ON THIS DAY: SHANKLY RESIGNS
Paul Hassall 12 July 2008
Bill Shankly rocked the football world when he sensationally announced his decision to step down as Liverpool manager 34 years ago today.
The charismatic Scot was synonymous with Liverpool, a man whose love for the team and its supporters had been a mutual affection shared by the loyal followers in the stand.
But after 15 years at the helm, he had now decided to lower the curtain on what had been an incredible footballing journey.
As reporters huddled inside Anfield in expectation of the unveiling of the club's new record signing from Arsenal, Ray Kennedy, they were left well and truly taken aback when chairman John Smith sat down and announced the news no Reds fan had expected to hear.
"It is with great regret that I have to inform you that Mr Shankly has intimated to me that he wishes to retire from active participation in League football, and that the board has - with extreme reluctance - accepted his decision," said Hall.
"I would like to place on record the board's great appreciation for Mr Shankly's magnificent achievements over the period of his managership. Meanwhile he has agreed to give every assistance to the club for as long as necessary."
After several moments of awkward silence one reporter composed himself enough to ask a clearly saddened Shanks, why he was bowing out just weeks after leading the club to their second FA Cup success.
"It was the most difficult decision I've ever had to make, And when I went in to see the chairman it was like walking to the electric chair."
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Thankyou Brian for reminding us all about this, I saw this yesterday on the Official LFC Site, and shame on me I never got round to posting it on here, so your reminder this morning prompted me into action.
Bill Shankly...........all our young members should know all about this great man, who made Liverpool into what it is today, he laid the foundations on what Rafa builds on now.
A great man who would have walked through a brick wall for Liverpool.
Football 'A matter of Life and Death' .............No, said Bill, "it's much more important than that"
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