Former Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen “seriously ill”

Former BBC Match of the Day pundit Alan Hansen is currently “seriously ill” in hospital.

Liverpool FC said: “The club is currently in contact with Alan’s family to provide our support at this difficult time, and our thoughts, wishes and hopes are with Alan and all of the Hansen family.”

Born in June 1955, Alan began his career at Partick Thistle in 1973 making 108 appearances before his move to Merseyside in 1977. He made 621 appearances for Liverpool, captaining the team between 1985 and 1990.

During his 14 years at Anfield, Alan made 621 appearances, won eight Championships, three European Cups, two FA Cups and four League Cups.

Hansen was offered the Huddersfield Town job in 1992, following the sacking of Eoin Hand, but he turned it down, and started a career in media.

Sky Television employed Hansen as a pundit as soon as he ceased playing, and soon he had established enough of a reputation as a considered observer and thinker within the game for the BBC to approach him.

He began working for BBC Radio 5 Live, before moving on to Match of the Day. Hansen was employed for 22 years as the main pundit for the BBC’s football coverage.

Alan left the BBC in 2014.