10 Superb Quotes on Bill Shankly
Posted on 17.07.2014
Bill Shankly is a football icon, and an inspiration to football fans, managers and players across the world. We therefore we’d take a look back at some of the best quotes about the legend.
1. George Best
George Best, former Manchester United Winger, once said:
“Bill Shankly, like Matt Busby, was a canny Scot who was never lost for words. I liked him a great deal and I know he liked me. I respected his knowledge of the game and loved his keen wit, which was as sharp as legend has it”.
2. Bob Paisley
Bob Paisley was a member of the Liverpool coaching staff, working alongside Bill Shankly when he managed Liverpool FC. He was Shankly’s successor in the role upon his retirement in 1974. Here’s what Bob had to say about his friend Bill:
“You had to learn from Bill. He was football crazy, and I mean crazy. He was fanatical, like no-one else I met. If I had to sum up Bill’s effect on Anfield it’s quite simple that he got the whole thing going. We were nothing before he came, and look at us now. He’s very sadly missed”.
3. Ian St John
Ian St John, a former Preston North End player, spoke of Shankly:
“You have never met anybody with more drive and enthusiasm for football. His special ingredient was his love of the game. Other managers may have hobbies – they might play gold – but his hobby was football”.
4. Chris Lawler
Chris Lawler, a former Liverpool footballer, spoke of Bill:
“He thought the fans were important. For the big games, we would be asking for tickets as player and he would give them to the fans instead”.
5. Rafa Benitez
Former Liverpool manager spoke of how Shankly’s spirit was very much alive at the club:
“When people talk about the “Liverpool Way”, it was always to win. We try to do this and that is our priority if possible. We try to do things properly, like Shankly did”.
6. Kevin Keegan
Former England player Kevin Keegan spoke of how Bill Shankly’s managerial outlook:
“Bill gave everyone connected with the club great belief and principles. Everyone counted for something, whether you were the kitman or you cut the grass. I played for a lot of good managers but none were in the same country, let along the same street, as Bill”.
7. Brendan Rodgers
The current Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, reflects on Shankly’s legacy:
“When you take the job of manager of this great sporting institution, you are fully aware that you are following in the footsteps of true giants. There is no-one more fitting of the phrase ‘greatness’ than Bill Shankly, and his influence is as strong today as it has ever been”.
8. Geoff Twentyman
One of Bill Shankly’s players at Carlisle United spoke of his manager’s attitude towards his players:
“Shankly was a strict disciplinarian. He was always up-to-date on any player’s misbehaviour. If he head that players were womanising or drinking, he’d down on them like a ton of bricks”.
9. Jimmy Jackson
Jimmy Jackson, a former Carlisle United player, talked about Shankly’s love for the game:
“The Shankly brand of enthusiasm made you feel there was no team in the country that you were not able to match”.
10. Ian Callaghan
Ian Callaghan, a former LFC player, spoke of how Shankly would have approached modern-day football:
“I have often heard the theory that Shanks would not have been able to cope in an era when players earn £100,000 a week. I don’t agree. He knew how to handle footballers because it was in his blood”
Have you heard a better quote about Shanks? We want to hear it, so drop us a comment below.
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