Bill Shankly: The Man Who Built the Soul of Liverpool FC | OneFootball

The Spirit Behind Liverpool FC

This is an abridged version; the full article is available free on our ‘It Was Always… Liverpool’ Substack page:

Shankly’s Arrival and Transformation

When Bill Shankly took over Liverpool in December 1959, the club was in the Second Division and falling apart. The stadium was in poor shape, the training ground worse. But Shankly saw potential, and more than that, he saw purpose. He immediately began rebuilding from the ground up. He demanded better facilities, restructured the culture, and set a new standard. His goal was clear: to make Liverpool untouchable.

At the centre of this revolution was the Boot Room. Originally a storage space, it became a hub of football strategy and legacy. With Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, and Reuben Bennett, Shankly built more than a team; he created a dynasty.

Power of Words and Belief

Shankly’s gift wasn’t just tactical, it was emotional. He spoke in ways that connected deeply with fans and players. He saw football not as a privileged game, but as something grounded in real life. “Pressure,” he said, “isn’t playing in a final. Pressure is not having a job.” He believed in pride, responsibility and giving everything for the red shirt.

His words became legend because they carried truth. “Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it’s much more important than that.” Humorous, yes, but he meant every word.

Built From His Roots

Shankly grew up in Glenbuck, a Scottish mining village that no longer exists. It shaped him. Hard work, loyalty, and sacrifice defined his values. Football gave him freedom, and he never forgot that. His journey through the lower leagues gave him hunger. When he arrived at Liverpool, he didn’t just want success, he wanted greatness.

He brought in players like Ron Yeats, Ian St John, and later, Kevin Keegan and Ray Clemence. Many were unproven. Under Shankly, they became champions.

Legacy That Lives On

Shankly stepped down in 1974, wanting more time with his wife Nessie. The club moved on, but his presence never left. He remained a part of Liverpool, walking the streets, offering advice, still loved by the fans.

He passed away in 1981, just after Liverpool’s third European Cup win. The city mourned a man who gave it pride, identity and belief. Every great Liverpool team since has echoed his standards, his voice, and his values. Shankly didn’t just change a club. He defined it.