To the Kop he was simply known as Sir Roger. A banner proclaiming as much is regularly unfurled every match day.

The fact Roger Hunt, who has died at the age of 83, was never honoured to the extent of some of his England World Cup-winning team-mates or numerous less-decorated footballers since has always been a source of bewilderment to Liverpool fans.

Belated recognition for that 1966 triumph in the form of an MBE was finally bestowed at the turn of the century, but it is his exploits for club, not country, for which he is revered by the red half of Merseyside.

The esteem with which he was held at Anfield was so high that when he returned in 1972 to play in his testimonial the gates were locked an hour before kick-off as 56,000 – with thousands more reported to be outside – packed into the ground.

That he was not duly recognised by the establishment for nearly another 30 years was a source of frustration to some and embarrassment for others and, had it not been for a media campaign he, and other team-mates, may not have received it at all.

But there was never any doubt of his place among football’s elite. Just ask those Kopites waving his flag.

Hunt, who died peacefully at home on Monday evening following a long illness, is survived by his second wife Rowan, as well as son David and daughter Julie from his first marriage to Patricia.