IF YOU can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, or walk with kings nor lose the common touch . . . The lines from Rudyard Kipling's poem were among a multitude of heartfelt tributes paid at the funeral of Everton FC legend Brian Labone, yesterday.
More than 2,000 people, including 450 footballers past and present, packed into Liverpool's Anglican cathedral to say their final farewells to the former Blues captain.
The service came a week after the 66-year-old, who won 26 caps for England, was found collapsed in the street near his home in Lydiate, just hours after enjoying an awards night organised by fans at the Winslow pub.
Earlier, the streets around Goodison Park rang with applause as the hearse bearing the former Everton captain on his final journey passed the stadium, followed by five black Mercedes carrying the chief mourners.
Daughter Rachelle, in the lead car, smiled through her tears at the crowds, who had assembled to watch the sad procession.
Onlookers clapped spontaneously as a last mark of respect, as the cortege made two circuits of the ground before continuing on to the cathedral.
There, fans in blue shirts and scarves, many of whom had arrived at midday to ensure a glimpse of their hero's last journey, mingled with suited VIPs including the full first team Everton squad and former players, and a number from Liverpool FC.
Everton's current squad and ex-players, including Alan Ball, Howard Kendall and Labone's best friend, Gordon West, formed a guard of honour and burst into a round of applause as his coffin was carried into the cathedral at 2pm.
As they entered the cathedral, Labone's ex-wife Patricia briefly left their daughter Rachelle's side to spend a solitary moment alongside his coffin.
The service was led by the club's chaplain, the Rev Harry Ross.
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