taken from lfc.tv The Z-Cars theme tune 'Johnny Todd' - the song which traditionally greets the arrival of the Everton team onto the Goodison Park pitch - will be played prior to 'You'll Never Walk Alone' ahead of this evening's 8.05pm kick-off. Following a suggestion from Liverpool Echo feature writer Tony Barrett to mark the youngster's tragic death in such an unprecedented way, the newspaper was inundated with requests for the unique tribute to be staged. Anfield chief executive Rick Parry spoke with Rhys's family who agreed they would be delighted if the Reds paid tribute to their son's memory in such a fitting way. After the two songs there will then be a minute's applause and the Liverpool players will show their respect by wearing black armbands during the game. Rhys's parents Stephen and Melanie will also be at Anfield for the game. The youngster's uncle Neil Jones admits the family have been overwhelmed by such a show of support from the Blues' city rivals. He said: "When I told them about the proposed tribute at Anfield, Melanie said playing Johnny Todd at Anfield would be a unique event, a complete one-off, just like Rhys, and a fitting tribute to him as it was his favourite tune. "She's also pretty sure he'll have a little mischievous grin on his face at the thought of being the cause of it." Tears in my eyes every time i think of young rhys and what happened to him ! Nice show of solidarity imho ! rip rhys i hope dixie dean and the everton stars in heaven are looking after you ! ynwa
yeah thats a amazing touch and shows there is still respect in football and its reputation of bringing communities together.
Yeah really good gesture and lets hope it brings a little comfort to his familly at this horrific time for them, looking at the footage from saturdays everton game brought a tear to my eye and no doubt tonight will be the same !
Nothing to do with class in my opinion its about standing together after a sickening tregedy and showing people we support each other no matter what !
maybe i phrased it wrong, its just good to see the club and fans put aside any rivalries to come together
paddyb has a point it does show the class of Liverpool the club and the city as a whole, respectful and dignified in such an awful time for the family. R.I.P. Rhys R.I.P the 96
i just dont think class is a word that should be used in this situation ! thats all im not looking for an argument or looking to correct anyone but to me its basic courtesy and compassion to show the family that we are all thinking and praying for them at this time !
Do you think the Kop will do a mosaic or anything?? Also seems like the bitters are criticising LFC for not doing before the echo mentioned it http://www.evertonfc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=36162 JC23 not arguing with ya just agreed with paddyb's point
That's a great gesture that after such an awful sickening tragedy. His parents will never get over the loss, but at least they know they have a fantastic city behind them for support.
Agree with the sentiment previously expressed- It is great to see a fitting tribute to such an unlucky kid caught in this tragedy. I'm sure the thoughts and prayers of everyone in tha city and the game are with his family.
Nice touch I agree. I think it might help too in removing a little bit of the hatred that has crept into the Liverpool - Everton matches in recent years. At least there's a bit of common ground between both sets of fans in this case.
A minutes silence/applause & black armbands is enough as I mentioned in a previous thread. Football rivalry has nothing to do with a little boys death. In October we'll be giving them as much stick as we always do and they'll be still singing murderers at us. A better gesture by the club would of been to get star players to appeal to children not to join street gangs before the match than to play a theme tune.
I think it was a nice gesture. And it seems Rhys family some of who were at the match thought so too. Everton fans were very respectful after Hillsborough and made nice gestures such as a tie of scarves running from Goodison Park to the Kop end at Anfield and the whole of wembley singing you'll never walk alone that year. While come the derby the two side will be sworn enemies again the gestures made by both sides will provide a reminder that some things in life matter more than football. Thats my opinion on the matter!!
I agreed with james on the other thread and I agree with him here also. Children die at the hands of the viscious every day all over the world and football clubs and their supporters remain silent, they are not alone. It would be far better for those clubs who hold the imagination of children to make consistent and persistent effort to change things rather than to be as clashing symbols making noise for for those who wish to be part of the din. Dixie Dean does not smile in heaven, smiling people live and walk and talk and breathe every day...and walk past children who suffer and ignore them and let them hurt and die at the hands of society. YNWA does not echo for Jamie Bulger, nor Z cars, no song does, he lies forgotten like countless others, adults attending football matches would do better to hang their heads in shame and strive to show better example to children. I'm sorry if this post is hurtful or seems callous. I don't like symbolism for it's own sake or to salve the conscience of the living. Those that have seen my posts before know I'm a betting man, I'll stake any bet that before the year is out someone will ask you the name of the little kid from Liverpool who was shot. Best of luck Rhys, I hope the next world offers you more than this.