8 Memorable Merseyside Sporting Moments from 2024

As always, Merseyside’s sporting talent and world-class events delivered outstanding sporting moments in 2024. 

Enjoy reliving 8 of our most memorable achievements this year. 

Everton beat the drop 

Despite the setback of being deducted ten points for breaching profitability and sustainability rules – later reduced to six on appeal in February – Everton showed remarkable resilience. Starting 2024 just one point outside the relegation places, Sean Dyche’s men secured their Premier League status in a spectacular fashion. Their improved form, including a memorable 2-0 win over neighbours Liverpool, not only secured their status but also put a significant dent in their rival’s title chances. 

Despite a mixed year, The Toffees have plenty to look forward to in 2025, including a long-anticipated move into their stunning new 53,000 stadium on Bramley Moore dock. 

New ownership also looks imminent, with American firm The Friedkin Group set to complete their takeover of the club this month. 

COYB. 

Klopp leaves Liverpool 

Jurgen Klopp shocked the football world in January when he announced he would leave Liverpool at the end of the season. The iconic German’s long goodbye saw The Reds claim the first silverware of the season with a win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup. 

However, Klopp fell just short of adding further trophies to his impressive cabinet. The Reds’ form faltered in the latter part of the season, with the club losing out to Manchester United and Atalanta in the FA Cup Quarter Finals, respectively. The Normal One’s last act was to secure Champions League football for incoming manager Arne Slot. 

While the new boss’ performance has given Liverpudlian’s reason for optimism heading into the new year, Klopp will always be remembered as a Liverpool legend. His on and off-the-field achievements in our region have left an indelible mark and earned him the respect of all. 

Danke, Jurgen. 

A$AP Rocky at Prenton Park?

Wirral’s Super White Army had a challenging 2024, spending much of the year in the lower half of the League 2 table. Off-the-pitch issues, including the continued delay of the long-anticipated Fan Zone at Prenton Park, have also caused supporters concern. 

However, in one of the year’s strangest sporting moments, rumours persist that rapper and Rhianna’s other half, A$AP Rocky, maintains an interest in buying the club. 

Watch this space. 

I Am Maximus wins The Grand National 

The Randox Grand National is a highlight on any sporting calendar, and 2024 was no different. 

Over 150,000 attended this year’s three-day festival, packing out Aintree Racecourse with style and glamour to witness all the action around the world’s most famous steeple chase. 

While I Am Maximus won the race itself, the real winner was the Liverpool people, who once again proved that, when it comes to racing festivals, nowhere else does it quite like us. 

Nick Ball becomes World Champion

Liverpool’s Nick Ball won the WBA featherweight championship in June, defeating Raymond Ford in a thrilling contest in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ‘The Wrecking Ball’ successfully defended his title at the M&S Bank Arena in October. 

Global stardom beckons for the Kirkby-born fighter in 2025. 

Natasha Jonas unifies World Titles

IBF champion Natasha Jonas, 40, added the WBC title to her collection to become a two-weight unified champion after a unanimous points win over Ivana Habazin at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre in December. 

The Scouse southpaw, who turned professional in 2017 after competing as an amateur at the 2012 Olympics, produced a sharp performance in what could be her last fight in her home city. 

“I just want to thank everyone that has come out to watch me,” said Jonas. “Over 20 years, your support has been incredible – I’m so proud to be Scouse.”

Jonas’ win set up an all-British three-belt unification fight with Wales’ Lauren Price in 2025.  

Paddy defeats The King

Paddy’ The Baddy’ Pimblett continued his electric form in the UFC with a comprehensive first-round victory over King Green in July. The Huyton-born fighter, who became a Dad to twin daughters in April, has his sights firmly set on a world title fight in the not-too-distant future. 

The long-haired fighter from Liverpool also starred alongside his partner in crime, Molly McCann, in the BBC documentary Show No Mersey. However, After returning to winning ways with a first-round submission over Diana Belbiţă in February, “Meatball” lost to Bruna Brasil in July. We hope to see her back in action next year. 

Sensational silver for KJT 

Having won multiple gold and silver medals in World, European and Commonwealth competitions, Scouse sporting icon Katrina Johnson-Thompson finally got her hands on an Olympic medal in Paris this summer. Her incredible performance secured her silver in the Heptathlon after a pulsating contest with Nafissatou Thiam. 

In July, KJT was the subject of a stunning 30m mural by Paul Curtis next to Liverpool’s Excelsior. 

In Memorium 

In loving memory of the Merseyside sports stars we lost in 2024. 

Peter Johnson (Tranmere Rovers and Everton) (November 24th 1939 – January 10th 2024)

John Hurst (Everton FC) (February 6th 1947 – January 18th 2024)

Abe Terry (St. Helen’s RFC) May 17th 1934 – January 30th 2024

Jimmy Husband (Everton FC) October 15th 1947 – March 9th 2024

David Jackson (Marine, Tranmere Rovers) January 23rd 1937 – March 21st 2024

Larry Lloyd (Liverpool FC) October 6th 1948 – March 28th 2024

Paul Holmes (Everton FC) February 18th 1968 – May 7th 2024

Kevin Campbell (Everton FC) February 4th 1970 – June 15th 2024

Frank D’Arcy (Everton FC, Tranmere Rovers) December 8th 1946 – June 15th 2024

Ron Yeats (Liverpool FC, Tranmere Rovers) November 15th 1937 – September 6th 2024

Peter Cormack (Liverpool FC) July 17th 1946 – October 10th 2024