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Liverpool FC’s Shankly Gates have been temporarily removed as Anfield’s redevelopment gathers pace – with an Evertonian speaking of how honoured he felt to have played his part.

The iconic tribute to former manager Bill Shankly was moved this morning, and has been placed in safe storage to protect it from damage during expansion work on the Main Stand.

The Hillsborough Memorial was also removed earlier this month and placed in the same secure warehouse, with both memorial and Gates set to return to the expanded Anfield when the refurbishment of the area is complete.

Andy, an Evertonian who was part of the Clan Contracting team that removed the structure today, said: “It was an honour. I’m not a bitter Blue. We did the memorial as well. It is just an honour.

“We started at 8am and it’s taken us four hours. We’ve had no problems at all, except for the wind. It was blowing them everywhere when we were trying to move them.”

IN PICTURES: Watch the Shankly Gates being removed and down the years

The Shankly Gates were erected in 1982, and unlocked for the first time by Bill’s widow Nessie on August 26.

They stand as a tribute to the legendary manager who turned Liverpool into a dominant force in English football in the 1960s and 70s.

The current work at the stadium, which started in December, is designed to add 8,500 seats to the Main Stand, with a redevelopment of the Anfield Road Stand expected to follow.

In pictures: Archive photos of Anfield through the ages

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