[4][5][6] However, despite Strong and Baker's goalscoring efforts, Arsenal were going through a barren patch; the best league position they achieved during this period was seventh, and they made little impact in the FA Cup.

Strong, who was now used as a utility man, made his first appearance in the competition for Liverpool in the final at Wembley, deputising for the injured Gordon Milne as the Reds beat Leeds United 2–1 after extra time.

Strong had a major influence in the Reds reaching their first European final, as it was he who scored the winner, a towering header, even though he was carrying a leg injury.

[9][11] Liverpool went trophyless for a few seasons after the 1966 title win, and following a 1–0 defeat at the hands of Second Division Watford in the sixth round of the 1969–70 FA Cup, Bill Shankly decided that changes had to be made.

He formed an excellent partnership with a young Jeff Blockley and the Sky Blues set a club record by conceding only 38 league goals.

[13] After retiring, he left the game completely, and for a while ran his own hotel furnishing business;[2] he also co-owned a pub with former Liverpool player Ian Callaghan.