The Biography

Bill Shankly: It's Much More Important Than That

The definitive biography of Bill Shankly, one of England's greatest ever football managers

Football is not just a matter of life and death: it's much more important than that

Stephen F. Kelly has written more than 20 books including a number on Liverpool Football Club. These include: You'll Never Walk Alone: The Official History of Liverpool FC, Liverpool In Europe, The Kop (updated and reprinted half a dozen times), The Boot Room Boys and biographies of Bill Shankly (reprinted seven times), Kenny Dalglish (updated three times), Graeme Souness and Gerard Houllier.

'Football is not just a matter of life and death: it's much more important than that' - Bill Shankly 
 
Bill Shankly was without doubt among the greatest football managers of the post-war era and his life story is an inspiring read for anyone interested in the sport. To football fans everywhere, Bill Shankly was far more than just a manager: he was a folk hero whose legend still dominates the game. 
 
Shankly took Liverpool FC from Second Division obscurity and helped create the legend that became the Anfield of Keegan, Hughes, Toshack and Heighway. With his impertinent questions, blunt observations and appreciation of life, Bill Shankly's wit, down-to-earth wisdom and sheer determination set a standard that holds good to this day. This full and frank biography tells his larger-than-life story and is an inspiring tribute to one of football's most enduring heroes.

Stephen F Kelly

Brilliantly compiled ...Stephen F Kelly's fascinating tribute to this mass of emotion is jest.

Like many non-Liverpudlians I was always slightly sceptical about the kop. Was it really such a unique terrace? Stephen F Kelly's The Kop has persuaded me it was.

'When The Kop is roaring it really is like having a twelfth man out there on the pitch. They're the best fans in the country - by miles.' Jamie Carragher 
 
The Spion Kop is one of the most famous, emotive and atmospheric vantage points in all of sport. The one-time terracing that could 'suck the ball into the net' - in Bill Shankly's immortal phrase - still inspires and intimidates today. Once the home of more than 25,000 swaying, singing, standing Kopites, it's now seated and can hold merely half that number, but its magic still remains. 
 
In this fully revised and updated edition, Stephen F Kelly uses eyewitness testimonies from Kopites, policemen, cleaners and referees as well as newspaper reports and the recollections of players and managers to trace the history of this amazing and fascinating stand - each anecdote wonderfully evoking the spirit of the changing times the Kop has experienced. 
 
Stirring, emotional and marvellously readable, The Kop is a must for any Liverpool fan and anyone interested in what it means to be a supporter of any football club.

Stephen F Kelly

Praise for The Kop: Liverpool's Twelfth Man

Brilliantly compiled ...Stephen F Kelly's fascinating tribute to this mass of emotion is jest.

Like many non-Liverpudlians I was always slightly sceptical about the kop. Was it really such a unique terrace? Stephen F Kelly's The Kop has persuaded me it was.

Books by Stephen F Kelly

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