The Kop's Last Stand

Liverpool football club's legendary Kop was remembered ten years after its 'Last Stand' in an exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool Life from 28 May to 19 September 2004.

The original all-standing Kop, which stood from 1906 to 1994, played a key part in the history of the soccer team during its glory years when players captured top trophies. The Kop's Last Stand told the fascinating story of the stand where thousands of fans jostled and swayed as they sang, chanted, cheered and jeered. It focuses on the highs and lows experienced on its hallowed terraces.

The Earliest of the 50 images on display dated from about 1906 while another showed the Kop before its roof was built in 1928. The championship years from 1960 look at the role of supporters and their relationship with the Kop. Well-known characters such as top-hatted Dr Fun and John Garner are featured.

John scored the last "goal" before the original Kop was pulled down in 1994. He ran on to the pitch after the final whistle and kicked the ball into the net. The boot he was wearing is on display at the exhibition.

Fencing is seen being put up in 1977 - it remained until the Hillsborough tragedy in 1989. The Kop was demolished five years later to be replaced by an all-seater. Liverpool greats include early stars Don Mackinlay and Harry Chambers, later heroes Kevin Keegan and Steve Heighway along with legendary managers Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.

The Kop's Last Stand is based on I am a Liverpudlian and I come from the Spion Kop by Chris McLoughlin (Trinity Mirror Sport Media, price £20). The exhibition features Liverpool Daily Post & Echo archive photos and exhibits loaned by Liverpool FC Museum including programmes, banners and fan memorabilia.