‘You’re having us on!?’: Watch how Bill Shankly’s resignation sent shockwaves through Liverpool fans – just like with Jurgen Klopp today – but back in 1974 a young Tony Wilson …
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Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season has sent shockwaves through football, but it is not the first time Reds fans have been stunned by a legendary boss.
Back in 1974, Liverpool supporters were left in shock by the sudden retirement of Bill Shankly.
Considered one of the greatest-ever managers in English football, Shankly spent a hugely successful 15 years as manager at Anfield before standing down.
Shankly, who took charge in 1959, won three First Division titles during his time with Liverpool, as well as two FA Cups and the UEFA Cup and is credited with setting the Merseyside club on their way to domination during the 70s and 80s.
Bill Shankly resigned as Liverpool boss in 1974 months after leading the club to the FA Cup
Shankly (middle row, right) is credited with setting Liverpool on their way for domination in the 70s and 80s
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Liverpool chairman John Smith made the shock announcement at a press conference in July, two months after Shankly had led the Reds to the FA Cup.
‘It is with great regret that I as chairman of Liverpool Football Club have to inform you that Mr Shankly has intimated that he wishes to retire from active participation in league football.
‘And the board has with extreme reluctance accepted his decision.
‘I would like to at this stage place on record the board’s great appreciation of Mr Shankly’s magnificent achievements over the period of his managership.’
Young news reporter Tony Wilson broke the news to Liverpool supporters on the streets of the city.
‘How do you feel about the news today?’ Wilson asked a group of Reds fans, prompting a response of ‘what news?’
‘Shankly’s retired,’ Wilson replied.
The Liverpool supporters reacted in disbelief to Wilson’s statement, asking whether the reporter was kidding.
Jurgen Klopp has stunned supporters by announcing he will leave at the end of the season
Klopp announced he will end a trophy laden period at Anfield due to running out of energy
The supporters insisted the news had not been in the newspaper and remained sceptical despite Wilson informing them he had been at the press conference confirming Shankly’s departure.
‘You’re having us on!?’ one of the fans said.
Wilson stunned further fans with one declaring that he felt ‘terrible’ following the shocks news.
Liverpool fans have been left in a similar state of depair after discovering that Klopp – who among many other achievements – ended a 30-year wait for a top-flight title in a glittering nine-year stay, will soon exit the club.
‘I will leave the club at the end of the season,’ Klopp said. ‘I can understand that it’s a shock for a lot of people in this moment, when you hear it for the first time, but obviously I can explain it – or at least try to explain it.
‘It is that I am, how can I say it, running out of energy. I have no problem now, obviously, I knew it already for longer that I will have to announce it at one point, but I am absolutely fine now.
‘I know that I cannot do the job again and again and again and again.’
Liverpool fans will be hoping history repeats itself with Shankly having been replaced by his assistant Bob Paisley.
Paisley guided Liverpool to six more First Division titles, three European Cups and one UEFA Cup.
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