7 Bill Shankly

Shankly's management career began in less than stellar fashion as he drifted from club to club in the north of England. He was unsuccessful at Carlisle United and resigned due to a lack of support and financial commitment from the board. Despite this, there were early signs of his gift for inspiring players with one former player stating, "If you have someone like Shankly who'll give the players all they are entitled to, they are prepared to die for him. There are few like that." Another spell at Grimsby followed in division three, where he was somewhat successful without winning promotion. The team played exciting football and he became a cult figure, hugely popular with fans who turned out in their droves to watch the side. Spells with Workington and Huddersfield Town followed before he joined Liverpool in 1959. The club had poor facilities, were in division two and hadn't won the top division since 1947. The crowds began flocking back as Shankly reinvigorated Liverpool and brought a sense of optimism to the club. Shankly won promotion in in 61-62 and guided Liverpool to the league championship in 63-64. In 1965, he guided Liverpool to an FA cup victory and European cup semi-final before another league title in 66 and a European cup winners' cup runners' up spot. Shankly managed to build a second successful Liverpool team in the 70s by signing high class players of the calibre of Keegan and Clemence, consolidating their place towards the top of English football with another league championship and a UEFA cup triumph in 1973, followed by another FA cup triumph in 1974. Shankly's legendary status at Anfield is assured both by his material achievements at Liverpool but also in part due to his love of the city and its people and his personal charisma. He was already considered a legend by Liverpool supporters while their manager in the 70s and the crowds would frequently chant his name: a first for a manager. He became more than a manager - something of a father to the city, which transcended his footballing role. He is widely regarded as Liverpool's most loved manager and one of their best. Some rank him the greatest liverpool boss ever. His legacy was more than the 3 titles he won. He created a new, winning ethos around the club. He gave them optimism, a winning mentality, imbued them with the highest professional standards. He told his players and their supporters Liverpool was the best club in the world and they believed him. Even when they weren't. He also lived, breathed and dreamed football and inspired everyone with his genuine passion, which he demonstrated openly. Another of his great legacies was 'the Anfield boot room,' which provided continuity and expertise, helping Liverpool become the most successful team in English history under Paisley, Fagan and Dalglish. A legendary and much-loved figure.

British league champions: 3
Foreign league champions: 0
European cup: 0
UEFA cup: 1