The Most Important Man in Football History?

The title could be debated, with a number of names in consideration - but if you were going to start a debate on 'the most important man in football history', Bill Shankly would have to be in the conversation.

...I mentioned that he had changed the face of world football. Some people may have thought that was a slight exaggeration, but I think it is a fair assessment of the impact this man has had on the game.

Without him, Liverpool would not have become the force they were in the 60's and 70's, and subsequently wouldn't have enjoyed the domination they did in the 80's.

That rich history is the reason Liverpool are considered such a big club, and such an alluring prospect for players and managers alike.

Liverpool have changed the face of world football, and Shankly was the man who kick-started the change of Liverpool. His effect on the club cannot be underestimated.

He created the aura around the club. He created the world famous Kop atmosphere. He even changed Liverpool's kit to the universally recognised all-red it is today.

He is the reason millions of people around the world support the club. He is the reason Liverpool are the most successful English club of all time, and he is the reason people say they are underachieving today.

Success can never be attributed solely to one man. Everyone from Keegan to Dalglish to Gerrard or Paisley to Fagan to Benitez have contributed in their own way.

But if one man was to be given the title of the most influential and important man in Liverpool's history, it would have to be Shankly.

And while Liverpool may no longer be the biggest or best club in the world, they once were. They changed the face of football, thanks to Bill Shankly.

Is he the most important man in the history of the game?

Perhaps not. There must have been men equally important to their respective clubs who made waves all around the world, but he is certainly a contender for such a prestigious crown.

The football world misses him. We need another man like him, who can entertain us all with a quick one-liner, as well as being the best at what he does.

50 years after taking control of Liverpool, I would like to say thank you Bill Shankly for creating the club I have come to love.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/308676-50-years-on-is-bill-shankly-the-most-important-man-in-football-history