Brendan Rodgers will hope to get his hands on more cups in the future (Picture: Getty Images)

The year was 1971 and Bill Shankly’s Liverpool had just lost the FA Cup final to Arsenal.

But instead of failure the Scottish manager and his team were rewarded with a heroes’ welcome on their return to the city.

It was a remarkable show of appreciation from the supporters for their team’s efforts and there are many similarities this season as the Reds look likely to be pipped at the post for the Premier League title by Manchester City.

In 1971 Shankly laid the foundations for a new era of success that would last long after he retired.


Back then formed a new team after breaking up his ageing squad by replacing the likes of Tommy Lawrence, Ron Yeats, Roger Hunt and Ian St John with Ray Clemence, Emelyn Hughes, Larry Lloyd and John Toshack.

The statue of former Liverpool manager Bill Shankly at Anfield (Picture: Getty Images)

Steve Heighway, Phil Thompson and Kevin Keegan were added to start an era of domination for the Reds and this season mirrors those times as Brendan Rodgers has transformed Liverpool with his footballing philosophy complimented with an abundance of young talent that could grow for many years at Anfield.



Players like Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge have propelled Liverpool to title challengers this season and with a few additions to the squad like Shankly did, this could be the start of a new successful era for the Reds.

Their return to next season’s Champions League could just be the start of another successful period for the club.

Just like 1971 the supporters appreciate Brendan Rodgers and his players’ efforts and he has the fans believing that exciting times lie ahead.

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