John Henry bids for Liverpool FC

[flred]

I too follow Oranje, I'm English but a lot of lfc fans don't tend to follow the national England team, which is a long story.

Was happy when Liverpool bought babel and kuyt, but babel hasn't quite worked out.

 

It's not just Liverpool fans. Most of the season ticket holders I know for other clubs couldn't give a crap about the national side either. At best, it's a summer diversion where extra beer will be drunk, watching games in heaving pubs and clubs.

[Dojji]

So kinda like Team USA then, mostly no one really cares that much unless we think they might be good.

[LFCKEV71]

England is for lower team clubs because the big clubs have to wait till England have finish playing so we can get back to play in the PL. England is just a pain in the ass

[5timeshero]

So kinda like Team USA then' date=' mostly no one really cares that much unless we think they might be good.[/quote']

 

most northern teams in england especially liverpool who have strong irish connections dont support the national team we are just not patriotic like the southerners are ,i would sooner scotland or ireland win than england any day .

[flred]

most northern teams in england especially liverpool who have strong irish connections dont support the national team we are just not patriotic like the southerners are ' date='i would sooner scotland or ireland win than england any day .[/quote']

 

Not quite, darn sarf is just as apathetic to the national waste of time. Apart from the old farts in the FA getting their free seats. Pretty much to a man, people wanted the new Wembley to be built somewhere near Brum.

[Redguard]

You asked for general, but unfortunately you received some specific responses, with the specifics detailing some of the metrics that will, in no way, be helpful to understanding how this will impact Liverpool FC.

 

Generally, what "metrics" means in regards to sports performance analysis is formulae that attempt to make data meaningful where it matters most, whether or not good performance in the data fields leads to winning more games. I don't follow football all that closely, so I don't know what metrics will be helpful in fielding a better team, but you can count on one thing happening. John Henry will use those that do and employ the services of those who are likely to identify more.

 

Hi Ors.

 

I could understand Metrics in the sense that it may sway a decision in terms of buying players and rotation. Usually only three substitutes are allowed in EPL games. But Metrics may develop in other areas of the game in terms of positional play.

 

Thanks for that.

 

The Duck was an Irish actor btw - but I suppose you knew that. He also did a fairly bad Australian accent in the film 'The Guns of Navarone,' 1961.

[flred]

Does anyone think Hicks will try and kick us in the nuts by delaying the court date, and forcing the debt to be called in, going into admin and all that that entails?

 

Hicks's trail of destruction in Brazil doesn't make nice reading.

[Redguard]

Does anyone think Hicks will try and kick us in the nuts by delaying the court date, and forcing the debt to be called in, going into admin and all that that entails?

 

Hicks's trail of destruction in Brazil doesn't make nice reading.

 

No. The High Court will sort it quick and any appeal will be sorted within 72 hours max.

 

After Friday next week then John Henry has the option through default of purchasing the debt outright from RBS if he so wishes. The only way G&H can stop it is if they come up with 280m Pounds by Friday at the latest.

 

If G&H can't come up with the readies then it's a reasonable certainty that the court will rule against them under the terms of the written agreement with G&H, RBS, Broughton, LFC & Kop Holdings. I think that RBS & Broughton knew what these two may well get up to and have drawn up a cast iron contract. Mind you, we can never predict fully how it will pan out on the day. I still think that they are well stuffed.

[flred]

No. The High Court will sort it quick and any appeal will be sorted within 72 hours max.

 

After Friday next week then John Henry has the option through default of purchasing the debt outright from RBS if he so wishes. The only way G&H can stop it is if they come up with 280m Pounds by Friday at the latest.

 

If G&H can't come up with the readies then it's a reasonable certainty that the court will rule against them under the terms of the written agreement with G&H, RBS, Broughton, LFC & Kop Holdings. I think that RBS & Broughton knew what these two may well get up to and have drawn up a cast iron contract. Mind you, we can never predict fully how it will pan out on the day. I still think that they are well stuffed.

 

I hope you're right, Redguard. I just don't trust those buggers, and they've had decades doing business through the courts. I'm getting rather nervous! I hope the judge is a closet Red and hammers them.

[flred]

EDIT: This is what we want!

[BSN07]

Ok I know Gerrard and Cole are solid players from seeing them in international action. What is the state of the rest of the roster? Big money guys? Young upcoming players?

[poor_scouser_tommy]

Dear Sox Fans,

 

I am a Liverpool season Ticket holder and I have lived in Liverpool all my life. I too am intrigued by what John Henry and his team has to offer us and from the things I have read about how he has really helped and supported your team I am starting to see that he may very well be the real deal.

 

However, having read through this thread I have become quite saddened by some of the posts that people have made about my club.

 

Liverpool and its supporters are not in anyway Anti-American contrary to what has been suggested we only have issues with two of your countrymen as is well documented. The small minority of supporters who took it upon themselves to burn your flag can only be condemned and not condoned in any way shape or form. Regardless of what Mr Hicks and Gillette have done their is no justification for this. In fact the action was widely condemned by all supporters groups.

 

In 1985 Liverpool were involved in a tragic event when a wall collapsed and killed many Italian fans of Juventus F.C . The stadium was dilapidated and not fit for purpose and although both clubs expressed concerns for safety UEFA decided to stage the game. without a shadow of a doubt the poor condition of the venue was a major contributing factor to the tragedy. Liverpool and it's fans where condemned and were ultimately punished by being banned from European competition for a number of years.

 

In 1989 96 Liverpool Fans went to a football game... and never came home. Liverpool and its fans had no blame placed upon them in the following government reports. The only documentation that was produced that placed blame on my club and its fans was by the Sun newpaper with the headline 'the truth'. They later admitted that the stories regarding their sensationalist headlines were largely fabricated and apologised. Unfortunately for them the damage has been done and the paper has few sales in the city. Hillsborough is still raw for the people of Liverpool and with many inanswered questions after 20 yrs the government have reopened the case to try to give the people answers and subdue their pain.

 

With regard to songs sung at football games I have been to Old trafford many times and had windows on our coaches put in, I've been spat at, called a murderer, and beat up when cornered on my own by the ground. However its not something that I would use to tar all Utd fans to the same brush. I see it as part of Football and you will always have a small minority of imbeciles. Unfortunately all clubs have them.

 

Finally, having spent some time in Boston in July this year it appears the we are not much different. You hate the Yankees and have a long standing rivalry with them and we hate Manchester United. Also we both have a rich history in our respective sports and we strive to be the best. Bostonians like Liverpudlians are friendly ,honest, and loyal people I only hope that you ignore some of the anti scouse posts on here read up about our club and people then form your own opinions. Hopefully the Liverpool and Red Sox families will join together on both sides of the Atlantic and dare I say it Conquer the world!!!! Now wouldn't that be nice???

 

Go Sox!!!!!!!

[flred]

Ok I know Gerrard and Cole are solid players from seeing them in international action. What is the state of the rest of the roster? Big money guys? Young upcoming players?

 

Personal opinion, others will differ:

 

Cole is debatable these days. I hope he comes good. Exciting signing but not done much yet. I think he flatters to deceive. Always looks like he's going to do something, but manages to make nothing of it.

 

Torres: Pure class, ignore the crap in the press.

 

Reina: Extremely good and reliable, gets beaten by beachballs, though!

 

Konchesky: meh, not convinced (a Woy signing)

 

Agger: class, can read the game, seems to be out of favor. I'd play him in midfield instead of Lucas/Poulsen if he can't have a space at the back.

 

Skrtel: a bit scary looking, has trouble at the start of the season, doesn't take prisoners when he gets going

 

Carragher: Mr Liverpool, too slow, used to be a very good stopper, not overly convincing these days.

 

Johnson: Can get caught out of position, would love to see him as a winger

 

Aurelio: cropped too often, not bad when he gets a run

 

Kuyt: hard worker, gets the odd important goal, would prefer him to player as a forward or be on the bench. Always the first name on the teamsheet for some reason

 

Lucas: *shakes head*

 

Poulsen: rubbish, tells us Hodgson is still thinking mid-table shite

 

Meireles: Great on the ball, too early to tell, probably too good for the dross around him

 

Jovanovic: Headless chicken like Berger. Tries really hard, wouldn't make a top 7 side, probably

 

Ngog: Fast forward, misses too many chances. Had a good start this year, but Woy stopped using him. Too lightweight really, age excuses don't cut it after seeing Fowler and Owen do better at 12.

 

Babel: Does he even make the bench? Strong, fast, tends to be played as left-wing, would probably be better up front to create problems for defenders rather than having 3 on Torres. Has suspect first ball control.

 

Pacheco: kid, could be very good, doesn't get game time, would love to see him get a run.

 

 

As to the rest, one or two might make it. Kelly should, the rest tells us how awful our depth of squad really is.

[redmesser]

Hello sox fans,

 

Just a few other random things to say about the culture of Liverpool fans:-

 

Google "poor scouser tommy" lyrics - the best song, apart from YNWA sung by any football supporters anywhere. 5-6 verses and on occasion sung by many thousands on the kop when in full voice.

I've a mate who is an Arsenal fan and he admits it is the best football fan song ever.

 

We always clap the opposing goalkeeper, just tradition passed down.

 

We are generally associated with being the first set of fans to develop singing songs (not just chants) at football matches in the world in the 1960's.

 

Working class, blue collar support in the main. Liverpool the city is split 50/50 of Catholic and protestant faiths, unlike any other English city. We also have 2 cathedrals (generally unique in the world). We also have thousands of fans who come over from Ireland every week.

 

Check out kerrydale street (a celtic fc forum) which gives neutral (and emotional) views on Hillsborough.

 

Is my enemy's enemy also my friend? Think Yankees/Man U tie up!!!!

 

We regularly take 3-5000 fans to most away matches all over England, we also took well over 40,000 fans to Istanbul for the champions league final. We also took over 30,000 to Wolves to win the league in 1976 (we also took over their Kop that night).

 

I could go on and on.

 

Maybe you could also verse us in the culture of the red sox nation??

 

It's nice to talk more freely now that the divvies (trolls) have mainly gone.

I think both sets of fans would not want any money to be directed elsewhere than from their own club/franchise to another party, and I dont think this will happen. This could be the start of a beautiful fan relationship, if a bit of trust is given on both sides.

 

I have a red sox jersey from 2000, so was happy when you won the world series, although I dont have a clue about baseball.

 

BTW LIverpool is one of the friendliest cities, with the best night out you could wish for, if anyone wants to visit. Just think Dublin, but a lot cheaper, with more gorgeous girls and loads of good old fashioned pubs.

 

I went to Plymouth a few years ago for my honeymoon, but only went into Boston for 1 day, but enjoyed the tour, and a good few Sam adams.

[Virgil Stallcup]

Dear Sox Fans,

 

Liverpool and its supporters are not in anyway Anti-American contrary to what has been suggested we only have issues with two of your countrymen as is well documented. The small minority of supporters who took it upon themselves to burn your flag can only be condemned and not condoned in any way shape or form. Regardless of what Mr Hicks and Gillette have done their is no justification for this. In fact the action was widely condemned by all supporters groups.

 

 

I didn't perceive the action as Anti-American at all. I wish those protesting would've chosen the Texas flag. But the connection had been made by that time: H & G=Yanks. It was inevitable someone would do it in a rage of emotion. Bad owners come in all stripes. To be certain, Americans have a mixed record in English football. A guy named Smith owned Chester and convinced himself he could manage a football club based on his coaching experience in American football. But we've also seen some quality owners come in, folks like Randy Lerner and Ellis Short, and serve as good custodians for the supporters and their clubs.

 

For every Jack Walker there seem to be dozens of Reynolds', Ridsdales, Bhatti Brothers, and Gadaymaks running around to mess things up for fans. Good owners are a real rarity. If this deal goes down, then you will have a return to quality ownership at Liverpool.

[Virgil Stallcup]

Personal opinion, others will differ:

 

Cole is debatable these days. I hope he comes good. Exciting signing but not done much yet. I think he flatters to deceive. Always looks like he's going to do something, but manages to make nothing of it.

 

Torres: Pure class, ignore the crap in the press.

 

Reina: Extremely good and reliable, gets beaten by beachballs, though!

 

Konchesky: meh, not convinced (a Woy signing)

 

Agger: class, can read the game, seems to be out of favor. I'd play him in midfield instead of Lucas/Poulsen if he can't have a space at the back.

 

Skrtel: a bit scary looking, has trouble at the start of the season, doesn't take prisoners when he gets going

 

Carragher: Mr Liverpool, too slow, used to be a very good stopper, not overly convincing these days.

 

Johnson: Can get caught out of position, would love to see him as a winger

 

Aurelio: cropped too often, not bad when he gets a run

 

Kuyt: hard worker, gets the odd important goal, would prefer him to player as a forward or be on the bench. Always the first name on the teamsheet for some reason

 

Lucas: *shakes head*

 

Poulsen: rubbish, tells us Hodgson is still thinking mid-table shite

 

Meireles: Great on the ball, too early to tell, probably too good for the dross around him

 

Jovanovic: Headless chicken like Berger. Tries really hard, wouldn't make a top 7 side, probably

 

Ngog: Fast forward, misses too many chances. Had a good start this year, but Woy stopped using him. Too lightweight really, age excuses don't cut it after seeing Fowler and Owen do better at 12.

 

Babel: Does he even make the bench? Strong, fast, tends to be played as left-wing, would probably be better up front to create problems for defenders rather than having 3 on Torres. Has suspect first ball control.

 

Pacheco: kid, could be very good, doesn't get game time, would love to see him get a run.

 

 

As to the rest, one or two might make it. Kelly should, the rest tells us how awful our depth of squad really is.

 

It looks to me like the key facets of Liverpool are growing older and no one appears to be ready to step up and replace them when the time comes.

 

A good developmental set-up could solve those issues. But the key for the new owners will be finding a strong football man to come in and make enough wise transfer moves to serve as a bridge to that youth development program.

 

As for youth training, I'd go after personnel at another club where the job is clearly being done and new talent is consistently being produced for the first team. I'd go after Everton's people. The only thing bailing out that Mickey Mouse operation is the strength of their Academy. Get them over to Anfield, with a higher profile and a far easier time attracting young talent, and the makings of a strong youth feeder for the first team would be born.

 

There are many things Everton get wrong. Youth development isn't one of them. Why not go after the folks responsible for what they get right?

[example1]

My brief and incomplete thoughts on the Red Sox for Liverpool fans:

 

1. The Red Sox are one of the most popular baseball teams in the country.

 

2. They are fierce rivals of the New York Yankees, dating back to the sale of American icon and baseball legend Babe Ruth in the winter of 1919. Since then, the Yankees have become arguably the most successful sports franchise in the world, and the Red Sox have been a team of near-misses and heartbreak.

 

3. The Red Sox had a number of chances to win the World Series in the ensuing decades, but they did not win until 2004.

 

4. They have had a number of powerhouse teams and star players, but they were supposedly subject to bad luck due to "The Curse" of having sold Babe Ruth to finance a Broadway play--the ultimate baseball f*** up...

 

5. Despite their history of losing, since 2003 the Red Sox have been among the best franchises in baseball. Not coincidentally (in my opinion), John Henry's ownership group purchased the team in 2002.

 

6. The Sox recent success comes from a willingness to spend for premier talent, and to spend in the scouting, recruitment and development of premier talent from all over the world.

 

7. Red Sox fans are known to be extremely dedicated--perhaps obsessed--with their team. The fanbase consistently travels to road games in support of the Sox. For instance, I live in the Pacific Northwest and have been able to attend a number of Seattle Mariners games against the Red Sox. Seattle is 2,484 miles (3,997 kilometers) from Boston, and Red Sox fans regularly fill 1/3 of the seats in the park. The same is true in most cities.

 

8. As noted above, the Red Sox had an 86 year drought without a World Series. During that time, Red Sox fans developed a reputation for being pessimistic. The team seemed destined to lose every year, no matter how good they were.

 

9. Even to non Red Sox fans, winning the World Series in 2004 was undoubtedly one of the greatest stories in all of sports history. Given the nature of the Red Sox/Yankees rivalry, the story is akin to a great Shakespearean drama... As good as sports could replicate it, I would argue.

[LFCKEV71]

to the red sox fans what do think about the movie Eight Men Out is it true or Fiction it one of my favorite movie

[Redguard]

Personal opinion, others will differ:

 

Cole is debatable these days. I hope he comes good. Exciting signing but not done much yet. I think he flatters to deceive. Always looks like he's going to do something, but manages to make nothing of it.

 

Torres: Pure class, ignore the crap in the press.

 

Reina: Extremely good and reliable, gets beaten by beachballs, though!

 

Konchesky: meh, not convinced (a Woy signing)

 

Agger: class, can read the game, seems to be out of favor. I'd play him in midfield instead of Lucas/Poulsen if he can't have a space at the back.

 

Skrtel: a bit scary looking, has trouble at the start of the season, doesn't take prisoners when he gets going

 

Carragher: Mr Liverpool, too slow, used to be a very good stopper, not overly convincing these days.

 

Johnson: Can get caught out of position, would love to see him as a winger

 

Aurelio: cropped too often, not bad when he gets a run

 

Kuyt: hard worker, gets the odd important goal, would prefer him to player as a forward or be on the bench. Always the first name on the teamsheet for some reason

 

Lucas: *shakes head*

 

Poulsen: rubbish, tells us Hodgson is still thinking mid-table shite

 

Meireles: Great on the ball, too early to tell, probably too good for the dross around him

 

Jovanovic: Headless chicken like Berger. Tries really hard, wouldn't make a top 7 side, probably

 

Ngog: Fast forward, misses too many chances. Had a good start this year, but Woy stopped using him. Too lightweight really, age excuses don't cut it after seeing Fowler and Owen do better at 12.

 

Babel: Does he even make the bench? Strong, fast, tends to be played as left-wing, would probably be better up front to create problems for defenders rather than having 3 on Torres. Has suspect first ball control.

 

Pacheco: kid, could be very good, doesn't get game time, would love to see him get a run.

 

 

As to the rest, one or two might make it. Kelly should, the rest tells us how awful our depth of squad really is.

 

I would pretty much say that you are bang on there. Gerrard is still arguably one of the best midfield players in the world, but over the last two seasons he doesn't seem as sharp. He's still a major driving force though and has grabbed the game by the cruff many times as Captain of Liverpool & England. Best players imo - Torres, Reina, Gerrard, Agger and I would have said Aurelio (when fit).

[Redguard]

I didn't perceive the action as Anti-American at all. I wish those protesting would've chosen the Texas flag. But the connection had been made by that time: H & G=Yanks. It was inevitable someone would do it in a rage of emotion. Bad owners come in all stripes. To be certain, Americans have a mixed record in English football. A guy named Smith owned Chester and convinced himself he could manage a football club based on his coaching experience in American football. But we've also seen some quality owners come in, folks like Randy Lerner and Ellis Short, and serve as good custodians for the supporters and their clubs.

 

For every Jack Walker there seem to be dozens of Reynolds', Ridsdales, Bhatti Brothers, and Gadaymaks running around to mess things up for fans. Good owners are a real rarity. If this deal goes down, then you will have a return to quality ownership at Liverpool.

 

Thanks for that Virgil.

[redmesser]

Thanks for the informative red sox version of my post, example 1.

[Redguard]

Court set for Tuesday next week.

[flred]

I would pretty much say that you are bang on there. Gerrard is still arguably one of the best midfield players in the world' date=' but over the last two seasons he doesn't seem as sharp. He's still a major driving force though and has grabbed the game by the cruff many times as Captain of Liverpool & England. Best players imo - Torres, Reina, Gerrard, Agger and I would have said Aurelio (when fit).[/quote']

 

Yes, Gerrard lost his way last year somewhat. It would be interesting to know what the cause was. Did he save himself for the world cup having missed out previously, was he fscked off with Rafa, problems at home? He looks to be more up for it this year, if only we had someone to feed him so he doesn't have to chase the ball.

[flred]

Broughton paving the way to boot Hodgson? I like the last line: "However, as we all know, at the end of the day, everything depends on results."

[LFCKEV71]

Hicks making personal and abusive comments to liverpool fans

 

in the last paragraph

 

wonder what he said

 

 

 

 

Liverpool's ace card against Tom Hicks and George Gillett in the looming court case is that the ?300 million takeover by New England Sports Ventures is actually in the best interests of the outgoing owners - because it wipes out a massive ?110 million worth of personal guarantees to the Royal Bank of Scotland.

 

Hicks and Gillett stand to lose a total of ?254 million if the move by the owners of the Boston Red Sox collapses and they cannot find a replacement new owner by Friday.

 

ESPNsoccernet can exclusively reveal the cornerstone of Liverpool's case at the High Court next week is that the takeover is in everyone's best interests. The hearing is not likely until Tuesday at the earliest.

 

An inside source said: "It's in Hicks and Gillett's best interests, the board will argue, because it caps their losses at ?144 million. Part of the deal with NESV is that the Royal Bank of Scotland wipe out the ?110 million of personal guarantees."

 

An out of court settlement with Hicks and Gillett cannot be ruled out as the board is so confident that they will win the case.

 

Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton cannot comment on the specifics of the case, but he has told ESPNsoccernet that he believes he can win the case and the takeover can go through.

 

Behind the scenes 'negotiations' are clearly going on between the warring factions aimed at avoiding a messy public court hearing that would tear the club apart. Equally, the court hearing, which comes just days before Friday's deadline with the Royal Bank of Scotland, is unlikely to be the end of the legal wranglings, as whoever losses the initial hearing is sure to seek an appeal.

 

On the issue of an appeal, Liverpool's lawyers will argue that if Hicks and Gillett lose and the takeover can go through, and they call for an appeal, it would seriously jeopardise the takeover, and potentially throw the club into administration, thereby putting the club's survival at risk.

 

If the legal actions drag to a second hearing, it is inevitable that RBS will have to take some decision on Friday, most likely to suspend the outcome of whether to put the club into administration pending the final court room verdict. The logical solution is for both sets of lawyers to find some sort of middle ground, even if it is a settlement on the steps of the High Court. There is no direct contact anymore between the factions, with Hicks and Gillett one one side and the three English members of the board led by Broughton on the other.

 

Broughton told ESPNsoccernet exclusively: "All of these issues I cannot possibly comment on, as this is going to court, one would assume. We have no date for the hearing yet, but we are told it is a 'short order' and so it would be any day hopefully early next week. The lawyers have told me I am not unable to talk about the case directly."

 

However, without going into any legal detail, Broughton said: "Yes, I am confident we shall win. However we all know when you have two sets of lawyers they are both telling you that they are 100% confident that they will win."

 

There is one central key issue of the entire legal procedure, and Broughton made that abundantly clear: "We are going to the courts seeking clarification that we are able to proceed with the sale of Liverpool FC."

 

Although Hicks publicly declared that he had given no undertaking directly to Broughton about the constitution of the board and the sale process being determined by the board (rather than the shareholders when he did his deal with RBS to extend the facility for six months), Broughton confirmed that such an undertaking was given to RBS.

 

Broughton said: "The obligation was given to RBS as part of the loan extension agreement. If an undertaking was given to the major creditor, than an undertaking was given."

 

In another twist, leaked minutes from a Liverpool board meeting allegedly contain Hicks making personal and abusive comments about Liverpool fans, which will increase the hatred already felt by the supporters against the current owners.

[flred]

It looks to me like the key facets of Liverpool are growing older and no one appears to be ready to step up and replace them when the time comes.

 

A good developmental set-up could solve those issues. But the key for the new owners will be finding a strong football man to come in and make enough wise transfer moves to serve as a bridge to that youth development program.

 

As for youth training, I'd go after personnel at another club where the job is clearly being done and new talent is consistently being produced for the first team. I'd go after Everton's people. The only thing bailing out that Mickey Mouse operation is the strength of their Academy. Get them over to Anfield, with a higher profile and a far easier time attracting young talent, and the makings of a strong youth feeder for the first team would be born.

 

There are many things Everton get wrong. Youth development isn't one of them. Why not go after the folks responsible for what they get right?

 

Our youth system used to be quite good, as in feeding great players every now and then, rather than bulking up the squad, but Rafa killed it. There was a report not too long ago about local kids giving us the miss because they felt they'd never get passed the flood of foreign cheap signings, so they went bluenose. Whether it's true or not remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, we're not getting new local blood making the grade, and our youth is full of crap. SG and Carra are at the end of their game, Spearing isn't going to cut it, other than Kelly, is there anyone on the horizon, let alone local. What happened to the kids that won the youth FA cup in 06 and 07?

 

Damn, I remember the days when fans were screaming for Owen get some games because of his obvious ability, and he was still in diapers! How tiny he looked when he tried taking Schmeichel out, Smchuck being outraged was about to go for him but saw this little hamster character instead, did a double take, and looked on like a bemused parent. LOL!

[LFCKEV71]

Strange to see the NESN website of potential owners starting to write articles about possible LFC targets

 

http://www.nesn.com/2010/10/stefan-kiessling-a-good-remedy-for-liverpools-offensive-woes.html

 

Liverpool's ownership questions will be resolved soon enough, and once that unfolds, the club will again have to face the reality: 18th place in the league table and having scored just seven goals in seven league matches.

Even if Manchester City has joined Chelsea in buying the world, and Tottenham has opened their wallets for Rafael Van Der Vaart since making the Champions League, there's no denying that Liverpool still has top-four talent. The problem is making the pieces fit properly, and much of that comes down to formation.

Basically, the team is struggling to get the ball to Fernando Torres, and the reason is simple -- he's usually physically overmatched when alone up top, and he's coming off injuries to boot. He needs a target man to get him the ball, and right now, the team doesn't have one. Milan Jovanovic has yet to settle at Anfield, and David Ngog hasn't yet learned to use his size to his advantage.

The pairing of Dirk Kuyt and Torres up top has been used in the past, but though Kuyt was a striker during his days in Holland, he is really more of a workhorse wing at this point, perfect for the flank in a 4-4-2. The team has even occasionally gone to Steven Gerrard as a forward in the past, but neither that, not the deep-lying role that he has often been relegated to this season, is where he is at his best. He should be playing in a free attacking role in central midfield while Christian Poulsen plays as a deeper midfielder.

All of this, of course, relies on the presence of a target man, and Liverpool has recently been linked to Bayern Leverkusen and German international forward Stefan Kiessling. Kiessling, at over 6-foot-3, is a physically imposing presence who can do what Torres often fails to do -- receive long balls, plays the hold up, challenges defenders, and works back towards midfield for touches.

When Liverpool is clicking, Torres doesn't disappear in games, but that seems to definitively occur when the team seems out of sorts. Adding a target man like Kiessling may be exactly what the club needs to prevent that from occurring.

Fulham, Schalke and Milan all also may be interested in acquiring Kiessling when the transfer window opens in January, and while it is often unwise for new ownership or management to go out of their way to make their presences felt with acquisitions, this could be one worth considering.

It also shouldn't go unsaid that Kiessling is no Emile Heskey. He's a big forward who actually scores. He had 21 goals in 33 matches last year for Leverkusen.

Liverpool surely isn't in danger of relegation, but the team needs to find a way to make the most of its talent. When all else fails -- and it has -- a return to the trusty 4-4-2 is always a good fix. With Kiessling paired with Kuyt, that could get the Reds' offense the boost it needs to get them back in the Champions League hunt

[flred]

I suspect Hodgson will get the sack pretty soon. Not only is he failing to create a team that can get results, he's also making us phenomenally boring, which is going some after Rafa's last year. Either he gears up for an attacking game, or flukes some results, or he gets his massive 1 year salary pay off with 28 days notice. Sammy Lee should go too. We need to be getting at teams from the off, not sitting back with 7 players guarding the goal afraid to reach the center line.

[Redguard]

Our youth system used to be quite good, as in feeding great players every now and then, rather than bulking up the squad, but Rafa killed it. There was a report not too long ago about local kids giving us the miss because they felt they'd never get passed the flood of foreign cheap signings, so they went bluenose. Whether it's true or not remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, we're not getting new local blood making the grade, and our youth is full of crap. SG and Carra are at the end of their game, Spearing isn't going to cut it, other than Kelly, is there anyone on the horizon, let alone local. What happened to the kids that won the youth FA cup in 06 and 07?

 

Damn, I remember the days when fans were screaming for Owen get some games because of his obvious ability, and he was still in diapers! How tiny he looked when he tried taking Schmeichel out, Smchuck being outraged was about to go for him but saw this little hamster character instead, did a double take, and looked on like a bemused parent. LOL!

 

Hello Flred, just to comment briefly on your last post first. Imo RH will not last long simply because he hasn't shown that natural 'charisma' and connection required. I don't doubt that he's a really nice lad but imo he doesn't have that natural 'presence' or commands enough expression required at the top level - finger definately not on the pulse.

 

I'm a great fan of Rafa but I was taken aback when he stripped Steve Heighway of his role in coaching the youth team. Big mistake. Before moving on to Everton I think that I should explain (for the Red Sox lads benefit) that traditionally when you cut through the rivalry we are like two arguing brothers, in fact most families are split between blue & red in Liverpool, my Mrs is in fact a blue and yet the rest in the extended family is all red - Liverpool, Germany , USA & Australia. To the credit of Everton they have imo reached out more so into the local community and have built a highly successful youth team, plus connections in the broader sense. My youngest daughter knows Jack Rodwell quite well and he's a credit to Everton.

 

Alex Fergusson's success can be attributed in part that prior to his arrival, Man Utd sowed the seeds of the youth team which he inherited. Had that not been the case then it's more than likely he would have continued to struggle and shown the door earlier - success is not too difficult when there is easy cash flow and there are talented players coming through in the youth team / academy system.

 

Under the reign of G&H at LFC it's been quite difficult to to gauge why decisions were made; owing to the smokescreen of their in house fighting and contradictions. What is fairly clear though is that LFC should (not could) have developed a far better youth team.

 

That's just part of the iceberg.

[LFCKEV71]

Liverpool takeover: Red Sox owners consult former chief executive Rick Parry(s*** this can't be good)

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/8053121/Liverpool-takeover-Red-Sox-owners-consult-former-chief-executive-Rick-Parry.html

 

Prospective Liverpool owners New England Sports Ventures have consulted Rick Parry, the club’s former chief executive who supported the takeover of Tom Hicks and George Gillett, over their own ?300 million bid to buy the Anfield side

 

John W Henry and Tom Werner, the principal figures behind NESV, the group which owns the Boston Red Sox, met with Parry in his capacity both as an expert on Liverpool and the Premier League.

The 55-year-old spent six years as the league’s inaugural chief executive before taking up his post at Anfield and helped negotiate a then-record ?700 million deal for television rights with Sky.

 

Parry, along with then chairman David Moores, elected to back Hicks’s and Gillett’s bid for Liverpool, rather than that of Dubai International

Capital, in February 2007. He retained his post at the club and is believed to have received a bonus of around ?500,000 for helping complete the sale.

Despite publicly clashing with Hicks in 2008, suggesting either he or his partner should leave Liverpool if they were unable to work together, Parry only left the club in May last year after losing a power struggle with then manager Rafael Ben?tez.

The club’s most recent accounts showed Parry, after 11 years at Anfield, had received a ?4.29 million pay-off.

Though he is just one of a number of experts consulted by NESV – who hope to complete their deal after a High Court hearing next week – it remains unclear whether he will be offered a role at the club should the takeover be completed.

Sources at Liverpool insisted this week that NESV have complete faith in the management structure already in place at the club and do not intend to make any immediate changes, though chairman Martin Broughton, brought in specifically to find a buyer, is likely to leave.