
The biggest secret of Liverpool Football Club's past successes was their attention to detail.
Throughout those halcyon days of the 1960's through to the late 1980's, no stone was left unturned by the men who paced Anfield's true corridors of power on a daily basis.
One look at Geoff Twentyman's scouting diaries, published several years ago, underlines the meticulous approach used by the Boot Room cavalcade during three decades of dominance.
Similarly, Joe Fagan's part in Liverpool's illustrious history is often understated.
His uncharacteristic verbal attack on players proved the catalyst for a remarkable 1981/82 league championship triumph after the side were languising in mid-table by December.
But the first and only authorised biography, 'Joe Fagan: Reluctant Champion', shines a light on this and the life of a man whose influence stretched far beyond two years in the hot seat.
Fagan's pragmatic approach to both football and life is evident as early as his upbringing deep in Merseyside football's heartland; just a short walk from both Anfield and Goodison Park.
It was one which served him extremely well throughout a career that spanned 47 years and four clubs - as a player, coach and manager respectively.
His infuence on both sides of the touchline shone through at Nelson and Bradford Park Avenue as much as it did at Manchester City. But it was at Liverpool where he thrived.
The chapters leading up to his spell as manager are essentially a potted history of Liverpool's history but Fagan's various contributions to their success during this period are duly noted.
Former players are quick to join family members in forthcoming with anecdotes and personal homages while fellow Boot Room member Roy Evans hails him as a father figure.
Without Fagan's influence, players such as Ian Callaghan and Roger Hunt may have not made their transition from Liverpool's second string to the first team at such a swift pace.
Others who owe a particular debt of gratitude to his no-nonsense style of coaching and management are also forthcoming with anecdotes and tributes, notably Graeme Souness.
As manager and coach, he was a pivotal part of helping deliver nine of the club's 18 league championships and all four European Cup triumphs between 1977 and 1984.
But like Twentyman, the diaries he kept - documented in the book - offered more of an insight into the secrets of Liverpool's approach which delivered an immense amount of success.
Little changed in his approach when he was appointed manager in 1983; the diaries still show a consistent level of scrutiny as he strived for perfection from his players.
Most Liverpool fans' abiding memories of Fagan are either sitting pretty poolside accompanied by two Roman guards and the European Cup or trudging across the tarmac at Speke Airport just 12 months later, his face tear-stained in the aftermath of the Heysel tragedy.
However he was, quite simply, a man of great modesty. He remained in the same house, just a short walk from Anfield, from the day he joined the club to the day he died in, 2001.
Wherever he plied his trade, Fagan was well liked and respected - something which is reflected throughout this highly detailed 300-page tribute.
In doing so, his grandson Andrew, a journalist in his own right, and LFC TV producer Mark Platt could not have paid a finer tribute to the man affectionately known as 'Smokin' Joe'.
'Joe Fagan: Reluctant Champion' is published by Aurum Press on 12 September
Cologne Girls Choir to join girl choristers from both Liverpool Cathedrals for unique concert
(Tue 22/05)
Liverpool Music Awards 2012 Launches
(Tue 22/05)
Post a comment