You evidently were not around in the 1950s when we were in the old 2nd division Brian,Anfield was not a happy place in those days.Shankly arrived in December 1959 and the club came to life.Bob was the bucket and sponge man in those days.You can't compare what could of been it is like saying if Kenny Dalglish had still been playing 3 seasons ago we would of won the league.As someone who saw Bob as a player,trainer,coach and manager of this club I would never detract what Bob achieved for L.F.C.
Billy, there is absolutely no doubt that Shanks built Liverpool football club up from the dark days of the second division to where we are now, I don't think anybody is questioning how pivotal he was, it is a fact that if it weren't for him Christ knows where we'd be today,
From the history books the then chairman had made a visit to Huddersfield town FC where Shanks was employed at the time, he turned them down first time, but thankfully he eventually crossed the Pennines and the rest his history,
Bill Shankly was a brilliant manager, the best of his generation I would guess, he was unique , a one off, Jock Stein was another,
However, the question is, who was our best manager, I think to find out who was you would have to look at the success the manager had, perhaps had Shanks not decided to retire when he did he could of had as much success as Bob had,
I'm to young to remember Bill Shankly in his prime, but I love the man, i loved his passion, how he used psychology to get the best out of his players, everything about the great man that has been written, spoke of , is awe inspiring, my Granddad was very similar to Bill, he had the same socialist views which by the way have passed down the family line, anyhoo,
I'm not sure if you are a reader Billy, but I've read "Red or Dead by Ian Peace, if anybody wants a bit of insight to what Shanks was like its a must read,
Getting back on topic , I appreciate your knowledge of our club Billy, I have the upmost respect for your education about our past,but for me Bob Paisley takes pole position .
YNWA