“It’s not as if he’s changed his religion”, Gerard Houllier said at the press conference to announce his signing. Forward Nick Barmby’s Anfield career is more famous for the controversial nature of his arrival, being the first player for over 40 years to make the move across Stanley Park. Everton fans were incensed and Liverpool fans were overjoyed, although arguably more at getting one over on The Bitters than with the signing itself. As a player, Barmby had a fairly uninspiring goal scoring record and career history, but his versatility was a big asset and he was deployed in a variety of positions for Liverpool, mainly on either flank. He was a good solid all rounder and performed admirably in a red shirt. His real value came in Europe though, where he scored key goals in our triumphant UEFA Cup run, as well as a header in his first Merseyside derby in a red shirt, which of course went down a treat with both sets of fans. Barmby played a key part in the 2001 treble winning season, but by the end of the season, he was injured, missed the FA Cup Final, and was an unused substitute in the UEFA Cup final. From then on, lack of form and a poor injury record limited his first team chances and by the time he was fit after a long term injury, he was well down the pecking order. He was sold to Leeds for £2.75m and ultimately moved on to his home town club Hull City, where he remained until the end of his playing days. More info on Nick Barmby ++ / LFChistory.net -- Past Present Future