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Supported by the North West Regional Development Agency |
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Bill Shankly
| Category: | Manager |
| Year Inducted: | 2002 |
Profile by Robert Galvin, the author of Football's Greatest Heroes, the official book of the National Football Museum Hall of Fame:
Bill Shankly was a folk hero whose infectious enthusiasm, energy and charisma transformed Liverpool from a club mired in mediocrity into the champions of England and a major power in European football.
‘Shanks arrived at Anfield and just changed the whole thing,' recalled Ian Callaghan, the Liverpool and England midfield player. ‘When you look at the club now, it was Bill Shankly who put down the foundations.'
For 15 years, between 1959 and his shock resignation in 1974, Shankly preached the same basic message to his players. ‘We would pass the ball 20 yards to a team-mate and then support,' Kevin Keegan said. ‘It was a simple as that: keeping the ball moving.'
During that time Liverpool won promotion, lifted the title three times, the FA Cup twice, and the UEFA Cup. Bob Paisley, Shankly's assistant and then successor, won the European Cup three times as manager. ‘I just carried on what Bill had started,' Paisley said.
A shrewd exponent of psychology as a motivational tool, Shankly exploited every opportunity to build the confidence of his own players and undermine the opposition. ‘Shanks never missed a trick when it came to mind games,' Keegan said.
On Shankly's orders the team shed their white shorts and socks in favour of an all-red kit. ‘I wanted Liverpool players to look more imposing,' he said.
Liverpool were languishing in the Second Division when Shankly took charge. Anfield was ‘an eyesore' and the supporters were frustrated; Liverpool had not won a major honour since 1946-47.
His first decision would prove crucial. Shankly opted for stability, informing the coaching staff, including Paisley, that their jobs were safe. In return he demanded absolute loyalty.
Detailed records were kept on every player and the coaches met in a tiny room at Anfield in order to discuss team matters: The Bootroom tradition, which shaped daily routine for three decades, was born.
A tireless wing-half with Preston North End in his playing days, Shankly insisted on selecting the team as a condition of taking the job. The directors had to content themselves now with finding the money needed to buy new players.
He spent those funds wisely, bringing Ron Yeats, a towering centre-half, and a forward, Ian St John, from his native Scotland. A mass clear-out of players paid for further reinforcements, while Shankly nurtured two outstanding younsters already on the books - Ian Callaghan and Roger Hunt.
In the season before his arrival Liverpool were beaten in the FA Cup by Worcester City, a non-League side. By 1961-62, promotion had been won to the top flight. Two seasons later, Liverpool were champions.
Dapper and sharp of wit, Shankly was eulogised by Liverpool supporters, and the respect and admiration was mutual. Once asked what was the most satisfying aspect of football, he replied: ‘Making the people happy.'
In 1965, at the victory parade to celebrate the club's longed-for first FA Cup success, Shankly stepped forward to speak from the town hall balcony. ‘He just put up his hand and 250,000 people fell silent,' Ron Yeats, the Liverpool captain, recalled. ‘He had this connection with people.'
Shankly once told Emlyn Hughes, one of his favourite players: ‘When I die I only hope that people will be able to say he played the game, he was fair, he never cheated anyone. And if they can say that, I know I will be able to rest in peace.'