'He has football in his blood,' the disappointed scout complained. 'You may be right,' Shankly said, 'but it hasn't reached his legs yet.'

Don't worry, Alan. At least you'll be able to play close to a great team!

Nonsense! I've kicked every ball, headed out every cross. I once scored a hat-trick; One was lucky, but the others were great goals.

Football is a simple game based on the giving and taking of passes, of controlling the ball and of making yourself available to receive a pass. It is terribly …