For the love of the beautiful game

Oct 24 2007 by Peter Elson, Liverpool Daily Post

What they said

BEING such a well-rounded wordsmith, Hunter Davies has collected many quotations for this book.

The famous:

“It’s like going to a different country.” (Ian Rush, after his transfer to Juventus, 1988)

“Footballer, Gentleman, Evertonian.” (Inscription on Dixie Dean’s statue outside Goodison Park)

“Beware of the clever sharp men who are creeping into the game.” (William McGregor, founder of the Football League, 1909)

The inane:

“Most managers would give their right arm for a European Cup, and Bob Paisley had three.” (Liverpool local radio commentator)

“People need to understand what kind of goldfish Wayne Rooney lives in.” (Graham Taylor)

“At the end of the day, it’s what’s on the shelf at the end of the year.” (David Coleman)

Pearls from Bill Shankly, LFC manager:

“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I don’t like that attitude. I can assure them it’s much more serious than that.” (1973)

“Professional footballers should have more sense than to consider marrying during the season. Anyone who does isn’t behaving professionally.”

“He’s worse than the rain in Manchester. At least the rain in Manchester stops occasionally.” (On Brian Clough)

“Look, laddie, if you’re in the penalty area and aren’t quite sure what to do with the ball, just stick it in the net and we’ll discuss your options afterwards.”

“He belongs in the company of the supremely great, like Shakespeare, Rembrandt and Beethoven.” (On Dixie Dean)

Poetry:

“I remember when I first saw him, he was 13 and he just floated over the ground like a cocker spaniel chasing a piece of paper in the wind.” (Alex Ferguson on Ryan Giggs)

“Anything you say must be used in Everton against you.” (Non-football fan John Lennon, In His Own Write, 1964)

Ooh, bitch!:

“Beckham can’t kick with his left foot. He can’t head the ball, can’t tackle and doesn’t score many goals. Apart from that, he’s all right.” (George Best)

Fancy that >>>