WHILE fans wait to see if Roy Hodgson will have what it takes to turn around Liverpool FC’s fortunes, John Keith’s stage show about the club’s best- loved manager is preparing its return.

After a successful run in Ireland, The Bill Shankly Story will be playing New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion with a cast featuring Anfield legends Ian St John, Ron Yeats, Ian Callaghan and Chris Lawler.

Actor Steve Hazlehurst will narrate the story of the man as well known for his soundbites as for leading Liverpool to FA Cup victory twice, while Keith will play Bill Shankly.

“We’ve staged the show in four countries, including Norway, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and always the audience response has been fantastic, “ he says.

“This will be the third time we’ve done the show at New Brighton and it’s always particularly enjoyable to perform it in front of a Mersey audience.”

St John, who Shankly signed as a centre forward in the 1960s, adds: “With Roy Hodgson’s appointment as manager, Liverpool FC is embarking on a new era, but the way audiences, young and old alike, turn out to see our show underlines what a phenomenon Shankly is.

“He is truly iconic and the story of how he revolutionised Anfield is a timeless one.”

After the curtain comes down, Keith and Callaghan will be signing their new book, Cally on the Ball, published by Trinity Mirror’s Sports Media, in the theatre lounge.

THE Shankly Show is at the Floral Pavilion on August 6, www.floralpavilion.com