'He is up there with Shanks and Bob'
As we remember the birthdate of the original treble winner Joe Fagan today, a Liverpool legend from that era tells us exactly why 'Smokin' Joe' deserves to be named in the same breath as Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.
Ronnie Whelan was a key component in Fagan's all-conquering team of 1983-84 that became the first side to win a treble of the league championship, League Cup and European Cup.
While Fagan's legendary status is not in doubt with the supporters, Whelan insists the former boss doesn't get the credit he deserves nationally for his extraordinary achievements.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpoolfc.com, Whelan said: "Joe made an unbelievable contribution to Liverpool Football Club.
"I'm reading a book about him at the moment which lists his incredible achievements and he was one of those people the club couldn't have done without.
"Shanks and Bob rightly get lots of praise but you don't hear Joe's name mentioned as much as it should be.
"Whether you were Souness or Dalglish or a young kid like me coming into the team at the time, you listened to Joe."