The 2008 Champions League 1/4s & 1/2s

[Redshadow 0]

4th being the minimum requirement and guaranteeing CL.

 

Benitez was brought here to try and do what he did at Valencia by bringing in players who could progress LFC without a lot of money to spend. He has done that and earned the club an awful lot of money through the Champions League.

 

As far as the Premiership goes he's progressed us to the point where we just need those 2 or 3 top quality players to get us on the right track for an assault on the title. You say he's spent a lot of money but in reality our first team squad is worth considerably less than Manures and Chelsea. We bought Skirtl in Jan for 6 million. That was a record signing for a defender at Liverpool. Compare that to Rio at 30 million and so it goes on. Last summer was the first chance he had to start buying more quality in Torres and Babel. Prior to that his only 10 million plus player was Alonso.

 

He's brought lots of young players to the club and the reserves, managed by a Rafa apponted Gary Ablett, have just won the Northern reserve league with two matches to go, but they'll take a couple of seasons to be ready, although I expect, with the new 7 subs ruling we'll see a few on the bench next season. Plessis, Nemeth and Insua are the 3 most likely imo.

 

 

So yes Rafa has progressed our club and with more time will progress it even further. It's quite easy to get to 5th place in the Prem, it's very hard to make that final step in to top four though.

[Park Life 70]

4th being the minimum requirement and guaranteeing CL.

 

Benitez was brought here to try and do what he did at Valencia by bringing in players who could progress LFC without a lot of money to spend. He has done that and earned the club an awful lot of money through the Champions League.

 

As far as the Premiership goes he's progressed us to the point where we just need those 2 or 3 top quality players to get us on the right track for an assault on the title. You say he's spent a lot of money but in reality our first team squad is worth considerably less than Manures and Chelsea. We bought Skirtl in Jan for 6 million. That was a record signing for a defender at Liverpool. Compare that to Rio at 30 million and so it goes on. Last summer was the first chance he had to start buying more quality in Torres and Babel. Prior to that his only 10 million plus player was Alonso.

 

He's brought lots of young players to the club and the reserves, managed by a Rafa apponted Gary Ablett, have just won the Northern reserve league with two matches to go, but they'll take a couple of seasons to be ready, although I expect, with the new 7 subs ruling we'll see a few on the bench next season. Plessis, Nemeth and Insua are the 3 most likely imo.

 

 

So yes Rafa has progressed our club and with more time will progress it even further. It's quite easy to get to 5th place in the Prem, it's very hard to make that final step in to top four though.

 

He's done nothing of the kind. Sorry.

[Jimbo 133]

Liverpool's season of boardroom turmoil took another astonishing twist on Thursday when co-owner Tom Hicks asked for the resignation of chief executive Rick Parry.

 

It is believed that a letter arrived at Anfield on Thursday - just 48 hours after Liverpool's successful passage into the UEFA Champions League semi-finals - demanding Parry's departure.

 

Parry is currently in London at a Premier League meeting but he has been made aware of the communication and is expected to refuse to quit by return of post.

 

This shock move from the Dallas-based co-owner is just another twist in the ongoing saga over control of the club, which reached a peak last month when talks between Hicks and Dubai International Capital broke down.

 

Hicks was in London last week and watched both the Liverpool matches against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.

 

But on Tuesday, Hicks was back in Dallas watching his Texas Rangers baseball team while co-owner George Gillett was shown on TV sitting next to Parry in the Liverpool directors' box during the 4-2 win over Arsenal.

 

Unstable

 

And this current development does nothing for the stability of the club ahead of Rafa Benitez's attempts to reach a third European Cup final in four years.

 

However, with the club ownership split 50-50 between the two Americans, Hicks would not have been able to sanction Parry's dismissal, hence the letter received at Anfield on Thursday.

 

Hicks was believed to have been enraged by an interview from Parry in which the chief executive pleaded with both co-owners to end the war or words between them and come to an agreement that would allow the club to move forward.

 

It was Parry who was largely involved in bringing Gillett to the club 18 months ago, with the American bringing in Hicks for added financial muscle to get the deal through.

 

Broken down

 

At that point DIC believed they were on the brink of buying former chairman David Moores' majority holding, only for the deal to collapse at the last minute when Moores - now life vice-president and still a board member - changed his mind.

 

Since then DIC have patiently worked towards a deal to buy out both Americans. It is believed that Gillett has agreed to sell his stake, but refuses to sell those shares to Hicks.

 

The relationship between Gillett and Hicks has spectacularly broken down, with Parry at times finding himself in the middle trying to run the club effectively on a day-to-day basis.

 

Now Hicks' camp clearly believe that Parry is siding with Gillett as the uproar rumbles on, which has prompted the request for his resignation.

[Redshadow 0]

Don't be sorry, it's all about opinions. Maybe you could back it up with facts.

[Guest alex]

I think he has progressed the club, because even if they've stagnated domestically they've come on leaps and bounds in Europe / the CL. I think the league performances must disappoint the fans though Redshadow, surely.

[Park Life 70]

Don't be sorry, it's all about opinions. Maybe you could back it up with facts.

 

The standard Liverpool (a club I have a lot of respect for) response atm is that you can't spend as much as the top 2....Pitiful. If you want to make excuses why don't you just say Rafa is a defensive coach and he's wasted a lot of money on mediocrity?

[Redshadow 0]

I've seen both bad and brilliant performances in the league. I have disagreed with some of the team selections but I've always seen the progression.

 

Park Life

Is that it? Is that all you have to offer?

[Redshadow 0]

Btw, not a lot of money wasted on mediocrity at all. The players that could be considered bad were brought in as stop gaps, costing very little money. I'd say he's about 4 or 5 million out of pocket on bad buys.

[Park Life 70]

I've seen both bad and brilliant performances in the league. I have disagreed with some of the team selections but I've always seen the progression.

 

Park Life

Is that it? Is that all you have to offer?

 

Not sure what your offering ringo but I'm booked tonight.

[Park Life 70]

Btw, not a lot of money wasted on mediocrity at all. The players that could be considered bad were brought in as stop gaps, costing very little money. I'd say he's about 4 or 5 million out of pocket on bad buys.

 

Pennant, Kujit, Crouch, Voronin, Benyoun, Aurelio, Arbeloa,...All dross if title challenges is what you expect from Benny.

[ewerk 26738]

So he has been there nearly 4 seasons, in that time what youth has he brought through to the first team?

[wykikitoon 16953]

Its a fact taht Man Utd will never pay top whack straight away £30m on Rio was and still is being paid in installments over several years.

 

I think Rafa has bought some dross IMO, Crough, Vornin (He woudlnt even get in our team) etc

 

He has also bought well, Torress, Babel (improving in every game IMO)

 

But what I have an issue is that Liverpool and others will get in the CL if the finish a mediocre (great for us atm dont get me wrong) 4th. If they go onto win it and finish 5th, 6th or whatever, they should be allowed to defend their title.

[Redshadow 0]

Pennant has been great for us most of the time, far better than Duff for you. The problem for Pennant is his lack of goals. Benitez likes all of his midfielders to be able to score 4 or 5 a season. We'll well get our money back for him imo.

 

Kuyt had a bit of bad form earlier in the season but I wouldn't swap what he offers the team. He doesn't stop, the guy must have 4 lungs. He's worth having in any team just for the way he harries, annoys and gets in the way of defenders. He tracks back very well and is always there trying to get the ball back.

 

Crouch was a great buy and was a big factor in us finishing only a few points behind Manure the season before last. He doesn't fit in to Rafas preferred system of 4-2-3-1 unfortunately but I hope he stays. He's been worth every penny to us.

 

Voronin cost nothing and is shite.

 

Arbeloa at 2 million has been a good buy and a good squad player.

 

Aurelio cost nothing and is also a good squad player.

[Redshadow 0]

So he has been there nearly 4 seasons, in that time what youth has he brought through to the first team?

 

 

He's given quite a few a chance in the first team the last being Plessis against Arsenal in last weeks league game.

[Guest alex]

Pennant has been great for us most of the time, far better than Duff for you. The problem for Pennant is his lack of goals. Benitez likes all of his midfielders to be able to score 4 or 5 a season. We'll well get our money back for him imo.

 

Kuyt had a bit of bad form earlier in the season but I wouldn't swap what he offers the team. He doesn't stop, the guy must have 4 lungs. He's worth having in any team just for the way he harries, annoys and gets in the way of defenders. He tracks back very well and is always there trying to get the ball back.

 

Crouch was a great buy and was a big factor in us finishing only a few points behind Manure the season before last. He doesn't fit in to Rafas preferred system of 4-2-3-1 unfortunately but I hope he stays. He's been worth every penny to us.

 

Voronin cost nothing and is shite.

 

Arbeloa at 2 million has been a good buy and a good squad player.

 

Aurelio cost nothing and is also a good squad player.

Fair enough, wouldn't disagree too much apart from the Pennant bit, he's never been great for you lot, let alone most of the time. You'd probably get what you paid for him though, I agree. Being better than Duff is hardly saying anything either.

[wykikitoon 16953]

Pennant has been great for us most of the time, far better than Duff for you. The problem for Pennant is his lack of goals. Benitez likes all of his midfielders to be able to score 4 or 5 a season. We'll well get our money back for him imo.

 

Kuyt had a bit of bad form earlier in the season but I wouldn't swap what he offers the team. He doesn't stop, the guy must have 4 lungs. He's worth having in any team just for the way he harries, annoys and gets in the way of defenders. He tracks back very well and is always there trying to get the ball back.

 

Crouch was a great buy and was a big factor in us finishing only a few points behind Manure the season before last. He doesn't fit in to Rafas preferred system of 4-2-3-1 unfortunately but I hope he stays. He's been worth every penny to us.

 

Voronin cost nothing and is shite.

 

Arbeloa at 2 million has been a good buy and a good squad player.

 

Aurelio cost nothing and is also a good squad player.

Fair enough, wouldn't disagree too much apart from the Pennant bit, he's never been great for you lot, let alone most of the time. You'd probably get what you paid for him though, I agree. Being better than Duff is hardly saying anything either.

 

The problem with Pennant is the white stuff allegedly

 

I would agree with Kuyt Redshow. Earlier in the season I thought "Thank god we didnt get him" But he has got his head down and grafted like hell and is a pain like you say.

[Redshadow 0]

Good chatting to you lads.

 

Maybe someday Scousers and Geordies can get back to how they used to be with each other.

Always looked forward to that game with the Geordies in town. A good piss up and no bad feeling or hate just a good laugh.

[Guest Stevie]

Btw, not a lot of money wasted on mediocrity at all. The players that could be considered bad were brought in as stop gaps, costing very little money. I'd say he's about 4 or 5 million out of pocket on bad buys.

 

Pennant, Kujit, Crouch, Voronin, Benyoun, Aurelio, Arbeloa,...All dross if title challenges is what you expect from Benny.

If Keegan signs Kuyt I'll be gutted. Have to disagree about Crouch though, I think he's a fine player and at times one who Chelsea and Arsenal could've done with for back up, they're both delivering title challenges.

[The Fish 9103]

Good chatting to you lads.

 

Maybe someday Scousers and Geordies can get back to how they used to be with each other.

Always looked forward to that game with the Geordies in town. A good piss up and no bad feeling or hate just a good laugh.

Quick couple of questions for a fan of a team in the "big four";

 

Outside of the battle for 4th spot how do you see the rest of the league panning out.

Where do you see Newcastle in the scheme of things.

What are your hopes and expectations for Liverpool's summer and for next season?

What do you think Newcastle need to do to break into the European spots next season.

Who from our squad would you like to see at Anfield

 

just curious

[Jimbo 133]

Steven Gerrard's father has said he turned to an underworld "fixer" to stop a gangster from terrorising his son and threatening to shoot him in the legs.

 

The information was in a letter Mr Gerrard wrote to a court where the fixer, John Kinsella, denies being part of a gang involved in a robbery.

 

Paul Gerrard said the Liverpool captain's car had been smashed up and he was chased home from training.

 

He said it was after he asked Kinsella for help that the trouble stopped.

 

Paul Gerrard said that Liverpool Football Club had provided extra security, and he had also contacted police but claims it was only after he contacted Kinsella that the threats ended.

 

Mr Gerrard's letter read: "I would like to say that in 2001 my son Steven was being terrorised by a notorious Liverpool gangster known as The Psycho, who was threatening to maim my son by shooting him in the legs.

 

"Also, he was trying to extort a large amount of money from Steven. We immediately contacted the police and asked for protection.

 

 

Steven and I have total respect for John

Paul Gerrard, Steven's father

 

"This went on for a long time, during which Steven's car was smashed up and the gangster chased him while he was driving home from training.

 

"We were introduced by a friend to John Kinsella. John then reassured me and my family he would resolve our nightmare.

 

"We have never had any more problems from the Liverpool underworld. Steven and I have total respect for John."

 

Kinsella is on trial with two other men accused of stealing £41,000 of goods from a lorry depot in Grantham, Lincolnshire, on 19 March 2006.

 

Their alleged haul included £8,000 of Easter eggs and another £33,000 of crisps and detergents.

 

But the jury was told on Thursday that Kinsella had been "hoodwinked" in to taking part in the robbery.

 

Gordon Aspden, representing Kinsella, said: "He (Kinsella) said he was hoodwinked and there's a lot of evidence to back up his case that in advance of this robbery he did not know what was going to go off."

 

Kinsella, of Liverpool, denies robbery and a charge of dangerous driving. Two other men - James Muldoon, 28, and 49-year-old Stephen McMullen, both of Liverpool - deny robbery.

 

A fourth man, Thomas Hodgson, 29, of Liverpool, has admitted one charge of robbery.

 

The trial continues.

[Guest alex]

Their alleged haul included £8,000 of Easter eggs and another £33,000 of crisps and detergents.

Imagine trying to shift that lot

[sammynb 2930]

Is that the same "gangster" that was putting the "oh Gee" in to Stevie G's missus?

[Jusoda Kid 1]

Their alleged haul included £8,000 of Easter eggs and another £33,000 of crisps and detergents.

Imagine trying to shift that lot

 

 

One word 'Fish'

[Tom 13897]

Their alleged haul included £8,000 of Easter eggs and another £33,000 of crisps and detergents.

Imagine trying to shift that lot

 

OM NOM NOM

[Park Life 70]

Beginning to feel a bit sorry for Stevie G...Life looks like a nightmare.