A bronze statue of Liverpool FC’s most successful manager was unveiled at Anfield today to celebrate the life and legacy of Bob Paisley OBE.
The sculpture itself has been commissioned and donated by Main Sponsor of Liverpool FC, Standard Chartered, in celebration of its 10-year relationship with the Reds, and in honour of its recent work educating younger supporters on Paisley’s greatness through state-of-the-art AI and CGI technology.
The statue immortalizes one of the most iconic images of Bob Paisley carrying injured player, Emlyn Hughes, off the pitch.
Members of Paisley’s family, along with Emma Lynn Hughes, Emlyn Hughes’ daughter, and club chief executive Peter Moore, unveiled the tribute in Paisley Square at Anfield ahead of the Red’s fixture against Southampton this weekend.
Pupils from Anfield’s Four Oaks Primary School, which is just a short distance away from the stadium, were also in attendance to treat guests to a rendition of the club’s famous anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Bob Paisley spent almost fifty years at Liverpool FC in many roles, most notably as manager from 1974 to 1983. Due to his achievements at the club, Paisley is the club’s most successful manager to date and one of this club’s greatest football managers of all time.
The club and the Paisley family worked closely with local and well-known sculptor, Andy Edwards, to create the statue to celebrate Paisley’s contribution to the club and the long-lasting legacy he left behind.
Peter Moore, CEO of Liverpool FC, said: “Bob Paisley is arguably one of the most successful English football managers of all time and led his team to greatness time and time again. His contribution and commitment to Liverpool FC plays a huge part in the tremendous history of this football club, so it felt like a fitting tribute to his legacy to unveil our statue on Paisley Square at Anfield.”
Graham Paisley, Bob Paisley’s son, said: “It’s been a very moving process to be a part of and to see the statue from its original design to the physical structure we can now see here at Anfield. We’re incredibly grateful for this tribute to dad’s life, and the whole family is really happy with the result.”
Emma Sheller, Global Head Brand and Marketing, Standard Chartered Bank, said: “We are honoured to commission and donate this wonderful statue of the club’s most successful manager. This tribute will ensure fans who visit Anfield gain a greater understanding of his huge achievements at the club.”
Standing at 8ft tall, the statue has been designed to sit at the right height to enable supporters to take their picture with the iconic manager while visiting Paisley Square.
