RETIREMENT

On the 12th July 1974 Bill Shankly left Liverpool Football Club. The news came as a shock to all, including the reporters at the 'Press Conference' who had gathered to see the signing of Ray Kennedy from Arsenal. Chairman John Smith 'regrettably' announced his retirement, adding that nothing could persuade him to stay at the club. This was especially unexpected as Shankly's 'rebuilt' team had recently won the F.A Cup against Newcastle 3-0, and still said by some to be the finest Liverpool performance ever!
His reasons for leaving are still in debate today. He himself said that after 43 years in professional football he simply 'needed to rest and spend time with his family', but many speculate otherwise. The early seventies saw a big swing in the priorities of football clubs. The 'modern' chairmen and boards wanted more control and say over what happened 'on the field' and the signing of their players. Wages started to rise, footballers had agents representing them and loyalty was demonstrated by way of 'how much?'. This method of running a football club was in complete contrast to the 'Shankly way'. Bill had been used to making all decisions regarding players, team tactics etc. so was probably not prepared to concede any ground to some cigar smoking men-in-suits. Shankly's last Liverpool signing, Ray Kennedy, was monitored and scrutinised by the new Chairman John Smith before the cheque was signed - Shankly was not in control! His departure could also have been because he chose to leave whilst the team was at the top of their game. Future success would have demanded European trophies which would have been another two years at least and probably the building of yet another team. So, his inevitable retirement was either 'now', whilst still physically and mentally healthy, or a few years away to leave in the middle of something big and perhaps feeling old and tired.

Whatever his reasons for 'prematurely' leaving the club, Bill Shankly left an established team and set-up with a extremely worthy successor. And is known as the man who 'built' Liverpool Football Club into what is now - the most successful English side in history and one of the most feared and respected clubs in the world! After a lifetime involved in football and 15 years as boss of Liverpool, Shankly couldn't just 'stop' being involved in the game: he continued to turn-up for training at Melwood to keep an eye on his team and offer advice to the new boss, Bob Paisley. However, this was to be short-lived as he was not the boss, yet the players still referred to him as the boss! He was asked to become General Manager of the club, but 'proudly' declined. Unfortunately, Shankly's relationship with Liverpool FC deteriorated and was, sadly, never restored. He was invited to the odd game but in his view was treated as an 'outsider' and was not shown or given the recognition that he deserved by the club - yet the supporters still remembered, which mattered so much to him. The club finally recognised his merits by erecting a statue and naming the main entrance to Anfield by way of the Shankly Gates.

After Anfield Shankly travelled the country to watch more football matches than ever. He became an advisor to a number of clubs; notably John King's Tranmere Rovers and John Toshack's Swansea City, but 'official' offers from Wrexham, Bristol and Blackpool were turned down as well as a General Manager position at Derby County - Bill was enjoying his freedom perhaps! He even made regular appearances at Everton's training ground, Bellefield, helping out Howard Kendall with his 'future' Champions. Shankly joked that he was made more welcome at Goodison Park than Anfield Road after retiring.
Shankly passed his post-Anfield days as a 'free-spirit': as well as being advisor to many, he hosted a Radio City chat-show, was involved in the Liverpool Society for the Blind, and kept fit daily. Well into his sixties he regulary played 5-a-side football at Tranmere or wherever there was a football and willing players - more often than not kids.
Rightly or wrongly, Bill Shankly sacrificed his family life in order to be the best football manager in the country. So most importantly he was able to be with them, especially his grandchildren, giving them the time and devotion that his daughters had missed out on.
The end of an era