Liverpool FC Forum

by **Leonmc0708** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 10:26 am

True Gent

by **Leonmc0708** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 10:36 am

Fagan was appointed as Paisley's number two upon the retirement of Shankly and was always a quiet and effective worker in the 'bootroom'. However whilst he had the enormous experience of working under Shankly and Paisley, there was no doubt that he had to make serious managerial decisions immediately upon taking over - he could not simply take on Paisley's side and hope it would continue to win trophies: The inspirational Souness had left to join Sampdoria and Sammy Lee had become a shadow of the player he once was.

It was clear that astute transfer moves were needs and Fagan was up to the task. Kevin MacDonald and Jim Beglin, who all did their respective jobs with distinction were brought in as well the then unfamiliar face of Danish player Jan Molby. Molby went on to become a Kop hero and a cultured player of rare quality and it is testament to Fagan's years of accumulated experience that he could see the enormous potential in Molby.
The improvements clearly worked - never before has a manager so comprehensively announced his arrival upon the First Division - In his first season in charge The Reds won the League, European Cup and the League Cup. Furthermore they were finalists in the World Club Championship. "They were so efficient, it was chilling!" This was Fagan's own response after watching his team play with a cool, calculating efficiency, every part functioning in balance and harmony, every player working for the collective results. There is little doubt that if history had not intervened, Joe Fagan could have gone on to win honours for many more seasons.

However as it was Fagan retired at the end of that second season as a direct result of the terrible tragedy of Heysel. After securing a place in a fifth European Cup final, and with a side tipped by all but the Juventus fans to win, he had every reason to be optimistic. But after the appalling crowd violence and the meaningless deaths of Italian supporters in the crumbling and inadequate Heysel Stadium in Brussels, he retired.

If ever Shankly's quip about football being more important than life and death had ceased to be funny, it was now. Fagan was deeply upset by the events of that night and he went immediately retirement and has retained a low profile since.

He did the club a great service, and must therefore always be thanked for it.

Fagan continued to help out - often showing up at Melwood to offer his advice to Roy Evans, who was always happy to listen.

by **Mikz** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 11:01 am

Nice piece that, he was of my era and ive no doubt he wouldve been as successful as the 2 before him.
Can still see his face flashed on screen at heysel, distraught and tearful...shows the kind of man he was :bowdown

true gent and true servant.

by **112-1077774096** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 11:07 am

i met him once, i was waiting for a bus and he stopped his car to go to the off licence, i asked for his autograph but he didnt have a pen so i said "no problem", he said to come up to the club and he would give it to me anytime. he went into the offy where he not only got his bottle but he also borrowed a pen and some paper and wrote his autograph for me and gave it to me when he came out.

this may seem like a simple thing to some people but to me at that time it was a great gesture, the guy could have just not bothered but he made an effort for a fan.

nice thread leon

by **RUSHIE#9** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 2:20 pm

Leonmc0708 wrote:

True Gent

Can't really remeber much of the sadly short FAGAN era as I was only 4-5 years old but the pic in Leon's thread starter is the way I always think of gentleman Joe whenever somebody mentions him. Considering his reign as manager was so short it's not a bad way to be remembered.

Joe Fagan :bowdown

by **clik** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 2:22 pm

Mikz wrote:Nice piece that, he was of my era and ive no doubt he wouldve been as successful as the 2 before him.
Can still see his face flashed on screen at heysel, distraught and tearful...shows the kind of man he was true gent and true servant.

respect

by **account deleted by request** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 3:11 pm

A true legend and a great man. Great post Leon.

by **Igor Zidane** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 3:17 pm

Crackin post Leon ,and never a truer word said, nice touch aswell Peewee,

by **LiverpoolMadman** » Fri Jun 30, 2006 3:58 pm

Mr Joe Fagan

by **adamnbarrett** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 3:16 pm

I can't believe this thread hasn't had more replies.

I wasn't around during his era but from what I've seen and heard he was a great guy. On and off the pitch.

Joe Fagan :bowdown

by **ConnO'var** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 3:51 pm

R.E.S.P.E.C.T..... nuff said.

YNWA Joe.

by **Good Bob** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 5:57 pm

by **dawson99** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 9:56 pm

i know it might be petty, but 9000 posts, and this ones for you fagan. under appreciated from all but us fans... you will always be a star to us mate. :bowdown

by **davo_LFC** » Sat Jul 01, 2006 11:38 pm

Fagan, was'nt in my time but he brought home number 4 and did a great job in what was a difficult act to follow in paisley, from what i've read and heard about him he was a real gent and great fella. God bless joe.

by **Fowler_E7** » Sun Jul 02, 2006 2:21 pm

what he did in such a short space of time was incredible :bowdown

Liverpool FC Forum

Gentleman joe - Legend lost 5 years ago today.

Who is online