Bob Paisley: Manager of the Millennium [Illustrated] (Hardcover)

Books about football are often only revered by fans of the game, but there are exceptions to everything and this is a great example. Needless to say, enthusiasts of Liverpool FC will cherish this book more than others might, but that's simply the difference between fantastic and sublime.

John Keith describes to us, with no lack of detail, the way in which this humble miner's son from a small village in County Durham works his way up from nothingness to achieve his dream- only through sheer determination and a fantastic passion for football. A delightful lesson for anyone on the importance of aspirations, and the description of a perfect role-model for the younger generation. One needn't read past the first 20 or so pages, including a heart-warming foreword by Anfield legend Kenny Dalglish, before one appreciates the respect and admiration the late Robert Paisley deserves.

Naturally, a book on this theme has a tremendous amount of football history packed in, and the author writes so convincingly about the merits of Mr. Paisley that even the most ardent of Manchester United fans would be persuaded that Paisley warrants far more the accolade of Manager of the Millennium than any of his rivals- Sir Alex Ferguson and Bill Nicholson to name but two. His nine-year stint as manager saw the collection of 3 European Cups and 6 League championships as well as another 10 trophies for the cabinet. The experience notched up in between his playing and managerial careers, as coach, physiotherapist and assistant to Bill Shankly is superbly dictated by John Keith, but he doesn't stop there.

Aside from the football, one develops a remarkable insight into Paisley's way of life right from the beginning. We are told how, as a seven-year-old, he would scramble across the pit heaps to gather crude oil to provide energy for him family; how he had to leave his football club during WWII and drive army vehicles without having a single driving lesson under his belt- and much, much more.

No book could possibly give a superior description of this incredible man's life- football was not simply a job for Bob Paisley, it was a remarkable passion.

The knack to be able to make the right decisions almost every time and surely that is an adjective that can be applied to Bob, if any one.

Not having the same budget as the later knighted Alex Ferguson, Bob Paisley turned Liverpool into a winning machine of the 70ies and 80ies.

This book gives a great account of the great man who most certainly should have received the knighthood, well ahead of Alex Ferguson! But then again, down-to-earth Bob would probably not have cared for any gongs or titles as long as his team kept winning!

The greatest manager NOT to have been given the right reward for his great services to Liverpool FC, to Reds all over the world, to the city of Liverpool and in extent to English football in general!