Interview with Peter Hooton

Peter Hooton 

Peter Hooton is the vocalist of Liverpool-based group The Farm and a member and supporter of the Spirit of Shankly 

How did you feel when you heard David Peace was writing a book about your Bill Shankly (particularly in the light of some of the controversies after the publication of The Damned United about Brian Clough’s controversial time at Leeds?)

I'm a big fan of David Peace’s work so I was really pleased that he was going to write about one of the great 20th Century icons. I couldn't think of anyone better to have tackled one of the football greats. 

What are your thoughts on the book / How does this novel compare to Damned United? 

I think the book is brilliant – for me it brings Shankly alive. I felt I was in the room as these historic events took place. I felt as if Shankly was talking to me. I have always been a Shankly obsessive as he shaped much of my philosophy on life but it was like a religious experience reading this book. As a youngster I was in awe of him – he was our leader, our inspiration and we would have followed anywhere, he was our ‘messiah’ but this book reveals his human traits like frustration and doubt . The attention to detail is quite remarkable. I liked The Damned United but I had no real emotional attachment to it whereas this was an emotional rollercoaster. The sheer scale of the book is awe inspiring. It is the Gospel according to Shanks!

Does the book capture the true personality of Shankly?

I really think it does. I was one of those people mentioned in the book who knocked on his door and asked him present medals at a football tournament I had organised when I was a youth worker in Cantril Farm. I felt a bit embarrassed doing it but I had been told he wouldn't mind and he was always most welcoming even if you did turn up unannounced at his house. Nessie answered the door and shouted for Bill. He came out and came out with ‘what can I do for you son!’ I was almost dumbstruck when I heard him speak and tried to compose myself and I asked him if he was free on a particular night to give out trophies and medals at St Luke’s Church Hall on Princess Drive. He went inside the house to get his diary and then when he came back out he talked about football with me for 10-15 minutes. He singled out Sammy Lee and Davey Fairclough at Liverpool as being two players who might be able to help me as he had a meeting at the FA in Lytham St Anne’s on our presentation night. 

What is your reaction to the book as a LFC fan?

I'm proud of the book as I really do think it does Shankly’s legacy justice. It’s not an easy read you have to show commitment to get through it. You feel absolutely emotionally drained after reading it but I'm sure that was David Peace’s intention but you do really feel a sense of fulfilment after reading it!

What inspires you most about him? 

His vision, ambition, drive, honesty, principles and most of all his love of football!

What do you think was the most important thing he brought into Liverpool Football Club?

Pride – he dragged this club up from Second Division inertia and mediocrity by hard work and complete and utter dedication to the cause.His visionary zeal created the template for the 30 year domination of football and totally transformed as conservative football club who lacked ambition. As Bob Paisley commented ‘Bill built the house I just put the roof on it.’

Why do you think he had such a strong relationship with LFC fans and the people of Liverpool?

He was one of us! We spoke the same language. He became an adopted Scouser and like true Liverpudlian’s he didn't suffer fools or hypocrites.

What do you think his view of the modern game would be?

I think he would be appalled at the greed, hypocrisy dishonesty selfishness and lack of loyalty but his own principles are still relevant today. Honesty, commitment, dedication and ambition can still be applied to the modern game, they are human instincts after all!

Why do you think his legacy and reputation among all football fans has endured for so long?

He was more than a manager, he was a leader, an inspiration a man of the people. If people lived their lives according to his doctrine the world would be a better place. This is not a utopian ideal but the product of an environment where people would help each other – if anything he epitomised post war optimism and sense of community which created the NHS and the Welfare State. He moulded his team to believe in the collective with every player working for each other – the team was everything!

Also that’s why we adopted his name and called our supporters union the Spirit Of Shankly so his ideals would live on. His memory inspired us to fight against businessmen with no idea of our clubs history or principles. We owe it to him to fight for the heart and soul of the club.

A lot of people will be very interested in the section of the book that talks about Bill’s life after he resigned as manager of LFC; what are your thoughts on how it represents that period of his life?

It’s heart breaking but he surely knew the supporters still adored him. We never abandoned him or made he feel unwanted. We used to sing ‘You’ll always be our King You’ll always be our king You’ll always be our King’ – this was sung to him when he came and stood on the Kop after he retired. It was at a match against Coventry I think.

Do you think it does justice to him as a person?

Yes I think it captures his indomitable spirit- it captures his drive- it captures his personality and of course the obsessive nature of the man.

Do you think the book will have an appeal to football fans and other readers outside of Liverpool?

I really think it will, because this is a story of a man who inspired all football fans not just Liverpool fans - quite a few Evertonian’s have asked me if they can borrow my copy but told me to keep it quiet!

Tell us your favourite Shankly story / quote.

Refusing to set his watch to American time/ Quote “Liverpool was made for me and I was made for Liverpool”

WoW has always enjoyed working with Peter, but his involvement in this event has been brilliant. If you want to get in touch with Peter follow him on twitter @TheFarm_Peter 

Interview with George Sephton

George Sephton 

Still the voice of Anfield after 42 seasons in the hot seat. 

Sephton took the microphone for the first time against Nottingham Forest on August 14th 1971 and has been providing the musical backdrop for home games ever since.

How did it feel meeting Bill Shankly?

Surreal. I’d been a Liverpool fan all my life and ,by coincidence, started going to Anfield just after he was appointed manager. Never in a million years did I think that one day I’d get to shake his hand.

What inspires you most about him?

His single-mindedness. His rock-solid faith in what he was doing and his vision. He dragged Liverpool out of the wilderness and established the club that is worshipped worldwide today.

What do you think was the most important thing he brought into Liverpool Football Club?

Belief. He had no time for coming second. The will-to-win he instilled in the place was something to behold.

Why do you think he had such a strong relationship with LFC fans and the people of Liverpool?

Scousers and Shanks were kindred spirits. No-Nonsense people from working-class backgrounds who had a real and deep passion for the game.  He was a genuine “Man Of The People.”

What do you think his view of the modern game would be?

There are certain things he would have found unacceptable.   He would be uncomfortable with the huge salaries involved  and would make mincemeat of player’s agents !! But he’d STILL be winning trophies !!

Why do you think his legacy and reputation among all football fans has endured for so long?

Because we're still enjoying the fruits of his labours. The legend has been passed down the generations and 

even the youngest fans are educated in the modern history of the club which basically revolves around Bill Shankly.   

Tell us your favourite Shankly story / quote.

I have two stories.

One. In my second season Leeds were our big rivals for the title. One night we had a Youth Cup game at Anfield. In Yorkshire Leeds were playing away at Huddersfield ; the bottom team.

Huddersfield took the lead and I was told to announce the score. Big Cheer !!

During the second half Leeds score twice and , once again, the score was passed to me to announce.

After the final whistle I was standing in reception when one of the office staff advised me to beat a hasty retreat !  Apparently Shanks was after my blood for "ruining the atmosphere."

I  ran.  Three days later I arrived for the Saturday game and the first person I met was Shanks! 

I was quaking but he just smiled and said "Good Morning Son !" Panic over !

Two. On the staff plane to Paris in 1981 - Shanks climbed aboard. EVERYONE avoided sitting in the empty seat next to him. They were completely overawed.  Eventually , of course , the last man boarding the plane HAD to sit next to the great man and had the journey of a lifetime. The DJ John Peel often talked about the honour of carrying Shanks bag into the hotel in Paris. On the return trip I was told off by my family because Shanks was following me out of the airport and I WASN'T carrying his bag  

We've loved having George so involved in our David Peace event, 

WoW really appreciate all his support.

If you want to get in touch with George, follow him on twitter @VoiceOfAnfield

For tickets to David Peace's Liverpool launch click here 

Karen Elizabeth Gill Interview

Karen Elizabeth Gill 

Bill Shankly's granddaughter, Karen Gill is the author of 'The Real Bill Shankly', patron for the Spirit of Shankly and AFC Liverpool and Honorary President of Liverpool Football Club Supporters Committee.

We were lucky enough to get an interview with Karen to hear about her personal memories of her grandfather and get her feedback on David Peace's Red Or Dead book, which is being launched in Liverpool on 14th August with WoW.


What are you earliest/Favourite memory of your Grandfather? 
As most of the first 16 years of my life were spent growing up very close to my granddad, obviously I have so many precious memories, but the best memories are of when we stayed overnight and he would tell my sister and I stories about Glenbuck, the mines and wonderful tales about his antics with his brothers and sisters when they were young.

 What inspires you most about him? 
 I think what inspired me and will always inspire me about him his indomitable spirit. He was a fighter and he would never give up until he had achieved his goals, but he was fair and he always respected the opponent, whoever it was.

What do you think was the most important thing he brought into Liverpool Football Club? 
 The most important thing he brought to LFC was his vision. He recognised that there was great potential and he never gave up until he’d realised his dream and built that famous bastion of invincibility. He was literally, the father of LFC.

Why do you think he had such a strong relationship with LFC fans and the people of Liverpool? 
Because they were the same. They shared the same vision. They shared the same passion. They were a match made in heaven…the perfect partnership. 

What do you think his view of the modern game would be? 
He’d be appalled by the obscene wages, he’d be absolutely devastated that the simple folk, who are the backbone of the “glorious game” are being priced out of the whole match experience. Such was my granddad’s enthusiasm and passion; he would have played football and managed his team for absolutely no money whatsoever. That’s how much football meant to him and that is the devotion that is missing today.

Why do you think his legacy and reputation among all football fans has endured for so long?
I think it’s because he was honest, hard-working, fair and passionate. People respect that and the people of Liverpool, not just LFC supporters, are loyal to the people they respect and admire.

How did you feel when you heard David peace was writing a book about your Grandfather (particularly in the light of some of the controversies after the publication of The Damned United about Brian Clough’s controversial time at Leeds?) 
I was so thrilled and excited. I knew what David’s intention was when writing the book and I can honestly say that I had no doubts in my mind at all that he would write the book that my granddad deserved to have written about him.

What are your thoughts on the book? 
It’s epic. It’s intense and it was very emotional for me to read. I was a bit hesitant in the beginning and was worried that I may not be able to “believe” that this character was really my granddad, but I can say that it’s a very convincing portrait. Also, it’s almost a “real” experience. You actually feel as if you’re there battling alongside him and for those very reasons it’s not always easy to read, but it’s definitely worth the effort, in my opinion.

Do you think the book will have an appeal to football fans and other readers outside of Liverpool? 
I really hope so, after all, the admirable qualities and wonderful deeds that he was known for went way beyond the world of football. He inspired so many people and continues to inspire even now, over 30 years after his death. I think role models like that are always appealing.

Tell us your favourite Shankly story / quote. 
 There are just so many of them and even though they’ve been told or quoted so many times, I do love them all. Maybe it would be more appropriate to use one of my favourite quotes from David’s book: “I want everyone to be loyal to each other. To the team and to the club. So everything we do will be for Liverpool Football Club. Not for ourselves. Not as individuals. But for the team….Because loyalty makes strength. And that strength will bring success. I promise you.”

WoW send a huge thanks to Karen for the great response and support with the David Peace event. If you want to get in touch with Karen, follow her on twitter @misshanks

The latest novel by award winning writer David peace (The Damned United, Red Riding Trilogy) hits the bookshelves on 14th August 2013. To celebrate the launch of this fascinating novel exploring the life of legendary LFC manager Bill Shankly, Writing on the Wall welcomes David Peace to Liverpool for a unique reading, book-signing and in-conversation event, hosted by journalist, writer and life-long LFC fan, Brian Reade.

Red or Dead is the story of the rise of Liverpool Football Club and Bill Shankly. And the story of the retirement of Bill Shankly. Of one man and his work. And of the man after that work. A man in two halves. Home and away.

Get your tickets tickets here 

For more information visit the Writing on the Wall website. 

Shankly Competition

What Does Shankly Mean To YOU? 

COMPETITION TIME! 

Writing on the Wall have released an exclusive Twitter competition!

 We want to know what Bill Shankly means to you.

Send us your favourite quote, story, football highlight and we'll chose from the best three twitter responses and award three pairs of free tickets for David Peace's Liverpool launch of his novel 'Red Or Dead'. 

The latest novel by award winning writer David peace (The Damned United, Red Riding Trilogy) hits the bookshelves on 14th August 2013. To celebrate the launch of this fascinating novel exploring the life of legendary LFC manager Bill Shankly, Writing on the Wall welcomes David Peace to Liverpool on Wednesday 14th August for a unique reading, book-signing and in-conversation event, hosted by journalist, writer and life-long LFC fan, Brian Reade.

Red or Dead is the story of the rise of Liverpool Football Club and Bill Shankly. And the story of the retirement of Bill Shankly. Of one man and his work. And of the man after that work. A man in two halves. Home and away. 

Tweet to @wowfest with your 'What Does #Shankly Mean To You?' answer and you could win free tickets to David Peace's Liverpool launch. 

WoW Festival 2013

Under Pressure 2013

It’s been a hectic but amazing six weeks at WoW, beginning on the 23^rd April with the opening of the In Other Words Festival and finishing with an unforgettable night in The Kazimier with 70 year old DJ Derek, playing us out till the early hours. Over the period the WoW Team have staffed 40 events and planed, along with our partners Culture Liverpool a good proportion of the 350 events that featured in the In Other Words program.  

My personal highlights have to include Murder on the Docks at The Bridewell which generated a fascinating discussion between the audience and writers; Kevin Sampson, festival newcomer Denise Mina and Graham Johnson. Melvyn Bragg was a most gracious festival guest who captivated us when he talked at length about his upbringing and his relationship with his mum during the launch of his new novel Grace & Mary. The Anglican Cathedral set a beautiful scene with perfect acoustics for the young poets and lyricists featured in Rhythm and Rap.  Sticks and Stones brought over 100 people to talk about the issues of hate speech and hate crime. The event was such a success that we are already planning an event next year in partnership with the Sophie Lancaster Foundation.

Big thanks and congratulations have to go, not just to the winners of our competitions, but to all entrants of Pulp Idol, Flash: In the Dark and our new Dragon's Pen competition. It’s the showcasing of new work and the involvement of new writers that helps to make the WoW such a unique festival.

Thanks also goes out to our team of WoWsters that helped the events run smoothly, to Refugee Action and Asylum Link our partners who helped to make our Where are you from & What’s your Story? workshop such a huge success, and one of the most significant events of the festival. Thanks also to our funders and sponsors for this year; Arts Council England, Liverpool City Council, the Granada Foundation, Canolfan Ysgrifennu  - Tŷ Newydd Writers’ Centre and the Philharmonic Hall.
And to our audiences, we haven’t crunched the numbers but it’s safe to say that WoW 2013 saw record attendance across the entire month and the most diverse audience to date. THANK YOU!

Madeline Heneghan & the WoW Team

*Guest Blog* - Sue Douglas

Sometimes life throws you a chance that you can’t ignore. ‘What’s Your Story?’ was that chance so I grabbed it and joined the group.  The thing about writing is that I didn’t know where to start. I’ve spent a lifetime writing letters and emails, delivering reports and so on, but they tend to be factual - leaving little or no room for imagination or creativity.   One thing I do know is that whether you like it or not it’s inevitable that as time goes by you become a store-house for the many experiences, sounds and images that make up your life, and suddenly you are someone who needs to shape and share some of those ideas and stories before it’s too late!  But WYS? isn’t necessarily about being older or telling your own story. The age-range of our group is w-i-d-e, the starting-points varied, and I feel refreshed and encouraged by being in such great company.  Paula and the group are taking me down a track that is extending my outlook, developing my ideas and helping me to become more confident about setting down my thoughts and ideas.  Sometimes we laugh and sometimes we cry! It’s fun, cathartic and a great, new learning experience.  Last week I wrote a poem! Whatever next?

Sue Douglas

*Guest Blog* - Helen Windel

Andy started the session today with his tale of a spliff-smoking, scam-scheming nun.  Much laughter.  Eric's poetry then carried us through the maze of life and we were captivated.  And this was before the session had even begun, while our coffee still sat warm in our cups and the chocolate biscuits waited for politeness to subside.
Today we'd be focussing on performance poetry and would get the chance to perform a poem of our own if we wished.  My default setting is to avoid any kind of audience so I shied away when Paula asked for volunteers though almost everyone in the group put themselves forward and Paula's enthusiasm and encouragement had even me considering whether to have a go.

First we looked at some examples of performance style on DVD and it was surprising to realise how the completely disparate performance deliveries from each poet could all engage us and connect us with their words and worlds.  Jackie Kay candidly chatted to us about her adoption experiences from her sofa while John Agard energetically and charismatically reported over a mike his newsflash on all non-native words having a mass walkout from the English dictionary.

Back in the room we connected with the words of the group as one after another people articulated thoughts, feelings, beliefs and most importantly truths the listener could empathise with.  Soulful accounts of loss, a rich and textured slice of Merseyside pride, visions of defiant kites soaring over Otterspool Prom, passionate homage to a doomed pub, heartwrenching reflections on parenthood and a lighthearted take on the innocence of childhood.  Our journey complete, the coffee sat cold and the biscuits were forgotten.  Another excellent session.

Helen Windel