Meaning: The quote "If Everton were playing down the bottom of my garden, I'd draw the curtains" is often attributed to Bill Shankly, a legendary figure in English football. Shankly was a highly successful manager, best known for his time at Liverpool FC, where he transformed the club into a dominant force in English and European football. This quote reflects his intense rivalry with Everton FC, Liverpool's local rivals, and his unwavering loyalty to his club.

Bill Shankly's comment about drawing the curtains if Everton were playing in his garden is a humorous and exaggerated way of expressing his disdain for Liverpool's arch-rivals. The quote encapsulates the intensity of the Merseyside derby, the historic rivalry between Liverpool and Everton, which has deep roots in the city's working-class culture and has been a fiercely contested fixture for over a century.

Shankly's strong feelings towards Everton were not just about sporting competition but also had deep cultural and historical significance. The Merseyside derby represents a clash between the two major football clubs in a city that has a rich industrial and maritime heritage. The rivalry reflects the socio-economic and cultural divisions within Liverpool, with Everton traditionally being associated with the working-class areas of the city, while Liverpool FC has its roots in the more affluent parts.

The quote has become an iconic expression of the intense loyalty and passion that Shankly had for Liverpool FC and the lengths to which he would go to avoid acknowledging or supporting their rivals. It has been embraced by Liverpool fans as a symbol of their unwavering commitment to their club and their disdain for Everton.

Shankly's impact on Liverpool and English football extends beyond his rivalry with Everton. He is revered for his managerial acumen, his ability to inspire players, and his role in shaping the modern football landscape. Shankly's legacy includes building a strong team and a winning mentality at Liverpool, which laid the foundation for the club's subsequent successes in the 1970s and 1980s under managers such as Bob Paisley and Joe Fagan.

Beyond his achievements on the pitch, Shankly's influence also extended to the broader culture of football. He was a charismatic and outspoken figure who understood the importance of the fans and the community in football, and he played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the players and the supporters. His emphasis on unity, hard work, and dedication has left a lasting impact on the ethos of Liverpool FC and has been an inspiration for football managers and clubs around the world.

In conclusion, Bill Shankly's quote about drawing the curtains if Everton were playing down his garden reflects the deep-seated rivalry between Liverpool and Everton, as well as his unwavering loyalty to his club. It has become an iconic expression of the intense passion and loyalty that Shankly embodied, and it continues to resonate with football fans as a symbol of the historic rivalry between the two Merseyside clubs. Shankly's legacy extends far beyond this quote, as he remains a revered figure in football history, known for his managerial success, his impact on the culture of the game, and his enduring influence on Liverpool FC and the sport as a whole.