He was regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all time.
And a new book has been released to mark the centenary of Bill Shankly’s birth.
Shankly – who managed Huddersfield Town before moving on to greatness with Liverpool – was born 100 years ago yesterday.
Shankly: My Story is the legend’s only official autobiography. This is Bill Shankly in his own words, as told to the only journalist he trusted with his story. After selling out in 1976 and 2009, it is now available again in hard back to mark Shankly’s 100th birthday.
Shankly believed his move from Huddersfield to Liverpool was a “gamble” he had to take, a new book has revealed.
He said he left the “comparatively sheltered calm” of being Town manager for the “cauldron” of Anfield.
The tough-talking Scot went on to become a Liverpool legend but his decision to quit Town for Merseyside wasn’t an easy one.
Town’s lack of ambition at the time was a driving factor, however.
Shankly, who managed Town for three years before leaving for Anfield in December 1959, was honest and revealing in his writing.
Looking back at his career gamble with both Town and Liverpool in the Second Division, Shankly opted for the Reds’ greater potential and ambition.
Shankly, who stepped up from reserve team coach at Leeds Road, famously gave a debut to promising 16-year-old Denis Law, who went on to become one of the game’s all-time greats.
He had previously managed Carlisle, Grimsby and Workington.
In a foreword to the new book, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said: “When I think of Bill Shankly, I automatically think of the iconic picture of him in front of the Kop, arms aloft with a scarf around his neck in front of his army of worshippers.
“Another title won but, more importantly, a special bond between manager and fan.”
l Shankly My Story Centenary Edition, RRP £16.99 Only £14.99, merseyshop.com.
