Stand up Pinocchio : from the kop to the top

Phil Thompson is steeped in Liverpool FC. He was the proud young Kopite who became Bill Shankly's last great prodigy.

As the sorcerer's apprentice, he was destined to become club captain, hold the European Cup above his head and win every honour in the domestic game.

He would play for and captain England. He would become a proud member of the famous Liverpool Boot Room team, only to be sacked by Graeme Souness.

Like a red phoenix from the flames he would storm back to become Gerard Houllier's Assistant Manager and later act as caretaker boss as his new mentor prepared for a life-saving heart surgery.

This is a remarkable football story will make you laugh and make you cry.

Forget the sky-high salaries and cynicism that dogs the modern game.

This is a real football story that will make you laugh and make you cry. "Stand Up Pinnochio". You've heard the chant. Now find out about the real Thommo. It's the story that takes you right inside Anfield for over three decades.