In a shocking revelation that will leave Liverpool fans scratching their heads, it's emerged that the Reds once missed out on signing Steven Gerrard's cousin Anthony due to a remarkable administrative error.
The One That Got Away
Anthony Gerrard, who enjoyed a solid career as a professional footballer, has disclosed how close he came to following in his famous cousin's footsteps at Anfield. The former defender, now 38, revealed that Liverpool had shown serious interest in him during his youth career at Everton.
A Bureaucratic Blunder
"I was at Everton's academy and Liverpool wanted to sign me," Anthony explained. "But they sent the transfer paperwork to the wrong fax number at Everton - they sent it to the main reception instead of the academy."
The administrative mishap proved costly, with the paperwork arriving too late to complete the transfer. "By the time they realised and sent it to the right place, the deadline had passed," Gerrard added.
What Might Have Been
Liverpool's loss became Everton's gain, as Anthony remained with the Toffees before eventually moving to Walsall in 2005. The defender went on to make over 400 professional appearances for clubs including Cardiff City, Huddersfield Town and Shrewsbury Town.
While Anthony never reached the heights of his legendary cousin Steven, who made 710 appearances for Liverpool, the 'what if' scenario will undoubtedly frustrate Reds supporters. Imagine the possibilities of having two Gerrards in the famous red shirt during the club's most successful modern era.
Family Ties Remain Strong
Despite the missed opportunity at Liverpool, Anthony maintains a close relationship with Steven. "We speak all the time," he said. "He's been an incredible support throughout my career."
This fascinating tale serves as a reminder of how fine margins can shape footballing destinies. One wrong fax number potentially altered the course of a career - and Liverpool's defensive options for years to come.
