Anfield will be gripped by Bill Shankly fever ahead of the Reds' clash with Wigan on Wednesday night, as Liverpool Football Club pays a special tribute to our legendary manager on the 50th anniversary of his arrival.
The clash with the Latics is the closest home fixture to the actual date of his first game in charge - a 4-0 home defeat by Cardiff on December 19, 1959.
To mark the occasion 11 members of Shankly's family and some of the great names who played under him will take to the field at half-time, while a special mosaic will also feature on the Kop.
Legends from the glorious 1965 and 1974 FA Cup winning sides will be gracing the sacred turf once again in honour of Glenbuck's finest.
From 1965, Roger Hunt will return alongside the Colossus Ron Yeats, Ian Callaghan, Ian St John, 'The Flying Pig' Tommy Lawrence, Gerry Byrne, Tommy Smith, Chris Lawler, Ronnie Moran, Gordon Milne and Willie Stevenson.
Representing 1974 will be Kevin Keegan, Steve Heighway, Phil Thompson, Brian Hall and Barbara Hughes - widow of our great captain Emlyn.
"He brought me to the club, he believed in me and he inspired me," said Keegan. "My first meeting with him changed my life forever."
Current boss Rafael Benitez has also spoken of his admiration for the man who famously 'laid the foundations' and he has been keen to reiterate his respect for the Scot.
"Everybody knows he is one of the best managers ever because he changed the club," said Benitez.
"Others may have won more trophies, but Shankly was the man who changed everything."
LFC are looking for volunteers to help lay out a mosaic in honour of Bill Shankly on Wednesday morning. If you are interested in helping, please email Andy at akraotl@aol.com
Author: Paul Hassall
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14th Dec 2009 15:23