Wednesday 6 December 2017 12:16, UK
Sammy Lee deserves a good reception when he returns to Anfield this weekend as Everton’s assistant manager, says Liverpool legend Ian Rush.
In-form Liverpool host their Merseyside rivals on Sunday as part of a derby day double-header ahead of Manchester United's clash with top-of-the table Manchester City.
Rush and Lee shared a dressing room during the Eighties in a period where Liverpool won three league titles, two European Cups and the League Cup four years in a row.
Lee's association with the Reds spans a quarter of century with the born-and-bred Liverpudlian serving as a coach under former managers Graeme Souness, Roy Evans, Gerard Houllier, Rafael Benitez, Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish.
That should not be forgotten says Rush, who hopes former Liverpool midfielder Lee receives a warm welcome at Anfield on Super Sunday.
Rush told Sky Sports News: "I hope he gets a good reception because as a player and as a coach he was excellent for Liverpool.
"Now he's changed and all that - there is a younger generation as well so they may see things differently - but for me he [and other people] should be proud of what he has done for Liverpool."
Boyhood Evertonian Rush is Liverpool's all-time leading goalscorer with 346 goals in 660 appearances during two spells with the Reds.
He also remains the top scorer in Merseyside derbies with 25 goals in the fixture during his career.
Rush added: "Of course I wanted to play for Everton but I didn't get the chance to play for Everton - I played for Liverpool and I said [to myself] I've got to make you [Everton] pay for that.
"Bob Latchford was my hero but after signing for Liverpool I soon realised how passionate the Liverpool players - the Sammy Lee's, the Phil Thompson's, the Terry McDermott's - were."
Watch the Merseyside derby and the Manchester derby live on Super Sunday from 1pm on Sky Sports Premier League. Or watch both for £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV
