Joe Fagan would have been 93 today

I will do this in 2 parts

He was the mastermind behind Liverpool's unprecedented treble success of 1984, a priceless cog in the Anfield machinery for 25 years before then and founder of the legendary bootroom.
The great Joe Fagan, who succeeded Bob Paisley as Liverpool manager in July 1983, would have been 93 years old today.
To commemorate his birthday, we've republished 10 lesser known stories that best sum up the legend, taken from his biography 'Joe Fagan, Reluctant Champion'. Scroll down and enjoy.

1. Preparing for his Roman Conquest
Joe was always meticulous in his preparation for games but often gave the opposite impression. Just hours before the 1984 European Cup final, the Liverpool players were finishing their pre-match meal when Joe stood up in the dining room of the hotel and asked the waiters to leave the room. He wanted to speak to his team in private and everyone expected a big impassioned speech. Joe then proceeded to mumble a few words before adding: "But they're not as good as us. Now the bus leaves at such a time so make sure you get plenty of rest before then and don't be late!" As captain Graeme Souness recalls: "It was typical Joe and it put everyone at ease."

2. Turning down Everton
Although he displayed no real allegiance to Liverpool or Everton during his childhood, once Joe joined the Anfield ranks as assistant trainer in 1958 his loyalty to the red cause was beyond doubt. Just four years into the job, however, Liverpool's future could have taken an immeasurable turn for the worse when Everton manager Harry Catterick, his former boss at Rochdale, came calling with the offer of a position on the Goodison coaching staff. The Blues were, at this point, the pre-eminent club on Merseyside and one of the richest in the land. It was a tempting offer but as Joe's late wife Lil later testified: "He was more than happy at Anfield. He had made good friends there and the club was progressing as he would have hoped. He felt part of something and saw no reason to go elsewhere."

3. No time for egos
Joe had no time for over-inflated egos and, when need be, wasn't afraid to deliver some harsh truths. One such occasion came in the aftermath of a shameful 3-1 home defeat to Manchester City on Boxing Day 1981. It was a result that left the Reds floundering in mid-table, way adrift of the league leaders and being written off as no-hopers in the title race. Cue an uncharacteristic blast from Joe. As one senior player of the time remembers: "He went berserk." Ranting and raving was never his style but things had gone too far, standards had dropped and something had to be done. No player escaped his wrath and so shaken were they by his fury they quickly realised the error of their ways, embarking on a run of form that sparked a miraculously recovery. Joe's outburst had the desired effect and five months later Liverpool were crowned champions yet again.

4. Dispelling the myth that he wasn't a great public speaker
Interviews with Joe were very few and far between but it was a popular misconception that he was uncomfortable when it came to speaking in public. He once attended a dinner where he was invited to stand up and address the audience. Armed with numerous sheets of paper he gave the impression that he was nervous and tentatively shuffled them about when rising to speak. What followed was a lengthy speech delivered with intelligence, humour and sincerity. As he returned to his table with a rousing round of applause ringing in his ears, Joe acknowledged the cheers with a glint in his eye and cheeky grin before turning the papers over to show the pages were blank.

5. Dancing on the tables in Bucharest
You get nothing for winning a semi-final. That was the general way of thinking at Liverpool during Joe's day and only in exceptional circumstances did the management go overboard following victory at this stage. One such occasion was the 1984 European Cup semi-final when, against all odds and amid so much intimidation, the Reds overcame Dinamo Bucharest. With the jubilant players screaming, shouting and dancing about in celebration, Joe entered the dressing room and bellowed at the top of his voice, which again was rare: "All of you just shut up and sit down!" The players turned to each other with a bemused look and the dressing room fell silent. He looked at them all, jumped on the nearest table and screamed: "You beauties!" With that, the whole place erupted again and the party continued. It was a rare show of emotion but proof that victory in Bucharest had meant so much to him.