Liverpool FC fan Brian Barwick’s memories of Bill Shankly

Sep 6 2011 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo

Liverpool FC fan Brian Barwick’s memories of Bill Shankly

MEETING Bill Shankly left a lasting impression on Brian Barwick.

During the school holidays in the 60s, Barwick would be a frequent visitor to Melwood to watch the legendary boss put his Liverpool squad through their paces.

“Going to Melwood back then was quite an amazing thing,” he said.

“You got the 68 bus around to Deysbrook Lane and you took your autograph book and your Kodak brownie.

“You just turned up and if a five-a-side game was happening you could get up close to watch.

“Bill Shankly used to always come over and have a conversation with you. He made you feel 9ft tall.

“When they finished training we used to scramble around to get autographs – they were special days.

“Bill Shankly is one of the most remarkable people I’ve ever met. I can’t think of anybody who has made a bigger impression on me professionally than him.

“I was lucky enough to have met him. He gave Liverpool Football Club a real character and a real personality.

“With his speeches in town he could have 100,000 people hanging on his every word. He was a remarkable orator.

“You just knew you had to support the club 100% so god knows what it was like to play for him.”