Jimmy Case talks to JMU Journalism

Jimmy Case with Dawid at the Kop stars evening; Lifting the European Cup with Ray Kennedy (© Trinity Mirror)

Former Liverpool midfielder Jimmy Case has
revealed to JMU Journalism the situation that led
to his exit from the club and his views on the
current state of the team.

During a six-year career at Anfield, Case scored more goals in European competition than Robbie Fowler and Kevin Keegan, and won three European Cups, four league titles and the UEFA Cup.

After several unsavoury off-the-pitch incidents, including being charged with assault following a brawl with a hotel owner in Wales, then manager Bob Paisley decided to let the midfielder go in 1981.

Case said: “I didn’t want to leave Liverpool, but the club was a little bit moody at that time towards me. Obviously you don’t get the direct questions, but you can feel a very tense atmosphere around you and you know exactly what they are up to.”

Although now living in Southampton, the former Red is still close to his beloved team and works in the hospitality sector at every Liverpool home game, as well as summarising games for BBC Radio Merseyside.

Case is not happy with the current progress of his old club but defends present manager Roy Hodgson. The 56-year-old said: “He has proven that he can handle decent clubs, whether Liverpool is too big for him, only time will tell.”

He argues that the current results reflect the club's lack of preparation after the ongoing problems off the pitch and many players being at the World Cup in South Africa.

However, he believes that the stability is back at Anfield after new owners NESV took over, and the club can still challenge at the top of the Premier League in coming seasons.

Case laments that the modern game is all about making money. When asked if he would like to be playing today, he said: “I’ve got my medals. The money can flick through your hands but your medals are still there.”