I'VE teamed up with three other fellow Reds to have a first-ever crack at an LFC podcast.
In it we discuss the cracking win over Man United, the infamous beach-ball incident, the defeat to Lyon, squad strength and the situation regarding the club's co-owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett.
There's also interviews with impressive youngster Martin Kelly and Reds legend Ian Callaghan.
Would love to hear your feedback on it.
http://podcasts.footballfancast.com/liverpool_fancast/296715/beach-balls-man-united-and-ian-callaghan-liverpool-football-fancast-031/
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Monday, 26 October 2009
Beating the Mancs is a big two fingers to LFC's critics
EVERYONE from the Sky Sports-fuelled idiot to the crap ex-pro has been queuing up to have a pop at Liverpool lately.
So what better way to give them all the bird than by comfortably beating your most hated rivals, the Premier League champions and the media darlings, Manchester United?
Make no mistake, this was deserved. Antonio Valencia's shot that hit the bar aside, the Mancs hardly had a sniff.
And if the excellent Fabio Aurelio had put a bit more beef behind his point-blank range header, the scoreline could have been even more convincing.
So when does crisis not become a crisis?
Well the weird thing for me is, it's never felt like one. War against a tirade of bullshit and fact manipulation? Yes. Crisis? No.
Spurs and Sunderland aside, I think we've shown something in every game. It's just been a case of maintaining that level over 90 minutes.
And a bit of luck with decisions and a fully-fit squad would be nice, too.
Pre-match there was no doom and gloom amongst the supporters on the Spirit of Shankly protest march against bungling LFC co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett (more on that soon).
And there was plenty of support on show for Rafa Benitez, a manager supposedly verging on the sack, losing the dressing room and becoming more unpopular with fans by the day.
Climbing the stairs to the Kop, I was confident of a result. It looked like the players were too.
It was a day for answering questions.
Jamie Carragher answered the people who questioned whether his best days had gone - he had a stormer, throwing himself into tackles and blocks Istanbul-style.
Lucas answered the critics who say he can't play in the Premier League - outshining the more experienced, and three times more expensive, Michael Carrick.
And best of all everyone connected to LFC - players, fans, manager - showed they can pull together and get a result when it matters most, but then, did anyone ever question that?
What the performance also answered was the murmurs of Benitez "losing the dressing room".
That wasn't a performance of a team that has no faith in its manager. A home FA Cup defeat to Bristol City, well that is.
That was the match that cost Graeme Souness his job as manager at Anfield. And while the doom-mongers would have you believe it, we are light years away from those dark days.
Players of the Souness era have since admitted he HAD lost the dressing room. He had players in his team who wanted him to go and consequently put in half-hearted performances and made sure it happened.
There was no evidence of that kind of attitude in the Liverpool team against United.
Lucas, Aurelio and Javier Mascherano had all came out in the media in the week in support of the manager.
But actions speak louder than words. And there were no signs of a disaffected team on the pitch - from keeper to striker they all wanted it, summed up by Pepe Reina's pitch-long dash to congratulate David N'Gog after his coolly-taken match clincher.
That outpouring of relief was replicated in the stands where grown men screamed, hugged and punched the air and it was the same in the press box - well for Tony Barrett at least...
But this was a top, top performance. It's hard enough beating the Mancs at the best of times. But when you've lost four on the spin and the world's media is getting ready to label you the worst Reds side in 50 years, it shows some mettle to pull that performance out of the bag.
Not that it will satisfy everyone, of course.
But, as Benjamin Franklin said: "Any fool can criticise, condemn, and complain...and most fools do."
So what better way to give them all the bird than by comfortably beating your most hated rivals, the Premier League champions and the media darlings, Manchester United?
Make no mistake, this was deserved. Antonio Valencia's shot that hit the bar aside, the Mancs hardly had a sniff.
And if the excellent Fabio Aurelio had put a bit more beef behind his point-blank range header, the scoreline could have been even more convincing.
So when does crisis not become a crisis?
Well the weird thing for me is, it's never felt like one. War against a tirade of bullshit and fact manipulation? Yes. Crisis? No.
Spurs and Sunderland aside, I think we've shown something in every game. It's just been a case of maintaining that level over 90 minutes.
And a bit of luck with decisions and a fully-fit squad would be nice, too.
Pre-match there was no doom and gloom amongst the supporters on the Spirit of Shankly protest march against bungling LFC co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett (more on that soon).
And there was plenty of support on show for Rafa Benitez, a manager supposedly verging on the sack, losing the dressing room and becoming more unpopular with fans by the day.
Climbing the stairs to the Kop, I was confident of a result. It looked like the players were too.
It was a day for answering questions.
Jamie Carragher answered the people who questioned whether his best days had gone - he had a stormer, throwing himself into tackles and blocks Istanbul-style.
Lucas answered the critics who say he can't play in the Premier League - outshining the more experienced, and three times more expensive, Michael Carrick.
And best of all everyone connected to LFC - players, fans, manager - showed they can pull together and get a result when it matters most, but then, did anyone ever question that?
What the performance also answered was the murmurs of Benitez "losing the dressing room".
That wasn't a performance of a team that has no faith in its manager. A home FA Cup defeat to Bristol City, well that is.
That was the match that cost Graeme Souness his job as manager at Anfield. And while the doom-mongers would have you believe it, we are light years away from those dark days.
Players of the Souness era have since admitted he HAD lost the dressing room. He had players in his team who wanted him to go and consequently put in half-hearted performances and made sure it happened.
There was no evidence of that kind of attitude in the Liverpool team against United.
Lucas, Aurelio and Javier Mascherano had all came out in the media in the week in support of the manager.
But actions speak louder than words. And there were no signs of a disaffected team on the pitch - from keeper to striker they all wanted it, summed up by Pepe Reina's pitch-long dash to congratulate David N'Gog after his coolly-taken match clincher.
That outpouring of relief was replicated in the stands where grown men screamed, hugged and punched the air and it was the same in the press box - well for Tony Barrett at least...
But this was a top, top performance. It's hard enough beating the Mancs at the best of times. But when you've lost four on the spin and the world's media is getting ready to label you the worst Reds side in 50 years, it shows some mettle to pull that performance out of the bag.
Not that it will satisfy everyone, of course.
But, as Benjamin Franklin said: "Any fool can criticise, condemn, and complain...and most fools do."
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Looking in the Mirror is never a pretty sight for Liverpool FC
THE MIRROR has taken some hammer from this blog lately - rightly so.
Just yesterday, I posted the response I received from the paper's sports editor, Dan Silver, when I questioned Stan Collymore's obsession with bashing Liverpool FC in his column.
Well now they're REALLY taking the piss.
Just the other day I was speaking to a season-ticket holding Red of 25 years about the media coverage Liverpool FC receives.
Looking ahead to today's game with Man United, we were joking about the headlines in the Sunday papers. And we remembered how almost every time we faced our hated rivals an attempt to unsettle one of our star players would appear in that morning's paper...
And here we are, 10-15 years on, and it's STILL happening. Manchester United-supporting hacks obviously still rule the Mirror. Well, two words boys...unsubstantiated drivel.
By Simon Mullock
Just yesterday, I posted the response I received from the paper's sports editor, Dan Silver, when I questioned Stan Collymore's obsession with bashing Liverpool FC in his column.
Well now they're REALLY taking the piss.
Just the other day I was speaking to a season-ticket holding Red of 25 years about the media coverage Liverpool FC receives.
Looking ahead to today's game with Man United, we were joking about the headlines in the Sunday papers. And we remembered how almost every time we faced our hated rivals an attempt to unsettle one of our star players would appear in that morning's paper...
And here we are, 10-15 years on, and it's STILL happening. Manchester United-supporting hacks obviously still rule the Mirror. Well, two words boys...unsubstantiated drivel.
By Simon Mullock
Liverpool fear another season of failure could spark Fernando Torres' departure from Anfield.
Nobody doubts the brilliant Spaniard's commitment to the Anfield cause. But since arriving from Atletico Madrid in a £20 million move 28 months ago even Torres' goal-scoring brilliance has not inspired the Reds to lift a trophy.
There is mounting concern that another barren campaign will prompt the striker's advisers to start pressing for a move to a more successful club.
That would be a body-blow to the Anfield cause. A club insider said: "Fernando is a great lad and a fantastic player. We don't worry about his attitude but the issue will be if rival clubs start making it clear to his advisers that he can win more by joining them.
"He's hungry for success. We don't want to lose him."Torres has scored 46 goals in 64 games for Liverpool. He is idolised by Liverpool fans and acknowledged as one of the world's finest strikers.
He also signed a new contract at Liverpool in August that ties him to the Anfield cause until 2013. But any hint that he is unfulfilled by life at Liverpool would be seized on by major rivals.
So far in his career the only club honour he's won is the Spanish Second Division title in 2002.
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Liverpool-insiders-fear-Fernando-Torres-may-quit-Anfield-article199675.html
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Stan Collymore "HASN'T" got an anti-Liverpool FC agenda
GIVEN Stan Collymore's recent contributions in the media you could be forgiven for thinking he's got a chip on his shoulder when it comes to Liverpool FC.
Hmm...he's a genuine fan of the club? You could have fooled me. And is there really a large number of football fans that he is popular with...really?
From wild suggestions that Jose Mourinho should replace Rafa Benitez (completely ignoring the financial plight at the club) to his Liverpool "spies" telling him Javier Mascherano wants to leave, he's spouted some right bollocks in his Mirror column lately.
Not that him using that particular medium to have a pop at Liverpool is a new thing – ask Tony Barrett.
So I decided it was high time to ask the question: "Has Stan Collymore got an anti-Liverpool FC agenda?"
No, says Daily Mirror sports editor Dan Silver, in reply to my letter of complaint.
He said:
Not that him using that particular medium to have a pop at Liverpool is a new thing – ask Tony Barrett.
So I decided it was high time to ask the question: "Has Stan Collymore got an anti-Liverpool FC agenda?"
No, says Daily Mirror sports editor Dan Silver, in reply to my letter of complaint.
He said:
"I'm sorry you don't like Stan's recent columns, but I can assure you that there is no anti-Liverpool agenda. Stan's column is very much a platform for his opinions, and as such he is free to write about whatever he sees fit. Being an ex-Liverpool player - and genuine fan of the club - it's only natural he writes more about Liverpool. And given that the club are enduring a poor run of results at the moment, it's also only natural that some of these pieces address problems. I'm sure if you look back through our archives you will find many positive pieces about the club as well.
Furthermore, Stan is renowned for saying what he thinks in his column, and as such it is popular with a large number of football fans whether they agree with what he is saying or not.
And I'm sure you'll agree that there's plenty of other Liverpool-centric content in the Daily Mirror - and on mirrorfootball.co.uk - to more than satisfy fans of the club."
Hmm...he's a genuine fan of the club? You could have fooled me. And is there really a large number of football fans that he is popular with...really?
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
REVEALED: The most NEGATIVE Liverpool FC blog on the net
SOME of you may be aware of the blog Liverpool-Kop, run by Jaimie Kanwar, who claims to be a fan of Liverpool Football Club.
Normally, I wouldn't bother to mention it, each to their own and all that. However, Kanwar has decided to pull apart a recent article of mine about Rafa Benitez which I wrote for the opinion section of This Is Anfield.
In it, I argue that Benitez has done a great job at Anfield in trying circumstances, a view I stand by, despite the current poor run.
As with any article, I did my research, checked my facts - as my day job is a sports journalist, I like to think I am capable of arguing my point without resorting to lies.
Kanwar, however, saw it differently, as he is entitled to. He took exception to the fact that numerous LFC fans emailed the article to him and posted it on his blog, accusing him of not being a 'true fan'.
Not my doing I may add, but there you go.
Kanwar has since published a post kicking off with: "This post is a direct rebuttal to the spurious blind-faith and misrepresentation of the facts displayed in the 'Why Rafa Could Quit' article, posted on ThisIsAnfield yesterday."
Clearly the intent - as with the site generally - is to inflame, provoke a response, wind people up. Some may say I've taken the bait - well, I've come this far...
Not unreasonably, I took offence to this line. The accusation of producing something spurious, false, fake etc etc. The piece goes on to question my sources, while spinning a new line for each point, selectively missing things out along the way.
Of course, I could do the same, go back through it line by line and counteract his one-eyed arguments. But I don't need to - other posters on there have done it for me.
Nevertheless, I wanted my say.
So I posted a response. I asked why I needed to justify myself to him? Asked him, who, in the grand scheme of things, is he? Who appointed him the oracle on all things Liverpool FC? I went on to say he could continue to dress up his negative articles as "critical realism" while I would carry doing what I do and people could make up their own minds on which they prefer.
I also pointed out I had no real interest in his site, because of its viewpoint and because of its support for a Manchester United fan site The Republik of Mancunia, a site that cashes in on the Heysel tragedy by selling the "Without Killing Anyone" t-shirt.
Kanwar links to this site, has given interviews to it as a "Liverpool fan", and is a follower of the site on Twitter. An example quote from an interview (in the wake of Liverpool's 4-1 win at Old Trafford last season):
"Predictably though, Rafa Benitez’s ultra-cautious approach, nonsensical team selections, needless public griping and spurious personal agenda conspired to derail the club’s forward progress."
Yes, that was after the 4-1 win at Old Trafford.
In the past, I have raised Kanwar's links to the RoM site with him. He claims he is "fostering relations" with a rival club. I suggested this was PR bullshit, and asked for more details/justification.
He provided none and deleted my comment.
My comment replying to his attack at my This Is Anfield post was also edited ridiculously. It's a common theme on his site. He doesn't like awkward questions - so your posts are deleted, edited, ignored or, the best, "lost in the comments system".
So this is why I post - my right of reply was denied on his blog, so here it is on mine. I can take criticism, I understand Rafa Benitez divides opinion, I accept he has faults, but Kanwar's response was over the top in my opinion and cast aspersions at my professionalism.
There may well be a reason for that.
Until recently I only posted on this blog. While that was the case, Kanwar sometimes linked to some of my blogs, praising their content.
At this stage his site was new to me. And I read one or two pieces that raised valid points...then, as time wore on, I began to drown in the sea of sensationalism and negativity on his site.
Now that I'm writing articles for This Is Anfield, it's a problem for Kanwar. You see they banned him...for being a wind-up merchant.
He appears to be banned from Red and White Kop, too.
Oh and he's anti-Steven Gerrard, anti-Rafa Benitez, anti-Spirit of Shankly...(so that means he has more time for a site that profits from a tragedy than for a fans' group that wants what's best for LFC).
But God forbid if you suggest he's negative for the sake of being negative. He'll argue the toss all day about that one, even though, when attempting to promote the site, he wrote:
"The site seeks to redress the balance with a critical approach to analyzing Liverpool FC. As a rejection of the poor current state of Liverpool FC journalism, the focus will be predominantly critical"
So the site motto "No.1 site for critical realism on Liverpool FC" and description starts out from the basis of being critical, but he's not negative - so how does that work?
Of course, it's up to you, I might have it all wrong, maybe he's a genius and I'm a fool.
But here's some highlights from the keyboard of Kanwar - you make up your own mind...
UPDATE: Rather than address any of the issues, Kanwar has posted the following from his Twitter account. As I say above, make your own minds up about who is the fool here.
@robbohuyton - Grow up, Gareth. Bottom line: I fairly and respectfully challenged your views and you couldn't hack it, so you lashed out.
@robbohuyton I must say though, your quite excellent tabloid-style manipulation of quotes from my site is something to behold :-)
@robbohuyton You made yourself look stupid. I don't even need to respond. Toys thrown out of pram in true sullen child-style. Congrats!
Normally, I wouldn't bother to mention it, each to their own and all that. However, Kanwar has decided to pull apart a recent article of mine about Rafa Benitez which I wrote for the opinion section of This Is Anfield.
In it, I argue that Benitez has done a great job at Anfield in trying circumstances, a view I stand by, despite the current poor run.
As with any article, I did my research, checked my facts - as my day job is a sports journalist, I like to think I am capable of arguing my point without resorting to lies.
Kanwar, however, saw it differently, as he is entitled to. He took exception to the fact that numerous LFC fans emailed the article to him and posted it on his blog, accusing him of not being a 'true fan'.
Not my doing I may add, but there you go.
Kanwar has since published a post kicking off with: "This post is a direct rebuttal to the spurious blind-faith and misrepresentation of the facts displayed in the 'Why Rafa Could Quit' article, posted on ThisIsAnfield yesterday."
Clearly the intent - as with the site generally - is to inflame, provoke a response, wind people up. Some may say I've taken the bait - well, I've come this far...
Not unreasonably, I took offence to this line. The accusation of producing something spurious, false, fake etc etc. The piece goes on to question my sources, while spinning a new line for each point, selectively missing things out along the way.
Of course, I could do the same, go back through it line by line and counteract his one-eyed arguments. But I don't need to - other posters on there have done it for me.
Nevertheless, I wanted my say.
So I posted a response. I asked why I needed to justify myself to him? Asked him, who, in the grand scheme of things, is he? Who appointed him the oracle on all things Liverpool FC? I went on to say he could continue to dress up his negative articles as "critical realism" while I would carry doing what I do and people could make up their own minds on which they prefer.
I also pointed out I had no real interest in his site, because of its viewpoint and because of its support for a Manchester United fan site The Republik of Mancunia, a site that cashes in on the Heysel tragedy by selling the "Without Killing Anyone" t-shirt.
Kanwar links to this site, has given interviews to it as a "Liverpool fan", and is a follower of the site on Twitter. An example quote from an interview (in the wake of Liverpool's 4-1 win at Old Trafford last season):
"Predictably though, Rafa Benitez’s ultra-cautious approach, nonsensical team selections, needless public griping and spurious personal agenda conspired to derail the club’s forward progress."
Yes, that was after the 4-1 win at Old Trafford.
In the past, I have raised Kanwar's links to the RoM site with him. He claims he is "fostering relations" with a rival club. I suggested this was PR bullshit, and asked for more details/justification.
He provided none and deleted my comment.
My comment replying to his attack at my This Is Anfield post was also edited ridiculously. It's a common theme on his site. He doesn't like awkward questions - so your posts are deleted, edited, ignored or, the best, "lost in the comments system".
So this is why I post - my right of reply was denied on his blog, so here it is on mine. I can take criticism, I understand Rafa Benitez divides opinion, I accept he has faults, but Kanwar's response was over the top in my opinion and cast aspersions at my professionalism.
There may well be a reason for that.
Until recently I only posted on this blog. While that was the case, Kanwar sometimes linked to some of my blogs, praising their content.
At this stage his site was new to me. And I read one or two pieces that raised valid points...then, as time wore on, I began to drown in the sea of sensationalism and negativity on his site.
Now that I'm writing articles for This Is Anfield, it's a problem for Kanwar. You see they banned him...for being a wind-up merchant.
He appears to be banned from Red and White Kop, too.
Oh and he's anti-Steven Gerrard, anti-Rafa Benitez, anti-Spirit of Shankly...(so that means he has more time for a site that profits from a tragedy than for a fans' group that wants what's best for LFC).
But God forbid if you suggest he's negative for the sake of being negative. He'll argue the toss all day about that one, even though, when attempting to promote the site, he wrote:
"The site seeks to redress the balance with a critical approach to analyzing Liverpool FC. As a rejection of the poor current state of Liverpool FC journalism, the focus will be predominantly critical"
So the site motto "No.1 site for critical realism on Liverpool FC" and description starts out from the basis of being critical, but he's not negative - so how does that work?
Of course, it's up to you, I might have it all wrong, maybe he's a genius and I'm a fool.
But here's some highlights from the keyboard of Kanwar - you make up your own mind...
- Accusing Steven Gerrard of being a xenophobe for using the word 'foreigner':
Gerrard should stick to improving his game instead of peddling this kind of ignorant, divisive, simplistic hogwash. Foreigners?! Surely the correct terminology is ‘overseas player’? The word ‘foreigner’ is dismissive, has negative connotations and exacerbates the insidious discrimination bubbling under the surface of society.
- On This Is Anfield: With very few exceptions, ThisIsAnfield.com is populated with precisely the kind of ‘fans’ Liverpool FC don’t need: Intolerant snipers who believe that blind faith is synonymous with positive support. Criticise any of the favourites (Rafa/Gerrard/Carragher etc) and you’re a pariah. Castigate unpopular players (Sissoko, Riise, Hyypia etc) and you’re welcomed with open arms.
TIA has a ridiculous double standard of blatant self-serving hypocrisy, which is what makes it the worst Liverpool discussion forum on the net.
More on Gerrard: Sell Gerrard and buy a midfielder who can function successfully as part of a midfield two. Cue mass hysteria and Liverpool fans collectively foaming at the mouth!
- More on Gerrard: Liverpool will never win the league with Gerrard as captain. He is not a leader and he does not have the qualities required to be an effective leader. Quite frankly, he is an embarrassment, and the longer he remains in the role, the worse it will be for the team.
- More on This Is Anfield: I don't need to say else anything negative about TIA. The piss-poor standard of argument in the forums speaks for itself, and this is a direct reflection of the piss-poor quality of 'fan' that frequents the place.
- About LFC site Red And White Kop: Is there a bigger collection of gullible cretins on the internet? I think not...
- On Gerrard: In order to be a Liverpool Legend, there are certain qualities all players must possess, such as professionalism, humility and class - things Gerrard lacks.
UPDATE: Rather than address any of the issues, Kanwar has posted the following from his Twitter account. As I say above, make your own minds up about who is the fool here.
@robbohuyton - Grow up, Gareth. Bottom line: I fairly and respectfully challenged your views and you couldn't hack it, so you lashed out.
@robbohuyton I must say though, your quite excellent tabloid-style manipulation of quotes from my site is something to behold :-)
@robbohuyton You made yourself look stupid. I don't even need to respond. Toys thrown out of pram in true sullen child-style. Congrats!
Monday, 19 October 2009
THANKS COLLYMORE, YOU DIDN'T LET ME DOWN...
WEEK four in the Stan Collymore house: Stan writes another bitter column for the Daily Mirror slagging off his former club Liverpool.
It really is getting stupid now from this berk. I didn't even get wound up when I read his latest installment of LFC-bashing nonsense, I just laughed. Loudly.
The latest genius is - surprise - get rid of Benitez and get Mourinho in. Yes, exactly what I predicted he would write in my blog yesterday, see here.
It's reached the stage that I think a letter to the powers that be at the Mirror may be in order. I mean FOUR columns in a row having a pop at LFC? That's a serious chip on the shoulder.
And isn't the point of reading a column to provoke thoughts, to be entertained? For fuck's sake if I can predict what he's going to write, maybe I'll just think what it will say, roll my eyes, groan and blog about it without actually reading it!
GET SOME NEW MATERIAL, STAN - YOU'RE BORING!
Read his column and then give him loads of shit here.
It really is getting stupid now from this berk. I didn't even get wound up when I read his latest installment of LFC-bashing nonsense, I just laughed. Loudly.
The latest genius is - surprise - get rid of Benitez and get Mourinho in. Yes, exactly what I predicted he would write in my blog yesterday, see here.
It's reached the stage that I think a letter to the powers that be at the Mirror may be in order. I mean FOUR columns in a row having a pop at LFC? That's a serious chip on the shoulder.
And isn't the point of reading a column to provoke thoughts, to be entertained? For fuck's sake if I can predict what he's going to write, maybe I'll just think what it will say, roll my eyes, groan and blog about it without actually reading it!
GET SOME NEW MATERIAL, STAN - YOU'RE BORING!
Read his column and then give him loads of shit here.
Saturday, 17 October 2009
BALL-ACHE FOR BENITEZ AND LIVERPOOL
We can't just blame the dope who decided to spend a tenner on the LFC beach set and then take the ball to the Stadium of Light for the defeat to Sunderland - but it didn't help did it?
It's always seen as an excuse if you mention the word 'luck' in football. But look at the last couple of weeks - Man United bag four points with two own goals playing a huge part while we lose our two best players to injury and a beach ball scores the winner for Steve Bruce's side. Lucky? Unlucky?
Fortune, or lack of it, aside, today's performance was poor. While there were plenty of positives from defeats to Chelsea and Villa, this showing had more in common with the Spurs defeat.
In other words, on the balance of play, it was deserved.
Sunderland carved out more clear-cut chances and worked incredibly hard for 97 minutes to nullify anything we had to offer.
We could of nicked a point from Dirk Kuyt or David N'Gog at the end but that would have been harsh on Sunderland.
They regularly built up sustained periods of pressure when the heart was in the mouth and the bum cheeks were clenched. We didn't.
The saving grace is Chelsea's defeat - which means we are only one point worse off than the start of the match in terms of topping the league.
There's no side that looks unbeatable right now and no set of fans that can be totally happy with their team - it looks like being a really open title race.
Whether we are in it remains to be seen - beating United next Sunday would certainly be a step in the right direction.
But for me it would be no great surprise to finish third or fourth - and that's being realistic, not negative.
It's all well and good saying 'we should win the league' or 'we should be winning trophies'.
But when teams around us are blowing millions on big players and big wages and boasting bigger squads, it makes what was already a near-impossible task even more difficult.
Then of course there is the Liverpool FC factor. The belief that our glorious history means we have a God-given right to win things. We don't.
Why isn't it acceptable to just finish in the top four - like it seems to be for Arsene Wenger, trophyless since 2005 and without the title since 2004?
I want more than that of course, we all do.
But until Rafa Benitez is given the resources Jose Mourinho and Mark Hughes have enjoyed - that's hundreds of millions in one go (not over five years) and without the pressure to sell to balance the books - I don't think it is realistic to expect that.
The fact we came so close to the title last season has of course raised the bar for Benitez - in a way he's made a rod for his own back.
But until things change off the field, I'm not expecting them to change on dramatically on it. A bit of luck wouldn't go amiss though - and I've always loved surprises...
Speaking of surprises, I'll be open-mouthed if there isn't a fourth consecutive Liverpool-bashing piece in Stan Wallymore's Daily Mirror column on Monday. It's a column that is supposed to be about football in general, not just Liverpool. But if you thought it was just for knocking the Reds, well it's an easy mistake to make.
Apparently he was at the Stadium of Light today (a mate heard him on Talk
- Yet more proof that Liverpool are a two-man team
- Benitez must go - Mourinho can save the day
- Lucas isn't good enough for Liverpool
- Zonal marking is costing Liverpool
Sunday, 11 October 2009
LIVERPOOL FC BASHING – STAN WALLYMORE IS AT IT AGAIN
ANOTHER Sunday and another load of steaming crap served up by Stan Wallymore.
He tells it straight every Monday, say the Daily Mirror. Yeah - straight from his arse.
For the third week running the former-Bradford striker has had a pop at Liverpool in his column – and this time they didn't even play a game!
Doesn't stop Stan though, he's on a mission now, the bit's between his teeth, it's him v Liverpool and he's going to win.
One thing that's consistent about his column is its inconsistency. This week Liverpool's two-man team has gone up to three:
And yet just LAST WEEK Liverpool were a two-man team. What next week – up to four or back down to two? Place your bets ladies and gentlemen.
And the most laughable part of his latest dose of drivel? That'll be the following line:
Crap rumours always have the word spies in them. But your spies, Stan? Who might they be then? Bearing in mind how many people Wallymore annoyed during his spell at Anfield – by refusing to move to a house in Liverpool, refusing to train, refusing to play for the reserves and so on – I don't mind betting he doesn't have too many friends on the inside of Liverpool FC.
And add to the mix that he left the club 12 years ago – so there's likely to be very few people still at Anfield from Collymore's playing days.
Sniff, sniff, what's that? Bullshit...or Stan Collymore's breath? You know what? I can't tell the difference.
Do us all a favour, Wallymore, aim your poison pen bollocks at another club.
Oh, and if you are going to have another pop next week, try and dream up something original. The "Mascherano's off again" tale has been on the internet all weekend.
RECOMMENDED READS (The Well Red guide to beating the bullshit). And yes, I do say so myself.
He tells it straight every Monday, say the Daily Mirror. Yeah - straight from his arse.
For the third week running the former-Bradford striker has had a pop at Liverpool in his column – and this time they didn't even play a game!
Doesn't stop Stan though, he's on a mission now, the bit's between his teeth, it's him v Liverpool and he's going to win.
One thing that's consistent about his column is its inconsistency. This week Liverpool's two-man team has gone up to three:
There are only three title-worthy players in the side in the form of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina
And yet just LAST WEEK Liverpool were a two-man team. What next week – up to four or back down to two? Place your bets ladies and gentlemen.
And the most laughable part of his latest dose of drivel? That'll be the following line:
Now my spies at my old club are telling me that the next most influential player, Javier Mascherano, is unhappy and may well be looking for pastures new come the summer or even sooner if the price is right.
Crap rumours always have the word spies in them. But your spies, Stan? Who might they be then? Bearing in mind how many people Wallymore annoyed during his spell at Anfield – by refusing to move to a house in Liverpool, refusing to train, refusing to play for the reserves and so on – I don't mind betting he doesn't have too many friends on the inside of Liverpool FC.
And add to the mix that he left the club 12 years ago – so there's likely to be very few people still at Anfield from Collymore's playing days.
Sniff, sniff, what's that? Bullshit...or Stan Collymore's breath? You know what? I can't tell the difference.
Do us all a favour, Wallymore, aim your poison pen bollocks at another club.
Oh, and if you are going to have another pop next week, try and dream up something original. The "Mascherano's off again" tale has been on the internet all weekend.
RECOMMENDED READS (The Well Red guide to beating the bullshit). And yes, I do say so myself.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
SO WHAT'S GEORGE GILLETT ON ABOUT? FIGURE IT OUT
THERE'S a lot of people wrapping themselves up in knots about the stories that have appeared in the media today about George Gillett having a pop at Rafa Benitez.
Not at the amazing brass neck of the Liverpool co-owner saying Benitez is to blame if the club doesn't "move forward".
But at the media for daring to print an article that orginated on a Liverpool fans' forum.
Well what's the problem? It seems The Times first got hold of the story. And as at least three members of the sport team there are die-hard Liverpool fans, as well as excellent journalists, it's safe to say the origin of the story is a safe one.
So once they had established the authenticity of the source, what's wrong with printing it?
I think it's great - because, yet again, it shows up Gillett for what he is - a money-obsessed spin-doctor who doesn't appear to give a flying fuck about Liverpool FC.
Gillett, who along with Hicks has led the club during a period when debts have rocketed from £40m upon their purchase in 2007 to £240m now, interestingly claims he and Hicks have put in £128m PLUS the £30m recouped from the sale of Xabi Alonso.
And yet Benitez seemed to miss out on a string of targets from Gareth Barry to David Silva, Ryan Shawcross to Michael Turner. And we ended up with a bargain basement Greek in the twilight of his career. But apparently there was millions sitting there waiting to be spent.
Not adding up is it?
Gillett, who also claims it was Hicks not he that made the infamous "60 days until there's a spade in the ground" statement regarding a new stadium (the video below suggests otherwise), also said: "
Not at the amazing brass neck of the Liverpool co-owner saying Benitez is to blame if the club doesn't "move forward".
But at the media for daring to print an article that orginated on a Liverpool fans' forum.
Well what's the problem? It seems The Times first got hold of the story. And as at least three members of the sport team there are die-hard Liverpool fans, as well as excellent journalists, it's safe to say the origin of the story is a safe one.
So once they had established the authenticity of the source, what's wrong with printing it?
I think it's great - because, yet again, it shows up Gillett for what he is - a money-obsessed spin-doctor who doesn't appear to give a flying fuck about Liverpool FC.
Gillett, who along with Hicks has led the club during a period when debts have rocketed from £40m upon their purchase in 2007 to £240m now, interestingly claims he and Hicks have put in £128m PLUS the £30m recouped from the sale of Xabi Alonso.
And yet Benitez seemed to miss out on a string of targets from Gareth Barry to David Silva, Ryan Shawcross to Michael Turner. And we ended up with a bargain basement Greek in the twilight of his career. But apparently there was millions sitting there waiting to be spent.
Not adding up is it?
Gillett, who also claims it was Hicks not he that made the infamous "60 days until there's a spade in the ground" statement regarding a new stadium (the video below suggests otherwise), also said: "
Well, I was researching this for the day job today (thanks to those who pointed me in the direction of LFC History for figures) so George, let's do just that: (Figures since Gilett and Hicks took charge of Liverpool, February 2007)
"We spent more than the 20m cap in our budget, plus all the money from sales, so there was plenty of money, so any complaints you have you should take a look at the ins and outs. We have put £128 million in to buy players on top of what’s come in in the last 18 months.”
PLAYERS IN:
Javier Mascherano:£18m
Lucas Leiva £5m
Mikel San José Domínguez £270,000
Sebastian Leto £1.8m
Fernando Torres £20.2m
Andriy Voronin Free
Yossi Benayoun £5m
Ryan Babel £11,500,000
Charles Itandje Undisclosed
Emiliano Insúa £1.3m
Martin Skrtel £6.5m
Philipp Degen Free
Andrea Dossena £7m
Diego Cavalieri £3.5m
David N'gog £1.5m
Robbie Keane £19m
Albert Riera £8m
Glen Johnson £17.5m
Alberto Aquilani £17.1m
Sotirios Kyrgiakos £2m
Daniel Ayala Undisclosed
SPENT:£135.1million
PLAYERS OUT:
Florent S.-Pongolle £2.7m
Danny O' Donnell £100,000
Jerzy Dudek Free
Boudewijn Zenden Free
Robbie Fowler Free
Luis Garcia £4m
Djibril Cissé £6m
Craig Bellamy £7.5m
Mark Gonzalez £3.5m
Gabriel Paletta £1.2m
James Smith Free
Mohamed Sissoko £8.2m
Lee Peltier Free
John Arne Riise £4m
Harry Kewell Free
Anthony Le Tallec Undisclosed
Peter Crouch £11m
Danny Guthrie £2.25m
Scott Carson £3.25m
Steve Finnan Undisclosed
Robbie Keane £16m
Jack Hobbs Undisclosed
Paul Anderson £250,000
Jermaine Pennant Free
Miki Roque Free
Sebastian Leto £3m
Álvaro Arbeloa £3.5m
Xabi Alonso £30m
SOLD: £106.5m
NET SPEND IN HICKS&GILLETT’S REIGN:£28.6m
I'm no accountant (thankfully) but this doesn't seem to illustrate a spend of £128m plus the money that has come in does it?
And for those of you who (amazingly) think the suns shines out of Hicks & Gillett's arse - here's something else to consider (figures courtesy of Paul Tomkins)
SQUAD WORTH:
1. Chelsea £252.9m
2. Manchester United £215.4m
3. Tottenham £203.8m
4. Manchester City £165.9m
5. Liverpool £154m
6. Arsenal £92m
So for those of you who argue Benitez has had quite enough to spend, maybe a little food for thought?
Consider also, that Champions League participation is worth approximately £20m a year. And since Hicks & Gillett have been around we've always been in it.
So again, I'm failing to see where this alleged huge investment is. If you can enlighten me, please do.
Finally, I quote George Gillett one final time - then urge you to immediately watch the video below.
"Where have we lied? Where’s the lie, for Christ’s sake? In those 60 days, what happened to the world? I didn’t say that. Hicks was the one who said. 60 days? Bulls**t. That was not me. It’s wrong. I have never talked about that."
AVOIDING THE BULLSHIT: Today's recommended read - Paul Tomkins' rant
Monday, 5 October 2009
LIVERPOOL FC: ALL OVER AFTER 8 GAMES?
JUST the 30 league games left then to try and turn around this "crisis".
As ever, there's plenty of hysterical reaction to any Liverpool defeat. Frankly, it's boring, predictable and nonsensical. One game you're brilliant, the next you're crap. What really amazes me is how many people buy into it.
I thought the Chelsea performance was much improved on the Fiorentina game. We started confidently - looking more like the home side than the home side - and for 60 minutes the game looked destined for a draw.
Considering we were playing the title favourites - probably one of the top four teams in Europe - in their own backyard it's not like they blew us away is it?
As ever against Chelsea it was a tight game, low on entertainment. And you got the feeling whoever scored first would win it. So it proved.
Yet had Fernando Torres took one of two very presentable chances - or had the referee awarded us a penalty for Didier Drogba's clear foul on Martin Skrtel - it could of been very different.
Drogba in the end proved the difference. Despite spending more time on the floor than a carpet fitter and showing acting skills that would look bad in a porn film, when he played football for a couple of minutes he won the game for Chelsea.
He's a horrible player to watch as an opposition fan but you'd love to have him in your team.
Jamie Carragher has held his hands up for the second goal but in general I thought he and Skrtel were improved.
And Glen Johnson showed that actually, he CAN defend.
Blame-hungry fans have again been quick to jump on Lucas' back but he was far from our worst performer on the day.
The Brazilian did a decent job defensively, making some key interceptions and tackles and playing the ball simple.
I don't think he's world-class, he's just OK for me, but he's certainly not as bad as many people are making out.
Yes, he doesn't offer the same skill set as Xabi Alonso. But would Xabi's inclusion have made the difference yesterday? You could argue either way - and the truth is no-one knows. But let's not build him up into something he wasn't - Xabi couldn't tackle and he was slow. So while he may have offered a better link to the attackers, perhaps he would have left more doors open for Chelsea's midfield?
What does look wrong is the balance between Lucas and Mascherano. They are operating in similar areas, neither seems too willing to join the attack and the partnership isn't really clicking.
But that's no great surprise is it? They have only just started playing together. And if Benitez had had his way it would be Gareth Barry sitting in there. Then there's still Alberto Aquilani to come. Knowing you're a second-choice partnership and your days are numbered can't be great for confidence.
Like everyone, I can't wait to see Aquilani. But the longer he stays locked away at Melwood the more the questions will come as to why we didn't set our sights on a player who could come straight in and do a job. The reports sound great and the videos look brilliant - but the lad will have even less time than is normally afforded to new players to shine - so, at least 10 minutes.
Players that didn't do it yesterday were Albert Riera and Steven Gerrard. Both were poor and while I can understand Riera's selection - he's stronger (and taller) than Benayoun and (in theory) better in the tackle - he did little to justify his manager's faith in him.
As for Gerrard, well his hot and cold season is continuing - he's lacking some consistency right now and yesterday was more cold than hot.
Sunderland, Lyon and Manchester United next up after the international break - a tough-looking week but a hat-trick of wins is well within the capability of the side.
Until then it's batten down the hatches time. Because without a game for 12 days you can guarantee a festival of knee-jerking with flak flying left, right and centre with Liverpool's name on it.
AVOIDING THE BULLSHIT: Today's recommended read - Rory Smith in the Telegraph.
As ever, there's plenty of hysterical reaction to any Liverpool defeat. Frankly, it's boring, predictable and nonsensical. One game you're brilliant, the next you're crap. What really amazes me is how many people buy into it.
I thought the Chelsea performance was much improved on the Fiorentina game. We started confidently - looking more like the home side than the home side - and for 60 minutes the game looked destined for a draw.
Considering we were playing the title favourites - probably one of the top four teams in Europe - in their own backyard it's not like they blew us away is it?
As ever against Chelsea it was a tight game, low on entertainment. And you got the feeling whoever scored first would win it. So it proved.
Yet had Fernando Torres took one of two very presentable chances - or had the referee awarded us a penalty for Didier Drogba's clear foul on Martin Skrtel - it could of been very different.
Drogba in the end proved the difference. Despite spending more time on the floor than a carpet fitter and showing acting skills that would look bad in a porn film, when he played football for a couple of minutes he won the game for Chelsea.
He's a horrible player to watch as an opposition fan but you'd love to have him in your team.
Jamie Carragher has held his hands up for the second goal but in general I thought he and Skrtel were improved.
And Glen Johnson showed that actually, he CAN defend.
Blame-hungry fans have again been quick to jump on Lucas' back but he was far from our worst performer on the day.
The Brazilian did a decent job defensively, making some key interceptions and tackles and playing the ball simple.
I don't think he's world-class, he's just OK for me, but he's certainly not as bad as many people are making out.
Yes, he doesn't offer the same skill set as Xabi Alonso. But would Xabi's inclusion have made the difference yesterday? You could argue either way - and the truth is no-one knows. But let's not build him up into something he wasn't - Xabi couldn't tackle and he was slow. So while he may have offered a better link to the attackers, perhaps he would have left more doors open for Chelsea's midfield?
What does look wrong is the balance between Lucas and Mascherano. They are operating in similar areas, neither seems too willing to join the attack and the partnership isn't really clicking.
But that's no great surprise is it? They have only just started playing together. And if Benitez had had his way it would be Gareth Barry sitting in there. Then there's still Alberto Aquilani to come. Knowing you're a second-choice partnership and your days are numbered can't be great for confidence.
Like everyone, I can't wait to see Aquilani. But the longer he stays locked away at Melwood the more the questions will come as to why we didn't set our sights on a player who could come straight in and do a job. The reports sound great and the videos look brilliant - but the lad will have even less time than is normally afforded to new players to shine - so, at least 10 minutes.
Players that didn't do it yesterday were Albert Riera and Steven Gerrard. Both were poor and while I can understand Riera's selection - he's stronger (and taller) than Benayoun and (in theory) better in the tackle - he did little to justify his manager's faith in him.
As for Gerrard, well his hot and cold season is continuing - he's lacking some consistency right now and yesterday was more cold than hot.
Sunderland, Lyon and Manchester United next up after the international break - a tough-looking week but a hat-trick of wins is well within the capability of the side.
Until then it's batten down the hatches time. Because without a game for 12 days you can guarantee a festival of knee-jerking with flak flying left, right and centre with Liverpool's name on it.
AVOIDING THE BULLSHIT: Today's recommended read - Rory Smith in the Telegraph.
STAN COLLYMORE UPSET BY 'SO CALLED' LIVERPOOL FANS
IT APPEARS I might have upset so-called football pundit Stan 'The Man' Collymore.
That's Stan Collymore, the ex-professional footballer, paid to provide us mere fans with his insight into the game he once played and, according to him, knows so much about.
Last week, Collymore in his Daily Mirror column, reeled off the cliched 'Liverpool are a two-man team' line. To which I offered a considered reply:
"How original. Surely as an ex-professional footballer you could offer some more insight than this Stan?
This boring old 'two-man team' criticism has been bandied around since the summer.
Have you not noticed the form of Yossi Benayoun (two assists on Saturday, three goals against Burnley)? Dirk Kuyt has also been weighing in with goals and assists, as usual, not to mention the flying start to the season from Glen Johnson.
Change the record, eh?"
This week he's having a pop again, and in classic playground told-you-so style, cites the defeat to Fiorentina as evidence that he was right.
And he clearly doesn't like people questioning his judgement:
"Maybe the so-called fans who suggest I was talking out of my a*** are not so critical now."Well Stan, this so-called fan is just as critical of your latest dose of drivel.
Instead of taking cheap shots at the club you once played for and giving us cut and paste arguments about its flaws, why not offer something different to what's already out there?
How about a positive analysis on what Benayoun can provide different to Liverpool's other midfielders? Or why Albert Riera needs to step up his game?
You know, something that makes interesting reading, something that shows some research and thinking has gone into it.
But that doesn't get hits does it Stan? It doesn't fire people up like myself who are sick to the back teeth of reading lazy journalism. And the main thing - it doesn't get people talking about YOU, does it Stan?
Saturday, 3 October 2009
FIVE LIVERPOOL FC ARTICLES THAT DON'T MAKE YOU WANT TO SLASH YOUR WRISTS
SUPPORTING Liverpool is like Groundhog Day at the moment - everywhere you turn it's the same old doom and gloom negativity being trotted out over and over and over again.
Since the defeat to Fiorentina it's been all aboard the Liverpool-bashing bus. Latest to buy a ticket and jump aboard - Gary Lineker and Tony Cascarino.
The Cascarino piece in particular is laughable to the extreme, so much so I ended up thinking: a) Has he ever watched Liverpool? b) Does he support Manchester United?
But enough of all that - I've read enough negativity in one week to last me a lifetime.
So, if you're sick of reading about Liverpool being crap without Xabi Alonso, sick of reading about zonal marking and sick of reading debate after debate about Lucas, walk this way.
So, here it is, your pre-Chelsea game guide to some positive (or interesting) articles I've found recently on the net about the Reds:
Since the defeat to Fiorentina it's been all aboard the Liverpool-bashing bus. Latest to buy a ticket and jump aboard - Gary Lineker and Tony Cascarino.
The Cascarino piece in particular is laughable to the extreme, so much so I ended up thinking: a) Has he ever watched Liverpool? b) Does he support Manchester United?
But enough of all that - I've read enough negativity in one week to last me a lifetime.
So, if you're sick of reading about Liverpool being crap without Xabi Alonso, sick of reading about zonal marking and sick of reading debate after debate about Lucas, walk this way.
So, here it is, your pre-Chelsea game guide to some positive (or interesting) articles I've found recently on the net about the Reds:
- Arthur Milton - the man who tearfully hugged Shanks in 1974
- Paul Tomkins' goal involvement - analysing the men key to the Reds' goal glut
- Tony Barrett - Liverpool are better suited to the Premier League
- Peter Thompson - Shankly's wing wizard
- Sami Hyypia - Carra's not a goner
Friday, 2 October 2009
WHY LIVERPOOL ARE KOPPING FLAK FROM EX-RED STAN
I LIKED Stan Collymore the player.
I know he messed us around, refused to move in to a house in Liverpool and all the rest of it after his British record £8.5million move to Anfield back in 1995.
The boy could play though and his partnership with Robbie Fowler was a great one – producing 55 goals in 1995/6 and 47 in 1996/7.
In fact, Stan the Man left for Aston Villa with a better than one in three record of 35 goals in 81 appearances – not bad for a player often dubbed a "flop" at Liverpool.
I remember standing on the Kop on his debut and I was right in line with him as he turned a defender and curled in a beauty from 25 yards to win the match against Sheffield Wednesday.
He belted in another peach against Burnley in the FA Cup which was quite timely as it was so cold I couldn't feel my feet at the time.
And of course there was his winner in the 4-3 epic with Newcastle.
So like I say, despite the problems, some fond memories. But now my memories are being soured by Stan Collymore the pundit.
First there was his unecessary and unrealistic banging of the drum for Jose Mourinho to be installed as the new manager at Anfield via his show on Talk Sport (or Talk Shite as it is 'affectionately' known by many on Merseyside).
And now he's jumped on the Liverpool-bashing bandwagon via his Mirror Sport column.
First, it was a pop at Jamie Carragher - well, OK, he hasn't been at his best so I'll let that one ride.
This week? Well if in doubt, why not dust off, remould and present an old argument as your own?
There's a few favourites sitting in the cliche jar for the desperate media man - zonal marking, Rafa's negativity, amount of money spent...
No doubt they are for another week. No, this week it was...wait for it...Liverpool are a two-man team.
Groan.
So shall we go through the counter arguments again? Dirk Kuyt (15 goals last season and continuing where he left off ), Yossi Benayoun (in the best form of his Anfield career), Glen Johnson (settled in like a dream).
Not only was Stan's article lacking orginality - or insight - but it was also a huge contradiction of an article he had written just a WEEK before. Then he said:
"Although I still don’t believe the Reds have enough squad depth to win the title, Yossi Benayoun’s hat-trick against Burnley showed there is penetration and imagination in their ranks beyond Steve Gerrard and Fernando Torres."
Well you can't have it both ways, Stan.
Could it be that Collymore, and the many of the other Liverpool-bashers in the media, are doing this for a reason?
Could it be that these hit-hungry, reader-chasing experts are merely baiting the trap for typically passionate fans of one of the most well-supported clubs in the land?
Well, as Rafa would say, it's a possibility.
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