The manager-coach was the legendary Bill Shankly, but it wasn't just him.  Bob Paisley later to succeed Shanks in a spectacularly successful way was the trainer and Joe Fagan, who succeeded Bob Paisley and out-succeeded both Shankly and Paisley results-wise, was the reserve team coach. 

Two things among many others left a lasting impression.  Shankly would say, on a regular basis: "The giving and taking of passes is the essence of footba'!"  And he would spit it out in his Scottish brogue.  His team philosophy was: "Give it to the nearest red shirt!"  Simple passing and support would deny the opposition access to the ball for extended periods and contribute to their frustration. 

The other thing that Shankly, Paisley and Fagan did was to instill confidence in the players and in their privilege to be wearing a Liverpool shirt. 

Tommy Smith, the warhorse in defense during the 60's and 70's, was injured one time.  Shanks came into the treatment room and asked Tommy what was wrong with him. 

"It's my leg, Boss!" was his reply 

"Your leg? That not your leg, Son. That's Liverpool's leg" 

And that was Shanks.  And that was the atmosphere permeating Liverpool Football Club. 

Everyday at training the final part was always given to 5-a-side games.  Shanks, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, fellow youth coach and former Liverpool team stalwart, Ronnie Moran and I, would play against a team of apprentices.  And we always won, even if it meant Shankly maneuvering the rules and acting as player-referee - all at the same time. 

But those games for me were ongoing clinics.  I've always claimed that I wasn't really a goalkeeper.  I was a failed midfielder.  That was the position I preferred to play, but I was never going to make the professional ranks in that role.  So I settled for goalkeeper. 

Fortunately for me we played the 5-a-sides without a keeper and I learned so much is those games.  

"Push in there!" 

"Hold off!" 

"Drop back one!" 

"Go Forward!" 

"Send him this way." 

Simple, cryptic, but pertinent phrases from veteran experts with an incredibly unique perspective. 

The memory will never dim.  But the learning continues.