Liverpool FC Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread 2012/13

mayordenis

murpho999 wrote: »

I think it's all rubbish myself, higher centre of gravity!

That really isn't up for dispute, I suppose it's the fulcrum effect or maybe gravity one of those sciency things.

But do you ever wonder why it's all those untackle-able feckers like Maradona and Messi are basically midgets?

Also you have to consider that the truth is it's easy for taller people to get into sports. I'm sure everyone here who went to school in Ireland was familiar with all the tall guys getting on all the teams regardless of how many left legs they have.

klose

Perfect weather and the pitch looks great, perfectr for a game of ball. Gonna try watch some u21/reserve action this season too now as I got a subscription to lfc.


Ice cream truck noises in the background now :pac:

Sappy404

@ JimmyRiceWriter

Got some news relating to a current #LFC player on http://Liverpoolfc.com in the next 10 minutes.

Mr Alan

Sappy404 wrote: »

@ JimmyRiceWriter

New contract for Agger please

Chucky the tree

murpho999 wrote: »

I think it's all rubbish myself, higher centre of gravity!

lol, is this based on plenty of scientific research you have done on the subject?

Sappy404

Mr Alan wrote: »

New contract for Agger please

Likely Skrtel.

Edit: Yup.

Martin Skrtel today committed his future to Liverpool by signing a new long-term contract - and immediately declared his ambition to become an Anfield legend.

opr

Rumours yesterday Skrtel contract would be announced today.

Opr

Luckycharms_74

Boston Red Sox v Liverpool FC

http://tomkinstimes.com/2012/08/boston-red-sox-v-liverpool-fc/

Boston Red Sox v Liverpool FC

By Simon Steers.

One of the unique selling points for Fenway Sports Group when they talk about a desire to ‘win trophies’ and get Liverpool back to where it belongs is that they have done it before with the Boston Red Sox.

There have been a lot of similarities drawn between the situation at the Red Sox when FSG took over and Liverpool.

The methodology and blueprint that FSG have used at the Red Sox can give us some insight into how the Liverpool journey may unfold. Whilst baseball is a very different sport to football, there are some business and sporting principles that can be integrated across sports.

I thought it would be interesting to look at the Red Sox journey under FSG and try and draw some parallels with how that might influence the direction of Liverpool. To help me understand and assess that journey, I have asked two Red Sox fans to give a view as to how successful FSG have been at the Red Sox – one of those is a Fulham fan as well, to give an ‘impartial’ view of the FSG model.

Background

Having recently celebrated 100 years at their famous home ‘FenwayPark’, the Boston Red Sox are one of the oldest baseball franchises in the US. The Red Sox have a rich heritage, but before the arrival of FSG had a reputation as ‘always the bridesmaid but never the bride’, fuelled by the failure to win a World Series since 1918.

NESV (New England Sports Ventures), fronted up by John Henry, arrived at the Red Sox in 2002, acquiring the franchise for around $600m in a deal that also included NESN (the real money maker in the FSG portfolio, generating around a billion dollars profits a year), Fenway Park itself and some other minor stuff. There was some initial controversy over the sale around a long standing relationship the previous owners – the Yawkey family – had with a Boston cancer charity ‘The Jimmy Fund’.

These issues were resolved quickly as Henry and co set up the Red Sox foundation (see later in article) which has kept the relationship between the Red Sox and the Jimmy Fund strong – with over $10m in donations and fundraising over the past four years alone.

The reaction to the new owners was initially one of caution and distrust recalls Russ Goldman, a lifelong Sox fan

“I think many Red Sox fans were very sceptical of John Henry and his partners. This group was not from Boston, and I think that bothered many fans. I feel Bostonians wanted owners that knew the history and the passion of the club.”

NESV were very clear from the outset that they wanted the Red Sox to win the World Series and to be competitive right at the top of the sport. But they were also pragmatic enough to recognise that the spending power of the Yankees meant that they would have to follow a different journey – one where money was invested wisely, and where a focus on youth and development would have to be the foundation of the blueprint.

Methodology

The Red Sox, when NESV acquired them, were a franchise with a great heritage and fanatical support. They were playing in a ball park that was steeped in history, but wasn’t fit for purpose in a modern game. They were also a distance behind the Yankees in terms of revenue and ability to compete financially.

With Henry and Werner at the helm the blueprint developed into three key areas which can probably be categorised as:

- Sporting

The Red Sox approach to the game is again nicely summed up by Russ:

“The blueprint I believe is a hybrid of moneyball that is based on statistical analysis to get the team built in a certain manner, and actually play a certain way.”

One of the qualities that NESV brought into the Red Sox was a strategic view and approach – everything was about planning for long term success. There was also a pragmatism that recognised innovation was going to be critical to beating the Yankees – so once a certain Billy Beane starting making waves over at the Oakland A’s it naturally attracted the attention of Henry. The Moneyball theory has a number of facets, but at its heart is excellent scouting and sourcing value, with a strong emphasis on statistical and data analysis to match player qualities with the requirements of the team.

But Moneyball can only get you so far. Matt Lyke, another lifelong Red Sox fan observes:

“Overall they have done a good job of buying established well known players as well as developing unknown talents in the farm system. The teams that won the World Series in 04 and 07 were a mix of big money free agents/trades and home grown talents.”

The ‘farm’ or ‘academy’ system is something that is absolutely critical to the success of the blueprint at the Red Sox. The development of youth has played a huge role in the two World Series wins under FSG’s ownership. The model that FSG have used at the Red Sox is a hybrid of developing youth with investment in established players.

Russ points out that “The Red Sox do spend a tremendous amount of money, and are just behind the Yankees in payroll.” So there is a real financial commitment from the owners – where the profits that the franchise makes are reinvested back into the team.

One of the things that the owners have also demonstrated at the Red Sox is that they are not afraid to make risky or unpopular decisions. In the first year they were at the Red Sox they installed Theo Epstein as GM – at 28 years old. The sacking of Terry Francona in 2011 is clear evidence that they will take unpopular decisions if they feel it is in the long term interests of the team.

Another important area of the approach FSG took at the Red Sox is also summarised by Russ: “The owners certainly know how to delegate and surround themselves with the best people in sports.” This is a critical point – listening to experts is the only way that you will make the right decisions to see success on the field.

- Commercial

One of the things that NESV recognised at an early stage is the potential of the Red Sox to increase its revenue streams. This is the key strength of Henry and Werner – and both bring a great deal of business and media acumen to the table. Increasing revenue is the key to competing.

The commercial side of sport doesn’t always sit easy for supporters – as Russ notes:

“I don’t like everything they do as they market everything under the sun with the Red Sox logo on it. But, they do put it back into the team, so I try to look over all the ads at Fenway Park along with the other ideas they have come up with to build up the Red Sox brand.”

But the key point is that increasing commercial income can increase the team’s ability to compete. FSG have done an excellent job of leveraging the Red Sox ‘brand’ (like I say – the commercial side doesn’t always ‘sit easy’) – and they now sit second behind the Yankees in terms of the revenue they generate ($272m).

One of the methods that FSG have used successfully at the Red Sox is to work with subsidiary sponsors. The Red Sox have a staggering 95 commercial partners – all of whom contribute to the bottom line. Whilst baseball is a huge sport in the US, it doesn’t have the global footprint of football, so leveraging revenue from sponsorships has been a big part of the Red Sox approach.

Another area where FSG have added value to the Red Sox brand is through digital and media. Werner has a strong background in this area, and FSG’s ownership of NESN has enabled them to use this channel to take the Red Sox ‘product to market’.

- The ball park

One of NESV’s biggest challenges on acquiring the Red Sox was Fenway Park. Many observers felt that a new ball park was the only long term solution – but FSG took a different view.

Russ sums up the Red Sox stadium issue as:

“Before NESV became owners, the Red Sox were in discussions regarding building a new ballpark. If I can remember correctly it was after a few seasons of ownership when they made it known that The Red Sox would be staying at Fenway Park. I was actually against this, and wanted them to build a new ballpark. I haven’t changed my stance on this at all. However, to their credit they have done a wonderful job with the re-development of Fenway. The Park is now 100 years old, and FSG have done what they can to modernize it.“

But instead of building a new ball park, $285m has been spent on re-developing Fenway Park, the spiritual home of the Red Sox. This has included installing extra seats and a complete renovation of a ball park that was in decay. In 2011, team president Larry Lucchino announced that after ten years of investment, the renovations were complete.

The approach that the owners look to have taken was to assess all options before making a decision. The renovation of Fenway was a decision that will have been weighed up against the economic challenges of building a new ball park.

Whilst prices have gone up at Fenway, the game day experience has been improved by the renovations to the ball park.

The comparisons with Liverpool FC

One of the most important comparisons to make is the cultures between Liverpool and the Red Sox. Russ gives a fantastic insight into this:

“The culture is a crazy passionate fan-base that is very similar to Liverpool. Many fans analyze and dissect almost every move the team makes. The fans are extremely knowledgeable about the team and the game. It is a place that a player should want to come to because the fans care. They will let you know when you have done well, and when you have not. The players have to take the good and the bad if they want to play in Boston. Many players that leave Boston often miss it a great deal, and the fans have so much to do with it I feel.”

Both Boston and Liverpool are port cities, and sport is a key part of the identity of both cultures. As Russ points out, there are real similarities between the supporters, which should act as a good foundation for FSG at Liverpool, having been through similar scepticism in the early days at the Red Sox.

In terms of the methodology that FSG used at the Red Sox – the ‘blueprint’ – there are obvious similarities that jump out. Indeed Henry himself noted “A number of parallels emerged with the situation that existed in Boston when we arrived.”

The obvious similarities are the stadium and commercial opportunities at Liverpool. Whilst the Red Sox are a cherished institution in the US, they do not have the global footprint or opportunity that Liverpool presents. The commercial potential at Liverpool is enormous – but it also has constraints with TV rights being a barrier to fully realising the club’s potential.

The Liverpool ‘blueprint’ has undoubtedly been influenced by the approach that FSG took at the Red Sox. The appointment of Comolli in a ‘GM’ type role had a similar feel to the appointment of Epstein at the Red Sox.

But as Henry points out when he says “Choosing players in any sport is an imperfect science. We certainly have been guilty of overspending on some players and that can be tied to an analytical approach that hasn’t worked well enough”, the Moneyball theory is a more difficult concept to apply in football.

My view is that when FSG came into Liverpool, the belief was that the model that they have used so successfully in Boston could be applied directly to football. But football is a very different game, with different dynamics, and it has become clear that whilst there are sporting parallels between Liverpool and the Red Sox, the ‘blueprint’ needs tweaking if it is going to work in football.

Some of the principles remain the same – such as a focus on the academy, development of youth and investing big money in the right players. The structure at the club has also moved away from the baseball ‘GM’ model as things stand – although there may still be a longer term role for a ‘Sporting Director’ that will bring Liverpool’s ideology closer to the Red Sox.

Whilst it is disappointing that Pep Segura is leaving the club, there is a commitment from the owners that the club will progress towards a continental structure. I think they are giving Rodgers some time before making the long term structural decisions that will provide continuity.

As Russ pointed out, FSG have historically surrounded themselves with experts to help inform decision-making; and it is reported that FSG were advised by both David Dein and Johan Cryuff when reviewing the Liverpool structure, both of whom were at the heart of restructuring Arsenal and Barcelona; clubs that have robust, sustainable models that can influence long-term success.

The biggest elephant in the room for Liverpool at the moment is the stadium. And it is clear that FSG are keen on taking an almost identical route to the Red Sox with a redevelopment of Anfield the favoured option. But as with the Red Sox, they will not be rushed into a decision that will require huge investment. There are also political complexities to be overcome, and a process that requires support from Anfield residents.

By looking at the approach FSG took with the renovation of FenwayPark, you can perhaps begin to see how they may approach the issue of redevelopment at Anfield. I think they will add additional capacity and upgrade the facilities over a period of time – so it could be that the ‘stadium solution’ is a gradual process – the same as the renovation of Fenway Park.

On the commercial side we are seeing a number of new partnerships – Warrior, Chevrolet and other smaller deals. The Fox documentary is a mechanism for taking the Liverpool brand’ to market. The appointment of Billy Hogan will give Liverpool the expertise and insight as to how the Red Sox have grown revenues, and with Ayre’s understanding of the Asian market and Chang’s understanding of digital and media, this is a team well equipped to leverage our global footprint.

On the pitch FSG have recognised that the ‘blueprint’ has to be tweaked – but off it the journeyLiverpool are following looks to be very similar to that of the Red Sox.

The Red Sox and Liverpool foundations

Another important initiative that FSG take seriously in Boston is the Red Sox foundation; the RSF is a charity and community programme that was set up in 2002 once FSG acquired the Red Sox. Henry’s wife, Linda Pizzuti, is a Director of the RSF.

On arrival in Liverpool, FSG also created the Liverpool foundation, which has a very similar structure to the Red Sox foundation. Linda Pizzuti is a Trustee and has been heavily involved in its development. Recently Liverpool has appointed a Foundation Director to take this work forward, and in Liverpool’s recent trip to Boston there were some joint initiatives where Liverpool had the opportunity to get involved in local communities.

The Red Sox and Liverpool foundations are an important part of retaining the identity of both institutions. And it is encouraging to see that the Red Sox foundation has been made a real difference in Boston since its inauguration.

What the future may hold

Nobody can see what the future holds for FSG’s ownership of Liverpool, but if you look closely at how they have managed the Red Sox, the signs are promising.

FSG may well be at both the Red Sox and Liverpool for a financial return, but they are not afraid of the long-term. They have been in Boston for ten years already, during which time their $600m investment has increased to a $912m valuation (Forbes). This has been based on a model of self-sufficiency, solid business acumen – but most importantly – sporting success.

In recent interviews Werner has confirmed that FSG are at Liverpool for the “long haul” with Henry stating that the are “just getting started”.

Although the Red Sox are currently going through a turbulent period, the majority of FSG’s ownership has been a success, cemented by two World Series titles. The current issues at the Red Sox are a direct result of the owners taking action after a season where the team failed to perform. As Russ says

“Lately, it has been about how they have spent their money that has been an issue.”

Owning two sports institutions the size of Liverpool and the Red Sox is a challenge – and the owners are reliant on the teams that run both organisations to perform. The owners do take a hand’s on approach when needed – and employees are left in no doubt that they expect high standards. They will back you with whatever resources they can leverage from the business – but they expect results.

There has been some noise in the Boston media lately about FSG’s interests in Liverpool. The key point with FSG’s interests in the Red Sox and Liverpool is that there are more opportunities than risks. FSG do take an active interest in both – but they also rely on the people they employ to manage day to day operations.

The commercial opportunities provide access to two passionate sets of fans – taking the Red Sox product worldwide through the Liverpool fan base, and taking Liverpool into the US market. This can translate itself into revenue that can be re-invested onto the pitch. I don’t think it is a case of the owners having more of an interest in Liverpool or Boston – they want the very best for both.

Whilst there are ‘sporting’ issues in Boston at the moment; the foundations are in place for success. Liverpool is trying to build those same foundations – so that will translate itself into time and resources being diverted towards that goal. That is against the backdrop of trying to understand a different sport and culture.

Liverpool’s recent trip to Boston was an opportunity for both the Red Sox and Liverpool FC to start building a relationship that can provide long term benefit to both organisations.

Essentially, what FSG do well is to build a sports franchise (forgive the phrase!) business from the bottom up, increasing revenue and driving growth to invest back into the product ‘on the pitch’. They aim for the top on the business side – and expect that to translate into winning on the sporting side.

FSG do not on the face of it look to be in the business of sport just for a big return – as two World Series titles with the Red Sox demonstrate. They are competitive, and they want to win. As Russ sums up:

“In the end they are great owners because it is about winning, and they have done that. I have always said that Liverpool will win the EPL soon, and the Champions League because FSG will not stand for anything less.”

There will always be short-term decisions that do not sit well with supporters, such as managers or players leaving the club. But the judgement on FSG will come not now, but in 5-10 years when they have realised the vision they have for Liverpool.

If they can translate the success the have had in Boston into football, then Liverpool are in good hands. It maybe a big ‘if’ – and the decisions they make will always rightly be scrutinised – but they have shown at the Red Sox the ambition, investment, and methodology is there. The trick is getting it to work for Liverpool.

The logical conclusion to this piece is to put the question to Liverpool’s new commercial director, Billy Hogan, on how FSG’s experience at the Red Sox might influence Liverpool’s journey. Billy said.

“We are focused on significant commercial growth over the next several seasons. We know that driving increased revenues will allow ownership to invest in the football side. Ownership has shown a willingness to invest in players – in both Boston and Liverpool, and our job is to generate income to help that process.

While there are a number of similarities between the Red Sox and Liverpool, one significant difference at Liverpool is that we control our rights globally – the Red Sox don’t control their club rights/marks outside of New England, those rights are held by Major League Baseball. The Liverpool fanbase is global in nature and our commercial business will be as well. We are intent on establishing partnerships on a worldwide basis, for example our two newest club partnerships with Chevy & Garuda show the global appeal of an association with LFC. Another example of our growth globally is our recently opened online store for China serving our fans in China, Macau and Taiwan. ”

Big thanks to Russ Goldman and Matthew Lyke for the contributions to this article. Russ is a lifelong Red Sox fan who lives in the Boston area and has supported them for over 40 years. Russ is also a Fulham fan. Mike is a lifelong Red Sox and Liverpool fan.

Also thanks to Jen Chang and Billy Hogan for providing an LFC perspective.

Super-Rush

Martin Skrtel today committed his future to Liverpool by signing a new long-term contract - and immediately declared his ambition to become an Anfield legend.

The 27-year-old - voted our Player of the Season last term - put his signature next to that of managing director Ian Ayre at Melwood following today's training session.

He then told Liverpoolfc.com that signing a new deal at Anfield was his first priority this summer.
"I'm happy because I am a part of one of the biggest clubs in the world," said Skrtel.

"After last season there was a lot of talk about my future but I have to say that the first priority for me was always to sign a new deal with Liverpool.

"For me it's a great thing to play for Liverpool. I am proud to play for Liverpool with these great players - probably some of the best players in the world.

"I hope I can create history at this club and that the fans will always remember me - that's my target for the future."

Skrtel was signed from Zenit in January 2008 and has made 175 appearances for the Reds to date.

He and his family are happy with their life away from the pitch, and the Slovakia international is confident new boss Brendan Rodgers can ensure he stays equally content with matters on it.

"I have been here almost four and a half years and I have enjoyed that time here - myself and also my family," said Skrtel. "So there were no questions about whether to stay or to leave.



"A lot of things have changed, a new manager has come. I think we can start to make history and I want to be a part of that history.

"We have our target. For this season it is the top four and I hope we can do it. Then we will see.

"I think Brendan Rodgers showed his quality with Swansea and now he's carrying on doing that at Liverpool. He's showed he's a great manager and I hope we can play better football than we did in the last seasons and I hope we can get our target."

Skrtel has established himself as one of the Barclays Premier League's top defenders over the past two seasons and helped Liverpool record the third best defensive record in the division during 2011-12 despite the eighth placed finish.

He added: "You can always play better.

"I can say the last two seasons were really good for me - probably the best two seasons of my career. If I can repeat the performances of the last two years this season I can be happy."

Source.

murpho999

Chucky the tree wrote: »

lol, is this based on plenty of scientific research you have done on the subject?

Most definitely, by watching big footballers with a good touch!

Dont be at yourself

Luckycharms_74 wrote: »

Lads how good is Ngoo ?
I read some other articles where they say he has a super touch for such a big man & is a beast for defenders to handle. Could he make the breakthrough in the next year or so ??

Edit: Link needed as well OPR

I hear he's almost as good as Mellor and Nemeth.

Leiva

Skittles just signed a long term contract

Chucky the tree

murpho999 wrote: »

Most definitely, by watching big footballers with a good touch!

:pac:

murpho999

Good news about Skrtel, hopefully to be followed by Agger.

This could be our week!

klose

Rodolfo not happy atall with the performance today, especially 2nd half.

Also good news with marty signing a new contract, hopefully agger is next.

opr

Reserve game finished 1-1. Dominated the game, missed loads of chances and Wolves scored with a half chance having created next to nothing prior to scoring. This club has a ****ing curse on it.

Opr

super_furry

Just need better strikers. Someone to actually put the ball in the net - it's why I hope Dempsey signs.

Leiva

I didn't know Skrtel and Agger wanted out under Kenny ??

@Richard_Buxton_: Shows how much the landscape has changed at #LFC that Skrtel & Daniel Agger no longer want to leave as was the case under Dalglish

opr

Do I remember someone on the thread saying these were fairly reliable?

LFC Globe ‏@LFCGlobe
#LFC have also contacted Suso's agent regarding a new long term contract.

Opr

murpho999

Leiva wrote: »

I didn't know Skrtel and Agger wanted out under Kenny ??

How can this be when Rodgers is manager, structure is all wrong and owners have no idea what they are doing?

BorneTobyWilde

murpho999 wrote: »

Good news about Skrtel, hopefully to be followed by Agger.

This could be our week!

Our year to our week in the space of a couple of days

Grayditch

BorneTobyWilde wrote: »

Our year to our week in the space of a couple of days

Leiva

opr wrote: »

Do I remember someone on the thread saying these were fairly reliable?



Opr

Now that would cheer me up.

delw

Agger as well,hopefully

LFC Globe ‏@LFCGlobe
The Mirror says Daniel Agger has been offered a new contract.

LuckyLloyd

mayordenis wrote: »

That really isn't up for dispute, I suppose it's the fulcrum effect or maybe gravity one of those sciency things.

But do you ever wonder why it's all those untackle-able feckers like Maradona and Messi are basically midgets?

Also you have to consider that the truth is it's easy for taller people to get into sports. I'm sure everyone here who went to school in Ireland was familiar with all the tall guys getting on all the teams regardless of how many left legs they have.

Small Man Syndrome ITT

opr

Alright Rory? Now that Seguera has quit Anfield, what is the structure at Liverpool? I know we have recruited 2 guys from Man City (currently on gardening leave) but who is BR consulting on transfers during the current window? Is that why he has not been given much money?
Monday August 20, 2012 13:23

Rory Smith:
First up, H, the loss of Segura is a troubling development. I know Pep a bit, and he was the sort of man whose very presence was reassuring. I also know that FSG really liked him, so that he's felt the need to walk suggests something's not quite right. The structure appears to be the traditional one: Ayre, Rodgers and then scouts answering to the manager. That's fine. But in April and May FSG were absolutely determined to introduce a newer structure to ensure the club had a degree of continuity. Rodgers, presumably, made them change their mind. That's their right, but it doesn't suggest there's a fixed, long-term plan.

From a webchat today.

Opr

Great to hear Skittles has signed. Good to be holding onto our better players.

Leiva

opr wrote: »

From a webchat today.

Opr

There is nothing to suggest otherwise but I hope Borrell doesn't follow suit.

Knex*

Sorry lads, was away for the weekend so apart from watching the match haven't been able to keep up to date.

When was it announced that Segura quit?

Mocha Joe

mayordenis wrote: »

That really isn't up for dispute, I suppose it's the fulcrum effect or maybe gravity one of those sciency things.

But do you ever wonder why it's all those untackle-able feckers like Maradona and Messi are basically midgets?

Also you have to consider that the truth is it's easy for taller people to get into sports. I'm sure everyone here who went to school in Ireland was familiar with all the tall guys getting on all the teams regardless of how many left legs they have.

I hear you bro. An Iniesta type player like me slipped through the net in favour of players who are big and can only toe-bog the ball.

mayordenis

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

Small Man Syndrome ITT

Nail on the head.

Sappy404

Knex. wrote: »

Sorry lads, was away for the weekend so apart from watching the match haven't been able to keep up to date.

When was it announced that Segura quit?

News broke on Fri. I think it was confirmed yesterday.

opr

Knex. wrote: »

Sorry lads, was away for the weekend so apart from watching the match haven't been able to keep up to date.

When was it announced that Segura quit?

Barret tweeted before the game on Saturday he had left as he expected a new more senior role within the new setup which the owners have shelves for Rodgers. Liverpoolecho had a story about it yesterday.

Opr

Vanolder

Which striker are we signing ??

Sappy404

Vanolder wrote: »

Which striker are we signing ??

*checks leaves at bottom of cup*

Hmmm... I don't know.

Turtyturd

Vanolder wrote: »

Which striker are we signing ??

L'nobody.

Luckycharms_74

It seems we are looking at getting in three players.

@jeremy_LFC: Liverpool are actively in the market, trying to get three players in. Last summer hasn't helped re:asking price, & players turning club down

Colemania

Anyone know why McLaughlin, Robinson, Eccleston and Suso didn't play today and if there any other reserve players that didn't play? Just wondering if any of them will be involved against Hearts on Thursday. Is McLaughlin still injured? I think Suso said he was in Spain too on a mini holiday, no idea why he would go on a mini break as soon as the season starts

Super-Rush

Again Suso is suspened.

Dub13

The Irish Independent used our banner on Sat.

CantGetNoSleep

Colemania wrote: »

Anyone know why McLaughlin, Robinson, Eccleston and Suso didn't play today and if there any other reserve players that didn't play? Just wondering if any of them will be involved against Hearts on Thursday. Is McLaughlin still injured? I think Suso said he was in Spain too on a mini holiday, no idea why he would go on a mini break as soon as the season starts

Maybe he wants to swap mid-table in England for mid-table in Spain?

G.K.

I thought he had an international game?

D'Agger

G.K. wrote: »

I thought he had an international game?

He did, he's away with his underage national side.

MacLaughlin was due to be involved with the N.Irish side for their friendly last week, but was injured I believe so didn't play and is probably still resting I'd imagine.

Not sure about Ecclestone

djPSB

Keeping Suarez, Lucas, Skrtel, Agger and Reina will mark a successful transfer window in itself.

Saturday's loss could be a blessing in the skies, good that our weaknesses were shown up before the window closes.

Lawrence1895

djPSB wrote: »

Keeping Suarez, Lucas, Skrtel, Agger and Reina will mark a successful transfer window in itself.

Saturday's loss could be a blessing in the skies, good that our weaknesses were shown up before the window closes.

Years ago, it was a success, to add strength to the squad, now we can be happy enough to keep our key players. Times have changed...

djPSB

Lars1916 wrote: »

djPSB wrote: »

Keeping Suarez, Lucas, Skrtel, Agger and Reina will mark a successful transfer window in itself.

Saturday's loss could be a blessing in the skies, good that our weaknesses were shown up before the window closes.

Years ago, it was a success, to add strength to the squad, now we can be happy enough to keep our key players. Times have changed...

People under rate the fact that we have kept our top players who would be very hard to replace.

We found it very hard to replace Xabi, Masch, Torres among others.

Turtyturd

djPSB wrote: »

Keeping Suarez, Lucas, Skrtel, Agger and Reina will mark a successful transfer window in itself.

Saturday's loss could be a blessing in the skies, good that our weaknesses were shown up before the window closes.

Duncan Jenkins?

Lawrence1895

djPSB wrote: »

People under rate the fact that we have kept our top player who would be very hard to replace.

We found it very hard to replace Xabi, Masch, Torres among others.

I still can't understand, why Hamann left

CL7

djPSB wrote: »

Keeping Suarez, Lucas, Skrtel, Agger and Reina will mark a successful transfer window in itself.

Ah Jesus, it won't. FSG would want to get their head out of their arses and give Rodgers the money for a striker that can actually score.

You said as much in the rest of your post but we need to sign 2-3 decent players before the window ends or else it's going to be a long depressing season.

D'Agger

CL7 wrote: »

Ah Jesus, it won't. FSG would want to get their head out of their arses and give Rodgers the money for a striker that can actually score.

You said as much in the rest of your post but we need to sign 2-3 decent players before the window ends or else it's going to be a long depressing season.

I think the problem is that when FSG stumped up the cash we spent it poorly and didn't bring in a striker who can fill the position we so desperately need to fill.

I think Andy Carroll is a good player, young and will become a better player, but we needed a player of Torres quality when we spent the money we did and we failed to do so imo