The treble in Joe Fagan's words...

Now, 30 years on, we have reproduced the words of the man who followed in the footsteps of the great Bob Paisley to lead the Reds to the league championship, Milk Cup and the European Cup in his first season at the helm.

Here, in his own words, before the start of the 1984-85 campaign, which was to sadly be his last at Anfield, Fagan penned his thoughts on a truly remarkable and memorable period...

"When I was appointed manager of Liverpool Football Club, it was inevitable that people should pose the question: 'How can he follow Bob Paisley?'

"And I am the first to say that I never imagined emulating the success that Bob had achieved... although, in all modesty, I lived in hope that this club would continue to carry off a trophy or two.

"Twelve months on, and - mindful of the fact that Liverpool had achieved a unique treble of European Cup, Milk Cup and Canon League championship - people were putting this question to me: 'Where do you go from here?' And I had to admit there's no answer to that.

"One of the most significant things about football, as every manager knows, is that the game is capable of throwing up all kinds of surprises during the course of a single season - or even during the course of a fixture-packed holiday weekend.

"So, while you may try to make plans for any and every contingency, you always have to make one proviso, as well.

"The fact is that no-one knows just what lies around the corner - and this is what makes forecasting such a dicey business, even if it contains an element of excitement, at times.

"The previous season, with all its attendant success, ended when we had carried off the European Cup in Rome... and from that moment on, it was relegated to the background, if not forgotten by me.

"In my book, each new season should always provide a fresh impetus, no matter what has gone before. There is a new challenge; there are old rivals trying to put one across you; and there is always the task of coping with new demands.

"I am thinking, for instance, of players departing and arriving, of our involvement in the world-club championship in Tokyo. I am also thinking of the challenge from clubs close at home - and I make no apology for mentioning the word Everton!

"The departure of Graeme Souness was a blow; but through the years Liverpool lost the likes of Billy Liddell, Roger Hunt, Ian St John and still kept going.

"We have new faces who, we hope, will keep the competition for places at a healthy level. And we have those loyal fans who gave us such great support, especially in Rome.

"They did this club and themselves proud; and I like to think that it was a Merseyside effort, as well, when you remember the Milk Cup final against Everton.

"Clubs and fans set an example that was good for football... who could ask for more?"

Click here to read the secret to the almost telepathic strike partnership between Dalglish and Rush.