Many former academy players still hold a special place in the hearts of fans, even if their careers took them elsewhere.
Liverpool fans know how much the club’s youth system has shaped players over the years. Many former academy players still hold a special place in the hearts of fans, even if their careers took them elsewhere. One of those players is Shamal George, a former Liverpool academy goalkeeper who has recently enjoyed a moment of triumph away from Anfield.
George has faced a lot of challenges since leaving Liverpool. Personal struggles, including his mum Kerry’s battle with breast cancer and the recent loss of his grandad Bill, have weighed heavily on him. On top of that, injuries interrupted his playing career, including a serious groin injury while at Wycombe Wanderers. Yet, George has found his footing at St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership. Earlier this month, he helped the club secure a shock 3-1 victory over Celtic in the Scottish League Cup final. The win was a first major trophy in George’s career, celebrated in front of 50,000 fans at Hampden Park.
The joy of the cup victory was amplified by George’s family, who were present to support him, especially his mum, who has been cancer-free in recent months. His former Liverpool teammates also reached out, showing that connections from his time at Anfield still matter. Among those reaching out was Curtis Jones, who played a significant role in the congratulations George received.
The Athletic revealed that Jones sent George a personal message to celebrate the win. The report said, “Former Liverpool team-mates Curtis Jones and Caoimhin Kelleher got in contact with George to offer their congratulations. There were also calls from ex-Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg and current under-21s goalkeeping coach Mark Morris.” The outreach highlighted how much former teammates care about each other beyond the pitch. For George, hearing from Jones was special: it reminded him of his time in the Liverpool system and the bonds he formed during his youth career.
Despite the challenges George has faced, this celebration marks a high point in his career. Jones’ gesture was not only supportive but also a recognition of George’s perseverance and growth. It shows that even after leaving the club, Liverpool connections remain strong, and the impact of the academy continues to be felt across football.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.