The Origin and Significance of Anfield’s Iconic ‘This Is Anfield’ Sign
Anfield, the revered home ground of Liverpool Football Club, boasts a piece of folklore that has become an iconic symbol for the club and its fans. The words ‘This Is Anfield’ proudly hang above the tunnel, serving as a constant reminder of the club’s rich history and formidable reputation. While the sign has undergone three physical iterations since its installation in 1972, there are varying accounts of how it came to be.
According to John Keith, a seasoned sports journalist who has covered Liverpool for over six decades, the idea for the sign originated from a remark made by an opposing player during a match. As the teams were preparing to take the field, one of the opposition players reportedly dismissed Anfield as just another stadium, saying, “It’s only Anfield.” This comment reached the ears of Liverpool’s legendary manager, Bill Shankly, who saw an opportunity to use it to his advantage. Determined to instill fear and uncertainty in the minds of their opponents, Shankly decided to have a new sign created that would serve as a psychological weapon. Thus, the famous ‘This Is Anfield’ sign was born.
However, another account suggests that the inspiration for the sign came from an unlikely source – a groundsman. As recounted by former Anfield tour guide Danny Dwyer, it was the groundsman who first proposed the idea of putting up a sign in the players’ tunnel. The groundsman then approached Peter Robinson, Liverpool’s secretary at the time, with the suggestion. Shankly ultimately approved the idea but insisted on a crucial change to the sign’s wording. Instead of a simple ‘Welcome to Anfield,’ Shankly wanted a more assertive and intimidating message – ‘This Is Anfield.’
The truth likely lies somewhere between these two narratives. While it is plausible that the groundsman offered the initial suggestion, Shankly’s desire to intimidate the opposition and create a sense of awe around Anfield cannot be ignored. The sign’s purpose went beyond just decoration; it was a strategic move to unsettle visiting teams and establish a psychological advantage.
Shankly’s tactics extended beyond the sign itself. Around the same time, the Liverpool away dressing room was intentionally sound-proofed to shield the players from the deafening noise of the crowd. However, the visitors’ dressing room remained unaltered, allowing the opposing team to hear the atmosphere building outside. These pre-match idiosyncrasies were all part of Shankly’s masterplan to disrupt and unsettle the opposition.
The long-term impact of Shankly’s decision to use ‘This Is Anfield’ instead of a simple welcome cannot be definitively measured. However, it is undeniable that the sign has become an emblem of Liverpool’s identity and an embodiment of the club’s ethos. It serves as a constant reminder of Anfield’s history, its intimidating atmosphere, and the expectations that come with playing within its hallowed walls.
In conclusion, the iconic ‘This Is Anfield’ sign holds great significance for Liverpool Football Club and its supporters. Its origin story, while subject to differing accounts, highlights the ingenuity and strategic thinking of Bill Shankly. By creating a sign that instilled fear and uncertainty in opposing teams, Shankly left an indelible mark on Anfield’s folklore. The sign’s enduring presence above the tunnel serves as a testament to Shankly’s legacy and the rich history of Liverpool Football Club.