Bruce Grobbelaar

Bruce Grobbelaar, the most successful all-time goalkeeper of the Liverpool side of the 1980's and early 90's, is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding keepers in the world game. He is renowned not only for his extrovert personality but also for his unorthodox and frequently spectacular style of play.

Bruce has a particularly interesting background for he was born in South Africa and brought up in Zimbabwe thereafter leaving to play first in Africa and then in the North American Soccer League for Vancouver Whitecaps. They lent him to play for Crewe Alexandra in 1980 where he quickly came to the notice of Liverpool who followed him back to Canada and signed him as cover for Ray Clemence. However, after Bruce had played just three reserve games for Liverpool, Clemence was transferred to Spurs and he took over, becoming a colourful and invaluable member of the team.

Having signed for Liverpool in March 1981, and having played for Liverpool for many seasons, he has been privileged to be part of the make-up of one of the World's greatest clubs.

Increasing violence on the terraces and especially the events of Brussels in 1985, very nearly led him to give up playing until he realised it would be simply surrendering to the mindless violence of hooligans.

Hillsborough followed in 1989 and Bruce was the first player to be aware of the Leppings Lane end troubles and was first to offer and call for assistance.

League and Cup again in 1990 (the last time the club did so) and Bruce again was one of the heroes of the side.

Bruce eventually moved to Southampton in 1994 and stayed until 1996.

After leaving Southampton, Bruce attended two FIFA Coca Cola Fertura One and Two in 1996 and 1998 respectively along with gaining invaluable coaching experience with the Zimbabwe national side.

His coaching positions carried on in South Africa. Firstly, he came to the rescue of Seven Stars in 1999, being appointed to the side to try and get them out of a relegation position. This he did. He found a position with Supersport United, but again halfway through the season they were looking at relegation, but he steered them to a mid table position, then went on to manage Hellenic City in Capetown.

Everything about Bruce is out of ordinary and he is one of the most flamboyant and likeable figures in football today. Has had his moments, the trials and tribulations of a long drawn out Court case, where he was found not guilty and where many of his friends in football stuck by this remarkable character. The attacks on his family, his credibility and his devotion to the game he loves have made him a stronger man and an asset.

Now a popular after dinner speaker, Bruce currently lives back in Liverpool and is working as an ambassador for Liverpool FC and also hosts corporate clients on match days.

He published his autobiography this year “Life in the Jungle” which told all about his life, career and the story of trial when he was accused and acquitted of match fixing.

Bruce is becoming a very high in demand after dinner speaker travelling throughout the country and also did a speaking tour of Australia in January and is scheduled to do one in the USA in 2020.

CLUB HISTORY

Vancouver Whitecaps

1979 - 1980 Crewe Alexandra

1980 - 1993 Liverpool

1992 - 1993 Stoke City (Loan)

1993 - 1994 Liverpool

1994 - 1996 Southampton

1996 - 1997 Plymouth Argyle

1997 - 1997 Oxford United

1997 - 1998 Sheffield Wednesday

1998 - 1998 Oldham Athletic

COACHING

1999 - 1999 Seven Stars (Cape Town)

1999 - 2001 Super Sport United (Pretoria)

2001 - Hellenic City

2015 – 2016 Ottawa Fury (Canada)

HONOURS

Liverpool

Football League Division 1

Champions; 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1985-86, 1987-88, 1989-90,

Runners Up; 1984-85, 1986-87

FA CUP

Winners; 1986, 1989, 1992

Runners Up; 1988

Football League Cup

Winners; 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1989-90

Runners Up; 1986-87

European Cup

Winners; 1983-84

Runners Up; 1984-85

International Honours

Zimbabwe goalkeeper and coach.