THIS being Valentine’s Day it’s time for a bit of love — and what better than to cherish the memory of two of the best managers ever to grace the game of football.
Thirty years ago today, Liverpool legend Bob Paisley passed away and many supporters have hailed him as the tracksuit GOAT.
Bob Paisley won plenty of silverware with LiverpoolCredit: Colorsport
Ron Greenwood had a successful spell in charge of West HamCredit: Getty
From the north to the south, and Ron Greenwood — sadly lost 20 years ago this week — was a West Ham United man down to his claret-and-blue socks.
He also had the rare distinction of having led England to the World Cup finals but eliminated without losing a single game.
Greenwood died on February 9, 2006 aged 84, while Paisley made it to 77 years of age having spent the whole of his career as both player and manager at one club.
‘The Quiet Genius’ was Paisley’s nickname, but his reputation speaks volumes.
Although he did not have the sense of theatre and quick wit of his Anfield predecessor Bill Shankly, he lifted more European Cups, the forerunner of the , than any other British manager.
In nine seasons at the helm he won an incredible 20 honours — six league titles, three European Cups, three League Cups, six Charity Shields, one Uefa Cup and one Super Cup.
As a player, his career was shortened by the Second World War, but straight afterwards he was an integral part of the Liverpool side that won the championship in 1946-47.
Paisley could well have been Britain’s GOAT — the greatest football manager of all time.
Everybody has their own favourite, be it Paisley, Herbert Chapman, Matt Busby, Stan Cullis, Shankly, Jock Stein, Brian Clough, Alf Ramsey or Alex Ferguson.
You could also throw in Howard Kendall, Bill Nicholson, Bobby Robson and Kenny Dalglish.
Paisley lifted a trophy 20 times in nine years at AnfieldCredit: Getty
Greenwood bossed England at the World CupCredit: Hulton Archive – Getty
Of course, the game is now very well served by foreign-born managers and both Arsene Wenger and have brought numerous silverware to Arsenal and Manchester City respectively.
But Paisley’s numbers make phenomenal reading as he reluctantly took over from Shankly in 1974 and turned Liverpool from a strong domestic force into the best team in Europe, perhaps the world.
Paisley was known as being a master at spotting a player’s strengths and weaknesses, and during his nine years in charge, the Reds’ domination was never seriously threatened for long.
He was a Second World War hero and served at El-Alamein as well as in the liberation of Rome.
That led to one of the most famous one-liners in the history of the game.
When asked by a journalist before the 1977 European Cup final if he had been to the Eternal City before, Paisley replied: “Yes, once, on the back of a tank.”
This remarkable man spent 50 years at Anfield as player, coach, physiotherapist, assistant manager, manager and director.
Greenwood, who also served his country in the Second World War, faced Paisley many times.
He was in charge for 13 seasons at from 1961-74, during which he helped nurture Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst — who would help England win the World Cup in 1966.
But Greenwood was far more than a trophy-winning manager — he was an educator of the game.
Paisley spent 50 years with Liverpool as a player, coach, physiotherapist, assistant manager, manager and directorCredit: Colorsport
Greenwood played a key role in Bobby Moore’s careerCredit: Getty
A former schoolteacher, he believed footballers should think as well as play, and his calm, measured manner masked a fiercely intelligent football brain.
He left his role as No 2 at Arsenal to take charge at West Ham in 1961, and quickly began shaping what would become known as ‘The West Ham Way’ — technical excellence, composure in possession and an unwavering trust in youth.
Greenwood moved Moore permanently into central defence and transformed Hurst into a centre forward, decisions which were key to England’s triumph a few years on.
He also helped develop and guide players such as Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds, ensuring that his influence stretched well beyond one golden generation.
Greenwood led the Hammers to FA Cup glory in 1964 and a European Cup Winners’ Cup success the following year. These were the first major trophies the East London club had ever lifted.
The values Greenwood championed still resonate today, and his legacy remains woven into the fabric of West Ham United.
On becoming manager, he led the country to its first World Cup finals in 12 years.
At the tournament in Spain in 1982, the Three Lions conceded just one goal in five matches but went out at the second group stage.
Paisley and Greenwood are never forgotten, their names forever etched into the memories of football fans across the land.
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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