League Managers' Association chief executive John Barnwell says Joe Fagan richly deserves his place in football's Hall of Fame. The former Liverpool manager has died at the age of 80 after a long illness.

Fagan, the last of the famous bootroom boys to take charge of the first team, led the club to an unprecedented Treble in 1984 of Championship, League Cup and European Cup- his first ful lseason in charge.

But his second deason ended tragically at Heysel when 39 people died before the European Cup final against Juventus. Three months before the final, Fagan announced that he would retire at the end of the season.

Bramwell said today: " What he achieved in 1984 when they won the Treble was remarkable. Joe managed to maintain the philosophy started by Bill Shankly and carried on by Bob Paisley.

"It is now so sad that all three men have passed away. The bootroom was a special place and unlike anything you will see in the modern game.

"Joe's name was synonymous with success and he will take his place not just in the history of Liverpool but the history of football."

Liverpool assistant manager Phil Thompson led the tributes at Anfield to Fagan. "Joe was a fantastic person and of course a fantastic manager," he said. "He did a tremendous job for Liverpool and was very proud of what he achieved."

Former Liverpool executive vice-chairman Peter Robinson said: "Joe was a lovely man and a great servant to the club." Paul Walsh shot to prominence in English football after an impressive spell with Luton and he was one of Fagan's first signings.

"He was not manager for very long, but there is unbelievable respect for him all around Merseyside," Walsh told Radio Four's Today programme.

"He was a very down to earth guy, there were no airs and graces about him.