Liverpool lead tributes to Northampton-based Reds fanatic Dolly Wallinger, aged 90
Liverpool FC have paid tribute to a grandmother from Northampton who was one of their most loyal supporters.
Dolly Wallinger, who died this week aged 90, was chairman of Liverpool's Northampton and Milton Keynes supporters' branch, arranging travel for thousands of supporters over more than 30 years. She was also present at some of the most pivotal moments in The Reds' history.
The great-grandmother was on first-name terms with many ex-players including her hero Phil Neal, whose move to Anfield from the Cobblers in 1974 was responsible for her switch of allegiance to Liverpool.
Yesterday club spokesman and ex-player, Brian Hall, said the whole club sent its condolences to Mrs Wallinger's family.
He said: "Everyone at Liverpool was saddened to hear the news about Dolly Wallinger.
"Dolly was a long-time Liverpool fan who took great pride in her role as chair of the Northampton and Milton Keynes supporters' club - her support will be greatly missed at Anfield.
"We would also like to offer our condolences to Dolly's friends and family during this difficult time."
For her long term dedication Mrs Wallinger won an official Barclays Fan of the Month award in 2005.
She was a well-known figure at Anfield during the 1970s and Mr Neal, Alan Kennedy and players of that era would still regularly greet her in her seat behind the manager's dug-out before games.
As well as attending hundreds of games at Liverpool's Anfield ground she was at the tragic stadium disasters of Heysel and Hillsborough where fans were injured and died, experiences that stayed with her for the rest of her life.
According to her family, the best day of her life was when her team beat AC Milan on penalties in the Champions League final after they trailed 3-0 at half time -arguably the best final of all time.
Son-in law Peter Lomasney said: "It was also hers and her her husband Herbert's 65th wedding anniversary and she had got a card from Rafa Benitez, the Liverpool manager, so it was the best of all worlds.
"For her it was always family first then football and she was over the moon on that night."
Mrs Wallinger leaves a husband, two children, two grandchildren and a great grandchild.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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