Liverpool FC Forum

Some of you will probably know already, but if old Bill Shanks was still alive today he would have reached the great age of 90 this month(Sept 2 1913). When Bill came to Liverpool, almost 44 years ago, I was a scruffy kid in Toxteth looking for a role model other than the local gangsters. Bill came along and filled all the needs of a young kid growing up in the sixties. He was the most brilliant motivator in the world and he turned a rag and bone outfit which was full of 'under - achievers' into the best club side in the world. He was a simple man from a simple background but he was outstanding as a football manager and had a fantastic affinity with people like us - the supporters. Bill will be sitting alongside Bob Paisley in that great 'boot room' in the sky and looking down at what is going on with some disbelief at times. Wherever you are Bill, Happy 90th and thanks for making a scruffy kid from Toxteth the proudest lad around.