Shankly keeps Rodgers company

Brendan Rodgers will return to south Wales this weekend after his first week in the manager's chair at Melwood.

The interlude will be brief: Rodgers will return to Merseyside next week, bringing his family with him. The late nights will then resume as he juggles finding a house with trying to get a head start on plans for pre-season..

The Northern Irishman will have found Melwood to be serene and quiet, as coaching and playing staff enjoy their summer's rest. But he has not been alone.

For Melwood is a place where history is not just a memory - it is hanging from every wall, displayed in every cabinet.

Walk past the bust of Bill Shankly and take a diversion upstairs before reaching the European Cup, and you will see the manager's office, where a montage of photos provides decoration. Photos of Rodgers' predecessors, Shanks and Bob Paisley and others, all there to keep the present occupier company.

History is often spoken about as a burden, and few institutions have a history as rich and colourful as Liverpool Football Club - but Rodgers is not daunted.

"Inspired," was his one-word reply when asked by Liverpoolfc.tv what feelings these reminders of our past induced.

"I felt very inspired by it. It's fantastic and it's a great motivation for me. Walking through the Melwood doors every morning and seeing it - I think it's great.

"Up in my office there is a marvellous picture of Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley and other great managers from down the years. That's a great inspiration for me as a young manager.

"The club is inspiring - that's the reason I'm here. The history of the club makes it one of the iconic clubs in world football. It's renowned worldwide; the supporters are renowned worldwide.

"I'm just looking forward to helping them be proud of their club and hopefully over time with actions on the pitch and our dedication off the pitch we can make them proud.

"There are very few clubs that are world class but this is genuine world class."

Rodgers was announced as Liverpool manager two weeks ago.

Prior to facing the press he had been due to observe the Spain squad during a training camp until Vicente del Bosque's party altered their plans and Rodgers was unable to join them.

The last week has been spent at Melwood, before which he enjoyed a planned family holiday.

So has the 39-year-old had time to assess the size of the task he inherited?

"It's enormous," he reflected. "But that's why I came. The size of the club doesn't daunt me. It's one of the biggest clubs in the world but I feel comfortable and at ease here. I have been afforded an incredible welcome by the staff here and the people of Liverpool so far.

"It's a new cycle beginning and there's a hell of a lot of work to do - that's the reality of it. It's a process and you've just got to put your head down and work very hard. There is no rocket science.

"The template that I'll have is about organisation on and off the field. We'll look to organise the club so it's a one-club mentality and one vision going forward."

Rodgers has been inundated with cards and messages since succeeding Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool manager, and he is looking forward to getting to know the fans and the people of Merseyside.

"I've had many cards from supporters worldwide wishing me good luck, and coming here to the city - they've been great," he said.

"Football is their life, their passion, and for me I am happy to represent them and speak to them whenever I can.

"I couldn't have asked for any more - I've been afforded a real welcome here and hopefully I can repay them going forward by winning football matches.

"Swansea was a fantastic place to live and we're obviously sad to leave there, but we know we're coming up to a great city with great people, and hopefully we can embrace the city because it's very important that you get the vibe of a place.

"There are lots of Irish here as well, I believe, so I'm looking forward to throwing myself into the community, because it's a unique city."