Have Liverpool replaced one of modern football’s most awkward traditions?

This could mark the end of the 'Melwood lean'

Ben Kiely

Have Liverpool replaced one of modern football’s most awkward traditions?

It has been heralded as one of the greatest running in-jokes in football, but ‘the Melwood Lean’ may have emitted its death rattle without being given a proper burial.

If you are unaware of this phenomenon, we extend our deepest sympathies as you’ve missed out on an incredibly entertaining part of Liverpool’s transfer history.

In recent times, whenever Liverpool announced a signing, one of the first port of calls after their new boy arrived at the club was to get them to pose for a photo-op donning the famous red.

Here’s the kicker though, to distinguish themselves from other clubs’ bog standard, straight-down-middle signing announcements, they added a little spice to this boring broth, which has been dubbed ‘the Melwood lean’ by fans.

Danny Ings joins Milner, Clyne and Bogdan as the latest Liverpool signings to become victims of 'the Melwood lean'. pic.twitter.com/gTPmFSvQlw

— Mahmoud Jaber (@MahmuudJaber) July 8, 2015

This very slight, but notable innovation was an instant success and soon the inevitable happened – it outgrew its initial purpose. After a while this masterful technique was no longer reserved for the new arrivals to the squad, it became so ingrained in the social media culture of the club that they began wheeling it out at every possible opportunity.

From contract extensions…

Everyone is talking about the Melwood Lean after the Hendo extension, probably the best lean 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/hkj0g29Mr8

— LFC Dallas – OLSC (@LFCDallas) April 23, 2015

…to statue unveilings…

LEAN ON ALL OF THE THINGS RT @LFC: Steven Gerrard next to the Bill Shankly tribute at Melwood. Two #LFC greats pic.twitter.com/ojMfLOFSpb

— Brianne (@brianne09) July 15, 2013

…and even up until very recently, new signings were still given the tried and tested ‘Melwood Lean’ treatment upon their arrival at the club.

Lads, Jöel Matip doing the 'Melwood Lean.' pic.twitter.com/dFifRGRdkx

— Michael (@MikeMongie) July 2, 2016

We had become so accustomed to seeing Liverpool players awkwardly leaning on things in front of the camera, that we thought this tradition would live long after the current technology had become outdated. We foolishly assumed that one day everyone would be staring at a holographic Twitter video of Joe Gomez marking his retirement by slumping one shoulder over a chrome bust of Jurgen Klopp’s head.

Sadly, it looks like we’ve lived through the untimely passing of ‘the Melwood Lean’ as Liverpool’s new boys Ragnar Klavan and Sadio Mane have literally turned their back on the celebrated tradition.