William Thomas Bush, to give him his full title, was born in Shropshire in 1914. His family moved to Liverpool, where his father became a hotel proprietor. Half-back Bush was one of so many players whose careers were disrupted by World War II. He first played for Liverpool's first team at the end of December 1933 in a 1-1 draw against Wolves. The 19-year-old, who started his career as a centre-forward, was credited with an assist for Alf Hanson' goal and was "cool and kept position well, but he lacked experience against a big and sure defence." His second appearance and last as a forward was unfortunately the infamous St James' massacre on New Year's Day 1934 when Liverpool lost 9-2. Bush didn't play his third game until two years and nine months later! By the time hostilities broke out in September 1939 he had made 65 appearances. He returned to Anfield when the war was over. He was happy that the atrocities were over but had to deal with a personal tragedy. Tom flew over the Atlantic where he had been on Liverpool's 1946/47 pre-season tour in America to be by his daughter's bedside. Tragically nine month old Christine Ann Bush died on 29 May 1946. Tom made three appearances as Liverpool won the League in the ensuing season. The last of his 61 league appearances came against Preston North End on 7 April 1947, over 13 years after he had made his debut. His solitary goal for the club came at Sunderland on 17 December 1938.

“Tom is rather leggy and does not appear to move quickly, but those long strides of his give one an erroneous impression. He may not be as effective as one would like with the ball on the ground, but taking his assets as a whole they represent a formidable list for an opposing centre forward. A tennis enthusiast and swimmer of great enthusiasm and was always willing to help a good cause. He was one of the game’s good sorts.” (Liverpool Echo on 18 February 1939).

After Bush retired as a player he was for many years in charge of bringing players through the youth system at Liverpool preparing them for the reserves and then hopefully the first team. He also dealt with the administrative side of the A team working out travel arrangements, booking meals and doing similar tasks in the daily running of a football club. Much of his work was done away from Anfield in close co-operation with chief scout Geoff Twentyman by interviewing parents of youngsters who Liverpool had interest in bringing to the club. Bush's proudest day was when Liverpool won the FA Cup in 1965 when no less than five members of his junior development team won medals: Roger Hunt, Ian Callaghan, Tommy Smith, Tommy Lawrence and Gerry Byrne. Bush spent 37 years at the club apart from his war service.