Make the People Happy : An Intimate History of Liverpool Football Club

Please note:  This book trailer does not have a publication date at present. As with any pre-announced books, plans can change, with projects sometimes being delayed or even cancelled entirely. 
In his latest work, Tony Evans, former football editor of The Times, delivers a passionate and deeply personal examination of Liverpool Football Club's rich tapestry, weaving together the voices of those who've lived through its triumphs and tragedies. The book's title, drawn from Bill Shankly's humble yet profound mission statement, perfectly encapsulates the deep connection between the club and its community.
Evans brings unique credentials to this undertaking. Before his journalism career, he spent his twenties following Liverpool FC and playing in bands, giving him an insider's perspective that enriches the narrative. This background allows him to bridge the gap between professional analysis and fan experience, creating an authentic portrait of what makes Liverpool FC more than just a football club.
The book's oral history approach proves particularly effective in capturing the club's evolution through different eras. From Shankly's transformative reign to Klopp's modern renaissance, Evans documents how between 1959 and 1974, Shankly transformed the club from second-division obscurity to three-time English champions, laying the foundation for decades of success. The parallel drawn between Shankly's and Klopp's tenures is particularly poignant, as both managers understood that their role extended beyond tactical decisions to embrace the heart and soul of the city itself.
What sets this book apart is its unflinching examination of both glory and grief. Evans doesn't shy away from the darkest chapters in the club's history – Heysel and Hillsborough – treating these tragic events with the gravity and sensitivity they deserve. These sections are particularly powerful, as they demonstrate how adversity strengthened rather than broke the bond between club and community.
The book's greatest strength lies in its ability to contextualise Liverpool FC's sporting journey within the broader social and economic narrative of the city. Evans shows how the club's fortunes have often mirrored those of Liverpool itself, serving as a source of pride and identity during periods of political turmoil and economic hardship. The oral testimonies bring this relationship to life, offering intimate perspectives from those who experienced these interconnected histories firsthand.
While the book excels in its historical depth and emotional resonance, some readers might find the oral history format occasionally fragmentary. However, this approach ultimately serves the material well, creating a mosaic of voices that captures the collective experience of supporting Liverpool FC.
"Make the People Happy" is more than just another football book – it's a social history, a love letter to a city, and a testament to the power of sport to unite communities. Evans has crafted a crucial book that is not only a must-read for Liverpool fans, but also for anyone seeking to comprehend the transformation of a football club into the vital centre of a community. 
For its comprehensive scope, emotional depth, and historical insight, this book stands as a valuable addition to the canon of football literature, offering both an intimate portrait of Liverpool FC and a broader examination of the relationship between sport, community, and identity.
Please note: This book does not have a publication date at present. As with any pre-announced books, plans can change, with projects sometimes being delayed or even cancelled entirely. We'll update this review when more information becomes available about the publication timeline.
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Publisher: Visit Transworld Publishers Ltd
Published: Unknown
Price: £Unknown
Hardback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1787631502
Dimensions: 240 x 156 (mm)