Bill Shankly and the Most Memorable Quotes in Soccer History

One of the beauties of soccer, just like any other sport, is the colorful array of characters, like Bill Shankly and Terry Venables, that add to the fans' enjoyment of the game, be it interviews from players, managers or those commentating on games behind the mic.

It is the insight from the professionals, those closely involved, that can create a real sense of humor and a breath of fresh air from the in-depth analyses and critiques that are expected of sports. That's why it's sometimes necessary to take a break from the serious stuff and pay homage to the more light-hearted side of sport.

Here are some of soccer's more infamous quotes!

Julian Dicks Is Everywhere...

During the 1990s, English soccer team West Ham United had a player by the name of Julian Dicks, a name that was bound to cause commentators nightmares. It is this quote from Metro Radio from a game in 1995 that ranks amongst the best:

"Julian Dicks is everywhere. It's like they've got 11 Dicks on the field."

For Those Watching in Black and White

For anybody that can remember the days before cinema-sized, HD, 3D, surround-sound TVs, fans had to settle for watching the sport in black and white!

OK, if you're a Raiders fan perhaps you're used to it, but back in the day, commentators had to be a little more descriptive, here's one from UK commentator John Motson reporting on a Tottenham Hotspur game in the 1970s.

"For those of you watching in black and white, Spurs are in the all-yellow strip."

Is Barcelona in Spain?

Aston Villa had a player in the 1990s named Mark Draper. He wasn't the best player the English Premier League had ever seen, so why he was even speculating about a move to one of Europe's soccer giants is baffling. This quote also shows that he wasn't the brightest player either.

"I'd like to play for an Italian club, like Barcelona."

Stating the Obvious

Do you think that if former England soccer manager Terry Venables was talk about this again, he'd say the same thing?

"If history repeats itself, I should think we can expect the same thing again."

We're Only Here for the Beer

Not the biggest team in European soccer, Cork City were clearly out to enjoy their UEFA Cup game against Bayern Munich in 1992. Cork City boss Noel O'Mahony offered this insight before the game in Munich.

"We'll still be happy if we lose. It's on at the same time as the Beer Festival."

Bill Shankly Classics

Former Liverpool boss Bill Shankly is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in English soccer history, a Vince Lombardi-type figure. Known for being very straightforward and honest in his interviews, here are some of his most memorable quotes.

“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that.”

“This city has two great teams—Liverpool and Liverpool reserves.” (Much to the anger of Everton fans, the city of Liverpool's other team.)

"For a player to be good enough to play for Liverpool, he must be prepared to run through a brick wall for me then come out fighting on the other side."

"If Everton were playing at the bottom of the garden, I'd draw the curtains."

"The trouble with referees is that they know the rules, but they do not know the game.”

Did They Really Say That?

Here's a selection of some more infamous quotes from other sports. Can you really believe they said these things?

"Ah, isn't that nice, the wife of the Cambridge president is kissing the cox of the Oxford crew."
Harry Carpenter (commentating on The University Boat Race, 1977).

Dennis Pennis: "Have you ever thought of writing your autobiography?"
Boxer Chris Eubank: "On what?"

"Sure there have been injuries and deaths in boxing—but none of them serious."
Alan Minter, the former middleweight boxing champion of the world.

"The race course is as level as a billiard ball."
 John Francombe, horse racing commentator and former jockey.

"I've never had major knee surgery on any other part of my body."
Winston Bennett, basketball player.

"Ray Illingworth is relieving himself in front of the pavilion."
John Arlott, cricket commentator.

"This is really a lovely horse, I once rode her mother."
Ted Walsh (horse racing commentator).

"There goes Juantorena down the back straight, opening his legs and showing his class."
David Coleman at the 1972 Montreal Olympics.

"Moses Kiptanui—the 19-year-old Kenyan, who turned 20 a few weeks ago."
David Coleman commentating on the athlete.