Red Men Reborn!: A Social History of Liverpool Football Club from John Houlding to Jurgen Klopp

Red Men Reborn takes a unique look at the entire history and socio-cultural significance of Liverpool FC, from the club’s foundation in 1892 to the present day. John Williams skilfully weaves his narrative around the great managers – from Tom Watson to Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley and Kenny Dalglish, Gerard Houllier and Rafa Benitez, then finally the current epic era of Jürgen Klopp. The book shines a spotlight on the post-2010 period when the club was faced with an ownership crisis and possible extinction. Since then, new American owners, FSG, and Klopp have together presided over a period of extraordinary success at home, in Europe and globally. Red Men Reborn examines how this remarkable turnaround happened by analysing Klopp, his wider influences and his key recruitment and coaching strategies. Williams has been present at most of the major Liverpool finals and key matches since the late 1970s, and his treatment includes an analysis of the lasting impact of the Hillsborough and Heysel disasters on the club and its supporters.