After their relegation down to the Second Division in 1954, Liverpool found it tough going when it came to securing a return back to the top flight.

It was a situation that took its toll on manager Phil Taylor, who after a number of disappointing near misses, handed in his resignation in November 1959 - three years after he had acquired the hotseat from the sacked Don Welsh.

The search was now on for a new manager at Anfield, with a number of men reportedly interested in the post.

However, it was 56 years ago today that the board made their appointment, although little did anyone know at the time that it was to be a decision that would help transform the club into a trophy-winning machine - one that later went on to dominate English and European football.

Bill Shankly had spent his playing career on the books of Carlisle United and Preston North End, before he moved into management with Carlisle, Grimsby Town, Workington and Huddersfield Town.

It was Shankly that handed future Manchester United great Denis Law his senior debut at Huddersfield, but having grown frustrated by what he perceived to be a lack of ambition by the club's hierarchy, the Scot was desperate for a new challenge when the red half of Merseyside came calling.

Speaking at the time of his arrival, Shankly said: "I am very pleased and proud to have been chosen as manager of Liverpool FC, a club of such great potential. This appointment is a challenge to me.

"It is my opinion that Liverpool have a crowd of followers which rank with the greatest in the game. They deserve success and I hope, in my small way, to be able to do something towards helping them achieve it. When the challenge was made to me I simply could not refuse to accept it."

It took until the 1961-62 campaign, but Liverpool finally secured their return back to the First Division under Shankly's guidance.

They did so in style, finishing eight points clear of second-placed Leyton Orient during an era when only two points were awarded for a victory. They also found the back of the net on 99 occasions and were unbeaten in front of their own fans at Anfield.

That was followed by three First Division titles, two FA Cups and a UEFA Cup prior to his surprise decision to retire in the summer of 1974 at the age of 60.