MOTHERWELL have paid tribute to "Ancell Babe" Sammy Reid, who has died, aged 75.

The Lanarkshire-born Reid was part of the iconic Fir Park team assembled by Bobby Ancell in the 1950s and 1960s which went on to be arguably the finest team in the club's history never to win a trophy.

Along with the likes of Ian St John, Charlie Aitken and Willie Hunter, the boyhood Well fan became an iconic inside forward in claret and amber and was part of the side which beat Rangers four times in the 1959-60 campaign.

Reid was Bill Shankly's first signing as Liverpool manager in 1960 - with him agreeing to join the Anfield club for the princely sum of £8000.

A statement from Motherwell FC read: "Sammy passed away at the weekend, aged 75, in his home in Wishaw.

"We pass on our sincere condolences to the Reid family at this sad time, whilst remembering an extremely talented local footballer who played in an outstanding team for those lucky to have seen it."

A message of condolence from Anfield added: "Liverpool FC was saddened to learn of the passing of former player Sammy Reid.

"A diminutive winger, he held the honour of being Bill Shankly's first signing as manager at Anfield, arriving from Motherwell in February 1960.

"Unlike so many of the legendary Scottish purchases, however, it never quite worked out for Reid with the Reds and a first-team appearance eluded him.

"He later wrote his name into Berwick Rangers and Scottish football folklore by scoring a shock cup winner against Rangers in January 1967.

"The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool FC are with Reid's family and friends at this sad time."