Can Liverpool's Boot Room Revival Inspire a Reds Revolution?

If you believe the legends the famous Liverpool Boot Room was the brainchild of the late, great Bill Shankly. The legendary Scot wanted an intimate room in which he could meet with his coaching staff in order to discuss tactics and analyse opponents over a glass of whiskey.

Over the course of three decades the likes of Shankly, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, Roy Evans and Kenny Dalglish continued to use the room in order to plot Liverpool's unrelenting success. Each manager may have had his own philosophy and take on the game, but the principle remained. The 'Liverpool Way' was to promote from within.

When the Boot Room was eventually demolished during Graeme Souness' reign it seemed to signify the end of this mantra. Roy Evans may have had a short spell in charge but the need for success led to an outside appointment in the shape of former France manager Gerard Houllier.

The Frenchman would enjoy success in the cup competitions, as did his successor Rafa Benitez, but the long wait for a league title went on. Dalglish returned to the fold and immediately steadied the ship before adding an FA Cup triumph to his already impressive resume. But his stint was cut short as he paid the price for a poor league finish.

Liverpool fans have still had moments to celebrate, like the 2001 treble season or winning the Champions League in extraordinary fashion in 2005, but it has been a frustrating 20-plus years in which Manchester United have become the standard bearers in England football.

But now under Brendan Rodgers there is a renewed sense of optimism. The academy is flourishing, the team is playing attractive football, and most important of all, the results are positive. Liverpool currently sit second in the table - level on points with Arsenal - and there is a growing belief that this side can win the league title for the first time since 1990.

Rodgers and owners Fenway Sports Group have also looked to the past for ways in which to bring success back to the club. Dalglish is back as a non-executive director and former players Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler and Rob Jones are working on a part time basis as coaches.

Add to that the fact that former midfielder Mike Marsh is a part of Rodgers' management team, and it seems as if the old Boot Room philosophy may just be making a return. Dalglish explained its importance back in 2011 when he returned as manager.

"The Boot Room shouldn't just be perceived as somewhere to go to have a drink with the opposition manager," recalled Dalglish. "Wherever you go, all teams should be the same. The Boot Room was somewhere were everything was discussed and everything that was pertinent to LFC was discussed in there.

"Certainly that's the way I've been brought up and that's how I try to be. I always include the staff and at the end of the day there's staff with various roles and responsibilities and we all get on with our jobs. The Boot Room unified everyone."

Now Dalglish is back and his influence will be felt throughout the club, as described by principal owner John W Henry who said: "From the dressing room to the boardroom, we are creating a structure that will take Liverpool back to the top. It is not an easy task. Kenny brings the sort of intelligence, experience and knowledge that will help us reach our goals."

While Dalglish will wield his influence in the boardroom, the likes of Fowler, McManaman and Jones will help inspire the next generation of Liverpool youngsters who will be encouraged to spend their careers at the Merseyside club.

"It's great to have Robbie, Steve and Rob on board," Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo. "I said at the end of last season that I wanted to get more former players involved and over the off-season I spoke to a number of them about a possible role here.

"For me it's so important to have players like that around. These are players who the young guys look up to. The three of them have come in recently and I know they have thoroughly enjoyed having that involvement of working with the kids."

Liverpool are desperate to recreate the halcyon days that saw them dominate domestically and across Europe. The Boot Room was an essential part of that success, the question is now, can this nod to the past finally end their long wait for a league title?