James Pearce: Tribute to 'one of a kind' Liverpool FC fan Paul Rice

By James Pearce
Jan 28 2012

PAUL RICE was one of a kind.

A devoted Kopite who commanded respect not only among supporters but also in the boardroom at Anfield.

As one of the driving forces behind Spirit of Shankly, Paul played a key role in the battle to rid the club of Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

He chaired meetings and helped mobilise a passionate fanbase but one in need of guidance to ensure energies were challenged in the right manner.

I only had the privilege of knowing Paul in recent years. We would often bump into each other on the train to away games in the capital and it soon became clear why everyone spoke so highly of him.

His death at the age of 54 last weekend was tough to take. The last time I saw him he was planning a fundraiser as a show of thanks for the medical treatment he had received following a bone marrow transplant as he fought leukaemia.

That was typical of the man – class and dignity in equal measure.

Rest in peace Paul.