Brendan Rodgers leads the first LFC training session 2012/13

A video from yesterday of the players returning to training yesterday.
Great to see Lucas back too.

Rodgers insists Suarez will stay

Brendan Rodgers our new manager has given a fascinating  interview with Talksport before Liverpool players return to training tomorrow. Have a listen here to see what Brendan has to say about speculation surrounding Luis Suarez and his plans for the new season.

Rodgers also states how he hopes to change the course of Liverpool's history and how his new surroundings are a source of inspiration.
Brendan Rodgers Talksport Interview 

Pepe Reina acting funny on the plane after Spain are crowned champions

The below is definitely worth a look. Having long since being lauded as one of the players among the Spanish squad that helps create a fantastic atmosphere. This is truly Pepe at his best. Lets hope for a great season from him next season. Congratulations to Pepe on another medal with this wonderful Spanish team.

Liverpool to stay at Anfield

Well it seems after previous owners wasted millions on drawing up plans and seeking planning permission to move to a new stadium, F.S.G have decided upon trying to renovate Anfield instead. On a personal level, I applaud this decision as someone who never tires of feeling the magic and aura of visiting Anfield three times a year. Anfield is arguably the most historic football ground in England and to have seen it demolished would have been a travesty.
There can be no doubting that this will not go down well with some of the resident groups in the area but one suspects the council will back Liverpool F.C in whatever they decide as their chief concern is the regeneration of the whole Anfield area. There are a lot of obstacles in the way to developing Anfield such as Housing behind the both the main and centenary stands. These houses are entitled to the "right to light" but it now appears the council and resident committees are in discussion about compensation for the houses affected. Already this summer the council have begun demolishing derelict houses that were previously acquired by Liverpool F.C.

John W Henry Liverpool's principle owner is believe to favour a stadium that caters for more corporate boxes and a wide spread of ticket prices to attract a variety of supporters but more importantly in a newly expanded Anfield, there would be a huge increase in revenue per seat as Liverpool endeavor to close the gap on their match day revenue when benchmarking against their more chief rivals in England.

As a fan I only hope we see an announcement soon to put this long running saga to a conclusion. I for one, believe it is the right conclusion with Anfield remaining the centre piece of a regenerated Anfield area where one of the worlds top clubs still attracts visitors from the around the world to see this uniquest of stadiums .

Steve Gerrard debate

As is common with England's exit from a major Championship, the focus quickly turns to the new Premiership season. The English media will bring every football gossip story to life in the next few months. On a personal level I was sorry to see England exit the tournament although nobody could complain about the result.

Once again last night brought into focus Steve Gerrard's best position. Gerrard it must be said had a really good tournament and really led by example. But playing against a player of Andrea Pirlo's class once again proved that Gerrard is not a midfielder of the classic type. In Roy Hodgson's defense, injuries left England lacking options in central midfield.
 In all honesty though a great player down the years Gerrard seems to have consistently ended up playing in a position that does not suit his qualities.
Liverpool's best League positions in 2006 and 2009 coincided with Gerrard playing right side of midfield in the former and behind Torres in 2009. Some may say this is a coincidental but that is nonsense. Liverpool's midfield lost its way from the day (a player not to dissimilar to Pirlo) Xabi Alonso left for Real Madrid in 2009.

The task of getting the maximum out of Gerrard as he approaches the twilight of his career will be to the forefront of Brendan Rodgers thinking as the new season looms ever closer. Despite the great debate about his best position, no one would deny that there is nobody more deserving of a Premier league winners medal than Steven Gerrard. One can only hope that this comes to fruition before the curtain finally falls on his Liverpool career. 

So as teams exit the Euro's it seems the rumor mill starts to build momentum. Most of the rumors regarding Liverpool are centered around Martin Skrtel and Alberto Aquilani.
There is no doubting Skrtel was Liverpool's best player last season but it is important to remember that when Daniel Agger got injured Skrtels' form deteriorated. At 27, it is usual for players to try to get one last big pay-day before their value diminishes. If it is the case that the likes of Man City and Anzhi of Russia are keen to acquire Skrtel then to this Scribe it is very likely Liverpool will accept a substantial offer.

Aquilani is a different case completely. A player who when signed by Liverpool in 2009 was not only injured at the time but had in fact had a litany of injuries.If to pay 17 million for an injury-prone player to replace Xabi Alonso seemed excessive then to give him a five year contract bordered on insanity. It now seems no Italian club wishes to do a deal for a player who is desperate to return to Italy. A.C Milan ensured Aquilani never reached the 25 game quota that would have activated the clause in his loan deal from Liverpool ensuring Milan had tho buy Aquilani. This has left both Aquilani and Liverpool in limbo. It is unlikely Liverpool will pay out the remainder of his contract. Likewise, Aquilani will not walk away from £80,000 a week wages.

In a couple of weeks the gossip columns will move into overdrive as the new season edges ever closer. But in the case of the above two mentioned players it is likely their future at Liverpool will become a little clearer.

 The forthcoming Premier league campaign has revealed  the fixtures for next season. However, before we book flights or hotels, some of these fixtures are subject to change for television. Below is a link to Liverpool's' fixtures for the season.




Liverpool F.C 2012/2013 fixtures

So things are extremely quiet on the club soccer front for obvious reasons. Liverpool are still being linked with a few players incuding Saloman Kalou, Eljero Elia and Gylfi Sigurdsson. However, as the old saying goes "Paper won't refuse ink".
Today, I am going concentrate on some of the appointments made to key positions at Liverpool. Firstly, Billy Hogan is now chief Commercial officer. This effectively means growing revenue streams through increased global sponsorship and summer tours. Hogan was previously MD of Fenway Sports Group(F.S.G), who own both Liverpool and the Boston Redsox. His remit at F.S.G was global exposure for the Redsox and baskeball icon Lebron James who F.S.G. also manage. Hogan will work closely with M.D Ian Ayre who has been the chief instigator of Liverpool's increased revenue streams from global partnerships.

The other appointment is alot more interesting in the form of  Jen Chang as Communications director. Chang replaces previous head of P.R, Ian Cotton. One suspects this is as a result of the fallout from the 'Evra/Suarez affair' which no matter where you stand on the issue, was handled poorly by the Liverpool F.C.

Chang is someone I have followed for the best part of fourteen months on twitter were it seemed obvious his alleigence lay with Liverpool.  However, it must be said as  former senior editor with Sports Illustrated, his articles were always insightful and unbiased. Also, he clearly has a good knowledge of the global game as shown when he applauded Newcastle's signing of Papiss Cisse as defying the assertion that there is no value to be found in the January transfer window.
It is clearly the strategy of F.S.G to have someone with experience in the media in this new role. Also due to the pace of newsfeeds and content through social network and other media outlets, Chang will know part of his remit will be to have his finger on the pulse to avoid the mistakes of last season. Overall, both appointments look sound but both men will take time to adapt to a new city and working environment.

We wish them both alot of luck.

Take a read of the below link to see what one of Liverpools former stars thinks of  the appointment of Liverpool's new manager.
I will never give up hope of seeing Xabi back in the red of Liverpool. Anyone who saw his in-depth interview with LFCTV last year will know the deep affection he still holds for Liverpool FC.

Y.N.W.A
Xabi.





Xabi Alonso comments on Brendan Rodgers

Apparently the above is being brought to Poland. I will keep an eye out for it.

Kenny Dalglish has joined the Mirror newspaper in which he will be offering his own unique insight into all matters relating to Football. It is fantastic news. He is and will remain a legend of Liverpool FC.
Although it didn't work out for King kenny second time around as manager, we all owe him a great debt for uniting and stabilizing our club.

Although, I would hasten to add with the fullness of time those Liverpool fans who believe he was treated harshly will discover that the American owners in fact made the correct decision in removing Kenny from his position as manager. The owners were forced into a corner last year and had no option to appoint Kenny as manager permanently, but clearly they always had a clear strategy about moving the club forward and decided they had to make a big decision.
What makes him all the more remarkable is that he still feels he owes the club so much as opposed to the club owing him. If only all of us supporters felt the same way!!

Also from the Mirror's perspective they will see it as a huge coup to have someone writing who will always draw an audience due to his status in the game.



Needless to say I wish Kenny all the best.


Click here to view his first installment Kenny Dalglish column.

 The below is a link to the letter written by Brendan Rodgers published in the South Wales echo newaspaper thanking Swansea fans for his time there.
Those in any doubt about the character of Liverpool's new manager should give it a read.


Brendan Rodgers open letter to Swansea fans

The below is an insightful interview with Brendan Rodgers conducted by Talksport with former Irish international Ray Houghton in studio.
Rodgers discusses learning from his mistakes and what has drawn him to Liverpool.
He also outlines his reasons for not working under a Director of Football and how he felt right at home upon arrival at the club. 


Brendan Rodgers Talksport Interview

Dirk Kuyt 's decision to leave Liverpool is hardly a surprise but there is still a hollow feeling that he wont wear the Red jersey again. A player who is probably anti-thesis of what Dutch football is about in the sense that he lacks the technical skills required to ever be considered a world beater.
However, when it comes to attitude and giving your all to become the best you can be then Dirk Kuyt is a terrific role model for young aspiring footballers. I wish Dirk all the best

Swansea City "Catalan Football" .

The below is a brilliant illustration of what liverpool fans can expect next season. Brendan Rodgers focus is clearly about developing a culture throughout the whole club. We are viewing a  youth match from last season between Liverpool and Swansea. The below shows that even the swansea academy is being thought to do the right things right.

Brendan Rodgers A new Era dawns

"By the time the gospel according to Brendan Rodgers had drawn to a close he was preaching to the converted."  Ben Smith, BBC Sport.

No one could deny Brendan Rodgers cut an impressive figure in his opening press conference at Melwood yesterday. The former Swansea manager showed calmness, as well as being an assured figure. Those who love the game have been excited by this manager’s unique take on the game for some time. How many managers in England encourage their players to keep the ball at all costs when holding a slender lead in the last few minutes of a game? Although Rodgers has a long way to go to silence the doubters that he possesses the experience and knowledge necessary to turn Liverpool into the force they once were, he spoke about aspects of our club he would look to improve, that to those who have cast their eye over the club in recent years, could only have been impressed with his insightful analysis of the problems that have beset our once proud club.

Rodgers spoke intelligently about the weight of wearing the red jersey for some players and how they subsequently find the burden of history and the spotlight within the media to much to deal with. But it seems this is a man with a planned philosophy to implement, which belies his 39 years. Also, Rodgers promised to restore Liverpool to its traditional passing style which recent managers were either reluctant or lacked the morale courage to implement. While Kenny Dalglish could not be accused of being a "Long ball Merchant", he certainly seemed to lack an overall playing strategy.

Perhaps most impressive of all from Rodgers was his clear message to the Liverpool owners that he would only take the job on his terms. Firstly, he distanced himself from the beauty pageant style interview process when Liverpool first approached Swansea to speak to him. When it became clear he was the number one choice he rebuffed the attempts of F.S.G to appoint him under a Director of Football (believed to be Louis Van Gaal).Rodgers also showed he meant business at Anfield when he cut across Ian Ayre to cast away any ambiguity in relation to who will make the final decisions on transfers.   Rodgers will now have final say on all transfer targets which means he is responsible for realising his own vision of how his team will line up. It is in this area which will make or break Brendan Rodgers as with all managers, the ability to get the right players into the club. Remember Rafael Benitez had a vision for Liverpool but knowing how to get there is what separates good managers from great managers.

There can be no doubting the man from County Antrim is relishing the opportunity of Leading our proud club possibly in no small part to the fact his late Father, Malachy, was a supporter. While there may have being many supporters calling for the return of Benitez, FSG have being bold in their approach and some will say taken a huge gamble. However, a manager who wants to play total football and whose ambition matches that of our great managers of the past is clearly in sync with what we are looking for in a manager. There seems to be a real confidence about Brendan Rodgers similar to that of Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho. It is in my experience that that confidence in whatever profession you work in, usually rubs off on all those around them.

When Rodgers settles in at Liverpool he will quickly recognise some of the talented players that Liverpool currently have. It is also my suspicion that we will see a lot more from the players signed last summer when they have a clear and concise role on the pitch to fulfil. Another huge bonus for Brendan Rodgers coming into Liverpool will be the youth set-up for which Benitez can take much of the credit. There is a talented crop of youngsters waiting to make their mark at the club, most notably, Raheem Sterling, Jack Robinson and Jordan Lussey.  While some of these youngsters maybe a little away from making the first team at the moment, the Swansea manager has thought younger players throughout his coaching life not just about football but also the importance of respect and values, something that is already instilled at the Liverpool academy.

There can be no doubting that appointing Brendan Rodgers is one of the boldest decisions Liverpool have made in recent times but every time he has spoken in the last two days makes you believe that this could prove a master-stroke of a decision. His own recognition of his failings when he became manager of Reading that he had simply focused too much on changing the philosophy of the club instead of gradual change while winning matches, shows a man who learns quickly from his mistakes and then moves on. This is also another trait that great mangers possess-always look ahead not behind.

As always there is no need to repeat that Liverpool supporters should get behind the new man, that is a given. And while there will be inevitable low points along the way in Brendan Rodgers quest to bring Liverpool back to the summit of English football, one can only feel Liverpool have appointed a manager for the first time in a long time who could in the future rank along the great managers of the past.

The below link is a little Background on Brendan Rodgers. Including how he played Gaelic Games as a child and how he raised money for Charity having lost his Mother  and subsequently his Father to Cancer. 


Getting to the top the hard way

New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers' philosophy of possession

So Brendan Rodgers has had the courage to take on one of the biggest jobs in Football. What maybe a surprise to many is Rodgers has had setbacks before and has subsequently triumphed in adversity.
Firstly his playing career was cut short at twenty due to a serious knee injury. But rather than return home to Ireland and wallow in self pity he decided to persue a coaching career which eventually led to Jose Mourinho recruiting Rodgers to look after the Chelsea under-18 academy team.
Rodgers went on to manage Watford before he was head-hunted by former club Reading to take up the managers position when Steve coppell left. His stay at Reading lasted only six months before he was dismissed. However, Rodgers once again responded in a positive manner and six months later he was given the opportunity to manage Swansea.In his first full season in charge he brought Swansea the top division in England for the first time in nearly thirty years playing a stylish attacking brand of football.
In appointing Rodgers, Liverpool and in particular the American owners have made one of the bravest decisions of their tenure. It seems they have taken a huge gamble but Rodgers will be a popular manager among supporters with his brand of attacking football. What liverpool supporters might not realize though is they have appointed a manager who is the very definition of the saying; "Losers fall down and stay down, Winners fall down and get back up again."
Brendan Rodgers will come to Liverpool with a burning ambition to succeed and could, given time, in the long-term might prove a masterstroke.  

Seven years ago this week - 2005 Champions League Final

The New Manager

It seems everyone has an opinion on who should be the next manager of LFC. Twitter has shown all Liverpool fans  how there appears to be widening factions among supporter groups. some of these fans representing certain supporter groups want Liverpool to stick with traditional values of the club implemented by the great Bill Shankly. While others want the American owners to bring the club into the 21st century.

There appears to be disharmony since Kenny Dalglish was sacked as manager which in truth sent out a message to those who want to stick with tradition, that sentiment will play no part in the current owners thinkin from here on in. While they appointed King Kenny(the clubs greatest ever player) on a wave of emotion, they have now seen fit to implement their own model which will be similarly built to that of their other famous sports team Boston Redsox.
There also seems to be negative response from supporters in relation to Kenny Dalglish's proposed successors. Roberto Martinez name being mentioned  has either justly or unjustly met with a negative response.

So what are peoples thoughts on the current situation at LFC?

The below is a link to the latest episode of the anfield wrap:  

The Anfield Wrap