Why Patience In Andy Carroll Will Ultimately Pay Off

October 4, 2011 – by Sean Hartnett   http://twitter.com/HartyLFC

Liverpool's Andy Carroll, right, celebrates with team mate Steven Gerrard after scoring a goal against Everton during their English Premier League soccer match at Goodison Park, Liverpool, England, Saturday Oct. 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Tim Hales)

Being a record signing can sometimes overwhelm a vastly talented player when he joins a new club.  Expectations are immediate, comparisons are quickly drawn and a price tag can turn into a burden once fans and the media become disenchanted.

Andy Carroll is well-aware of the pressures that come with being Liverpool’s record signing at £35m pounds and the most expensive British footballer of all-time.  From the time he made his debut as a 17-year old at Newcastle, comparisons were drawn between Carroll and Magpies’ legend Alan Shearer.

His appearance and frame doesn’t help things either.  Carroll looks more like the mythological figure Thor than a modern day footballer.  His off the field incidents have received more press than his achievements on the pitch, thus adding to his ‘legend.’  The British tabloids constantly sniff and lurk around the hulking, pony-tailed Geordie in an attempt to blow up any controversy into damning back page headlines.

Dalglish (center) can help guide Carroll's young career toward stardom.

When Kenny Dalglish signed Carroll at the close of the January transfer window, the ‘big fish’ escaped the fishbowl of Newcastle and was given a fresh slate to continue his blossoming career.  The immediate impact of fellow January signing Luis Suarez shifted the spotlight away from Carroll who was recovering from an injury sustained before his move to Merseyside.

Andy completed a two-goal performance against Manchester City in April which included a powerful long-range drive that looked as if it was unleashed by ‘the hammer of Thor.’  Since that match, Carroll’s consistency has waned and a growing number of supporters began voicing questions about his form before last weekend’s Merseyside derby.

As the first half went on, my followers on Twitter continued to send me their opinions on Carroll.  The words I kept hearing were: lost, ineffective, not involved. My reply to them was to be patient.  Phil Jagielka and the Everton defense had done well keeping Carroll and Suarez at bay during the first half outside of the penalty given in the 23^rd minute.

It wasn’t Suarez or Carroll who were at fault for Liverpool being goalless near the 60^th minute despite Jack Rodwell’s earlier incident that forced Everton to continue with 10 men.  The supply line was the problem as Dalglish yanked off Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam to bring on Craig Bellamy and Steven Gerrard in the 67^th minute.  The response was immediate as Bellamy neatly set-up Jose Enrique down the left wing to put in a cross that Carroll latched onto for a 71^st minute goal.

I expect Carroll to be lifted by the part he played in Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat of Everton in the Merseyside derby but I also understand why we shouldn’t demand too much from a 22-year old who is yet to play a full season in the Premier League.  I am encouraged by Carroll’s attributes and his potential to be a perfect foil for Suarez but I’m not getting carried away.

Dalglish wants to ease Carroll into things.  Having forwards Carroll, Suarez, Bellamy and Kuyt available allows the Liverpool boss many combinations to choose from.  Suarez is the obvious inclusion in the starting eleven but competition is always a healthy thing and Carroll will be benefited by not having to carry too much of the goal-scoring load this season.

Liverpool's Luis Suarez celebrates after scoring a goal against Everton during their English Premier League soccer match at Goodison Park, Liverpool, England, Saturday Oct. 1, 2011. (AP Photo/Tim Hales)

Not all strikers usually fit in as quickly as Luis Suarez did when he first joined Liverpool.  Players like these are a rarity and for Suarez hit the ground running in his Liverpool career is a credit to the wisdom of Damien Comolli and Kenny Dalglish.  Suarez’s start to his Anfield career isn’t the measuring stick by which Carroll should be judged as he is an entirely different sort of forward.

While Carroll can contribute a solid number of goals, his best attributes are the attention he draws that allows Suarez to find open spaces and ability to knock down headers into the path of Gerrard and Adam to attempt drives on net.

At 22, Carroll is still a work in progress and nowhere near the finished product.  I urge Liverpool supporters to be patient as Carroll will continue to improve and become a more important piece of Liverpool’s attack season by season.

What’s your opinion on Carroll’s future?  Share your thoughts below or send a tweet to: @HartyLFC

Why Craig Bellamy Will Be A Kop Hit In His Second Go-Around

September 1, 2011 – by Sean Hartnett   http://twitter.com/HartyLFC

Damien Comolli hands over to Bellamy his new Liverpool shirt.

When Craig Bellamy first signed for Liverpool in June 2006, I was delighted to see him join Rafael Benitez’s revolution.  Bellamy’s unique combination of pace, finishing, trickery and passion excited supporters like myself who hoped that he could cure Liverpool’s goal-scoring woes present at the time.

Bellamy had rediscovered his scoring touch on loan at Celtic in 2005 and became a very sharp finisher in his next season under Mark Hughes at Blackburn.  The thought of him lining up next to Peter Crouch triggered comparisons to Liverpool’s past prolific ‘little man-big man partnership’ of Kevin Keegan and John Toshack.

Unfortunately for Bellamy, the goals dried up as he only netted 9 times in 42 appearances under Benitez.  Bellamy was only able to show small glimpses of his ability and Benitez didn’t seem sure whether to use him as a striker or on the wing.  He did go on to score one of the most important goals of the season when he headed in an equalizer away at Barcelona in Liverpool’s march to their second Champions League Final in three years.

Bellamy's goal against Barcelona was his finest moment as a Red.

I thought Bellamy was extremely unlucky not to be involved in the 2007 Champions League Final.  Bellamy’s threatening presence could have made the difference if he was called upon by Benitez off the bench instead of the lumbering Crouch.  After the final, the writing was on the wall for Bellamy and he knew his time was up.  Years later, Benitez admitted that he rung up Fernando Torres to approach him about joining the Reds right after the Champions League Final concluded.

Bellamy’s £7.5m sale to West Ham helped fund Torres’ arrival from Atletico Madrid but in retrospect, he probably would have made a better partner for Torres than Crouch, Andrei Voronin, Ryan Babel, Robbie Keane or David N’Gog.  If it were up to Bellamy, he would have never left the club he supported as boy.  He spoke glowingly about Liverpool in post match interviews as a member of West Ham and Man City even after being shoved out the door by Benitez.

Bellamy and Benitez were destined to fall out with one another.

I don’t want to turn this into a piece criticizing Benitez as his overall body of work as Liverpool boss was outstanding but his treatment of Bellamy goes in line with two areas where he came up short.  Outside of Torres and to a lesser extent Crouch, Benitez had a poor record of accommodating strikers.  More importantly, Benitez clashed with players who disagreed with his philosophies.  That is what drove out Bellamy rather than the highly-publicized ‘golf club incident’ involving him and John Arne Riise.  The always outspoken and uninhibited Bellamy and stern taskmaster Benitez were never going to make pleasant bedfellows.

Enter now in 2011 an older, wiser Bellamy with a point to prove after being left out of Manchester City’s preseason tour of the United States.  When Kenny Dalglish handed him the opportunity re-join the Reds, Bellamy jumped at the chance.  He refused to speak with fellow interested parties Tottenham, Stoke City or Sunderland, each of whom offered him a better shot at a starting place.

As he stated in his first interview back with LFCTV, Bellamy admired Dalglish from the days of his youth and understands what Kenny means to the club as much as Steven Gerrard or Jamie Carragher.  “I’ve grown up with Kenny Dalglish, now to be signed by him is a massive honour,” Bellamy revealed.

He continued, “To every Liverpool fan, Kenny is probably the best player ever to pull on the red shirt so that speaks for itself.  He was the first player-manager to do the double and just how he conducted himself really.  I know what I have to do to play in this team, so this should be a good time.”

As a former forward himself, Dalglish understands how to get the best out of attacking players like Bellamy.  There is a number of ways that Kenny can incorporate Bellamy.  The Welshman is capable of playing on either wing, as a main striker or support striker.  Having him around will take the pressure off new signings Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing and allow Dalglish give Luis Suarez a rest when needed.  Bellamy could also serve as a terrific ‘super-sub’ and could be called upon to inject pace and trickery off the bench to help win a match in late situations.

Jamie Carragher believes that Bellamy will make a useful addition.

Jamie Carragher is one who is backing Bellamy to succeed in his second spell at Anfield. “I think he was quite disappointed with how it finished, with how he left.  He’d have liked to have done a lot better and hopefully this gives him the chance to do that.  In the squad we’ve probably only got Stewart Downing as an out-and-out wide player.  I think Craig prefers to play as a striker but he could certainly do that job for us,” he told Liverpool’s official website.

How do you expect Bellamy to fare in his second Liverpool stint?  Do you believe that he will fit in better under Dalglish?  Share your thoughts below or send a tweet to: @HartyLFC

Potential Liverpool Signing Jose Enrique Brings Plenty To The Table

August 8, 2011 – by Sean Hartnett   http://twitter.com/HartyLFC

The transfer of Enrique to the Reds draws closer.

According to various reports, Liverpool are nearing the completion of a £5.5m transfer to bring Newcastle left-back Jose Enrique to Anfield.  If that figure turns out to be correct, the Reds will have acquired a top quality wing-back in a bargain deal.

Enrique’s realistic value would be nearer to a range of £8-10m but Newcastle are in the process of asset stripping this summer.  The Tyneside club pushed their former captain Kevin Nolan out the door to West Ham and are allowing star midfielder Joey Barton to leave on a free transfer.  Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is contently letting his club deteriorate on the pitch and Enrique’s move away from St. James’ Park is forthcoming.

Once Liverpool secure Enrique’s signature, he will offer plenty to his new club.  Outside of Ashley Cole of Chelsea and Fabio Coentrao of Real Madrid, there aren’t any clear cut world class left-backs around football.  Enrique may not be world class but would fall into the bracket just below Cole and Coentrao.  Since moving to Newcastle from Villarreal, he’s been a very consistent Premier League left-back who defends his position well and is capable of joining in attack.

Enrique give Liverpool another attacking wing-back to go along with Johnson.

The Reds already possess an attacking wing-back in Glen Johnson and manager Kenny Dalglish would likely employ Johnson at right-back with Enrique on the left and allow both to drift forward into attacks.  At Newcastle, Enrique often broke down the wing and sent in crosses to Andy Carroll and they already have a familiarity.

Most intriguing about Enrique’s potential move is that he is the clear heir to Joan Capdevila’s spot as left-back for the Spanish national team.  Capdevila has been a fine servant to his country but at 33, his time is running out.  The aging Capdevila may lose his grip on his place for Spain as Enrique’s star continues to rise.  A transfer to Liverpool can only increase his reputation.

There’s a strong chance that Enrique will beat out Capdevila as Spain’s starting left-back ahead of Euro 2012 and he will certainly be given that chance during friendly and qualifying matches.  It’s surprising that he hasn’t yet received a national team cap but this speaks about the level of competition for places in the Spanish national team.  Playing alongside the talented footballers in Vincente Del Bosque’s team will fast-track Enrique’s development, possibly into a world class left-back.

Liverpool are expected to wrap up the deal this week and want to conclude the process in time for Enrique to take part in the Reds’ Premier League opener against Sunderland on Saturday.

What’s your opinion of Enrique and do you believe he would make a great signing for the Reds?  Share your thoughts below or send a tweet to: @HartyLFC

Sorting Out Liverpool’s Battle For Central Midfield Places

August 1, 2011 – by Sean Hartnett   http://twitter.com/HartyLFC

Adam is a certainty to be in Kenny's plans but it could be less likely for others.

Too many cooks can spoil the broth.  Kenny Dalglish continues to learn this with every coming friendly.  It’s time for the Liverpool boss to trim him squad, especially with the present glut in central midfield.  Even with captain Steven Gerrard ruled out until September, there is far too much competition for places.

Liverpool’s central midfield situation can be compared to an old Three Stooges routine where all three try to fit through the door at once.  Only in this case, there are eight players vying for two or three places depending on what formation Dalglish prefers.  Too much of a good thing can be detrimental and no one wants to be wasting their time on the bench or left out of the squad entirely.

Despite some fine preseason performances, Aquilani may be on his way out.

Monday’s 3-3 preseason draw against Vålerenga provided more questions instead of the answers Dalglish is searching for.  Alberto Aquilani’s late appearance turned out to be a shining glimpse of what the Italian attacking midfielder can offer.  Aquilani threatened the Vålerenga net twice with long distance drives and played an important part of each of Liverpool’s second half goals.

In my eyes, Aquilani has always been an enigmatic presence while wearing a Liverpool shirt.  His first season at Anfield had its share of bright moments but he appeared unmotivated and clashed with former manager Rafael Benitez through the media.  I’m all for giving someone a second chance but the comments coming from Aquilani and his agent scream out that the player wants a permanent move to Italy.  If I were in Dalglish’s shoes, I’d sell Aquilani while his value is high as he is being pursued by AC Milan, Fiorentina and possibly a few other Serie A clubs.

Bought in Aquilani’s place, Raul Meireles showed equal inconsistency last season.  He looked like a match-winner during a purple patch in February where he scored five times in six games, but otherwise the goals went dry.  Further concerns about his stamina and declining value if not used in the starting eleven may encourage a summer sale.  In the cases of both Meireles and Aquilani, the best option might be to sell them at their peak.  Neither have impressed over the course of a full Premier League season.

Has Meireles (center) done enough to stay?

So that’s two players off the board, leaving Lucas, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Jay Spearing, Jonjo Shelvey and Christian Poulsen in addition to injured Gerrard.  That’s seven although it would be reduced to five if we’re not including Gerrard until he’s fit and Henderson who can also play on the wing.  Liverpool may be stuck with Poulsen who is on high wages and is coming off a miserable Premier League debut season.  Lucas, Liverpool’s Player of 2010-11 along with new recruits Adam and Henderson are here to stay for the long-term.

Finding a taker for Poulsen would ideal but being forced to keep him would complicate the blossoming careers of Shelvey and Spearing.  Shelvey showed signs of promise before and after a six week injured spell.  Having only turned nineteen in February, Shelvey seems destined to be future international star and progress at this age is vital.  Spearing’s play late last season was a big boost and he plays with the uncompromising style that Liverpool supporters demand.  Spearing impressed Dalglish to the point that he was handed a fresh contract extension in May.

Henderson's versatility can help solve the central midfield puzzle.

The Premier League experience of Lucas, Adam and Henderson is strong enough to allow Meireles and Aquilani to leave and hopefully Poulsen can follow suit.  Henderson’s flexibility is useful and could be called upon to play either on the wing or in central midfield as he did at Sunderland.  If Henderson is used mostly as winger, that would leave Lucas, Adam, Shelvey, Spearing and the out of action Gerrard as competition of places in central midfield throughout the new campaign.  That would be a more manageable group of five and allow Spearing and Shelvey to continue their development at Anfield rather than going out on loan.

Some supporters would be saddened to see a popular player like Meireles sold and others would prefer that Aquilani remains at the club but the sales of each are necessary for Liverpool’s future.

Have an opposing view?  Share your thoughts below or send a tweet to: @HartyLFC

Liverpool Aiming To Acquire Top North American Talent In Youth Revolution

July 28, 2011 – by Sean Hartnett   http://twitter.com/HartyLFC

Bueno will undergo a trial in August but is expected to sign a five-year contract.

Adding promising youngsters from across the globe has become a priority for the Reds this summer.  Improving the quality of their reserve team is a must and Liverpool’s scouting network is intently studying North American star youths.

The rise of USA and Mexico producing Premier League talents such as Tim Howard, Stuart Holden, Chicharito Hernandez, Clint Dempsey and Carlos Vela has resulted in an increased focus on North America by English scouts.  Hernandez was considered the best value purchase of the past EPL season as Sir Alex Ferguson shelled out a mere £7m for the gifted Mexican striker.  Chicharito’s return of 20 goals in 45 matches was one of the finest debut seasons ever for a Manchester United forward.

Liverpool will be hoping they’ve struck similar gold in the signing of 17-year old Mexican Marco Bueno.  Arriving from CF Pachuca on a ten-day trial, the forward caught the eye of Liverpool scouts during the Under-17 World Cup and is believed to have the reward of a five-year deal in his sights.

Bueno is eager to prove his worth to the Merseyside giants, “I feel very happy and very motivated.  I am wearing the shirt of Liverpool.  I have my family behind me and that’s enough to face any challenge.  I have to face it with great motivation and commitment to represent the country in the best way, and with faith that everything is achievable,” he explained.

He will likely join newly-acquired Nacho in Liverpool’s reserve ranks as their search isn’t entirely confined to North America.  Having impressed in a July trial, the Reds agreed a reported £150k initial fee to acquire Nacho from Albacete.  The Spanish second division club will net a further £350k based upon appearances and 15% of his next transfer if sold on.

Bijev may be going on loan but is considered a bright prospect in Liverpool's future.

According to MLSsoccer.com, 18-year old American striker Villyan Bijev has signed a three-year contract with an additional two-year option with the Reds.  The U.S. Under-18 member will be immediately loaned out to Belgian Pro League winners Racing Genk.

Jeremy Schultz, director at Bijev’s former academy California Odyess was proud of star pupil.  “This is such an incredible achievement for Villyan.  He has been so committed to soccer and this reward for him is much deserved.  We are so incredibly proud of his accomplishments and know that Villyan will continue to push himself to achieve more, he said.”

Former U.S. Under-17 forward Andrew Oliver is rumored be on his way to begin training with Liverpool and could also potentially earn a contract.  Highly-rated U.S. Under-17 captain and midfielder Marc Pelosi is not only being chased by the Reds but Tottenham also have maintained a strong interest.  Pelosi hinted to the press that there are also offers from the German Bundesliga.

Pelosi is attractiving great interest but Liverpool seem to be the favorites for his signature.

“It depends on the offers that are coming in.  Going pro is my first priority.  We heard there was some strong interest from Liverpool, and Germany a few places, so I’m just deciding where to go,” he mentioned in a June interview.

We should learn more in the coming weeks about which youngsters will be joining Liverpool’s reserves but it seems now that the club is intent on putting their stamp on North America and widening their global youth reach.

Are you encouraged by Liverpool’s increased scouting presence and investment in talented youths?  Share your thoughts below or send a tweet to: @HartyLFC

Liverpool’s Newly Molded Squad Beginning To Take Shape

July 26, 2011 – by Sean Hartnett   http://twitter.com/HartyLFC

Recruited trio of (L-R) Henderson, Downing and Adam appear to be intelligent buys.

The squad overhaul brought on by Kenny Dalglish, Damien Comolli and Fenway Sports Group last January has continued through the summer as the brain trust of Liverpool FC rings the changes.  Prized January recruits Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll are now joined by recent splurges Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson.

John W. Henry’s sustained investment has taken the transfer sum to a figure just south of £100M in matter of just seven months.  Unlike present day Manchester City or Chelsea squads of the past, there is a method to Liverpool’s free spending ways.  It clearly isn’t throwing cash around for sake of it in ‘Roman Abramovich-style.’

Downing has the attributes to be Liverpool's first quality winger in years.

Dalglish and Comolli have focused on bringing proven talents with the right sort of attitude needed to help Liverpool attain ‘top four’ status once again.  Charlie Adam almost single-handedly saved Blackpool from relegation with his inspired performances and mental strength.  Stewart Downing was hailed on his arrival by Comolli and new teammates alike for his influence as Aston Villa’s Player of the Year last season.  Downing is viewed as a player who can finally fill the problem position on the left side and is a very steady player that will bring stability to a long-standing weakness in wing play.

Even Jordan Henderson is seen as a safe signing despite having just turned 21 a month ago.  Henderson was a key contributor for Sunderland over the past two seasons and seems to have a very cool head on his shoulders to go along with his skillfulness.  His maturity is beyond your average 21-year old and was hailed by Sunderland boss Steve Bruce as “the best young British footballer there is.”

Adam was an inspiration at Blackpool last season.

What all three new additions have in common is being irreplaceable figures for their former clubs.  Without Adam, Blackpool wouldn’t have stood a chance of avoiding relegation.  His manager Ian Holloway knew he had no choice but to hold onto Adam against his will when Liverpool originally came calling in January.  Keeping Adam at all costs was his only chance of Premier League survival.  Even on the last day of the season, the Scottish midfielder almost willed his team to an improbable result at Old Trafford.

The formality of Charles N’Zogbia joining the Villans as Downing’s replacement should be completed shortly but N’Zogbia is a far differently styled player who is unable to deliver service comparable to Downing.  Having Downing one wing and possibly Henderson on the other plays into Liverpool’s tactic of providing crosses into Carroll’s path.  The versatile Downing can also drift from the left toward the middle and allow Suarez to play wide during certain moments in attack.

Despite having an encouraging preseason, Aquilani is set to be loaned out again.

I can’t see Liverpool adding another high-priced talent but possibly a few squad fillers in a backup striker and a spare defender.  The current squad is capable of mounting a top four finish and if anything is too deep.  Nearing an exit from Anfield are Daniel Pacheco who is eager to move to secure first team football, David N’Gog who is coveted by Bolton and Alberto Aquilani who will join Fiorentina in coming days.  Surplus players Milan Jovanovic, Christian Poulsen, Brad Jones, Danny Wilson, Philipp Degen and Nabil El Zhar could all be sent out on loan.

Joe Cole looks set to stay as no interested club seem willing to match his current wages.  Cole will spend the first half of the season regaining his fitness and attempting to rediscover the ability that made him a hot commodity as a free agent last summer.  Jay Spearing and Jonjo Shelvey could both be sent on loan to continue their development with the latter being the more likely.  After a brief fear of a sale, Raul Meireles should stay with the Reds unless an offer knocks off King Kenny’s socks.  Even though he was a standout performer last season, the arrival of Adam and a hopefully healthy Steven Gerrard will form a difficult path for Meireles back into the starting eleven.

Once the squad is trimmed down, Liverpool will have a balanced unit to make a strong run at a high Premier League finish and deep runs in domestic cup competitions.  I’d say that Manchester United is still favorites, especially if they can make another impact signing.  Liverpool has every advantage over an aging Chelsea, a dysfunctional Man City and transitional Arsenal to be the club that pushes United hard to the end.

Expecting the title right away may be overly high expectations for a team with as many alterations as Liverpool but it certainly isn’t out of the realm of possibility.  It would take a year free of injuries and a bit of luck to even the Red Devils with 19 titles at season’s end but there isn’t a team in the Premier League better equipped to make constant title challenges in the years to come than Liverpool.

Share your thoughts on the new season below or send a tweet to: @HartyLFC

Liverpool’s Future Is as Bright as It’s Ever Been

May 14, 2011 – by Sean Hartnett    twitter.com/HartyLFC

The 'Shankly Gates' are shining bright once again thanks progress under the leadership of Dalglish and FSG.

With yesterday’s news of Kenny Dalglish being handed a three-year contact, it’s safe to say Liverpool’s future is the brightest it has been a long time.  The painful memories of the Hicks & Gillett era now seem like a distant nightmare from long ago.

Since their arrival, Fenway Sports Group led by John W. Henry have made their intentions clear in that they are strongly committed to building a winning product on the pitch and developing Liverpool’s brand into a commercial power off it.  It’s comforting that they’ve listened to the thoughts and concerns of both supporters and football writers connected to the club.  In reality, we couldn’t have asked for more from them as their ambition is to push the club forward in every single aspect.

Henry and Fenway Sports Group have restored the soul of Liverpool and are eager to build on their accomplishments.

To the supporters, the most important piece in that process was restoring the broken soul of our club that was left in the wake of their shameful predecessors.  The Liverbird upon our chest was wounded in agony after what Hicks & Gillett had done to our proud institution.  As important winning is to our fans, Liverpool is a community club and even the temporary appointment of Dalglish to replace Hodgson won over even the most skeptical of supporters.  Now with his shiny new contract in hand, it’s clearly Kenny’s role to build on the progress of made in the second half of the Premier League season.

Johnson and Skrtel's confidence sunk under Hodsgon but are now playing wonderfully with Kenny at the helm.

All you have to do is listen to the quotes and interviews from our players to see they’re just as ecstatic as we the fans are that ‘King Kenny’ will be here for at least the next three years.  Dalglish has lifted the spirits of everyone connected to the club and filled the players with the confidence that was obviously lacking during Hodgson’s time as Reds’ boss.  Once shattered players like Glen Johnson and Martin Skrtel are now playing possibly the best football of their careers.  Previously criticized for their lack of clinical finishing, Maxi Rodriguez and Dirk Kuyt have found a rich vein of form under Dalglish and the goals are flowing.  Even ‘missing man’ Joe Cole is getting in on the action.

Dalglish has filled the players with belief and given them the freedom to express themselves on the pitch.

Unfortunately for Cole, he is seen as the last remnant of the chaotic times before FSG’s arrival.  Whether he deserves this tag or it or not, Cole was brought in by Christian Purslow as a big-name signing that could appease the fans while the ownership search continued.  It was an indictment on the lack of leadership before FSG if someone with the lack of football knowledge as Purslow was in charge of making important decisions on personnel.  Like Robbie Keane when he joined in the summer of 2008, Cole walked into the right club at the wrong time as there were power struggles going on behind the scenes.  Injuries and the form of Maxi Rodriguez and Jay Spearing haven’t allowed him to make a positive impression on the fans and he’ll likely be out the door this summer.

Unfortunately for Cole, he is seen as the symbol of the lack of direction under the previous regime.

The point about Cole is that Liverpool were once a club reliant upon signings like him but now can produce young players of their own to lessen the need of paying out high wages to established players who sometime end up playing just a bit-part role.  With an impressive group of youngsters like Martin Kelly, Jay Spearing, John Flanagan and Jack Robinson already making an impact and others like Suso and Raheem Sterling on their way, the youth movement in full effect.  A successful club is able to combine youth and experience.  Just look at the way Manchester United have implemented Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling with Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney.

Flanagan is just one of many talented youngsters who have made an instant impact.

I don’t mean to compare ourselves to our bitterest rival but take the young players I previously mentioned to go along with Pepe Reina, Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Dirk Kuyt and the superb January window captures of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll and you’ll notice that Liverpool are ready to compete right away.  Considering the pledge of further investment from on the pitch by FSG, one can’t help but have high expectations for what the Redmen can accomplish in the near future.  A very exciting list of players have been linked toward moving to Anfield this summer so supporters are can realistically hope to see a very improved product on the field when the 2011-12 season gets underway.

An Ode to Sami Hyypia, a Truly Great Red

May 3, 2011 – by Sean Hartnett   http://twitter.com/HartyLFC

Sami being lifted by his teammates on his final Liverpool appearance at Anfield.

Sami Hyypia called time on his outstanding career yesterday, retiring from Bayer Leverkusen at the age of 37.  Even in the twilight of his career, Hyypia gave the Bundesliga club a glimpse of the consistent greatness he displayed throughout his ten years at Liverpool.  Sami helped Leverkusen to a 4^th place finish in 2009-10, his only full season at the club and was named to the Bundesliga Team of the Season.

When Sami Hyypia joined Liverpool from Dutch club Willem II in May 1999, few knew that his £2.5m transfer fee would be one of the shrewdest investments ever made in club history.  He was virtually unknown to many Premier League followers when he joined his boyhood favorites but Sami would quickly earn a special place in the hearts of Kopites, becoming an indispensable presence in heart of Liverpool’s back four.  Years later, former Liverpool chief scout Ron Yeats described the deal as “one of the best bits of business we’ve done over the years…a steal – a bargain…”  A legendary defender in his own time and former Liverpool captain, nicknamed the ‘The Colossus’ Yeats knows a thing or two about great defenders.  “Out of all the players I recommended the club sign, Sami is one of the ones I’m most proud of,” he concluded.

Fowler and Hyypia kissing the UEFA Cup as the Reds completed their 2001 'Treble'

In just his second season at Anfield, Hyypia shared the role of captain along with Robbie Fowler as Liverpool’s full-time skipper Jamie Redknapp missed the entire 2000-01 campaign after undergoing surgery on a troublesome knee.  That season would be the highlight of the ‘Houllier Era’ as the Reds completed a historic treble by winning the FA Cup, UEFA Cup and Worthington (League) Cup.  In the following season, Sami was given the captain’s armband on a full-time basis in April 2002 after Redknapp joined Tottenham Hotspur and Fowler had moved to Leeds United previously in November 2001.  Under his leadership, Liverpool finished second to Arsenal to finish the 2002-03 season.

Hyypia humbly stepped aside when manager Gerard Houllier handed the captain’s armband to Steven Gerrard in 2003 but in no way did this decision change the respect that Sami commanded from his teammates, opponents and fans.  Not only a terrific leader on the pitch, he helped foreign players understand what it meant to play for Liverpool Football Club and set a model example for every young player to aspire to.  In Rafael Benitez’s first season at Anfield, Hyypia was a key figure during the Reds’ march toward Istanbul.  Throughout their famous 2004-05 Champions League campaign, Sami scored a number of vital goals and provided his usual trademarks of toughness, steadiness and strength in defence.

Alongside Jamie Carragher, the pair made countless gutsy tackles to keep hold of the 3-3 score line after the heroic fight back from a 3-0 halftime deceit to AC Milan. Liverpool went on to win the 2005 Champions League Final on penalties as the Reds shocked the football world.  After another penalty shootout victory in the 2006 FA Cup Final, Hyypia collected his second major honour in the span of two years.

A tight 2007 Champions League Final almost resulted in Liverpool lifting a second European Cup in three years but AC Milan avenged their 2005 defeat by winning 2-1 in Athens.  The Reds came very close to winning their first league title in the Premier League era in 2009 as they finished just 4 points behind champions Manchester United.  This would be Hyypia’s final season at Anfield as he was left out Liverpool’s Champions League squad and only made 15 appearances.  Hyypia did play exceedingly well when called upon as injuries ravaged Liverpool’s defence, most noticeably in their 4-1 trouncing over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Liverpool played Tottenham at Anfield on May 24^{th ,} the final day of the 2008-09 season.  In what would be his last appearance for his beloved Reds, Sami came on as an 84^th minute substitute and was handed the captain’s armband by Steven Gerrard.  Almost fittingly, he nearly scored a powerful header but was denied a goal in his final appearance.  Once the final whistle blew, an emotional Hyypia was carried by his teammates as Anfield sang his name.  There was undoubtedly a very special bond between Liverpool supporters and Sami who gave the club ten years of wonderful service and was an all-around class act.

After his first season with Leverkusen there was talk that Hyypia would make a shock return to the Reds but the German club refused to sell him.  Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson remarked later, “We couldn’t get him out of his contract.  He’s one I would also put in the Jamie Carragher-Steven Gerrard mould – Liverpool for life.  I can see players like Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard never leaving Liverpool Football Club.  I can see them always being part of the club.  In the same way I’m a bit disappointed that my attempts to bring Sami Hyypiä back failed.”

Now that he’s hung up his boots for good, Hyypia has signed a two-year contract to become Leverkusen’s assistant manager next summer.  It wouldn’t be surprising to see Sami become a top-notch manager one day as he served as an excellent leader, role model and winning character throughout his distinguished career.  If he ever does get the opportunity to return to Anfield as an opposing manager, he will certainly get a wonderful ovation from the Kop.  We wish you all the best, Sami!

LFCNY Remembers the 96 and Support the HJC & HFSG

April 15, 2011 – by Sean Hartnett, http://twitter.com/HartyLFC

JFT 96, with us forever.

The saddest day in Liverpool’s history

On April 15^th, 1989, 96 Liverpool supporters who passed through the gates at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough Stadium never came back home.  Fathers, sons, mothers and daughters did not return to their families on what should have been an ordinary Saturday watching the FA Cup.  It was meant to be a day of enjoyment for Liverpool supporters everywhere as manager Kenny Dalglish was hoping to lead the Reds to the Wembley final.  Liverpool went on to win the 1989 FA Cup over Everton a month later but the match was an afterthought as a city continued to mourn and pay their respects.

I was a happy, joyful four year-old on April 15^th, 1989 as I was unbeknownst to what was happening across the Atlantic Ocean, in the city that I would later share a deep bond with through football.  Far away from the devastation and fatalities, I was a young boy who had no clue about what Hillsborough was or even the existence of Liverpool Football Club itself.  When I learned the history of this great club that I chose to support, the story of the 96 immediately struck a deep chord inside me.  As I write this, I am struggling to fight back the tears knowing the sadness and injustice done to the families and friends of 96.

Please view the following website for the definitive history of the Hillsborough disaster, the continuing fight and campaigns for the 96 and how you can help: http://www.contrast.org/hillsborough/

It is a cause that every Liverpool supporter worldwide embraces, literally woven into the history of our club as the eternal flames of the Hillsborough and Heysel disasters are represented on the official Liverpool club crest.  Our captain and modern day symbol of Liverpool Football club, Steven Gerrard lost his ten year-old cousin Jon-Paul Gilhooley who was the youngest victim of the Hillsborough disaster.

Jon-Paul Gilhooley, 10 was the youngest victim of Hillsborough.

In his autobiography and when interviewed, Steven revealed that the loss of his cousin drove him on to make it as a professional footballer and represent the club that he and Jon-Paul dreamed of making as boys.  Each time Gerrard passes by the Shankly Gates, he views the Hillsborough Memorial, looks for the name of his cousin, makes the sign of the cross and then drives on.  Every time he pulls on the Liverpool shirt, he does so for Jon-Paul.

An article from The Telegraph about Jon-Paul: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/5137035/Liverpool-midfielder-Steven-Gerrard-driven-on-by-memory-of-his-cousin-Jon-Paul-Gilhooley.html

Every April 15^th, Anfield holds a memorial service for the 96 and Liverpool Football Club has set up a streaming link for those like myself who can’t be there.  To view the service at 2:45 PM GMT, visit the official website of Liverpool FC: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/watch-the-memorial-service?ncid=Corporate_Hillsborough2011_MPU_12042011

The bond goes beyond our supporters

Over the years, clubs both around England and European have joined with us.  An entire city mourned the aftermath of Hillsborough, as split households of Liverpool and Everton supporters lost loved ones, friends and relatives.  Evertonians continue to lay their blue and white scarves at the memorial outside Anfield.  AC Milan and Real Madrid fans sang ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ together days after the disaster in their European Cup semi-final in 1989.  Celtic fans unveil banners in support of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign every year at their nearest fixture to the anniversary of Hillsborough.  Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest supporters come together on the anniversary to remember the 96 annually at the Hillsborough Stadium memorial.

A banner at Celtic Park in support of the 96.

Manchester City supporters won a place our hearts for their honoring of the minute’s silence before this past Monday’s match.  We deeply thank their supporters for joining with us to remember the 96, fallen solider Mark Burgan of Kirby and the passing of David Fairclough’s wife, Jan.  Credit to their fans for being respectful, especially as their cross-city rivals engage in disgraceful chants about the 96.

I feel very deeply hurt and embarrassed whenever I hear a small minority of Liverpool supporters signing about the Munich Air Disaster and the ‘Busby Babes’ who perished.  This is something that has no place in football or society and rivalry is no excuse to behave in this manner.  Anyone who takes any joy from a horrific disaster or the loss of human life deserves to be locked away permanently.

The S*n boycott and Kelvin MacKenzie

Virtually every Liverpool and Everton supporter refuses to read The Sun.  You cannot find the paper in the city of Liverpool as merchants protest the paper by not stocking it.  These are the words printed in The S*n that spread vicious lies about what happened on April 15^th, 1989.  Their headline read: “THE TRUTH” in boldface.  Their bullet points below it continued:  “Some fans picked pockets of victims.  Some fans urinated on the brave cops.  Some fans beat up PC giving kiss of life.”

All completely fabricated lies, designed to sell papers at the cost of journalistic honesty and respect to the 96 as well as the entire community of Merseyside.  Those who weren’t at Hillsborough that day woke up and picked up The S*n to read horrendous lies about Liverpool fans attacking rescue workers who attempted to revive the victims and engaging in disgusting acts.

The editor of The S*n, Kelvin MacKenzie ran the falsified story and damaging headlines despite knowing the actual truth of what happened at Hillsborough.  According to the book The Uncut Story of the Sun by Peter Chippindale and Chris Horrie, MacKenzie left everyone in The Sun’s office paralyzed and shaking their heads at the enormity of what they called a ‘classic smear.’

In 1993 in front of a House of Commons committee, MacKenzie apologized for his actions but later in 2006 stated that he only apologized because Rupert Murdoch ordered him to and remarked, “I was not sorry then and I’m not sorry now.”  When he appeared on the BBC’s Question Time, he responded by backing up the statement that he wasn’t sorry for what had done.  An article from The Guardian on MacKenzie’s televised appearance: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2007/jan/12/broadcasting.pressandpublishing

Please visit AnfieldRoad.com’s link for further information on the S*n boycott: http://www.anfieldroad.com/dont-buy-the-sun/

Kenny Dalglish my role model but not for footballing reasons…

I never saw Kenny Dalglish play except for old footage and DVD highlights.  Kenny is my role model for life as he is a dignified, honest, man of the people.  As manager during the time of Hillsborough, Dalglish and his players visited those recovering in hospital and attended the funerals of the disaster’s victims.  Kenny made himself available to any of the grieving family members who lost a loved one and took calls from them to console them at their time of need.  To me, his unselfishness and humility makes him a true hero rather than his legendary exploits representing Liverpool, Celtic and Scotland.

Dalglish recalls a conversation he had with MacKenzie in his autobiography:

“How can we correct the situation?” Mackenzie said.

“You know that big headline – ‘The Truth’?” I replied. “All you have to do is put ‘We lied’ in the same size. Then you might be all right.”

Mackenzie said: “I cannot do that.”

“Well,” I replied, “I cannot help you then.”

That was it. I put the phone down. Merseysiders were outraged by the Sun. A great many still are.

Summary

The 96 will always be in my thoughts and part of my life.  I encourage any person reading this to support the causes of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign and the Hillsborough Family Support Group. – Sean Hartnett, a Liverpool FC supporter from New Jersey, USA and member of LFCNY.

March 15, 2011 by Sean Hartnett  twitter.com/HartyLFC

Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard were members of the 2001 team that last lifted the UEFA Cup.

A Bit About the History of Liverpool and Ireland

Since their founding in 1892, Liverpool F.C. have always had strong bond with their Irish supporters.  The city of Liverpool developed and has continued to thrive thanks to its status as a major port in the 18^th century.  Liverpool became an economic power and much of their shipping trade was done between ports in Dublin and Liverpool as the two cities are connected by the Irish Sea.

History and record books show that Irish names have been among Liverpool’s citizenry since 1378 but the largest influx of the Irish into Liverpool came during the late 18^th century.  By 1841, 20% of the Irish population living in England and Wales were within Merseyside.  Desperate to escape the Potato Famine, hundreds of thousands of Irish refugees immigrated to Liverpool across the Irish Sea inside overcrowded, rickety ships in search of jobs and a new life.  Most became dockers and laborers while others rose to occupations of shopkeepers and merchants.

Once the famine subsided, the Irish in Liverpool helped develop Anglo-Irish relations and took seats as spokesmen and councilors within the city.  Irishmen in Merseyside paid for their integration by fighting in two World Wars while Irishwomen served as nurses.  The Irish continued to weave their way into Liverpudlian society so much so that language experts and historians believe that the ‘Scouse’ accent is derived from a combination of Lancashire and Irish.

The Irish Greats Who Have Worn the Famous Red Shirt

Bill Lacey became the first Irishman to play for Liverpool in 1912.

Liverpool F.C. enjoyed their first period of success during the 1920’s when the club won back-to-back First Division championships in 1922 and 1923.  Bill Lacey of Wexford became the first Irishman to ever appear for Liverpool in 1912 when he joined from Everton.  Lacey was an important part of their consecutive title-winning teams as he was considered to be a very versatile player who shifted between all eleven positions.

A match report from 1923 hailed the Irishman’s abilities, ‘As for kicking Lacey as a hobby, I can assure you it’s a waste of time, the boy is made from solid rock. Dynamite could not shift him off the ball.’  It was at winger where Lacey made his name and was described as a ‘fearless, dashing forward capable of clever work.’  Not known to be a goal-scorer, Lacey only produced 29 goals in 259 Liverpool appearances but was seen as a tricky winger who created numerous chances for teammates.

Steve Heighway is considered by some as Liverpool's greatest Irish player.

It was another winger though who would become synonymous with Liverpool and that man was Steve Heighway.  The Dubliner was brought in by Bill Shankly in 1970 to help rebuild his underachieving and aging teams of the late 60’s.  Heighway’s trickery and pace made him one of the most feared wingers in Europe as he became an integral member of the Liverpool dynasty for a decade.  He helped the Reds capture five First Divison titles, three European Cups, two FA Cups, two UEFA Cups and three League Cups as a player.

Along with his 444 matches, Heighway made an impact as Liverpool’s Academy Director from 1989-2007 and helped produce the likes of Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher, Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard.  He will be forever part of Liverpool lore as his name is sung in ‘The Fields of Anfield Road’ which is adapted from the Irish folk ballad, ‘The Fields of Athenry.’

As the chorus goes, “All round the fields of Anfield Road, where once we watched the King Kenny play (and could he play!)  Stevie Heighway on the wing, we had dreams and songs to sing ’bout the glory, round the Fields of Anfield Road.”

Ronnie Whelan was an all-time great Liverpool defender.

Fellow Dubliner, Ronnie Whelan was another vital member of the Reds who made 443 appearances wearing the Liverpool shirt.  Joining in 1979, he was considered to be a complete midfielder who was equally capable as a defender.  Whelan could play anywhere across the midfield and was known for his terrific positional sense and playmaking abilities.  Ronnie captained Liverpool for two seasons and collected six First Division titles, the 1984 European Cup, two FA Cups and three League Cups during his career.

Injuries cut short brilliant career of Mark Lawrenson.

Despite being born in England, Mark Lawrenson formed an all-time central defensive partnership with Scotsman Alan Hansen.  ‘Lawro’ could play in any defensive role and helped Liverpool to three consecutive First Division titles where he was an ever-present presence in the Reds’ back four.  He missed only five of a possible one-hundred and twenty-six appearances during those years.  Although he went on to make 332 appearances for Liverpool, his career was cut short due to an Achilles’ tendon injury.  One wonders what Lawrenson would have been able to accomplish if he had not been struck down by the injury at the age of 30.

When Ian Rush left for Italy, John Aldridge filled in sensationally.

Liverpool’s squad in the late 80’s contained many Ireland internationals as well as Whelan and Lawrenson.  Waterford’s Jim Beglin played left-back and helped Liverpool to the 1986 First Division and FA Cup double but suffered a horrific leg break that ended a promising spell at Anfield.  Brought in to replace the legendary Ian Rush, Liverpool native John Aldridge filled in admirably at striker.  ‘Aldo’ was a prolific goal-scorer netting 63 in 104 appearances for the Reds while also representing Ireland in major tournaments.  Defender Steve Staunton of Dundalk had two spells as a Liverpool player and later managed the Irish National Team.  The Glasgow-born Ray Houghton was a creative winger and a firm Kop favorite making 202 appearances.  His goals against England in Euro ’88 and Italy at Giants Stadium in World Cup ’94 are two of the best remembered moments in Irish football history.

Jason McAteer followed Aldo's path of as a fellow Merseyside Red to play for Ireland.

In more recent years, Jason McAteer was a central midfielder/wing-back who made 139 appearances for the Reds.  He was another Merseyside native who represented the Republic of Ireland and scored a memorable goal against Holland that helped Ireland stay alive in qualification for the 2002 World Cup.  Phil Babb and Mark Kennedy were other Ireland internationals of the 90’s.

Steve Finnan is the most recent in a long line of great Irish Reds.

Steve Finnan became the latest prominent Irishman in Liverpool’s history.  The Limerick-born right-back joined the Reds in 2003 and made 217 appearances.  Finnan was a steady presence and well-liked individual during his time at Anfield.  Although he went off injured in the Istanbul final, Finnan did much to help Liverpool on the path toward winning their 5^th European Cup in 2005.  He was also part of the team that defeated West Ham on penalties to capture the 2006 FA Cup.  Renowned goal-scorer and captain of Ireland, Robbie Keane made the switch to Anfield 2008 for a fee of £19m.  A combination of pressure and a power struggle within the Liverpool hierarchy led to a very short spell for Robbie as a Red.  Rafael Benitez sold the Dubliner back to Tottenham after just six months.

If you would like to learn more about the link between Ireland and Anfield pick up ‘The Irish Kop’ by LFC Magazine writer John Hynes.  UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Irish-Kop-John-Hynes/dp/1906802017 USA: http://www.amazon.com/Irish-Kop-John-Hynes/dp/1906802017/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1300176934&sr=8-4

The Dream Europa League Final

Liverpool need to get past S.C. Braga to keep their European dreams alive.

It’s only fitting that on St. Patrick’s Day, Liverpool take on S.C. Braga of Portugal for the right to move on to the quarterfinals of the Europa League.  Trailing 1-0 following the first leg defeat in Portugal, Liverpool must stage a comeback in front of the Kop at Anfield.  If Liverpool are able to progress, they will move one step closer to reaching the May 18^th Europa League Final at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

The Aviva Stadium could be filled by a Red and White Kop on May 18th.

If the Reds can make it to the Dublin final, it will almost feel like a home game.  They will be greeted by a mass legion of Irish Reds along with the traveling Kop that will cross the Irish Sea to give Liverpool an undoubted advantage in support if they do indeed progress to the Europa League Final.  Potential Premier League opponents Manchester City or Scottish giants Rangers would make for a special atmosphere; especially the latter as a majority of Irish Reds also support ‘Old Firm’ rivals Celtic.

To see Liverpool lift the Europa League trophy at Lansdowne Road would be a wonderful moment in the club’s history and especially for Irish fans who would see their beloved club win a major European trophy in their own backyard.  The party that would follow afterward would surely be a wonderful sight as Scousers and Irish Reds would paint the city of Dublin red… and white.

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