I don't read football books, can't be arsed with them. (In fact, I haven't even read this thread. Will catch up in a minute).
But I read 2 books on Shankly. One is just called Shanks. I recommend you get it if you can. I don't know if it's still in print. And I haven't got it meself anymore. I lent it out and you know what happens there.
Anyway, it's brilliant. It starts off by telling of the great man's background, but then it goes on to be completely made up of interviews with people who knew him - and that's people from all walks of life, not just football.
What a fucking laugh it is. And I was surprised to find out that not everybody loved him. In fact, one or two couldn't stand him. But every single one of them had nothing but respect and admiration for him.
It really is a fantastic read. It's full of all the great old legendary stories, and all the old quips are in there. But there's some great stories I'd never heard before.
Peter Thompson, told this one. It was one of me faves....
Thommo was in the bath after the match with all the lads, and showing off. With good cause an all, he'd just played a blinder and scored a hat-trick.
Shankly stormed into the changing room and roared at Thommo... "My office now Son!"
Thommo shit himself. He says he was always terrified of Shanks. He leapt out the bath, got dressed without even getting dry, legged it to Shanks office, pulled himself together (Said he was proper shaking with nerves) and tapped on the door.
Shanks called him in, and beamed at him....
"Thommo. Thommo son. Come and sit down lad."
Thommo sat nervously at the desk.
Shanks...
"You was good today Thommo son. Unbelivable. A bloody marvel."
Thommo stopped shaking and said Thanks.
Shanks...
"Tell you what son, fast... fast... you was fast as a racehorse today Son."
Thommo now feeling good about himself....
"I was wasn't I boss?"
Shanks...
"Oh aye, son. And strong, you was strong as a bloody Carthorse Son."
Thommo, now made up with himself...
"I know Boss. I was great today. I felt really fast and as strong as a Carthorse."
Shanks....
"Aye. And your as daft as a bloody Rocking Horse an all lad! Now Get Out Of My Office! And you won't be playing next week you bloody idiot!"
Obviously that's not verbatim, but it's pretty much it word for word. What a loon the man was. I loved him as much as me own Dad, sometimes even more when the arl fella was acting up.