Liverpool announce the death of two-time First Division winner and Scotland international Peter Cormack at the age of 78.
Liverpool have announced the death of two-time First Division winner and Scotland international Peter Cormack at the age of 78.
The former midfielder was a fundamental figure in the Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley teams of the 1970s, winning two First Division titles in the 1972-73 and 1975-76 campaigns.
Cormack also won the UEFA Cup in both of those seasons, as well as becoming an FA Cup champion in the 1973-74 campaign and winning a pair of Charity Shields in 1974 and 1976.
In total, the Scotsman scored 26 goals in 178 appearances for the Reds, although his final season at Liverpool – who signed him for €220k (£184k) from Nottingham Forest in 1972 – was hampered by a knee cartilage problem.
“Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former midfielder Peter Cormack, aged 78,” Liverpool said in a statement. “The Scot – a league, UEFA Cup and FA Cup winner during a four-year spell with the club between 1972 and 1976 – died on Thursday night.
“Signed by Bill Shankly from Nottingham Forest, the skilful Cormack would go on to be a key figure in the successes of the legendary manager’s final seasons in charge of the Reds. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool FC are with Peter’s family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.”
Nottingham Forest, Hibernian pay tribute to Cormack
We are deeply saddened by the passing of former midfielder Peter Cormack, aged 78.
Rest in peace, Peter.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 11, 2024
A former youth player at Hearts and Tynecastle FC, Cormack made his senior breakthrough at Hibernian, spending eight years at the club from 1962 to 1970 before joining Nottingham Forest.
The midfielder was on the books at the City Ground for two seasons – scoring 20 goals in 87 games – before moving to Liverpool, and he subsequently spent four years at Bristol City from 1976 to 1980.
Once he had called time on his career in England, Cormack returned to Hibs for a few months in 1980 and finished his playing career with Partick Thistle, whom he then managed for four years.
A modest coaching career also saw Cormack take charge of Cypriot side Anorthosis, Cowdenbeath and Greenock Morton, as well as short stints in charge of St Mirren and the Botswana national team.
“Everyone at Hibernian FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former Hibee Peter Cormack at the age of 78. Rest in peace, Peter,” Hibs said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Nottingham Forest also paid tribute to their former player, saying: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Peter Cormack. Peter played for Forest between 1970 and 1972, playing 87 times for the Club. Our thoughts go out to Peter’s friends, family and loved ones at this sad time ❤️.”
At international level, Cormack won 10 caps for Scotland and was part of their squad at the 1974 World Cup, although he did not play a single minute at the competition.