– It is better to be a live sparrow than a stuffed eagle

Friday, August 12 – 1977
It is something to smile about, this accusation that Liverpoolare mad to pay £440,000 for Kenny Dalglish. Especially when you are standing inside tall, grey walls toppled with broken glass which enclose Melwood, the club’s great sweep of training grounds in the city suburbs.

You are reminded that here is at least one square patch of logic in English football.
Bob Paisley, rotund and unassuming in his red track suit top and baggy black shorts, has a genial managerial style. But his eyes are everywhere. They scan the big timers. John Toshack, so dark from the Mediterranean sun he might pass an audition for Othello. Ian Callaghan telling an apprentice: “If you do the little things the big things will take care of themselves.”
And then to the reserves and the kids.

“Uncle Bob”

Paisleytells me: “I just wish…