When Gary Ablett made the controversial decision to cross Stanley Park and leave Liverpool for Everton, Howard Kendall understood the pressures his new player would be facing – so he helped smooth the road.
In his autobiography “The Game Of My Life” Gary Ablett recalled: “Howard had suggested I meet him at Bellefield on a Saturday evening to finalise everything. He took me to his office which was about the size of a broom cupboard and poured a little drink for us both. ‘Listen, I’ve got to ring Graeme,’ he said, picking up the phone and punching in Graeme Souness’s number.
‘Graeme, it’s Howard. I’ve spoken to Gary. He does not want to do the deal.’
“Howard had a twinkle in his eye as he said that, moving the phone away from his mouth, covering the handset and smiling and winking at me across the desk while I looked on astonished. What was he up to? I just told him I’d sign, no problem.
“I could hear Graeme barking back down the line: ‘What do you mean, he doesn’t want to do the deal?’ Howard replied: ‘You are not offering him enough to go’ Graeme: ‘How much does he want?’ Howard: ‘Another £25,000.’
“There was a pause. ‘Okay, he can have it.’
“Just like that, Howard had got me an extra £25,000. Unbelievable. Howard had never discussed anything with me about what he did. He just did it off his own bat and I certainly wasn’t complaining. Goodness knows how many clubs he tried it on with"
I’ve posted this before, but I love this story.
