The last two seasons, we won our games and it will be a good time to play spurs anyway

Hope your feelings come true. Lets see …………..in a red shirt at spurs.

I think you are right abt this Gerry. It seems like Fergiescum did prepare the fixture list. Spuds were great last season except the time when they were being run by Ramos.They held us on a draw in the first leg. In the second leg, we beat them as we were on a great run.

Redneck is a good manager.They could hav also beaten Manure if not for Howard Webb. I am positive abt this one though. The team is positive and looks quite strong with Johnson as our first signing.

Let’s see and as you say, Keep the Faith.

It’s nice to hear that David Moores is resigning. The bastard sold the club to those American pricks. I think that he shouldn’t be included in the Honorary Life Presidents’s List. Kick him out with Rick Parry.

Yep gerry couldn’t agree more them fuckin mancs put the fix in fixtures!!! lets not forget their handy wee number at burnley the week after.

although im sick to death of seeing them getting it all so rosey, it’ll just make it all the sweeter when we win it come may!!!

It would do some of you well to remember that…
When G&H wanted to replace Rafa with Jurgen Klinsman, it was Moores and Parry’s board votes that prevented it.

Yes they got us into this mess, but their subsequent votes have stood in the way of a number of issues that could have made things even worse.

Now G&H have free reign to do what they want with a 5 man board consisting of themselves their #1 sons and a Hicks yes-man in Ian Ayers.

…not particularly great to hear in my opinion?

Heard a rumour Moores resigned because the yanks are going to push through sales of Mash and Xabi and use most of money to halp with debts…

help with debts…

michaelthomasHASmadeMEcry!

I won’t get suicidal over a rumor, but that would not surprise me, if it were the case. Though rumors suggest that the Glazers are planning on keeping the Ronaldo money for the same reason, so its probably all bollocks.

But if it were true… given Moores’ declining reputation among the faithful, surely he would have been better served being the single NO VOTE, then retire having been the voice of the fans?

Resigning Now, makes him a shrinking violet that has conceded he fucked up, with his reputation truly shattered!

To paraphrase another Michael(Corleone):

Just when we think we’re about to win, they drag us back down!

Super stuff Gerry,

The fixtures indeed seemed to have been given the ok by the tramp but as FS says it`ll make it all the sweeter if/when we win it.

Tevez says “NO” to liverpool.

My heart bleeds….uh uh.We don`t wan`t anyone at anfield who`s devoted to the scum.

Wait for tomorrows headlines lads…”MASCH TO LEAVE LIVERPOOL COS TEVEZ WON`T COME” or something along those lines.

One thing though,if the club were talking to his people what does that tell us?

Does it mean we have £20 million plus to spend?

Or does it mean the club were trying to snap him up for a steal?

Surely the club knows it will cost £20 plus for this player.

I am sure Rafa would be accompanying David Moores in the resignation stakes if the Chuckle Brothers were dictating who stays and who goes.
Rafa is in a powerful position, and the Americans would be in serious trouble without him especially at the current time with the refinancing package looming.

bigbry, you think so?

masch for 45 mill
Alomso for simlar fee
Torres for that or more.

Ir that lot went, how long before SG’s head got turned once again (3rd times a charm?) by the Chavs? That’s another 50+ mill.

I reckon with over 150 mill in their pockets, they’d not be in such serious trouble…. they could then flog the club to … well, whoever… for 350 and waltz away (or doh-se-do) back to Texas (in the first class cabin of course, on LFC’s dime) and light up a big stoggie in celebration of a good days business

WE on the other hand would be completely fucked!

Aitch those bastards could have walked away with that last year when the offer was on the table.Don`t think they would toy with their very existence by doing something so ludicrous,even for them.

If they get the re-finacing/investment those bastards are here for the long haul.They`re sitting on a goldmine and they know it.

timmy…

A fair number of people on here have mentioned how much Scum will get if Tevez leaves. But they won’t get a penny!

Tevez is essentially a free agent.(If he cuts the right deal with Joorbachian, he could come to us or anyone else, for free!)

Granted that’s not likely to happen and Joorbachian will want as much as he can get out of any deal… But he could go for any amount, from a packet of pork scratchings, to the 30 mill they quoted Scum.

My hope is that wherever he goes it is for a drastically reduced price… coz that would both weaken Scum and be a big thumb up Fungus’ nose!

My understanding is that the ManUre owners are in trouble financially and hugely saddled with debt,but they have the big stadium.
I also understand that in order for us to get on the fixture list for the next World Cup to be held in England, would be for us to share a 60,000 seat stadium with Everton. Am I being led up the swanee?
Please englighten me truthfully- FS seems to be one of those more in the know, so give it to me.

Not so worried about the opening fixture. We won last year at Chelsea, Manure, and Real Madrid; I don’t see why we can’t win at Spurs in a one off match.

Opening day doesn’t bother me, but the fixtures following the CL Group stage games look pretty difficult for all of the teams, although I think we’ve got the toughest.

Match Day 1
West Ham-Liverpool
Man U-Man City
Chelsea-Spurs
Arsenal-Wigan

Match Day 2
Chelsea-Liverpool
Man U-Sunderland
Arsenal-Blackburn

Match Day 3
Liverpool-Man U
Chelsea-Blackburn
West Ham-Arsenal

Match Day 4
Liverpool-Brum
Chelsea-Man U
Wolves-Arsenal

Match Day 5
Everton-Liverpool
Pompey-Man U
Arsenal-Chelsea

Match Day 6
Liverpool-Arsenal
Man U-Villa
Chelsea-Everton

To sum that all up:

Liverpool have 3 home and 3 away.
Home: Man U, Brum, Arsenal
Away: West Ham, Chelsea, Everton

Man U also have 3 home matches and 3 away.
Home: Man City, Sunderland, Villa
Away: Liverpool, Chelsea, Pompey

Chelsea have 5 home and 1 away
Home: Spurs, Liverpool, Blackburn, Man U, Everton
Away: Arsenal
(they never leave London)

Arsenal have 3 home and 3 away.
Home: Wigan, Blackburn, Chelsea
Away: West Ham, Wolves, Liverpool

Advantage Chavs, although they do play 5 teams that finished in the top 10 last season?

Don’t know what to make out of Moores leaving. My gut instinct tells me it’s not a good thing, but who the hell knows?

The first thing I noticed was how eerily identical this fixture list is to last year’s. And they said Rafa had lost it!

However, if we handle these fixtures well, we might end up having an relatively easy finish to our season, not unlike MUFC last season. That said, the list seems to most favour Chelsea in the first part of the season at least.

I agree with an assessment of our squad strength. We actually don’t need to sell, but keep adding, in order to help our fight in all fronts. Glenda’s a seemingly good addition and I feel we need Arby as a seasoned, proven senior squad player. Saviola won’t be a bad addition (but to me he’s at Owen’s risk level minus the injuries). We do need someone on the left and blooding of our youngsters to add variety and unpredictability.

All in all Gerry, my gut feeling’s even better than last season’s – and last season it felt real good.

Let me wish you and fellow contributors here a fabulous day.

Let’s learn to NEVER walk alone, fellow Reds. Red forever!!!

After my initial reaction I thought you know what we have to play everybody twice home and away does it really make that much difference. It is more psychological than actual reality. The CL is even with Chelsea getting the better draw and Spurs away on the opening day could be a blessing in disguise. No away team sitting back with 10 men behind the ball holding on to a point. Spurs players will want to prove a point to their fans so should come out and attack which would suite us down to the ground. No matter who they bring in they will not be settled or ready to take us on as we will be pretty much the same team with a rested squad, good preseason with no interruptions, a few quality additions that wont disrupt our fluidity and should come out of the blokes firing on all cylinders.

Ah FS I was wondering how long it would take before it burnt a hole in your pocket. Still pretty much under the radar and gone mostly unnoticed even in the press with just two reports on it, better this way and gives it more credence in my opinion. I don’t think we need to sell even if we bought in Johnson (Glenda is a great name Gerry) as the press was quoting 13mill we could probably pick him up for less (8-10). Using the Crouch fee we would still be around the 20 mill mark. The selling of Vorinon, Intandje, Leto and a few youngsters would fund a few new youngsters and I think we would be set. I still think there could be one more surprise. I fancy Tuncay as an impact player and back-up for Torres, it will give us more options and skill off the bench with Prem experience and I think he is on a free if I am not mistaken or has 1 year left so could be a bargain.

You heard it hear first. Arbie, Masch and Alonso are going nowhere. Next year a different story but Rafa will make them stay for one big title push, then I can see maybe two maximum out of the three leaving, no more.

gerry & Guys, I think we have to feel confident with our team, particularly with GJ now joining us. It does not matter who we play with, does it? If we have beaten Real Madrid, and done a double over both Manure and Chelsea last term, who in the PL are we fearing please? Indeed, I think it is the other way around. Teams will be fearing playing us now, home or away. Stay positive, lads.

As Keith said, every team has to play everyone else home and away so I’m not really bothered – at least not now in the middle of June anyway. It’s incredible the amount of hype these fixtures receive. A number of them will be re-arranged anyway.

Aitch and MTMMC have the razor blades out. I’d rather remain positive until proven otherwise and that is Masch and Alonso staying put for another season at least, Glen Johnson signing up early next week and another big signing coming before our pre-season starts.

16 June was Rafa’s 5 Anniversary at LFC. Happy Anniversary, Rafa. And he has signed for another 5 more years. The first five was good, progressing well. The next five will be awesome. Boy, I can’t wait for the season to start.
Anyways, I am flying over to Bangkok to watch the team play there on 22 July. Cheers!

Good riddance to Moores, along with Parry and Robinson, he is responsible for The Reds falling behind the Mancs.3 more signings financed by offloading Babel, Degen etc and the Reds will hit 96 points.If Owen gave up internationals, would he be worth a shot on a pay – per play basis?.

Gerry, I think your loosing your memory in your temporary retirement. I’m almost certain that you used that Spurs “end of season” gag last year…..????

It is very quiet on the transfer front. But I see the Irish Star has us loosing nearly all our main players. The rumours on the inside page are all a couple of days old. They seem to be gathering up as many stories as they could to fit them all on one page.

I find the Alosnso one very disturbing. He was asked if he would be “Disappointed” to still be at Anfield next season. He didn’t give an answer. I wouldn’t have justified that question with an answer. But the press have taken this as him saying “Yes” I would be disappointed.

Morning lads. I wouldn’t worry too much about the fixture list just yet – Sky and Setanta haven’t got their hands on it yet. But no doubt there will be plenty of changes made by the time the big kick off arrives and more as the season goes on.

As for the RB situation, I’ve heard a rumour that Arbie will be going home and Micah Richards will be coming to Anfield. Bollacks as far as I’m concerned. 2 years ago I would have been thrilled at the prospect. But Micah Richards has gone so down hill over the last 2 seasons that it looks like 2 different players.

I said in the last blog, go and look what City fans think of Richards. No one bothered and took it for granted that they are pissed off with the lad’s performances. But it’s not that… They call him Mr. Bling. And apparently he’s a bit of a nightmare nowadays, running round in the ferrari, nightclubbing, caked in jewellery, booze and birds. If that’s the case, I can’t see Rafa touching him with a shitty stick. But there again, if anyone could get the lad back on the right track it would be Rafa.

More worrying is Arbie’s situation. Why didn’t he sign a new contract when Rafa signed up all the others on long term deals? Why won’t the rumours of homesickness go? Why hasn’t he or the club squashed the rumours?

Hopefully we’ll get one more season out of the lad. But I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go. So, if that’s the case we will have to get in cover. Can’t relie on kid’s and Glass Man in such an important position, but I suppose we’ll just have to wait and see.

As for men of glass, I’ve heard that Aurellio has badly knackered his knee on holiday in Brazil. If that’s true, I can’t see Dosenna going, but apparently Rafa has given Juve a week to either buy him or forget it. Again we’ll have to wait and see.

Keith mate, I let out the rumour for 2 reasons… 1: I can’t see it happening now. 2: All the speculation is driving me mad.

With Babel being in talks with Fernabache it makes it look a bit more credible. Like LB said, I can’t see Babel wanting to go to Turkey either. But then you have to consider that Rijkarrd is now the manager at Galatasaray. So who knows.

In fact, that’s me whole point… some people might enjoy speculating but I just can’t be arsed with it. I think it’s about as much use as an ashttray on a motor bike.

Here’s a thought…. everyone put up the 2 or 3 players Rafa will buy and lets see what happens.
Not much, would be my bet.

In fact, I quite like not knowing and looking forward to what surprises Rafa might unveil. But that’s just me. I understand others like to guess. It’s what footy fans do at this time of the year.

As for Moores, I’ve said my piece loads of times. And I think we will be worse off without him, but then I suppose without Parry he would be unable to affect anything anyway.

As for the yanks selling top players or anything about them, I just can’t be arsed commenting right now. I’m just sick of the pricks and wish they would just sell and fuck off. Sorry Jack other than that I have no news.

But as for the ground share mate, it makes perfect sense to me, but it will never happen.

To cheer things up here’s a great article…
ttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1194057/EXCLUSIVE-Im-staying–time-win-title-vows-Liverpool-striker-Fernando-Torres.html?ITO=1490

I posted it last night but for anyone who hasn’t seen it…. Don’t miss reading that one. It’s a rarity – A good LFC piece in the Daily Manc (Even though they was trying to wind him up). And what a lad that Torres is. He’s an absolute joy of a kid him – immensly talented, loyal as a labrador, humble, loveable and, thank fuck, ours.

Danman why didn’t the press take it as, “I can’t be arsed talking to you and won’t answer that question again for the fifth million time?”

Like I said last time round… these rumours start on internet fan sites, make their way into the Daily Manc and The S*n, then on to Talk Shite and Sky and then spread like wildfire through out the press.

Fuck them. I nver even came back in to comment on them just seen your post. But what I wanted to say is… Wish I was going to Bangkok with you Knight. That will be a great trip. I remember last time they played over there, I seen one of the funniest ever Liverpool banners at the match. Sprayed in red paint on an old sheet…
WE LOVE YOU LIVERPOOL
LONG TIME!

Hope that’s not offensive. I just found it funny.

Thanks for the info FS,it wasn’t much,but no-one seems concerned anyway.

Great article that FS, we found a gem there!

A word on Micah Richards, I’ve heard the rumours about him being Mr Bling. One of my best mates lives in Manchester – most of his mates are City fans. I saw Richards in Leeds carnival last summer and he was blinged out big time and giving it large!
He’s spoken of the rep he has and says he’s always been like that, he likes nice things, but nobody said anything about it when he was playing well. It’s only when he lost form everyone has looked for a reason for it and used ‘Mr Bling’ as the reason for his loss of form. In the interview I read he said he’s doing exactly the same things in training and in games that he was doing a couple of years ago and works hard to improve his game.

If we could get him for £5m I’d be happy with that.

Howýa lads
Apparently Torres has said Benitiez would be mad to not sign Owen

He obviously states it here
Torres says with Owen available for free, Benitez would be mad to turn down the chance of signing him.

“I know that he is a big part of the history of this football club and that the fans at Anfield loved him,” Torres said.

“I have no idea where he will be playing next season, but I am convinced that he still has a lot to offer.

“He has been unlucky with injuries in recent years and I know how frustrating that can be, but he has a natural instinct in front of goal and you don’t lose that just because you have been injured.”

Obviously you can see the words Benitiez ….mad ……sign Owen

Sorry about the Malaria Keith

Over and out

Valdes has signed a new contract with Barca so Pepe is going nowhere
Wow thats a load off my mind (Not)
Fatty Im with you on the speculation its a complete load of cack
Its fun to think who you might get but when the papers are badgering Liverpool about who will leave it really pisses me off
Alonso and Mash looked as happy as pigs in shit playing for us last season
What happened since then
Their chicks have loads of money to go home on holidays a few times a year
Fuck I havent been home in 2 years and I aint complaining and my missus doesn’t even play for the Pohang Steelers let alone Liverpool!
over and out for now

Seems Carra shares our opinions

“I’m like any fan, I get excited about who we might bring in. The players are exactly the same as the man on the street, you pick up the paper hoping you are going to see you’ve signed someone,” he told Sky Sports News.

“But this summer there has been a bit of speculation about players moving on, so at the moment I’m hoping that doesn’t happen rather than people come in. We have got a great side at the moment, and I’m sure the manager will make a couple of additions, but we don’t want to lose anyone.”

I wld be happy if Rafa signs Owen. I’ve never seen him play for Liverpool. I’ve just watched some of his videos on YouTube. According to me,he was pretty amazing during that time of his career. If he’s coming for free, I don’t think there should be any problem in signing him. Also,he wld love to join Liverpool for a second spell. He can also be a good substitute to Torres in case of injuries.

It depends only on Rafa though. If Owen can be included in his plans for nxt season, I wld love to see him in Red once again.

Wow! You’ve made my day “donalfromtheGAP”. Nice to hear this amazing news of Valdes signing a new contract with Barca.

Hope these bastards stay away from Masch as well. I just don’t understand why they are after him. They already hav Xavi,Toure,Keita,Busquets.

KopKing
I aint saying I’d be unhappy if Rafa signed him
I was just commenting on how the story is told on ‘reliable’ news sources.
Whoever Rafa brings in will do for me

Plus with the missus hogging the computer for the last few months I’d be happy to talk about Kuyt’s new kanine lover or Kenny’s Avatar if it got me a bit of craic out of Kopblog

Peace out

Kopking
Regardless of Valdes contract I didn’t have any fear of Pepe leaving

he just seems like the kinda guy that is here for the long haul bro

By the way I meant to say good blog Gerry (as usual)
At this stage i aint too worried about the fixture list
If were gonna do it it wont be easy either way
so as the old bull said

”fuck it well walk down and ride them all”
and by ‘ride’ I mean ‘beat’
you catch my drift!!

Over and out

This just in from the July issue of Horse & Hound:

RSPCA to launch investigation into Liverpool Football Club’s Dirk Kuyt and his recreational activities.
A annonymous source within the RSPCA is quoted as stating, “Apparently there has been a suggestion of some inpropriety on Mr. Kuyt’s part in relation to his relationship with his dog Buddy. I can’t say any more at this point, other than that an investigation into the allegations has been launched and is underway.”

Donal, you come down to Bangkok and join us there on 21-22 July. Let Tracy monopolise the computer. No problem man. Cheers!

Are we really going to sign Johnson? I’ve read some reports regarding his transfer from Pompey. It has been reported that Chelski’s bid has also been accepted by Portsmouth. The bid is almost that of ours-18m.

There has not been just one report but many concerning Johnson . It’s upto GJ now, which club to join and which one to decline.

Knight I’ll do me best and hope to see you there, cheers bud

Aitch- apparently Real wanted to sign Dirk but one of his personal requests was that they sign the dog on a $100000 a week contract and play him up front but they wouldn’t budge on the 50 percent image fees so it was called of!!

Kopking Apparently its Glenda’s choice who he joins and he wants to join us

over and out

Situation on Johnson hasn’t changed KopKing. Chelsea put in a bid for him around the same time we did. Most reports at the time said he fancied a move to Anfield rather than going to Chelsea. Now because he hasn’t actually signed the contract yet (he’s been on holiday as has Rafa and the Pompey chairman was in Israel on business) the newspapers recycle old news and now tell us that Chelsea have had a bid accepted. The headline being “Chelsea to hijack Johnson deal” and “Reds sweat on Johnson”.

According to the Daily Mirror Johnson has already had a secret medical and will sign over the weekend. Last night the same newspaper said we had to sell Dossena and Arbeloa before signing Johnson. The same newspaper a couple of weeks ago said we were skint and had to forget about signing Johnson and go for Distan instead.

Conclusion – it’s all a load of bollocks 99% of the time.

Though in contrary reports the Official Real Madrid store is already selling shirts with No. 10 and Buddy TBC on the back leading to more reports that Liverpool are poised to sign Mongolian midfielder Bat-Yalalt Ganbat (who plays for Mongolian side Mon-Uran) for 36 million Stg
So We’ll have to wait for the daily rags to tell us tomorrow if the rumors are true

Liverpool are after Raul Albiol. He could be a great addition to the squad according to me. He has already stated that he wants to play in the EPL. Arsenal are also after him as Toure is probably leaving Emirates for ManC.

Liverpool are also being linked with Lille winger,Michel Bastos. He scored 14 goals and 9 assists last season, only second to Benzema. He could be a perfect solution to our left-wing.

Thankfully someone is catching on. Well said, LB. And jokes aside lads, you probably would get more sense out Hare and Hounds magazine.

Here’s a little article well worth a read…
ttp://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/blog/2009/jun/19/what-we-miss-in-football

I’m sure you will enjoy that Jack, sir.

On more serious news news the Daily Mail is reporting the ‘Rafa is facing a rebellion’
Apparently Xabi and Mascher are unhappy with Racas treatment with Pesants and commoners and are planning a ‘Lynch Mob’ style attack at John Lennon Airport upon Rafa’s return from holidays unless Rafa increases his rations of goats and pike for the villagers.

Sorry for the sillyness lads but if they can take words out of context so can I

over and out lads

We will be linked with anyone the press choses to link us with. The Daily Manc (glad you like that handle for them, FS) prefer to concentrate on players heading for the Anfield exit door.

As far as the Yanks are concerned, this is far more worrying IMO. Hands up how many of you trust these two?

Rafa said he would hope to make two signings this close season, so assuming Glen Johnson is in the bag, I suppose we can expect one more.

But will anyone leave? I hope not.

Michael Owen returning to Anfield on a free? Now that is worth considering. The lads knack of finding the onion bag in the biggest of games would surely be of great value. But, I suspect, only if he takes a 50k a week pay cut and we don’t have to pay anything to sign him!

Love the name Daily Manc Steve but forget Owen. Before I start… yes, he was great for us. Yes, we would have been fucked without his goals. Yes, he’s a decent young man.

Having said that, there is no room for sentimentality in football. He’s bollacksed. He hasn’t done a thing since he turned his back on us – and fucked Rafa – by walking away for next to nothing. He’s completely finished as a top striker and can’t even get into the England team ahead of the likes of Heskey. But more than anything, it was his treatment of Rafa that I think was the worst.

He had the option to sign, but he obviously didn’t rate/trust the man (said more or less as much) and he walked. Which also led to some of Stevie G’s head problems.

I know Rafa brought back Fowler but the two don’t equate and Owen, as far as I am concerned, is like Kevin Keegan, a superstar of the past who decided to turn his back on the club and look after number 1.

Please don’t get that wrong though. I still have a soft spot for both St. Micheal and KK. But think about it… you might aswell as bring back Keegan as Owen.

Donal light the torches and round up the villagers… because there’s going to be loads more of this shite over the next couple of weeks.

Oh by the way, this is why I came back in… LB, that’s the exact bid I have heard rumoured for Richards – 5 million quid.

But the fact is, he can give it all the “I’m just like that,” as he likes. The fact is, since he broke through into the big time shop window, (and I admit, he really he did look the bollacks) he has become a complete knobhead.

Maybe Rafa could straighten him out if he came to Anfield, and I have no doubt if he did, he would become a top class defender, even defensive midfielder. But would Rafa risk another with that mentality? I doubt it, but we will see.

Don’t sit on the fence FS, come out and say what you think of the lad! (lol)

I thought there may be an opportunity for MO to come back……… but when you put it like that! food for thought indeed.

The villagers are revolting, in fact they’re fucking awful, but hold on to your hats lads we are only just getting started. Fucking hell, I sound like Ken from the Barbie girl song!

FS you simply can’t state stuff like that, even as a joke, you said so yourself.

You’ve just give the Daily Manc tomorrows headline:
“Keagan in Shock Return to Anfield.”

“Keegan and Hicks spotted at secret midnight City Center meeting, as Rafa wakes to find locks changed on doors at Mellwood.”

Th RSPCA is investigating reports that Dirk Kuyt was spotted tossing a 12 inch black dildo for his dog to chase in a sick game of fetch in Sefton Park.

“I’d never seen anything like it.” said Mrs Nelly Plonkett, 82 of Netherly, who was walking her two pet poodles, Robbie and Michael, “I didn’t know whether to salivate to vomit, and poor Robbie just sat there shivering at the sight of it.”

Aitch you don’t know how close you are to the mark. True story… Yesterday Kevin Keegan went around to Matt LeTissiers. He was only visiting an old friend. A builder was working next door. He got pictures of Keegan and Le Tiss saying good bye in the drive way. this morning’s papers full of the pictures and stories about Le Tisser and Keegan buying Southampton FC with KK becoming manager.

It’s been all over the news here all day. Some reporting it as a given. Funny as fuck when it all came out, but I bet Southampton fans wasn’t laughing, well, except the New Messiah believers.

Thanks Donal, guys you cannot keep talking about “The Bitters” like that by calling them villagers just because they are from a small club, it’s disrespectful. The pillaging and raping is the only way they know how to defend. FS you got it wrong it was not Southampton but Liverpool they where buying, didn’t you here THicks had a secret meeting with KK and Mat Le Saint is the new investor they where looking for.

The Daily Manc says Masch’s wishes to go to barca because his wife, who is now pregnant, does not want to live in England. If so, Rafa will insist on Stg35 million for Masch. Barca is prepared to pay Stg20 million plus a young striker, Bojan Krkic. His goal rate is low but there were many assists: Premier Liga 2 goals, 14 assists; 33 shots, of which 14 were on goal and 2 hit the woodwork; CL 3 goals, 4 assists; Spanish Cup 5 goals & 6 assists. http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/english/futbol/temporada_08-09/estadistiques/jugadors/Bojan/fitxa.html

I think MO need not come back to Anfield. He walked out on us when we and Rafa badly needed him.Forgotten that? He is crocked most of the time and is now a spent force. Worse, like a prima donna he might go and whine to the LFC friendly Press that he has not been fielded and feels let down, etc. Instead, I would prefer to give our youngsters a chance, develop and build them for a fraction of the cost and agony. Ngog, El Zhar, Della Valle.

Thanks for the info SK though I hear Bojan is an i

Thanks for the info SK though I hear Bojan is an insane prospect
Though I’d prefer to keep Mascher and refuse to take any rumors for granted until they are done bro

who knows what will happen

but if he REALLY wants to go 25 mill + Bojan seems a sound enough deal

but that is once again a massive and maybe overshot ‘IF’

Over and out

It is interesting that Torres has come out and said that Masch is happy at Liverpool and will be staying. I am sure Barca would love Masch but whether they can prize him away is another thing. Rafa has already come out and said even at 50 mill Masch is not for sale. What more can he say. Masch owes Rafa firstly for taking him from Wet Spam reserves, then letting him go to the Olympics. I will be very surprised if he leaves this year, this is pure news paper sensationalizing things. Not one word from the club, Barca or Masch himself. So until the club announces it I will believe he will stay. His agent can agitate for a move all he wants to but until Masch hands in a transfer request (which I cannot see happening) he will stay.

Um, if this were really the case about Mash, then WHY would he have been talking up our chances for next season only a week or two ago?

I’m thinking that: Mash’s wife is in Argentina visiting family and friends whilst she still can, being pregnant and all… probably left on different flights hence these silly rumours…

But IF his agent really was negiotating in Barca, then I’d say we may just be able to play hardball and get a top calibre prospect from Barca along with enough dough for mash’s replacement… But I doubt that we’ll lose monster Mash, or I seriously hope not….

I could be wrong, but in all honesty these media goones are really pissing me off…

Donal, nobody knows SK. I’m Knight here.

Well, looks like reports of Masch leaving Liverpool are increasing day-by-day. Can he really leave us? Can he really join Barca when we are closest to the title in years?

Right on Knight got confused in the moment, sorry bro.
I hear you Lancey it used to just link us to ridiculous players now it seems they just want every player out of here before we can cause real damage (or as originally thought just wanna sell more rags)
but there seems to be a bit more venom towards us this year

over and out

Donal, cheers, mate! Still thinking and smacking me lips about the Irish pudding of yours.

The Kopblog poll suggests we need just three signings to strengthen our squad. That’s assuming only the laggards leave: Voronin, Intanje, Pennant, maybe even Dossena. However, if Masch were to leave, will we just need three more?
There’s already GJ, hopefully to be signed up. I can’t see him wanting to play for Chelsea again after all the wasteed years there. I think he sees more potential for us to win trophies than Chelsea and will therefore sign up for us.
If Masch leaves, who would you want for Stg20 million plus a great player? Certainly not a lightweight Bojan Krkic. Perhaps Henry or E’to plus some cash, not just a straight swap with E’to as suggested earlier by some papers. Aitch, I know you hate this to happen and so do I. Hold on to your horses, though. It just might, especially if the wifey thing not wanting to live in England is true. And Rafa telling Barca OK take Masch if you must but you have to pay for this big time and there will be just one player we are going to sell to you, so you lay your filthy hands of Reina!
And so who else do we need?

Sound Knight it was a shepards pie bro
glad you liked it!!
It seems a few boys here in Kblog have taken a leaf out of Rafa’s and Glenda’s book and gone on holidays too!!

over and out

Knight
with Boban he offers serious potential + 20 mill
I can see us getting a fairly savage DFM (but no Monster) with money to spare

But bro this is a pure hypothetical answer to a hypothetical question.

Monster has a lot to prove at Liverpool and a fair amount to repay to Rafa and I don’t see him as the kind a fella to walk away from a place that is going serious places and he is worshiped at

Thats just me humble opinion

Why wouldn’t Tevez join us rather than ManCity? Even they are Manure’s rivals. We are way ahead of City in terms of players,cups,manager.

Is it coz the Sheikhscum is providing money or he does not consider us to be strong enough to compete for PL? Either way, he is on a loss. With him and Torres as our strikeforce we could score against any defence in Europe. He could’ve won trophies with us.

Money?

Money(wages) more than what we are ready to offer him if he joins us. Hope you understand my point.

Thanks for the King Kenny/Paisley http lead in FS.
Things are different now over many things.

Donal, Ahhh. It was Shepherd’s pie. Yum. Yum. Very true, about Masch. He owes Rafa BIG TIME! He and Tevez were both wasting away at West Spam. Rafa rescued him. Built up his confidence, slowly, game by game. He paid big bucks for Masch, (was that Stg 17 million?) Rafa even put his own head on the block expecially when Hicks and Gillet were dithering at one time and not prepared to pay that amount. remember that?
Over in this blog, we are all philosophers..always philosophising. Hypothetical answers to hypothetical questions. And why not? If one says silly things, they will be instantly knocked on the head senseless! Even our wise Philosopher FS, big fellow that he says he is, experienced and so knowledgeable yet no one is afraid to trample on him if they disagree with his views.

Yes Jack. The good old days, indeed. Can’t see Rafa wearing his slippers and cardigan when signing up a player. Oh well, it is what is.

I’m just amazed that some people think there is anything more to this game than money nowadays. In fact, I think we are very blessed to have men like Torres and Rafa that have some principles and loyalty about them. And why people would like mercaneries like Tevez and Eto at Anfield is beyond me. Thankfully Rafa does the signings and makes sure the right mentality is one of his first requirements.

To me it’s as easy as this… you either want to play for LFC or you want to take the bigger dollar elsewhere.

Of course I am biased. But having said that, I have been to all the biggest clubs and stadiums in Europe. There is none better than Anfield. So, unless you are like Rooney and have a hatred of the place and people, there is no better place to be. Micheal Owen found that out to his cost not ours.

Ahh so Knight sir

A lot of this game is nonsense built on reputation. Is Tevez 20 million quid better than Tungay?
I think not.

True that Knight (about philosophizing) and not a thing wrong with it

But Mascher owes Rafa Big time I seriously agree with that

I think the 2 of them have a sort of Da/son relationship and I reckon Monster will stay
maybe he’ll have to give his wife one of his world famous tackles across the living room floor ( too harsh and only messing)
Or maybe he can send Skirtle over to have a talk with her!!

Har de har

over and out

Fatty to be honest I don’t think hes worth 20 million more than meself

but that’s open to debate

over and out

Just read your comments on Tevez and Tuncay. I just wanted to ask Tuncay’s age. If he’s <29,then,we should buy him. If he’s not then I suppose we should try for somebody else.

I love all this debate about why wont Tevez come to Liverpool, it’s quite simple we don’t want him, did not put a bid in for him, I have not seen one quote from Rafa that says he would like Tevez at Liverpool. Yes he wound Fungus up by saying he is a quality player etc. We have our own version of action man come Duracell Bunny in Deadly Dirk, let him take the big bucks at City or Chelsea (cant see that happening) I am just glad that he has left ManU because that is two out of their front four that have left and will disrupt them big time while the others try and settle in, not to mention their goals that won them vital points. I must admit the Daily Manc is trying everything to unsettle us, I cannot quite remember such a concerted effort to cause disruption. I think Fungus has phoned up his friends and said we are in the shit we need help, put the boot in at Liverpool and see if we can cause some problems, because I will need all the help I can get next season.

Donal laddie, if you go on the wagon and stop the ciggie, and lose 10 kg, run 100m in 11 sec flat, I’ll have LB write a note to Rafa to buy you for Stg 20 million! And ask him to forget Tevez. It seems Old Fuckford is now missing two of their top scorers and now have only Barbie Doll and Monkey face upfront. Hahaha

Donal, I was speaking hypothetically, of course…

Knight brother
If I did all that I could put on a cape and save the world and could probably fetch at least 25 mill with 10 percent image fees
Old Fuckface will probably buy a few shitheads with the Ronaldo money but he can only play one

Over and out

Now that Tevez has said he wouldn’t be playing at Old Trafford nxt season, I hope he signs for City or goes to some other league. I don’t want Chelski to be more strong in the front.

Knight in a hypothetical world I would be Johnny Cash with a cape!!

Time for bed now keep the banter going lads

Over and out

Knight in a hypothetical world I would be Johnny Cash with a cape and a ponytail!!

Time for bed now keep the banter going lads

Over and out

Kopking I wouldn’t be too worried about the other teams…….nuff said

Thank fuck sanity… that’s exactly right Keith. We didn’t bid for him. We don’t need him. We already have a better version. I go into a few fan websites. I read all the papers and I talk with red mates… It’s hilarious. The very same people who slag off Dirky get all wet and misty eyed talking about Tevez.

and to think Bill Shankly used to think we was the most knowledgable fans in football. And the same fellas get all suicidal talking about Mascher leaving.

Well, before I start one thing straight… I love Mascher. I think he’s brilliant at his job. But there’s the rub – his job. He offers very little else. I come from a time before this holding midfielder melarkey. I come from a time when there was no such thing and thank fuck – So does Sammy Lee. The days when players like himself, Jimmy Case and the great Souness actually done that job, got forward, created goals and scored them.

If this bloody consortium/cartel that Masch was involved in – and his agent still is – thinks Masch would be better off elsewhere, well let him bloody go. But before he does, I’d give him Micheal Owen’s booklet to read.

Donal, at least you look better than CR. LFC would have paid a fortune for that image. Now if only you change that gravatar-tar of Johnny Cash.

Looks like the GJ deal is almost sealed:
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2009/06/19/liverpool-snatch-17m-star-from-under-chelseas-noses/

Glad the tevez thing is swept under the table.He`ll probably go to city now for a mega wage packet.hope it ends in tears for him not because he didn`t want to come here,i never wanted him to come to us.Only because he`s obviously motivated solely by money.The scum offered 25.5m for him and a decent wage and he knocked it back for a mid table team who`s flush.

You’re right abt Tevez there Timmy. I hope he rots at City and gets relegated to the Championship.

I couldn’t give a toss about Tevez or Citeh or their bloody money. Why anyone would is beyond me. I remember Kevin Keegan signing for Hamburg. We’d just won the European Cup for the first time and all hands thought the end was neigh.

Fucks sake

FS, just curious. I want to know since when hav you been supporting LFC? From your comments you seem to be the oldest supporter of Liverpool on this blog.

Kop King Mr.Jack Hill has that distinction. I’ve supported LFC since I can remember. I was born in Kirkdale, a five minute walk from the ground. I used to listen to the roar and look at the headlights from my bedroom window when I was a kid. I’m 52 now. And I’ve been a match going LFC supporter since my first game in 1966. Sadly, I don’t get to as many games today. I live down south now, but I get to about 10/15 games a season. and sometimes I might seem like I’m moaning, but all I try to do is point out LFC has been going since 1892 not 1991 when Sky and the premiereship invented football.

We have survived all that time. We will whether Masch goes or Tevez doesn’t. Just don’t take any notice of all the hype

PS… I’m now watching Ice Cold In Alex.

Remember that scene when they get the beer Jack? A great film moment that.

HA! I just saw that I said headlights! Fuck me that’s funny. I’m having me first drink in a month. I haven’t had a bevvie since the SOS do. So I sagged work today, had a few scoops and smoked a big fatty. He He. Missus FS will batter me when she gets home.

FS, I’m guessing you meant to say floodlights?

I had to laugh, thinking you must have been bored shitless if all there was to do was look at headlights!

kopking – FS has been supporting liverpool since 1892. i have a feeling he might be the reincarnation of John Houlding or John McKenna

Feel like I’ve been around since 1892. Off me head. Headlights would have been a bonus. Back in them days we used to watch the lamp lighter for entertainment.

It’s simple Barca should be told to forget about Mascherano and Pepe. They can go to Real Madrid’s feeder club, Manure. As regards Michael Owen, I hope Rafa doesn’t make a move for him. He messed LFC about,so why should Rafa rescue the clown’s stagnant career? Owen is yesterday’s news – simples.

It seems that GG has sold his Canadiens club for a reported $500USD Million…

If this is true then surely there could be some serious ramifications for LFC… That’s enough to finance the stadium by himself, or buyout Hicks or quash the debt that’s strangling our club…

Best to wait and see…

ooh, needless to say the tabloids will be printing that we’re flush with cash now and that Eto, Tevez, Ronaldinho, Henry and co. are all targets of Rafa’s 100mill warchest from GG…

http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/article/654184

Just found a link there too YNWAlancey..add the h

ttp://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/index.html

FS your right about kegan can you remember when we played hamburger with kegan in their tam and we did for them LFC 6 Burgers 0 every one sining to Keegan you should have stay at Anfield another great Anfield Night

Anyone who thinks that LFC will see a Canadien Dime (and yes that’s about 8 cents US) of that money is seriously deluding themselves.

With GG selling the Habs for $550 million, that should see him clear a profit of close to $300 million.

I’m not sure how much of that comes back into the club, if any, but it should provide GG with the money he needs to come up with his half of the cash for the impending refi.

Next move is to see where TH is coming up with his share. Gilette sold the most storied franchise in the history of the National Hockey League (even more dominant that Liverpool in the EPL); Hicks is selling nothing close to that in value with either the Texas Rangers or the Dallas Stars.

Interesting to see if GG has enough cash now to buy out TH?

Is it just a coincidence that we get this news less than 24 hours after David Moores resigns from the board?

All this speculation hurts my head. I’m off to grab anohter cocktail…

I love Masch, but these stories with him leaving are really starting to come fast and furious. I’m a big believer of where there’s smoke there’s fire.

Now the times is reporting that Real Madrid are looking at a swoop for Masch and Arbeloa for £38m.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article6543956.ece

I don’t think that’s enough for us, but I think Javier will be gone if we can see a bid of £40m for him alone.

I forget where I read it, but I’ve also seen rumors of Masch off to Barca in exchange for Bojan Krkic and some cash.

hi lads an interview with Mr Torres

what a lad!!

Forgive the paste Gerry

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has stated that the club do not need to spend millions of pounds on new players to win the Premier League title.

The 25-year-old, who is currently on international duty at the Confederations Cup with Spain, believes that although the Reds do not have the same spending power as Manchester United and Chelsea, they are still well equipped for the title race.

The club’s finances are currently being monitored, with owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks still having a £350 million debt to wipe out as the club struggles to raise transfer funds.

However, a reported £18 million bid for Portsmouth right-back Glen Johnson has been submitted, showing that the club still have some money to spend on new players.

Despite this, Torres feels money is not the answer.

Speaking to The Daily Mail, Torres said, “We don’t have the same money as United or Chelsea but that is not a problem for us.

“We will try to win trophies with money or without it, it doesn’t matter to us. In the past two years, United have been the strongest team in Europe and we had to fight against them. This year they have lost an important player, so maybe it is our time.

“When I was a kid I was always looking up to Atletico Madrid strikers but when I came to Liverpool I saw DVDs of Robbie Fowler and Kenny Dalglish. They are legends of Liverpool. One day I would like to be close to them.”

The Spain international also maintained the importance of keeping the squad together so they are able to play as a team and progress.

“If we can play together for a lot of years it would be fantastic,” said Torres.

“It makes us more complete as players. We have to keep all our good players.”

The former Atletico Madrid player has been at Anfield for two years, and has played 57 Premier League games for the club, scoring 38 goals.

Lvcjmac mate, perhaps you saw my post #55 on Masch?

Lvcjmac, I read The Times’ post on Masch + Arbie to Real Madrid for Stg38 million. Frighteningly in the same article, it says Chelsea may offer to buy FT for Stg 60 million! It goes on to say that with G&H needing the funds they may force Rafa’s hand to sell to Chelsea. Meanwhile Chelsea is getting desperate as they have yet to sign a single player since the arrival of Ancelloti. They missed out on Kaka and other players’ values have all ballooned as a result of the big stakes (Kaka, CR) upped by Real and now needs a star signing, hence FT. Surely the yanks must be mad to lose our star players, one by one? I hope GG’s new funds will allow Rafa some addditional money for new buys and no need to sell our star players: FT, Masch, Alonso. We are so close to the new PL title now and possibly the CL title in this coming season. Holding on to our stars are critical unless another stara plus cash somes in their place, then it can be considered. The fringe players can go: Pennant, Intanje, Voronin and well even Dossena.

Lads i can`t belive any of ye are even considering swallowing these stories.We have a better chance of signing Wayne Rooney for 5 million than selling Torres to the chavs for 50.It just ain`t happening lads,it`s ridiculous.

Whatever about the Masch and Arbie rumors,i think masch will stay for another year.Arbie,with the johnson acquisition pending and one year left on his contract,could possibly leave.

It has been reported that GJ had passed the medical last night and his signing would be unveiled today.

Wat wld you guys want GG to do with his reported selling of Canadiens. Invest money to clear the debts? Hand some money to Rafa for new signings? Invest all the money in the new stadium?

Kopking,

I tell you what we want them to do.Sell the club and wander off somewhere where we never see or hear from then again.

P.S.

Kopking,it`s unlikely he`ll be unveiled on a sunday bud.Maybe tomorrow or tuesday if Rafa`s back from his hols.

The thing is that GG now has enough money to buy out Hicks and effectively wipe the debt off LFC at the same time as he’s gotten 330GBP million from the sales of the Canadiens…

He could then very well get financing for the stadium very easily using whatever monies he has left, as well as the banks, who would easily lend monies for a studium as we discussed in the last blog…

Hicks, however seems to be in a precarious situation though… I doubt that he would be able to make too much from the sales of the Texas Rangers(?) and the Stars…

There is alot of animousity towards our owners, however it’s looking more and more likely that they’re going to be around for quite sometime now…

There seems to be a real chance that GG will be able to make a massive profit on his 330mill by re-investing it into LFC and financing the stadium. To me that’s a given otherwise he would have sat on his Canadiens and continued to reap the rewards of that franchise as it was highly profitable…

I think GG is here to stay, the question is whether Hicks can conjure up the 300mill GBP to clear his other investments as well as find enough money to match GG…

Interesting times ahead!!!!

To be honest I don’t mind if they stay provided:

a) Rafa continues to get 26-28mill + sales per year in transfers.
b)Rafa gets to fulfill in newly signed contract ie. Has a large say in all footballing matters.
c) The debt either dissappears through GG and hicks paying their loan.
d)The stadium finally gets the green light (preferably with the 70,000 seater plan, although revenue is not that far from the 60,000 seater design…).
e)They keep their mouths shut (which they seem to have learnt….

I know the opinion isn’t high of them, however GG now has the power to remove the debt as well as build the stadium of his own accord. There in lies the main grievances from us fans…

Surely IF they deliver we must then get on with supporting our team? Or have I missed something?

YNWAlancey, I would agree with you and don’t really mind if they throw in the money. But then again a leopard also seldom change their spots. Which is likelier to happen? I think the latter, unfortunately. So best option for LFC is for them to sell out. Second best is they stay but give all those things to Rafa to handle the professional aspects of things.

The thing is, GG and Hicks have the opportunity to make an awful lot of money out of LFC. They my not be fans, but as speculators they are almost about to quadruple 300 mill GBP, they’re not so stupid as to throw that sort of money away when GG has every opportunity to go ahead with there plans…

Hicks just doubled his 150mill GBP invested into the Canadiens and may very well more than quadruple that with LFC (estimates are that with the new stadium LFC would be worth over 1billiion GBP), I seriously doubt that hes going to sell up now for 50mill GBP profit. Would you take 50 mill or invest and make 1 billion?

The tabloids will probably take a few days to come to that obvious conclusion though… So brace yourselves for the stupid headlines.

Seems to me that GG may well come through, albeit he took his time, with the promises they made two years ago…

Seems a bitter sweet pill doesn’t it???

uh oh, chelsea are going to buy alonso and torres from us! and there’s nothing we can do about it! oh no!

thanks ‘shite’ of the world, we appreciate your journalistic excellence.

Alec, you’re right abt these newspaper tabloids who hav been costantly putting ‘shite’ rumours on the web. They are just getting on my nerves. How can Torres join Utd or Chelsea when he has signed a new contract? When Rafa has already said that he wouldn’t be selling Alonso and Masch, why are all these rumours being posted again and again?

Kopking thats the british Media for you.It`s the off season.They need to fill spaces in the back of the paper.They also for years like the british establishment have it in for liverpool fc and the city.So they do everything in their power to unsettle Rafa the players and the club by printing ridiculous stories.

They disrespect and dislike Rafa because he has balls to tell it like it is regarding their darling slur alex.They refuse to acknowledge his managerial expertise and instead constantly go on about rotation,zonal marking and negative play,all without basis to each point.

Knight, you are correct re: post #109. What a dope I am; couldn’t remember where I read it and it was about 50 posts higher on the same page.

It’s a shame these board room theatrics are happening to our team, because if they were happening to the Mancs or Bitters, we would be eating it all up.

The never ending saga continues; GG (the allegedly skint owner) now has a pocket full of cash, and TH (the one with the alleged higher net worth) is in the midst of trying to find cash after defaulting on loans back here in the States within the last 90 days.

All reports we’ve heard on our current loan is that the banks will require more equity from the two owners to extend the terms. GG now possesses that cash; we wait to see what Hicks will do.

We went through a long period of time where our biggest fear was that Hicks would buy at Gillette and take us over 100%. Now is Gilette in the position to do the same to Hicks?

This may be an unpopular opinion, but if those two clowns are able to get the stadium built, as well as keep the squad as strong as it is now, then I would be able to stomach it if the sell us for huge profits down the road. Those are two big “ifs”, but that stadium is essential for our survival long term.

That was the European Super Cup Final Jim. I was at that one. I even sort of felt sorry for Keegan. He must have been thinking “Oh shit. What have I done.”

If I remember rightly McDermott got a hat-trick and Dalglish got one and Keegan was a forgotten man. Keegan/Dalglish was a bit similar to Owen/Fowler in that the Kop never really loved Keegan and Owen like they did Dalglish and Fowler. I suppose it was the loyalty thing.

As for the yanks, I don’t know what’s going on. I only have their past record to judge them on. So why on earth would I believe they are going to do anything for our club?

Yes. I know they are not idiots and know how to play the financial game. So, I suppose actually investing some money in the club/team/stadium makes sense. But why should I believe it of them?

Make your own mind up, but me… I will not believe anything until I actually see it and even then I won’t trust them. They are a pariah on LFC and the only good they can do as far as I’m concerned is sell and leave.

As for the press unsettling the team, why is anyone surprised?

No matter what they do with the money, the mancs have lost Tevez and Ronaldo. That’s a huge loss no matter how they spend the money from Ronaldo’s transfer. The papers and media can make small of that as much as they like, but everyone knows it’s a big hit to take in one go. So what better way to make small of it than unsettling LFC?

In the last 2 years Ronaldo has scored 37% of all Utd’s goals. That’s an incredible feat. It’s not as simple as this, but he was the difference between Chelsea and the mancs 2 seasons ago and the difference between us and them last season.

Add to that the fact that, most reporters/hacks/pundits know we are only a couple of players away from being the finished article, and that we had our biggest ever points total, only lost 2 games last season – and out scored all of our opponents – then you start to realise why the press, especially The Daily Manc and Sun, have resorted to unsettling our players.

So what do they have to use against us? The ownership issue and lack of money. So they will chip away at us wherever they can, and will continue to do so as long as they think they can undermine us.

But Benitez is a sly old dog. He’s seen far worse in Spain and he will be able to cope with any of there nonsense.

Only one thing would worry me at the moment, as Gerry said in the blog – Alonso is essential to us. It would be practically impossible to replace him at this time. And it’s took Rafa five years to get us to this point. He’s fought some very hard battles for us in that time, both in and outside the club. Xabi was there with him at the beginning of this process. I just hope he’s still here when it comes to it’s conclusion – the league title.

FS, you are right on all counts except Alonso. Rafa wanted to sell Alonso last year in order to buy Barry. In fairness, Alonso was not up to the mark in 2007/8. I was one of them fans who wanted Alonso out and Barry in. But it did not happen. Alonso must be burning inside. He did very well last season. Extremely well. But I guess he is not entirely happy with Rafa’s actions last year-may not have forgiven him- and may wish to turn around and go back to Spain.

he fall out with Rafa goes back to the time Alonso wouldn’t travel with the squad/team for a European game (Arsenal) because he wated to see the birth of his first child. That was all well sorted. But what happened then was Alonso’s girlfriend (Soon to be wife) wanted to raise their kids in Spain. That’s still the case. It’s still the root of the problem. I just hope Xabi will give us one more season. To my mind, he is essential for a challenge, but given a year’s time, Rafa would come up with the right replacement.

PS… Alonso has also commented on the tax situation in England and the strength of the Euro against the pound. It seems in real terms his contract is now worth 30% less than when he signed it.

No matter how much a fella earns, a 30% drop in wages is not something they will take lightly. And it appears Xabi could earn more money in Spain than he is in England.

I just hope the fact that he’s a Basque will stop him from going to Madrid, but them days are all but over. It’s bit like the Protestant/Catholic situation in Glasgow. And even though there was a Basque bombing recently in Madrid, Real might even like to sign a Basque to help heal the rift.

Who knows. As always all we can do is sit and wait.

FS, you are totally right abt Alonso. We cannot afford to lose him at this moment and it seems very unlikely too. Alonso is the key to our mid-field. Personally, I hav never seen Alonso giving a bad performance. He has given us support since all these years and Rafa should hav given his share to him when he needed it most. If we lose him, it will be our biggest stupidity. This is not the time to break the spine of our team. This is the time to strengthen our squad around those players who hav shown the spirit to win the title. Although, he has already said that he wouldn’t be leaving us this year, I can only hope that he means it. Rafa needs to keep him this season and find his replacement for the next.

At this moment Manure are the weakest than they hav ever been. They’ve lost their best player[CR], their best striker[Tevez].

“Strike When the Iron is Red”!!!

Well, it looks like Rafa hasn’t been sitting on the beach. He’s signed us another young kid, Jesus Fernandez Saez. He’s nicknames Suso. Apparently Barcelona were trying to get him from Cadiz but Rafa elbowed them out the way.

I know nothing about the kid, but apparently he’s a great prospect and a very talented attacking mid-fielder. He can play central, out wide or in the hole as a second striker.

But he’s only 16 so I wouldn’t be getting too excited about him just yet. But I like the fact that Rafa robbed him from under Barca’s nose. It shows, despite the lack of money, Rafa can still compete with, and beat, the biggest of them.

How much has Rafa paid for this youngster?

As much as I despise Slur Alex, the only thing that I like about the tramp, is his man management of his star players. He always has the last word with them. That’s one trait Rafa needs to brush up on, his man management skills with the players. If Masch and Alonso really want to leave, they must shed blood for the cause this coming season, win us the league and then they can both fuck off to pastures new. In this business, the gaffer needs to be ruthless and hard as nails, otherwise, player power will rule. If they don’t want to stay with us, they can leave, but only when the manager says so. No player is bigger than Liverpool, but they should only leave on our terms not on their agents’ terms.
And two thumbs up to you FS for sharing your knowledge about our beloved club with us. It is always a pleasure reading your posts.

I believe that Alonso will be staying with us the coming season, but what abt Masch? Is he going to leave? His wife is pregnant and is in South America. Why wld he want to move to a new country, with a different culture and society? In such conditions nobody would want a transfer to a club in another country.

This is why David Villa wants to remain in Spain rather than settle in a new place.

The excuse seems illogical to me. I think this news is totally fake and senseless. Masch would probably be staying at Anfield.

I don’t know how much he cost. I just got a text from one of me mates in Liverpool, telling me it was done.

And thanks for the thumbs up Ron, but that’s just about it… I know no more than anyone else. I just get the odd bit of news from friends with close links to the club. Somethings I don’t even repeat in here, and sometimes the info is wrong anyway.

I also spend too much of me time on LFC. Back before all the hype, the summer was a time you could forget footy for a month or so. Of course you never completely gorget about it, but there was a time the summer was pretty much footy free. I don’t really have any other sporting interests. I like the boxing but I’ve never been arsed about cricket or rugby or tennis or anything other than football really. When I was younger, I used to go to all the festivals in the summer but I can’t be arsed now at my age. I go to the odd show every blue moon, but I haven’t been the pictures in about 10 years. I don’t even go the pub very often now either. So it’s pretty much down to LFC and talking with lads who are just as bad/sad as meself.

I love it…. Gillette is now our White Knight, coz he sold off one of his Sports Franchises?

Lads if DIC had met G&H’s 400 million price tag, they wouldn’t have walked away with 400 million crisp one pound notes in a suitcase.
They’d have walked away with 25 million each, best case scenario, since they never put a single cent of their own money into LFC and bought us with a 270 million loan, which they then refied to 350 million. That is 350 million they OWE TO THE BANK!

So I’m curious as to why people think that Gillette now has 350 mill burning a hole in his shady fuckin pockets?
Did he really actually “own” the Candiens? I mean outright? Or had he leveraged them in the same way he has done LFC?

Perhaps someone out there KNOWS the score…(?)

…but I’ll continue to suspect that he’s only gonna see a fraction of that money…. and we won’t see a friggin DIME of it…
…until I see responsible reporting to the contrary!
(and that would be like an article in the Financial Times or Wall Street Journal, for instance… NOT the Sun, or the Star, or Sky!

i find it pointless that rafa has signed that 16yo we got plenty of talent in the reserves and not many of them coming through we should be concentrating on the first team! not buying more kids 4 the reserves we dont need them.

To the best of my knowledge Aitch, he owns 80.1% of the Canadiens. The rest of the shares are already owned by the Molson family, the new owners/buyers.

I have no idea of how much of the money LFC will see. But I could make a decent educated guesstimate at fuck all nothing, nada, zilch, zero.

Jaysus Brazil are giving the Italians some lesson. Exhibition stuff, resistance is futile. Poor aul Andrea looks as hapless as ever, scored an o.g. To be fair though they’re making all of them, Cannavaro a former world player of the year included, look rather silly. But for Buffon it could have been 4 or 5 at the half. Spain and Brazil should be a cracker in the final.

I keep coming in here Digger because I am bored to death with this game and them fuckin vuvusala things would drive the pope to drink.

I have never seen such a poor Italian team in me life. I actually feel sorry for Dosenna out there. The poor bastard is being hung out to dry by he’s own team mates. He looks like one of the only ones trying. He is getting forward and has put in a few decent crosses but everything is wasted and then he’s left to charge back. As for the oggie, same thing. He was hung out to dry and will end up taking the blame when it was the rest of the defense that let him down.

Italy just seem to have aged all at once and went downhill faster than a runaway train. I’m not even that impressed with Brazil. I reckon they only look decent because the Ities are so shite and I reckon a proper decent team could set about them and make them look very ordinary.

Barcelona and Real Madrid are going to have to come up with something better to tempt Masch and Xabi out of Anfield. A fee of 100 million quid for the pair should seal it though!

Have you heard the one about Chelsea preparing a bid of 50 million for Torres?

FFS, instead of FT’s desire to get close to what Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler acheived at Anfield this report would have us believe that the feats of Kerry Dixon and…….er….and oh fuck it, oh yeah David Speedie would be of greater interest to our intelligent, humble and genuine 25 year old striker!

You’ve got to laugh, eh?

the papers reported that GG brought the Canadiens for 150mill GBP 7-8years ago, so at the very least he’s up 180mill. However, as he owns the (pretty new) stadium AND the fact that the Canadiens are a fabled team situated in Canada he’s been reaping massive profits, year-in-year-out since he’s owned them…

GG now has the money to seriously make a difference to LFC’s future…

Whether I like him or not, he may well be the solution to finally getting our new stadium built. Thankfuly if we gat our stadium under way it’s only going to cost a fraction of what it would have only a year or so ago…

Although it’s hard to fathom, the future may just be starting to look very bright for LFC in both the short and long term…

YNWA

Italy have been shite for a long time now. It’s a miracle they won the world cup in 2006. They were horrible then as well. I mean what kind of a crap team has someone like Materazzi in central defense. Gone are the days of Baresi and Maldini.
I have to agree with FS about dossena, poor bloke, he was hung out to dry.

As to the rumours of players leaving, maybe I am old fashioned despite my age but why is the wife’s opinion so important?? I mean, okay fine, if the wives themselves don’t like the weather and the kid’s schooling and all that is the issue, for sure, they should leave, but why should the husband leave with them?? People in the real world frequently actually have to work away from their families for a couple of years, so what is the big deal about their wives moaning? How can someone compromise their career in that perspective. I just can’t get these things.

Last night Italy – The World Cup Champions – were shown the way by an outstanding Brazil. I watched the whole match and I hav to say, Brazil looked awesome. Fabiano,Robinho and Kaka had made life hell for the Italians. This is not even the best lineup of Brazil.
Italy couldn’t even score past such a terrible defence.

I am sure Spain can beat Brazil in this competition.

Too often I see comments and articles about finance/Transfers/Accounts, and the analysis is always way too simplistic!
Don’t think the only lonas that GG has in his name or gurantees he has given only relate to LFC.

On the 350m loan Kop Holdings has from the banks, 180m is guranteed by the shareholders, I am sure this is being done with all his other ventures also, so all he doing is reducing his exposure to the banks and not providing a “warchest” for LFC.

I had a good look over the accounts a few weeks ago and was trying to post a few comments on them at the time, but there were very few positives I could pick out then, I will try and post a few of them again later in the Week.

I love all this speculation “Chelsea to make a 50 mill bid for Torres, Barca in with a 35 mill bid for Masch.” First the club who holds the contract has to agree to sell and second the player has to agree to move, if that does not happen they can bid 200 mill for Torres and it is still wishful thinking. Bullshit baffles brains that all it is and I wish people would stop getting taken in by it. Typical journalism, they ask Pallegrino, after Rafa has said even at 50 mill Masch is not for sale, is it possible that Masch could go to Barca. He reply’s well in football I suppose anything is possible and yes in today’s game money talks, but he is important to Liverpool as are certain players are to Barca and Rafa we do not want to sell him. Headlines “ Coach hints that Masch will be sold to Barca” It is pathetic.

Anyway leave our Vuvuzelas alone, it is the one contribution the locals make to SA and which they are good at, making a lot of noise for no reason. They are sponsored by the pharmaceuticals companies as the demand for Panado, Anadin and Grampa Headache tablets has quadrupled and corporate profits have increased. Also do not get carried away by the history of the vuvuzela that it comes from the Kudu Horn they used to blow to call meetings and go into battle. It actually comes from the train surfers, kids that ride on the top of trains, for fun, dodging pylons and electrical wires. They broke off the train horns and started blowing them as a means of attracting attention and showing off to the girls and so it escalated, so there is no noble tradition, just vandalism and stupidity as there have been plenty of deaths with this train surfing gig.

It is banned from the Rugby stadiums as they are still trying to surgically remove the vuvuzela from the guy that blew it when Rugby supporters where interrupted from drinking their Brandy and Cokes by the noise.

Kev J would you like to see Messi playing for us having cost us nothing. Barca bought him as a 15 year old. Youth policies are the only way to go in today’s silly climate of the galactico mentality.

Don’t know how anyone thinks Brazil are good. They look very ordinary to me. And even though that’s probably the worse Italian side I have ever seen, it was still shocking to watch them being unable to even get the basics right.

It’s not a myth. No matter what players they have at the time, Italy have always been able to shut up shop and steal a goal. And from time to time, they have had really great sides with wonderful footballers. But this shower…

I also thought they was one of the worst/weakest sides to ever win the World Cup an all Hyde, but that performance was truly shocking. Only Camerasai and Dosenna seemed to want to be out there and actually try. Probably the most un-Italian performance and side I’ve ever seen.

If I’d have been taking any closer notice to this competition there was a decent bet on last night – USA to go through. It needed the whole group to be turned around by 3 goals. When it had finally happened, the Italians still had 20 minutes to get one goal and ensure they went through. But they done absolutely nothing. Shocking performance.

Anyway, it seems we have signed yet another kid. Seems Rafa has done a good job nicking him from under the nose of Barcelona. And it also seems like he’ll have to do that with any targets he has.

Yes, Gillette might have kopped a raft of dough, but what reason do any of us have to believe Rafa will see any of it?

That poisonous little bastard is every bit as bad as Hicks. So I can’t understand the optimism. If he invests anything in the club, all I can see that being is something that will increase the value of the club to him. That doesn’t include signing players.

Gillette’s Nascar business is also in trouble. In fact, from as far as I can see he’s over stretched everywhere and this money he’s just got wouldn’t even clear his debts.

I hope I’m wrong. I hope Rafa sees some money, but I have no reason to believe he will. I think Gillette’s few bob changes nothing, and it will be business as usual for Rafa. He will get the 20 mill (Which should have been 35). And he will have to sell to buy.

Let’s summise we’ve got Johnson and (due to Crouch money) that leaves Rafa about 10 mill to play with. 10 mill doesn’t buy much nowadays, so we will have to sell. Okay, nothing new in that. But where are we going to wheel and deal…

Aurelio has supposedly damaged his knee badly on holiday and will be out for months. So that could mean Dosenna is unable to leave. So who does that leave? Well, no one wants any of the spine to go. So, summising Rafa can convince them all to stay, that would leave Intandje, Vronin and a few kids. What would we get from that?

Intandje obviously wants to sit his contract out, keep collecting wages for fuck all, and leave on a free. German interest in Vronin seems to have gone. And maybe we could scrap together 2 or million off a few kids. In regard with selling, I don’t really know the situation with Leto but I don’t think he’d raise much whatever the deal is. So, that probably leaves Babel. And if he goes, what… 8 million tops?

So anyway, I don’t want to spread doom and gloom first thing Monday morning. But I reckon we need to be realisitic in our expectations and thankful it’s Rafa doing the deals now. It could still work out very good for us, but money for GG or not, make no mistake about it, Rafa still has a very hard job on his hands.

And Hyde mate, sorry but it doesn’t work like that. So if Masch’s wife refuses to stay, I think we have no option but to let him go. If we forced him to stay what use would he be anyway. remember how he sulked when thought he wouldn’t go the Olympics? Well what do you think he’d be like if we forced him to be seperated from his wife, daughter and new born baby?

Nah, just how it is today mate. If they are determined to leave, you have no choice but to just let them go.

I’ve got to go out now, but Keith just wanted to let you know South Africa is taking a right pounding in the media over here. I’ll tell you more about it later when I get back, but they are talking about trying to force FIFA to move the Wrold Cup. It’s just the usual sensationalist media bolax and I know it will never happen, but I’m sure they’re scaring off plenty of people from going.

this guy speaks rafa’s lingo and apparently is a long-time lfc season ticket holder. hope he has a positiv impact on the club:

Liverpool FC Co-Chairmen, George Gillett and Tom Hicks, today announced the appointment of Christian Purslow as Managing Director of the Club.

Christian Purslow will assume overall management of the Club until the appointment of a new Chief Executive, and will then continue as a Board Director. As Managing Director, Purslow will represent the owners and oversee all financial and operational aspects of the Club, working with Rafa Benitez on player transfers and with the Club’s Group Chief Financial Officer, Philip Nash and Commercial Director, Ian Ayre on Club and commercial management.

Christian Purslow, 45, a long time Liverpool season ticket holder, is an Executive Board member of MidOcean Partners, a private equity firm which he co-founded. He was previously a director of Morgan Grenfell Private Equity. Prior to his private equity career Purslow was Head of Media, Cable and Entertainment for Schroder Salomon Smith Barney in Europe and head of UK Mergers and Acquisitions for Credit Suisse First Boston. Purslow is a fluent Spanish speaker, has a modern Languages degree from Cambridge University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

True FS, if his family wants to go, masch will defo go. I understand the logic, I just don’t get how people can sacrifice an important top status career, and a very short one at that, for such sentiments. It is not as if they are going to be separated forever. Oh well, that’s coming from someone who is stil single, so maybe I am wrong.

Yeah FS, Dosser had a much better 2nd half than first, seemed determined to make up for his o.g. He was giving his all in an almost Kyut-esque performance. I can see why Rafa likes him. Cant see why you dont rate Brazil though! Jesus Fatty they were reefing the Italians, embarrassing them at times. They couldent get near Brazil. And as you point no matter what era or 11 they put out the Italians are always one tough nut to crack. That once undeniable truism was pretty much shattered yesterday.

Dossena had a howler last night, even scored an OG.Why not make Purlow, Parry’s direct replacement?.Is Lucas in the Brazil squad for the Confederation Cup?.30 mill for Masher would give a 12 mill profit, get 2 quality players with the cash.

Dosenna had a howler last night?

I someties wonder if people watch the same game. As for the oggie, the lad was hung out to dry by his team mates. They left a huge hole in the middle which Doss tried to get over and cover. The one mistake he made was, by doing this he played Brazil onside but he had no real option but to get over there. When the ball was played in behind him, he had to turn and get back. The ball was played across the area and would have led to a certain goal if Doss didn’t try to cut it out. He slid in desperately trying to get to the ball, but could do nothing but steer it towards his own net.

I’m not the lad’s greatest fan or PR Man but if we are going to slag our players off lets at least get the criticism right and based on some sort of fact.

Sadly, Dosenna has joined the Kuyt, Benayoun and Lucas club – I’m ashamed to associated with other fans that conduct these witch hunts and, for some reason that is completely beyond me, have this need to scapegoat one of their so called own.

It seems to be a thing from the internet age. And I’ll never get used to it or condone it. No one is beyond criticism but this sort of scapegoating is foolish and says far much about the scapegoter than the scapegoat.

And to think Bill Shankly loved us for being the most knowledgable fans in the game.

As for Brazil Digger, I stand by what I say. Wait until they play a decent team until you judge them. The midfield, barring Kaka, is extremely ordinary. In fact even Kaka looked lacking last night. The goalie is a joke. Fat fucker made me look thin. The central defence is ordinary and the full backs looked good but they were given acres last night and I felt really sorry for Dosenna being left out to dry and face two players each time they broke. As for the attack Robhino is a moody fucker and I don’t rate him or players like him. And the other fella, can’t think of his name right now (aultimers) might have bagged two but I wasn’t impressed with the rest of his game.

So, time will tell but I bet you, depending on the draw, they won’t go too far in next year’s World Cup.

All these days, i was preferring to read posts from people who share their experienced insights into what might be happening to at the club. But Burgerman,you literally with your post made me to write this:

Sell Mascherano? Make 12m profit and buy two quality players? Firstly why should we sell him? I remember it was either FS or Hyde who mentioned that the only newspaper they would like to believe is the Echo. Ever since that i started following the same paper’s online articles and i realized that half of these news have no roots whatsoever. We will not sell Masch.

Even if we sell him and get the cash, who do we buy? We will be short of a defensive midfielder and we will need a replacement. Whom should we buy Burgerman?

This is ridiculous.

I dont think these rumours about Masch wanting to leave are strong and it wont happen according to me.

Brazil are no great shakes but the Italians are shocking. Kaka is class, Robinho when he wants to play is class. Watch Robinho start off well this season for City but go missing in winter as he did last season, he’ll come good again as the weather gets better.

GG: We won’t see any of that money. People and their naivety/stupidty make my mind boggle. What basis do we have to think GG will put any of his money into LFC? My missus is from Peru, they had a president a few years ago who embezzled millions of pounds and did a runner, about 10 years later he came back stood for president again and guess what? yep he was elected.

Somnath Mascher will go. It’s just a matter of when. It’s also perfectly understandable. When I first went to America, I lived in a beautiful place. I was earning a stack of money. My family were all happy and everything was going well for us – except I missed home. And home at the time was one of the shittiest housing estates in the world, stuck in the depths of Thatcherite poverty. So I can understand Masch’s wife completely. And I also read an interview with him where he stated his family was his life.

You have to remember from Argentina to Liverpool there is a huge gap in most aspects of life. The lad probably misses stupid little things that can’t be got in England as much as he misses his family and friends.

It’s also rare to get more than five seasons from an overseas player. So, as far as I can see, he will definetely go. I just hope he gives us at least one more season. He owes us, and particulary Rafa, that much.

Then I see no problem in replacing him but it could be a disaster right now. But as always, there is nothing we can do but wait and see.

As for Gillette, I think you’re right Kenny. There will be no money coming forward for players. But one thing is for sure… he wouldn’t get back in at Liverpool. In fact, I’d advise him to steer well clear of the gaff. I know nutters who would willingly go to jail for doing him.

And Robhino… nah, not for me mate. Hate them players who only turn it on when they think they are in the shop window. He’d do well, to look at some film of the great Brazil players/teams of the past. He isn’t fit to lace some of their boots.

I was betting my life that someone was going to slag Dossena after yesterday’s game. Dear oh dear. It’s moments like that when you have to sympathize with footballers– it must be tough when people don’t watch you properly.

I also agree with FS with the Brazilian side being nowhere near its best. The Italians were doing half the job for them. Even Ingerland would have slaughtered them last nite. It was both a case of Italy being comical and Brazil being standard.

In sum, it was a boring game.

FS, is there a side you actually do rate? Apart from Spain and LFC I mean. You don’t rate Brazil, you don’t rate the mancs or chavski, a month or so ago I’m sure you said Barca wasn’t all that either….

As for Dossena he had a shocker in the first half – along with every other Italian. There were ALL, all over the place. For the 3rd goal, all the defenders were 3 yards ahead of Dossena – as the left back, what’s he doing so much deeper than the centre halves? The through ball comes in, he tries to play offside and then trying to cut out the cross he puts it into his own net. Lol.

I thought Italy were awful. Their better players have all aged at the same time. It happens. Brazil looked alright, they are going through a bit of a transition as well after the Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Cafu, Roberto Carlos era. Last night was one of their better performances of late believe it or not.

Spain on the other hand, look wicked!

I don’t rate Spain that much either

Hyde,

You are spot on with the “I’m single therefore I don’t know” comment about Mascher and his wife and the child-to-be. I reckon if she puts her foot down he is toast as far as L’pool is concerned. If she (they) goes then he goes. That being the case all there is is heresay, agent and press cuddling up tp make the story. So maybe he will get another year at Anfield.

LB: Is there a side you don’t rate? Just because Brazil gave the Italians a lesson doesn’t mean they are magnificent. The Italians were woeful, worse than woeful. Brazil have some good players.(FS: I don’t like Robinho either but he has bags of talent) Kaka, Robinho, Fabiano, The rest for me are alright. the standard of International teams at the moment is quite poor in my opinion. Spain are a top side and make anyone they play look ordinary. Barca are excellent going forward but defensively can be got at as the chav’s proved. Same goes for the mancs.

As regards Italy’s better players ageing all together it happens, well that’s what a manager should try and prevent, it’s quite easy you don’t pick those old players.

Anybody hear about this sheihk that is supposed to have secured 60% in a club in England. Someone in here mentioned a rumour that LFC had been sold but wasnt to be revealed quite yet. COuld this be that buyer??? And if so, what would you guys think of that?

PortSmith Red4life

not that interested in portsmouth red4life.

Well, I had to nip out before, but now I’m back I’ll answer that properly now…

Brazil: one of the worst Brazilian teams I have ever seen. No. I’m not comparing them to the greats of the past. That would be unfair. But still an all, they are Brazil and have to be judged as such…

Julio Cesar, in goal. Well, Brazilians have never had the best of keepers. They’ve never really had to. But they were never the clowns our media liked to make them out to be. But this fella is dodgy to say the least. I could go on, but why? If you can’t see that, then you don’t know decent goal keeping.

The defence: Their that dodgy that they made Maicon, the full back, look brilliant last night. But you have to judge him on what he was facing…. Dosenna, who, I say again, was hung out to dry by his team mates and left alone to be doubled up on all night and was still expected to get forward and provide something. (Back to that in mo).

The midfield: Except for Kaka definetely ordinary. And, like I said, Kaka was nothing special last night. I can’t remember all their names, but let’s face it Gilberto?? Nah. Let’s have it right…
He probably wouldn’t get into England’s midfield.

And that other fella,(Ramires is it?) a very ordinary player and that’s being kind to him. It might also be a bit harsh, judging him on the one game. But lets face it, that game was against a woeful Italy and him and Macion was allowed to double up all night on Dosenna. Nah. Not a player, nevermind a Brazillian player, in my book.

Attack: Robhino, gave me verdict earlier, and stick by it… No thanks. Not for me.

In fact, he is the type of player I really hate – skilful but can’t be arsed and a big headed div who thinks he’s better than he is. In fact, if I was Dunga (That lad could play), I’d kick him right up the arse and into touch. If Brazil can’t find better, surely they can at least find someone who will battle for the cause?

The other forward, Lucio was it? Well, I can’t really judge on that one performance. But he seemed to disappear after his two goals. Why wasn’t he busting a gut to score a third? Typical lazy Latin? Don’t know, but don’t bollack me for stereotyping because I think suspecting that isn’t that wrong of an assesment.

So, no not a vintage Brazil for me and I’m honestly not even judging them against the greats.

Someone mention Garincha, Pele, Jarzhino, Socrates and you won’t be able to shut me up, but this edition not really worth talking about anymore.

As for the mancs and chavs: same applies – it’s probably unfair, but they have to be judged against their top sides.

Van Der Sar: no thank you.

Defence: Been caught out. Look great when allowed to play, very dodgy when attacked. And is Ferdinand finished? Don’t really know, but it’s looking that way to me. He’s how old is he now?

Well, typically for an aging player, he seems to just pick up one knock after another. Get one thing right and another bit goes. He might still be youngish in years but I think his body is getting past it. And I defientely don’t think he’ll be top shelf for that much longer, and he will be a huge miss for them.

Midfield: Nani, Anderson, Park, Giggs, Scholes, Carrick, Hargreaves – please don’t try to tell me that shower are any good.

Attack: Berbatov an Rooney. One’s a lazy petulant bastard, the others better because he isn’t lazy.

But if the great Sir Alex can actually ever come to understand how badly he’s been wasting Rooney, we might still see great things from him. I hope not, but I have a feeling he could have a great season ahead of him. But will it be enough to compensate for the shower behind him and the loss of 37% per cent of their goals? Can’t see it meself.

Chelsea: Over the hill? Well, probably not just yet but they are starting to stare down the slope and definetely/desperately need some young fresh legs.

To be fair, Malouda has come good. In fact, I see why Rafa wanted him now, but will that last? But Chec, Carvalhio, Terry, Lampard, Ballack, Drogba? Well, not finished by any means, but definetely there for the taking now.

So, yes. On the playing side, I think we have everything to be excited about. We have the nucleus of a very good young side with the right blend of youth and experience. And with our opposition in decline and transition, it’s definetely ours for the taking if we hang on to them all and inject a few pairs of new/fresh legs.

As for Dosenna, LB I respect your opinions more than that flippant answer you gave. Go and look at that OG again. It saddens me to think you would probably see it and explain it in a very different light it was one of our opponents who gave it away. But I reckon you would look at it in a whole clearer light if it was Evra, Sagna or Cole.

Honestly lads, when you decide to just scapegoat a player it doesn’t show you, your opinions, or your knowledge in a very good light.

I’m not getting at anyone personally here, but for five years now I have been preaching the same thing in here… patientce and a bit of understanding.

In them five years, I’ve defended Rafa, Kuyt, Bennayoun, Arbeloa and yes, even Lucas. Some would have sacked them all by now. Honestly, this tendency to jump on a bandwagon and scapegoat players just makes the scapegoaters look daft.

And it’s not just in here. Nowadays, I constantly hear fellas in an alehouse saying things like, “Oh player ABCXYZ, he’s shite him. Get shut.”

And I love the lost look on their faces when I ask them to explain “Why and how?”

Fatty I betcha a carling darling (in October when we meet up in 11th st. bar) that Brazil do Spain in the final. You up for it big guy?! You ready to put it all on the line?!

Oh and as for barca LB, the only negative thing I have ever said about them was just before the CL Final. I thought the mancs could have over powered them and bullied them. I still think they could have, but then I didn’t realise the great guru of salford would completely fuck up his tactics and team selection and have no clue as to how to right it when it started to go tits up.

Still we live and learn eh.

With regard to Rooney and Berbatov, one’s a lazy petulant bastard and the other is a horrible nasty little cunt who would make a yard dog look handsome.

Bit of an over simplification there Kenny. A manager will always be tempted to pick the older players who have been great in the not so distant past especially when the younger generation are not of the same quality. An international manager can’t go out and buy players and there are not that many opportunities to pick youngsters to see what they can do at that level.

Cannavaro, Maldini, Nesta, Matterazi, Panucci, Zambrotta, Grosso all got old around the same time (and loss form not that long ago). Not easy to phase them out and bring in youngsters who are anywhere near as good.

Digger, you should be concerned about the beating Cork are going to give Offaly in the hurling than any BrazilvSpain match!

I am sure Eamon Dunphy has logged in as Fat Scouser today!! lol

Whats the spread on that game Corky? 20pts?!

couldn’t tell you that Digger, but jasus yer not that bad!

Over simplification LB? I don’t think it is. Depends whether the manager is a bit sentimental. Ancelotti has allowed AC Milan to age by being to sentimental, Clive Woodward did it with the lions picking old players, The Chav’s will have too many players to replace in a years time. For me they need to replace Ballack and Deco now. Even the great Shanks admitted he allowed his first great team to go too long. England showed faith in the same players time after time(the golden generation) but that’s a different story they were crap rather than old.

Digger, if Brazil do Spain in the final, I will go in the 11th St Bar naked, jump up on the bar, stick my legs behind me back and shout… how’s that for a thanks giving turkey.

In fact LB the confederations cup is a perfect opportunity for them to blood some younger talent against some established international teams.

I would love Brazil to do Spain now. In fact if Brazil get to the final I will eat my hat.

Tell you what was so surprising about Italy… not so much that the legs had gone. We all knew that. But they just didn’t even do the basics right. Very weird for an Italian team that.

The defence was indeed all over the place and the attack, when they did get near goal, just constantly picking the wrong option.

Baffling

Oh and if Sky don’t move it Digger (Which they will), I’ll be in New York for the Chelsea game. Should be a laugh that. I’m still in contact with a few of the LFC reds over there from Alec’s shirt boycott days. I might even take the flag over for a laugh.

FS, just saw your post.

You’re right this Brazil team isn’t the best hence why I said they were alright last night. I’ve watched a number of their world cup qualification games and they have struggled in a number of them. Last night was one of their better performances so god knows what you would have thought if you saw some of their defeats in their WC qualifying a few months ago. Individually they are not all that (although not as bad as you make out) – you look at the names and they don’t take your breath away however they usually go up against most teams and beat them. It’s not fair to compare them to the great Brazil teams of the past (I know that you have not but others do) it’s much fairer to compare them to other current national teams.

Brazil’s keeper has kept the side in many a match with world class saves. He is Inter Milan’s first choice as well and was quite good at Old Trafford in the CL. Believe me he is a good keeper.

There are not many right backs better than Maicon or Alvez. Lucio and Juan have done good jobs at the back for a few years. I think Lucio is a very good player. Felipe Melo is fantastic and a future star – you’ll see. Kaka is one of the best players in the world. Robinho – people call him lazy and say he doesn’t care but I think that’s nonsense. Not everyone has to run around like Kuyt to prove their commitment. In my opinion he’s class as is Luis Fabiano. He had a quiet second half so what. So does Torres from time to time especially for Spain.

For me Spain are number 1 at the moment and by a bit of a distance. Then come a clutch of teams who can look breathtaking on their day and very ordinary on an off day. Teams like Brazil, Argentina, Holland, Italy, Germany.

As for Dossena, there is no scape goating from my point of view. He didn’t play for LFC last night so it doesn’t bother me if he had a poor game. Why would I feel the need to find a scape goat? He did indeed have a poor first half as did 9 of his team mates. 2nd half he was much better and so were a couple other Italians a lot better in the 2nd half.

For the very first time we South Africans are watching live competitive International football in our Country! The atmosphere here is awesome and can only imagine how it is in Europe every week!
The Vuvuzelas, well thats another topic! But the atmosphere is really awesome, i have been to all the games and the passion shown is something else! You guys coming to SA will experience true African culture! Theres no way Fifa will take OUR WORLD CUP AWAY! THE confeds cup is a success already and im sure fifa will learn and iron out the mistakes and we WILL BE READY come next june!
Go on You tube WE HAVE posted tons of videos of the fans ! search under swoosh0018…
Last nights game Italy were woefull! But at least we in for a good Final i guess Brazil vs Spain!

The main site have today confirmed the signing of Glen Johnson from Portsmouth, have reached agreement with the South coast club and the player himself.

More details to follow.

Nah LB. I wouldn’t put you through watching that again, but Dosenna wasn’t that bad in the first half. He was left out stranded on his todd and had to deal with both Maicon and Ramires running at him. and in all fairness, the only real success they had against him was numbers – by passing him with a simple ball when one get ahead of him. No fullback in the world can stop that. He was quite tidy going forward. His passing was decent and he got some good crosses in. They were all wasted. That’s sort of my point… I was absolutely shocked to see an Italian team making such basic errors. You just don’t expect that from them. It’s sort of like watching the Grmans give the ball away and miss penalties – unheard of.

As for Cesar, I know all about him. I have seen him have a few decent games in the past, but you will never convince me he’s any good. His decision making is pretty woeful and his shot stopping isn’t all that good. Why the fuck does he slap at the easiest of catches? And for such a huge fella he’s absolute cack on crosses.

I know how Robhino can play. I don’t go for the easy option of just calling him for his effort. I know he can turn a game. But lets be honest, he’s nowhere near any of the great Brazillian forwards. But he can’t be blamed for that – what he can be blamed for is thinking he is amongst them. The lad and his attitude actually knock me sick. I felt like kicking the telly in when he was giving it all the big un to the camera last night. Needs a reality check that lad, or better still a good Dunga kicking.

The rest of them I honestly do think aren’t that great. And I do know a fair bit about them. In fact, I always thought Lucio would be a good buy for Arsenal and have said that in here before.
But I’ll admit, I’m not completely educated on the whole team. That’s why I said a bit of unfair of me to judge on one performance but still you have to consider what they was facing. And I don’t think there’s anything in that side to get too excited about.

But I’ll tell you what will happen at the world cup… like always, they’ll start shite, pick up steam as it goes along, start to frighten other teams on reputation and come good after the group stages.

But here’s something else, nevermind Spain, if they come up against the likes of Turkey or Croatia (Any team who won’t role over for them) and they could easily be seen off.

Jaysus Fatty how much carling are you planning on drinking?! And how long have you been doing yoga?! Corky we’re Kilkennys bitches now, have been since 98, but then so has the rest of the country. Realistically ye should run out comfortable winners but the faithful county will rise again! Eh, when exactly Im not sure but rise we will! Biffos unite!

Hello Ebi. Glad you’re enjoying it. Don’t worry – the world cup can’t be taken off you now, no matter how much they moan about it.

It was the worst Italian side ever last night.They have been on a downward spiral ever since the last world cup.

Brazil looked classy last night against a poor team lets see how they do against spain provided both win.

Citea have signed santa cruz for 8 million.Was hughes wearing a balaclava when he was sealing the deal?

FS,I can`t get that mental image out of my head of you naked on top of the bar in NY.

Digger,pray spain win because something tells me our fatty friend is the kind who keeps his word!

We sign Glenn Johnson

Awesome.. Our first signing and funnily even before the transfer season has begun. Parry, learn from Rafa mate!!

I’m delighted about the signing of Glen Johnson and I know most of you lads will be too.

It shows that we are moving in the right direction towards the title by signing a skilful right back who loves getting forward and adding more guile to the attack.

I hope Arbeloa stays, but you don’t sign a player for 17.5 mil (minus 7m for crouch of course) and then keep him on the bench. As others have said, we will still need cover there and if Arbie were to stay it would make life easier for us. Let’s see what happens.

Kenny Daglish, be prepared to eat that hat of yours (#178). Brazil play S. Africa in the one semi final and the US play Spain in the other.

I’d be stunned if Brazil and Spain didn’t meet in the final.

Arsing about aside, ask any old Liverpool fan which was the greatest team they have ever seen. You’ll get a few answers, usually LFC between 77 and 81. But if you ask them to name a side that’s not LFC, and I guarentee you will only get one answer…
Brazil 1970.

What a side that was. I can honestly still name it from my head, straight up I haven’t dug this up on the net…

Felix, Carlos Alberto, Piazza, Brito, Everaldo, Gerson, Clodoaldo, Rivelino, Tostao, Pele, Jairzinho.

I even remember the manager/coach Zagallio.

That is the team that beat Italy 4 – 1 in the 1970 World Cup Final.

I can remember some of the Italian players,
The goalie Albertosi.
Facchetti and Bertini at the back, with Mazzola, Riva, (Bonin? dagna or something) in midfield/attack.

I used to remember all the Italians at one time too. And why would a team/game stick in your head for so long, near 40 years…
They were that good.

Kids round our way used to fight with other kids trying to claim one of the boss names when they was having a kick about. And us older fellas spent years talking about them, and I’ve also watched that game about 10 times over the years.

Italy were Italy then. They never gave fuck all away, hardly a bloody corner. Brazil smashed them 4 – 1. Rivelino, Jairzinho, Tostao, Pele are still the best 4 forwards I’ve ever seen all playing in one team at the same time. But even the defence, especially Carlos Alberto, would make most forwards look ordinary.

Of course there’s been other fantastic players and teams over the years, but that side is probably the most complete team I have ever seen in my life.

In fact, do yourself a favour and get hold of that game on DVD. It’s amazing. Italy were in it all the way and were making Brazil look quite ordinary at times, but suddenly Brazil go for them. What a sight that was. In about 10 minutes of play they reduced probably the greatest ever defence at that time into quivering wrecks and some of the football was/is an utter joy to watch.

Oh and more good news… just seen an interview with Masch. He says he is flattered by interest from the big Spanish clubs. He said he thinks Barca is the best team in the world, with the best player Messi. But he prefers the Premiere to La Liga, is happy at Liverpool and wants to stay.

Not a bad day at LFC if it all comes off.

Happy to hear about Glen Johnson signing. Finally have some pace in the wingback area.
Wanted to see your opinions on a little hypothetical going through my mind. Now obviously I would love for both Javier and Xabi to stay as I think we have the best central midfield in the league, if not Europe. My question is this… If say, we did HAVE to sell one of the two, who would you prefer to keep? Would you rather Alonso or Mascherano? I been just trying to think who is more crucial to our side between the two and I just can’t place one above the other. Wonder what you guys think. I say again, I don’t want either to leave and if anybody thinks this is a pointless debate, well…. too bad.

Kenny and Keith…. I am not talking about the purchase of Portsmouth by Al Fahim…There is apparently another takeover of 60% in a unknown english club. ttp://www.portsmouth.co.uk/frattonlatest/Al-Fahim-No-link-to.5387785.jp
Interested to know if there is any substance in the story and if there is a possibility of the club being LFC.

That came out yesterday mate. Can’t see the point to it meself. They just said some Arab consortium had bought 60% of a premiere club and more information would be released this week. They seemed to think it was one of the smaller clubs.

As for Xabi and Masch – no contest. Masch would be much easier to replace.

Contrary to my opinion the same time last year (Yep, I’m very hapy to admit) I believe Alonso is now a player we really don’t want to lose… However, Mash proved a huge difference in the second leg against the Chavs, so you’re probably right mate, they’re both as crucial as each other…

With the signing of Johnson sealed I think that we’ve almost concluded our major signings for this upcomming transfer window…

I’d like to see a 5mill established second striker and a young, reliable, cheap 4th CB, as Sami has yet to be replaced… These are by far and away easier types of players to find than overhauling an entire team bar Carra and StevieG…

Perhaps the next most crucial peice of business for Rafa should be either re-sign Arbie/ replace him for someone alike. To sell Dossena as was stated in the announcement by LFC…

I’m not of the same opinion as you FS about Rafa having to work hard on the transfers front. For me the hard work should be clear in that the back house needed and has now been cleaned up… Signing 3 players (now 2) is a walk in the park for rafa (compared to previous years). Also, he’s now only looking to improve our squad, NOT the first team, so he can target the Benny Onions of the league, knowing that the other big 4 teams won’t be chasing them and that the smaller teams cannot match LFC’s terms…

ldhawan – if push comes to show, we keep xabi, very few have his range of skills, vision, passing ablity etc. mascha might be one of the best, but there are a lot of very good defensive mid fielders and i wish he would offer more going forward. him and momo have scored exactly the same amount of goals for lfc.

red4life – maybe it is us. there have been rumours of interest from DIC and an ultra rich kuwaiti family being interested. if it is, maybe GH & GG finally learnt the liverpool way and kept everything of the back and pink pages.

Of course it’s our right as fans to want the Villas and Silvas of the world, however LFC doesn’t need them in all honesty as there’s noo room in our first team to put them in…

We need perhaps one more gamebreaker like Benny onion and a solid young-un to rotate the CB position should injuries happen… Unfortunately neither of those two roles are as spectatular as signing a Villa, so i doubt that we will be raising anymore eyebrows and nor should we be…

Our team looks and is bloody impressive, theres very few dead weight to cut…

ynwa

Rafa’s signed two kids (Both 16, both strikers) and Johnson is confirmed. So, presuming nobody leaves, we still need to get in a second striker as a minimum. Rafa’s probably got about 10 million left to work with, which doesn’t buy much nowadays – especially since Madrid sent the market crazy. So dead wood will still need clearing. Hopefully we’ll just sell Intandje and Vronin and Rafa will have about 15 million. That should be enough to get the player we need. But nothing comes easy at LFC.

True, nothing comes easy in the world n general…

a 4th CB is also needed, however Rafa brought Arbie for something like 3mill only a couple of years ago, and we only need someone that’s solid and can do the job… Distin would’ve been a good recruit for 2-3mill…

10mill is enough for me, that is if Rafa is thinking about Babel and Ngog stepping up a little more in that role…

We only need to play Torres up front as it would throw our whole formation out, so it’s not like we need to spend 30mill, at least not yet…

If we lost Mash, then I’d be tempted to then buy a Villa with the proceeds, but I highly doubt that happening…

Dossena is on the transfer list as was said in the Johnson press release…

Would Insua now be our starting LB? or is Aurelio? To me it’s surely Insua, and I’m very happy for him as it’s the season before the world cup and he could very well play himself into the WC squad…

Wouldn’t surprise me if this scenario plays out:

-Dossena sold.
-Arbeloa sold for cash plus Heinze (I don’t like the fella, but he solves the 4th CB and covers Aurellios glass-like body…
-Remaining Arbeloa funds used for a player such as M. Richards.

Incidently, if Richards did come to us for 5mill, even for 1 year, doesn’t anyone else realise that Rafa would probably make $$$ on him just like he did with Bellamy? Not to mention fill Arbeloas departure, if only until an upgrade is needed?

If that imaginary scenario occured Rafa would actually make money, admittedly Johnsons fee wasn’t included….

Don’t like playing the if but and and game meself. Believe me there’s loads I could put up if I felt like it, but what’s the point? I’d rather leave it to the papers. They’ve already turned Johnson signing into a disaster scenario for us… Arbie and Alonso both leaving and Masch wanting his wages trebling or he’s off. And the ink hasn’t even dried on the Torres to Chelsea drivel.

The fact is, nobody knows anything. Yet you still get shite in the likes of the Daily Manc like… JOHNSON TO LIVERPOOL – HOW WE BROKE THE STORY.

When right up until yesterday they were insisting he would sign for Chelsea.