Bob Paisley made a rare appearance in front of fans after Liverpool had drawn 1-1 against Aston Villa on Saturday May 7 in 1983. This was his last game at Anfield after 9 successful years as manager.
It was a final farewell to supporters who had watched their team secure their fourteenth league title only a few weeks earlier at White Hart Lane, in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur – a match that exemplified Liverpool’s season under Paisley perfectly.
Clinching the title on a day they lost.
Manchester United’s draw against Norwich meant the Merseyside club’s points total could not be matched and despite a poor run of form, they were crowned champions in April.
Paisley’s final campaign in the hot seat was far from vintage, his side lost five of their last seven league games, yet ended the season 11 points clear of second-placed Watford.
It was the summer prior when the Reds boss informed his players that the upcoming season was going to be his last, health problems playing a key part in the difficult decision.
Despite the manager’s impending departure, Liverpool won five of their opening seven league games and went unbeaten – their first defeat came in a 1-0 away loss to Ipswich Town in early October.
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A slight dip later that month saw them also lose to West Ham United, as well as only manage draws against Manchester United and Stoke City, which allowed Ron Atkinson’s United side to surpass their Merseyside rivals.
But a storming run of form saw them go on a 19 match unbeaten run in the league, running from mid-December through to mid-April.
After returning to the league summit against Brighton at the end of October, the Reds refused to surrender the top spot for the remainder of the campaign, they ended 1982 with a six point lead.
Liverpool’s consistency was unmatched. Paisley’s ethos was simple and his players knew not only their own strengths, but those of their teammates. The incredible partnership between Ian Rush and Kenny Dalglish epitomises this, it was almost telepathic at times.
Liverpool may have been formidable in the league, but it was a different story in cup competitions as they failed to lift their fourth European cup under Paisley.
Polish side Widzew Lodz emerged victorious in the home leg of the quarter-final, ensuring a challenging second leg at Anfield for the hosts. The Reds won on the day, but an aggregate score of 4-3 meant Liverpool’s European campaign was ended.
There was also little success in the FA Cup, the one honour that had always evaded Paisley and it was Brighton and Hove Albion that ended his hopes of ever securing the trophy.
The Seagulls ran out 2-1 winners, ending a 63 home cup match undefeated run for Liverpool. Former Red and Scouser, Jimmy Case, scored the winning goal on the day.
Jimmy Melia had also returned to his old stomping ground as caretaker manager of Brighton, knocking his former club out of the competition.
That said, Liverpool did clinch the League Cup (then known as the Milk Cup) at Wembley against Manchester United. Despite going behind, Alan Kennedy equalised for the Reds with 15 minutes to play in normal time and it was Ronnie Whelan who curled a long-range effort into the back of the net eight minutes into extra time.
Captain Graeme Souness urged Paisley to lead the team up Wembley’s 39 steps to collect the trophy, before also beckoning him to join the team’s celebratory photo – a moment he described as one of the proudest in his life.
Liverpool’s late carelessness in the League may have been explained by the sheer points difference, complacency had become a key factor. At the time of their European Cup exit, they were fourteen points clear of Watford and 18 clear of United.
Standards dropping was not something Paisley was ever thrilled by, even with where they stood in the table. A team meeting at a hotel saw him demand far greater intensity from his players heading into the final stages of the season.
Paisley may not have bowed out in style, but six league titles, three European Cups, three League Cups and UEFA Cup in his nine years as the Liverpool boss complete a feat that makes him the most successful manager in English history and he is still celebrated to this day.
A banner with his face is still displayed on the Kop at every home game, every manager since has struggled to match his dominance and success.
Hannah Pinnock Sports Blog 