Liverpool Football Club Case Study

Bill Shankly is arguably the most famous figure in Liverpool Football Club's illustrious history.

A charismatic man who realised his dream of turning us into English football's most dominant force, the Scot's spirit has quite rightly been immortalised in the very foundations of our club. His name is synonymous with the very meaning of the 'Liverpool way' and it is his legacy that has seen us go on and conquer Europe on no fewer than five occasions, while monopolising the domestic game for over two decades. And yet, such glory was way beyond even the most optimistic Kopites' dreams when Shanks was appointed Liverpool's ninth manager on December 1, 1959. As the final whistle blew on his first match in charge 18 days later the prospect

This devotion to winning led T V Williams to take a keen interest in the man who had at that point been more recognised for his quick wit and acid tongue than for his success on the pitch. Shankly's ambition had been obvious when he interviewed for the Reds job in 1951 and although Liverpool felt he was not the right man at the time, he had made enough of an impression to ensure that when the job came up again, he would be the only candidate. And so to his first few months in charge of Liverpool, a time from which it is hard to understate the ordinariness of our position.
Languishing in the old second division, with a crumbling stadium, poor training facilities and a large unwieldy playing staff, the challenge facing Shankly was enormous. But typically, it was one he would relish, and after realising the need to dramatically transform the club from head-to-toe he dispensed with the services of 24 members of the playing

The fact he left the club on a high and in such capable hands speaks volumes for the man. But how do you follow Bill Shankly? The answer would be found within the mythical walls of his famous Bootroom, with the modest figure of Bob Paisley providing an almost seamless transition from coach to boss.

There is no doubt that Paisley's era as manager would prove more fruitful than Shankly's in terms of trophies won. Some may also suggest that much of what Shankly achieved would not have been possible without Bob Paisley's calm influence and knowledge of the game. But it is equally likely that without the driving force and sheer charisma of Shankly, Liverpool's spell in the doldrums in the 1950s would have reached long into the 60s. And perhaps Bob Paisley would never have become manager at all.
The fact the club contrived to bring them together at all in those dark post war days, is something the fans will be forever grateful