What Is The History Of Liverpool Football Club?

The Liverpool Football Club is one of the most successful football teams in the world, with a long and proud history that stretches back over 150 years. Founded in 1892, the club is one of the oldest professional football teams in existence. In the years that followed the club has earned a tremendous amount of success, winning countless trophies and breaking many records. Liverpool’s history has been full of triumphs, tragedies and epic battles that make it one of the biggest clubs in the world.

The Early Years (1892 – 1914)

The Liverpool Football Club was founded on 3rd June 1892 following a meeting between John Houlding, owner of Anfield Stadium, and local businessmen at the Sandon Hotel in Liverpool. Houlding had originally been in charge of Everton before splitting from the team over a disagreement regarding rent; he decided to form a new club for the city and thus Liverpool was born. John McKenna was appointed as the first chairman of the club and Captain Tom Watson was appointed as Club Manager – a role which he would hold for more than 18 years.

The development of the team was swift. On 13th September 1892, Liverpool FC entered their first ever competition when they entered the Lancashire League. The first match was on September 24th 1892, and resulted in a 7-1 win against Higher Walton, with Joe McQue scoring the first official goal for the club. In the same season, they were also successful and were runners-up in the Lancashire League.

1893 was a momentous year as Liverpool were accepted into football’s biggest competition – The Football League. The membership fee was £700 and 12 teams made up the inaugural season, including Newton Heath (later Manchester United), Small Heath (later Birmingham City) and Woolwich Arsenal (later Arsenal). Liverpool finished 8th in the first season and showed signs of promise. 1894 saw them improve upon this, finishing just outside the top 5.

The Glory Years (1915 – 1959)

The beginning of World War I had a significant impact on football as many members of Liverpool’s team enlisted in the military. Despite this, Liverpool recorded its first ever title victory in the 1915-16 campaign, finishing two points ahead of a very strong Manchester United side. This was to be Liverpool’s first taste of glory, and it would be followed by a period of incredible success that would solidify the teams place amongst football’s elite.

Over the next few decades, especially during the 1920s and 30s, Liverpool would go on to dominate English football, claiming 5 league titles and three FA cups between 1921-1949. Whilst Bill Shankly is famed for reigniting the success of Liverpool from 1950, it was legendary manager Matt Busby that steered Manchester United to first division glory after World War II in 1947-48 season, ending Liverpool’s dominance.

The Shankly Era & European Success (1959-1990)

In December 1959, Bill Shankly was appointed Manager of Liverpool FC and is credited with taking them on to become one of Europe’s greatest clubs. His arrival marked what is often known as “the golden age” of the club, leading them to claim two league titles, two FA Cups and two UEFA Cups during his 15 year tenure. Shankly’s greatest achievement was to create one of Europe’s most feared sides by instilling a never-say-die attitude and uniting everyone within Merseyside under one team – Family Shankly were born!

Shankly laid the foundations for future successes with his style of play and resilience, but it was his successor Bob Paisley whose name has been etched into Anfield folklore. During his nine year reign (1974-1983) Paisley led Liverpool to become one of the most successful clubs in Europe by winning six League titles, three European Cups, three League Cups and four European Super Cups. Paisley’s legacy can still be seen today in the Club’s style of play and winning mentality.

The Modern Day & Exciting Future (1990 – Present)

In 1990 Graeme Souness took over from Paisley as manager, hoping to fill his shoes but unfortunately unable to replicate his success. After several mixed seasons under a variety of different managers, it took another Merseyside icon to return Liverpool to its former glory. Enter Rafael Benítez who in just under five years achieved what Souness failed to do, leading Liverpool to a famous Champions League victory in 2005 after an incredible performance against Italian giants AC Milan in Istanbul.

Since Benítez’ departure in 2010 Liverpool have yet to return to Europe’s elite level – the closest they came being losing finalists at the 2016 Europa League Final – however there is plenty to be optimistic about in the future with Jürgen Klopp at the helm. Klopp’s ability to move past last year’s disappointment shows he understands what it means to be part of such a great club with great expectations and he has already proved his worth during his short stint with Liverpool so far.

Conclusion

Liverpool has built its world renowned reputation not just through its sheer amount of success but through its rich history and bond with its fans. Football may have come a long way since its humble beginnings in Merseyside but one thing that remains true is that Passion Rules Over Anfield! Whatever happens in the future, you can be sure that Liverpool will remain one of England’s premier teams – competitive at home and abroad – continuing to honour its long and brilliant legacy. http://www.liverpoolfc.com/club/history