August 17, 2016
looks amazing. Can't wait to sit in the new main stand #goosebumps 👌
— Louise Lfc (@loulou009) August 17, 2016
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