It was during the summer of 1978 when venerable newsman Andy Rooney first delivered his closing remarks at the end of the signature weekly news program 60 Minutes. He signed off for the final time on Sunday night, ending a 31-year run on national television.
During his years closing the show, a lot of change has come to Liverpool FC and English soccer. The club reached the highest heights of the world game only to watch one of its greatest rivals overtake its place as the winningest club in the country.
We're not sure if the 92-year-old Rooney enjoys watching Steve Gerrard play. It is possible that he's never heard the KOP roar. Has he ever visited Liverpool? What does he think of the change Fenway Sports Group has brought to the club? We don't know, but we’re certain of one thing: The winds of change have gusted up on the English game and Rooney's been there the whole time.
Trophies Liverpool has won during Andy Rooney’s time on 60 Minutes
- League Champions: 1978-79, 1979-80, 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1985-86, 1987-88, 1989-90
- European Cup (Champions League) Winners: 1980-81, 1983-84, 2004-05
- FA Cup Winners: 1985-86, 1988-89, 1991-92, 2000-01, 2005-06
- League Cup Winners: 1980-81, 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1994-95, 2000-01, 2002-03
- UEFA Cup Winners: 2000-01
- European Super Cup Winners: 2001, 2005
Some low points Andy Rooney may have witnessed
- Tragedies at Heysel and Hillsborough
- The rise of Manchester United
- Arsenal goes from Boring Boring to Wenger’s Invincibles
- The Reign of Tom Hicks and George Gillette
Sweeping changes in the English game (for better or for worse)
- The creation of the English Premier League and the TV money it generates
- An influx of foreign players change the way the game is played
- Oligarchs, oil-rich sheiks and foreign ownership of English clubs change the world of soccer off the field
What did we miss? Tell us in the comments section below