KEVIN KEEGAN labelled Bill Shankly his “inspiration” after being presented with the award that commemorated the legendary manager’s legacy.
Given a magnificent ovation by a capacity crowd in the Crowne Plaza as he made his way onto the stage, it was clear a poignant night for one of Liverpool’s greatest players.
Sitting with old sparring partners Tommy Smith, Ian Callaghan, Chris Lawler and Ron Yeats, watching old footage of his playing days and Shankly speaking struck a chord.
Shankly was a father figure to Keegan, whom he signed from Scunthorpe in 1971 and it was clear to see the man who made the Reds number seven jersey famous was humbled.
“It’s a great honour,” said Keegan. “Watching the clips of this guy made us all very emotional. He would have been nearly 97 this year, had he still been with us.
“He was an inspiration to me from the day I first walked into the club. When he left, for me, a little a bit of the club died because he meant that much to everyone.
“It was a very special night and receiving the award made me very proud, particularly when you see some of the people who have won it in the past.”
Keegan followed Shankly into management after his glorious playing career ended but, when asked by Master of Ceremonies Ray Stubbs what pointers he took from his mentor, his reply was predictably sharp and witty.
“Not enough of the winning, that’s for sure, but you can’t have everything!” said Keegan, who now spends his time working as ESPN’s main pundit.
“He respected players, he treated them properly and he always made it clear that the fans were always the most important things about the club.
“Players come and go – look at the table I was sat on. We have all long since left but the club will always be there because of those fans. That’s what makes it so great.
I think Shanks would have agreed with this award, Keegan was always famous for playing football with a smile on his face ,he loved the game and he clearly took that into management
Keegan s enthusiasm of the game was infectious and it clearly rubbed off on the players he took under his tuition ,all in all a well deserved reward
off to improve his game and became one of only a few true legends at our club . Loved him as a player as a manager and as a man .
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