With hindsight it is easy to suggest that Bob Paisley was born for football management.  In fact, the man himself was a reluctant genius, far more comfortable in the background that on centre stage.  Indeed it was only after some gentle persuasion that he agreed to take on the Liverpool managers job.

By the time he was appointed manager Paisley had been at Liverpool for over 30 years.  Signed as a youngster on 8th May 1939 for a signing on fee of £10 and wages of £5 a week, Paisley would have to wait until the 46/47 season to make his debut.  He won the first of his 10 Championship medals that year, playing alongside the like of Billy Liddell and Albert Stubbins.  Paisley came close to leaving the club in 1950 after he was dropped from the FA Cup final team, but thankfully he decided to stay at the club, eventually becoming captain, before hanging up his boots after relegation in 1954.

After retiring from the playing squad Paisley became reserve team trainer.  He would also use his time to become a renowned, self taught physiotherapist, a skill that would later serve him well under Shankly, who placed an emphasise on the players health and well being.

When Shankly arrived at the club Paisley was already on the coaching staff.  The pair would go on to form one of the most successful, if unusual, partnerships in football.  Shankly was the public face of the club, confident and extrovert, while Paisley would hang in the background, and let others do the talking.

By the time Shankly announced his retirement Paisley had held just about every position within the coaching staff, and was the clubs first choice to take over as manager.  Reluctant at first, Paisley was eventually persuaded to take the job, describing the challenge as "being given the Queen Elizabeth to steer in a force 10 gale."  Paisley need not have worried however.  His years working alongside Shankly had served him well, as would his early education, where he had learnt "that if you speak softly people will try to listen to what you're saying, but if you shout they're liable to walk away and not take it in."

Paisley's first season in charge saw the team finish second in the League.  Indeed it was to be the only season during his reign that the club did not win anything.  In his second season he would lead Liverpool to a magnificent double, lifting the League and UEFA Cup.  It was a sign of things to come.

The following year Liverpool again won the League, and despite losing the FA Cup final to arch rivals Man Utd, the season would go down in history, as the club won its first European Cup, beating Borussia Moenchengladbach 3-1 in Rome in May 1977.  The victory earned Paisley his first entry into the record books.  Not only was it Liverpool's first European Cup, but Paisley was the first English born manager to win the competition.  Paisley would later be awarded the OBE for his achievements that night, but it was his quote about "The Pope and I are two of the few sober people in Rome tonight!" that would live long in Liverpool folklore.

The victory in Rome was a bittersweet moment for Liverpool fans, as the match marked the end of Kevin Keegan's career with the club.  Faced with losing one of his most gifted players, Paisley revealed his command of football tactics was matched by his ability to spot footballing talent, as he signed Kenny Dalglish as Keegan's replacement.  Dalglish would go on to become arguably the clubs greatest player, and a future manager.

Despite his successes Paisley refused to rest on his laurels, continually strengthening the Liverpool squad with a host of talented players such as Phil Neal, Terry McDermott, Alan Hansen, Graeme Souness, Ian Rush, Mark Lawrenson and Bruce Grobbelaar to name but a few.

By the end of his managerial career Paisley had amassed a staggering 19 trophies in 9 seasons, including 3 European Cups, 6 Championships and a hat-trick of League Cup successes.  The only trophy that alluded him was the FA Cup.  His team also set records for most points in a season, most goals scored, least goals conceded and fewest games lost in a championship winning season.  Paisley's brilliance will likely never be beaten, his place at the summit of football management assured.

In 1983 Paisley announced his retirement from management, passing over the reigns to his assistant Joe Fagan.  He was duly elected to the board of Directors and was an advisor to Kenny Dalglish during his player / manager role, before tragically being struck down with Alzheimer's Disease.

Bob Paisley died in February 1996.  At his funeral the Canon John Roberts described him as "an ordinary man of extraordinary brilliance".  More fitting a tribute there could not be.

Quotes from former players and colleagues:

"I go by records and Bob Paisley is the No.1 manager ever." - Alan Hansen

"When you talk of great managers there's one man at the top of the list and that's Bob Paisley." - Graeme Souness

"There was only one Bob Paisley and he was the greatest of them all.  He went through the card in football. He played for Liverpool, he treated the player, the coached them, he managed them and then he became a director....He could tell if someone was injured and what the problem was just by watching them walk a few paces.  He was never boastful but had great football knowledge.  I owe Bob more than I owe anybody else in the game.  There will never be another like him." - Kenny Dalglish