100PWSTK: Why Scott deserves your vote
With the second edition of our 100 Players Who Shook the Kop poll underway, over the next few weeks we intend to shed increased light on some of the club's earliest heroes – beginning with Stephen Done on goalkeeper Elisha Scott.
"With 468 appearances over 20 years, his commitment and loyalty to Liverpool FC cannot be questioned, neither can his ability, although we have to rely upon written reports to help us appreciate his prowess," the LFC curator explained.
"Perhaps the casting vote for why Scott is so very important and must be given serious consideration is the adoration of the fans.
"That he was given a chance to say farewell to the crowd upon his release was, at the time, an unheard of act, remarkable and moving, but even better than that was the sheer weight of opposition to the idea of an ageing Scott being sold to Everton.
"It was summed up perfectly in this letter to the Echo in April 1934: 'To think, the one and only Elisha should have to submit to the indignity of a transfer is unthinkable, especially as it is being proved week in and week out where the weakness is. He is the world's best. The 'owld man' could do for me if he came out and played in goal on crutches.'
"In judging Scott, one has to ask, which other players have inspired this level of support? Truly one of the greats."
Initially rejected by neighbours Everton as he searched for an English club to represent, Scott eventually found his way to Anfield and Liverpool in 1912 - where he would remain for the next 22 years.
Despite losing four years of his professional career due to World War I, the Northern Irishman played an astonishing 468 games for the Reds and maintained incredible standards of consistency.
His career began as a forward but after an argument with his goalkeeper at Belfast's Boys' Brigade - who he believed to be underperforming - three years before he arrived on Mersyside, Scott was given an opportunity between the posts. It was a life-changing decision.
The Belfast native was forced to wait in his battle to become Liverpool No.1, but grabbed the chance with both hands when it finally came - missing just three matches when the Reds won the league in 1922 and none at all when the club retained the title the following year.
While Scott was keeping goals out at Anfield, across Stanley Park Dixie Dean was breaking records on behalf of the side who had wasted the chance to sign the Reds custodian - Everton.
Dean and Scott locked horns on a regular basis during Merseyside derbies and there was a healthy respect between the two men. "My great Liverpool rival was, of course, Elisha Scott," said Dean.
"But, although we were enemies on the field we were quite different off it. We used to have a pint together now and again and the first thing Elisha would say to me was 'I received the aspirins all right.'
"I used to send him a tube of aspirins with a note telling him to have a good night's sleep because I'd be there tomorrow to score goals against him. We used to have many a laugh over that."
Five years after his distinguished career at Anfield drew to a close, a survey of Liverpool supporters asked who was the greatest player to represent the club? Scott topped the poll.
Perhaps the final word should go to his nemesis. "Elisha was the greatest I've ever seen. You can have Swift, Trautmann, Banks, Wilson. You can have them all. I'll take Elisha Scott," insisted Dean.