Heaven Up Here

The story of Liverpool's 1981/82 season, set against a uniquely Scouse social and cultural backdrop. Liverpool is a city ravaged by recession and on the pitch things aren't much better. The Reds lie adrift in 12th place at Christmas. But Bob Paisley pulls a masterstroke by replacing Phil Thompson with Graeme Souness as captain. The rest is history.

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It's August 1981 and Liverpool, a city already on its knees in the grip of Thatcherism, is reeling from the devastating effects of the summer riots. While Charles and Diana marry, Ian Botham wins the Ashes and Shergar romps to Derby glory, Liverpool is ablaze. Mass unemployment and widespread poverty reign and hope among the young is fading fast. All that is left to cheer is the football. On the pitch, Liverpool - the European champions - are struggling. The Reds lie adrift in 12th place at Christmas. Gates are falling, key players are ageing, or in the case of Ray Clemence, leaving. But Bruce Grobbelaar has arrived and Ian Rush and Ronnie Whelan are emerging. The axe falls on Phil Thompson's captaincy and the armband is awarded to his nemesis Graeme Souness. It was a Bob Paisley masterstroke. The Reds roared to a 13th league title and an epic Wembley defeat of Spurs to complete a memorable double. This is the story of that unforgettable season, set against a uniquely Scouse social and cultural backdrop.