The best of the city at the worst of times...

REDS SENT A PERFECT REMINDER TO THE WORLD DESPITE THE HORROR THAT FOLLOWED

- PAUL GORST

From the hazy red smokescreen that engulfed the Childwall Fiveways, to the electric firework display on Kensington's cusp, this was Liverpool as a club and as a city - putting its heart and soul on show for the world.

This was a spectacular showcase of everything this region stands for: Civic pride mixed with worldwide inclusivity; the day that occupied 35 years of Reds fans' daydreams delivered on every level here.

It all started at around 2.30pm as the bus ferrying the new champions of England crept out of Allerton Maze onto Mather Avenue only to be greeted by hundreds of supporters in full-blown party mode.

Having painted the town red until the wee small hours at the Municipal Building on Sunday night, it was a case of hair of the dog for more than a few in the Reds squad as they geared themselves up one for one final citywide celebration of success.