I was co-commentating for Radio City in Valencia for a UEFA Cup game against Liverpool the first time I met Gérard Houllier.
I went down to the hotel bar for a drink and found Ronnie Moran, Tom Saunders and their wives. Gérard then came past, and Tom stood up and introduced us.
“Of course I know Phil,” Gérard said. “I’ve seen him play many times.” We chatted for about 15 minutes, which was lovely. He was a gentleman – absolutely charming.
A week later, Tottenham beat us 3-1 in the League Cup at Anfield. I’d been working again on the radio, and going on about a disconnect between Gérard and Roy Evans (below) – looking at them just sat there in the seats as this was unfolding out on the pitch.
There was no togetherness on the pitch, and I said that was echoing what was coming from the management.
The following day, my phone rang. It was Peter Robinson, the Liverpool chief executive. “Can you come to a meeting?” he said. “Don’t come to Anfield. The press are all over Anfield. Roy’s just resigned. Do you know where the chairman David Moores lives?”
I said: “Of course I do, yeah. When would you like to see me?”
“Now.”