The views expressed are those of the individual contributors. They are not necessarily shared by the editorial staff at RAOTL, but probably are.
Red All Over The Land's 97-98 Archive: news & comments
Ticket news & Dublin Tournament
Tickets are available for the < Dublin Carlsberg Trophy Tournament > on the weekend of July 31st/ August 1st. On the Friday Leeds play Lazio at 6pm. (Salas, Casaraghi and Boksic will be playing for the Romans, Carlton Palmer sadly will no longer grace the Leeds side) whilst at 8.15pm The Reds take on the Irish Champions (St Patricks Athletic- a local side). The next day there will be a 3rd/4th place play-off at 2.00pm and a Final at 4.15pm. Games played at Lansdowne Road.
Then there's the Inter Milan game at Anfield on TUESDAY August 4th. Contact the club in early July for ticket details. We'll be posting news on this site as soon as we get it.
Also this summer: Tentative dates for a game in Denmark on Monday 27th July (Randers Fraja of Copenhagen) and the Rosenborg in Oslo (?) on Wed. 29th. We'll get full reports posted from our contacts in Denmark and Norway.
(Can anyone send us any moredetails re. tickets and travel? - <red_all_over@geocities.com> )
Derby County (a) League 0-1 May 11th
Derby County... brings back some memories. I remember an FA Cup game in '76, I think, when there seemed to be about 45,000 shoe-horned into the tiny Baseball Ground and we lost to a late Roger Davies winner. Jam-packed terracing, a roaring crowd, tension, excitement and leaving feeling absolutely drained. The tight, narrow terraced streets around the ground filled with thousands of Reds streaming back to the cars and trains ... (Now leap forward 22 years) ... Then there's Pride Park. A shiny new souless pit in the middle of absolutely nowhere. Honestly, it could be Middlesborough or Bolton or Stoke. So faceless, so anonymous. A shiny new souless pit in the middle of absolutely nowhere. We had to walk - at least - two miles from the pub to the ground, over fields and down canal towpaths in the rain. By the time we got there we were absolutely knackered. The result was still the same tho' - a 1-0 defeat. But the manner of it was totally different. A boring, gutless game. Liverpool were pathetic - again - and Royston's selections leave me bewildered and angry. Thomas! Michael fucking Thomas! And why play Berger if you say he has no future at the club? By the time news filtered through that Everton were winning and Bolton losing, we'd had enough and left. There was nothing else to do but get wellied again - and we did.
The weekend had been great up until the time we left the pub for the lengthy hike to the ground. The Saturday, in particular was just one huge hoot. Beer, a game of footy ( I'm not fit you know), then more beer and a huge sing-song in The Cherry Tree, where we enjoyed the incomparable vocal talents of Arthur The Cat - a man so blessed with a singing voice as to make Nat King Cole sound like he was driving a tractor over a ploughed field with 2lb weights tied to his testicles - oh, and we raised over a grand for two good causes. Thanks to JJP for the Herculean efforts he put into making sure we all had a great time and enough beer to drink. Thanks also to Andy and Sue for their hard work making sure the raffle was a success. Can I also thank Rick Parry and Sammy Lee for coming down to The Cherry Tree and lending a bit of 'official' support to the proceedings.
Here's John Pearman's (JJP) account:
" The sun was shining as the players turned up at their HQ for the big game ready for their pre-match meal and team talk. A few interested locals look on curiously as the Liverpool team went about their business of eating pizza, chips and getting a few lagers and Buds down their necks. Worry not, this was not LFC although some of you out there may think, "Sounds familiar." This was the 'RAOTL' representative squad getting ready to play against Thorpe Acre FC in a fund-raising encounter. The game was to support a local player from Thorpe Acre Fc who had developed Multiple Sclerosis and also to raise a few quid towards to Hillsborough fund. Two good causes and well worth making an effort.
The last time the residents of Loughborough witnessed Liverpool supporters in town for a game against local opposition was back in, as I am sure you all know, October 1894. A day that should be etched in the memory bank of all LFC fans as that day we recorded a great away win and inflicted on Loughborough Town their very first home defeat in the old Football League Division two. Okay, it was only their second ever home game, but someone had to do it. This time the 'Mackin Banner' was flying from the windows of a house in LE11 [home of the editor] and videos of a LFC v Everton Cup Final from 1986 was being watched as the last pieces of the pizza were devoured and a few more bottles and cans swallowed. With everyone in attendance it was off to the game. It was here were we added a touch of 'Evertonia' to the day as we went to the game in taxi's only our manager wasn't unduly worried when they turned up. On arriving at the Thorpe Acre ground [hired for the day from another local club - increased ground capacity and all that] our squad soon got the feel of the place by finding within a matter of seconds the bar. By this time the opposition started to arrive all looking a bit different to us - most of them, if not all, were sober for a start. Nothing mattered as the game got underway in front of an excited crowd of nearly 100 - yes, we certainly pulled them in. The crowd would have been bigger but some of our supporters decided that as the weather was fine they would not risk sunstroke and they remained in the bar swelling the profits of the host club. Always willing to help, that's us. To write about the highlights of the game would almost fill a line - if I spread the words out that is - so let's ignore them. The first half was a bit like our games at Anfield - not a lot went on. But in the second half with the introduction of Johnny Mac and two Norwegians playing in their rightful positions [no kidding] things got slightly better - well we had shot. Then we had a penalty. Which was taken by Andy Knott - simply because he got there first and for the first time in his undistinguished career he got the ball on target, baffling the home keeper who was anticipating it going wide. So it was a case of "One-nil, to the 'RAOTL'" which doesn't have much of a ring about it. Sad to report that eventually the opposition [average age about 40] then scored as our defense decided to go for a walk and look at the scenery. This was totally unfair on our keeper Neil 'Don't call me Jameo' Smerdon who had come with a reputation of being crap, but who had proved his critics wrong by saving a shot or two. Anyway he had no chance when Stuart Jackson [son of the Ref] levelled things up. That's how it ended so we decided that the best way of getting a result was to have a "penalty drink out" rather than a "shoot out" - the latter would have taken far too long.
The evening was typical of our crew. We felt very much at home because we were in a pub. Luckily enough we had taken along our own vocalist, none other than 'Arthur the Cat' who we are sure that none of you have ever heard of. The beer flowed, and flowed, and flowed until closing time fell upon the hostelry. Loughborough was now subjected to Liverpool fans visiting the nite spots [plural could be termed as a slight exaggeration] and the local ladies were deemed fortunate to have a choice for a change. At this juncture local lad JJP decided he was pissed - along with 'RAOTL' resident piss artist J Mac [er ... pardon? JM] - and returned home for a bit of kip. Eventually the club HQ was full of the travelling band of Liverpool fans thus confining the idea of having kip to the bin marked 'no chance.' It was easily noticeable that at least half our lot had not only sampled the local bevy but also the local curry and it was something they could not disguise as a yellowy haze wafted around LE11. In case of young 'Pilko' it was quite easy to note what he had devoured as he left most of it on the stairs and a bit in the sink as his digestive system rebelled. Sunday morning wasn't a pleasant one if you lived in Loughborough. Much groaning and cries of "Where am I, oh my bloody head" and in the case of those who had tasted a local curry it was more like "Oh my bloody arse." Cleaning up operations began, i.e. getting rid of the surplus cans of lager, before breakfast at another drinking spot. Then everyone looked at one another and said, "Oh shit, we've got to go and watch the team." There's always something to put a damper on the best of weekends." (JJP)
Arsenal (h) League 4-0 May 6th
The Arse rested several players for this game but it still doesn't disguise the fact that we played some good stuff in the first half. It was 3-0 at half time - it should have been 4 or 5, but in the second half we relaxed a bit and Arsenal (obviously) fought back to regain some pride (it WAS live on the tele after all). My only problem is a 4-0 win over the new Champions, live on Sky - hot on the heels of a 5-0 home win - and a great reception for the team at the end, might lessen a bit of the pressure on young Royston. In all honesty it was a very poor season: beaten by crap teams everywhere from Strasbourg to Everton. The only consolations this year were the emergence of Michael Owen (who, if he fulfills his promise, will be the greatest player this country has ever seen) and finishing third (which will look 'good' in the record books in years to come) After all, when ManU plumbed the depths 6 years after winning the European Cup, they were relegated. Us?... well, we are in a trough now - 8 years since a title and 14 years since a European Cup - but we still haven't finished lower than 7th (and that's since 1964!). And attendances still held up - every home league game (bar one, I think ... Wimbledon?) was a sell-out.
Last home game means FlagDay and The Kop duly responded. YNWA looked excellent - thanks for taking part. Particularly the 'Leather Bottle' lads in Block 104, who also impressed at Old Trafford. Their new 'Agent Johnson: Mission Accomplished' banner was mentioned in many national papers. Well done. For my part, I took along 'Old Thunderer' a 30 year old, red & white, wooden rattle which made a hell of a racket and went down a storm with the lads but annoyed the hell out of a day-tripper in the row behind.
The game ... well, goals apart, not much happened. The Reds formed a guard of honour for The Arse and applauded them onto the pitch. Arsenal were also very well recieved by the supporters. Some churlish newspapers attributed this to the fact that they stopped Utd winning the title ... I tend to think that we are big enough to recognise a good team. And Arsenal are a very good team. What has made them popular champions is that Wenger is a talented and dignified manager. When Ferguson was panicking and resorting to dirty tricks, Wenger kept his cool and refused to be drawn. He's got style - something that that Scottish twat couldn't acquire if he was dipped into a bucket full of Matt Busby. The Kop even chanted 'Champions!'. After that ... the game dwindled into a testimonial atmosphere until Ince lashed home an 18 yard drive for the opener. Shortly afterwards, with the Arsenal defence in disarray, Ince prodded home from 1 yard following a goalmouth melee. The crowd woke up and there was some good-natured (even funny!) banter betwwen the two sets of supporters: "We only win when we have to" chanted The Gooners; "We never win when we have to" replied The Kop. 'Nuff said. Owen showed his mettle with a superb twisting volley for the third, and then shortly before half-time he missed a penalty (much to the chagrin of the guy next to me who was on for £100 if we won 4-0).
The second half was a total anti-climax, with Arsenal playing much better and The Reds sitting back. Not much happened at all, until Ince lunged - rather needlessly - at Wright. The Arsenal striker was carried off with a badly bruised ankle as their fans chanted, "You're supposed to be his mate". Ince aplogised to Wright, and was clearly worried that he'd badly hurt his best-friend. As the game wore on it became more boring and The Kop grew quiet. Arsenal taunted us with the usual chants, The Kop never responded. I think there was a great sense of anti-climax (not just of the game, but of our season ... I mean why couldn't we do this six months ago?). The Arse even chanted "Liverpool! Liverpool!" in an attempt to shame us. It never worked. The Kop deliberately refused to sing. Just as the Arse began a sarcastic version of 'YNWA' Leonhardsen lashed home a ferocious fourth goal and The Kop woke up. A hearty and lusty (and lengthy!) 'YNWA' followed. Shortly afterwards the final whistle blew. Arsenal were, rightly, applauded off; then The Reds did a lap of the pitch to a heart-warming reception from the crowd. Unlike previous years when the team were jovial and light-hearted, they looked uneasy - I'd like to think it was embarassment: they know they've let us down. Brad Friedel had a solid game and his shot-stopping was excellent. 2 clean sheets in a row could be the start of a trend?
Oh, and David James has gone blonde again.
West Ham (h) League 5-0 May 2nd
As I missed this game (my 2nd home game missed this season - the other was Chelsea (4-2)) I'll hand you over to our editor John Pearman for the match report:
" Help! Five goals, two for Jase, a clean sheet, standing ovations at half time and fulltime and a party atmosphere on the Kop. Why is it that when we have our backs to the wall we can deliver the goods? Why is that as the season enters its last week Roy has a brainwave and plays players in their right positions [well, most of them]? What next? News that we might sign a defender? To be honest West Ham came and played with all the commitment and style that we showed at Stamford Bridge so although we took advantage of them, which makes a change in itself, don't let them start papering over the cracks because them the cracks need a lot of paper. Expect a touch of "Roy gets it right at last" from the "Evans must stay" brigade. Ince shut the West Ham fans up with a great display and a goal that Lama should have stopped but didn't - why couldn't he have let five in on his last visit [PSG]. Owen was brilliant - no, that's an understatement - what a talent! He scored one, made two and deserved three. McAteer played in midfield and scored twice and his old fella sits in the Main Stand cos that's were our Jase ran when he scored. That goal from Leo, bloody hell! He got the ball, we sat down thinking "Ah well, that's that" when bang - pick that one out! Did he look better because Macca wasn't playing? Did the team look better because Macca wasn't playing? As t he goals rolled in and news that Newcastle, Spurs and Bolton were all winning a party atmosphere developed on the Kop and the "Three Lions" thing became "They're going down, they're going down, the blueshite's going down" - hardly original but apt nevertheless. Which takes us onto the Sunday. Sunday must have been like having your birthday on Christmas Day - you know, two lots of prezzies. Arsenal win the league - meaning that the Mancs didn't - and they whack Everton 4-0 in the process leaving all our happy little Evertonians to worry for a week about whether they can survive again. Some of them might turn to drink - no names like. We're glad that Arsenal have done it, we don't have to want them to win at Anfield now. If you are in the Goodison district over the next few days take a pen with you because you might be asked to sign a petition or two and look out for the odd box of leaflets and the like. And if you want a taxi, better book it now, they could be busy over the next week or so . " (JJP)
Sounds like I missed another cracker. Still, at least my season ticket went to a deserving soul who'd travelled 3,000 miles to be there. JJP will also be at the reserve game tonight at Derby and will send in a report tomorrow. As for 'Michael Owen: what a talent!' - it obviously doesn't extend to singing: Michael (and Jamie Carragher) attended the Away Supporters Club end-of-season 'do' at Mere Lane Social Club on Saturday night. Young Michael was cajoled onto the stage to sing for the lads, and nervously warbled his away through 'Michael Owen scores a goal'! (Not his choice - but that of the evening's organiser, Jimmy Flowers.).
And don't forget the end-of-season Away FlagDay on Sunday at Pride Park, Derby. Let's make it a day to remember ... So that when your kids ask, "Where were you when the blues went down?". You can say, "I was bevvied and singing at Derby, lad".
Leeds Reserves (a) Pontins League 30th April 1-0
Surprisingly Mark Wright (aka 'the freckled Franco Baresi') was left out of the Liverpool reserve team last night. It's a selection decision that suggests one of two reasons: his back is still dodgy and they're resting him til next season or he's going to play on Saturday and the staff don't want to risk him in a reserve game. Either way it doesn't look good for his back trouble. Marco played a full 90 minutes for the reserves against Nottingham Forest last week and never looked in trouble - but then never looked 100% either. Jon Newby scored in the 25th minute and Steve Harkness had a penalty saved by Leeds keeper Mark Beeney two minutes later. As McAteer also missed the trip I think it's safe to assume that he'll definitely replace the out-for-the-season (3 games!) Rob Jones.
LIVERPOOL RESERVES: James, Kvarme, Turkington, Harkness, Roberts, Williams, Culshaw, Thomas, Warnock, Newby, Gudnason, Subs not used: Warner, Brazier.
Steensgaard in come back shocker!
Michael Steensgaard - the Reds' former reserve team keeper - who 'retired' from the game 3 years ago, after suffering a back injury sustained doing the ironing (Honest!), is in line for a surprise return to football with FC Copenhagen. He has been offered a contract but cannot play without consent from Liverpool FC and he may have to return some of the cash he was given after his 'retirement'.
Well, here's hoping it all goes well for you, Michael.
Reserves at Leeds tomorrow
Is not the last reserve fixture of the season as 'The Mighty Reds' might have you believe. We still have a game at Derby to be re-arranged. If you fancy going tomorrow - the Leeds game is at The Shay, Halifax. Not Elland Road. Don't say I didn't tell you.
Dublin tournament 31st July-1st August
This may be the perfect opportunity to forget about this season. Reds playing (possibly) Lazio, Leeds and Shelbourne(?) . Barnes are doing trips from £69 with match tickets guaranteed. You'd probably get a better deal organising your own trip now that you can go from Liverpool on the Seacat as a foot passenger, or via Holyhead on the boat. Anyway, get over there, have a few beers and let's enjoy the craic. All matches played at Lansdowne Rd, I believe. (Tel. Barnes on 0151 523 8363).
And let's not forget - INTER MILAN - on Aug 5th at Anfield. Here's hoping Renaldo makes it along after the World Cup so that we can see how Babb, Matteo and Stig fare against a decent striker. Stop laughing at the back there.
Chelsea (a) League 25th April 1-4
This was the first time I have ever left a game early. As Hughes's volley hit the back of the net I was on my feet and away to the exit - and there was still 15 minutes left. I wasn't alone. Hundreds poured out of Stamford Bridge in disgust at the worst display we'd seen from a Liverpool side since ... since ... Well, they're coming thick and fast these days aren't they? The 2nd half was easily as bad as the 4-2 F.A. Cup tie last year at the Bridge. Patience with Evans is at breaking point. He is clueless. He can blame the players saying "It's just not good enough - they have to take reponsibility etc." , but it's nothing we haven't - and they haven't - heard before this season. And do you think their worried about it? Instead of just talking about it, Roy, why don't you do something? Fowler, Macca, Ince, Redknapp, Leonhardsen have all played crap at times this season and have never, ever been dropped. Now's the time Roy - show them who's boss. (Or is that a stupid statement?)
A strange atmosphere at S.B. - plenty of Liverpool support but too many day-trippers and tourists to get any real singing going (at least there was in our section, on the north side of the enclosure). There was also an air of anticipation amongst the travelling support - what was it we anticipated? A hammering? ... well maybe I've exagerated ... but there was certainly an air of ill-ease; if we were to get out anything out of this game, you felt, it would be a fluke. Well we scored just before half time and sure enough it was a fluke. Murphy was given a tennis-court of space on the edge of the box, his shot was parried by Kharine and KH stabbed it home from close range. Exciting? I barely raised my voice. It was our first shot on target. It was also to be our last shot on target. The whistle went shortly afterwards and we moved out into the rear concourse for a pint and a natter. The mood was unbelievably blasé - "We'll got nowt here", "There's no shape to them", "God, we're crap!", "He hasn't got a clue ... What's Macca coming inside for pushing Murphy wide on the right? What's he doing?" and so on, and so on. And each and every one of them was right.
The second half saw us come out a bit (maybe they'd been bollocked at half time) but still unable to create anything tangible. A few corners - the odd flurry in the area, but nothing to get excited about. I sat and watched 747s on their descent into Heathrow and wandered where we'd go for a pint after the game. To be truthful, when Chelsea scored again it was a bit of a surprise. I'd imagined this game was going the same way as Coventry last week: Red's pressure petering out as the game drew on and settling for a draw. However, Babb, Matteo, Stig et al had different ideas and had to leave Clarke unattended in the area as the ball bobbled loose to him. He proceeded to score his first goal in SIX years. We then fell to pieces.
By the time Hughes had blasted the 4th past Friedel (who wasn't to blame for any of them) we were in tatters. I had to go. Chelsea were singing "You're gonna win fuck all", "It's just like playing Tottenham" and "Can we play you every week?". As we streamed away towards Fulham Broadway tube no-one said much. There was a glazed exasperation (a resignation?) in people's eyes. The only crumbs of comfort were the scores coming in from Villa Park and Goodison.
By the time the train had reached Milton Keynes we'd all had a few Stellas and the songs started. It turned out to be the best trip home we'd had all season. But that was probably due to the fact that we didn't have a game of football to watch. Another case of 'Great trip - only ruined by the game'.
Next up: Leeds Reserves (a) on Wednesday. West Ham (h) on Saturday.
PS - The newspapers are causing mischief again by suggesting that Roy is interested in Useless Hughes, who is only marginally younger than Evans himself... Evans is reported as threatening a mass clearout this summer.
Tranmere (at Widnes) Liverpool Senior Cup Final 22nd April 2-1
Hooray! Our first (and last) silverware of the season. And it was last season. (Eh?). Due to fixture congestion this was actually 1997's final which was held over to the earliest possible date the two sides could arrange. (Similarly, this season's LSC is now at the quarter-final stage, but may not be concluded until next season).
A very young Liverpool side, captained by Tom Culshaw, took a two-goal lead in the first 20 minutes with efforts from John Newby and Niall Byrne. Tranmere's Graham Branch pulled a goal back, and Jason Koumas missed a penalty as Tranmere rallied and tried to save the game.
The same night Everton Reserves were tonked 7-1 by ManU. Four goals being scored by card-carrying (Scandanavian Supporter's Club) Liverpool supporter Ole Gunnar Solksjaer. Good to see Thirsty Howard is building for the future over there at The Pit.
International Reports: 22nd April
Hoddle's selections were once again baffling: Sheringham? Batty? Campbell? Not players in great form exactly. Owen was on the bench and eventually got on for Sheringham in the 2nd half. His performance was electric almost scoring within the first few minutes, streaking past a defender, holding another off strongly before prodding the ball just wide. Later on he sped completely clear of the offside trap and was certain to score, until the ref called play back to send off a Portuguese player. An exciting display from M.O. No other Reds were involved - Macca and Matteo were both injured. Jamie Carragher appeared for the 'B' team at Loftus Rd versus Russia B on Tuesday. I listened on BBC Radio 5, it was (or sounded) a boring game and Carragher was not mentioned much.
After the game Paul Ince was punched in the mouth by "a 33 year old man from Essex". !!!! Must have been either (a) disgruntled West Ham fan still simmering over Ince's transfer. or (b) disgruntled ManU tosser. As he's from Essex my money's on (b).
Erling Baldorf (our chap in Denmark)and head honcho of the LFC Danish Fan Club) watched Denmark v Norway and sent this report ...
" Three LFC players participated in the match, namely Leo in the whole match, Stiggy in the 2nd half and Scouser Jan as a co-commentator, and he really knows his football - just as he knows a lot about racing, both horses and himself in cars ! Leo played in the central midfield of a 4-5-1 formation, which kept NINE men behind the ball "all the time", well except when he scored when a ball suddenly came into his path inside the penalty area, but he was there, and it's always good to see a LFC player score against Schmuk! Leo did a LOT of running and a LOT of defending (got a yellow card by that), so now I know why he did so well in Wimbledon. The match reminded me a lot of English football, with Norway playing like the old style Crazy Gang, and Denmark playing like now-a-days Liverpool, with Brian Laudrup as a clone between Owen and Macca. Denmark did a lot of hoofing and poofing but nothing else, except for giving two goals away, the second coming from a pin-point (believe me!!!) corner from Stiggy, who planted the ball in the forehead of Tore Andre Flo, who was completely unmarked at the penalty spot, so there's another resembling with Liverpool!!! Didn't see much else to Stiggy, but the match was boring, and Moelby described the Norwegian team as primitive, which I have to agree in, but they got the result they came for never the less! I have to say, that if Liverpool played the way that Norway does, I wouldn't visit my friends in Liverpool anymore, as I couldn't stand to see my team play like that, but I guess it's good enough to get results at international level, because Denmark won the European championship in the same way, but I'm not sure that it will get them far in France, but we have to see!!! I've tried to name three prospects in both teams, but that's NOT the same as saying that I want them to PLAY for Liverpool!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NO-NO!!!!!
Norway : Evertons goalie Thomas Myhre who looks very promising! AaB's Staale Solbakken who's a real workhorse in the midfield, but which couldn't get a place in the Wimbledon team, so that's why he's playing in Denmark right now. Chelsea's Tore Andre Flo, who created a lot of problems for Denmark, scored with a great header and also should have been awarded a penalty when Michael Schjoenberg cut him down in the area! We could have had him on a free transfer though!
Denmark (difficult): Won't choose Schmuk even though he's a class goalie, but somehow I think that he's over the hill, as he get one injury after another! Bolton's Per Frandsen (Fowler's personal friend) who's a real workhorse as Solbakken, but have a bit more football in his blood! Ranger's Brian Laudrup. ANY club could use this guy, but he's very expensive, and I'm not sure that he will have an easy time next year in Chelsea, cause he has been playing too weak teams the last couple of years, but believe me that a LOT of defenders will feel silly next season! Broendby's striker Ebbe Sand: he didn't show much except for a couple of good shots in the second half but Myhre covered well. He's a young guy, but have already scored 25 goals this season and in 24 matches as far as I remember!!! He'll improve if he get to the right club! " (EB).
Reuters Press report: Bill Shankly Tribute
Preston today announced their new North Stand will be called the Bill Shankly Kop after their former player and legendary Liverpool manager. Shankly made 297 appearances for the Deepdale club from 1933 before beginning his managerial career at Carlisle in 1949. The new Kop is a 6,000 seat stand and forms the second phase of the re-development of Deepdale alongside the award-winning Sir Tom Finney stand.
Preston chairman Bryan Gray said: "Bill Shankly is one of football's great men. "Although he is best known for his time as manager of Liverpool, he spent virtually all of his playing career at Deepdale during which time he won many honours."
RAOTL: What a fantastic gesture. RAOTL will be visiting Deepdale during the summer to pass on our 'respects' to the great man. We will also be hoping to meet Tom Finney, Shank's great colleague and friend at Preston. Meanwhile at Anfield, The Spion Kop has large, illuminated McDonald's 'M's on it. "Money doesn't just talk - it swears".
*** Two new BILL SHANKLY books out soon: "Shanks for the Memory" By John Keith. I think we know what that one will be like - anecdote after anecdote with not a word of analysis or reflection (Thank God it's not on cassette - JK's impressions drive me mental), and "The Shankly Years" by Steve Hale and Phil Thompson (which, if their past record ('Sir Roger', 'The Bootroom') is anything to go by will be well-researched and full of great photos - Reviews in RAOTL as soon as we get copies of both. [Hint Hint Bluecoat Press!]
Nottingham Forest(h) Pontins League 20th April: 4-1
Plenty of 'names' out tonight which might have accounted for the attendance of around 2000. Kvarme and Wright in defence, with Berger, Thomas and McAteer in midfield and attack. A mild, sunny evening with the sunlight falling on the upper reaches of the Kemmy, which at this time of the year always make me think of European semi finals or home leg UEFA Cup finals ... instead it was the reserves in a meaningless, end-of-campaign 90 minutes in the presence of 500 10-15 yr old apprentice scallies, climbing over seats, swearing (the little bastards) and tossing burger wrappers and sweet papers aside, just like Roy has done with my start-of-season dreams.
I got in late and being unable to spot anyone I wanted to sit near (I saw plenty of people I actually know), I settled for an aisle seat about 30 rows up in block 107. In front of me were about a dozen or so junior rascals who tried to look cool and hard for their 13 years. The eldest one (about 14) was ostentatiously smoking a ciggie which he managed to make last for full 45 minutes of the first half, and for all I know he still has half of it left in his school bag which he's saving for Friday night. His cool evaporated, however, when he spotted a 5 year old kid with a packet of 'Softmints', and nearly killed himself clambering up 5 rows to 'bagsy' one. Their constant high-pitched 'witticisms' ("Hey McAteer ... do you use Wash'n'Go?" repeated at 90 second intervals) and their inability to sit still was driving me nuts, and at half time I moved up to the back of block 105, stood up and got me pen out to make some notes for this report (ooooh ... it's just like Ric George only spelt better).
Where was I?
Yes... got in late. Score already 2-0. Not much appeared to be going on. Wright was winning a few headers, Nicky Rizzo would sprint 20 yards and fall over, and Gudnasson - as he appears to have been doing all season - would run into space, receive the ball and then be brushed casually aside by a centre-half 9 inches taller than him. St Patrick looked busy but would often make a run that was not picked up, or twist and turn to create space only to find no-one available for the pass. He was knocking the ball about with ease but looked extremely one-footed, often turning 180 degrees to be able to spray a 40 yard left-footer across the turf. Anyway, just the one foot still puts him one ahead of Leonhardsen. Michael Thomas looked totally anonymous. The only thing of note that happened in this half was Forest pulling a goal back from a 20 yard free-kick that was drilled low into the bottom left-hand corner of Warner's goal. Overall, Warner looked comfortable and came for - and held - the majority of crosses. What with Brad's last two performances as well - it seems that Joe Corrigan has finally received that copy of Lev Yashin's autobiography that he ordered 3 years ago.
Second half: A lot better than the 25 minutes I saw of the first half. In the 63rd minute St Patrick was put clean through, rounded the keeper and was hacked down for his efforts. The move was reminiscent of his goal against Chelsea last year. The keeper was dismissed and McAteer stepped up for the pen, hitting it low to the stand-in keeper's right - and he almost missed it. (At first I thought it had been saved - but in it went). 3-1. Shortly after that a clever reverse ball by Berger almost put Gudnasson clean away but he was tackled. Then Patrick dribbled cleverly through from midfield and had a rocket of a shot blocked and deflected for a corner. Ten minutes from time Patrick completed a fine display by showing great determination and strength, dribbling into the area to slot home a left foot (!) shot across the keeper and into the bottom corner. 4-1. Forest hit back and Kvarme tackled well after Wright had been caught out of position and then struggled to get back. Berger remained full of running and in th 85th minute had a powerful shot deflected - it looped up and smacked onto the bar. His performance was in stark contrast to Thomas, who looked sluggish and lazy. In the meanwhile Rizzo limped off after a heavy tackle.
Berger's display reminded me, ironically, of his debut 18 months ago in the same fixture (1-1). 14,000 packed into The Kop and paddock to watch his debut for the club. He looked powerful, fast and was always looking to shoot. He's still got it Roy. But have you?
Coventry City(a) League 19th April: 1-1
"Hello ... Fans to Roy .... come in, Roy... what the fuck is going on?" How did Leonhardsen stay (or even 'get') on the pitch? Leo (or 'Leo Di Crappio' as some guy in front of me kept calling him) was absolute shite again. In the opening seconds he managed to fall over the ball and give away posession, and in so doing set the tone for his whole afternoon. Friedel, despite showing in the ManU game just how he can command his area, seemed reluctant to stray from his line and this left Huckerby and Dublin free to cause havoc on crosses early on in the game. I feared for the worst. We came through it unscathed (except for the nerves) and grabbed the lead with another peach of a goal from young Michael. Were you watching that Hoddle? Half-time came, and despite our frailties we were a goal up and things looked promising.
The opening minutes of the 2nd half saw City attacking and our defence went to pieces. Babb was beaten 3 times I think before giving away the pen. TV apparently shows that the ball went out before the foul - but that's scant consolation for Babb whose overall performance was very poor. Dublin (despite a season of hitting pens low and left) hit the kick high and right. Still ... there was plenty of time. Brad remembered to come for crosses and we began to improve. Once City realised that we were getting to grips with the high ball they struggled for ideas. To be honest we should have won this as in the last 20 minutes there was only one team in it. Babb missed a sitter, we should have had a pen when Owen was tackled from behind, Ince shaved a post with a low drive, then brought a fine save from old Oggy with a high effort and if Macca had been awake/fit he would surely have put in a better through ball for KH late on. As it was Oggy came out to smother the shot. I don't think Cov managed one real attack in the last quarter hour.
We had good support (around 5000) but we were pretty quiet at times. Babb was crap, Leo was ... well, Leo. Even Stig managed to get a few crosses over that didn't bounce into touch on the far side. Murphy played well, as did Owen. Redknapp flattered - but only when in yards of space. The rumour doing the rounds was that Chelsea had bid £8 million for him. "Fans to Roy ... come in Roy... grab it while you can".
Next up - Forest reserves at Anfield tonight. Chelsea (a) on Saturday. See you at Lime St. at 8.15am, Sean.
The 9th Hillsborough Memorial Service - The Kop - Wed 15th April
Despite freezing conditions, and with the turf covered in snow, over 5000 people attended the service. A full complement of players and staff attended, as did the Chairman and directors. A reading was given by the director of Granada's 'Hillsborough', Charles McDougal, and 96 candles were lit by 'Hillsborough' actors, Christopher Eccleston and Scot Williams as the names of the 96 were read out. There was one minute's silence at 3:06 pm.
Trevor Hicks gave a passionate speech, promising that there would be no compromise in the fight for Justice and vowed to make this a party-political issue if Jack Straw remained so intransigent. He thanked all the individuals and organisations who have assisted - and who still are assisting - in the campaign for Justice. After an emotional rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" there were chants of 'Justice!'. "I hope you heard that, Straw" said Mr Hicks.
Rest In Peace. The fight for Justice continues. We will never surrender. Check out the Hillsborough Families Support Group site: http://www.limeland.demon.co.uk/hillsborough/ In particluar look at the link to page containing a transcript of Chief Inpsector Wells' statement to Yorkshire TV on the day of Jack Straw's betrayal. Also - visit the Encarta page containing some of the vilest comments yet made about Hillsborough and Heysel (link on the HFSG home page).
Crystal Palace (h) League 13th April: 2-1
A dreary, dreary performance which Evans blamed on Friday's exertions. Macca looked either (a) clearly unfit or (b) clearly not-arsed. Evans says (a). Just as we were sitting there saying how crap Leonharsen was (is) - he ups and scores! So we started on a few of the others to see if it would rub off - alas, no! The game petered out into monotonous tediosity, which was a shame. The draw at OT rekindled hopes of a possible runners-up spot, and I think we all wanted to see a bit of 'desire' from the players: it never appeared. Palace, in fact, knocked the ball about quite well in the opening 20 minutes or so - which is a real measure of how lacksadaisacal (?) we were. In the second half Palace began to suspect that we were incapable of adding to the score and came out at us. We, suspecting that we were incapable of adding to the score, fell back and tried to defend the one-goal lead (That should be the motto for this season). Kvarme came on and replayed his Andy Cole gaff by being turned, when out on the right wing, by an attacker just dying to come inside. A fairly innocuous cross that Brad followed over beyond the far post was met with a soft sidefoot volley by another unmarked attacker, and the ball looped over Friedel and in off the far post.
Whilst this was going on David Thompson was getting warmed up (we hoped it was to replace Leo or the impotent Macca). The response was almost instantaneous as Thommo buzzed around, knocking the ball hither and thither (mostly on the thither side) and generally livening things up. With time running out Macca ambled out wide on the right wing and whipped in his one decent cross of the afternoon and it fell at Thommo's feet as he sped in - Bang! 2-1.
All in all: 6 out of 10. No real stars - Thommo was only on for 18 minutes or something.
The real highlight of the afternoon was the Hillsborough Kop Mosaic. 12,000 coloured cards held up by Kopites before kick-off, spontaneous chants of 'Justice! Justice!' and the presentation of a £40,000 cheque by Lightning Seeds' Ian Broudie to Phil Hammond of the Hillsborough Families. Dozens of floral tributes were also placed behind the Kop goalmouth in tribute to the 96. A big thank you to the Crystal Palace fans who observed the minute's silence impeccably, chanted for Justice and held aloft a large 'Eagles for JUSTICE' banner before the game. THANK YOU.
Man Utd (a) League 10th April: 1-1
On the terraces: The whole two hours or so inside OT were spent taking the piss about our vastly superior European Cup record. The '4 times' leaflets and songsheets were out and the banners did us proud: Ok, there was the predictable 'Monaco supporters club, Liverpool' one but also a notable: 'Good teams win Championships - GREAT teams win European Cups' (which reminded me of the extremely large one on the Kop for the 3-3 back in Jan. '94 which read 'Form is temporary: Class is permanent'. There was also a replica European Cup which was ceremonially 'presented' to the lads from Halewood (the Leather Bottle pub) to huge cheers from the Liverpool support, shortly before kick-off. As they were sitting up by me, in the block adjacent to the scum in K stand, this trophy was brandished at every opportunity causing great hilarity as the Manc morons went purple with rage - dickheads. All in all we outsang them again (We needed to - to get some revenge for last December) and we all sounded good on Sky. Does Posh Spice really take it ...?????
On the pitch: "Ten men and you've got the ref" we sang. And they still never looked like beating us. If only we could have showed this sort of passion and tenacity against Strasbourg, Coventry and all the other shit teams we've lost to. Utd looked totally bereft of ideas: Giggs, Cole, Beckham, Ginger Nutts Scholes and Sheringham when he came on, were total garbage. For the last 30 mins they were left with no option but to hoof the ball high into our area and hope that the defence had kittens. However, Brad Friedel employed a revolutionary new tactic and this is how it went: high ball comes into the area - jump up, hold up your arms and CATCH the bloody thing. It worked like a dream. David James dropped his Nintendo in shock. It is SO much easier if you've got a keeper the defence can trust. Every time the ball was belted over the cry went up from the 3000 Reds: "Yours, Brad!". Each time the ball thwacked into his gloves and remained there. This left Matteo and Babb to do what the should do and we held firm. If we'd have played another hour they wouldn't have got past. Ince worked hard and Redknapp defended well too (but was far from being Man Of The Match, as some papers claimed). The real stars were Babb and Matteo, Owen and Murphy. Believe me - Utd were terrified of Owen. He had Pallister on toast. Had he stayed on, a hat-trick was on the cards. His performance had the same effect on them as Fowler's did in the 2-2 in Oct 95. 'Spud' Murphy had his work cut out when Owen was sent off (Cue: "Michael Owen crocked a Manc, Halleluah!") but responded magnificently and was unlucky when he sent a 25 yard rasper over the bar early in the second half. Leo should have scored when clean through but the nazi made a good save (If only that chance had fallen to Owen!). All in all - 9 out of 10 for effort, 7 out of 10 for football. We fucked up their title bid and that made the loss of 2 points (which is how we should view this) easier to swallow.
Outside: Oh deary me. Has little diddums dropped his dummy out of the pram then? As we came out (luckily, I was still on the staircase) there was a major rumpus on the concourse. Several hundred mancs layed into Liverpool fans as they left. Lone fans or couples in replica gear etc. were followed and beaten up. The police were caught completely off-guard and panicked and forced the Liverpool fans back up the stairs, and formed a cordon around us. Mancs were going beserk, some even kicking out at the police horses in an attempt to get at us. Bottles and coins were thrown and I saw several fans with cut heads and faces. As we stood on the steps taunting them about Monaco, Galatasary, Dortmund and Barca (and our 4 European Cups!), more and more Mancs gathered. It was like a scene from 'Zulu': there looked to be over 500 of them outside, on top of burger vans and on the hoardings by the car park.
The scene on the staircases was calming down by then , but when we had tried to leave, and the attack started, the crowd coming back into the ground met the rest trying to come out. The resulting crush was a bit uncomfortable to say the least. I'm a big bloke and I was able to hold onto the rail and push back, but I saw kids and women crying - one girl in particular screaming "I'm scared! I'm scared!". I managed to turn round and shout at those coming out to go back. Which they did immediately. After 20 minutes or so the gates were closed on us and an announcement was made that the police were clearing the concourse. We were asked to go back to our seats which about 1000 did, the rest milled around inside the inner concourse. After about 30 minutes (an announcement was made by GM Police to the effect that our behaviour had been commendable and that we were a credit to our club!) the gates were opened and we could walk back to the coaches, where fictitious tales of great heroism and hand to hand combat were told. It was a particlularly cowardly attack - about a quarter of the Liverpool fans had only got out when they were ambushed. And judging by what I heard they chose soft targets - Twats. Is this another one to chalk up for revenge next season??? Talk on The Kop at Palace on the Monday was that it would be.
I was very surprised that the police let us both out together. We had been taking the piss and they were very, very narked. Arsenal had been kept in when they won at OT so why were we allowed to fend for ourselves?
Everton (h) Pontins league 6th April: 0-3
This was - without doubt - the worst the reserves have played all season. The following match report is by Chris Brooks, from the Liverpool isfa list: I was too gob-smacked to write it up and anyway, someone else deserves a chance.
" Utter crap. And this is supposed to be the 'foundation' on which the first team is built?! First team 'interest' was provided by Berger, Murphy, Kvarme and Bjornebye. In the infinite wisdom of Sammy Lee, Bjornebye was playing in the CENTRE of a back three (or so it appeared). Liverpool started fairly brightly, dominating possession in the first 15/20 minutes. Berger fired narrowly over, and Murphy, Gudnasson and Rizzo had long range efforts easily saved. However, in the 24th minute, what appears to be Liverpool's recent Achilles heel, the 'ball over the top', caused confusion in the defence and John Oster showed good touch and skill to juggle the ball over his and several defenders heads before crashing a volley over Warner. Liverpool almost equalised straight from the restart when Murphy's free kick crashed off the crossbar with Gerrard in the Everton goal completely beaten. Liverpool's passing was becoming sloppy, and Everton seemed to grow in confidence, and another long ball over the top saw John Spencer through on goal, who shrugged off a strong challenge before firing an identical goal to Oster's. Berger should have scored soon after, but lazily glanced his header wide when it seemed easier to score. Towards the end of the half Bjornebye took a crunching knock (from Kvarme, it seemed) and looked either badly winded as he walked slowly from the pitch, to be replaced by Ritchie Partridge. The second half was worse. 90% of passes found a blue shirt, and those that didn't were either over or under hit. Liverpool's job should have been easier in the 57th minute when Spencer managed to get himself booked twice in a minute, the first for a crude challenge, the second for persistent encroachment at the resulting free-kick. However Liverpool just seemed to get worse. The visible weakness of Everton's full-backs was rarely exploited, and Gerrard was only seriously tested after a deflected shot. It was hard to determine which of the two sides were a man short, and it was no real surprise when Everton increased their lead, when some blue slime's low cross was turned home from close range by another blue slime. The only light relief (and the largest cheer from the Red section of the crowd) came when George gave out a scoreflash from Ewood Park after Sutton's penalty, but even that went pear-shaped in the end. Murphy battled away, but was on his own in everything he did. Rizzo never recovered after taking a knock, and Gudnasson tried hard but there was no quality service. Now bring on the mancs (blindfolded and with their legs tied together if possible) " (CB)
Not much to add to this. Attendance was decent c. 5000 with about 150 bluenoses in the Road End and another 200 or so on The Kop.
Update
delays (14th April)
Sorry - but pressures of work, organising the Palace mosaic and
bringing out the new RAOTL have meant that I've not been able to
update the site. Bear with me please. Reports from Everton
reserves, Man Utd and Palace will be on-line by the end of the
week. Sorry folks.
Juve victorious (2nd April)
Thanks to a truly bizarre happening at the Bernabeu in Madrid last night, where 'boisterous' Ultras managed to pull down the goalposts, ITV were forced to show the great Juventus take on Monaco in the European Cup semi final, first leg. Juve were pretty comfortable and took the lead through a great free kick from 25 yds from Del Piero. However, Monaco snatched a goal back right on half-time, only to see the lead less than 90 seconds when Juve won a penalty, converted by Del Piero. A further penalty in the second half completed Alessandro Del Piero's hat-trick and the evening was rounded off when Zidane fired home Juve's fourth (& 500th goal in European competition!) near the end. RAOTL's Turin correspondent Steve Lewis, who was in the stadium, will be filing a report which will appear in our next issue.
St Patrick Latest (1st April)
Papillon finally comes to his senses.... or did our inept display at Barnsley have anything to do with it? Anyway, St Patrick seems to have been welcomed back into the fold. Royston said yesterday: "Patrik is fully committed to the club and he will help us to end the season on a high note. We have had a chat and he wants to enjoy his football again. He was disappointed and frustrated at not being in the team, but he has promised us that he will give it his best shot. I don't think all the transfer speculation which was surrounding him at the time was of any help to him. But now his mind is clear again and he is thinking positively and I'm delighted because he is a player of considerable ability, and we want to make use of him." Well. if Patrick wants to give it his best shot, Roy, why don't you give him a chance? Despite some good moments on Saturday, Leonhardsen is still struggling and should be dropped. Somehow though, I can see Paddy polishing the bench at Delusion Central with his pert arse next Friday. If he gets on and scores I can just imagine the headline:'The Czech bounces back!'. Such is the wit and originality of our tabloid press.
Quote of the sesason, so far
Monaco President, Jean-Luis Campore: "We have chucked out of Europe the great myth of football. Manchester United are a myth." Hey, we've been saying it for years ...try telling The Daily Mirror.
Barnsley (a) League 3-2 (28th March)
Well, fuck me - that was the wierdest experience I've had inside a football ground for a long, long time. Meanwhile, outside the ground was one of the scariest.
Alan Hansen was out of order on MOTD for defending Chris Morgan after the second sending off, when Morgan's arm/elbow struck Owen in the face. Apparently, it was all Owens' fault for being so small. If he'd been 6' 11" then it may just have caught him in the chest. Yeah, well done Alan! Morris was deliberately using his arm to fend Owen off. It was dangerous. Morris deserved to go - he wasn't the first and he won't be the last to go this season for doing it. The first sending off was similarly correct, Owen tripped from behind when clear through on goal. I can't see what Barnsley were complaining about. I felt it was the protestestations by their staff and players that inflamed the situation and helped incense the crowd. For that I hope they're brought to book. Sheridan's sending off in the last minute was the most satisfying as the little shit had been waging war throughout the game. That it came when we had undeservedly snatched the 3 points was even sweeter. He too should examine his attitutude and see if he thinks he helped fire up the local yokels. It certainly looked like it to me and I hope he's banned. Overall we were very lucky to get away with this - after a bright start to the second half when KH scored an absolute beauty from 30 yds, we lost it totally when faced with 9 men. Were we under instructions to sit back and defend that slender lead? It certainly looked it. With a goal's advantage and facing just 9 opponents we should have killed the game off. Murphy should have got on for Leo. Danny's a REAL footballer and he would have cut them to ribbons. But no ... Royston sat on his hands and lucked it out.
All round
Barnsley's attitude to this game was worrying: players intent on
getting 'stuck in' fouling Macca, Owen, KH and Ince seemingly as
and when they saw fit. They protested decisions - some may call
it competitive, in this case it was incitement. The crowd was
totally pysched up with a relegation terror. It was all too much
for them. Their own stewarding staff and South Yorkshire's finest
also failed to control the situation in the ground - and worse,
outside after the game. After Shridan's dismissal the stewards
and police disappeared almost en masse from behind the away end.
Many Liverpool supporters also left early, fearing a kicking. One
couple next to me left with about 15 minutes to go: the look on
the woman's face was sheer panic. It was obvious the police
couldn't control the situation and we prepared for a hostile
escape. We weren't wrong. Outside was probably the worst since
Millwall in the cup in Jan 89. (Birmingham in the 3rd round
replay in 95 was close) - there was mayhem. And some of The Reds
were up for it too. It later transpired that Barnsley had been
planning this in revenge for an incident after their win at
Anfield last year when a coach was bricked. Bricked 5 miles away
from Anfield, by the way. The story had been played up by the
Daily Mirror and so they've also got a part to play in this. As
we left, the police (quite plainly shitting themselves) forced us
up the hill through the car park as several hundred Tykes tried
to get at us. I don't suppose our singing "It's just like
watching Brazil" helped calm the situation either. Anyway,
as we were hiking up the hill stones and bricks rained over a
wall and smashed into several parked cars. Fans fled to the far
side. We were aiming to get up the hill and turn left back
towards where we were parked. Many others also wanted to go this
way. As we reached the top, a very large mob of Barnsley charged.
People scattered, some froze, whilst others were keen to get
stuck in. As we got to the corner we were met with several
coppers on horses struggling to keep the excited locals back, and
several dozen up-for-it Reds keen to get at them. We couldn't go
back as the police were still dealing with the 'rearguard' and we
couldn't get out. Bricks again flew into the stranded Liverpool
fans. A lot of people were very scared. There was an atmosphere
of panic, and kids were huddled against a wall out of the line of
fire. The Tykes were forced back, and after half an hour we could
get back to the car. Stragglers were still having a pop - the
police seemed clueless to stop them. Big Jim G.'s car was
attacked and Jim had to deal with the attackers himself as the
police stood back. The police had a video crew present - so let's
hope that this is one video tape that isn't accidentally erased
when S. Yorks police get hold of it. As we drove slowly away we
passed one fan lying unconscious (it seemed ) blood all over his
head. That's why the bricks were so scary - they're so
indiscriminate. We had a five year old in the back of our car and
I was worried that if we got bricked he wouldn't know when to
duck. The car picked up speed but we were still only crawling.
The police seemed to have driven the Barnsley fans back quite a
distance but there was always the threat of a brick or bottle. At
the ring road they stopped all the traffic and got us out as
quick as possible. I heard later that there was serious trouble
back in the town centre; even the Sunday Times saw fit to
mention:"some so-called Barnsley afficionados were wreaking
havoc at the town's station". I'll have to get in touch with
some of the lads who went by train and I'll get their story. All
I can say for sure is Barnsley had better go down or they will be
in for a serious kicking when the come to Anfield next year. You
don't need to be Mystic Meg to forsee that. Both Birmingham and
PSG have found out that there is a serious, serious 'crew' at
Liverpool who don't like being seen as a soft touch, and they'll
definitely be out for revenge. (Eye witness report also on :
Overall: 5 out of 10. Stars: Owen: unshakeable with the temperament of a seasoned pro. KH took the knocks and scored a cracker. Ince never shirked the tackles, and manfully grappled a pitch invader to the deck as Macca wimped out, standing effeminately to one side like your little sister might do when a Rottweiler bounds down the pavement towards her. The big puff.
'Reds in Europe' C4
On Easter Saturday, April 11th, Channel 4 will be dedicating the evening's televisual entertainment to the 'Hollywood of the North' - Liverpool (Don't laugh). Amongst the treats on offer is 'The Reds in Europe' - "a celebration of Liverpool FC's soccer successes". I can only assume this is the Granada series of the same name that caused such a stink last year with it's comments on Heysel. Still it's worth videoing for some great 'unseen' home movie footage made by fans of some of our European cup victories (There's so many that I can't remember what ones are featured - but they were definitely on foreign soil anyway...). But why are they showing 'Letter to Brezhnev'? Is that the best they had in the vaults? Where's 'No Surrender'? 'Hard Day's Night'? 'Gumshoe'? (Those of you not familiar with 'LTB' can switch onto Coronation St where LTB star Margi Clarke is once against cast against type as a 'robbing, violent, Scouse loud-mouthed slapper' sharing a cell with the four-eyed boring one from Corrie that every one over the age of 55 has shagged. Shome mishtake Shurely?).
Normal service resumed (25th April)
Well, I'm back. Been off to New York on business so there was no-one to update the site. Sorry! News from NYC: The Supporters Club out there have new tee-shirts for sale. All red with a white logo on the left breast:'New York Supporters Club" & Liverbird. The reverse is "O'Flanagans Pub" (with address) in a celtic font. Price is £10:00 including p&p. Either contact the NYCSC New York at PO Box 7071, FDR Station, New York, NY 10150. USA. Or e-mail the club at lfcny@curly.ccc.columbia.edu. Alternatively, e-mail us here at RAOTL on red_all_over@geocities.com and we'll try and arrange to get some sent over.
Once again - if you're in NYC when the Reds are live on tele back home then contact O'Flanagans as they show the games live or on tape delay. O'Flanagans is at 1215 2nd Ave (Between 82nd and 83rd St) Tel: (212) 472 2800. Any other time then make sure you visit Molly's bar, shabeen and restaurant at 287 3rd Ave (Between 22nd and 23rd St). Tel: (212) 889-3361. They do great food - especially the burgers - and it's open ... er, rather late. When you do (eventually) leave there is a great 24 hr diner at the end of the block. Ask for Peter or Carmel behind the bar and mention that RAOTL and the LFCSC of New York sent you and you'll be sorted. Any time you're going over, let us know and we'll try and smooth things out for you and plan your itinerary. I tried to find the 'Jack Dempsey' bar that Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley visited back in the 60s. The one we found (61 2nd Ave, by 3rd St) is NOT the original. They told us there that it had been demolished.
Saw Bjorn Kvarme at Manc airport on my way out on Sunday morning - April 15th. Saw a 'tired and emotional' Curly Watts from Coronation Street on the flight back.
The man who fell to earth (13th April)
Patrik Berger, the man who fell to earth with an almighty bump. Hailed as a superstar as result of performances for Dortmund and more notably for the Czech Republic in Euro 96. He must surely now be asking himself were did it all go wrong? He signed for Liverpool, a club with a pedigree that is second to none, he was readily accepted by the Fans at Liverpool and enjoyed early success. Alas destiny played a really cruel trick on Patrik, because he had the misfortune to sign for Liverpool at a time when they were being mismanaged by someone who had turned indecision into an art form. Cautious Roy, the man who's ideas which varied somewhere between incompetence and indecision. Patrik's early goalscoring exploits earned him a regular slot on the bench in his first season, this was only occasionally interupted when Roy was having a spat with Stan (definitely not the man) Collymore and of course Patrik was played out of position in another one of Roy's masterplans that seemed to be born out of sheer tactical ineptitude. The new season promised much, but nothing had changed especially not the manager who continued try numerous weird and wonderful formations, his penchant for playing players out of postion was still insatiable. When Patrik has played he has given his all only to be rewarded with another kick in the teeth, by having to sit and watch numerous lesser players continually picked ahead of him despite their consistently abysmal performances. So he has allegedly refused to sit on the bench for the Bolton game and now appears to have played his last game for the Reds, what an absolute waste of a great talent. But all is not lost, let us hope that Benfica's financial situation prevents them getting enough cash together to make a serious bid at this time. If so Berger could well be at the club next season, hopefully by which time we will have a proper manager in place who knows how to treat his players! (REDSBOSS)
St Patrick Berger on transfer list! (11th march)
Blast that idiot Evans! Patrick Berger has been transfer listed, the asking price £4 million. What the fuck is Roy Evans on? With Fowler out til next season and Riedle out of sorts (injured?) he puts (probably) our most complete footballer on the transfer list. Why? ... apparently, his attitude was wrong. Well that's no fucking surprise given Evans' treatment of him. Patrick was given rare opportunity to shine recently, his outings restricted, by and large, to ten minutes here and five there. And when he did play it was if he had no idea of the role Evans expected him to play (I mean who does). All to often he was forced out onto the margins to let Boy Wonder blunder, miss-pass and point his way around the field. How in God's name Leonhardsen keeps him out of the team I do not know. A series of crap displays and no danger of being dropped. No wonder Patrick is disillusioned. Fowler out of sorts all season - no chance of dropping him. The slightest noise from Collymore last year and Patrick was dropped, whilst players could go months (Fowler and Macca being the worst) with poor form and stay in the team. Patrick would have a mediocre game and be dropped the next week.
His attitude problem? He didn't want to sit on the bench last weekend for Bolton. I don't blame him. The guy should be in the sodding team every week. Mark Kennedy has arsed around all season doing NOTHING in the reserves, goes to QPR and plays well (in the FIRST division) and Evo wets himself. One decent game (that's all it was - a few decent crosses and corners) and they're all raving about him. "This is his chance to establish himself in the team etc." . Well, where is Patrick Berger's chance? Kennedy has publicly said he wants to go - he didn't want to come back from QPR and publicly said so. Patrick raves about the club and the fans, and has said that he'd sign for ten years. Whose attitude is wrong Roy?
On this evidence the only wrong attitude is Roy Evans'. Evans should go NOW before he causes more damage.
PS If St Paddy does go, then RAOTL will organise a trip to watch him play for his new club. But lets he hope he sits it out 'til the summer. And let us all hope the new manager can recognise him for the talent he is. (See below: Jan 27th, M'Boro (h)).
Harkness/Collymore Row (10th march)
The row now appears over. Harkness and Collymore met at FA headquarters yesterday, Monday the 9th. Steve was accompanied by his lawyer, Stan with his agent - the odious Paul Stretford. Despite 4 hours of 'talks' during which the two players met privately, neither side retracted their positions. The FA have, thus, declared the matter closed. "Stan had come looking for an apology, Steve was not prepared to give one." said the PFA chairman, Gordon Taylor, "They just will have to live with it." . That's okay for Collymore - but what of Harky - now branded a racist?
If, as Collymore claimed, Harkness racially abused him on the pitch, where is the evidence? What players backed him up? The referee heard nothing, and neither did any of the other 20 players on the pitch (At least if they did they're NOT supporting Collymore on this one.). If, as Collymore claimed, Harkness pursued him down the tunnel and into the Villa dressing room and continued this racist abuse, where are the witnesses? The tunnel area is packed with stadium staff, players and coaching staff, police and press after a game - where is their corroboration of Collymore's claim? Did NO-ONE in the Villa dressing room hear it? It appears not - because it never happened. Otherwise Collymore and Stretford would have turned up with the sworn statements of these witnesses at yesterday's meeting. But they didn't - because they couldn't.
I had a lot of time for Collymore. I didn't want him sold. I believed that Evans mishandled him. I know he's awkward and petulant but he's also a hell of a talent. I thought we should have stuck with him - especially as the sale left us so short of attacking options. When he came back to Anfield, I despaired of the idiots who booed and barracked him - fired up, as they were, by the local press campaign to ensure Evans came out of this one smelling of roses (& Tommy Smith you were the worst). Collymore's record at Anfield spoke for itself - he scored and made goals almost everytime he played. He was NOT a failure despite what the Daily Manc and co would have you believe. (Why was Andy Cole never crucified in the same manner?).
But now ... Stan, just fuck off.
Preston North End Res. (h) Pontins League: 1-2 9th March
Sammy Lee, surely now fearing for his job, must be wondering how the hell we lost this one. So am I. On clear chances alone we were ahead about 5-1 by the time PNE took the lead in the second half. The game started promsingly with both sides eager to get forward, and play swung from end to end at a terrific pace. Liverpool made several changes and brought back some experienced heads to bolster the side: Carragher returned in the heart of a defence that had Bjorn Kvarme at left back and Tony Warner in goal. The midfield included David Thompson and Nicky Rizzo wide on the right. North End's players were all unknown to me, apart from the wonderfully monikered John Macken up front. Surely this lad will go far.
Though both sides began brightly it was Liverpool who carved out the best chances in the first half: Gudnassan and Newby both going close. Then we rattled the bar with a stinging drive from 20 yards by David Thompson, who was bossing the game and breaking forward at pace, and always looking to get in shots on goal. Roy Evans sitting in the dugout must have seen Thompson's impresive display - so I suppose that's the last we'll see of young David this season, eh? At half-time 0-0 was slightly unfair on the Reds, though Preston defended well, with Squires and McDonald their outstanding players.
In the second half Liverpool began to peg Preston back into the last third of the pitch. Thompson again went close when he won the ball in the area and shot low across the goal. Alas it went along the line (well almost) and wide of the far post. Gudnassan did likewise from the other side and it seemed only a matter of time before there was a goal. It came with about 20 minutes to go and - unfortunately - it was scored by Preston. A low cross from the right wasn't cleared properly and the ball came back in, somehow finding an unmarked Moyes who slotted home. Liverpool hit back and 2 or 3 minutes later some good, close passing on the edge of the Preston area saw Gudnassan in the clear, about 10 yards out. He kept his head and coolly slid the ball under the advancing keeper. Liverpool looked set for a winner and continued to attack but luck was not on their side. Eight minutes from time and an isolated Preston break on the left led to King (I think) crossing low into the area. The ball deflected off a defender and flew out wide to the right, where Kurt Nogan was unmarked about 15 yards out. He stepped forward and fired past Warner into the bottom corner. And that was that. The result leaves the Reds in a pretty unattractive position which explains the speculation about Sammy Lee's position as reserve team coach. The rumour mill has it that Ian Rush and Ronny Whelan will return in the summer to run the reserve side.
Attendance was pretty poor - around 400.
Liverpool: Tony Warner, Bjorn Kvarme, John Boardman, Jamie Carragher, Tom Culshaw, Davy Thompson, Nicky Rizzo, Stevie Gerrard, Hake Gudnassan, Jon Newby (sub: Neil Gregson), Gareth Roberts. (Subs not used: Danny Williams, Roy Naylor, Niall Byrne).
Bolton Wanderers (h) League: 2-1 7th March
A true tale of Jekyll and Hyde this one. So much so that rumour swept The Kop that at half-time Roy Evans had been sacked. In the first 45 minutes we showed all the frailties that have blighted our season. Nervous defending, allowing the opposition too much space in midfield, blunt attacking etc. The second half was a completely different game as The Reds poured forward, forcing corner after corner in search of goals. Given that injuries had completely skewed the look and shape of the team this was a satisfying performance.
Steve Harkness received massive support from The Kop before kick off - there's no doubt in the Kop's mind about who's telling the truth on this one (Just why did you wait 4 days before reporting it, Stan?). KH played up front again with Owen, with Redkanpp and Matteo returning to displace Thompson and Carragher. Berger didn't even make it onto the bench! We're short of 'firepower' so we call back the disillusioned Kennedy from QPR (who'd publicly moaned about being recalled) and demote Berger to ... well, where? What's going on? This was brought into focus when Riedle limped out after half an hour to be replaced by Kennedy- who, as it turned out, had a great game; however, surely Berger would have been the ideal replacement in this situation? Patrik if we lose you because Evans is such a dolt then there'll be hell to pay.
We started strongly - Redknapp winning a corner with a 20 yard drive from which we almost opened the scoring. Bolton then broke forward, Thompson driving towards goal played a one-two with Blake, then unleashed a fantastic shot from 25 yds into the top corner with Friedel nowhere. "Ooh, good shot!" I said, as the ball left his boot. Two seconds later as it nestled in the net The Kop broke into genuine applause. You almost don't mind conceding goals as good as that one. We struggled to break them down after that - even though Owen always looked capable of scoring and came close 2 or 3 times. However we always looked dodgy at the back and Bolton could easily have added to their goal, particularly when Thompson rattled the bar, ten minutes after his goal, with a curling shot. Bolton were also 'protected' by a baffling referee (Keith Burge) who let them foul Owen almost at will, then booked Redknapp for a challenge in which he clearly won the ball (Noel Blake was particularly good at diving and feigning injury: the twat). Good news at half time: Everton and Utd both losing.
The second half was a complete contrast with Bolton pushed right back on the defensive. Kenendy moved out from the middle to go wide on the left, with Leo switching to the right. And we looked a much more balanced team for it. Having said that, Bolton almost scored direct from the kick off, but Matteo sprinted back to nick the ball off Gunnlaugsson's toe. And until the last few desperate minutes when they threw everyone forward, that was the end of Bolton as a threat. The deserved equaliser came when an unmarked Paul Ince bulleted home a near-post header from a corner from Kennedy. A churlish 'Match of The Day' on Saturday night complained that the ball had been outside the quadrant for the corner. This point was made four - yes 4 - times. As if it made any fucking difference. Six minutes later a great early throw by Friedel released Leo, who found Redknapp who passed it first time to Owen. Owen played it to Ince and then sprinted for the return. Ince threaded it through for Owen to race into the area and blast home low, into the far corner. A great, great goal. The boy is frightening.
And that was that really. Overall: 7 out of 10. 2 for the first half, 8 for the second. Given the team that actually played it was quite a satisfying result. Star players: Owen, again, was just fantastic. Ince had a great game too (and was barracked by Bolton's support who called him a "Munich reject"). Kennedy impressed in the second half with some great crosses, whilst Matteo was the star of the defence. Friedel too looked solid and his distribution led directly to the winning goal.
Next up - Preston reserves tonight. Spurs on Saturday.
Tranmere Res. (h) Pontins League:1-2 5th March
With our current crop of injures and absentees I expected several reserve team regulars to be missing from this one. After all Davy Thompson and Nicky Rizzo both played at Rangers on Tuesday, and with Carragher and Murphy stepping up into the squad anyway I expected to be seeing a few new faces. Well I wasn't disappointed. Only Rizzo played - which suggests that he will NOT be in the squad on Saturday. Of the others ... well, I'd only really seen Culshaw and Danny Williams play before ... oh, and Haukar Gudnason: who must have seemed at home in the Icelandic conditions. I don't know too much about Rovers, but they had an experienced strike force out: ex-Reds Lee Jones and John Aldridge. Against such a young looking Liverpool defence I feared the worst. After all, Tranmere are in the mire at the foot of the Pontins Premier league with 10 points from 18 games (W:1, D:7, L:10). Liverpool were in a dizzying 10th position, 9 points clear of Rovers with 19 points from 16 games (W:5, D:4, L:7). If Rovers were to maintain their Premier League status they HAD to win this one..
Well, surprise! The Reds took the lead - a smart combination in the area left John Newby free to slot home a goal after 2 minutes. Rovers hit back smartly and for the first 20 minutes or so it had the makings of a great game. Liverpool's Steve Gerrard loped around looking uncannily like Emlyn Hughes, and both Rizzo and Gudnasson looked lively. For Rovers - well they looked like a good team - well organised and tidy. Ryan Williams and full back Alan Morgan standing out for them early on. It had pelted down for an hour before kick off and the pitch was greasy. Passes were being misplaced and the ball skidded around, bouncing off shins etc. About half an hour into the game a Rovers' through ball put Aldo clean away with the Reds' offside trap beaten. Ooerr... Aldo clean through on goal - I've been here before, I thought. Roy Naylor in goal came out, Aldo shimmied, like he was trying to avoid a bouncer in 'The Squires', and took the ball around Naylor who dived for the ball -Penalty! It looked a bit harsh but I couldn't really see. What was harsh was the red card that followed for Naylor. It was a real pity as he had looked confident and agile - and he could actually catch crosses comfortably!! The ref - Andrew Hogg - was the same little idiot that sent Ruddock off in the Blackburn reserve match. The Reds reorganised with Tony Culshaw going in goal as we had no keeper on the bench. Aldo put the pen away easily. 1-1.
From this moment and for the next 50 minutes the game died as a spectacle. Rovers dominated territorialy and The Reds defended very deep, as if to protect their 'new' keeper. After Tranmere went ahead (probably deservedly) Liverpool only really came back into it when Rovers' center half Clint Hill was dismissed for a clumsy challenge from behind (on John Newby?). With the sides even again Liverpool came more and more into it, with Rizzo getting more and more space. Despite some 'slight' scares Rovers held on to win. The crowd of 600 included 3 coachloads from Eastham/Tranmere, as well as the great Joey Jones and Michael Owen (with girlfriend and sister and family in tow). Next up is Preston Nortrh End, also at the Deva Stadium, next Monday - IF the weather holds up.
Liverpool: Roy Naylor, Alan Navarro, John Boardman, David Bishop, Tony Culshaw, Danny Williams, Nicky Rizzo, Steve Gerrard, Haukur Gudnasson, John Newby, Layton Maxwell (subs: Niall Byrne, Neil Gregson, John Boggan, Matthew Cass).
Harkness/Collymore Row (6th march)
Bit worrying this one and the club have launched their own full investigation. Harkness said: "I vehemently deny the accusation that I made racist comments to Stan Collymore during or after the game at Aston Villa on Saturday. "The particular background to this game may have meant that there was more going on on the pitch than is usual, but that does not extend to racial abuse of any kind. I am no racist and I am proud to call Paul Ince and his family some of my best friends. "Contrary to press reports I did not, at any point, attempt to enter the Aston Villa dressing-room and was not involved in any scuffle with Stan Collymore." I hope he's telling the truth - his denial is so strong that I believe there is little to substantiate Collymore's claims. The resposne to all this is a bit worrying ... sure, the Schmeical/Wright fracas was all over the back pages, but this one is getting a more serious treatmen: politicians. commentators, race experts etc. Will Harky get a fair deal? Or if not and he is found guilty, will he get off Scott free like the Manc bastard?
To the 'Kick It Out' campaign (to rid football of racism) this development is manna from heaven. They can now begin to justify themselves, when recently they were accused of being a redundant organisation. The K.I.O.'s problem is that, at the fan level, racism has been almost eradicated. There may be the odd idiot shouting some abuse - but that'd happen anywhere: in the pub, at a boxing match, in the Commons (!). Non-white fans are found in more and more numbers at football games and are apparently completely safe from abuse of any kind. When only the odd, (very) isolated incident occurs I suppose the K.I.O start to worry about their jobs. Am I being unfair? Well, how else could we explain this rash and stupid comment from Piara Powar, national campaign co-ordinator for K.I.O.: "When there is abuse going on (on the pitch) fans can sense it, and Collymore was clearly upset. He was taken off 15 minutes from the end when he was on a hat-trick and that just doesn't happen" Well, Harky, just hope this idiot doesn't decide your case as in the eyes of K.I.O. you're quite clearly guilty. The fans at Villa Park certainly could sense only one thing (And I was there, Piara, were you?) - that Collymore was walking a tightrope and, with his continual foul play, would be sent off at any minute. He was involved in a series of bust-ups with several players, including Paul Ince. Were they all racially abusing him?
He was taken off before he was sent off, pure and simple. Villa were also more interested in preserving their lead and so took off one of their 3 strikers. To suggest otherwise is very dangerous and probably libellous.
Harky, I'd have your lawyers look at that statement from K.I.O. if I was you.
Glasgow Rangers (a) Walter Smith Testimonial: 0-1 March 3rd
Crawled into bed at 4am for 3 hours sleep wondering what the fuck I went to Glasgow for. For Ibrox read Villa Park. No shape, no purpose, no passion. Yes, I know it was a a friendly but couldn't we show a bit of pride? Ibrox is looking a particularly impressive stadium and Walter Smith deserved the 50,000 crowd he got. He's done a great job even allowing for the fact that they are the proverbial 'big fish' etc. etc. Congratulations Walter and good luck in the future.
Gers' fans were friendly enough but it gets more and more difficult to find a song of theirs that doesn't mention 'Fuck the Pope, Bobby Sands, IRA' or something. I was surprised at the level of anti ManU feeling up there, they often broke into unprompted choruses of 'Who the fuck are Man United' when we were in the 'District Bar' (on Edmiston Drive?) before the match. We gave as good as we got song wise and they were quite impressed with 'Liverbird upon my chest'. The beer was cheap and the Scotch pies inside the ground were very good. Steer clear of the burgers at Ibrox though. It was 15 hours ago but I can still taste it. Pizzas were like cream crackers smothered in oregano flavoured tomato puree. Crap. We gave the big flag an outing just to remind them that REALLY big teams win the European Cup 3 or 4 times.
Next up - Liverpool Res. vs Tranmere Res. on Thursday. I'll post a report on Friday.
Aston Villa (a) League: 1-2 Feb 28th
Any last, lingering fantasies about qualifying for the runners-up/Champions League spot seemed to have also bitten the dust now. At this rate we'll be lucky to qualify for Europe at all. Got off to a good start winning a penalty in the 5th minute. Bosnich should have gone for tripping Leo who was clean through, but inexplicably he was just cautioned. Owen tucked the pen away easily enough. We looked fairly bright and tho' Villa rallied well (for them) they didn't look that dangerous. However we allowed them to run at us virtually unchallenged and when the ball ran to Collymore on the edge of the box he hit a shot that took a deflection off Stig that sent it past a helpless Friedel (Finally getting his debut). From this moment on we were total crap. Things were not helped by the apparent desire to get stuck into Collymore every few minutes. Carragher in particular was always looking to 'annoy' him. Collymore, who was also looking to mix it, was booked for a bad challenge on Ince (who was booked for a 'slight' retaliation). Colly continued to niggle and foul and should have gone well before he knocked the winner into an empty net after the ball had rebounded off the post. Villa realised how lucky they were not to have him sent off and withdrew him before the inevitable, 15 minutes from time.
We were hopeless for the last hour. No attacking ideas, no shape nor purpose. Macca wandered around pushing the hair out of eyes, pointing and misplacing passes everywhere. And he was not the worst. But if we are supposed to build a team around someone who looks like he can't be arsed half the time, then I despair. Berger came on and ran around to no real effect. Riedle looked injured - he had to be, he was so anonymous. All our 'attacking' was chanelled down and through a narrow 20yd wide area in the centre of the pitch. There was no width at all - unlike at the derby where Jones was always keen to get at 'em. Evans seems to change for the team for no reason whatsoever. We played fairly well in the derby and then put out a changed team that appears to have no idea at all how they are supposed to play. Why was Thompson given his debut there? He's a decent player and will continue to grow into a very good one BUT Danny Murphy has always shown himself ready to step up into the team and consistently turns in great performances for the reserves.
At the final whistle there was a lot of anger amongst the travelling Reds at such an inept and spineless performance. This was a 4 out of 10. Friedel had no chance of stopping the goals and gave a solid debut - his distribution being particularly impressive. Owen was busy and took a battering from the Villa cloggers. Methinks the boy needs a rest.
Fowler out for season!
No surprise to us. It was always suspected that when the time was 'right' Robbie would disappear for a lengthy period so that he could get some 'treatment'. We were expecting a Lee Sharpe dose of meningitis or something. Sort yourself Robbie and we hope to see you next season. Good luck.
Everton (h) League - 1-1 Feb 23rd
Any last, lingering fantasies about winning the league were finally dashed last night as The Reds huffed and puffed to a draw with that shower. I may be being unfair there - we deserved to win this match. And win it easily. In the opening 5 minutes we tore into them and Fowler and Owen (twice) both went extremely close. Fowler's 20yd blistering drive that Myhre fingertipped over being the most spectacular. Owen continually beat the offside trap and was a contant thorn in Watson's side. In reply, the smackheads tried to play on the break and their first decent chance came from Madarse's long range snapshot from wide on the right. James saved well, pushing the ball across the goal to safety. Then Druncan went clean through on goal, only for James to save well. How he (Druncan) eventually got on the scoresheet is a mystery, as he spent the majority of the game trying to wind Carragher up. In a shameful performance of 'gamesmanship' the legend (!) snarled and hurled abuse into Carragher's face. Jamie shrugged it off and continued to welly the big bastard at every opportunity. Well done, young man.
10,000 Hillsborough Justice leaflets were distributed and held up shortly before kick-off to a sustained chant of "Justice! Justice!". There then followed a rousing YNWA, with scarves and 'Justice' flags (well done, Peter Carney) all over the ground being raised. After SKY's failure to show the last demo (Spurs last year) we asked them to explain: "We didn't know about it" they said, even though their commercial break was suspiciously timed to exclude the massive show of support from the airwaves. So we made sure they knew last night - and they failed to give it any significant coverage again. It was up to Alan Parry to draw the viewer's attention to the fact that there had BEEN a protest whilst SKY were elsewhere. And he offered some encouraging words about the denial of Justice. Nice one, Alan. We know where your heart lies anyway. But as for the production team and the managers at Sky ... Bastards! Anyone out there got a satellite dish? Well that's where your money goes - to those twats. Get rid of it now. And next time you see a SKY van parked outside the ground you know what to do, don't you? Anyone else out there who doesn't believe the establishment conspiracy to 'bury' Hillsborough?
Second half saw almost total control from the Reds. On cue, however, Rab C Drunkard swept a loose ball (Madarse had lost it - talk of him laying it off is a joke) past James. Ten minutes later James flapped at a high ball on the edge of the box, lost it and Madarse poked the ball wide of a gaping, open Kop goal. It really is time for Friedal to be given his chance. Every time I think James has cleaned up his act he produces a jittery performance like last night. Yes, he made some good saves but overall he gives his defence kittens. He's too much of a liability. Sorry Dave, I really thought you'd make it. Straight from the restart we swept upfield, Macca shot and the effort was blocked, the ball shot around to Ince about 8 yards out, to fire it low past Myhre into the Road End goal, in front of several thousand foul-smelling, scruffy smackheads. With 20 minutes to go I thought we might just scrape it. Owen, Fowler and then Leo with a blocked shot went mighty close, but they defended in depth, fouled and niggled and belted it long and just held out. "Fuck All! You're gonna win fuck all!" bellowed the badly-dressed bluenose contingent, which is a bit like being called ugly by Alan Harper. Well at least we made you tossers happy. Fuck off down the Nationwide to Stockport and Port Vale where you belong. Overall it (the result) was intensely disappointing, even though we played quite well.
Star performers: Owen and Fowler (who missed a few but, again, was always in the thick of it and never shirked the ball), Ince got 'stuck in' but played too deep (to cover his inexperienced defence). Carragher and Kvarme showed great heart and played very well. Overall - 7 out of 10. We should have won this one ...
Middlesbrough (a) League Cup Semi 2nd leg - 0-2 Feb 18th.
On the day we were betrayed by New Labour I suppose we have no right to be upset by something as trivial as a football game. And in truth the defeat didn't hurt that much. My mind was elsewhere. All in all - a fucking dreadful day.
Sheff Wed (a) League 3-3 Feb 14th.
My own personal boycott of this game - I was in New York, but I would not have attended anyway - proved well founded as we received another insulting slap in the face from SWFC and the local plod. Fans bringing flowers were, again, refused permission to take them into the ground. No reason was given. Some managed to smuggle some in, but most had to leave them on a table outside the turnstiles. One girl carrying a single red rose was turned away. The police presence was, again, overbearing and the final insult was delivered with the Liverpool fans inside the ground when the tannoy announced that the game was being sponsored by the S*n! The Liverpool fans howled in derision and anger. Thankfully tempers were kept in check and the behavoiur of the fans given this provocation was exemplary. There can be no argument now - we have to have a total boycott of this fixture next season. TOTAL.
I wasn't there so I won't comment on the football. Sean Woods of the NYC LFCSC and I had phoned Sean's dad in Liverpool from a payphone on the street in Brooklyn to check on the scores. Later that day we drank Michael Owens' health in Mollys on 3rd Ave, and had a good laugh recounting the verbatim report we had received of Schmeical's fuck-up that gave Barnsley a goal at Delusion Central, as well as Drunken's sending off at The Pit. And, no ... Carmel STILL wouldn't play the cd. (In her defence, it was 5:30am by this time).
The opinions seems to be tho' that we should be playing 5 up front (Macca, Michael, Robbie, KH and Paddy). When we have done - RCS and SWFC - we've scored goals and conceeded none. ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK!
Southampton (h) League 2-3 Feb 7th.
Shit. This was like Coventry in The Cup. A defence that had looked so good a few weeks earlier was in tatters, and was carved apart at will in the last 15 minutes. I'm at a loss for words. At 1-1 we were still looking good for a win even though S'pton were very well organised and broke well when given posession. Then a few delicate touches, a back heel or a one-two and our defence fell open like Posh Spice's legs. And we got shafted. James was getting a roasting from some on The Kop but really couldn't be blamed for any of the goals (well, maybe he should have stayed on his line when the pen was given away). Ince was again showed up as ... well, a fraud. Sorry, but he's produced NOTHING this season, except when playing for England. Fowler grafted to no real effect, but at least the effort was there. Owen was again the star.
Overall - 4 out of 10. And the title blown I think.
Blackburn (h) League 0-0 Jan 31st.
As I predicted on Tuesday - our one golden chance fell to ... guess who? ... and he blew it. We were unlucky not to win this game - we were the only team who did. Flowers had an inspired game and Rovers abandoned attack and defended in depth for all of the last hour at least. But again you've got to question Roy's abilities. Floundering against a packed defence we started popping long high balls to our massive heavyweight strikers Robbie and Michael! With Fowler still clearly out of sorts these tactics cried out for KH and his aerial ability. The call went unheeded and the game petered out into a draw. Well done Roy.
Rating: 6 out of 10
Middlesboro' (h) League Cup 2-1 Jan 28th.
For a team carrying two passengers I suppose we did okay. Fowler (despite his goal) was awful and missed a hat-trick of golden chances. Yes, I know he's been wonderful etc. but at the moment he's compromising the team. We've a tough game on Saturday and chances will be few and far between. If our one golden opportunity falls to him - in this form - he'll be lucky to score. But never mind eh? Cos he's been great in recent seasons hasn't he? The fact is he's played shite for weeks (months) and should be dropped. If only to give him the time and space to sort himself out. The other passenger was our favourite pet alsatian Oyvind Leonhardsen: he was a joke. The night before, the Liverpool Echo carried a full page interview with Patrik Berger: the jist of which was "I don't want to leave, I love the club and the fans BUT if I'm not playing I may have to". I almost cried. To think of his talent and ability and to watch the wooden gonk known as Leo contribute ABSOLUTELY NOTHING - AGAIN - made my blood boil. Berger has his critics and some games he fails to get into things. But is it any wonder? He plays the (very) odd game here and there and maybe a few minutes late on in a game already won. It can't be good for his confidence. He is wasted. He is capable of swinging games and scoring all the time. He is - potentially - our Cantona: the catalyst, an inspiration - a player who can light up a game and turn a draw into a win. On his day he is fantastic. On his day Leonhardsen is a hard working uninspiring grafter. What the fuck is going on Roy?
Boro brought about 6000 - it was a big day out for them. In all there were 33,000 for a live game on terrestrial TV. Suddenly the League Cup doesn't look so small fry does it? Compare that with the 22,000 for Everton-Newcastle FA Cup tie or the 13000 at Hillsborough for Sheff Wed - Blackburn 4th rd tie on Monday. Boro came out flying but we contained them easily enough until Merson was released by a through ball and clean through on James he leathered it into the bottom corner in front of The Kop. As Boro fans (they really are dickheads & it went off in The Arkles before the game) were still celebrating, Redknapp (who seconds earlier bore the brunt of my 'You big fucking tart - get into this game!' jibe) blasted home a 25 yard arrowing drive into the top corner. After that Boro were invisible as an attacking force. The 2nd half was ALL Liverpool - I don't think James had a shot to save (he had a good game: came for and took crosses, and distributed well). If Fowler had been in form we would have walked it. Macca was constantly fouled by a succesion of defenders (they took it in turns to get booked) and we had to wait until 10 mins from time for Owen to run to the by-line and cross hard and low for Fowler to blast home from 10 yards. Evans then took off Harkness for Riedle !!! The new ploy in the Premiership seems to be "If you haven't got a clue what to do - take off the left back". It should have been Leo off, Macca brought over to the left (where he does most damage) and Owen put out wide on the right where his pace can destroy defences. Karl-Heinz and Robbie could have played through the middle. But that logic seems beyond Roy. KH almost added a third with a slide-rule header that clipped the outside base of the post. So 2-1 and it could have been more.
All in all: 7 out of 10. Stars: Matteo, McAteer, Owen and Macca. Big jeers for Leo. Next up: Blackburn on Saturday (live on Satellite to Scandanavia and the world).
Newcastle Utd (h) League 1-0 Jan 20th.
So ManU slip up (again) at Southampton and the eyes of the nation turn to Anfield expecting The Reds to turn their backs again on destiny as they did so often last season. ("No, thanks - Not this year", they seemed to say time and time again in 1996-97). Well sorry to disappoint but we got the win; and I imagine Evans nearly wet himself. A scrappy win due more to determination and effort than to skill - which is, I suppose, some comfort.
The opening 15 minutes, however, were very similar to the first hour of last season's game: We were in total control and the ball whizzed around like it was on a pinball machine. Newcastle couldn't get hold of the ball and when they did it was only seconds before we won it back. We deservedly took the lead when Owen controlled McAteer's diagonal cross - following great work by Ince in an attacking position! - on his chest and blasted a 'sidefoot half-volley' into the top corner of the Kop-end goal with Shagger Hislop absolutely nowhere. It was a moment of pure Dalglish. Although the finish was slightly different it reminded me of King Kenny's winner at Chelsea in 86 that won the league. With Matteo striding imperiously out of defence with the ball at every opportunity to launch attacks it was almost like having Hansen back too. My only worry was whether we'd have Clemence or Mike Hooper in goal. As it turned out James made a few nervous errors and his distribution was - to say the least - erratic, but he did come for crosses when Shearer was hovering and never shirked a ball.
After the goal we never got going again, and considering Newcastle had to attack I expected the worst. After last season's cock-ups whenever Man U slipped up it was clear to all that it had to be the 3 points or bust. This led to an increased nervousness in the crowd and in the team. An equaliser would have seen howls of derision heaped upon the team and manager, and we were all aware of it. As long as the game wore on, and the score remained only one, the danger remained. The 2nd half saw Newcastle launcha series long balls forward in the hope of catching Babb/Matteo/James out (they didn't, but they won a series of debatable free kicks due to a shit ref) or they tried to free Gillespie to run at the full-backs and get crosses in (which he did). The more frantic Newcastle's (admittedly bombastic) attacks became, the more nervous and agitated we all got. The final whistle was greeted with a mass roar of relief as much as one of triumph.
Overall - 6 out of 10. Babb and Matteo again looked solid. Even Leo looked a bit more lively BUT is still to too keen to come inside or play the ball square or back, rather than drive forward. Ince again was the anchor - lying too deep for my liking - and Redknapp always looked to be needing one more touch on the ball to be completely comfortable. The midfield was, therefore, not much of an attacking force which left Owen and Fowler isolated. Whenever they were tackled or lost the ball we were back on the defensive. We couldn't keep hold of the ball up front and, given Fowler's woeful current form, the game was crying out for Riedle in the last quarter hour. Still, as I said before the game I'd settle for a scrappy 1 nil win. And that's what I got. Cracking goal though - and it looked like a full house too, with a few hundred new seats in the Main Stand extension at the Rd End now in use.
Next up is: Boro (h) in the Coca Cola Cup semi next Tuesday.
Leicester (a) League 0-0 Jan 17th.
This was NOT a brilliant day out. Cold and miserable weather. Piss poor ground (By far the worst away enclosure in the league. That narrow passgeway at the rear, where you are hemmed in between a wall and advertising hoardings is a death trap.) and a very, very mediocre performance by the Reds. The day started well - the journey was fine. The new A50 between the M6 and M1 is now a great road and is empty on Saturdays. Young Red Boy and myself (it was his debut first team game - he's 7 yrs old) breezed across country at a steady 85mph and arrived in Leicester at 12:45pm. Unfortunately Leicester rugby club were also playing at home (they pull in crowds of 15,000!) and their ground is very close to Filbert Street, so car parking was at an absolute premium. We drove around a bit eventually parking 20 minutes walk away in a narrow street full of Asian garment 'sweatshops'. By then it was almost 2pm so I took Red Boy junior for his sauasge and chips slap up feed, washed down with a healthy and nutritious can of Orange Tango. Solid footy match fare.
I met up with 'the boys' outside the away end and we watched the officious 'Showsec' security staff searching Liverpool fans. I tell you, I've flown on an American airline into New York and I've never seen such body searching and arrogance. These blokes are glorified nighclub bouncers - that's all; power-crazed maniacs, probably compensating for their tiny penis size. I picked up my tickets from Andy who then told me that John P. had arrived all gussied up, wearing a suit, tie and thick gold bracelet that made him look like Ron Atkinson. He had wangled tickets in the directors lounge and was, as we braved the biting wind and flogged the fanzine, tucking into his chicken sandwiches and complimentary booze.
The match was entirely forgettable. I'd tell you all about it but I can't remember it. We had 'chances' but Leicester defended very well, Elliott being their outstanding performer. Owen and Fowler were out of sorts and Macca ran everywhere - occasionally weaving past 3 or 4 defenders but never really went anywhere. Our final ball was - without exception - poor. McAteer had a frustraing afternoon and got unnecessarily booked for pulling back an opponent who had disposessed him about 80 yards from our goal. James had little to do but did flap at one cross in the second half. On the whole tho' he gave no cause for concern. Ince was his usual anonymous self, withdrawn deep into our half just in front of the defence (Babb and Matteo were again solid). Leonhardsen was infuriating. He consistently refused to run at their defence, always turning inside playing square balls. He often arrives in good positions up front (but always fails to hit the target) and has a worrying knack of looking busy. Steve Kelly (of TTW&R) said it was liking watching a mad alsatian dog (that's German Shepherd for our US readers) frantically chasing the ball over the park. There was lots of running but to absolutely no effect. For God's sake - what does Berger have to do to get into this team? So the game petered out into a 0-0 draw, despite Leo blasting our last (and very good) chance across the face of the goal when it seemed easier to score.
Brad Friedel got a great reception from the travelling Reds during the half-time warm-up and he clearly appreciated it. As for Young Red Boy - he enjoyed it but clearly would loved to have seen us score and it got very cold as the afternoon wore on. His highlights of the day were listening to all the swearing, and seeing a steward being hit square on the back of the neck with a meat pie, chucked - no-doubt - by some Red clearly bored out of his mind by the events (hah!) on the field. Overall, this was a 5 out of 10.
Next up - is Newcastle on Wednesday. Live on Sky so you Reds abroad may get to see it. I'm writing this before ManU play Southampton tonight, but this is clearly a game we have to win. Shearer may be back for them so they may be lifted by that. We have to careful and not slip up. I'll post a full 'report' on Thursday morning.
Wimbledon (h) League 2-0 Jan 10th
A frustrating afternoon on the whole really. The Dons came to defend and stifle - which they did. Despite being a 'flagday' (one of the worst publicised - most knew nothing about it) the Kop was fairly quiet. The Dons' fans brought banners about their proposed move to Dublin, 'Dublin = Death' said one. (It may have been a reference to our Cup performance the week before, I'm not sure!). "You're supposed to be at home" they chanted. "At least we've fucking got one" replied The Kop.
Liverpool dominated but it looked like petering out into a goaless draw until two late strikes from Shirley settled it. The first was drilled in low when he picked up a loose ball 20 yds out. The 2nd was an absolute peach, curling and bending into the top corner from a similar distance. In the last 10 minutes we could have scored another 2 or 3.
Macca was 'quiet' and Fowler was (to use his own word 'atrocious'). Babb again had a good 'un and McAteer was much improved. Leonhardsen was - again - a waste of space. Berger came on and showed all the pace and direction that Leo lacks. For God's sake Roy you've got to drop Leo and play Paddy. James had little to do and apart from one moment of indecision when he should have called for, and come for, a loose ball in the box - Matteo had to hoof it away - he looked okay. Overall 6.5 out of 10.
The Flagday was a complete flop. Little publicity and the status of the opponents (less than 1000 of their fans there too) meant the atmosphere was never going to be much. I was selling fanzines and tho' I brought the chequered flag I was late getting in and missed YNWA. We'll be sticking to the bigger games for FlagDays I think.
Everton game on SKY.
The derby game scheduled for Feb 21 has been put back to MONDAY 23rd Feb. (k.o. 8pm). The match is to be broadcast live on SKY TV. Good news for you overseas Reds.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY - BILLY LIDDELL. 76 on Saturday 10th January
King 
Billy
Of Liddellpool
God bless Billy Liddell, who is 76 on Saturday. Our thoughts should go out to the man who was arguably Liverpool's greatest ever player as he is not in the best of health. Billy is, in fact, (Shankly apart) probably the most important figure in the history of the club. Although I never saw him play, he was blessed with skill equal to that of Dalglish, and also posessed blistering pace and a shot like a cannon. He could play at centre forward or on either wing too. In an era prior to the abolition of the maximum wage Billy was never properly rewarded for his talents. If he were around today it is no overstatement to say he'd be worth £20 million of anyone's money.
Billy signed for the Reds from Lochgelly Violet in July 1938 and cost us £500. In a career at Anfield of 537 matches Billy lashed in 229 goals. In eight out of nine seasons in the fifties he was The Reds' top scorer. It is fair to say that without Billy's contribution Liverpool FC could well have been relegated to division 3, particularly in our first season after relegation (1954-55) when he scored 30 goals to help us finish in mid-table.
On only two occasions in the history of the game has a side has taken the field as Great Britain: in 1947 and in 1955, when 'we' played The Rest of Europe in two prestigious games. Billy (along with Sir Stanley Mathews) played in both games - the 2nd time as a second division player!
Billy played 28 times for Scotland. God bless you Billy, King of Liddellpool.
Newcastle (a) Coca Cola 2-0 Jan 7th
2-0 and really could have been 4 or 5. That's not to say we were great, we weren't. The first 90 mins saw us as the better side - but it was a scrappy game and we couldn't find the final ball to go with some decent approach play. Owen has played out wide in the league game and had murdered the Newcastle defence. Here he was more central, him and Fowler changing over - one running and one feeding. Sometimes it worked, mostly it didn't. We were clogging up the middle and were cryting out for width. Rush looked eager for them early on (Greeted with ironic cries off "Fuck Off you big-nosed Evertonian bastard!" - It was noticable during a late LOUD rendition of 'Scouser Tommy' that when we came to the "Rush scored 1, Rush scored 2 ..." bit that almost everyone stood up and joined in. Respect, I believe its called.).
As the game wore on there was only ever The Reds that were going to win. Their fans were VERY quiet and we never once shut up - some of the best singing this season. The security stewards were, again, atrocious. I believe that senior members of the Football Supporters Association were present in the 3000 strong Liverpool contingent and they will be making strong complaints about the way Liverpool fans were treated.
Extra time and Liverpool were in total command. Macca ran at them and they wilted, a short pass to Fowler on the edge of the area who fed Owen who turned brilliantly past (I think) Peacock, and then chipped Hislop a la Dalglish versus Bruges in '78. Fowler's goal , 8 minutes later, was just as clinical and killed Newcastle off. It ws all over bar a lot of singing from our section. "We're on the march with Evo's army".
To sum up: 7 out of 10. Babb was outstanding in defence and James had another good game. Ince was quiet (again) and Fowler looked fat and unfit. Owen was (again) the star and if Glen Hoddle thinks Ian Wright or 'ginger nuts' Paul Scholes is better then he's a bigger twat then I thought (and think) he is. I crawled into bed at 3am fairly satisfied with the result, and the fact that the semi draw (Boro) means we have avoided a trek to London. Boro is just over 2hrs from Liverpool and much preferable to a 4 hr trip to north London.
Cov City (h) FA Cup (1-3)
SHIT. The only consolation was that I missed it. The first home FA Cup game I've missed since being locked out when Brighton knocked us out (in 83 was it?). I settled for listening to the radio in 'The Park' opposite The Kop. My informants tell me we were total garbage and even at 1-0 up we never looked comfortable. James was criticised but some see his 'nerves' as a result of playing behind a dodgy defence. Others see the dodgy defence as a result of playing in front of a nervous keeper who they can't trust. Either way both parties have kittens whenever we are attacked.
I missed the game as I was stranded on a ferry in the middle of the Irish Sea in gale force winds. It eventually docked nearly 10 hours late.
Newcastle (a) League (Dec 28th) 2-1
Not a bad day out at all. Good support and a very friendly welcome from the locals, tho' the stewarding at St James' needs a lot to be desired. Several Reds were arrested entering the ground and several more ejected during the game for little more than boisterousness (?) - well, it was Christmas time wasn't it? Great first half when Owen and Macca were just fantastic. Both goals were peaches and we went mental up in our corner. Second half saw our usual sit-back-on-a-lead (When will Evans learn), and we were grateful to get away with the 3 points. James made some good saves but if Asprilla's heading was as good as it had been v. Barca then we would probably have lost this one. Taking off an attacker (Ok, Fowler did fade) and sitting back played right into their hands and we were lucky too escape. Great result, great first half - but there are doubts... Ince was anonymous - is he being told to sit back (Does Evans not trust the defence without him back there?) and the whole defence generally leaves a LOT to be desired. For God's sake why not even try Babb and Carragher back there? For once James was blameless.
Marks for the day: 7.5 out of 10 (ooh it's just like Alan Hansen on Match Of The Day).
Liverpool Reserves v. Sheff Wed Res (Dec 22) 1-0 at the Deva Stadium, Chester.
It absolutely pissed down and was freezing. Big changes from last time as only Kennedy, Murphy, Rizzo and Neilsen survived. The rest were a bunch of spotty youngsters who looked like ball boys or mascots. The great Chico - Steve Nicol - turned out for Sheff Wed and I cheered loudly when his name was announced. Much to the bemusement of the 14 year olds around.
Sheff Wed had (what looked like) more senior players (certainly older) playing and were watched by lovable Big Fat Ron Atkinson in the company of Stan Boardman. I won't have a word said against Big Ron despite his years at the helm over at the Theatre of Delusions. At PSG, last March, he stayed in the same hotel as some of the lads from RAOTL and was just brilliant, buying them ale all night and generally being 'one of the lads'. (Does anyone else remember the 'Atkinson's Long Leather' and 'Atkinsons tart is a slag' banners from around 85/86?)
The Reds scored early on with a far-post diving header from someone whose name escapes me (Sorry) after some good work by Rizzo on the right wing. Danny Murphy again showed why he should be in the full first team squad whilst Kennedy's attitude was again a disgrace. Late in the game he called for the ball down the touchline - the pass was poor and drifted just out of touch. Kennedy lashed it petulantly into the seats where dozens of kids were sitting. It nearly hit some poor lad in the face. "Oi!" I yelled, "There's no need for that - DICKHEAD!". I sat down with 3 or 4 hundred people looking at me. Wednesday pressed late on and maybe deserved an equaliser - but the youngsters held firm and I was delighted with the win (as was young Master Redboy alongside me as he demolished a meat and potato pie).
Attendance was around 550. Next game late January - Blackburn Rovers.
PALACE (a) (Dec 13th) 3-0
Basically, Palace were total crap. However, you've still got to score haven't you? Macca scored a decent close range 'volley', but Owen's burst of pace and goal were a combination of Rush and Dalglish. The lad's potential is amazing. Man U are still sniffing after him (18 months after trying to tap him at Lilleshall) and Brian Kidd recently phoned Owen's dad to 'enquire'. Mr Owen Snr. told Kidd to "Fuck Off". Nice one. After all, who wants to play for a team that has never won the European Cup in colour?
Anyway, back to Palace... too many day trippers etc. for a truly great atmosphere. We took about 7000 in total. 4000 tickets sold at Anfield and police estimate another 3000 elsewhere in the ground. An easy day out and we needed a few goals as our G.D. is crap (And that cost us a place in the Champions League last year didn't it). Three points is three points ... and if you look back over the last few fixtures who would not have settled for 6 points out of 9 (Arsenal (a), ManU (h) and Palace (a)) back at the start of the month ... OK then would you have settled for a draw at Arsenal and wins over ManU and Palace? Of course you would. So we're only 1 point off that schedule then. Paul Ince had the right idea when he said the race was not over. There's almost 6 months to go ... NO SURRENDER, Redmen!
MAN UTD (h) (Dec 6th) 1-3
Not quite the day we anticipated, but we can have no complaints really. Apart, that is, from the free-kick decision that led to Beckham's goal. Never a foul was it?
We are just not good enough and the squad we have is too short on class. If Cole was out of sorts who could they bring on? Solksjaer. And that's their 'secret' - not afraid to put subs on if things are not going too well - because they have a big, talented squad; not afraid to play to a 'plan' (Saturday's was the 45 yard hoof up the park for Cole) whereas we think that playing our own passing game will suffice (ie) that the result will just come if we carry on playing.
The Kop was awesome and looked it's best for years! The FlagDay/Mosaic was a huge success and thanks must go to those who put the time and effort in to making it so (ie US!). However, as it became clearer that things would not be going our way on the pitch, the crowd became more subdued. Nerves crept in and tempers became frayed. It's a pity really, as we were all in the mood and a win would have seen the Kop go beserk. As for their fans - TWATS. They spent 20 minutes goading us, then sang, "Where's your famous Munich song?". No reply from us because we're bigger and better than that. But what if we did respond? Imagine them astride their 15 hand high moral white charger ... the bastards. We were even sporting enough to applaud them off at the end. Imagine that happening over at the Theatre of delusions. They are the most unsporting twats around. A sign of their deep-seated insecurity that comes with 'supporting' media darlings and pretending you supported them all through the 30 years when they were shite. Remind me again - what year was it the 'Fergie Out' leaflets appeared?
ARSENAL (away)
Well, wouldn't you know it. I had to give this a miss and give my ticket away on Friday. And what happens? A display of passion and commitment not seen for many a day. I was proud. My eye-witness tells me the vocal support was magnificent, aided and encouraged by Messrs. Fowler and Ince in the executive boxes above the Clock End. We certainly sounded good on the tele. Arsenal's support on the other hand was almost non-existent. It seems their new North Bank with it's cream-cheese & salmon bagels and shiny, best-in-the-league bogs has made their support all middle class. Is it a co-incidence that The Fast Show's new part-time football fan supports the Arse? (He knows chuff all about football, sitting there with his hamper on his knees, offering Pringles around and pisses off as soon as the team is losing ("I used to support Man United but they're not so good now, are they?"). Was it a co-incidence that Prince Harry was spotted in the North Bank (with his brand new 'AFC' bobble hat on). I think not. Our lot stood for most of the game and made a tremendous racket.
Everybody had a good game, but McAteer, Macca, Owen and Redknapp were all excellent. And what a goal! If that big-eared, spotty twat Giggs had scored one like that the Daily Mirror would have brought out a special edition today. John Pearman says he still hasn't stopped smiling. I remember when we felt like this ALL the time. I just hope we feel as happy this coming Saturday.
D'yer know - I absolutely love my team.
As if to put a shiny top hat on the day Everton lost at home again and are now firmly entrenched at the bottom of the table. Where will your new 60,000 seater super stadium be? Widnes is it? Ormskirk? Wigan? Wherever ... I hope it looks good when you're playing Ipswich and Stockport next year.
STOKE RESERVES (away and home at the same time)
Last Thursday I went along to the Deva stadium in Chester to watch our reserves play a home fixture with Stoke. To save wear and tear on the Anfield turf home reserve fixtures are now played away at Chester - at least until next March. On a cold and wet night 645 brave souls crammed into Chester's tiny ground to watch an impressive-looking Liverpool team take on the might of The Potteries.
Our team contained Jorgen Nielsen, Babb, Ruddock, Wright, Carragher, Murphy, Michael Thomas, Harkness, Mark Kennedy and an energetic youngster Nicky Rizzo. On the whole we strolled through the game, Ruddock in particular let the ball do the talking pinging 30 & 40 yarders around like Glenn Hoddle. Given time and space he is a majestic passer of the ball. Too bad he can't tackle, head or run. Kennedy looked totally disinterested as did Michael Thomas and Mark Wright. Again, Danny Murphy looked good and Rizzo looked lively and quick (if a little lightweight - is he the new Lee Jones?). Both sides failed to create any clear chances during the first half tho' Liverpool looked in control.
Our problem was upfront where we did not appear to have a real striker. Which is worrying. The departure of Paul Dalglish to Newcastle (immediately loaned to Bury) means that outside of Fowler, Owen and Riedle we have NO strikers at the club! Kennedy did okay on the left and Rizzo tried hard on the right but never looked like dominating their defenders. The great Danny Murphy ploughed a lonely furrow in central midfield and up front but was too isolated. Liverpool seemed distanced from the game and with Carragher and Murphy due to play at the Arse it is no surprise. Who wants to get injured playing Stoke Reserves?
Our best effort was a 20 yard volley by Kennedy that the keeper pushed onto the bar and up and out of the ground! Murphy also came close but 5 mins from the end Stoke won a free-kick on the edge of the box. Liverpool's wall fell apart and the free-kick flew past a startled Nielsen. 0-1 it finished.
Nice to see our Chief Executive, Rick Parry there , as well as Bryce Morrison (shows that the club does mean something to those in control of our destiny), and McAteer also sat in the stand with some of the younger apprentices and reserves. Me ... well I was freezing and the coffee there is the worst I've tasted in years. Next game is on my birthday (Dec 22) versus Sheff Wed. See you there.
BARNSLEY (home)
Well what can you say? The Road End is looking a bit more impressive and should look good when all the seats are in. It was a nice, cold but sunny and clear afternoon. Er ... I had a few beers in town before the game, including a large one in 'The Pig & Whistle' - very nice. We distributed a few thousand FlagDay leaflets ... er ... O and we were beaten by a team that even Everton managed to stick some goals past. It was (in the words of the immortal bard) a fucking mystery. On any other day we'd have stuck 3 or 4 past them. But this wasn't any other day. Give them their due they were gifted the goal by James and Berger and they defended with gusto. It was total Liverpool posession but chances galore went begging. Not quite the Alamo but close. I'm not gonna slag the team off. The effort was there but the application was brainless. Riedle missed 3 golden opportunities and was man enough to say so after the game ... we were shite really.
The New York Supporters Club were over and we tried to look after them whilst they were over. The morning was spent doing touristy stuff - the Albert Dock, Beatles museum etc. I had come over the river myself on the ferry that fine, cold morning (there was an underground strike). The riverfront looked fantastic. It's a view I heartily recommend. Then up to the ground where we arranged passes to Kemlyn Lounge 3. They had seats in The Kemmy. We also arranged to get their picture in the programme, so that's a good souvenir for them. Pity that the club buggered up their trip to Melwood on Friday morning and their stadium tour that afternoon. As the new museum opens this week this may be academic - but the tour (I've been on two since August) was an absolute disgrace. I was embarrassed to have organised it for them.
After the game we met up in the official RAOTL bar in Liverpool: Shenanigans at 77 Tithebarn Street near Exchange Station for a slap up nosh of sarnies and chips. With lashings of Guiness too. If they're reading this hello to: Darragh, Felicite, Charlie and Chris, Dimitri, Frankie and Frankie's mates. Hope the craic was good. Thanks to Rob and Connor at the pub and we'll see you there for our RAOTL & TTWR joint Christmas party after Coventry on the 20th.
And Everton lost and went bottom. Oh dear, how sad, never mind.
STRASBOURG (away)
Well, remember our comments about the derby game ('Pathetic', 'embarassing','dire') well, substitute 'Strasbourg' for 'Everton' and you pretty much get the drift. This was undoubtedly the low-point in Roy Evans' reign. It was a debacle on a par with the home defeat by Bolton in the cup under Souness. 'Humiliating' is the best word to describe it. Let's get this clear: this was no PSG we were playing. RCS are not a good team at all (their league position in the French league proves that) and they rank on a par with, say, Southampton or Coventry in England. At the end of the game all I felt was anger. We were betrayed by £10,000 a week incompetent play-boys...and I really believe that we have seen Ruddock's last game for The Reds. Which is a pity as he promised so much and was infuriatingly inconsistent. So long Razor and thanks for that tackle on Andy Cole, the equaliser in the 3-3 against The Munsters and for the many laughs we had watching you trying to run.
At the airport on the way home the team were subjected to 30 seconds or so of angry comment from fans checking in for the flight back. It soon, however, subsided and Strasbourg airport echoed with 'O Liverpool we love you' and 'Scouser Tommy'. We did our part that night, theirs was missing completely. The players were obviously embarassed - ashamed? - and just gazed silently at the floor. I hope they got the message and realise just what playing for this club means.
Highlight of the day??? Excellent bratwurst. Decent beer and not too expensive. O'neils pub that we recommended was excellent and is part of small chain called 'Les Trois Brasseurs' (The 3 brewers). Anyone going again can find it at 22 Rue des Veaux, 67000 Strasbourg. Tel: 03 88 36 12 13. It's open 11am thru to 1am. But some of the staff are a bit annoyed when the noisy sing-song starts.
Also memorable was the way-over-the-top CRS escort back to the airport: we counted eleven vans full of riot police following us! Good flags round our enclosure too. Oh and can anyone identify the maniac who kept up the constant 'Ooh! ooh! I wanna go to bed!' and 'Lets give the captain a little bit of knuckle!' all the way back to Manc on the plane and then all the way back down the M62 to The Rocket?
Lowpoint: The game as usual. Let's reiterate the usual post-away game mantra: "Great trip - shit game". Also the one spot of trouble so far reported on Radio 5 : "3 Liverpool fans were sentenced to 4 months with a further 4 months suspended for attacking a passer-by in Strasbourg after the match here on Tuesday night" . I'd like to hear the full story on this one. Anyone know? Anyone out there in Strasbourg know anything? E-mail us on garcon_rouge@hotmail.com
Everyone get down to THE KOP for the 2nd leg and WILL The Reds to a victory. Allez Les Rouges !
HILLSBOROUGH CD ON SALE < HILLSBOROUGH MEMORIAL > Click to view.
The Hillsborough benefit concert at Anfield in May 97 was recorded for tv and an album. A CD was released in the summer of 97. All proceeds go towards helping pay the legal costs of the fight to re-open the inquiry into the deaths of the 96 Liverpool supporters killed at Hillsborough. Whether you're into The Manics, Beautiful South (who were great), Dodgy or The Lightning Seeds etc. is irrelevant. Buy this cd now and help the fight for JUSTICE FOR THE 96. If you can't find the album anywhere then contact us at our e-mail address or write to the PO Box and we'll try and sort you out. We are also trying to sort out some 'Justice For The 96' car stickers, when we do we'll post a note here and then you can get in touch.
Remember: Boycott The Sun & The Star.