By David Peace.

One hundred years ago this September, in a small Scottish mining village in East Ayrshire, Bill Shankly was born. Shankly's passion was football. It was his job and it was his life, both as a player and then as a manager. He transformed the fortunes of Liverpool Football Club, turning the team into a world class side, and he has been immortalised as a hero. From the very beginning, he was as committed to the fans as they were to him.

David Peace, acclaimed author of the 'Red Riding' series and 'The Damned United', now turns his attentions to Bill Shankly. 'Red or Dead' pulls Bill Shankly out of the football world and into the mainstream and tells us the story of the man, not just the manager. Peace describes Shankly as "not just a great football manager. Bill Shankly was one of the greatest men who ever lived."

David Peace's astonishing book takes us into Bill Shankly's home and his heart, beyond Anfield. A tender and intimate side to Bill is revealed.

Bill's resignation sent shockwaves across football and the news left the Liverpool fans reeling. And Bill Shankly himself, the man who said, 'You retire when they put the coffin lid down with your name on top. Until then nobody can retire', found retirement a deeply personal challenge.

Read by Gary Lewis
Abridged by Robin Brooks

Producer: Allegra McIlroy. Show less