Past managersJoe Fagan

That evolution had served the Reds so well when Bill Shankly handed the baton to Paisley, and it would continue to do so under the leadership of Joe Fagan.

A quiet and effective worker behind the scenes, Fagan's succession to the Anfield throne was the logical step after he had risen through the ranks under Paisley following Shankly's resignation in 1974.

While many observers felt it was an easy job to oversee the running of a well-oiled winning machine like LFC, Fagan was faced with some serious decisions upon taking charge, and needed all his experience to ensure his installation as boss did not upset the apple cart.

To put it simply, events had transpired that meant he could not take on Paisley's side and expect it to keep winning trophies.

The Reds had lost the inspirational Graeme Souness to Sampdoria and with other first-team regulars beginning to wane, it was clear astute transfer moves were needed.

Fortunately for Liverpool, Fagan was up to the task.

Kevin MacDonald and Jim Beglin, who both did their respective jobs with distinction, were brought in, as well the then-unfamiliar face of Danish player Jan Molby.

Molby went on to become a Kop hero. A cultured player of rare quality, it was testament to Fagan's years of accumulated experience that he could see the enormous potential in the midfielder.

Following Paisley and the impressive range of trophies secured under his tenure was never going to be an easy task. But it was a challenge Fagan more than rose to, leading the Reds to a magnificent league, European Cup and League Cup treble in season one.

Furthermore, they were finalists in the World Club Championship.

Under Fagan the Reds played with a cool, calculating efficiency, every part functioning in balance and harmony, and could have gone on to win another major honour in his second - and last - campaign.

Liverpool's defence of their European Cup crown took them to another final, tipped by all but the fans of opponents Juventus to win.

However, the tragic events at Heysel Stadium in Brussels that May night led to 39 supporters losing their lives and hundreds more being injured. The match, and ultimately a 1-0 defeat for the holders, paled into insignificance.

Having already made the decision to retire at the end of 1984-85, Fagan departed as boss in the aftermath, his own LFC legacy enshrined.