Shankly Gates

Click on the image for a larger resolution

Shankly's widow, Ness, formally unlocked the Shankly Gates on 26th August 1982, 11 months after Shankly's passing. Former Liverpool chairman, John Smith, Graeme Souness and Bob Paisley were among those present at the ceremony. The gates are on the Anfield Road side, next to the Hillsborough memorial. Across the Gates are the words 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.

Bob and Shankly's widow, Ness, at the opening of the Shankly Gates

Ten years earlier Horace Yates of the Liverpool Echo had suggested gates at Anfield in honour of their legendary manager. In 1972, new gates were erected at the ground where the main entrance to the car park was. "The gates, I am told, will be very similar to those at the Lord's cricket ground, which have been named the 'W.G. Grace Gates' to commemorate one of the world's most famous cricketers. Surely, here is the spark of an idea for Liverpool. Why not name theirs the 'W. Shankly Gates' to perpetuate the name of the man who pulled Liverpool out of the doldrums and led them to the finest phase of their history? For years Anfield and Shankly have been synonymous."

This website is owned by LFChistory.net

Shanks quote
Congratulations on a Fabulous web site worthy of the great man himself. I was fortunate enough to get a cup final ticket of Bill in 1974, after a heartfelt plea to the great man from my lovely mum who died recently. She is up there now thanking him for the many phone calls we received, sparked off as a result of the thank you letter we sent for the ticket. He actually rang our house on a number of occasions thanking my mum for birthday cards, christmas cards etc she would send him. I will never forget the occasion i answered the phone to him, the reds had just signed Kenny Dalglish, i asked Shanks what he thought of him 'GRREEAT player son', was the reply, not a bad judge was he!

Tom Jones

BobPaisley.com

Site News
30 years since Shanks died
29.09.2011
Liverpool's greatest, Bill Shankly, died on Tuesday 29th September 1981 after suffering a heart attack. The front page of Echo read: SHANKLY IS DEAD. It recorded the official hospital statement: "Mr Shankly suffered a cardiac arrest at 12.30 am and was certified dead at 1.20." Shanks had been battling for life since he suffered a heart attack early on Saturday morning. He had been making good progress until his condition deteriorated yesterday morning and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit. His wife Nessie was by his side when he died."
On 22nd November 1981 "A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Bill Shankly" was held at Liverpool Cathedral. Here you can download and listen to Bill Shankly‘s memorial service (play with Real Player) that was broadcast on BBC Radio Merseyside from Liverpool's Cathedral.
50 years of Shankly
18.12.2009
Several honours have come Shankly's way as in December 50 years had passed since the Scottish legend signed his contract to become manager of Liverpool Football Club. On the 16th Anfield was the stage for an emotional parade of legends along with nine members of Shankly’s family. The sounds of ‘Amazing Grace’ – Shankly’s favourite hymn reverberated at half-time during the game vs Wigan Athletic. A "SHANKS THE LEGEND" mosaic was unveiled on the Kop prior to kick off. The following day Shankly was awarded an Honorary Citizenship of Liverpool in recognition of the 50th anniversary of his arrival as manager of Liverpool FC and his dedication to the region. The award was presented by Lord Mayor Mike Storey on stage during the Shankly Show at the BT Convention Centre in Liverpool.
Download two original songs about Shankly!
11.09.2009
Paul Wilkes is a singer/songwriter from Liverpool who is a big fan of Bill Shankly. He wrote two great songs in Shankly's honour as 2009 is the 50 year anniversary of when Shankly became Liverpool's manager in 1959. George Sephton, 'The Voice of Anfield', has already given his thumbs up and calls the songs 'gems'. Download the songs here.
Paul Tomkins on Bill Shankly
23.08.2009
Paul Tomkins' book, Dynasty, is a reassessment and an in-depth analysis of every manager of the club over the last 50 years. Shankly.com offers you an exclusive look into an abridged version of Dynasty's chapter on Bill Shankly. Read Paul Tomkins on Bill Shankly.

BillyLiddell.com