27 May 1981
Phil Thompson lived the life every Liverpool supporter imagines
A Kirkby lad who stood on the Kop lifted the European Cup as Liverpool's captain. Almost nobody talks about him.
1998–2004Sole manager
Gérard Houllier
Three cups in 2001 made Houllier’s rebuilding work tangible. A side shaped by Owen, Gerrard and Hyypiä returned Liverpool to regular European contention.
The League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup all came in 2001, followed by the UEFA Super Cup. Another League Cup arrived in 2003. Phil Thompson deputised during Houllier’s recovery from serious illness in 2001–02.
Major honours
- UEFA Cup
- Won 12001
- FA Cup
- Won 12001
- League Cup
- Won 22001 · 2003
- UEFA Super Cup
- Won 12001
Key players
- Michael Owen
- Steven Gerrard
- Sami Hyypiä
- Jamie Carragher
- Gary McAllister
Original writing · Denny Regan
Related articles
Sources & historical notes
Facts checked 7 September 2026. Key players are an editorial selection.
Major honours include the top-flight league, FA Cup, League Cup, European Cup / Champions League, UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. Promotion and the Football League Super Cup are noted separately; Charity/Community Shields are excluded.
- Liverpool FC · Gérard Houllier Confidence: high. Managerial years, era overview and honours.
- LFChistory · Gérard Houllier Confidence: high. Appointment, departure and historical context.
- Liverpool FC · honours Confidence: high. Competition winners and seasons; counts exclude Charity/Community Shields from major honours.
- LFC: Gary McAllister Confidence: high. McAllister’s role in the 2001 team.
- LFC: Jamie Carragher Confidence: high. Carragher’s contribution to the 2000–01 treble.