Alan Hansen Returns to Partick Thistle

Alan Hansen enjoyed an emotional return to the club where he launched his illustrious career on Saturday.

The 69-year-old received a standing ovation as he reunited with former team-mates at Scottish Championship club Partick Thistle’s Firhill Stadium.

It comes after the Liverpool legend was hospitalised for two weeks in June as he was seriously ill, before being discharged to continue his recovery at home. He has since been on the mend and playing golf.

Hansen launched his career at Partick Thistle and won the Scottish First Division in 1975-76 before moving to Liverpool.

There he stayed from 1977 to 1991, making 620 appearances and becoming captain. He won no fewer than 25 trophies at Anfield, including eight First Division titles and three European Cups.

Hansen (pictured right alongside Graeme Souness and Kenny Dalglish) was admitted to hospital on June 9 and was left fighting for his life

Hansen attended the 2-1 win over Airdrieonians on Saturday with his brother John and was delighted to enjoy the occasion.

Kick-off was delayed by 40 minutes due to a linesman being injured and, rather aptly, the Scotland Epistles football magazine claimed it was 40 years since Hansen had been at Firhill.

‘It feels sensational,’ Hansen said. ‘It’s great to be here, as I haven’t been here in a long, long time.

‘I’ve got so many happy memories, in particular with that team in ’76, that team was fantastic.

‘As soon as you went into the dressing room here, you just laughed and laughed. Thank you very much for having me here.’

After his playing career, Hansen made a smooth transition to punditry. He rejected the offer of going into management before pursuing a career in broadcasting, where he would take up positions with Sky and BBC Radio 5 Live.

He subsequently joined up with BBC Match of the Day as a co-host in 1992 before leaving the show in 2014 having covered 16 FA Cup finals, six World Cups, five European Championships and one Olympic Games with the BBC.

During this time, Hansen became known for his sharp analytical mind and his criticism of defenders, having played the position himself.

The Liverpool legend (second right during his days playing) won 25 trophies on Merseyside

He also famously declared ‘you can’t win anything with kids’ after Manchester United lost 3-1 to Aston Villa in their opening game of the 1995-96 season – though the Red Devils did go on to life the Premier League that season.

He stepped away from punditry after the 2014 World Cup, but has remained involved in the game by regularly attending matches at Anfield in recent years to watch his beloved Liverpool.

There was an outpouring of love in the summer when people heard about his ill health and plenty of relief when he was discharged.

Gary Lineker was among those who reacted with delight, describing it as ‘the best news ever’.

Former England boss Glenn Hoddle said: ‘What great news that Alan Hansen is out of hospital and at home. Take it easy big man.’

Ex-Liverpool striker John Aldridge also commented: ‘Great news to see you my old mate Alan (Jockey) Hansen has been released from hospital.’

Former team-mate Graeme Souness meanwhile told talkSPORT: ‘I spoke to him a couple days ago. Anyone who’s met Alan Hansen, he has a wicked sense of humour so I’ve had two conversations with him in the last five, six days.

‘Both conversations were me on the receiving end of his humour, so that tells me he’s on the way back.’