Paisley was born in Hetton-le-Hole and went to school in Eppleton. He won an F.A. Amateur Cup winner's medal with Bishop Auckland, before signing as a professional for Liverpool in 1939. He played some 200 games for the club before going on to the training side, eventually becoming first team coach. When Bill Shankly resigned in 1974, Paisley took over, rather reluctantly, as manager. From then until his own retirement in 1983, Liverpool were phenomenally successful, winning six league championships, three European Cups and the UEFA Cup - in all 19 trophies in eight years. Liverpool went 85 games unbeaten at home at one period. Ironically, he himself was a Sunderland supporter.
In effect, Paisley built up three great Liverpool sides in those years and can fairly be regarded as the most successful English club manager of all time.