A documentary airing on BBC4 revisits the lives and careers of three of British football’s most influential figures: Matt Busby, Bill Shankly, and Jock Stein. Directed by Jonny Owen, the 2020 film titled *The Three Kings* explores the enduring legacies of these managers, who shaped the sport during a transformative era and remain widely revered.

Busby, Shankly, and Stein were all born within a 30-mile radius of each other in Scotland’s industrial heartland, an area marked by its mining communities. Each began his working life as a miner before football provided a pathway out of the pits into a wider world. Their shared background played a significant role in their approach to the game and their relationship with supporters.

The documentary traces their managerial tenures in prominent British football clubs—Busby at Manchester United, Shankly at Liverpool, and Stein at Celtic—highlighting how they guided their teams to success and built strong bonds with their fan bases. Shankly’s famous quote that football was “more important than just a matter of life and death” encapsulates the passion and cultural significance the sport held under their stewardship.

Interviews included in the film emphasize the trio’s grounded nature and the connections they maintained with their working-class roots, even as the game grew in popularity and commercial value. The camaraderie among Busby, Shankly, and Stein is also highlighted, demonstrating a mutual respect and enjoyment of each other’s achievements throughout their careers.

The film offers a contrast to contemporary football, suggesting that some of the qualities embodied by these managers—such as humility, community ties, and collective spirit—have been diminished amid today’s increasing commercialization and celebrity culture in the sport.

*The Three Kings* airs at 10 p.m. on BBC4 and provides an in-depth look at the lives of three men widely considered secular saints in British football history, whose leadership helped define an era and left a lasting impact on the game.