In November 1946, Jack Balmer joined an exclusive group, one which has failed to be added to across English football in the succeeding years.

The 1946/47 season was the longest on record after a deep freeze descended over England in what was the first full season after the conclusion of the Second World War.

And the Reds would defy the odds to be crowned English league champions for the third time in the club’s history, and the first time in 24 years.

It was a historic campaign and one which Balmer was integral to, scoring 24 times in 39 games – a run which saw him take English football by storm as he notched three consecutive hat-tricks.

It was November and Liverpool had entrenched themselves in the top two, losing merely two of their opening 13 games of the season before a run of three games where Balmer captivated the masses and saw his name thrust onto the front pages.

The first came against Portsmouth at Anfield, with a first-half penalty then accompanied by two strikes in nine minutes late in the clash to seal a 3-0 win.

It was just a taste of things to come, as just seven days later he would score four in a remarkable 17-minute spell against Derby Country.

Liverpool would emerge as 4-1 victors and end the day as league leaders thanks to the lethal boot of Balmer, with a report full of endearing words after a mesmerising outing:

“The game was a personal triumph for Jack Blamer, the team’s captain and inside right. Following his hat-trick of the previous week, he scored all four Liverpool goals and made the Derby defenders look very second-rate the way he ran through them, almost at his own free will.”

With two successive hat-tricks already under his belt, the third would follow against Arsenal as his goal-scoring boots remained firmly in place as he put on a show for the Liverpool faithful in a 4-2 win.

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He opened the scoring front the penalty spot after just 15 minutes before scoring the last two in a hurry, seven second-half minutes to be exact, as the Reds overturned a one-goal deficit to swiftly pull away from the Gunners in devastating fashion.

The Liverpool Echo documented the moment history was made:

“All that was needed now was a Balmer goal to make three hat-tricks in succession. No sooner had the words been spoken than Eastham started the run which produced an angled chance for Balmer, who veered to the right, and put the ball into the net to the biggest cheer Anfield has ever known in its long history.

“Having scored a hat-trick of hat-tricks, and 10 goals in three matches, Balmer must have established a record which will stand for many a year. He was mobbed by his delighted teammates.”

The hat-trick of hat-tricks cemented Balmer’s name into the record books having become only the third player to achieve the feat in the first division after Tottenham’s Tom Jennings in 1925 and Leeds’ Frank Osborne in 1926.

And remarkably, since Balmer added his name to the list in 1946, no other player has managed to replicate the feat in the top division.

It is an achievement that he would later reflect on fondly, but humbly insisted it would never have come to be without his teammates.

“Towards the end of a long career memories crowd thick and fast on one. That which remains most fresh in my mind was when I had the good fortune, thanks to the unselfishness of my team-mates, to score three successive hat-tricks in 1946-47.”

Balmer’s superior skill and intelligence ensured he became one of Liverpool’s greatest forwards, and despite his stunning goal return, the fierce aggression lacking in his game polarised a sub-section of Liverpool’s fans.

But it simply was not his style of play or “idea of football,” and in the end it would matter little as he would end his career at Liverpool, who he joined at 19 after being let go by Everton, with 309 games and 110 goals across all competitions.

Balmer, who is still considered as the man responsible for Liverpool’s fastest goal after just 10 seconds against Everton in 1938, would captain his club from 1947-49 before turning to coaching from 1952-55.

A distinguished and loyal servant who sits in 14th position on Liverpool’s all-time top goalscorer list.

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Liverpool produced a hugely impressive comeback to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in an enthralling October showdown at Anfield.

Harry Kane put the visitors ahead within a minute of the Champions League final rematch kicking off, converting on the rebound when Son Heung-min hit the woodwork.

But the Reds’ controlled display was rewarded in the second half as Jordan Henderson equalised and Mohamed Salah clinched three points from the penalty spot.

Relive the highlights of the game below via YouTube as part of our Replayed series, which looks back on each league fixture of the campaign on weekdays.

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Liverpool produced a hugely impressive comeback to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in an enthralling October showdown at Anfield.

Thomas Gronnemark has highlighted Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson as the Liverpool’s best throw-in takers due to their “immense understanding.”

Since Gronnemark’s arrival at the club, the Reds have gone from one of the Premier League‘s worst sides at throw-ins to one of the best.

It may be considered a fine margin, but it is an advantage for Jurgen Klopp‘s side nonetheless, and as a result the Dane has been retained long past his initial short-term deal in 2018.

Gronnemark has gone into detail about his role on the training ground, and the methods he is implementing at Liverpool, on a number of occasions, with the emphasis on “clever” throw-ins.

And in an interview with German publication kicker, he has explained why even though Joe Gomez has the longest throw in the squad, it is Klopp’s first-choice full-backs who are the best.

“Joe Gomez throws the longest, now over 37 metres, from the sideline to the penalty spot,” he explained.

“But the best throwers are Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson. They throw very precisely and have an immense understanding of space and the situation.

“Klopp doesn’t want long throws; he wants them to be fast and smart. It has to suit the way the club plays.”

Trent and Robbo’s speed and alertness to the situation allows Liverpool to harness throw-ins—until recently deemed a largely useless set-piece by many clubs—to maintain their high-tempo approach.

It requires intelligent movement from the likes of Gini Wijnaldum and Roberto Firmino, and accuracy from the delivery, but it keeps sides penned in when they could previously have taken a breather.

Klopp could consider himself fortunate that it is his full-backs that have taken to Gronnemark’s teachings most eagerly, as they are most often required as takers.

“Each team has 40 to 60 throws per match, most of which are taken by the full-backs,” he continued.

“At Liverpool there are six or seven players who usually throw. If things have to go quickly, the one closest to you is required, and that person should also be competent.”

Gronnemark revealed that Liverpool have scored 13 goals from throw-in situations this season, and predicted the club to be among Europe’s best once again in terms of efficiency.

Perhaps worryingly, he did hint that there remains no agreement to stay with the Reds beyond the end of the campaign, as he mentioned that “as a freelancer” he could join the likes of Man United or Tottenham if not.

However, he added that he had “already rejected a top offer from England this season,” and it seems likely he would stay at Liverpool if offered an extension.

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The Premier League today released the following statement.

The Premier League today released the following statement.

At a meeting of Premier League Shareholders today, clubs discussed in detail how to respond to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

First and foremost, it was reaffirmed that the overriding priority is to aid the health and wellbeing of the nation and our communities, including players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters.

Season restart

It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May – and that the 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

The restart date is under constant review with all stakeholders, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic develops and we work together through this very challenging time.

The Premier League is working closely with the whole of professional football in this country, as well as with the Government, public agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the game achieves a collaborative solution.

With this, there is a combined objective for all remaining domestic league and cup matches to be played, enabling us to maintain the integrity of each competition.

However, any return to play will only be with the full support of Government and when medical guidance allows.

The sporting and financial implications for Premier League clubs as well as for The FA, EFL and National League were considered at today’s meeting.

Consulting players

In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019/20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration.

This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change.

The League will be in regular contact with the PFA and the union will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow between the League, players and club representatives.

Solidarity with clubs below PL

Discussions also took place regarding financial relief for clubs in the short term and while there is no single solution, measures are to be put in place to immediately deal with the impact of falling cash flow.

Critically, the League unanimously voted to advance funds of £125 million to the EFL and National League as it is aware of the severe difficulties clubs throughout the football pyramid are suffering at this time.

Supporting NHS

Further to that assistance, the League remains committed to supporting the National Health Service, its staff and helping people in communities, not least those who are most vulnerable.

The League, clubs, players and managers express huge appreciation for the heroic efforts of NHS staff and all other key workers who are carrying out critical jobs in such difficult circumstances.

In consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Premier League is immediately committing £20 million to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This includes a direct financial contribution to the NHS and funds to enable clubs to refocus their efforts and develop significant outreach programmes to help communities, including those most in need.

This funding will enable both immediate and longer-term support during the crisis.

Supporting clubs’ community work

In response to COVID-19,  Premier League clubs have been supporting tens of thousands of people in their communities each and every day through targeted activity including donations to foodbanks, telephone calls to the elderly, food parcels delivered to the vulnerable and a wide range of free resources to support wellbeing and education.

Many Premier League clubs are also working closely with their local NHS Trusts to provide valuable support through the provision of resources, volunteers and facilities.

Now, more than ever, clubs are playing a vital role to support the wellbeing of those in their communities and alleviate pressure on critical health services.

Promoting public health messages

Working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England and the NHS, the wide reach and appeal of the Premier League and our clubs will continue to be used to promote important public health messaging throughout this crisis.

The Premier League would like to reiterate that the thoughts of all our clubs are with all those directly affected by COVID-19​.

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The Premier League held a meeting on Friday to discuss the ongoing situation amid the coronavirus pandemic, with the restart date of early May now shelved.

The league has been officially cancelled until April 30, but the Premier League now accept that resuming at the beginning of May will not happen.

Perhaps wisely, no new date has been set, but instead for the 2019/20 season to resume “when it is safe and appropriate to do so.”

There is a reaffirmation to complete the current campaign, which is – of course -good news for Liverpool with the intention to finish the season in order to “maintain the integrity of each competition.”

In addition, the league have announced funding of £20 million to support the NHS, and an advance fund of £125 million to the Football League.

Several ideas have been reported on how the Premier League can eventually return, with the widely accepted view being that games will be played behind closed doors, possibly in June and July.

For Liverpool fans eager to see the Reds finally lift the title after 30 years, they must wait a little longer… again.

Premier League statement in full

At a meeting of Premier League Shareholders today, clubs discussed in detail how to respond to the COVID-19 global pandemic.

First and foremost, it was reaffirmed that the overriding priority is to aid the health and wellbeing of the nation and our communities, including players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters.

Season restart

It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May – and that the 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

The restart date is under constant review with all stakeholders, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic develops and we work together through this very challenging time.

The Premier League is working closely with the whole of professional football in this country, as well as with the Government, public agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the game achieves a collaborative solution.

With this, there is a combined objective for all remaining domestic league and cup matches to be played, enabling us to maintain the integrity of each competition.

However, any return to play will only be with the full support of Government and when medical guidance allows.

The sporting and financial implications for Premier League clubs as well as for The FA, EFL and National League were considered at today’s meeting.

Consulting players

In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019/20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration.

This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change.

The League will be in regular contact with the PFA, and the union will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow between the League, players and club representatives.

Solidarity with clubs below PL

Discussions also took place regarding financial relief for clubs in the short term and while there is no single solution, measures are to be put in place to immediately deal with the impact of falling cash flow.

Critically, the League unanimously voted to advance funds of £125 million to the EFL and National League as it is aware of the severe difficulties clubs throughout the football pyramid are suffering at this time.

Supporting NHS

Further to that assistance, the League remains committed to supporting the National Health Service, its staff and helping people in communities, not least those who are most vulnerable.

The League, clubs, players and managers express huge appreciation for the heroic efforts of NHS staff and all other key workers who are carrying out critical jobs in such difficult circumstances.

In consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Premier League is immediately committing £20 million to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This includes a direct financial contribution to the NHS and funds to enable clubs to refocus their efforts and develop significant outreach programmes to help communities, including those most in need.

This funding will enable both immediate and longer-term support during the crisis.

This includes a direct financial contribution to the NHS and funds to enable clubs to refocus their efforts and develop significant outreach programmes to help communities, including those most in need.

This funding will enable both immediate and longer-term support during the crisis.

Supporting clubs’ community work

In response to COVID-19, Premier League clubs have been supporting tens of thousands of people in their communities each and every day through targeted activity including donations to foodbanks, telephone calls to the elderly, food parcels delivered to the vulnerable and a wide range of free resources to support wellbeing and education.

Many Premier League clubs are also working closely with their local NHS Trusts to provide valuable support through the provision of resources, volunteers and facilities.

Now, more than ever, clubs are playing a vital role to support the wellbeing of those in their communities and alleviate pressure on critical health services.

Promoting public health messages

Working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England and the NHS, the wide reach and appeal of the Premier League and our clubs will continue to be used to promote important public health messaging throughout this crisis.

The Premier League would like to reiterate that the thoughts of all our clubs are with all those directly affected by COVID-19?.

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We kick off a brand new series on Liverpoolfc.com as we introduce the Liverpool FC Women's squad.

In a getting-to-know-you style, each member of Vicky Jepson's squad will tell us their footballing background, their inspirations and just what it's like to put on the famous red jersey.

First up is talented forward Niamh Charles...

What year did you sign for Liverpool FC Women?

2013.

What made you choose to be a footballer?

I loved it and I'm competitive.

Who is your footballing idol?

Steven Gerrard.

What is the best football match you’ve watched to date?

Liverpool versus Barcelona, the Champions League comeback.

Best LFC Women’s goal of the season so far?

Furney’s [Rachel Furness] goal against Arsenal.

What’s the best thing about representing LFC?

The song 'You'll Never Walk Alone', the passion and pride of the city.

Describe yourself in three words?

Competitive, committed and driven.

Favourite TV show?

Grey's Anatomy.

Favourite all-time film?

Coach Carter.

Favourite music artist?

Ed Sheeran.

Favourite song?

Jason Mraz – I'm yours.

If you weren't a footballer, you wanted to be...

A doctor.

Funniest player in the squad?

Kirsty Linnett.

Best singer in the squad?

Jess Clarke and Rinsola Babajide.

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We kick off a brand new series on Liverpoolfc.com as we introduce the Liverpool FC Women's squad.

Liverpool forward lands 33 per cent of the vote, ahead of Jordan Henderson and Kevin De Bruyne

Last Updated: 03/04/20 11:06am

2:35 Highlights from three of the contenders for the Premier League Player of the Season award; Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson and Kevin De Bruyne. Highlights from three of the contenders for the Premier League Player of the Season award; Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson and Kevin De Bruyne.

Sadio Mane is the Premier League player of the season according to the Sky Sports audience.

During our special week-long focus on the player of the season prize, we've been asking you to vote for your standout player of the 2019/20 campaign - and Liverpool forward Mane has emerged as the winner.

Over 50,000 votes were cast and Mane scooped up 33 per cent of them, placing him just ahead of his team-mate and captain Jordan Henderson (31 per cent), with Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne (20 per cent) in third.

That trio were the main choices, with Liverpool pair Virgil van Dijk (five per cent) and Mohamed Salah (two per cent), way back in the standings. 'Someone else' was an option selected by nine per cent of voters.

Mane has been a key figure for the runaway Premier League leaders this season, scoring 14 times. Crucially, his goals have won Liverpool 18 points - that's more than any other player at any other club.

Throw in his seven assists - only Alexander-Arnold has provided more among Liverpool players this season - and Mane has had a direct hand in 32 per cent of Liverpool's goals.

Download the player of the season podcast on: Spotify | Apple | Castbox | Spreaker

Jamie Redknapp's verdict: 'He's a phenomenal player'

"When they signed him from Southampton there were a few raised eyebrows, but he has just been incredible," Redknapp tells Sky Sports. "He's made out of granite. He's so strong, he's brilliant in the air, he attacks the back post as well as anybody and he can finish off either foot.

"He is just a phenomenal player, great at playing off that side, where he'll put the ball into the frontman and Roberto Firmino will set him up. He is an absolute machine in every single game. He gets scrappy goals, great goals, he doesn't care, and that's what sets him apart."

Join Sky Bet Club and track your progress towards a £5 free Bet

Opt in and bet £25 or more before 23:59 on Sunday. Free bets credited by 7pm on Monday.

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The Professional Footballers’ Association accepts players must “share the financial burden” during the coronavirus pandemic after Health Secretary Matt Hancock called on Premier League stars to take a pay cut.

Clubs from the Premier League to League Two have already placed non-playing staff on furlough leave under the Government’s coronavirus job retention scheme but pressure is mounting on players to accept wage cuts or deferrals.

After Hancock weighed into the debate during Thursday’s daily government briefing to urge top-flight professionals to “make a contribution, take a pay cut and play their part” while the season is suspended, the PFA accepted players must be accommodating in order to mitigate the financial impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The players’ union said in a statement: “We fully accept that players will have to be flexible and share the financial burden of the COVID-19 outbreak in order to secure the long-term future of their own club and indeed the wider game.

“Our advice going out to players at this point reflects that expectation.”

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe and his Brighton counterpart Graham Potter have agreed to wage cuts in the last two days, along with other senior staff at those clubs, while players and management staff at Championship leaders Leeds have agreed to defer wages.

But some Premier League clubs have made use of the furloughing scheme—including Tottenham in a move criticised by their former player Gary Lineker—and the PFA added that clubs should only be doing so if it is absolutely necessary.

The statement added: “We are aware of the public sentiment that the players should pay non-playing staff’s salaries. However, our current position is that—as businesses—if clubs can afford to pay their players and staff, they should.

“The players we have spoken to recognise that the non-playing staff are a vital part of their club and they do not want to see club staff furloughed unfairly.

“Any use of the government’s support schemes without genuine financial need is detrimental to the wider society.”

I wish I was a player for 10 more mins.The PL players are more than likely working on a proposal to help clubs , communities and The NHS. It takes longer than 2 weeks to put together. Matt Hancock calling them out when he can’t get tests in place for NHS staff is a [email protected]@@@@g cheek!

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) April 2, 2020

Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville scolded Hancock for his remarks, writing on Twitter: “I wish I was a player for 10 more mins. The PL players are more than likely working on a proposal to help clubs, communities and The NHS.

“It takes longer than 2 weeks to put together. Matt Hancock calling them out when he can’t get tests in place for NHS staff is a [email protected]@@@@g cheek!”

Hancock’s comments came on the same day chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee Julian Knight wrote to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters calling for action on player wages.

Knight said that clubs which furlough non-playing staff but do not impose cuts on player wages should be subjected to a windfall tax if they do not change approach by next Tuesday, April 7.

“The purpose of the coronavirus job retention scheme is not to support the economics of Premier League clubs,” Knight wrote.

“Your organisation should be role modelling a responsible approach rather than tolerating divisive practices.

“European clubs, including Bayern Munich, Juventus and Barcelona, have shown that it is possible to reach an agreement with players whereby they agree to take pay reductions for a set period.

“I would like to request that the PL seek to broker an agreement between member clubs to change their approach.”

Premier League clubs are due to gather via conference call for a shareholders’ meeting on Friday morning, where it is expected they will be briefed on discussions between the league, the English Football League and the PFA.

Consideration will be given to an indefinite suspension of the professional game in England rather than a fixed date, with the landscape having shifted significantly since March 19 when the decision was taken to suspend action until at least April 30.

The FA is due to announce steps it is preparing to take in due course.

In a statement released on Thursday afternoon, the national governing body said: “We want to ensure that we take the appropriate course of action to support the wider organisation and our employees.”

As well as cuts and deferrals, the issue of extending player contracts beyond June 30 is also being discussed, with the intention still being to complete the 2019/20 season in the summer months, behind closed doors if necessary.

FIFA and UEFA have set up working groups to look at this issue, with the general secretary of world players’ union FIFPRO Jonas Baer-Hoffmann saying earlier this week that a “harmonisation” was being sought whereby contracts are extended until the point the season actually ends.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called on football to take ownership of its own planned response to the crisis.

“Football is not the most important thing, health comes first and should remain our priority until this sickness has been defeated,” he said in a video address from Switzerland.

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Liverpool council’s director of public health Matthew Ashton has suggested the rise in coronavirus cases in the city may be influenced by the decision to allow the Reds’ Champions League match against Atletico Madrid to take place.

There were just 14 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Liverpool on Friday, March 20, but that number has swelled to 309 less than two weeks later.

MPs in Liverpool and former England striker Gary Lineker were among those questioning the wisdom of allowing 3,000 supporters from coronavirus-hit Madrid to travel for the last-16 second-leg fixture at Anfield on March 11.

Ashton, in place to coordinate Liverpool’s response to the pandemic, said in the Guardian: “It was not the right decision to stage the match.

“People don’t make bad decisions on purpose—perhaps the seriousness of the situation wasn’t being understood across government at that time.

“Although we will never know, the Atletico Madrid game could have been one of the cultural events and gatherings that influenced the rise in Liverpool.

“It is definitely one to be included on the list for learning and for a future inquiry, so that organisations can learn and not make similar mistakes.”

The day before the match, which Atletico won 3-2 after extra-time to prevail 4-2 on aggregate in front of 54,000 fans, LaLiga had announced all fixtures in its top two divisions would have to be played behind closed doors.

Since then, all of the major European leagues have been shut down. LaLiga has been indefinitely postponed while Premier League clubs will gather via conference call to consider whether they should follow suit.

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The manner in which Steven Gerrard scored his 100th goal for Liverpool was entirely fitting.

Anfield? Check. Kop end? Check. A long-range shot struck with irresistible force and unerring accuracy? Check.

The opponents were PSV Eindhoven in a Champions League group-stage match in October 2008.

With the Reds 2-0 up as the game neared its end, Fabio Aurelio nudged a dead ball into Gerrard's path and the captain, in trademark style, crashed an unstoppable, rising drive into the net.

Watch for yourself below. 

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The manner in which Steven Gerrard scored his 100th goal for Liverpool was entirely fitting.

Pepijn Lijnders believes the work ethic that has underpinned Liverpool’s upward trajectory in recent seasons is continuing as the squad train remotely.

Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp is weighing up a summer transfer swoop for Werder Bremen forward Milot Rashica, according to latest reports from Germany.

In recent months the Reds have been linked with several players currently playing their trade in Klopp's homeland, including Timo Werner, Jadon Sancho and Kai Havertz.

Rashica grabbed the headlines with a stunning solo goal against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of last season's German Cup.

Full story: Mirror

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

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Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp is weighing up a summer transfer swoop for Werder Bremen forward Milot Rashica, according to latest reports from Germany.

Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp is weighing up a summer transfer swoop for Werder Bremen forward Milot Rashica, according to latest reports from Germany.

In recent months the Reds have been linked with several players currently playing their trade in Klopp's homeland, including Timo Werner, Jadon Sancho and Kai Havertz.

Rashica grabbed the headlines with a stunning solo goal against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of last season's German Cup.

Full story: Mirror

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

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To mark the 24th anniversary of Liverpool's incredible 4-3 victory over Newcastle United, we'll be broadcasting the entire match for free on Liverpoolfc.com this evening.