Being in denial isn't going to help our cause. We don't have wealthy owners looking for a hobby. Instead we have businessmen looking to profit which naturally indicates they want us back at the top, winning things. If I were a businessman, I'd expand slowly, first ensuring I recoup my investment before deciding how much to reinvest, and on what? This is what they're doing. If I ran a business, I know for darn sure I'd not want to be in massive debt, hoping that my venture takes off. This is why I understand their policy i.e. trim wages, invest in young talent.

Comparing ourselves to massive spenders like Man City or Chelsea is only going to be a source of frustration. Both clubs won titles the season before this recent one, and both still recorded massive losses. Do we want this for our club? We almost went into administration once for overspending. I don't want to see this happen again.

I believe the club will spend on talent when it's sensible just like in the case of Suarez. Sturridge and Countinho are both good acquisitions as well.

You should see me at work. I'm a huge critic when things don't make sense to me and I'm a firm believer in constructive criticism which in turn, requires that we have as much information as possible. In the case of FSG and Liverpool, I can make sense of their reasoning based on all the information I've been exposed to on the internet, hence I opt to support their initiative.

Do not make the mistake of assuming that just because there are fans who are supportive of BR and FSG, we won't want to be no.1. It is the ambition of any football fan. However it's important to understand that there is more than 1 way to get there and we've opted for the longer, more permanent approach. It's been 2 1/2 years so far since FSG acquired is. They tried splurging but were let down by some less than impressive acquisitions. They have since adopted a more cautious approach. I reckon they were naive as they were new to the sport at the beginning but they're learning as they go along. I respect intelligence and John Henry certainly appears more intellectual than our previous owners put together.

We all want the club to be no.1, we just disagree on the best way to get there.

PS: I don't know what the definition of "World Class" is but I certainly think Hamann was one of the best defensive midfielders around at the time. He was at the very least, consistently good. I can't remember him having a poor game.

Let's agree to disagree on Didi then. Not many players are World Class if they had to have won the Ballon D'Or since only one can win it. Looking back at the list of past winners, I had to go all the way back to 1996 to find a defensive minded midfielder who was amongst the top 3. The award tends to favours attacking players. I only see Oliver Kahn, Roberto Carlos and Paolo Maldini who are defensive players. Not the best gauge me thinks.

Will the players you mentioned turned into gems? I've no idea but one seldom does when investing in young talent. It's an educated risk.

They've done a good job at cultivating young talent, something I hope we can emulate. We are however some years behind them in this regard. Bet no one had heard of Klopp before either.

Contrary to your statement, I want him to build from within. I've mooted the fact that although fans comment on how thin we are at the back that I'd like to see Martin Kelly moved to the heart of defence, what with Wisdom and Johnson battling it out for the rightback slot. I'd also like to see Jonjo Shelvey mature into a good player. I'm pleased that Raheem Sterling had an impressive season. I do actually want us to build from within hence why I support the acquisition of youth i.e. players we can groom.

Just to add, I'm not a BR defender. I merely believe in his footballing philosophy and although he's new to managing a big club, he's had plenty of exposure travelling around Europe to study the game. I think he's done well to get the best out of Downing and Henderson looks an improved player under him as well. Enrique was also out of form until BR put him on the wing. Now he's back at left back and looks to be back in form. In short I think BR is a good coach. If he is tactically naive, all he needs is experience. If we are willing to be patient with young players, we should be to with young managers.

No reason to replace Reina unless he wants out. Still, we need someone to give him competition. The fact that almost all of us would have him start instead of Jones speaks volumes of the disparity in quality. It's been awhile since we've had a reliable no.2. I need to go back to when Mike Hooper would deputise for Grobbelar. Kirkland was a decent backup for Dudek but he was hardly fit.

Credit to Jonjo Shelvey, Jordan Henderson, Andre Wisdom and Jack Robinson for making the England U21 team for the upcoming European Championships. 4 is the biggest contingent from any one Premiership club.

Amidst the transfer rumours (which I always take with a massive fistful of salt), it's important to note that yesterday marked the anniversary of one of the darkest days in our history. It was an occasion no Liverpool fan can be proud of and it resulted in a European ban for English clubs. Not a badge on our chest but it's important to remembers such incidences so we never repeat them.

Remembering Heysel. RIP 39. YNWA.

http://paisleygates.com/?p=12420

This post has been edited by Duke Red: May 30 2013, 11:11 AM


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Horrific scenes.


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In his interview, Suarez speaks about how he's tired with being constantly criticised and victimised by the English media. Can't say I blame the guy. If I were him, I'd probably have beaten up at least one journo by now. I mean if you're going to get suspended, it may as well be for beating on someone like a man, instead of nibbling on him like an ear of corn. The club has done all they can to support him and if he decides to leave, it will be no fault of the clubs. Mid table team or not, the allure of joining an esteemed club like Real Madrid is too good for any player to pass off, even for fan favourites like Steve McManaman and Micheal Owen. Even Ronaldo opted to join them from a club of similar stature. It isn't like we're losing him to Monaco.

Liverpool fans were provoked after being pelted with missiles but nothing can justify the loss of life. It was during the heydays of hooliganism and it's important we never forget our past so we can learn from it.

On a related note, it saddens me that no one talks about Heysel or even Hillsborough anymore. I fear that there will come a day when both will be forgotten despite our pledge to never forget.

- Gone but never forgotten -

Despite our lack of success in the league, we are still the 7th most valuable football brand in the world.

http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1463723?&cc=4716

The signings of Toure and Aspas whilst not exactly headline news, will add depth to the team.

So far this season Aspas has registered a 12% shot conversion ratio, 4% shy of Suarez at 16%. Our team average is 14%. To be fair he is playing for a relegation team and chances may not be as clear cut for him.

I never realised this but Pepe has actually featured for Barcelona against us. This was back in the 2001 UEFA Cup Semi-Final in which we beat Barca 1-0 at Anfield.

I really do hope Carra returns in a coaching capacity.

http://www.thisisanfield.com/2013/05/coach...ne-of-the-best/

Spanish paper Marca who is pretty reliable reports that the Suarez deal is about done.

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/317464/?

They're triggering his release clause so despite what the Chris said about it being in the hands of FSG, it really isn't. Fact is that Suarez has been quoted as saying he's sick of the English press and that he's interested in joining Real Madrid, for a significant pay rise as well. I am saddened to hear this but England hasn't exactly been kind to one of today's most talented players.

Bellamy's infamous golf swing at Riise revealed. Didnt know Dudek got himself arrested on the very same night.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/new...lf-club-1922686?

Yup I read the Daily Mail as well and he's distanced himself from Marca.

You are suggesting a conspiracy against the club. Much as I am a fan, I'd like to see hard evidence that the media don't want us to win another title.

I think the media in general can be brutal simply because sympathetic articles don't sell as well as controversial or provocative ones. The problem with the English press is their preferred treatment of English players. It makes them hypocrites.