1st!!

^^

Even the most optimistic Red would concede that the title is beyond our reach this season.

I still dont get it… why would Rafa replace Xabi with Barry?

is it the next transfer target would be another spanish and he wants Barry for the EUFA players quota?

An entertaining blog, Gerry, and I will make sure to get my hands on a copy of the book.

What I have always been intrigued with is the connection that Liverpool have had with Ireland.

What exactly are the social connections?

And why is there not as strong a connection with Everton as there is with the Reds? Or maybe there is?

I’ve educated myself on a lot of thing about liverpool, but these issues are something that I could not properly ascertain.

Perhaps reading the book will!

I have only visited Liverpool and have never been to Ireland but it would be great if I can get to live in either some day.

Ffs, be more professional, Wigan. Disgusting.

————————

Wigan owner Dave Whelan said: ‘I think United are the heart and soul of football. Bobby (Charlton) is an ambassador and does a fantastic job for football.

‘When you talk about the maestro (Ferguson) himself, he is just something different. He’s probably the greatest manager that football has ever seen.
‘I wish I had been in a position to play under him. He is Man U through and through. It is just a pleasure to shake his hand and welcome him to Wigan.

‘I always have a drink with Bobby afterwards. Sir Alex always has a drink with Steve Bruce and they get on so well together. It is just a shame if we lose or if we beat Man U.’
Before Liverpool supporters jam the Wigan switchboard, Whelan did add that his club would be in ‘dreamland’ if they could beat United. Whether anything could persuade him to take down any of the Ferguson photos that adorn the walls of the JJB is another matter.
Bruce – as accommodating as ever – stressed later that Whelan ‘just wants local people to do well’.
————————————-

Faint hope, but I have to keep on doing it, but jesus, how can anyone be so fond of the mancs and fungus. It is just beyond me.

Gerry, as a Scouser of Irish descent I look forward to reading the Book.
Like you say there is always a good contingent of Irish fans who come over every home game to support the reds, and in this day and age that isn’t cheap.
So I wish them all well for continuing to do it.

Let’s Hope Wigan does suffer Temporary Amnesia
for a few ours and gets something out of the Scum…

Congrats on your contribution to the book Gerry, maybe you’ll be writing a full one of your own one day!

Sadly, Wigan’s motivation levels for putting up a mid-week fight against the mancs is probably about as low as you can get. They are just waiting for the end of season so they can go on holiday, Steve Bruce has said his players are mentally already there. And sadly again, Bruce knows that if they put up a pathetic performance and the mancs run over the top of them, no one at Wigan is going to criticise him one bit – they’ll just continue to worship the mancs.

I’ve also found that the less I expect from teams against the mancs, the better the result – the last time I didn’t even bother keeping an eye on a manc game in the run-in was when they lost to Fulham, so I certainly won’t be keeping an eye on this one and just hoping for a nice surprise when I wake up tomorrow.

The small little blessing in disguise – and I know it pales in comparison – is that if it IS all over by the last game of the season, at least we can probably expect to see Sami getting one last run-out in front of the Kop. Of course it’d be much nicer to send him off with a winner’s medal.

I have just been reading the advise Steve Bruce is giving to Ronaldo and Tevez….
‘Once you leave Old Trafford you find it very difficult. Not many have gone on to do well elsewhere, whether they have been a reserve or have been there for 10 years. It’s very difficult to adjust. Sir Alex Ferguson has to be the No 1 manager of all time.’
and this is the manager of the team we need to beat United tonight…. no chance!!!
I can’t help thinking 3 wins instead of 3 draws and things could have been so different, we wouldn’t have been relying on Furguscum worshippers to do us favours!!

As always hearty congrats Gerry for the role you, and another fav of mine Paul “PT” Tomkins, played in the Irish Kop. The more I read about Kopites, Kop life and all things Liverpool the more I’m proud to be Red. I can relate to the Irish contribution in my own way – that of an outsider. Like the Irish, who’re distinctly Irish and also British, I’m a Kenyan, an African, and citizen of the world. I’m all things at all times but very Kopite in my heart of hearts.

I enjoy reading about the camaraderie all Reds share, the hidden humor, perseverance through tragedies like Hillsborough, and all such. That is simply a reflection of the life I live here in sunny Nairobi, Kenya – ancestral home of Ja K’Ogello, Barack Obama, and the new South African Defence Minister (married to a Kenyan man, also of Luo descent!). It makes me relate very well to Liverpool life.

That said, can we win the PL this season? I choose to wax philosophical on that one. We ARE winners regardless. We’ve broken all previous glass ceilings: 1) Rafa cannot coach in the PL if his life depended on it; 2) The Reds are ‘yet to muster any win against fellow Big Four members’; 3) Indeed, the Reds are the smallest members of the Big Four; 4) The Reds are simply Gerrard-Torres; 5) The Reds are primarily defensive; 6) ALL RELATED NONSENSE!

In truth, what’s REALLY scaring opponents is that the Reds ARE BACK! We have The Manager, a brilliant squad – about to get better (please come to Anfield Senor Tevez. The environment there is just tailormade for you); fabulous fans; great history; and the best ‘little’ stadium in the world game.

We ARE winners regardless. How many teams anywhere have built a winning squad with the little money RB has used, not to forget the hell-on-earth his managerial reign has endured from Dumb and Dumber, Esq.?

Can Man U fail to get four required points? Can the unlikeliest of opponents (read colorless Wigan, slumping Arsenal, and drop-bound Hull)? Stranger things have happened in soccer. Remember Istanbul? The Gerrard FA cup final? Our 5-0 aggregate demolition of Madrid? Our near comeback win at Chelsea in the CL’s quarters this year?

I will believe. It’s not over yet.

SG has won the Football Writers’ Award. Congrats Stevie!

Super blog Ger, and congrats on your piece getting published. I know Diggers Mam will be getting a call today and a request of ‘get thee to a bookstore!’ Hopefully I’ll get it here stateside in a couple of weeks. My favourite Irish Red would be either Whelan or Aldo. Ronnie has to be one of the most under-rated players of all time, just brilliant. What I loved about Aldo (apart from the goals!) was the expression on his face as he’d run towards Barnes or Beardo after burying another one, classic!

By the way, the new away kit is officially released – dark grey, I like it a lot. Reina’s bright yellow outfit makes him look like pacman though.

Is anyone else shocked that SG won Football Writers Footballer of the Year? Not about him as a player but that a Liverpool player winning it. Surely with his fanbloodytastic contribution this year Ryan Giggs should have gotten it along with the PFA award

I see the Mirror and the Guardian are reporting this morning that we’re back in for Silva. No quotes in either article but the Mirror say we’ve made a 15mil bid. Well, as the song goes i dont know much about history, dont much biology, but I do know if thats true both the Valencia and Liverpool boards would have had a good laugh! Valencia: ‘lol! good one!’ Liverpool: ‘oh yeah! We got you good! No, really, we’re just yanking your chain. So, 15.5 then? Ah! Got ye again!!’

Nice one Gerry. I can relate with having one of your own in the team and Heighway being your hero. I think the whole of Jamaica supported Liverpool when John Barnes was signed and got superstar status. I don’t think they were able to travel to the kop as much as the Irish though Whenever I wear my Liverpool jersey over there I get stopped in the street or on the beach by someone who wants to wax lyrical about the club.

Digger, I remember the Aldo face expression as he ran towards Barnes and Beardo after scoring another brilliant goal. Just sheer elation! Ronnie Whelan is definitely one of the most underated players ever. I remember the John Motson commentating “And Whelan’s curled one… 1-0!” As if it was a routine finish from him.

Congrats to Stevie for winning the Football writers player of the year. First LFC player to do so since John Barnes in 1990.

Congrats to Gerrard for winning the award.

Yes, all kind of speculation going on. Tevez,Silva,Alonso.

What if we are bought by DIC or some sheikh? Then cash wont be a problem right? Does anyone have any news on that front? Anything news from your side FS?

Tonights game looks to be destined for one result only. Steve Bruce is more concerned to tell Ronaldo and Tevez that they will go down if they leave OT. What a disgrace? Does he not realize the importance of this match for us? Or is he deliberately trying to prove that he is ManU loyalist.

Also the big clubs have approved the quota system. Can anyone throw light on that news? Is that one of the reason why Rafa might just sell Alonso if he gets $30m?

Yeah LB, Aldo’s celebrations with Barnes and Beardsly were classic, the looks on their faces were priceless. Aldos mouth agape, Barnes in the tears laughing, it was almost as if they were saying to one another ‘did you SEE that?!’, ‘I know! Cant believe you volleyed that cross in!!’ Brilliant, just brilliant. Love Stevie and Nandos ultimate bromance celebrations nowadays but those 3 back then were classic.

Digger, one of my favourite goals was Beardo against Arsenal at Anfield with Barry Davis commentating. I watched it live and was full of joy. Barnes did some skill and crossed it into Aldo but the shot was blocked. It came out to Beardo who volleyed a thunder bolt into the top corner at the Kop End. I’ll never forget the roar from the fans while Beardo ran around not knowing what to do with himself so just held one finger aloft.

Another moment was the semi final goal in 89 when Aldo volleyed a Barnes cross in the net after the latter exchanged a lovely one-two with Beardo. The fans behind the goal went apeshit while the players looked like little kids they were so happy.

And lastly the Hesky drive into the top corner at Elland Rd in the FA cup 2001. Scousers went crazy while Emile just took in the moment in front of them.

I’d have loved to be behind the goals in those games.

The fan reaction definitely make the moment more joyful. Imagine a great goal greeted with silence. Not quite the same eh?

Super stuff Gerry.

I must get me hands on that book i remember going to anfield by boat from dublin in the early 90`s and then by flight from Dublin(THE CORK-LIVERPOOL FLIGHT HAD NOT YET ARRIVED).So it was train to dublin then boat or plane from there.

Things are so much easier nowadays to get over.The flight from cork to liverpool is now 50 mins.

P.S.

Congrats to Steven Gerrard.At least somebody recognises he was in fact the best player this season.
Surprised giggs didn`t come second or third though!

Jesus just checked it out giggs did come second!

And i was just about to give the football writers some rare credit.

Not now you dippy bastards.

Yeah unforgettable goals for sure LB. Was Beardos goal the one where Davies said ‘Beardsly!! Ohh! Thats a lovely goal! Thats. A. Lovely goal!!’? As for fans reactions, i’ll never forget the travelling kop after Barnes free kick in the cup semi final in 92. Far canal! Just absolute bedlam! It seemed like the camera was even shaking!! I just cried like a little girl lol! I dont know why but I remember moments like those from childhood with more clarity than more recent ones. I dunno, beer to blame perhaps?!

Nice blog Gerry. Although I was born and raised in the South of England, my dad is a Paddy, and therefore by blood I am half Irish and very proud of it.

The old man is from Mullingar, Co. Westmeath and I have been over to Ireland many times, every Summer as a kid.

This book sounds like a great idea to me, and I will make sure I get a copy.

My Dad always used to tell me that Liverpool was considered to be the second capital of Ireland, and let me know a little about the history behind that. Celtic Football Club was founded by Irishmen and they wear the Shamrock on thier shirts as well as having You’ll never walk alone as thier anthem. Perhaps that’s why Celtic fans were the most vocal in their support for justice for the 96 than any other club outside Merseyside.

I feel that there should be a stronger bond between Liverpool and Celtic fans, though obviously non-Catholic LFC fans would not agree with that.

Yeah thats the goal Digger. I think childhood memories of joy stick more than recent ones. For example some late 80s goals stick more in my memory than the Gerrard strikes against Olympiakos and West Ham in the FA cup final.

Fs was right about silly season in the papers. All of them think Rafa has made a £15m take it or leave it offer for Silva. The Daily Mail reckon Stuart Downing is Rafa’s number transfer target. That better be bullshit.

Digger, did you write this? (stick h in front)

ttp://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0500liverpoolfc/0100news//tm_headline=red-watch-rafael-benitez-must-be-targeting-quality-not-quantity%26method=full%26objectid=23612306%26siteid=50061-name_page.html

I tried posting a link from the daily post website but its not having it. So I’ll paste it….

Red Watch: Rafael Benitez must be targeting quality not quantity

AS THE footballing fates prepare to light the funeral pyre of our Premier League hopes, a consensus appears to be growing that, with some skilful activity in the transfer market, next season might, just might, be the season when our 19th title belatedly arrives in the Anfield roll-of-honour.

Whereas only those of us of the Red persuasion seemed to fancy us at the start of this season, more and more commentators appear to be willing to stick their neck out and predict that it will be Liverpool, rather than the Stamford Bridge sixth-formers or the Arsenal newts, who will challenge the recent domination of the Hellhounds of Hogwarts.

Certainly the recent transformation of the previously cautious Reds into carefree, free-scoring hedonists provides plenty of evidence to build a convincing case that this team has reached a new stage in its development, one which needs just a tweak on the tiller to steer it to true glory.

There are others, of course, who point to the summer of 2002, when Houllier’s Liverpool seemed poised to build on second place and mount a serious title challenge, only for the transfer pixies to sprinkle not gold dust on Anfield, but dump a large amount of horse manure in the shape of Diouf, Diao and Cheyrou. That was the end of that and, ultimately, Houllier.

So if we are to take that final step next season, Rafa had better think long and hard about who he adds to the mix in the close season; and let’s face it, his record isn’t brilliant is it?

Encouragingly, he has been making noises recently about looking for quality rather than quantity, having apparently realised that 62 professionals might just be enough to get us through the season.

The thing is that quality costs, which means that the manager is going to have to supplement whatever he can squeeze out of our credit-crunched Americans through unloading a few of the aforementioned bloated complement.

But surely, surely this cannot include Alonso? Despite Rafa’s protests, rumours of his departure persist, not surprisingly since he was being carted round Europe like Carla Bruni last summer.

If Benitez is tempted by the big bucks bound to be waived in his direction for the midfield maestro, then he would do well to contemplate a fans’ mutiny that would make Fletcher Christian look like Alan Carr.

No, there must be plenty in the queue ahead of Xabi, even if we might have to sell five or six to raise a similar amount.

Assuming there will be the usual loose change raised by the annual cull of striplings emerging from the Academy battery farm, coffers will need to be boosted by the departure of a few of those who might be conspicuously avoiding the skip in the Main Stand car park for fear of being thrown in.

Not many fans would spill their beer should Dossena, Degen (who?), Pennant, Voronin and Leto find themselves otherwise employed come next August; we should raise about £10m for that lot.

With a reasonable donation from the States, that could leave £30m burning a hole in Rafa’s pocket, a sum he’ll probably have to supplement by losing one or more of Riera, Babel or Lucas.

Each will have their sponsors, but in truth any could be sacrificed to pay for just two high-quality replacements: Gareth Barry to strengthen the left side, plus a top-class withdrawn striker/winger to add penetration and enable some variation with or without Torres.

But no more £6-8m ‘bargains’ please; and, for the love of God, no more hopeless full-backs.

Yeah I was laughing at that 15mil bid non-story earlier. What a classic! Where do they get them?! And the Downing one too. ‘Alright, boro are doomed, who we gonna link Downing with today boys? C’mon think, think, think.’ ‘Think boss?’ ‘Yeah think you fucken excuse for a journalist’ ‘How bout we throw a dart at the prem league table?’ ‘A dart you say? Why, that just might work! You’re a genius smith, a genius I tell you!’ Just another day in the life of the National media….

Digger, what were you doing drinking beer in your childhood? lol!

Great news about SG. If ever a player deserved a reward, this is it……. At least the writers have got some knowledge of what a great player Stevie is.

Gerty, another Stevie (Mr Heighway) was also one of my favourite Reds from the 70′s era.

If you were 8 in 1973 then I am slightly older than you, and can recall that era as if it were only yesterday, as I’m sure you also can. Oh, the memories.

If anyone ever mentions John Barnes goals for Liverpool, I can’t help joining in. I absolutely idolised him in red shirt, he was awesome.

My favourite goal of his for the Reds was a curler into the corner against Aston Villa at Anfield to secure a 2-1 win in front of the Kop.

The angle was so tight, I still don’t know how he managed to get the ball in the goal. It was one of those where the ball had so little room to enter the goal, that it was bouncing in the six yard box just as soon as it had been acknowledged as having actually entered the goal. Stunning skill.

And if memory serves me right, this was achieved with his weaker right foot. John Barnes. Sheer Genius.

For “Gerty” Read Gerry. Maybe I have been drinking!

Will Sami H be having a testimonial?.Are there any tickets left for the charity game @ Anfield?.I saw a picture of Lawro trying to get fit for the game and he looked well shattered!.The right side of midfield is the first thing Rafa has to sort out.

But Burger man we have Kuytinho on the right wing? 11 league goals and 6 assists this season.

Kuytinho can play the same role as long as we get Silva on the left side or a support striker capable of delivering atleast 10 goals himself.

But i doubt it very much whether Rafa will drop Kuyt from the starting line up next season. He works so hard. Fantastic professional.

LB, surely its not that Kuytinho cant be replaced with a better player. It looks difficult at this moment though.

If Kuyt played as a striker he might score 20 prem goals a season!.I am thinking along the lines of a right sided John Barnes.There must be some right-wingers/wing backs out there,in Eastern Europe perhaps.El -Zahr doesn’t seem that great.

Steve, Barnes was indeed a genius and 2nd only to Maradona at that time as far as I’m concerned. And I mean that. I agree with LB and Somnath Burgerman. How could we drop Diggler now? And thats coming from one of Dirks fiercest critics! Credit where credits due. The lads had a great season and deserves to be considered our starting RM next yr.

If we line up like this on opening day I’m running to the bookies: Pepe, Arbeloa, Dagger, Carra, Insua, Dirk, Mascher, Xabi, Silva, Stevie, Torres. Subs: Skertl, Nemeth, Barry(we know its gonna happen), Fabio, Degen, Babel, Cavalieri. Out: Itanje, Dossena, Riera(only if we got Silva obviously), Lucas, Peanut, Voronin. I think thats a significant upgrade in quality combined with minimal disruption. Obviously Skertl would split time with JC and Barry likewise with Masch for home games. Thoughts anyone?

I like that first team but I’m not sure about turfing Riera or Lucas Digger.

@Diggerno

Next season i think we will see more number of matches where Agger and Skrtel will play together. Rest as you have mentioned looks awesome. I dont think Riera,Dossena,lucas will leave.

The starting line up looks rock solid nevertheless.

Somnath, LB, completely hear where ye’re coming from on lucas and Riera but the moneys gotta come from somewhere! And ultimately if my plan came together I think we’d be happy with their replacements no?!

Some positive news on the Xabi saga.

ttp://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5321150,00.html

Stick the ‘h’ in front.

@Digger

Yeah money has to come from somewhere.I agree. When i wrote my earlier post i felt this might be the reason why you mentioned their name. But i doubt Rafa will sell Dossena,Lucas,Riera. Babbel is the favourite to leave right now. He might be sold according to me.

Plus tell me onething Digger, how many players we are actually bringing in? Do you think it will more than 2? I have my doubts on that. Rafa might just go for one $15-20m player and another under $10m. I dont know, its my guess.

Surely the americans will give him $20m in cash. Keane’s money will used. PLus if Babel gets a decent offer in addition to the other sells(Itandje etc etc) i think it will be done and dusted at that.

I am not sure. Just wild guess.

My favourite barnes goal was the free kick against aresnal at anfield in 1990.I remember brian moores(i think that was the commentaters name) saying “baaaarnes….. cuuuurls it,brilliant goal”.

I remember watching it because it was one of those rare sunday afternoon live games that were on ITV at the time.

He has obviouslty scored better goals but that one stands out in my mind the most.

I think 2 maybe Somnath. 3 tops. I think everyone including Rafa seems to agree that its fine tuning time now, quality not quantity. I think you’re right about a ten mil player (Barry) and a 15-20 mil player (Silva?). After that? Depends on funds I guess. Timmy its always the goals from our childhood that standout right?! Even though I’ve no idea what age you are lol! Loved them Sunday afternoon ITV broadcasts too….sigh…nostalgia eh? Wheres Fatty? Surely a little toothache hasnt laid you low big fella?

The new away kit would look really nice with the gold premier league badge on the arm….

I often moan about “Football Tourists.” I’m right to an all. Since the creation of Sky and the premiere league more and more have zoned in on Anfield to the point that they are now threatening to destroy the very atmoshpere that attracted them in the first place. And it’s got worse and worse every passing season since Istanbul.

It’s like Tourism itself. Millions of people passing through the likes of The Statue of Liberty, Stonehenge, etc, to the point that their very presence is threatening the very thing they come to see.

Thank fuck they built Disneyland in America. At least when them millions want to see “Paris” they can stay in Clifornia to see it. I suppose the footy equivalent is the Club Super Stores that are springing up all over the world.

Some might take offence at that. I don’t really care. It has to be said and it’s nothing I haven’t said before.

Also, having said it, it isn’t knocking proper fans. I have no problem with fans, genuine fans, from any part of the world coming to Anfield. Over the years at Anfield, I have got to know lads from Ireland, Scotland, Norway and many different parts of England. I’ve known some of them lads since the 70′s and indeed some of them go to the matches far more often than me. I know a few season ticket holders from Norway and Yorkshire. So, I don’t include these people when I say “Football Tourists.”

Unlike the tourists, these lads come to sing and support. They add to the atmoshphere not detract or dilute it. I know these are the sort of people that Gerry is talking about in the blog. And I honestly don’t know a Scouser who objects to them people being at Anfield.

As I say, this might offend some people. It shouldn’t but if it does… too bad. It’s something dear to my heart. I had to recently tell a few young lads they shouldn’t take a certain flag on The Kop. They’d spent a good bit of money on it. It was a decent looking flag. It was made with the best of intentions… It had no place on The Kop.

It was a large Cross Of St. George with Huntingdon Reds wrote upon it. Some of you may not even understand why that shouldn’t be on The Kop and I am too tired to explain it. But believe me, the next thing would be thousands of little plastic flags and organised karaoke. I’m sure none of us, wherever you are from, would want that to happen.

There is a tradition to supporting LFC. The people who Gerry wrote about in the blog are part of that tradition. They knew they was following something unique and took their place as part of it. They knew they was there to support, not to be entertained. They knew they had a part to play. They was a part of the original 12th man. That is not the case today.

The advent of cheap fast travel which made it easy for proper fans to come to Anfield, is just as available to the tourist. Internet ticket access also made it easy for them to gain access to the ground but has priced out huge numbers of the local support (The kids, the next generation).

Something nees to be done. But the club don’t care. They don’t want skint local kids there. Skint local kids don’t buy bags and bags of merchandise from the mega store or the exhorbantly priced shitty burgers and piss warm beer.

Sometimes when I go home to the match I can end up in the centenary stand. I swear I feel like saluting when I hear another Scouse voice. We really are becoming the minority in there. And for those who don’t know where the centenary stand is – that’s the part where you heard the boos coming from against West Ham.

I can stand outside there and I can spot the Irish supporters – I can spot the proper ones and the tourists. The lads who’ve been coming week in week out for years are there to watch the game. The ones who are making their probably only visit are the ones that think the rest of the crowd are there to watch them, in their jester hats and silly wigs. Even if you don’t see them, you can’t avoid them – they are the ones talking shite very very loudly, non stop throughout the match, that has nothing do with LFC or the match they are “Watching.”

A mate of mine told me he seen a woman knitting in there. I wouldn’t have it but from the way he insisted I had to sadly accept it as true.

I could go on and on about this. It’s something I feel very strongly about. It’s just another thing that is ruining football and LFC as I know it. And it’s not that I am just some old narky bastard. None of you would feel any different, if you was there watching our traditions being ruined by some fool in his jester hat, shouting… Whoarya! Whoarya! Whoarya! …because he thinks what he sees on Soccer AM actually has something to do with supporting LFC.

There is a tradition and history of supporting LFC that stops us from just becoming another Theatre of Prawn Sandwiches. It’s a tradition that gives us great anthems like The Fields Of Anfield Road, instead of pathetic silly chants of Whoarya! Whoarya! And at best, visitors should try to enhance it. At worst they should just shut up, enjoy the atmosphere, leave it to the proper supporters – wherever they might be from – and try to learn from them. And I know plenty of Irish, Scots and Norwegian lads who feel exactly the same way.

Digger #40. I have been working. Had to abandon it and just got home soaked to the skin. But as you can see, I was having my rant when you asked.

Great blog as usual Gerry and from my early memories there was always a strong core of Irish in the squad.

I loved Ireland when I traveled there and have very fond if somewhat fuzzy memories of Bad Bobs in Dublin, Guinness with Jameson chasers and the famous line from one of the Irish Production Managers to one girl that was with us, “She’s evenly balanced, has a chip on both shoulders” 1986 I think. Great place.

I cannot believe some of the post here and the last bog. We have scored 72 goals, ManU a distant second with all there expensive and famous strikers, we really have clicked and pushed on in the second half of the year as an attacking force, yes defensively we have suffered a bit from individual mistakes. It takes time to gel people, hello and some want to get rid of 5 or 6 players and bring in new ones. We have beaten and at the worst drawn to the top half of the table so we are not that far away and with a bit of luck (still might, don’t really believe that, more hoping) we could have wrapped it up this year.

Alonso is going nowhere; Barry will not be coming to Liverpool, especially at the expense of Lucas, who in my opinion is a better option. We have left sided players coming out of our ears and the right side is in need of strengthening. 2 players are all we need, RB and RM/ striker but more of a wide role. Babel should be given another year and played more centrally and the only players that need to be moved on is Peanut (already gone) Vorinon (ditto but get the money 4mill) Sammie (obviously), Leto, Intandj and some youngsters that wont make the grade but will go on to play decent football at other teams.

If we start next year as we are finishing this one, with some extra cover and quality for the two positions I mentioned we will be in with more than a decent shout. This squad and team will be that much stronger next year as our youngster’s progress and we gel as a team. Hell we are or could have been good enough this year. With the way this team is attacking now (it takes time for a team to understand each other) sometimes without Torres and Gerrard the draws we got this year will be rare next year.

Have faith with 30 to 40 mill ( 20 odd as per usual, 5-10 odd from sales and 10-15 odd from the Keane deal) a couple of quality additions and we are there.

As for those calling for Dossena’s head I would give him another year, Aureleo is not reliable fitness wise and he has made a lot of howlers in the run in this year. Insua is a youngster and cannot be asked to play all the time. If we need cover for the central left mid, I would used Aurelleo to sit on the bench instead of bringing in Barry, he did a good job against P’Smith.

Keep the Team the same but add 2 at the very most 3 if Rafa happens to sell one of Babel or Dossena or Reira (cant see that happening)

Hitting 30 in july dig still in me childhood!

HA! Just got this link from a mate of mine….
ttp://img142.imageshack.us/img142/8856/ronaldoo.gif

After giving you lads me rant, I thought I’d give you a laugh. And I kid you not, it’s not some bit of photo shop wizardry. It’s real. Me mate reckons Ronaldo won’t be going anywhere now!

Fatty i can understand what you mean about the vibe in the centenary stand.I was in in there last november and i was well up for a sing song to support the team.My buddy and i were chanting away but we felt alone in there.It`s very hard to chant along when most around you don`t give a toss.

The atmosphere at anfield has definatley lost something in the last few years.I`m only going there since the early 90`s but i can safely say that even when we we`re winning fuck all under roy evans those games and atmospheres were the best i`ve ever been to.

The club don`t realise it but if they lose the next generation of youngsters from the local area coming to the game because they ate priced out of it,then they will be losing the very soul of the club and what makes LFC different from every other club.

I know FS that the SOS meet with the club from time to time.Maybe they could suggest that the club do something to accomodate the youngsters IF and when we ever move into the new stadium.
Something like sectioning off one or two thousand seats just for under 16`s at a reduced price or something along those lines i don`t knoe just a thought.

Keith what are you basing your ‘Barry will not be coming to Liverpool’ comment on? You’re calling for a RM/wide player which would mean dropping Dirk no? Surely that would be disruptive not to mention unfair to Dirk. He’s had a stellar year. 11 goals and surely quite a few assists too. Cant ask for too much more really can we? Thoughts mate?

Keith, I find all the speculation somewhat disrespctful of Rafa, but I wouldn’t worry what some people are saying. I reckon the transfers will be spot on this summer. If Alonso goes – which I think he won’t – it will be for reasons we will probably never learn, but ultimately for the good of all concerned.

And I reckon that will be the case in any player sales. As for new players, I’m sure Rafa and Macia will get that right. There won’t be any leaked news in the media, unless they want it. And there won’t be any long drawn ut hagling debacles. There’ll be approaches made, and deals done or knocked back. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me if all our transfer activity was more or less done already.

Thats class FS.

I swear he`s a proper bender.

Max clifford was on the Late Late show on RTE here in ireland last year and was asked does he have any gay premier league footballers on his books.He said he had a very high profile but obviously couldn`t name him because it would practically destroy his career.He did say that its his job to have the said footballer photographed quite a lot in public with a female to divert any gay rumours.

About a week later…..there he is,the ladyboy pictured left right and centre with a spanish woman practically everyday for a month solid.

I`m no sherlock holmes but i`d say he was definately on about ladyboy.It all adds up.

Pics for a month,then all of a sudden the relationship is over.

Ya right pull the other one ladyboy..or actually don`t bother you`ve done enough already

A link beween Liverpool and Ireland lays to rest 200 yards from my house.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnes_Elizabeth_Jones

She grew up in the house in front of mine and is buried in an old graveyard next dor to her former home.

“Agnes Elizabeth Jones (1832 – 1868) of Fahan, County Donegal, Ireland became the first trained Nursing Superintendent of Liverpool Workhouse Infirmary. She gave all her time and energy to her patients and died at the age of 35 from typhus fever. Florence Nightingale said of Agnes Elizabeth Jones, ‘She overworked as others underwork. I looked upon hers as one of the most valuable lives in England.’”

I actually visited he grave last night, as it was a sunny evening and I took the wee lad out on his bike.

Just realised that I posted a minute ago with a link to a wikipedia site but forgot to to away the “H”.

Well lets have it danman…..

well, fs, I am much younger than you but I share your sentiments. However, I think it is quite difficult to entirely stop the tide, so to speak.

I mean, if you ask me, I hate the premierleague song being turned on at matches, I hate the champions league song being blasted out before games, and I miss the wooden advertising boards ( though I do not, at any cost, want the all standing back).

But can they be turned back?

And then there will always be a generation gap, and any loss of tradition from that is, to a certain extent, unavoidable.

For instance, people are now conveniently forgetting that a year ago, Kuyt was “worthy” of being slated.

But anyone who has been educated the liverpool way, would not consider slating kuyt even from last years’ performance. I think people of your generation can fully appreciate someone like Kuyt. I like to think that I can appreciate Kuyt not because I understand football (although that helps obviously) but because I know that it is just like liverpool to have someone so rare like him in our squad.

But others may not be able to grasp that Kuyt is a rare breed that epitomises everthing great about Liverpool’s tradition and representing the working class.

There are people like digger and lb who regard Barnes as their god, and for them, he is probably the best liverpool player (Just to be clear, I am not critisizing you any way, btw, digger and lb). Although I do not share the same sentiments, since I am the same age as them I can fully understand where they are coming from. However, people who really have seen in flesh the likes of Billy Liddell, Ian Callaghan, Peter Thompson and Steve Heighway may be a bit offended by such “young and hasty” judgment of regarding Barnes as our best ever winger.

I’ve supported the club from around 86 and I have tried to get myself educated in many ways.
But I still have too much respect for the Kop to ever sit there even if I could get a ticket, not yet anyway. I love watching the Kop and I am proud of the Kop, but I know that being an “outsider”, I would probably never be able to fit right in, or rather, I feel that I might spoil the atmosphere. As much as I would like to join in, I know my limits. I am innately a quiet little lad, I don’t and can’t drink because of allergies, etc, etc, and so I know I do not have a right to sit in the Kop. I worship that place that much.

What would you propose we should do to maintain the tradition?
I really can’t think of anything other than to keep on educating youngsters as much as you can.

It will be impossible to entirely cut off the “Sky Generation” but hopefully, we can all help to slow things down and limit them.

Do any of you Irish lads in here know the town of Mullingar?

We keep talking about adding creativity/striker to our squad this Summer, but apart from Insua we don’thave alot of pace in our defence. Should this be as much of a priority?

Tim thats a great idea for the younger fans. As for Ronaldo, has there ever been a doubt? Seriously? Not that theres anything wrong with it as Jerry Seinfeld would say! Quick question FS, dont go off on me!, are fans of other clubs, who speculate on possible summer transfer targets, being disrespectful of their managers? Personally I feel its what supporters do, in their nature even, to draw up wishlists, cross reference them, speculate etc etc. All part of silly season no? Thoughts?

First, speculating on transfers and all other rumors is part of being a football fan. We all do it. It’s not what I meant by disrespect Digger. But read some of the comments over the last two blogs and if you can’t see what I mean then I can’t really explain it.

Like in the previous blog, I found it disrespectful that people would take more notice to shite rumours in shite papers than what Rafa had to say.

I also said look at what Rafa had done since sorting out his own contract. He said what he was going to do beforehand and he has kept his word. So, yes. I find it disrespectful that people would get all worked up over some shite rumour, and trust it more than a man who works tirelessly on their behalf.

As for the atmosphere and keeping it, there’s a few steps the club could take, some they can’t, and some they won’t because it would cost them some extra revenue.

But give them their due, they have taken some steps to help and they are still better than most clubs in that regard.

An old friend of mine who’s near 70 and suffers from Parkinson’s recently got a letter off the club out of the blue. This man is a lifelong supporter, hasn’t missed a home game in something like 50 years and has been a season ticket holder for 40 years. His seat is up the back of the old Kemlyn Rd stand. The club contacted him saying they were sorry to hear of his bad health and asked if he would like to move down to pitch side as it would be easier for him to enter and leave the ground and he wouldn’t have to walk up all the stairs.

So, if you see a walking stick clouting the likes of Ronaldo by the touch line next year, you’ll know who it is.

The club also gave SOS three seating blocks inside the Kop. It keeps locals and staunch out of towners together and they are the ones who you can hear starting all the singing. So, as I say they do try to help.

But please Hyde, or any one else, don’t let anything I say put you off going in the kop. It’s something all Liverpudlians should do. But if you do, just enjoy it and join in.

As for sorting it out, here’s what I would do… Have a safe standing section. It’s possible to have standing and safety in this day and age. The standing section should hold at least 10,000 and it should have pay as you enter turnstyles not tickets. This would ensure a good atmosphere at least a half hour before a ball is kicked.

There also should be a small boys pen, where the next generation can learn. And there should also be a cheap lads and dads section.

All them shite CL, Premiere league soundtracks shouldn’t be allowed to interfere with YNWA. Flags should be kept Scouse… as in witty, prolific and pertaining to LFC, and not some shite St. George’s Crosses with some town or alehouse scrawled across them. And the likes of Whoarya! Whoarya! should be stamped out.

There’s more but I’ll save that as it’s part of me dastardly plan for world football domination.

Steve the Red,
Mullingar is a town in West Meath, right in the heart of the Midlands.

What do you need to know about it?

Gerry will probably post my links when he gets round to it. It’s just about the connection between my small village and Liverpool.
Agnes Jones, the nurse responsible for nursing in Liverpool, was brought up and is buried 200 yards from my house.

Hyde, I will always favour the graceful skillful player over the not so talented workhorse. It’s why I prefer Federer over Nadal, Brian Lara over Chanderpaul, Ronnie O’Sullivan over Stephen Hendry, Torres over Kuyt. I’m the fan who applauds a step over or a back heel rather than a sliding tackle that goes out for a throw in. The guy who shows his bravery by demanding the ball, remaining composed on it, going past a couple of players and calmly putting it into the net will always get my vote over the guy who rolls up his sleeves and runs 10 miles in a game launching into tackles. However its obvious a great team needs both elements.

I think Kuyt deserved to be slated last season. Nobody is conveniently forgetting anything. He was performing poorly and played every week and I wanted him out of the side. This season however he has combined the work rate (which we all appreciated) with better performances, more skill, more goals and assists. He’s therefore now getting the credit that he deserves.

I also wanted Alonso to be sold to get Barry and I wanted a replacement for Arbeloa. Well Kuyt, Alonso and Arbie have been the most improved LFC players for some time. I admire when a sportsman turns it around like that. Not all of them do though and I’m afraid I don’t have the patience to watch a player for 3 full years before having an opinion on whether he should be in the team every week or not.

Digger, if its disrespectful to speculate on the possible comings and goings in the transfer market then the mind does indeed boggle. I actually like looking at the team, pretending I’m manager for a moment and trying to come up with how I might strengthen it. Then share those ideas with you guys and get thoughts.

The singer Joe Dolan was from Mullingar Steve, not sure if you ever herd of him, apart from that my knowledge on that subject is limited!

Now that Reading are not going up, would Kevin Doyle be a good back up striker since we are back on the Irish theme?

I reckon there are least 2to3 thousand at least travel from Ireland for every home game and unfortunately there would be a few tourists traveling also.

FS,
Here in Ireland, we have a standing area in Croke Park that fits around 6-7 thousand (I think), Hill 16. I’ve never seen any trouble with overcrowding in this area. The rest of the stadium is seated (80 odd thousand)

The only problem with it, is the Dubs think they own the area, but normally they get kicked out of the Championship early enough for the rest of us not to worry about it.

Read the comments properly LB and you will understand where disrespectful comes into it, or maybe not.

The term ‘safe standing’ what does it mean? How is it different from the old skool terracing? And does standing mean you’ll get a better atmosphere than sitting on your backside?

Genuine questions those – not taking the piss at all….

Allan Hansen said the atmosphere in big euopean matches at Anfield was a lot better than when he played. However the run of the mill game can be like a library.

Hyde, the reason Dirk got slated was because he was extraordinarily poor that season. The reason the criticism of Kyut became so pointed was that despite the complete absence of anything resembling form, Rafa persisted in playing him and that actually exacerbated the situation because as Dirk continued to struggle the criticism mounted. It was a vicious circle with Rafa more guilty than Dirk to be fair. But there you go, thats my take. I havent forgotten my criticism mate and I applaud Dirks complete 180.

Thanks Fatty, though I think you might be mistaking a good flap for disrespect. God save us all if Rafa actually sells Xabi! I’ll be donning camo gear when approaching the computer, it’ll be ww3 in here!

Hopefully it’s not a 360 next season Digger.

LB,
What I meant by safe standing is that the area isn’t filled to capacity, there is room to move.

I know I’d rather stand in Hill 16 at Croke Park than sit in one of the seated areas. Straight away, the atmosphere is different.

Amen to that LB! I agree Dan. Its 10 years since I’ve been to Croker but everytime the Faithful were on the march we used to take over the hill. The atmosphere was electric! I was one of the pitch invaders in ’98 at the ‘end’ of the Offaly vs Clare game when the ref blew up 5mins early. I scaled that fence at the foot of the hill – no mean feat when your half in the bag!! Ah well, we got our replay….those were the days

Just go on youtube, look at the old terraces, look at the terraces in other countries, if anyone thinks sitting on their arses is no different all I can say is… they are being contrary fuckers!

Here we go.

Joking aside, of course things can be differently nowadays. Look at some of the grounds in Germany, they have excellent very safe standing areas that generate huge noise and a fantastic atmosphere for even the most mundane of matches.

As for disrespect, I suppose it might be an age thing. I hate to say this in here as it usually degenerates into an argument. I once made a comment that Somnath didn’t understand. Funny enough, he thought I was being disrespectful by making it. Aitch then asked him if English was his first language. It was an inocent enough question. But also, quite understandbly, Somnath took exception and thought it could be racist.

I then told Somnath off as it was not meant in any racist way at all. I said there are many people in here from different backgrounds and if anything some of the problems in here could be cultural – a difference of understanding. All fine and well. Aitch, Somnath and myself all agreed it was just that – a misunderstanding caused by different cultures and our view of things.

Later on when another argument errupted, I again tried to calm it down by being a cultural thing and Aitch bollacked me for it. Cultural my arse or the likes he said.

Well, I’m not having a go at Aitch. I’m just explaining how somethings get confused in here. but I’m also starting to think it might be an age thing. I’m from a different generation than a lot of people and I tend to agree more with the lads who are nearer my age. We have more patientce.

Since 2005 we have preaching calmness and patientce. We done it over Rafa, Kuyt, Benayoun and Lucas to name a few.

And as the subject seems to be Kuyt, we’ll use him as an example…. when some where calling for his head, most of the older lads defended him, and by that also defended Rafa, and said he would come good. If some of the younger lads had had their way he would have been gone – as indeed would Rafa.

That’s not to bollack the younger fellas. Their opinions are just as warranted as the aul arses. But sometimes, well, put it this way…

A young Bull and an Old Bull are standing on top of a hill and looking down at a field full of cows. The young bull says….
Come on old fella lets run down there quick and fuck one of them.
The old Bull says…
I tell you what young un, why don’t we just stroll down and fuck the lot of them.

See Digger look at this….
Thanks Fatty, though I think you might be mistaking a good flap for disrespect. God save us all if Rafa actually sells Xabi! I’ll be donning camo gear when approaching the computer, it’ll be ww3 in here!

Well, if Rafa sells Xabi, I will be very disapointed. But I also won’t know all the why’s and wherefores behind the decision. So I will accept it and, as I have been saying for a couple of days, trust that Rafa has done the right thing for all concerned.

I understand LB and Digger, I really do know where you are coming from, trust me, we grew up watching the same football. It is just that if you really appreciated Kuyt and understood the total value of Kuyt, you would never ever regard Kuyt’s performance last year as being poor. Rafa is not that stupid or stubborn. But as digger says, that’s my view, and that is where we do not see eye for eye.
Would you want winkerwanker in our team with the many goals he scored last year? I certainly wouldn’t. Messi? Yes.
There is a huge difference between the two, despite them both being flair players which underlines what a club with tradition should look for.

And fs, it is not anything you said that prevents me from going in the kop; it is something that I decided long ago. I could enjoy it, I am certai of that, but enjoying it and not being able to give anything proper back is what I worry.
I agree about the boy’s pen. That is something that really needs to be done.

I actually enjoyed standing more because the bloody seats are not the most comfortable are they!? Especially when your my height! The leg room is a disgrace in the Mainstand. It’s a relief at half time when I can stand up and walk to the stairs area.

I’ll have a look on youtube and look at some German terracing.

How come the hillsborough family support group are so against Standing? Well apart from the obvious of course. But they seem dead against even considering safe standing.

Nah Hyde mate, you ever get the chance to go on the kop you go on it mate. You’ll love it. It mightn’t be what it was in my day. Old fellas used to moan and tell me how crap it had gone because my generation took over. That happens. We all like a good moan when we get a bit long in the tooth.

Mind you after yesterday, I should say… the toothless get ruthless. But take no bloody notice. Go and enjoy it. Don’t worry about nothing, you’d soon get caught up in it all and be singing your heart out.

LB Do I really have to answer that?

I should add that I never stood in a really crammed terrace. Not like the stories I hear from my mates Dad about a bloke pissing in your pocket on the Kop. I never could tell if he was being serious. An Evertoninan Rastafarian on the Kop. The mental pictures are quite hilarious.

FS, hence why I said “apart from the obvious”. I was wondering if there are any technical reasons why you can’t guarantee safety in a standing terrace.

There was a huge big black lad famous on the kop… Jaffa. Ask any old kopite we all knew him. Black as coal with ginger hair. I kid you not.

Yes they used to piss down your leg. I’ve actually flown over the kop, done it loads of times. Ask old kopites what that means.

Great kop characthers, Dr. Fun, John Walker and the Walrus.

Here you go….
ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjnXzdvc1R8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNboU_PbZMY

Oh what I’d give for one more Saturday afternoon in there

Oh Fatty I’d say we’ll know all the whys and wheretofores on that one if it comes to pass mate. That press conference would be intense to say the least. I’m trying to think of a precedent here and I dont think I’m overstating it when I say it’d be the biggest and most scrutinized departure from Anfield since Kennys resignation. I think the reasons would be well documented big fella.

Sorry to go completely off topic, but no offense, LB, Nadal a “not so talented workhorse”? Are you fucking kidding me?

Having followed Nadal since his first Roland Garros title back in 2005, I saw him improve year by year until he finally bested Federer in not just clay, but in Federer’s favourite grass and now hard court as well. And he can only get better and better.

Sure Nadal may not have the graceful moves of Federer, but his relentlessness in refusing to give up and his ability to catch balls which no one thought physically possible is always just as breathtaking to watch as Federer’s killer moves, if not better.

Federer was getting so frustrated at not being able to figure out Nadal that he cried in the Australian Open trophy ceremony.

It takes a talent to beat a talent, “not so talented” my arse.

(No prizes for guessing who I’m backing for this year’s Roland Garros and Wimbledon. )

The ‘safe standing’ area would be great and definitely add to the atmosphere. However, I cannot see it getting the go-ahead at Anfield, at least not until a few more generations has passed and the subject is not so sensitive.

I heard something today that I want share. Apparently we have struck the woodwork close to 25 times this season and the manure have just twice. I beginning to wonder if Slurguson really has sold his soul to beelzebub!

I remember a few of them would have bagged all three points (Spurs, Stoke….). What a difference those four points would have made!

Kinny calm down mate no need to go off on one. Nadal is magnificent!!! I agree with everything you said mate. But for me Federer has more natural flair. He doesn’t have a coach (although he probably needs one now to figure out how on earth to beat Nadal). And the way he plays is breathtaking. Especially at his peak a few years ago. Nadal worked extremely hard on his game and got better and better, he’s probably the fittest guy on the tour and he’s probably the strongest. Of course he is mightily talented. He’s the best player in the world.

My point was that my personal preferrence is to see a guy float around the court looking wonderful than the more physical chase the ball down guy who beats his opponent into submission.

And Kinny, who else could you back in Roland Garros but Nadal? Wimbledon I’m hoping Fed wins coz I want him to eventually beat Sampras’ grand slam record. I doubt Nadal will get that many grand slams because although he’s very young I think the way his game is he’ll start suffering from injuries in a couple of years.

Digger Kuyt had the same type of stats last year and people called him crap and wanted to get rid of him. Getting another Right mid or wide player is not to replace Kuyt but to supplement him. Facts are Rafa wanted Silva, still does if the price is right or we can afford him. He plays wide, right , left and can be used in the hole. That’s the type player I am talking about, interchangeable, giving us different options and formations. We can use Kuyt as another back up to Torres, along side Babel and Ngog, because we have a Silva type player to play wide right. He can also be switched to the left with Kuyt on the right etc. Flexibility and options and another right back to help out Arbie because what I have seen of Degen (when he is fit and that is a big if) we might be caught short from a defensive point of view. He looked alright going forward. With Pacheo and Nemeth for the Carling and FA cupfirst round we should have enough depth in strength for all competitions.

I just cannot see Barry coming after the year Alonso had. Rafa went for Barry because Alonso was not performing. Since then Alonso is back to his very best and we have brought in Reira as well as Dossena for the left to go with Insua and Aureleo. I just cannot see Barry to Pool happing, but you never can tell. If we get offered silly money for Alonso maybe, I hope not, we don’t need it, we should have enough to get the 2 quality players we need and let the youngsters come through and improve with the team having another year to gel, mature and click.

I said I will post the stats and facts concerning Rafa in the transfer market in the off season to prove how good he actually is. So I trust he will make the right decisions, as he has done year in and out to take us up another level.

Right I’m off. Here’s something to digest….
Rafa Benitez believes the ‘ugly’ work done by Dirk Kuyt is just as important to Liverpool as the goals of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.
Kuyt hit his first league strike since November against Man City last week, but the gaffer doesn’t measure his Dutch forward’s contribution in goals.

“His teamwork is amazing,” Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv. “When you talk about a team, that’s the most important thing.

“Players like Kuyt are key. You can use the quality of people like Fernando Torres or Steven Gerrard, but you always need players working really hard.

“If you have players with offensive mentality, you need players who can do the ugly jobs. You need to work hard in defence. As a striker, Kuyt is doing his defensive work very well and also scoring important goals.”

Rafa said that two seasons ago and us mugs have only just sort of stopped arguing about it.

Maybe in another four of five seasons we will actually learn that we’ve got a man in charge who knows what he is doing, works tirelessly and selflesssly, wins all his battles, despite the odds always being stacked against him, is a good judge of players and men, and is maybe maybe just a bit better placed than us mugs to make decisions on behlaf of the club, team and even us.

PS Digger what are the why’s and wherefores that we all know, cos they sort of by-passed me.

Will Wigan get a tonking tonight?

Fair enough Keith, I understand your point about Silva and am on-board with ya. I’m afraid however, you underestimate Rafas almost disturbing obssession with Barry. He spent 3mths chasing him last year, to the point of distraction almost. If reports are to be believed his transfer to us is ALREADY completed. Judging from last years relentless pursuit I wouldent be too quick dismiss those reports.

I’ll be watching the apprentice on bbc 2night, I am expecting nothing from Wigan, and I don’t was to jinks it by building up a bit of hope.

later dudes

When I was in Liverpool the other weekend I was in the back of a Delta Taxi going from Lime Street to Aigburth and the driver had some football radio show on. The pundits were talking shite about Newcastle having a chance at Anfield. I was getting very irritated. Through the rear view mirror I could see that the driver was getting rather pissed off as well. Neither of us said a word until the driver asked me if I followed football. I replied “yes”. He then asked me who I supported. I said “Liverpool” before he finished asking me the question.

We then both began to slaughter the pundits on the radio saying how Newcastle would get an absolute “tonking” (his words). Remember guys this is the match I predicted a 7-0. The taxi driver went for 5-0 by the way.

It was quite funny because for half the journey there was silence but as soon as we realised there was an LFC kinship we took to slaughtering football punditry like we were long time mates. Classic.

Whenever a scouser in Liverpool asks me who I support I can see through their facial expression that they are expecting the worse. Chelsea or Arsenal or even Man U. When I say Liverpool the facial expression changes and a long conversation ensues.

Digger, I see your a BIFFO (Big Ignorant Fucker From Offaly, for those of you who do know)

Ye got away with murder in 98 alright!

Oh and FS, I will ask about Jaffa!

Digger, do you honestly not see why some people find this sort of thing disrespectful…

“you underestimate Rafas almost disturbing obssession with Barry.”

Or do you really think that Rafa is on some sort of agenda that doesn’t include doing what’s right for LFC?
Or do you honestly think that Rafa is almost disturbed?
Or, as I suspect, are you just some sort of a major wind up artist?

Jaffa is famous amongst anyone on the kop in the seventies and early eighties. I think he’s from Bootle. Haven’t seen him in years but I was talking to a mate of mine who recently bumped into him. He’s grey now, but he did have bright ginger/orange hair. It’s why he was called Jafa.

In fact, come to think of it, there’s a picture of Jaffa on the net somewhere. I’ll see if I can dig it up.

And one thing you have to understand about the black lads in Liverpool LB…. they are first and foremost Scouse. They talk just like me. They do things just like me. They don’t talk in some mock Jamaican patoise like other black kids in other parts of the country. They don’t act apart from the rest of the community. They go the match and go the pub and mix with everyone else. It’s always been like that for as long as I can remember.

I thought that protracted debacle last Summer was a little disturbing. Villa werent lowering their price – then let it go, move on. The whole thing was a fiasco and hardly what you’d call dignified by any estimation. Frankly Rafas obssession with the transfer bordered on fanatical. Just my take big fella, not a wind up, lets not go down that road. Rafas not disturbed Fatty, his fixation with Barry however is up for debate. C’mon mate, dont twist my words.

I was at the `98 All Irelad final Digger and i was on the hill that day too.

We went up to watch the minor game actually a couple of fella`s we knew were lining out for cork that day.

And nobody does support and colour like the rebels.

Yes LB they will. Just saw a graphic on ssn: since promotion in 05 they’ve only taken 4 pts from a possible 93 against the big 4! And none against utd! A tonking indeed. Corky I am indeed a proud biffo but round our way we like to break it down as a ‘big intelligent fella from Offaly’! Somehow I think your interpretation has a better ring to it though you langer!

I’m not lad. I realise it’s probably just the way you speak, but I don’t understand the way you look at things. I honestly don’t.

Rafa gave Parry a piece of paper with his transfer targets on it. Barry being the main target. Keane being the last on the list. Parry, Hicks and Gillette decided that Keane was the best option, especially regarding sell on fees and shirt sales (The Irish lads being taken into consideration for the shirt sales).

So, the only obsession rafa came out of that with was… top priority number one, getting shut of Rick Parry.

It was MON who acted the twat about the Barry deal and kept harking on in the papers. Rafa just slyly kept his powder dry and when he was ready turned it on Parry.

I think it was somewhat sad that Robbie Keane became a pawn in this power struggle and there’s no denying that Rafa did use the lad to meet his own ends. But you can’t deny that that was for the betterment of the club. But as far as being obsessed with Barry, I just don’t see it.

If you can show me where I’m wrong I will bow to that. I’m not some narky old fucker who comes on here looking to bollack people. But if I see something that I think isn’t right – just like you do – I will comment on it.

And my problem throughout the transfer talk of the last few days has been people not trusting in Rafa to do the right thing.

That’s not to say, he will always get everything right. but I honestly believe he will this summer. And let’s face it, he’s fought hard enough for the right to try.

Yeah we beat the cats that day Tim, cracking game. Cant remember the minor game, was probably in the big tree getting tanked!!

I tell you what though, the funniest thing in the world right now would be for Wigan to beat Man U.

Obviously I would love it for all the obvious reasons. But how funny it would be if the players went out and ignored all their clubs/managerss/chairmen’s arse kissing of the tramp and his evil empire, got stuck into the fuckers and got a result.

It would be the equivalent of Davey Crocket running out of the Alamo and knocking fuck out of the Mexicans instead of sneaking out the back dressed as a woman.

Wouldn`t it just fatty?

Well i ain`t going to hang around and see.It`s a game of snooker tonight for meself.Keep my mind of the manc celebration do.

oI listened to whealan while ago.Makes me sick.It`ll make it that much sweeter when we do win it.

Never thought I would see the day that gaelic games would be the hot topic in kopblog.

At least where you are from Timmy, you have the choice between Hurling and Gaelic, unlike Digger and myself – originally from the Orchard county and was on my honeymoon in Thailand the only time we lifted Sam – didn’t know we had won it until I arrived back in Heathrow.

BIFFO – it’s a long time since I have heard that one. Gave me a chuckle.

Timmy, I will be in Kerry (the team we beat to win the all-Ireland the whole week, so let me know if you’re up for a bevvie or two the Thursday or Friday. Don’t worry if it’s not workable.

fingers crossed for tonight but not holding out much hope.

I`ll see what i can do lurgan.

I’m gonna make meself a nice fat spliff and lie in the bath listening to the mancs on the radio. I won’t put any water in the bath in case I get tempted to throw the radio in. But at least if I’m stoned, I can have a giggle at Stan Collymoore wanking on them when the mancs score. Come to think of it, I won’t put any batteries in the radio either.

Hahahahaha…..

Fair enough Fatty, appreciate your explanation. Its not that either of us are wrong, I think we just look at somethings differently. I think Rafas 3mth pursuit of Barry bordered on obssession, you dont, fair enough. Listen to us, we’ve come a long way since 2 blogs ago! I feel weird, I’m not used to being this civilized! Fark off and behave you daft auld bastid!! Just jossing Fatty, that was for ol times sake! Come on wigan ye useless shower of manc loving shits!!

Wigan: Kingson, Melchiot, Boyce, Bramble, Figueroa, Valencia, Cattermole, Scharner, Brown, N’Zogbia, Rodallega

Sigh…

Just stuck me 3 little mad bastads to bed there now and a spilf dosen`t sound like a bad idea Fatty.Unlike you though i`m not going to put myself through strain of seeing them all but clich the title tonight.

Bastards.

All i`m gettin of the mancs i know now is “whats that?next year is it?ya thats the 19th time in a row now is it?”

Fookin cunts …this year i really mean it though.

LB, to tell you the truth I could not tell you if that is Wigan’s best starting 11 or even a decent team considering players available.

Whatever way it swings, they will need some luck and a lot of hard work, and maybe some help from the woodwork to get out of this one with something.

The only one they can control is the hard work bit, so let’s see if we can take this to the final match of the season.

Here’s hoping.

Well Valencia just fluffed an absolute sitter!!

Valencia right thru’ for Wigan and …. puts it wide.

If there is any justice lord…

Let’s hope it continues LB

Not the fluffing bit but chances created by Wigan.

Come on the Wiggy’s, 1-0.

saying nought here, considering my past experiences on these type of…

No comment.

Fair play to Wigan, at least they are giving it a go but their defence looks extremely dodgy to say the least. It looks like I’ll have to sacrifice another chicken for the second half!

Enjoyed that bath. Would have probably been even better if I’d put some water in. But the scores not bad, eh.

Now don’t sit back. Take no fucking notice of fat head. Don’t try to protect the lead, go for the throat. This Manc team just don’t like it up em.

Come On Wigan! Just score another and finish the game off…

Van Der Sar could be the key. That guy is dodgy and it’s a damp old night over there. They should float the ball into the manc box as often as they can and he’d definitely drop a few.

Danman, I was just wondering if any of you lads had been to Mullingar, as that is where my dad comes from. Have you been there? Do you know anyone there?

Shit, Tevez has just equalised for thr Mancs at Wigan, 1-1.

Come on Wigan!

I tell you what’s happened here – Fat Head’s half time talk….
“Well done lads. Now you need to defend deep and protect the lead.”

I’m not arsing about. That is what has happened and the fat headed twat knows quite well you have to get at the mancs to have a chance.

I just hope they ignore the cunt and keep going. They can be turned over, but you have to get at them. I wish they was playing Stoke and Stoke was fighting for thier life. This manc team can be Wimbledoned to death.

I regularly go down to Mullingar. My brother in-law lives there, it’s a very nice area. It’s about an hour’s drive away and my missus and I usually bring our dog with us and head off for a ramble if the weather is good.

I hadn’t heard of Joe Dolan Corkie, but I’ll ask the old man, I’m sure he’s heard of him. Thanks for the feedback.

It’s still 1-1 at the JJB with about 10 minutes left. I’m praying!

Bastards

Same shit different day eh?

No Comment!

Steve jinxed it.

Fucking wankers, I hope Steve Bruce’s arse explodes!

I’m sick of watching these fucking cunts clean up every season. Fucking sick.

August lads, just keep thinking bout August. Its our time now.

Wigan 1 Mancs 2. Final score

Is it asking too much for Arsenal and Hull to both beat the Mancs? Probably!

Glad you like Mullingar Gerry, I would love to go back there for a holiday soon.

Christ I feel deflated with that result.

FS. If you use a battery operated radio, feel free to add some water to your bath time ritual.
Even if the radio falls in, you’ll be fine, lol.

FS, how was the spliff?

Well, I’m off now, but… like I’ve said all along, this is what we are up against. Wigan where in that throughout the first half, despite what their shithouse manager and chairman said. Once the hlaf time team talk went in… Bingo. Business as usual. They sat back and just waited for the inevitable.

Bruce knew quite well that the only way his club was going to get a result was to attack these fuckers. They really don’t like it up ‘em.

But you know what this performance has just gave me hope. If Arsenal turn up and secide to play with some pride and have a go, they could still get a result – especially as them manc cunts will now be dancing round the dressing room thinking it’s done and dusted.

And while the tramp, his fat headed apprentice and all the Wigan board room are enjoying a few bottles of nice red and some hearty back slapping, our hope is Phil Brown and Arsene Wenger have watched that first half.

And there’s even more hope, if they just think back to how we twatted them, Fulham followed our lead, and Villa had it in the bag, until MON bottled it.

I don’t care how daft that sounds. Just think back over the season. The mancs tweaked 1 – 0 wins over and over. And while everyone praised there attack, I was daft enough to think it was their defence and their clean sheets that would win them the league. Then Rafa blew that right out of the water.

He showed that that defence looked brilliant while no fucker decide to attack them. It was no blip. They was exposed. Sadly it all reverted to type once MON bottled it and brought his forwards off and tried to hold a lead when he should have killed the game by going for them.

Last bit of hope… Will Arsenal actually turn up? Will they play Arshavin and give it a go? If they do, we could see a draw there. And that would leave a desperate Hull.

You never know. But even if this one all ends in tears, the writing is on the wall. Rafa’s got their number and he is coming to get them.

FS, if the Mancs get a draw against Arsenal, it’s all over. We need them to lose twice while we win twice. What odds would we get on that?

Steve you`d get 33-1 with paddy power.I`m having a fiver on it tomorrow for a laugh.

arsenal are gonna roll over and die. i bet it will be over in the first 20 mins. they have no heart and will flop.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8046015.stm

ttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8046015.stm

check this out…king kenny on his way back?

Indeed Steve you are right. I got a bit carried away there. The green, the amber and the claret might have smething to do with it an all. Yes. I sort of drowned out the pain, but I was also fuming at the result when it could have been so different.

I’ve really learnt something this season… I just didn’t realise how much they have been given over the years by shithouse managers and refs. We really do have to take on the lot.

Fact…. out of 55 games against his old players that have gone into management, the tramp has lost just five games.

You watch the papers tomorrow, hailing his wonderful tactics and marvelling at how he managed to come from behind again. When the truth is they were allowed to play as Wigan sat back.

Sickening, but if you think we are sick imagine how Rafa and the lads will feel. And if you think we have learnt a lesson this season, the same applies again – there is no way the lads will yeild an inch to them next time round.

I`d a dream the other day i smacked the head off gary neville with a mobile phone in a game of street ball.The fucker tried to get me sent off.Was feckin enjoying that dream and all i woke up in the middle.I tried to go back to sleep ja know when you dream your about to nail some sexy woman and you wake,then try to go back to sleep,well it was like that.I wanted to go back and finish that prick off.

Just thought i`d share that with you lads.

I`m off to bed now to dream about Rafa pissing all over the drunken whiskey nosed tramp!

Night lads.

These manc managers are 1 of the reasons the Scum collect so many points
off the teams they manage remember Bruce at Birmingham last year 10 men
behind the ball against us , then played a open game against the Scum after
losing when asked about his change in tactics “we felt we could beat united so we pushed everyone up”.followed by his usual arse kissing .I think thats
what got him the job at Wigan as BCFC went down Fungas needed another
one of his boys in the prem. Maybe thats why keane left Sunderland and has
gone to Ipswich to get away from the “favours”and manipulated managers.
Lets hope Wenger comes off whatever it is he’s been smoking and sorts his
team out and beats those c*nts.
Phill Brown go out on the pitch with your team and on your knees apologise
(in front of the fans) to your team then go out and smash those c*nts.
Green Amber and Claret had to laugh at that FS
YNWA

FS read your “rant” about tourist and the change in atmosphere and agree
a lot of fans just sit there like there in a shopping centre forecourt or something
and dont want to attract attension or stand out in a crowd in case everyone
looks at them which strangely enough is exactly what other tourist do.
Thats paranoia for you .
I was at the Wet Spam game and your right the Booing did come from the
Centenary stand and spread to the Anfield Rd end where i asked a guy
why he was Booing he said “cos everyone else is” He was with his son
(who copied him) so i just bleated like a sheep as i followed him out
I reckon Istanbull blew this particular sheep in to Anfield and was only
trying to fit in, but i think he learned not to Boo the team and hopefully
he’ll teach his son something about support.

As a rule i dont watch SSN i get all the info i want in here and the Alonso
thing is a prime example of why, coupled with the Scum arse kissing .
So please dont scare me again like yesterday with Alonso
YNWA .

So close yet so far… trying not to think too much about “what could have been”… Wigan hold on for 5 more minutes, Villa hold on for 5 more minutes, we manage to score a goal in 180 minutes against Stoke… any of those and it’d be such a different story right now. Even a draw tonight would’ve made things very interesting, because I think Arsenal would’ve been good for a draw this weekend and I really would’ve rated our chances if things came down to the last game of the season with the mancs needing to avoid a draw to Hull.

As it is… I’ll just keep my fingers crossed that it does still go down to the last game of the season. Seeing the mancs bottle it while we snatch it would be oh so sweet. Will keep my expectations low though, nobody is doing us any favours at the moment.

I expected nothing from fucking Bruce.

The Wigan boys were probably blameless, but as long as Ferguscum has his agent saboteur in charge of Wigan, they will always deliver 6pts to the Scum and steal 4 from us.

As expected, at 1-1, rather than beef up the defence, Agent Bruce tinkered the squad and sent on a fucking forward, weakening the midfield.

If only our man Paul Jewell had remained in Wigan rather than quitting. I hear him and Wigan chairman Whelan (most likely a fucking Scum-licking bastard) had a falling out.

rome77 couldn’t have been more accurate in his description in #143. For many years Ferguscum has planted lots of agents in various clubs and within the FA as well, influencing results so that they go his way.

Though I still hate him, I’m beginning to respect Keana a wee little bit for refusing to be Ferguscum’s dog. In fact, Rafa got along best with him of all of Ferguscum’s Old Boys.

The Rafalution is not going to happen overnight with so many Scum agents around, but our end of season form will show everyone our intent and ability for next season.

Not even Ferguscum’s agents can stop us anymore, and soon Ferguscum will once again know the true meaning of fear. Fear of this Red Machine. (I’m beginning to sound like a movie villain here. Oh well. )

I’ll still be watching the games against West Brom and Hull, as an end of season celebration of how far we’ve gone.

OTOH, I won’t be giving a damn about whether Arse-shaving can ruin the Scum’s so-called party this Saturday, time better spent going to the movies.

I hear Angels & Demons, the Da Vinci Code sequel (or prequel if you follow the novels) starring Tom Hanks is out. Might give it a try, as it’s got Obi-Wan Kenobi as a Catholic Priest.

(Speaking of movies, Gerry, maybe it’s time you start blogging about them, eh?)

This is so fucking annoying. I’m not referring to Bruce’s sabotage, but to my long post not appearing after I spent so long typing it.

I didn’t even put any internet link in that fucking post, why the fuck is this happening all the time?

I’ll try posting it again in the next post.

God, I hate the mancs and all the manc lovers.
Did you guys see that disgusting antics that Evra was performing after the michael ca-prick’s goal? Disgusting. But that is what the manc manager allows his players to do. Maybe we should take the piss and claim that Evra was being disrespectful to Wigan, ffs.

I really hope the gooners show up.

I reckon hull can potentially beat the mancs if they have to.

Fuck it, I give up.

Gerry, please get some whizkid do something regarding long posts getting held up for no reason, even when no internet link has been placed in them.

LB, regarding your post #60 above, a few things…

First, when you say you last year you wanted Barry in for Alonso and someone else to replace Arbeloa, but have since seen both these players have great years, has that taught you a lesson at all? You’ve basically admitted to being proved wrong, but I suspect you’re going to say that it’s not going to stop you from offering similar opinions in future? As opposed to voicing support for struggling players and backing them to come good?

I know it can be a tough one, we all have opinions and I’m no different, and yes I’m joining in on the transfer speculation myself. However I would add that I never wanted to see the back of Alonso or Arbeloa because they had both shown class in the past (particularly Alonso) and I felt they could produce it again. This is a little different to blindly supporting a player who has never delivered the goods in a red shirt – eg Degen. So I guess I’m just asking, next time one of our proven reds is underperforming, are you going to call for his replacement again or back him in this time, having seen what Alonso, Kuyt and Arbie have done this season?

And just onto Kuyt. Not sure if it’s an interpretation thing but when you say he deserved to be “slated” last year, I take “slated” to be a pretty strong word for criticism. I agree that Kuyt underperformed last year, and Kuyt himself said so last season so there are no arguments there, we can all observe that and comment on it. But the thing about players like Kuyt is – I just don’t believe they EVER deserve to be “slated”, absolutely for the fact that he gives 100% every time. That is all you can ask from a player – for them to give 100% every time. Sometimes they will fall out of form and be less effective, and play beneath their abilities – but if they continue to give 100%, trying to find their form, how can you possibly slate them for that? Kuyt has continued to give his 100% and this season found his form again. I am glad you applaud him for that, but next time he is out of form but still giving 100%, will you slate him or give him your support and encouragement, knowing that he can come good?

The players who should be slated are the ones who DON’T give their all, who turn up to a game and don’t give a shit, whether they are in form or not. Look at Christine Ronaldo… when he’s having a bad game, he just whinges and strops around all game. THAT deserves a slating. Fortunately in our team at the moment, we don’t have many players with that kind of mentality, who stop giving 100% when things are tough for them – and credit goes to Rafa for much of that, as it is clearly the type of player he deliberately pursues in the market.

Andy I think your reading too much into the word “slating”…. so let me change it to “heavy criticism”. And that criticism was labelled at Kuyt’s level of performance not his attitude or effort.

People “slate” Kewell and Degen because the perception is they do nothing to justify their huge wages. But I doubt these players get injured on purpose and I think they’d rather play football at Anfield and train with the other lads at Melwood than have to work with the physios every day in the treatment room and not play matches.

Regarding Kuyt, Alonso and Arbie…. We’ve discussed Kuyt already so let me talk about Alonso. I wasn’t the only one willing to replace him because a certain Rafa had made him available to other teams at the right price last summer. He was willing to get rid of Alonso and replace him with Barry. Xabi had a good first season and then followed it up with a couple of years of mediocre performances hence why I thought replacing him with Barry was a good idea. Seems Rafa thought the same at the time.

Arbeloa I considered a weak link last season and I would have liked to see a better right back signed up. If you look at the blogs last summer you’ll see the vast majority of us wanted new full backs. I’m you were one of them? That doesn’t mean I or anyone else wanted Arbeloa sold. We just wanted a better option. Is that bad or disloyal or impatient?

If we had the money to buy players without having to sell I’d have been happy to keep the aformentioned. But having finished 4th we were in a position where if we wanted to improve the side we had to sell players to generate funds. Taking this into consideration is it not logical to look at what we percieve as the weak areas and suggest selling those so that they can be upgraded? Or do we keep every player at the football club and give each 3-4 years to prove themselves before deciding to buy a better player for their position?

Football is a ruthless business. How long did Rafa give Robbie Keane to prove himself? How long did he give Cisse? Marc Gonzales? Josemi? Kromkamp? Dudek? There are other players that were ‘proven’ and worked hard that have already been upgraded. Momo, Finnan and Crouch for example. We don’t know if those players would have improved. Obviously Rafa has a better idea because he’s working with them every day at Melwood. But with the little knowledge I have I will still look at the team/squad and have an opinion on who are the weak links, where needs strengthening, how much is it likely to cost and how will we generate funds.

Well, something cheerful…. The Legends game is on ITV4 at 7pm tonight. Overseas lads should be able to watch it on a stream somewhere. There usually a laugh and it’s great to see old boys like Dalglish putting the boots back on.

Can’t really think of much else to smile about right now. I’m hoping to get home for the Spurs game and then SOS are having the end of season bash straight after the game. I’ve already got tickets and everything else sorted out except I have to be here at 4am the next morning. Not much chance of be being in a fit state to fall into the back of a taxi at that time, nevermind drive 400 an odd miles back here. Oh well, we’ll see.

As for the transfer speculation, it’s just that – speculation. No media outlet here or in Spain have a clue what we are up to. Haven’t you noticed that after Rafa bollacked the mouthpiece at Valencia, who let our interest in Silva out, there’s been no rumours with any sort of substance to them?

Not telling anyone what to do, but me… I’m just bidding me time and waiting to see what nice little treats Rafa will unwrap for us. And I’ll bet me bottom lip there’ll be a surprise or two in there.

Sick and tired of arguing in here, but have to say this… as for your post #60 LB, I thought it was good, but then you go and spoil it all by saying something stupid like, I…..

Oh fuck, near burst into song there.

Arsing about aside, I never said nothing back then cos I thought it was good that you addmitted Rafa might just have got a few things right, despite the accumulated wisdom of Kop Blog. But then why ruin it with trying to defend it by saying people slatted Kewell and Degan?

I haven’t seen anyone slate Degan. Take the piss, yes, but slate, no. And let’s face it after a season like this, there isn’t much more you can do but joke about the lad.

As for Kewell that was a totally different scenario. I ragged him to fuck, even as most others took the contrary position and defended him by saying the likes of “He didn’t ask to get injured.”

I’m not even so sure about that. What I do know for fact is, the fella was no better than a parasite. He admitted it himself when he left.

Now to the only reason I got myself involved in that and opened that can of worms up again…

Thank god, we have a man in charge who will not stand for that sort of attitude. One thing you can guarentee is… whoever comes in in the summer, will have the right mentality, as Rafa loves to say.

Also the post proves something else… since Rafa took over we have seen a constant upgrade in players. And yes, some have only been here for the short term, even decent proved players like Crouch. But they are moved on immeadiately when a better option can be found – for the good of the team, the squad and the cause.

Now Rafa doesn’t always get it right, but his mistales have been few and far between. And they have usually cost very little and then been sold on at a profit, as Rafa turned us around from a loss maker to a profit maker in the transfer market. Also, some of these players that we percieved as a boob weren’t quite the wastes we thought them to be. Best example… Pelegrino. Look what happened there. Most just went on about how shite he was but had no idea why he was here.

It wouldn’t surprise me if Sami is doing the xact same thing… playing out his career, before returning to coach. In fact, in 12 months he’ll probably be at the academy or reserves, teaching the kids to defend in the Liverpool Way.

And I could go on, but the point is… Rafa has done extremelly well in all aspects of the transfer market. Take in all the factors, that I can’t be arsed to list, and his record is very impressive. Even the papers and the tramp know that – hence studies by the manc science department and sensationalist headlines trying to prove Rafa is a knobhead.

But whereas I find that very encouraging and concrete proof that Rafa is now scaring the powers that be, some in here look at it from completely the opposite angle and prefer to believe shit stirring headlines in the likes of TNOTW rather than believe or own boss.

Now that truly is mind boggling.

What’s even more annoying than typing a very long post and it not appearing? Waiting many hours hoping for it to finally come out, and STILL nothing!

I’ll just have to retype my thoughts from scratch, that is if I can remember them all.

I expected nothing from Cocksucker Bruce, the moment he tinkered with the Wigan substitution, they quickly capitulated.

If only Paul Jewell were still in charge, now that he’s gone, Wigan has become a “Scum Subsidiary” – taking points off us and giving them to their parent organization.

No matter, Rafa’s got everything in place that for the first time, I’m actually VERY confident about next season when it’s still May. Next season, Ferguscum will, for the first time in 20 years, know the true meaning of “fear” – fear of Rafa’s ruthlessly efficient Red Machine.

By then, not even his network of old boys and bought refs can stop us.

Strictly speaking, I STILL have not given up yet, but my clutch is now down to a few strands of hair. But that’s what supporting Liverpool is all about – refusing to surrender as long as there is that possibility.

Don’t know about your other post Kinny, but you have this spot on… The substitution made by Bruce practically qualified as sabotague.

If that’s spelt right. But it definetely is right. Wigan were doing very well with that personel and formation. To say he purposely fucked it up would get you a one way ticket to Takingthepissconspicarytheoryville, but it’s hard to see it any other way – especially if you could have been in Bruce’s office after the game when the nice bottles of red were no doubt flying about nearly as thick and fast as the arse kissing.

If we can improve by another 10 points (as we did this season, the title will eventually come).However , if we finish with 76 points next year and finish third,Rafa will be out of time.The Mancs got within 4 points of Leeds in 199 and the following season improved by 16 points and finished on 92 (from 42 games).Next season is do or die.George Graham won 2 titles in his first 5 seasons , so it’s time to blow the likes of Birmingham and Wigan to pieces.A Manc treble is driving me nuts!.WQe will still finish a lenghty six points adrift this season.The target for next year is 100 points-each point dropped should result in a 10k fine for each player.

Great logic in that last post.

But if you want to cheer yourself up right now…
ITV4 Big Match Revisited Mancs v Arsenal 1979 FA Cup Final.

I remember that one. The mancs get battered for 85 minutes, go 2 behind and then score 2 in the last 5 minutes. Nothing new there. But alan Sunderland slides in the 3rd (I can see it in me head now) and the Arse win 3 -2.

Let’s hope it’s an omen for Saturday

I honestly thought that this was going to be our season-Rafa said that the team that leads @ Christmas has an 80% chance of winning the title.Wigan and Arsenal were the 2 easiest games that the Mancs could of wished for!.

FS, you always find something in my posts to have a moan about.

Anyway I thought Wigan played well last night. It’s the best they’ve played in a long while. Bruce took NZogbia off and put Mido on. Not sure I saw the conspiracy there. Assuming the mancs get the 1 point they need. When the season is over we’ll have to hold up our hands and say they deserved to win the league. As much as it makes us pig sick!

What are the latest odds on us to win the title this season? I might put a fiver on it.

Could Arsenal ruin the Old Trafford party?

Good reply to me in #150 LB. Fair enough.

It’ll be interesting to see what attitude the Arse go out with this weekend. You would hope they have some revenge in mind, not to mention some sort of reaction to the criticism they and Wenger have come under in the last week or so. You could even say it may show some small indication of how the players feel about Wenger at the moment… ie will they fight for their manager or lay down again? I suspect they’ll start brightly again, but whether they’ve got 90mins of fight in them is another question.

But if they do pull off a victory, I will absolutely go into next weekend full of hope – all we can ask for is a chance going into that last game. Hull will be fighting for their lives and that means we should at least get 90mins of effort out of them, instead of a team which lays down.

Just two hopes left really.

Hope one is that Arsenal walk out at Old Trafford on Saturday determined to prove a point after the Mancs put them out of the CL………. What better time to do it than to piss on what is being billed as the Mancs title party. Come on Arsenal, show some real pride!

Hope two is that Hull’s Rugby pitch is in such a bad state, that Lady Boy and his mates are so fucking pre-occupied about not getting injured for Rome, that they take it for granted that they will get at least a draw. And let’s also hope that Hull need a win to stay up. Clutching at straws? Too fucking right I am!

Oh, and Hull to grab the winner in the very last minute of the match. How sweet would that be?

I haven’t forgotten that we will have to beat a West Brom side also fighting to stay up, and a Spurs side who may still have a chance of grabbing 7th spot (Europa Cup) and an Irish Striker with a point to prove.

But I have faith in us winning both.

Arsenal and Hull City: Believe.

No worries Andy.

Hull will need to beat the mancs to stay up. Arsenal will be well up for beating the mancs but they are a momentum team. So I expect them to start brightly and if they score first then the mancs will be in trouble. If however they concede first then I can see them getting a sound beating.

If Arsenal were to win and we beat West Brom it would make the mancs very nervous. We’ve been saying that for weeks now though and they just keep churning out the victories.

I also think if the Arse were to win it would make our own players nervous.

“FS, you always find something in my posts to have a moan about.”

Well, why ruin a long standing Kop Blog tradition, eh. There again, you lads who I have a go at, could come around to admitting Rafa might be in the right from time to time.

As for the conspiracy, that’s why I said you’d be called nuts for suggesting it.

But there again, do you think Bruce was distraught after the game and thinking of what might have happened if only he’d not cocked that up?

Well, my money’s on me former post… enjoying a nice swig of red and some hearty old boy back slapping.

I think it’s been proven the way to beat United is to do exactly what we done. Wigan had the personel to do that. They also had the right formation. What does Bruce do?

Exactly what Martin O’Neil done when he was in the same position. And the result was exactly the same.

But it’s not different than what I’ve been saying for weeks, to win the league we don’t only have to defeat the opposition put in front of us. We have to defeat the mancs each and every week by staying ahead of them, which means we have to also beat weak managers and referees and teams that will roll over week in week out for the mancs.

It’s nothing new. It’s not some mad conspiracy theory. It’s what we need to do.

Nervous I bet there arses would be twitching faster than a rabbit’s nose in a carrot patch. But oh for that chance, eh

Well, here’s something we should all agree on…
ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4voocATI3g

That is a snip from a broadcast from America’s top soccer show. It’s not some crank phoning in. That’s the shows presenter, Steve Cohen, speaking about singing “Murderers” at American LFC fans after Liverpool had beaten Chelsea and destroyed their long standing home record.

He’s one of the leading voices in America for English Soccer and a complete and utter twat.

That is the sort of lies and anti-LFC propoganda that he has consistently conducted for years. And I know it’s across the other side of the world, but that’s what we face from outsiders.

Fuck me isn’t it bad enough what we have to put up the media in this country. And I’m sure the Irish lads could add to that – Ronnie Whelan and Graeme Souness are an absolute disgrace on RTE.

So, are you really so surprised that I get pissed off when our own even turn on us?

“enjoying a nice swig of red and some hearty old boy back slapping”. Yes I think thats exactly what was going on after the game yesterday.

I am glad I stayed away from the match, expecially the fact Wigan were leading at one stage.

Anybody know who the 12th man is?

To be fair, corklfc, the ref wasn’t too bad. He let a few decsions go their way, but it wasn’t as bad as some games.

FS, I just left a comment on that youtube piece.

Nah Dan,

The 12th man in the promo for the new away jersey.

Danman,whats headline on that youtube piece?

Anyone have a link for the new away jersey?

Its on the offical site Timmy….

Ya seen it there LB cheers.Looks a nice kit.

What a load of oul piss!! I didnt have any expectations of wigan, but to wake up and see that the result i felt sick.

I actually dreamt it was 2-2 had to get up at 4am for work and first think i checked was the score, it broke my heart.

I’ve mentioned this before but as the season comes to a close just want to give a big thank you to all the posters in here.

Usually after a bad result i’m the worlds worst to be around its been fantastic to come in here and read some positive posts after games that aint went the right way. I follow with a keen eye every single blog and have loved some of the debates/discussion and in some cases people who have got the floor wiped with them!!!!

Though fair play to one and all for voicing there opinions and you’ve made it a fantastic new outlet for someone like myself who can only get on now and again.

As for these mancs they just keep getting outta jail but there definitely seems to be one final twist in this season. If we’re to take it, its gonna take something monumental, though its what you’d expect from us so like gerry suggests at midnight on friday sacrafice as many chickens(or mancs if ya can find one) and keep everything crossed because all wee need is that glimmer of hope on the last day and you just never know.

I truly believe that arsenal owe it to themselves there fans and for the good of football to beat the mancs. Like previously mentioned they should have an advantage as certain manc players will be afraid of getting injured and will be focusing on parading there kids around at full time for the circus celebrations.

Worst case scenario they win it. I no its along time to wait but it’ll be just as sweet letting them equal the record then after 19 years going one ahead of them again. There will be no team as eager to win that title than us next season……… but reguardless this one aint over yet. YNWA

P.s seen the new kit looks the business. p.p.s after the season he just had i cant see rafa getting rid of xabi.

I think Arsenal don`t have the players or the bottle to get three points there.Maybe its possible for them to get a pont whih the mancs will we also,but 3 could be beyond them.

Anyway they`ve to play Hull last.And people can say what they want about hull fighting for their lives they aren`t the team they were before Phil brown got up on his high horse and decided to disgrace his team like they were a bunch of school boys.”Oh look at me hull fans its not my fault were 4 down and i can prove it.I`ll shout at all my players in front of ye at half time and show ye that i actually do give out to my boys when they`ve been bold”

Prat.He was doing a good job with them and all then it went to his head and he`s got what he deserves.I wish they weren`t playing the mancs last game cos i wouldn`t mind seeing phil brown fail the cocky git.

Still if they cost the manc the title then all will be forgiven of course.

Don`t know where that little rant came from i hadn`t even planned on saying that!

@TimmyTorres
The headline is “World Soccer Daily Oct 27, 2008″

Disgusting trash.

Alright Danman,sound feen.

Was just browsing around irishkop there i seen a danman is that you?

seen it what a c…t

The SOS are planning a boycott of his show and all its advitisers in the US.
Just add the h

ttp://www.firsttouchonline.com/09_boycottcohen.html

Oh he’s not getting away with it. It’s been going on for months and it could well cost him his career. I just put that link in to show what the outsiders think of LFC and why we should always show them that if you take us on, you take on the lot of us. It’s part of that tradition and history I try to press home.

Shit I just done the same as Timmy. Mind you, I always do it. So anyway, here’s what I came into say….
ttp://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=39010&part=sports

You’ll find the legends game on there if you fancy watching it. It can also be found at…
iraqgoals

I’m going to sit and watch Dalglish, Rush, Molby, and love every minute of it but still probably dream of today’s team bringing us some of the glory those lads did.

Timmytorres: Very funny post 177.

FS: I can’t disagree with anything you say today. Manure if they win the title as LB says have done the business. However if, as you say and I’ve had exactly the same conversations with my brother, teams actually bothered to turn up with a bit of fight against the mancs it would have been a very different story. Rafa showed exactly how to be beat the mancs. Villa and Wigan bottled it half way through the plan. At least they tried other teams should be ashamed of themselves. What bugs the life out of me is when a team plays manure and they get everyone behind the ball yet don’t press. They basically say attack solid for 90 mins and we won’t stand in your way. If you are going to play with all your men behind the ball then you have to press and deny space.

The manc defence can definately be got at. The midfield is good but not even on a par with us. Their forward line is exceptional but it still needs supply. The mancs best player? Rooney by a country mile. How as a Scouser he can play for the dirty scum is beyond me. if I even brushed past a manc top in the shop I would feel like I’d gone to bed with a leper who also happens to be HIV positive.

Digger:: One thing I’ll agree with you on is Whelan. A fantastic player and very underated. You didn’t realise how important he was until he wasn’t playing. Souness was a great player. I don’t use the word great lightly – magnificent. He could boss a game. what a shame to see and hear them now talk about LFC as Fs says they are a disgrace.

How different when you compare them to King Kenny and Ian Rush. One of my all time fave’s is Cally. what a professional! Over 700 games he was a model pro – defo a legend.

Just been watching the run up to the Legends match. what memories it brings back. I could feel myself welling up. I’ve been thinking of moving back to the ‘Pool’ this is tugging at my heart strings. Fantastic players, King Kenny, Ian Rush and Alan Hansen 3 of my all time favourite players.

1. King Kenny
2. Ian Rush
3. Stevie G
4. Alan Hansen
5. John Barnes
6. Ian Callaghan
7. Robbie Fowler
8. Jamie Carragher
9. Steve Mcmanaman
10. Fernando torres

Houghton has been eating too many pies in the RTE studio

Kenny just looking at Rafa in the dressing room at the legends game. He’s walking round beaming, really enjoying it and shaking hands with everyone including Whelan and McMahon. Fuck knows how them lads can slag the team and the Boss.

Is there any other club who should back each other as much LFC? And to think some people who slag us where part of the team at the moment that should bring us all together. How easy we forget, eh.

Oh well, this has been great. And if only some of these lads were in their mid-twenties again.

The passing is still quite good…
I can imagine 20 years ago… the pace of the game is two times the pace today + the passings

^^

Glad to be a Red

Is it just me or has molby lost none of his pace

1-0 rush

Rushie!!!! 1-0 ^^

Aurelio, Dosser and Insua should learn some tricks from Staunton who put in some good crosses

haha

Bit worried about Jan actually. Poor lad looks like he’s wasting away.

FS: seeing Rafa makes me warm even more to him. It’s obvious he loves Liverpool and knows exactly what this mean. Rush still looks as sharp as ever, Molby’s passing wouldn’t look out of place today. King Kenny what more can I say and Kelly Dalglish ooh err yes please, she is gorgeous and imagine King Kenny as your father in law.

You can still see the Liverpool way ingrained in their play.

Aldo looks sharp as well.

Have to say some of the Liverpool passing is fantastic…if only the strikers had pace!

Big Jan couldn’t get off the deck then

Hi guys been out of the loop for a week or so so I’ve got about 600 posts to catch up on … Great !

Lurgan rather than having a chat here I’ll send you my e-mail – [email protected] – give me shout there ok.

Don’t mean to be cruel but Beardsley running with the ball and falling over was one of the best laughs i’ve had in ages.
Twat Lovejoy just missed open goal in front of Kop. Ha.

Beardsley looks very fit. What you can seeis obviously age has physically taken it’s toll but the footballing brain is still burning as bright as ever. Jan Molby is just doing stroking the ball about. It’s easy to forget what GREAT players they were.

mtmmc: Did you see Quasi’s attempted chip?

This is what LFC and the city of Liverpool is all about. No other city like it. You take on one of us and you take us all on.

FS: I know what you mean’t earlier about Black lads and Liverpool. I moved to London and came up against a general attitude of a big chip on the shoulder. I’ve always had black mates and I couldn’t understand what I was coming up against in London. One of my black mates came to visit from Liverpool and after a few days in London said “what’s up with the black lads here.” Drive down the road a black lad will walk out in front of the car at snail’s pace and eyeball you as he crosses the road. It’s a refreshing change to go back to Liverpool and see a big change in attitude.

Lovejoy said that he wants and gonna get a hattrick…

Hmm..

Nice dummy by Beardo there, even bambozzled himself.
Couldn’t let watching all the old boys play go without telling one of me favourite Shankly stories…
Shankly took LFC to play Man City when City had a great side – Lee, Bell, Booth and so on and a young lad that just signed – Mike Summerbee.

City battered Liverpool and Summerbee had a great game. As the team was leaving one of the City staff decided to wind Shanks up. As the lads was heading for the exit and the waiting coach, this City fella shouted at Shanks…
“What do you think of that kid Summerbee then Bill?”
“No bad, son. No bad.”

Knowing Bill’s favourite ever footballer was Tom Finney the fella shouts…
“Not bad. You’re joking aren’t you. The lad’s great… as good as Tom Finney!”
Shankly…
“Aye. Aye. You could be right, son. But then, you have to remember Tom Finney’s near 60 now.”

Get in Bill. A fucking case that man.

I know that we have been taking the pee a bit with Molby – and I think that he has now his own gravity pull – but his first touch, body position (don’t laugh) and weight of pass is still there. Great to see.

Rushie still doing what he did best and beating an ex-toffee keeper to boot. Some things never change.

Thoroughly enjoying this.

Is digger barnes in the line-up?

I hate technology (he says on his laptop lying in bed)…I was recording the match on dvd and my whole freeview thing has stuck. Turned on and off twice and nothing happens. I would hit it with a hammer but that would mean getting out of bed again.

Molby was always one of my favourites. The man just oozzed class. And he scored one of my all time favourite Liverpool goals – an absolute stunner against the mancs at Prawn Trafford.

Sadly there’s no film of it, but it’s rumoured Jan has a copy from somewhere. Honestly, it was some goal… Jan picked it up in his own half, set off towards the manc goal, dribbled past about 3 of them, looked up, saw no LFC player ahead of him, and always being a lazy bastard, decided he’d run enough and let loose with an absolute exocet from just inside their half that literally tore into the net.

Ask any kopite over 40 about it. There again don’t, you’ll probably end up with a cauliflower ear.

Alridge + Rush~~~

Aldo another legend

What a boo for Lovejoy!!

haha..

…and Molby slipped again..

FS, I think that this is the goal that you were talking about:

ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tANyC2tjj8

It would have been better in real-life!

dougle, I’ll give you a shout tomorrow.

What a finishing from Sheringham…

what’s up with the car joke?

That’s the one mate. That mock up does it no justice though and there’s a few mistakes in there. Mind you I made one meself. It was Anfield not Prawn Trafford. Things get a bit mixed up nowadays, especially games against them cunts. I’m always doing that, but I’ll never forget that goal. He actually had 2 fellas on him by the time he hit the ball.

Anyway, just popped back in to say, get on the atmosphere. And do you get my point…. a ground a third full of locals and die hard out of towners at a charity game, has made more noise than the day tripping, merchandise buying, camera wielding tourists.

Liverpool goal scorers…. Rush, Aldridge, Dalglish – think we might have just turned a few of them draws into wins if we still had them lads, eh.

Stubbs+Mimms…Good sport~ for being evertonians!

As Kenny has said, fair play to Shearer for coming down and playing.

great night that.

Skeat… Alan Stubbs is a great fella, Kirkby lad. I could tell many tales about him, but I’ll just say this he is very much loved by both Blue and Red in Liverpool. He’s a fantastic lad.

Things like that show what a special club we follow. Lovely to see both red and blue represented. It really is more than a football club. And don’t worry lads, it won’t be long before we retake the perch we haven’t even been knocked off.

See the look in Kenny’s eyes after the rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone?

FS: Me Mum and Da used to manage pubs in Liverpool. they managed, The Red Duster, The Geny Todd and The Myrtle. Do you know any of them. the Myrtle has been knocked down, it was where the Uni is now. they also looked after the Black Horse for a while in Burscough I think. they had a club in Birkenhead called the Gemenai. I was only young about 6 or 7. I remeber one summer me ma had had enough of me da so she left him and we went to stay in thurston over on the Wirral. We camped for about 6 weeks until the weather turned and then we went back. Happy days.

I remeber me sister was courting and her boyfriend had to come over to the wirral to see her. A few weeks back we went to parkhead. It holds happy memories for me. My sister sadly passed away a couple of weeks ago, what a brave woman she was.

Not Parkhead Celtics ground, Parkhead the wirral.

Too much to drink lads I mean Parkgate.

I think you meant The Johnny Todd an all Kenny, mate. But yeah I know all them pubs. Me Ninna used to drink in The Red Duster. Fucking rough old place that.

Oh well, that’s me. I’m off. I thoroughly enjoyed that. Fair play to ITV for giving that such good coverage. I think it’s available on their website for anyone who missed it.

And what a lovely gesture to have Paul Harrison in goal for the legends. That lad lost his dad and uncle at Hillsborough.

I sometimes hate football and all it’s becoming. Things like that remind me why I love it, well why I love my club.

Oh and quick word for Ricky Tomo… great fella him. Proud he’s a scouser. Just one of the lads.

Me Da used to tell the story about Red duster that when they went to see it for the brewery to take it over it had been Petrol bombed. This was in the 70′s. I love my club as well. People talk about being a football fan, I’m not I’m a Liverpool fan.

Me Bro always has me mum on as well. Says that one day he came home from school and we’d moved. Nobody had told him where too. Makes me laugh even though I’ve heard him tell it a thousand times.

FS; You might know me Dad then. Maybe you’ve been barred by him. Jim Clark he was from Rock Ferry. Where abouts in Liverpool are you from?

Originally I’m from Kirkdale, Candia Street, just off Netherfield Road mate. Then the family moved to Kirkby when I was 12. And I’ve lived in practically every part of the city at some point, Anfield, Crocky, Bootle, Aintree and Walton. Me plan is to eventually move me and me bird back there, either right down town in a little flat or a nice bungalow or something on the outskirts, a nice quiet gaff for when I’m in me dottage.

Can’t say I know your dad. I know loads of Clarks, common Protestant name in Liverpool but I don’t really know anyone from over the water.

Oh and Ian McCullough from Echo and The Bunnymen, who sang YNWA tonight, used to bevvie in the Red Duster. The Johnny Todd was some alehouse an all lad. Bouncers asked if you had weapons going in. I fyou didn’t you was issued one.

This tosser just doesn’t learn his lesson does he?
ttp://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_12348448

Great stuff Kenny and Fatty, love reading stuff like that about the city, its people and life in Liverpool. I guess my childhood fascination and lifelong love affair with all things Liverpool is just never gonna wane. What a fantastic complaint to have, how lucky am I? How lucky are all us? Right I’m off before I start welling up. Before I go just wanna say I’m very sorry to hear about your sister Kenny, always sad to hear when one of the Kopblog community has lost a loved one. Good night and good luck lads

The problem about living over here is you get crap TV and no access to these wonderful games. YOu can get the mancTV, Barca TV, InterTV and BayenTV without even asking for it but nowhere is the liverpoolfc channel available. I asked the club once why they do not sell it in Japan but I did not get any response. A right old pain in the neck. FS once introduced me to the “catchup TV” thing, but unfortunately that can only be viewed from UK.

Miss rushie. Was my favourite and the primary reason why I am here. My mobile e-mail address is based on him you know. And Kenny will always be Kenny. He is a type of player that can never age.

F.S I was a Telegraph Boy in the Sixties and I used to deliver Telegrams all around Bootle Walton Kirkdale areas.
You probably saw me driving around on my little
Red BSA Bantam..

I used to walk to Anfield from Bootle.
Back in the Day…

FS: I was only a young lad in the 70′s but some of the names that are folklore to me you will probably know. Willie Oso, Dennis Kelly. We had a big black guy who used to drink in our pub the Myrtle. Apparently he was a tribal prince had all the markings, he used to put me on his shoulders – We called him Big Eddie.

Willie Oso, there’s a blast from the past. I haven’t heard that name in years. He was a bit of a hardcase round Toxteth, but if, I remember rightly, he then went on to have a bit of a singing career.

I know The Myrtle, but I never drank in there. When I used to go down the Southend of the city, I bevied in The Philamonic, a great old boozer in Toxteth. I still nip up there for a bevvy whenever I’m home.

Can’t say I know Big Eddie, but I do remember a big black fella fitting that description round some of the drinking dens downtown. He was a massive big fella, so black he was purple and had the tribal marks on his face. Remember seeing him about but don’t remember his name.

The town centre was full of characters back then, Sandy Rubberleg, The Bald Eagle, Plinkety Plink. It was a good, well, still is, a good place to be. I only ever left to make a living, thousands of us did. Life was always hard there, money and work wise. That’s why you always meet a Scouser everywhere you go.

We started our own LFC supporters club in Bournemouth. The plan was to get affiliated with the club, to sort out travel and tickets for all the members. We had over 100, mainly exiled Scousers and their kids, but it got abandoned when H&G start their tricks. We decided to send the subs we’d collected to the Justice Fund and leave it until they are removed from the club as we refused to give them any money.

Even the Bluenoses have their own club in Bournemouth. Don’t know how many of them there is. I always say the club’s a phone box on Palmerston Road (Where all the prossies do their business). But really there’s a load of them here an all.

So, although I live away, I spend most of my time with Scousers anyway. And I do get home as often as I can, off up there for a week next week. But believe it or not, it’s more expensive for me to go home for a match than it is to go to an away game in the south or the midlands, even to go to the european away games.

Mind you, when I go to Anfield, I end up staying there on the piss for a week or until our kid gets fed up with me hanging round his gaff and says… “Time you fucked off back down South isn’t it.” They do have a funny way of saying I love you up there.

Sorry you didn’t get to see the game Hyde. It was fun. Ricky Tomlinson managed the All Stars team, with Jamie Carragher as his number 2. Funny bastard that Ricky Tomo. Typical Scouser never changed despite kopping a few bob. But then most don’t except for shites like Cilla Black and Jimmy Tarbuck. That was the thing about supporting Liverpool back then, you got to know the players and felt part of it. I knew Joey Jones very well. We used to get tickets off him to all the big games. And we often used to bevvie with lads off the team.

Times have changed of course, but things like last night remind me that I am still supporting a proper football club, and not some big corporate monster like the mancs. That’s one of the reasons why I love Rafa. He knows he’s at more than just a job. And nevermind Istanbul, when he walked in the alehouse in Germany, bought all the lads a bevvy and had a sing song with them, well, that made me know we’d finally found the right man. And, don’t worry he’ll be getting the trophies aswell as the ale in very shortly.

RedScouse… I rember them telegram lads. But no one ever sent us one. We was scruffs.

I haven’t looked at these but for anyone who never watched last night, I just found these links. Haven’t got a clue what’s on them, but they should be worth a look…
http://en.soccerclips.net/videos/liverpool-1-0-all-stars-rush
ttp://en.soccerclips.net/videos/liverpool-2-0-all-stars-aldridge
ttp://en.soccerclips.net/videos/liverpool-2-1-all-stars-sheringham
ttp://en.soccerclips.net/videos/liverpool-3-1-all-stars-dalglish

Judging by the names it must be the goals. But if I find any good ones of the crowd or the laughs with Tomo and the likes, I will put them up

@TimmyTorres.

That’s me. I only noticed the site last week when Dragonshadow from the TIA forums mentioned it in a post.

It seems ok. I wouldn’t say it’s as well moderated as the TIA forums. There’s a lot of 1 word, He He, +1, type posts. But they seem like a nice bunch.

I’ll probably stick to Kopblog and TIA, but browse in there from time to time.

Are you registered?

Great game last night between the legends and allstars. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Totally unrelated to LFC. I just read this article on Arsenal and Wenger. I found it very interesting and points towards what FS was saying during their CL match with Man U about their support being shite.

Just stick the h on.

ttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/arsenal/8051143.stm

Interesting article LB, but at the same time LFC fans have been in the same frame of mind this season, calling for Rafa’s head during the season or “We’ll give him 1 more season and then he has to go” type attitudes.

Fans are easily swayed. I don’t think there are many on here know that wouldn’t admit that the progress being made by Rafa and his management team is considerable.
But take a look back at posts in the TIA forum and on here back in January and February. LFC fans are just as fickle as Gooners sometimes.

Danman there is a difference between disgruntled LFC fans venting their spleen in a forum than barracking players non stop at the stadium in big matches. I seem to remember a march in Liverpool with a banner supporting Rafa and that banner was displayed proudly in the kop during Rafa’s darkest hour. Such support given to a manager who at the time had never challenged for a PL title. And rightly so. Whereas Arse fans have turned on a guy who has been the most successful in their history. Fans and shareholders actually applauding the suggestion that Adebayor be sold. This is a guy that scored 30 goals last season. That’s the equivolent of us wanting Torres sold this season mate. I thin kthere is a big difference in the level of fickleness between the 2 sets of supporters.

I’m not taking over FS mantle here

But that march was last year during the Klinsman debacle.

In fairness to The Arse supporters, they’ve won nothing in 4 years, and seen the team slide down the pecking order of the Prem to such an extent that they could have been overtaken to 4th.
On the other hand, we may be trophyless, but we’ve seen vast improvement in the squad. A squad that is the same average age as the so called Babies of the Arse.

Don’t forget, our “Fans” boo’ed at Anfield on more than ooccasion this season.

As for the Adebayor story, I don’t understand that at all. I don’t know whethey can justify that attitude.

Well lads I’m happy with the season even if we didn’t really win anything. We got closer than we have in the last 5 years, just being a pain in Mr Fergusons arse is good enough for me.
.
So what did I see as progress this year. Well the goals for one. Several quality players committing to longer contracts.
.
Little if no bullshit from the fuckwits in the west.
.
A young player coming through and looking the goods. In fact taking over a position of a noteably quality player.
.
two or more to come through next year or so.
.
Some legends back at the club and Rafa smiling.
.
I guess if we have a solid off season with some quality buys then the skys the limit. Sorry to use the word Sky in an LFC forum.
.
So for me progress has been made, therefore I’m a happy little camper. Still want 1st spot but happy anyway.
.
Lastly I’ve been thinking about our owners, Callous Uncaring Nasty Types, but at least they didn’t force the platic flag syndrome on the club, fuck there are some benefits to the world wide recession.
.
Come on Arsenal show some ticker.

Danman: I’ve got to agree with LB on this one. Maybe LFC fans haven’t got the patience that we used to have but there is no way we can be even near the fickleness of the arse fans. We are the most patient fans in the league without a shadow of a doubt.

As regards the ‘big four’ well 2nd, 3rd, 4th(although different this season as automatic qualification is at stake ecl) makes not much difference it’s not 1st. Obviously it’s progrees that needs to be seen.

I’m not having a go, but It seems a bit disingenuous to slate her fans for being fickle, when we ourselves haven’t exactly been the perfect fans ourselves.

I’m sure true Gooners feel they are justified in criticising Wenger this season. He hasn’t lived up to the hype piled on his team prior to this season.

I suppose I’m just one of the aule fellas (although nowhere near as old as old Fat Scouser himself) in my attitude towards supporting the club.
But this has been debated to bits on KopBlog and everyone is entitled to their opinion.

That should be “slate other fans….”

FS, cracking story about Rafa getting the Ale in out in Germany. Was it when we played Bayer Leverkusen?

Really enjoyed the Legends match last night, what really shone through for me is how much Kenny Dalglish still loves LFC. You can just tell he would be one of the most decent and genuine guys you could ever wish to meet.

I also thought it was great that he was being interviewed by his own Daughter, the gorgeous Kelly.

FS – I mean Danman , There is also quite a difference in the “booing” at Anfield and the Emirates. I still haven’t been convinced that Lucas was actually booed. Mates of mine have told me there was indeed booing and you lads in here have obviously said so. Did any of you see the game where Eboue’s every touch was met with about 20,000 fans booing? Wenger had to haul him off and the poor boy couldn’t flee the pitch quick enough. He got the same treatment Gerrard got from Everton fans at Goodison inthe FA Cup tie. That’s no exageration.

Would you see this at Anfield? (stick the h on)

ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0Ntn6moW1s

Danman or is it FS? What are you actually saying? That the arse fan’s are right, that they have a point? I’ve lost the thread of the argument I thought the point was that fans shouldn’t boo their manager or players.

I get the point LB.

I suppose you have to put up with them a lot more than the rest of us, being in the Capital.

Kenny,
That’s the point in general, fans should never boo their own.

But when Rafa was heavily criticised earlier in the season, fans said it was their right to give their opinion, whether that was negative or positive.

I’m simply saying Arse fans have a similar right.

Definitely have a similar right Danman, but when you have the manager saying the players are playing in a negative enviornment and that their results at home have been achieved in spight of that. Well I think that says it all really.

I don’t even know what I’m doing… defending Arse fans…..

Please forgive me, ohh great Shankly in the sky…

My apoligies to all right thinking Reds all over the world…..!!!!!!

Real success means silverware – Liverpool FC star Xabi Alonso
May 15 2009 by Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo

IF he was around today, Bill Shankly would be proud of Xabi Alonso.

For while a season of genuine progress at Anfield may be good enough for some, it is certainly nowhere near good enough for the Spanish midfielder who clearly subscribes to the famous Shanklyism about first being first and second being nowhere.

With just two games remaining the chances of Liverpool winning the title have all but run out and Alonso cannot hide his disappointment that the wait for the league championship to be paraded at Anfield now looks set to go into a 20th year.

“In terms of the Premier League it has been better than it has before but if you don’t win anything you can’t consider it to be a good season,” he said.

“We have to be disappointed with ourselves, try to be critics and try to analyse the things that we haven’t done properly.

“Of course you also have to think that we have made progress in the Premier League and we have to keep working on this basis but you also know that success means winning trophies for Liverpool.”

Kenny mate, I never started this one, but yeah… I do always say the Arsenal fans are shite, and that’s simply because they are.
HOOOF! Fucking idiots.

But considering they are the third most successful club ever, and the biggest in the capital, you would expect more from them. But they’ve never been any good from way back as far as I remember in the 70′s.

Strange that such a huge club with such a great history, doesn’t have any tradition in it’s following. They don’t even have an anthem to call their own and I honestly can’t ever recall them being any good – even at Finals.

But last season sealed it for me – calling for Wenger’s head and getting on their own players backs to the point where they become nervous wrecks.

I don’t even have to look at that link LB put in. I know what it will be… Ebouye getting taken off.

I remember it well, they gave a huge cheer when his number went up and then booed the lad loudly as he trudged his way off. If I remember rightly he’d made a couple of cock ups – a few bad tackles and a really bad pass that could have or did lead to a goal. But the treatment was so bad a couple of Arsenal players had to try to console the lad as he was close to tears.

A disgrace. And the day the likes of that happens at Anfield is the day I will stop going.

Is it any wonder Thiery Henry loved The Kop? Even Wenger who slags off our club and team sometimes, always speaks fondly of the Kop. And it’s true it isn’t quite what it was, and Anfield has suffered from our own boo boys this season, but we are still the best in the business.

If you watched last night’s legends game, there was a terrific atmosphere. I’m not daft. I know it was a party and I know there was no pressure to affect the crowd.

But the point is…
I didn’t see the attendance figure, but it was quite a good turn out and the crowd where great.
I know it was possible to pay on the gate, and I would bet my bottom lip that the crowd was made up of locals and die hard out of town support. There would have also been a large amount of kids who normally can’t get to a game – in short, the sort of crowd the club should be doing everything in it’s power to bring back and sustain.

And that’s the point really. It’s not about stopping certain types of people attending the games. It’s about getting the right people in – the type of crowd that wants to generate and preserve the atmosphere we all love and are famous for.

It’s a bit ironic that this has become the subject, when the original blog is on the Irish lads that come to Anfield. I made me point about that in an eralier post. It’s not out of town or out of country fans that dampen the atmosphere. And all locals don’t sing their hearts. The trick is finding how to get all the right people together in the Kop to generate the atmosphere.

That’s why whenever this subject comes up, I always come up with the same solution… A safe standing area for at least 10,000 on the Kop with pay as you enter gates. This will solve the matter in one swift move, but we all know it’s not going to happen at least in the foreseeable future.

Sadly though, until something is done it’s only going to get worse. In fact, wait until we win the league it will go even further down the pain as more band wagon jumpers arrive. Horrible thought that the very thing we want most will make things even worse, but just look at what success has brought to Old Trafford.

LB… that proves what I have been saying all along – If you think we are disapointed by how it’s turned out, imagine how the lads and the Gaffer are feeling after all that effort. And I’ll bet my bottom lip they will be determmined that this season’s mistakes won’t happen again.

Oh and I forgot to say in me first post… If I remember rightly Ebouye had only been on the field about 10 minutes. He came on as a sub, had a few iffy first touches and the heckling started. True one of the touches was awful. I remember him being wide by the touchline, turning inside and knocking a square ball straight to one of the oppo. I can’t remember who they were playing, but I think they might have scored from his mistake. But that does not excuse that sort of behaviour. Remember what happened to Risse after the Oggie? It wasn’t that.

Good post FS, I didn’t realise the Arse fans have always been shite. I just found it quite staggering that Wenger has had to plead, and I mean plead with the fans and shareholders to back the team. I think he’ll f*ck off in 2 years.

It was indeed a great Atmosphere at Anfield on a really foul night! I thought Kenny was gonna fluff that chance ‘presented’ to him near the end. Lol.

Ta very much FS, the links may be working but it is taking forever to start– so maybe it doesn’t work over here!

Would have loved to have been there, I hear the turn out was a good 20,000 plus. That is incredible. No doubt if I were in UK, I would have gone.

How much does the Kop hold these days 12,000? It was pretty much packed last night. I enjoyed the Dalglish chants. Also Lawro looked quality at the back and Molby still looked class on the ball IMO. Obviously the waistlines had increased a tad on most players.

I think you can see the whole thing on the ITV4 website now Hyde mate. It’s worth the time if you can. The lads still have the class, but they’re a bit more pass and stop than pass and move nowadays.

Yeah. They was always rubbish LB. I had a terrible argument with one a few months ago, if it wasn’t for our kid I would have chinned him. Funny our kid doing the Henry Kissinger peace mongering bit. He once battered Bruce Grobbelar. That’s a different story, but it must be true about age calming us down.

The Arsenal fan heard me talking and went on about smashing the Arkles pub on the night they won the league at Anfield.

The Arkles is a pub down the Anfield Rd end of the ground. It’s kept for the away fans and they protected and looked after in there. Not that they really need protecting unless they’re mancs.

Anyway, this fella started bragging about smashing it up after the match. I just took the piss at first…
“That’s hard. Did you batter old Doris behind the bar and the other girls behind the bar? Cos they’re the only Scousers in there.”

He went on a bit and I asked him where all the Scousers was? In the end he had to admit they all stayed in the ground to cheer and clap Arsenal even though they’d just nicked the league off us.

So, I rubbed it in that he’d rather be smashing up a friendly little pub, and frightening a few old women, rather than cheering on his own team when they’d just done something historic. I don’t think he even got it after I’d made a complete show of him.

Honestly, they were never any good.

I thought Molby had actually lost weight since he packed in!

Came across this on youtube. I think that you could say that this guy is a bit of a nutter!

ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA_c1FClBMo

Wouldn’t mind having him though when we play the mancs eh Lurgan.

Watching the rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone at the end last night the hairs were standing up on the back of my neck. There’s not another club like Liverpool on the planet, the cameraderie, players and fans young and old. I felt proud even to be a wee part of that.
Even in here as a bit part commentator the craic and most of the time the banter is like a big family.
I love you guys!

BIG GROUP HUG!

FS, did you see Fat Sam on sly sports?

No, mate. What’s the fat bastard been saying now?

I agree about arsenal fans 100%. it’s why I feel the same about Geordies and Spurs. Always on the players backs as soon as it starts going wrong. As for the mancs well, lets just say it’s a good job we sing because they’d have no songs to nick.

He’s saying that Newcastle’s position is not his fault. That’s fair enough I suppose. But then he said he got sacked for non footballing reasons and that it has had a damaging effect on him, crying about him not being able to get an interview anywhere home or abroad and being English is a disadvantage as the big clubs don’t want him.

Whingeing bastard.

Kenny, every bloody club has stolen our song for Torres. It’s pissed me off.

Alright lads, been mad busy. Occasionally nick in to see what’s being said, but had no time to post.

LB saw Fat Sam this morning and nearly pissed meself laughing. I actually thought he was gonna break out crying, it was fuckin hilarious and truly sad (i.e. lame)in equal measure!

But what I wanted to comment on was this. It appears you won’t have to worry about the “Anfield Atmosphere for too long FS. The new Carlsberg Stanley Park Stadium if it ever appears will truly put paid to our traditions.

…………….
Liverpool Football Club’s official sponsors Carlsberg have confirmed that they will bring up the idea of having their brand name in the name of Liverpool’s new stadium.

Although development has been on hold for some time, the £350million new stadium could still be built in the next few years and the Danish brewery want their name on it.

Carlsberg are currently renegotiating their £7.3million a year sponsorship deal with the club that has one year left to run on the current deal and director of sponsorship, Gareth Roberts, confirmed the stadium branding idea. He said, “That will be part of the discussion but there’s been no decisions yet.”

Carlsberg has been Liverpool’s official sponsor for 17 years.
………….

Oh dear?????????

If the new stadium ever gets built I’ll be calling it Anfield.

He’s a knob LB. He was a big dirty cart horse of a player who thought, and says, he was far better than he really was. So, nothing’s changed there, then eh?

As for the pinching of our songs, it used to be worse. Straight up, I can remember in the early 70′s when all teams tried to sing YNWA – even the mancs. It only stuck with Celtic, and I don’t mind that, but some of them cheeky bastard Jocks try to make out it was theirs originally.

Obviously people could think I am just being biased, but show them the Panorama clip from the 60′s and it proves the real singing started on the kop. Watch old footage from around the stadium’s and you will see what happened before the kop started the proper singing… There was just chants such as Play Up Pompey. It was The Kop when proper singing started and the next best place was, I hate to say it, Goodison.

In fact, I highly recommend this to any one who would like to see what it was like to be a football supporter in the early 60′s…
“The Golden Vision.”

It’s a play by the great English film director Ken Loache. It was made for the Play For Todaya series on the BBC back in the 60′s. It’s still possible to get hold of it, and it’s well worth getting hold of.

It’s named for the great Everton player Alex Young. And he really was a great player. But it’s more than just a footy film, it’s a great little piece of social history. Just replace Liverpool for Everton and it’ll show you what it was like to be a red back then. I used to be just like the lad in it, only red instead of blue.

No signs of Digger. Must have went for a bevvie. It’s got to be midnight over there. Let’s hope he got his leg over an all. We might have a happy chappy knocking round for a change.

Been watching it for a few days Aitch. I’ll find the link to the original memo that was floating round Carlsberg. It says….
The new stadium to replace the “Crumbling Anfield.”

It’s quite hilarious, so I wouldn’t worry mate…
If we ever do get a new stadium, it won’t be through H&G. It’ll be through mega rich new owners, that won’t need to sell the naming rights to no one, nevermind some shite lager company.

Just got to find someone with loads of dough and nothing to do with it…
How does the Osama Bin Laden arena or The Colonel Gadaffi bowl grab you?

Things are very quiet with the owners recently. Almost too quiet It’s just over 2 months until bank deadline day. What’s gonna happen?

FS, where would that crazy fucker start on the manure team. Personally I would have him do duckface, followed closely by the ladyboy. Then slapping ferguson before he walks down the tunnel. Surely, that would be worth a few bob in itself.

LB, they will probably default on their loans in an attempt to renegotiate their position – just like Hicks has done over in the US recently.

Lurgan, I’d have him start back in the 60′s with Charlton, Best and Law and have him work his way up to whoever the fuckers sign in the summer.

Last I heard, and it’s only speculation, is H&G are going to do exactly that… default on the loan so they can renegotiate terms. But there’s also rumour flying that they will sell up in the summer.

So, I’m pretty much treating it like the transfer rumours…. taking no notice until I see something concrete.

wenger has really started to get on my tits he’s had his tounge up manures hole for most of the season. I am living in hope of them getting a result tomorrow but when he comes out the day before an starts singing their praises and saying things like theres no shame in coming behind them ya get the feeling here nearly wants them to win. Maybe its just a smoke screen and he’s gonna fire the gooners up for a much needed revenge mission but please stop feeding rudolfs fucking black soul!!

Just read about the new stadium being named carlsberg anfield,i mean do they really think its gonna stick!!! Although success may bring all the cling-ons and thats the people the owners will want to generate their millions at the minute i just dont care. I am feed up waiting for this title an although we think we’re set up nicely for the up and coming seasons nothing in football is a given. I just want her home ASAP. I’m already getting paranoid teams are gonna try to break torres or gerrard early in the season just to fuck us up, and with ferguscum looking at a possible 19 i wouldnt put it past the bastard.

Sorry for the dark thoughts lads but there in my head and needed them out.

Had a good laugh last night at Anfield great to see the heroes of my youth
playing for such a good cause. Just one question who is that Lovejoy bloke
everyone booed him .Good to see Shearer and Clough take time to come
and play always liked them but my respect for them as gone a lot higher.
that Sherringham made me laugh with his gestures to the kop in fact all the
players seemed to enjoy themselves and entered into the spirit of the game.
Liked Kennys goal but Aldo & Rushie were outstanding.
PS sorry to hear of your loss KDLFCL.
YNWA

Rome, not sure if the Lovejoy question is ironic or not but I will answer it anyway.

Tim Lovejoy was the presenter of Sky’s ‘Soccer AM’ program, every Saturday morning, and a chel$ki supporter to boot.

I think that he’s a decent bloke but I am sure that there are those that will differ.

Going to get the flak jacket now!

FS, I have always had a soft spot for G. Best but the rest are fair game. Me dad said Best was the best player that he has ever seen. Hard to argue with that.

However, me dad is a manc supporter, so he has some major faults.

Thanks for that Lurgan now i understand though i dont know whats worse
Sky sports presenter or Chav fan . Deserved to be booed then , i’d have joined
in if i knew.
PS Michaelthomasmademelaugh.
YNWA

Quick FYI:

Was driving over to visit my Mum today and NPR (National Public Radio, which is sort of like a BBC type radio service here in the States) ran a story about the organized boycott of the Steven Cohen Radio Show and its TV counterpart, Fox Football Phone In”, in response to his broadcast “opinion” on the events at that transpired at Hillsborough 20 years ago (unfortunately described as a “soccer stampede”.)

The good news: 3 sponsors have dropped the show.

The Bad News: They only ran the audio clip where Cohen claimed the disaster was “contributed to by 6000 ticketless fans” … His premise being “if those fans hadn’t turned up, then the disaster wouldn’t have happened” … and yes that IS a quote!
AND… the crux of the story was in regards him getting death threats for holding such a mild opinion (when we know that is NOT his opinion on the matter.)

Now first of all, this is a big change of tune to his original claims… I won’t repeat them, you know what they are and if you don’t… all I’ll say is… you know what the Sun originally claimed.. they hold the same opinion.

I was really disappointed since I’m a very big fan of NPR. It is one of the few… and I do mean FEW places in the States, where you can get unbiased straight up news reporting. And I’m an even bigger fan of the particular reporter who did the piece.

I’m not furious at them, (NPR) because I’m sure they didn’t know any better, despite real information on the subject being available with a modicum of research… especially given the recent release of previously undisclosed police files and the revelations they contained!
But… Needless to say they are getting an email…

for those that want to get in on it, they are at npr.org and often have broadcasts archived so you can stream them.
Just keep any emails you might send profane-free and to the point…
Cohen’s got this whole affable little chap thing going on these days and is good at claiming the higher ground, … so stay on message!

Here is a link to the article and stream on the NPR website:
ttp://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?verified=true&storyId=104196369#commentBlock

And here is the response I posted:

I simply cannot express the level of disappointment with NPR over their complete and total lack of “reporting” on a story about the Hillsborough tragedy.
At the very least do your homework on what happened, so you know what you are reporting on!

There is no excuse for death threats, but Cohen doesn’t get them for somewhat innocuously claiming that ticket-less fans inadvertently caused the disaster. He has on numerous occasions repeated the prejudice bile reported in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy by a tabloid “newspaper” interestingly enough, owned by the same parent company he now works for. Were you aware of that?

Cohen is playing the affable little hard-done-to victim now, being persecuted for an innocuous opinion, but his previously vile comments are out there if NPR had just taken the time to look.

And if you can’t be bothered, let me help, here he is calling LFC fans murderers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4voocATI3g

………………….
If you chose to add a comment, be aware there is a limit to the size of what they allow.
I had originally typed in a diatribe of info about Hillsborough and comments made in the aftermath by the Sun, and general anti-Liverpool bias held by certain Brits of a southern persuasion… but ended up having to edit it down and stick to the point.

Cohen is a nasty piece of work, and with him being in America he thinks he can get away with saying these terrible things scott free. I reckon he’s in for a bit of a shock on that one though.

Mind you Aitch, if you could hear what these cunts on Talk Shite are saying about LFC and Rafa this morning you wouldn’t be far wrong thinking they would say the same things if they thought they could get away with it. It’s disgraceful. Nothing new there then.

It’s turned out a funny blog this. Somehow, it’s sort of stayed on subject of Gerry’s original piece. Gerry talks of the affinty between Paddy’s and Scousers. It’s true. I feel more at home in Dublin than I do London and I feel I have more in common with Irish people than I do with a lot of me own country men.

Living in here in Bournemouth, I live with the constant snide comments and every now and again I come across people with the bollacks to show their hatred. It’s baffling really. Most people like this will never see the sun that sets on Liverpool, nevermind the place itself. And as Scousers go, the only ones they will ever see is on the telly – usually playing the baddie, the snide, the fool or prostitutes if they’re women. Well, that’s a lie. Now and again we are allowed to be the affable idiot.

I hate to say this, but I can’t think of any other word to fit it – it’s Racism. Well, a form of it, I suppose. I have lived with it most of my adult life. It’s not some “Calm down, Calm Down, eh, eh, eh, La’” innocent harmless joke. Don’t all racists pretend it’s only a harmless joke? Well, it’s not. It’s proper hatred. It’s cost me many things in life. And it’s the thing that stops 96 who lost their lives and their families getting any justice.

One of the nicest things about the years I spent in America was not having to deal with it. In fact, American people loved my accent – which is the only thing that identifies me from anyother human being. But whenever I came across English people they had brought their predjudices with them, and I could tale after tale of how they treated me and slyly tried to spread it to American people who actually liked me.

Well, Mr Cohen is just another one of them people. He hates Scousers with an absolute passion. He has took his hatred across the world and he is doing his best to spread it. But like most biggots, his hatred, bias and predjudice will be his downfall.

So fuck him. And after that far too sensible statement, which is wasted on the likes of that cunt, I’ll just say… If I ever have the good fortune to meet the man, I’d give him something to hate us for. Yes. Dig, he is one that would definetely get the Kirkby Kiss.

Anyway, not letting a twat like that bring me, the blog, or anyone in it down. Here you go lads, cheer yourselves up on this…
ttp://www.dailypost.co.uk/sport-news/liverpool-fc/2009/05/16/liverpool-fc-insist-alonso-will-stay-at-anfield-55578-23635793/

FS: I’ve had exactly the same experience as you mate. I live in London. I’ve been in the job I’m in now for 7 years and when I went for the interview the boss who is a proper cockney and who I get on very well with now said to me “It’s dealing with the public a lot and I’m not sure you’ll be very good at that” and it was said and he has since admitted it because of my scouse accent. It took me a good 3 years for them(everyone in the company) to realise we are not like the media portrays us. I’ve had one day off in 7 years sick and that was due to not being able to walk as I’d done me back in on the trampoline with me nephews.

My missus is from Peru and I’ve got a lot of Latin freinds and they always, always say oh your’re like one of us not like the rest the English cold and reserved who say nice things to your face but dig the knife in behind your back.

Rafa still on the wind-up:

ttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8052735.stm

The man is pure class

Its an absolute Man Utd love-in on Sky Sports. How long do we have to put up with it as I’m reaching the end of my tether And on the other side West Indies are getting their arses handed to them by England

Please can Arsenal get a win.

Fuck em mate.

Scums are ‘slaughtering’ gunners….. though all is still even at this very moment..

Supposedly Ferguscum was waiting in the tunnel to ‘receive’ Wenger to day. Asked him for a cup of tea before kick-off.

If Rafa is ever a ‘mate’ of Fergie, then we will be well and truly fucked!

pretty 50/50 now skeat. No?

Well i dunno
I tot that Scum is “slightly” overpowering them

some all story… Arsenal with possession and Utd with more penetration.

The first goal is crucial!

should have read ‘same old story’ at the start of my previous post.

Draw…. they will equal our league Trophy hauls…

0 – 0 half time. So that’s that then…. Penalty to the mancs coming up

you guys see carrick go down like he’d been shot by arshavin when he hadn’t even touched him! incredible.

arsenal getting stuck in a bit more. Good to see.

i suppose taking a full minute off the match doesn’t matter does it? gets to 92 mins, throw a sub on that takes a minute. end of game.

those f***ers dont deserve to have won the title the way they played this year. i know it sounds like sour grapes, but in reality, you cannot say that the best playing team won the title this year.

bunch of wankers.

Oh well. Same old same old. United pinch what they need aided and abbetted by the ref and just about every snide tactic in the book. Arsenal stroking the ball round and round in more fucking triangles than Bermuda, but with no bloody danger in them. If only they’d had some teeth, I would have been going home to watch a title decider next week. But I’m going to console meself with that…. I could have been very easily watching a title decider on the last day of the season next week.

So, a big chin up Lads! We won’t have to suffer this much longer.

Oh yeah theres a fuckin surprise game blown up early to suit them cheating fucks. Ah well dont let it get ya down lads we know the squad rafas putting together. This must be the first time the team with the best goal difference,most goals scored and winners of the mini league come out in second????? YNWA

P.S I,ve saved up £1500 this year to give the tax man. Im putting it all on manure to beat barcelona. That might sound daft but i just cant see them losing. Their luck is definitely not running out.

Oh well, It’s over………. Fuck me, I SOUUND LIKE lONG

I sound like Long John Baldry (at least I think that was his name!)

It’s all the more tough to take as we have taken 14 points from 18 off the other 3 of the top four clubs, have scored the most goals and are now the only team to have lost just TWICE in a Leauge season and NOT gone on to lift the title!

That is fucking hard to swallow, but 11 draws did for us, especially the seven at home, we all know that.

As I said before, the home draws against Stoke, Hull and West Ham will haunt me all Summer because if we had one those 3 we would have been champions. Massive progress has been made though, and during the last 3 months of this campaign we have shown that we are as good to watch as any other team. Can’t wait for August!

As I said before, MISTER FERGUSCUM, YOU ARE ONLY DELAYING THE INEVITABLE! Your downfall begins here.

We all know who the real champions are and will be in the coming future. So might as well ask Ferguscum to help keep our perch a bit warmer when we take it back next year.

For the first time in years, I’m actually VERY confident of winning it. If it was a few years ago, I wouldn’t have been this cocky, but seeing our performance and gradual improvement that Rafa has made to our team, I can feel cocky enough to say this: Liverpool – Premier League Champions – 2009/2010.

Tevez has played in England 3 years…how can his English be so bad?

Its all about the wins Steve mate. Win more matches than everyone else and you’ll win the title. Doesn’t really matter what teams you beat. The mancs took 5 points from Arse, chavs and us this season. Yet they’ve only dropped 4 points against the bottom 12 teams in the table. They’ve won 27 games so far. We’ve won 23.

Having said that I think it was important we did well against the other big teams because it helps our players to believe that we are good enough. Whereas when man u lose a big game it doesn’t seem to affect them in their next matches.

Hi boys been awhile!

I can’t remember being this gutted in my life… Seeing ManU draw level on league titles on top of sealing a treble is near unbearable….

Does anyone know what’s going on with Parry’s replacement?

We need to sign 1-2 first team players over the summer and MUST NOT let the scum win the title next year….

Let the Rafulution begin………..

Poor Newcastle….

Kinny the tramps not on our perch yet its 18-18

Well no point in getting depressed lads. I’ve took an hour or so to clear me head, and although I’m not exactly happy I refuse to feel too down about this. In fact, there’s every reason to feel optimistic for the future…

This experience will make the lads even more determined to win it, and, with this season behind them, they will also have the belief, the knowledge and the experience of how and what it takes to win it.

The squad will improve over the summer. If we’d have had a little more depth to it this season, we could have well won it. Remember Riera was the only real addition last summer. We have every reason to expect the next set of transfers to complete Rafa’s jigsaw.

Except for the ownership issue, things behind the scenes are sorted out and settled. So, some of the youngsters should also bolster the ranks for next season. And the off field distractions of the last few seasons shouldn’t affect the on field performances.

Despite the off field shenanigans, the line of progression since Rafa arrived is easy to see. We are not only hard to beat now, we are also becoming near impossible to stop when going forward. Next season should see us tie the two parts together. The draws should be illiminated, at least the ones were we are not able to break down teams that only turn up to defend.

The team/squad is young, settled and tied to long term deals. From this summer onwards, every transfer window should just be a case of topping up the existing quality, up-grading certain positions and replacing aging players. That should stand us in good stead for many years. I not only believe, but I see proof that Rafa is going to deliver on his promise… “Leaving a lasting legacy the likes of what Shankly and Paisley left behind them.”

I can’t be arsed going on about the enemy now, especially the mancs. I’ve already stated me opinions on what the other top 3 teams face, and I stand by it… we have witnessed the re-birth of LFC this season. The sleeping giant is awake and the next few seasons could see us firmly re-established as the top dog in English and European football.

I’d like to see what Rafa wanted last summer: That’s quick and decisive moves in the transfer market. Hopefully now that Parry is gone we may see that happen…

Pennant, Itanje and a few of the other fringe players will be trimmed off the wage bill this summer, which is also a positive…

Rafa wants a striker, we all know that…

Rafa may want another creative midfeilder by the account of the Silva rumours…

Personally, I’d also like to see more quality and depth in the RB position, however I think that may have to wait for the next season…

So for me we need 2 quality players… Hopefully the usual (net)18mill pounds that Rafa gets per year is enough to get us those players…

I agree entirely FS… Although the black clouds may take awhile for me… Champions + Manchester United = absolute rubbish….

That’s exactly what I said LB, too many draws!!!

I think whoever Rafa adds to the squad this Summer, I think he will want the signings done early. Expect the new arrivals to be in place before the end of June.

You’re right FS, absolutely no point getting down about it, what’s done is done.

I think the fact that we have seen the team come close this year has filled us all with more optimism than in previous seasons.

I woke up while ago from being asleep from night shift to 5 texts from mancs i know and 2 i don`t!

Like you FS i can see the future being so bright and there`s no need to state why because you`ve covered it well in the above post.

I thought i`d actually be down in the dumps about it all but to be honest i`m just looking forward to next season.TBH,i`m kind of glad its all over in one way.We`ve being clinging on to false hope for a while now.We should never rely on others to “take on ” the mancs but i now next season we won`t have to rely on anybody but Rafa and the players and that is fine with me.

All the hoping and the chasing,the trying and the arguing….it feels good to finaly have been involved in a title race after so long and belive me,if we hit next anuary on top of the pile there will be no looking back this time.The experience of this season will make sure of that.

For the next two games against West Brom and Spurs, we will take these 6 points to signal our intent and position as the CHAMPIONS-IN-WAITING.

I will be going out with my mates tomorrow to watch the West Brom game to do what we’re supposed to do: Supporting our team.

Of course it’s right that the draws cost us dearly this season. But there’s a bit more to it than that. Since 2006 we have hit a slump during January and Febuary, especially in the last 2 seasons.
This is interesting and revealing for a few reasons… This is when most of our bad results come. This when the pitches are at there heaviest. This is when we are carrying our most injuries. This is when squad depth really comes into play. This when we really needed the second striker. This is when we really could have kicked on and put it beyond the mancs. Think back, we could have practically wrapped it up back then.

And of course, as there’s more to it than simply drawing to many games, there’s more to it than them examples. But if there’s one thing we all know about Rafa, it’s the man’s obsession with analysing things and getting all the small details right. So, I honestly don’t think we will see such mistakes again.

There’s things we won’t be able to control, and not just things like weak refs blowing up early/late to the mancs advantage like today, or giving them unwarranted penalties when they really need them like when they was 2 – 0 down against Spurs.

We all know we have to overcome things like that. But I think one of the main things to help the mancs this season was the timing of the last international break. They was on the ropes. We’d wobbled them. The next few fixtures would probably have seen the KO. But they got a breather and won the next few games on the equivalent of a TKO.

Don’t worry. It won’t go on much longer.

I agree FS, but what are the odds that when the next season fixture list is released…. there’s an International break right after the LFC – Scum fixtures?

These two games will be interesting. With the title decided, there’s no more wind in the sails.
Now its just about pride, the shirt, and solidifying a points haul for the fans.
Win them both in the style we’ve been doing lately and that will signal intentions for next season for sure.

Aitch next season we will be going into games like two boxers climbing in the ring. One will be scared. The other will be scaring him.

Believe me, mate. I hate that aul tramp with a passion. Like most other reds, I can see beyond the success and see him for what he is… a very nasty piece of work. But there’s one thing he isn’t… stupid. And he knows we are right on his case. Why else would he set his dogs in the media and the league manager’s association on Rafa?

But you know what, Rafa can see them dogs for the poodles they really are. And this season and all that’s happened will only reinforce him and the team.

In this world of immeadiate gratification, people no longer have the patientce to wait for things to take their natural course. But the clock’s a funny thing… it doesn’t change for anyone. It just keeps ticking away and things have to take their natural course. And right now it’s ticking on the tramp’s demise and Rafa’s rise. Of this I’m certain.

I remember 1971, when Arsenal beat us in the FA Cup final. We hadn’t won anything for 7 years. We got to Wembley and I could have went with a gang of older lads. In fact, I was on me way out the door to start hitch hiking to London when me Ma caught me. I was only 14, but I caused absolute murder when her and me Da wouldn’t let me go.

We got battered that day, and I was distraught. But besides being besides meself with anger and grief, I just couldn’t understand why we couldn’t seem to win a trophy.

I went to the home coming. Well, a half million or so of us did. I remember it like it was yesterday. Bill Shankly stood on the stairs of the St. George’s Hall, and told us we were going to win everything in sight very soon. And you know what… even in the lowest ebb of defeat, we believed him and we did.

In fact, it was sort of like Dunkirk. Don’t mean to belittle that event, but it’s the nearest metaphor I can think of. It was the glorious defeat and set us up for the victories to come.

You know the statue of Shankly outside Anfield, fists clenched, arms out defiantly? Well, that was modelled from a famous photograph of that day outside the George’s Hall. It’s not modelled on some victory. It comes from defiance in defeat. the defeat that set us off on an all conquering run. And that’s how I see this defeat this season… the one that sets us on our way back to the top.

That’s why I’m not as gutted as I should or could be. I’m going to go up to Anfield next Sunday. Sing and clap and enjoy the party at the ground and at the SOS bash. And then get on with enjoying me summer safe in the knowledge that this is all coming to an end. Well, the end for them and the beginning for us.

Nice post FS, it’s almost like a rallying call.

The Redmen are coming up the hill, I just love that expression because I think that is exactly what is happening. As you say, the experience of coming close this year will serve us well for next season.

Let the bookies make the Mancs favourite to win it again next season, I don’t think Rafa and the players will be worried about that.

Two or three quality additions will make them believe that they will be good enough next season. The experience of this season, the bitter experience of missing out even though we will finish as top goalscorers and the team having lost the least amount of games.

I look forward to seeing how the lads approach the next 2 games. No doubt they’ll be gutted but I’d like to see a positive sign of whats to come next season.

I think a couple of 4-0s are on the cards. I’ve liked the defiance Rafa has shown over recent weeks. Refusing to concede the title until its mathematically impossible for us to win it. And insisting that the mancs are not necessarily the best team – they just got the most points.

Where Houller seemed in awe of Taggart. Rafa is ready to go to war!

Lets hope Rafa gets some decent backing in the transfer market this summer.

Didn’t really mean it to be a rallying call Steve. I’m just trying to point out the fact that this low could, (in my book will), be the springboard. I spent loads of time in here arguing with the younger lads, that we were headed in the right direction.

I don’t mean that in any sort of smart arse way. I’d be made up to be young again, not that I’m a dead aul man now like. But I am old enough to have seen it before and know how long it takes to get things right.

It’s now five years for Rafa. The sixth season is realistically when we can expect instead of demand or blindy believe.

People are taught to want everything now, now, now. But despite the hype, it just doesn’t work like that. But I honestly believe we can now expect to see the rewards of Rafa’s hard work and our patientce. With a bit more luck we would have had it this season, but we wasn’t ready. We could have had it sown up but we (The team and fans) lost our nerve. We won’t do that again.

Everything is in line. Even the academy might have just got it’s final piece in the jigsaw. Rafa’s just hired Jose Segura as tecnical director of the academy.

He had the same job at Barcelona and developed players like Andres Iniesta, Victor Valdes, Gerard Pique, Bojan Krkic, Cesc Fabregas and Mikel Arteta. And he also managed Olympiacos and won them a Greek league and cup double in 2008.

So honest mate, I’m sure I’m not just believing anymore. I’m absolutely convinced we are coming up that Hill. That’s one of my favourite ever songs an all mate.

Liverpool have appointed Jose Segura as Academy technical manager, with the 48-year-old taking up his new position on June 1st.
He will report to Academy director Frank McParland and will bring huge experience to the role, having worked at FC Barcelona for both their youth system and Barca B team.

During his time with the Catalan giants, he helped develop players of the calibre of Andres Iniesta, Victor Valdes, Gerard Pique, Bojan Krkic, Cesc Fabregas and Mikel Arteta.

He later enjoyed great success in Greece. Firstly with AEK Athens and then as assistant coach at Olympiacos before succeeding Takis Lemonis as manager and leading them to a Greek league and cup double in 2008.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez commented: “There’s a lot to do at the Academy, but we’ve worked hard to bring in the best people and Jose is a great appointment.

“He’s worked with some of the top young talent in Spain and knows the challenges faced in bringing through players to the first team set-up. He’s also got experience at the top after his success with Olympiacos and I’m delighted that he’s agreed to join us.”

Just seen your post FS, you beat me to it.

LB mate, it’s all good news. I know we have troubles of our own in the boardroom, but despite that I have never been so convinced in the last 20 years that everything is now finally in place.

Great Post FS (#322). Reading your post after being depressed seeing ManUre winning yet another title race recovered me somewhat.
I hope with few good signings, we can get 90+ points and finally bring the League Title where it should be – Anfield.

I think the team have proved to the fans that they can beat anyoone on thier day.

For me, our best performance this season was the 4-0 hammering of Real Madrid at Anfield in March. It should really of been 7-0 and we were at thier throats from the very first whistle.

There were of course great performances in the PL also, and who could forget the hammering of the Mancs in thier own backyard? Priceless!

I think we have seen much evidence to back our optomism for next season and I also think that most of us in here truly believe we can win it next season. I don’t mean hope, I mean believe.

There is a huge difference. The line between success and failure is very fine. Next season we will be on the other side of it. YNWA.

That was sort of the point I was trying to make LB.
I’d like to see our lads take the field tomorrow and next week looking as though they didn’t know they still can’t win it and haven’t conceded a fuckin thing as far as the title race goes.

A good solid, dominant 4-0 or more thumping of WBA, then a repeat preformance against Spurs, and get everyone thinking… “er… hang on, they know they can’t win it right?” “Didn’t anyone tell em its all over?”

4 points lads. That’s it… 4 points.
And as FS has said, I believe we are best placed to make the better summer moves.
Scum look to be losing Tevez and Ronaldo (hmmm…how many games did those 2 win for them again?) and they won’t get a dime for Tevez (given my previous bracketed question, that’s just funny as fuck to me.)
Okay sure, they’ll get a packet for Winker, but if the rumors are true, they’re blowing most of it on Ribbery. He’s good, but that’s madness!

The Chavs are losing Guus, and losing Drogba, which is 12-18 points they have to find from somewhere. Granted Ancellotti is far better than Scolari, but still, he’s no Guus.

the Arse? Well who fuckin knows what Wenger will do. I think he’s got it easy. He needs two toughies (Ireland/Dunne, Carra/Masch types) and they are easier to find than a Dessiliquibrante fella.

I can’t believe I’m not suicidal that we didn’t catch the fuckers this year, but The Futures Bright, The Future’s Red!

FS, #322 was the best post of the season for me.

Thanks.

FS its these dark momments when you need some clarity like that. KEEP THE FAITH MEN.

L I V E R P O O L F . C . Y N W A

Definately feel very deflated at the moment.

Dont want to dwell on the season at the moment.

Got a few points regarding our last two games.

Should Rafa give the likes of some of the Reserve players a run?(maybe a half or last 35min) We can send out a warning that our youngsters are also coming through

Should Rafa wrap Torres (and a few spanish lads) in cotton wool? (not play them the full games) Cause he knows they might have international duties.

Should Torres be left out of the squad on the last day? That way it can be said that he is injured and cant play for spain in the confederation cup.

I’d play the strongest available team in each match. Youngsters will have to wait until preseason to impress.

Spain can call up Torres and have their own medical staff check him out. Like England did with Gerrard. We can’t leave him out and pretend he’s injured. Besides, he’ll actually want to play for Spain anyway. As will our other Spaniards.

Well, I’m off to bed, but have just got to say this…
It’s great to see you lads all taking it like this. A little while back most of us would have been going bonkers. And I know, while staying defiant, we’d more or less accepted it for awhile now. But I think the calmness proves one thing – we are all pretty much convinced we are on the right track.

Like Aitch said, normally this would be enough to have us feeling sucidal. Well, I’m more the Homocidal type meself, but I agree completely.

I couldn’t help meself today. I watched them on a stream. I sat calmly through it, waiting for them to be gifted the goal. I can’t believe how calm I was. It was only in the last ten minutes that I was screaming at Arsenal to stop fannying about. And even when the went close a couple of times at the end, and the ref blew early to make sure they couldn’t get any closer, I didn’t blow me top.

That’s only due to one thing – confidence in knowing it won’t last much longer.

Anyway, enough of that. I’m going to go the pub tomorrow and I’ll actually be hoping one or two of the kids get a go. I think they might an all. I have a feeling at least one will make the starting team and another will be on the bench.

But I also think we should go out to batter West Brom and Spurs – especially Spurs. I can’t stand that droopy faced spiv, Appy Arry – the bloody crook and kisser of Tramp’s arse. But more importantly, you’re right… we should send out a message – No Surrender – keep the great performances and results up and add even more confidence to the squad for next season. We need to instill that win every game mentality. On top of that, running the mancs so close will help attract the sort of players we want.

And, except for the mid-winter draws, we couldn’t have done much more to fight them – Lost 2 all season, could finish with out highest ever points tally, league’s leading goal scorers, and winner’s of the big 4 mini league. But I don’t want to really think about that. I probably will get homocidal if I dwell on it.

So, as for the conef cup and other closed season duties – yes, it’s a pain in the arse but it’s not like the Euro’s or the World Cup. It isn’t even like the Olympics. It’s a 2 week tournament and it’s more or less a friendly affair. The lads should be back safe and sound with plenty of time to get in some good pre-season preperation. But yes. I’d rather they all just relaxed on a beach instead, but that’s footy nowadays. And with a little bit of luck, some smart moves and lots of hard work, we should be leading it again very shortly.

Night lads.

F.S I remember th 1971 Cup Final, me and a mate
Hitched a lift down to London on one of our company Lorries.Neither of us had a ticket but we both got one. My mate got one for the Liverpool end, I ended up amongst the Arsenal fans.
Back then you could still stand amongst the other
Teams fans with out to much trouble.

We were sick as parrots at the result, but like you said it was the start of something Big..

Anyway I for one need to hold up my hand and say
I apologise for doubting Rafa and you guys that
kept sticking with him.
We are on the right track, and next season could be very special for us all.

One or two good buys and we will be as strong as anyone.
Like you said, I don’t feel as upset about the scum winning the prem this season, as I think it will be their last for awhile.
Let’s go out and beat West Brom tomorrow.
and spank Spurs next week. Nothing would please me more than giving old droopy face a beating before he goes off on his hols..

Cheers to all of you who have posted this season, it’s been a pleasure to read all your comments,we don’t all agree and thats what makes this site so good.

gerry thanks mate for coming up with some great Topics to get us all stimulated..
YNWA.

What a bunch of useless tossers that Arsenal lot are. Pretty patterns up until the 18 yard box and… well that’s pretty much it. Whenever the ball eventually came into the box there was only one arse player against three manc defenders. Nice to see that the ref blew up early as it pretty much summed up the real 12th man that the mancs have home and away.

Anyway, as wenger would say, we are still in with a shout . So today, I hope a few of the kids get a run-out today, especially Nemeth or Pacecho, to see how they get on. Now is the ideal time since there will be no pressure (relatively speaking) on them.

Excellent post in #322, FS.

That FA Cup homecoming after the lost in Wembley was what led to Shanks to make his now very famous and rousing “Chairman Mao speech”.

Is correct Kinny mate, and so was Shanks an all. It was indeed an awesome show of Red Power. And it’ll soon be back. I’m just waiting to go the alehouse now though. It’s pissing down here, so no work and I’m fed up avoiding all things manc by hiding in here. I haven’t heard one thing about them since I turned my stream off as the ref blew up for full time yesterday.

Would have liked to have been grafting today. Good way to ignore things and I could do with the few quid, but it’s off the alehouse to see a few loads and have a laugh. These fuckers would normally be going mental, but we’ll have a gigle today. Because you know why… nevermind all the rallying calls, the belief, the hope, the leaps of faith. Nevermind the logical arguments. Nevermind the Rafa this or the tramp that. Something occured to me this morning…. The bottom line is – this team is now too good not to win a title. Simple as that really.

Now fucking open up Mr. Weatherspoon. I’m gagging for a bevvy and there’s mancs to be vexed.

Rafa Benitez has accused Sir Alex Ferguson of befriending only managers who pose no threat to Manchester United.

The Liverpool boss believes his relationship with his United counterpart broke down this season because Fergie now regards Liverpool as the biggest threat to his club’s dominance of the Premier League.

Instead of the usual message of congratulations, Benitez has sent a defiant warning to United that Liverpool will overtake them next season. Benitez said: “Ferguson used to be my friend, he was OK with me, and everything was fine between us – before this season.

“Over the past four years or so he never spoke about Liverpool.

“This year has changed everything in our relationship. He now talks about Liverpool all the time and I think that shows we are now the team to challenge him.

“If Ferguson wants to speak about Liverpool that is fine, but it is my job to defend my club – and that is what I will always do. I will not play his games.

“It is clear to me that we have improved this season and it doesn’t matter what he has to say about us.”

Benitez added: “I know what Ferguson’s ambition was when he went to United, what he said about Liverpool.

“My ambition? It’s to win every game for Liverpool and not worry about other teams.” Benitez believes a second-placed finish behind United can provide a platform for the ultimate success next term.

He said: “To challenge for the title so well this season is a good achievement.

“Of course, that isn’t good enough. Liverpool want to be No.1. But we are getting closer and I think we can do it.”

It’s all very well giving the kids a run out, but Rafa won’t take his eye off the ball and risk Chelsea pipping us to the runners-up spot.

I agree that Sami should make a final appearance at Anfield though, even it is only for the final 20 minutes. The Kop will give him a great send off.

Stonewall fucking penalty not given!

We look a MUCH better side with Alonso!!

what is with the linesman?! its been like 3 players several meters offside and he isnt calling it.

alonso has offered us a lot building up the play…he’s finding torres more often than lucas and masch could before

good backup play by Lucas though. Well in lad.

fair play to the west brom supporters. Some of our lot could learn from that.

League lost or not, Arbeloa deserved a bollocking there and he got one.

Well done Carra, you mad mutha.

now the media will create a hype following this rift between cara and arbie

kuddos to Alonso tho to calm things down…captain stuff

Carra should not have shove Arbeloa, and Arbeloa should not have shove Carra back.

They could both get Red for that…

Stupid behaviour!

ps:
Thankfully for Alonso…

Babel’s miss was disgraceful.

I don’t wanna sound too harsh but every time Lucas attempted a semi difficult pass it seemed to either go out for a throw in or straight to the oppo.

Benny can’t play from the left. Every time he does he seems to have a bad game.

Torres didn’t look too interested.

Carra looked pissed off with everyone from the first 5 mins.

Kuyt’s goal was great and Gerrard played very well.

The linesman decided he wasn’t going to give offsides today. Idiot.

83 points – record PL points tally for us and we’ve sown up 2nd place.

Skeat, a red card for a couple of minor shoves? No way mate.

I think the reaction of us as fans to this year’s efforts shows where we are as a club at the moment. I think if next year went exactly the same as this year, we’d probably not react so well and be extremely disappointed. Instead, I think we’ve all recognised that the title wasn’t quite our’s to win this year – we had a chance and gave it a good crack, but we weren’t certain of that happening at the start of the season. Next season we will go in with much higher hopes and expectations (which I hope our players can deal with – I think it may actually help them push for more wins when a draw is looming).

As for today’s game – I don’t mind Carra giving Arbeloa a bollacking, but he should know better than to push him, that was stupid. But of course it is undoubtedly the product of massive frustration at the title slipping away – you could see it on Gerrard’s & Carra’s faces in the tunnel before the game – gutted – so I think Carra just let it all spill over onto Arbie.

Kopper I agree, well done by Alonso dragging him away, and for giving him a bit of a talking to after the game. I’ve no doubt Alonso is the smartest Liverpool player, and was telling Carra to keep his head. Everyone knows about Carra’s passion and that he is a total nutter about football though… how was that crazed look on his face!!

I think Hyypia should start the last game at Anfield – he’s a model professional and I don’t think the team will be any weaker for it. Even put him in for Carra perhaps. Sami deserves it. At the very least I expect him to get subbed on for Carra in the 2nd half. Having Sami in the team would be a great motivation for them to really push for the win and give him a good send-off. Would be great to see him score too, which really isn’t out of the question.

Personally I like when our players give a toss. Also it was not the first time that Arbeloa had went missing during the match.

Maybe he thought that he was already on his summer holidays?

if Alonso had not gone up to calm things down…..who knew what would happen?

err…Arbie leaving, maybe?

I thought we played badly today. If the scum lost their game yesterday… I would be as anxious as fcuk

We actually didn’t play to our usual best. Maybe the players are pissed off at manu lifting the trophy. But if we can grind wins after playing like this, no.19 is next season.
The future is bright
YNWA

Arbie was the one who did the proper shove to be honest. If Alonso didn’t split them up I doubt there would have been a punch up. The menacing look on Carra’s face made me laugh. He was seething! As far as I’m concerned that’s good to see. And I bet Rafa was glad to see it as well.

In Carra’s autobiography he talks about when Rafa first came to the club. He pulled Carra aside and hinted that he could use physical bollackings to a player not showing the right attitude as that is what Ayala at Valencia used to do.

Some of the players were going through the motions which is understandable. So we need someone to issue those rollackings as Stevie doesn’t really do it.

The Carra-Arbeloa spat was somethng and nothing.It shows carra demands the upmost concentration at all times.He did go a little ott but it was nothing at all.

After our slow start we grew into the game and once gerrard scored that goal(cheeky finish btw) it was plain sailing.I thought lucas had a decent game and benny not so good.He can be forgven for that though,he`s been great these last 2 months.

Kudos to the westbrom fans they backed their team to thec end.Also a special mention for the travelling KOP they`ve been great as always.
They never shut up do they?

Well done lads.

Jamie Carragher on his spat with Alvaro Arbeloa: “We can’t win the league but we like to keep a clean sheet. I thought all day we were a bit lackadaisical. They had too many chances. Pepe Reina is going for the record, I think he can match Van der Sar, so we are doing that for Pepe.”

Well, barring disaster now we should finish runners-up. Carra’s anger today was definitely sheer frustration at missing out on the title. It’s not right to do it, but you can understand it.

Carra is 31, and probably has 2 or 3 seasons left at the top. He has seen Sami sign off from 10 years service at Anfield without a Prem winners medal and Carra probably feels the same might happen to him.

On the plus side for Carra, we are 2 or 3 quality signings away from being a team that can turn draws into wins and there is every reason to believe that those players will arrive this Summer.

In my opinion we will need 30 Prem wins and 5 draws (a total of 95 points) to land the Prem.

You don’t have to be Einstein to wotk out that means 3 defeats!

Carra going ballistic was understandable, credit to Xabi for calming things down.

Last 6 matches results as of May 18th:
Liverpool: DWWWW? – 13pts
Scum: WWWWD? – 13pts

The Scum cheated 3 pts off Spurs, and them being the lucky bastards that they are, so it was too late by the time they started to lose points.

Still, to put a positive spin on things, by managing to match them point for point in these 5 matches, Liverpool show they have the ability to go all the way in the final stretch, this valuable experience will do us just fine next season.

Some of me mates will be flying over to watch the Spurs game in Anfield next week, who knows, they might just bump into FS.:) When they booked their tickets back in March, they had no idea whether we’ll still be in it, but they still decided to go anyway. Now that’s commitment.

I was on the way home in the car while ago and a “liverppol” fan was on saying Rafa cost us the league with his decisions. He went on to say we were loosing against boro and Rafa left Keane and Torres on the bench!!
Luckly a proper fan came on next and corrected the Keane error as he was no longer at the club and repeated more or lease that has being posted here over the last few days.

At the start of the season we were 4th favourites for the title, and most of us felt we would not be good enough.
What is fustrating is that we were better than we taught and nearly pulled it off.

Very few teams ever come from no where to win a league, you have to loose one to win one kinda of thing, as long as carra or SG are playing they never were this close before, imagine the benefit in the dressing room next season.

I few years ago I had a few manc supporting buddies asking (in a smart ass way) Will ye ever win the league with Rafa?
I bet they won’t be asking me that question this summer.

Corky, I already have several bets with various mancs that we shall win the title next season.

Onwards and upwards I tells ya! I can always default if everything is not going as expected

Well done , Lads another three pts and another clean sheet.
Deffo should have been a penalty on Gerrard by Olsen ,and the ref was in clear view of it and bottled it.
A s far as the Carra, Arbeloa handbags..
I thought it was good to see, it showed how much that clean sheet meant to Carra and Reina.
Any of you who have played the game know that
happens at times against team mates.
I had one team mate I didn’t even want to play against in practise, he only knew one way to play
All out…
So bring on Spurs at Anfield and let’s give them a beating, hopefully Sami gets on and gets a rousing send off from Everyone at Anfield.

Personally. I thought the game was painful to watch, the team looked half arsed throughout the game. Torres may be on the verge of 50 goals in two years but at times he is lazy and looks disinterested.
.
I know the tempo was down due to conceding the title but we were playing West Brom.
.
As far as the Carra and Arbie issue, I thought it was disgusting behaviour. Amazingly the commentators going on about how it’s good for the team and players, etc, is shit, it was everything Sly News would want a Super Sunday, cage fighting, death at all costs, TV, to be.
.
Mr Carra if you like clean sheets so much why do you continue to put the ball in your own net, alas though I don’t see other players going the biff with you over those little indescretions.
.
Ps Lucas was very sad yesterday, we looked aimless with Xabi, still got a feeling he’s off in the summer.
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My tips for the summer, Barry, Tevez and Silva in and Lucas, Babel and maybe Xabi to go depending on owner finance.
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Ps overall wonderful points tally for the season.

Hi gang –

some great posts on this and the last 2 Gerry blogs. Really good.
Well it a bit of a sickener losing out. I guess it really is almost necessary to lose before we win. I really hope the squad remembers this because i know the supporters won’t forget it.

I won’t for sure. I have one “friend”, a manc-loving loser basically, who has been getting off on passing on a slew of the usual gloat texts floating around, the idiot hasn’t the imagination to come up with anything himself … anyways .. the louder they come the harder they fall … Boy I will love it !

Been up with crying baby ’till now so gonna take my rest. One more thing .. a kind of coincidence but that 71 final, vs Arsenal had me in tears of frustration too. It was my irst big game as a Liverpool supporter. I truely hope post 322 will be cited in the years to come FS.

G’nite Gang. Onwards & upwards !

Now that things are effectively over, even though it may not be relevant, here’s my take on the Tevez link…

I know that FS thinks he is overrated, and at 25 million I agree. I think his true value should be about 15-18 mill max, the problem is that now that he has played for the mancs, his image is one of an expensive superstar. This ignores the fact that he has only scored 5 premier league goals this season, in 29 appearance (albeit rarely playing 90 minutes).

Should we be spending the bulk of our transfer kitty on a player who has only scored 5 premier league goals this season? I would think probably not. If we got him for 15-18 mill then perhaps, but that is of course not going to happen because his dodgy owner/agent Kia J will sell him to the highest bidder.

In terms of Tevez’s ability – his attitude and workrate seem to be pretty good. I basically see him as a Dirk Kuyt type player, but a bit more skilful. In both cases, their hard work and attitude means they score a lot of important goals, but not necessarily a large number of goals.

Lastly, would he fit into our team? If we shift back to a 4-4-2 then he could partner Torres, but do we really want to shift away from our 4-2-3-1 to accommodate him? It didn’t work with Keane and we may see the same with Tevez. Putting Tevez out on the left (or right) of the 4-2-3-1 means playing without a true winger on each side… we’ve already got a Dirk Kuyt on one side, I don’t think we need one on the other side too or we’ll be far too crowded on the inside with no true width.

So anyway, whilst I admire Tevez as a player, I agree that he’s over-priced and not for us. I’d certainly take him at a more realistic price and have him as backup striker, but that is definitely not going to be an option given that he wants to move somewhere that he’ll get more minutes and won’t come cheap. I think the speculation is mostly media-driven (as always), but I do hope Rafa is also deliberately showing some interest just to make the tramp’s nose even redder.

Andy in all the time Rafa has been at the club his one continual comment on team performance is, we must work harder. Now whether thats bad english or as we all know through Kuyt, he likes the players who are versatile and athletic. He loves a chaser of lost causes. Mash, Kuyt, recently Benny, SG, rear grafters. Even Keane was seen as a grafter type player. Yes it didn’t work out but thats life.
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Rafa’s last team were described as machine like. All work and graft. I think Rafa likes Tevez, maybe I should change the word athletic to energetic.

Gaz I agree, that’s why I might take Tevez if he cost 15-18 mill. But I don’t think he’s a 25 million pound player. I know it’s not my money but I also know that it’d leave us with a pittance for other positions.

I do maintain my concerns about any changes in formation though. Our 4-2-3-1 with our first choice 11 out there is a clear winning formula, in fact in terms of that first 11 the only place I would seek an upgrade is on the left wing or at right back (no disrespect meant to Arbeloa, he’s had a good consistent year, but there are potentially better right-backs out there). Those are the only 2 positions where I would welcome a new first-choice player. Bringing an “established star” striker in – like Keane, like Tevez – is fine as long as they don’t mind the bench. But that’s Tevez’s current role so it wouldn’t work. Otherwise changing formation to fit him in is playing with a winning formula, in my opinion.

I know it’s a lot of wasted talk, since it is all based on speculation, but my points aren’t all Tevez-specific. At the end of the day, we need a backup striker (Ngog isn’t ready in my opinion) so these questions would be raised no matter who it is.

I do trust Rafa to get it right, I’m just talking about it coz I’m bored at work.

Gaz,

I think you were a bit harsh saying the carra/arbie incident was disgusting.As i said in a previous post carra did go ott a bit but it wasn`t much really.

Also i don`t think carra means to put the ball in his own net when he does it.
Lastly he`s our “vocal” captain on the pitch so if somebody needs to give out a rollacking carra will do it.

He was just frustrated yesterday i suppose because he came so close to the title but just fell short.

Lads just read this story on another site…

Subject;Story by a real man standing in the queue in tesco`s.

I have two dogs and i was buying a large bag of winalot in tesco`s and i was standing in the queue at the till.A woman behind me asked if i had a dog.

On impulse i told her no,that i was starting the winalot diet again,although i shouldn`t because i ended up in the hospital last time but had lost 50 pounds before i awakened in intensive care ward with tubes coming out of my orifices and IV`s in both arms.

I told her it was essentially a perfect diet and the way it works you load your trowser pockets with winalot nuggets and you eat one or two each time you feel hungry and the food was nutritionally complete and i was going to try it again.

I have to mention here that everyone in the queue was enthralled with my story particularly the guy standing behind her.

Horrified she asked if i had ended up in hospital in that condition because i`d been poisoned.I told her no,it was because i was sitting by the side of the road licking my balls and a car hit me.

I thought one guy was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard as he staggered out the door.

Stupid cow….why else would i buy dog food!

That’s a classic Timmy.

Continuing on the dog theme, and I don’t know why this popped into me head, but me mate’s dad used to feed his gundogs tripe.

Anyway, over here in France it is a feckin delicacy called ‘Andouillette’. Me dad-in-law used to love the stuff and I had to leave the table gagging each time he ate it.

Follow the link and let me know if I should bring some over for you

ttp://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andouillette

That’s a classic Timmy.

Continuing on the dog theme, and I don’t know why this popped into me head, but me mate’s dad used to feed his gundogs tripe.

Anyway, over here in France it is a feckin delicacy called ‘Andouillette’. Me dad-in-law used to love the stuff and I had to leave the table gagging each time he ate it.

Follow the link and let me know if I should bring some over for you

here’s the link, hopefully:

fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andouillette

Jesus Christ Lurgan,they don`t eat that do they?

Believe me i`d eat almost anything but that turns me stomach bud.

Tripe any day for me man,might have some today now you`ve mentioned it.

Timmy that’s not the worse either – pig’s trotters and Tête de Veau (lamb’s head) are right up there.

I have eaten the pig’s trotter and it is not that bad but the Tête de Veau is downright disgusting.

Currently watching the west brom match again and Arbeloa told carra to ‘fuck-off’, after Carra had given his ‘advice’. I think that this is was what got Carra’s goat up.

For me this is a good sign for a few reasons:
1. It shows in a ‘nothing’ game that the lads are still focused and professional
2. No-one is above reproach
3. They are all their own-men and will not be intimidated by opposition players or players on their own team

The red men are coming up the hill!

hi lads. food for thought. no, not dog food. let me take you back to the west brom game. stevie g was man of the match, but in my opinion, it should have been pepe reina. he did a fine job in goal.

I don’t think we should mess with our system at all. Gerrard to stay off Torres. Both capable of scoring 30 goals a season if they stay fit. Any additional strikers should be for back-up IMO. So no thanks regarding Tevez. Very good player but not for us at the moment.

The next couple of months are crucial in terms of the transfer market and the ownership situation.

Good article by Tony Barrett in the echo (stick the h)

ttp://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/05/18/west-brom-0-liverpool-fc-2-tony-barrett-on-some-harsh-truths-100252-23647197/

Interesting article on the GB site, only Juve and us have enquired about Silva and of the two he would prefer us. Tevez was never going to happen, it all a wind up. Silly season is about to start and we will be linked with all and sundry and we will be selling all and sundry.

Classic Timmy

GB Keith?

Guillem Balague

Oh LB you might as well start eating humble pie I said we would end up finishing second at the worst with an outside chance of winning it and would be within 6 points. I was one out in my total however, I said 87.

Not that I am gloating mind you but just thought I would point it out for all you youngsters that think us old farts know fuck all and are too loyal to be objective.

Point me in the direction of the humble pie and I’ll tuck in with relish.

You lot are still old farts though.

This media crap about Rafa not congratulating Taggart is getting on my nerves. Why should he laud that cunt?

If shoe was on the other foot LB the tramp would do exactly the same.Rafa will be made out to be the bad guy and sore looser now but we don`t care.It was always us against them and it always will be.I respect Rafa more everyday because he sticks to his guns and dosen`t go along with all the ass kissing of the tramp.Even wengers at it now.

The media are already hyping up next seasons title race before it even began.

It really is pathetic LB. I have given up reading certain media outlets as well as certain sites. The world exclusive, Reds to sell so and so, Rafa to buy so and so, etc etc.

I love the way everybody is taking as Fungus has got under Rafa’s skin. The other way you can take it is that Rafa is saying it’s not the genius that is Fungus but the financial clout of ManU. I would bet that, that would irritate Slur Alex a little. The same for ManU is not better than LFC , they have just better resources and better depth that their finances allow.

2 to 3 players maximum this summer while keeping the whole of the regular first team squad. Vorinon, Peanut, Intandje, Sammie, Hobs, Anderson, Leto and maybe one other youngster that wont make it through to the first team squad.

Keith,

The club have accepted a six-figure sum from swansea for paul Anderson.So he`s on his way out now.

Rafa is well able to deal with taggart.He knows what buttons to push.Saying the mancs financial clout won them the title will do the job.Of course the manc loving media will see different.