Thursday, March 31, 2005

Cisse is back!



Mar 31 2005
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

DJIBRIL CISSE is on course for a spectacular comeback for the last few weeks of the season.

The French striker's dramatic recovery from an horrific broken leg is well ahead of schedule, according to manager Rafa Benitez.

And the Anfield boss says he now expects to have Cisse (right) available for the crucial Premiership climax.

Cisse's early return is staggering, but Benitez says it's the hard work and attitude of the club record signing which has inspired him to defy initial medical bulletins.

The 23-year-old has even made staggering progress within the last week, returning to senior training to force himself into contention for a shock first team recall.

Benitez today praised the £14m striker's determination to play again in a campaign written off when he was badly injured against Blackburn last October.

"Cisse is now training again with the team. He is doing all the warm-ups and he's kicking the ball again," said Benitez.

"I'm very happy with him. He's running well and doing a lot of hard work with the physios with the ball. Yesterday, he completed a full warm-up.

"After talking with my assistant Paco Ayesteran, who controls the fitness coaching, we no longer believe it's impossible he'll play this season.

"We have to listen carefully to the doctors. We know how much Cisse wants to play, but they will decide for us. But because there are still two months of the season left, we think there is enough time for him."

Cisse optimistically suggested a week ago he thought he could play this season, but only in the final match.

Benitez initially believed it was more sensible to preserve the forward in order to protect him for the start of next season.

But following the latest staggering developments, the Liverpool boss is now ready to reward Cisse for his efforts.

"Djibril is a very positive person and this is why his recovery has been so good," explained Benitez.

"Whenever we talked to him, he was always joking and talking about playing again soon. He was determined to come back and play and this has helped him get better."

Cisse is the latest in a series of long overdue positive injury stories for the club.

Fernando Morientes is now more likely than not to face Bolton on Saturday, while Djimi Traore and Steve Warnock are also in contention for the weekend.

Xabi Alonso is a matter of days away from a return to full training as Benitez's options start to extend ahead of a vital climax to the season.

* Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland says he'll be back before the end of the campaign, having returned to training following back surgery.

Sunday, March 27, 2005

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT AS LEGENDS TURN ON THE STYLE



Steve Hunter at Anfield 27 March 2005 - http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N148285050327-1920.htm

Entertainment was the name of the game as Reds heroes like Dalglish, Fowler, Rush and Molby turned back the years to raise a great deal of money for the Tsunami Soccer Aid appeal at Anfield.

A Liverpool legends side beat a Celebrities XI 6-2 and thoroughly entertained a massive crowd of 39,000 at Anfield. For Steve Fletcher, Jason McAteer, David Johnson and Dave Lockwood it was the realisation of their dream come true to stage this match and raise much needed funds for the Tsunami appeal, Save The Children UK and Merlin.

Liverpool Football Club and Chief Executive Rick Parry were only too happy to stage this match and the fans turned out in their thousands to witness what could possible be the last time that all these Reds legends turned out on the hallowed Anfield turf for a match.

The names just rolled off the tongue and it was truly a magical occasion. The celebrities were great value too and it made for a great game of competitive football. There were goals galore, laughs and jokes were exchanged and the crowd just loved it.

Welsh opera singer Catherine Jenkins led the crowd in an emotional 'You'll Never Walk Alone' before kick-off and Liz McClarnon from Atomic Kitten also enjoyed a sing-a-long with the Kop.

With Roy Evans away on international duty with Wales it was left to Kenny Dalglish to take on the mantle of player-manager once again with Ronnie Moran as his loyal and truly capable assistant.

One of the prime organisers Jason McAteer was given special permission by Tranmere Rovers manager Brian Little to play 15 minutes and captaining the Liverpool team he scored twice before leaving the field. The first was a terrific finish after a great one-two with Robbie Fowler.

Fowler thought he had scored the third goal but the final touch actually came off comic actor Patrick McGuinness, who plays bouncer Paddy in Phoenix Nights with Peter Kay.

The Celebrities, managed by Southampton boss Harry Redknapp, then got back into the game through Harvey from So Solid Crew. Now Harvey, a massive Liverpool fan, had an ambition to score a goal at the Kop end and he truly obliged when he set off like an olympic sprinter before beating Bruce Grobbelaar at his near post.

John Aldridge was denied a goal by a brilliant save from his former Tranmere Rovers team-mate Eric Nixon before Ian Rush made it 4-1 with a fantastic left footed strike.

Into the second half Radio City competition winner Alan Farley got his dream of playing at Anfield and captained the Reds side at left back.

Steve Fletcher, who had the original idea to stage this event, achieved an ambition by scoring at his beloved Anfield to make it 4-2. Brian McFadden set him clear and his chipped finish past Sander Westerveld was majestic.

Then a truly special moment happened. Last year David Johnson suffered a heart attack and had open heart surgery. Now he is fighting fit again and he had a dream of playing at Anfield again and scoring at the Kop. It arrived with a diving header from Jan Molby's pinpoint cross.

Then the biggest cheer of the day arrived and it nearly blew the Anfield roof off as 'King' Kenny decided to bring himself on. Straight away Dalglish showed us he still has the touch and class plus the eye for a pass. One such through ball put Ian Rush away who was denied by Reds keeper Paul Harrison, then from the rebound Fowler struck a superb curling shot against the post.

Now John Aldridge last scored at Anfield in front of a packed Kop on his farewell match in 1989 in the 9-0 rout against Crystal Palace. He relived that moment again from a superb Dalglish through ball and predator Aldo trademark finish for 6-2.

Try as he might Kop hero Robbie Fowler just couldn't score a goal and he had so many near misses, as did Aldridge.

In the end the scoreline didn't matter but the real reason why we love Liverpool FC so much was summed up in 90 minutes on an Easter Sunday in 2005. Football is all about entertainment and this was entertainment of the highest order. To get 39,000 fans packed into Anfield and a singing Kop to mark the day was just fantastic.

It was quite an emotional occasion too as there were LFC legends everywhere you looked around Anfield with some working behind the scenes in the lounges. One of Bill Shankly's greats Ian St John, commentating for Liverpoolfc.tv remembered Emlyn Hughes and said his memory will live on forever with Liverpool FC and how he would have loved to have been here today. The Saint also passed on the LFC legends thoughts to wish Anfield legend Ray Clemence a speedy recovery from his illness.

The displays from Molby, Fowler, Dalglish, Rush, Aldridge, Barnes and Alan Kennedy to name but seven was class. A Robbie Fowler goal would have been the icing on the cake but it just wasn't to be on the day no matter how many times he tried. The reception Fowler, Dalglish and the legends got from the Kop told it's own story.

The Celebrities showed they have some good players too. Ralf Little from the Royle Family had an excellent game as did England cricket captain Michael Vaughan. DJ Spoony and Harvey also showed they are more than capable footballers.

The real winner was the Tsunami Soccer Aid appeal and for all that were present at Anfield it was truly special.

Liverpool legends: Bruce Grobbelaar, Phil Neal, Alan Kennedy, Jason McAteer, Phil Thompson, Alan Hansen, Kenny Dalglish, John Aldridge, Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, John Barnes, Ronnie Whelan, Jan Molby, Sander Westerveld, David Johnson, Gary Ablett, Gary Gillespie, Paul Walsh and competition winner Alan Farley Didn't play, David Fairclough, Steve McManaman.

Celebrities managed by Harry Redknapp: Eric Nixon, Paul Harrison (LFC), Patrick McGuinness (Paddy from Max and Paddy and Phoenix Nights), Ralf Little (The Royle Family and LFC fan), Michael Vaughan (England cricket captain), Nicky Byrne (Westlife), Brian McFadden (solo artist), John Regis (former Olympic sprinter), Amir Khan (Olympic boxer), Harvey (So Solid Crew and LFC fan), DJ Spoony (DJ and LFC fan), Tim Lovejoy (Soccer AM), NiallQuinn (Ex-footballer), Paul Salt (Radio City newsdesk and LFC fan), James Redmond (Casualty), Shane Ritchie (Alfiein East Enders), Marcus Patrick (Hollyoaks), Perry Fenwick (Billy from East Enders), Sergio Pizzorno (from rock band Kasabian), Steve Fletcher (Ex Brookside and LFC fan), Ian Broudie (Lightning Seeds front man and LFC fan), Danny Jones (from pop band McFly).

Thursday, March 24, 2005

WATCH REDS HEROES ON SOCCER AID



Steve Hunter 24 March 2005

Legends of Liverpool's past are getting ready to play at Anfield again in Sunday's Tsunami Soccer Aid match and in our exclusive free video clip we speak to a whole host of LFC greats.
A Liverpool legends team will take on a Celebrities team at Anfield on Easter Sunday to raise funds for the Tsunami Soccer Aid Appeal. It was set up by Liverpool fan and former Brookside actor Steve Fletcher and Reds legend David Johnson. Together they teamed up with former Red Jason McAteer and his agent Dave Lockwood and Soccer Aid was formed.

David Johnson approached Liverpool's Chief Executive Rick Parry who was only too happy to stage the game at Anfield.

A whole host of Anfield legends including Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Jan Molby, Robbie Fowler, Alan Kennedy, Phil Neal, John Aldridge and Ronnie Whelan will all be on show at Anfield on Sunday.

In our free video clip featured are interviews with John Aldridge, Alan Kennedy, Ronnie Whelan, David Johnson and Jason McAteer as they look forward to Sunday's match.

FREE VIDEO: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/preview/preview_tsunami_buildup_270305_medium.asx

Link: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N148261050324-1545.htm

Legends happy to play support role



Mar 24 2005
By Rob Brady, Liverpool Echo

FORMER Kop favourites Phil Neal and Ronnie Whelan are all too aware of the continuing need to help survivors of the Asian tsunami.

The pair took part in a recent charity game in Indonesia a fortnight ago.

On Sunday they return to their spiritual home of Anfield for a fundraising match organised by Tranmere skipper Jason McAteer.

"The disaster touched everybody's conscience and I was fortunate to go with Ronnie and David Fairclough to Jakarta for a fundraising game," explained Neal.

"It feels good to have gone those thousands of miles to help the people out there. The game was a mix of English, Irish and South American players. To be captained by Dunga, who lifted the World Cup, was really nice."

While out in the Far East the players heard harrowing tales from the local people.

"They were happy that we had travelled over to help." said Whelan. "Although a lot of money has already been raised, we were hearing that there are still places out there that have not been reached. We are trying to do our bit by playing in Sunday's game."

For this Sunday's Soccer Aid match Neal and Whelan are part of a Liverpool legends side that includes Kenny Dalglish, Alan Hansen, Ian Rush and John Aldridge. They will play a team of celebrities drawn from the world of showbiz.

Anfield holds very special memories for both Neal and Whelan.

"The St Etienne night was one that catapulted us into football history," recalled Neal, who played 650 games for the Reds. "That night eclipsed everything."

Added Whelan: "There were too many memories to pick a best one. I was there for 15 years and had so many good times. It's great to be going back to play with all these great names again."

* Tickets are still available for the match on 0870 220 0056, at the Liverpool FC ticket office or at Tranmere Rovers' club shop. For more information, go to www.tsunami-socceraid.co.uk/

Monday, March 21, 2005

Liverpool on road to Champions League



By Alan Hansen
BBC Sport football expert

Liverpool have played their way back into serious contention to seal Champions League qualification by beating Everton - indeed I believe they are now firm favourites to finish fourth.

I qualify this statement, as you must, by saying it is based on the assumption that Liverpool's "A" team will turn up for the rest of the season as opposed to the "B" team we have seen at Burnley, Southampton and Birmingham.

The Premiership can be loosely divided up into two sections - the top three and the rest.

But if there is a team that fills that little gap between the top three and the rest it is Liverpool, and they showed why against Everton.

This is not a partisan ex-Red speaking. I base this on performances we have seen throughout the season where - when they are up for it - they can compete against the best and play very good football.

Liverpool have shown they can beat anybody, but the worry is they have shown they can also lose to anybody.

They have massive lows that successful teams normally have after a run of 15 unbeaten games or so.

The bad thing for Liverpool is that they seem able to have them from one game to the next.

But if Liverpool play as they did against Everton for the rest of the season, then I believe they will finish fourth.

Liverpool have a bad injury list, but I don't hold too much with that.

They can still put out a good team capable of beating most sides, and if people look back at the table in future and see they didn't qualify for the Champions League, they won't say it was because they had injuries.

Injuries affect all teams, although they have admittedly affected Liverpool more than most.

Liverpool played at a really high tempo in the derby, and to be perfectly honest Everton were not at the races.

Rafael Benitez's side came flying out of the blocks and never gave Everton a second.

Everton, I fear, are in trouble now in their quest for fourth position.

I sincerely hope they get a place in Europe because I have done nothing but extol the virtues of David Moyes and his players this season.

They are a shining example of what can be achieved in football by hard-work, organisation and players working for each other - sadly that will only get you so far.

They have also done it without a massive transfer outlay, which gives hope to so many others.

But they have had a long, hard season, their backs have been to the wall in a lot of matches and the vast majority of their victories have been by one goal.

And because they have played that way all season - and deserve great credit for it - it is very difficult to keep grinding and grinding and then change it.

It takes a heavy mental toll on players to play in that fashion.

It is difficult enough to play like that for 20 games let alone 50. They ran out steam towards the end of the campaign two seasons ago, and they have had some poor results recently.

If Everton get into the Champions League, it will be one of the great managerial feats by Moyes - and if they get into the Uefa Cup it will have been a season to dream about.

Indeed, if Everton finish in the top 10, they will have had a great season, but I really hope they get a European place.

The same could apply to Bolton and their manager Sam Allardyce, who are the next visitors to Anfield.

If they get into Europe, that is also a magnificent achievement.

If the battle for fourth is getting tasty, what about the battle for survival at the bottom?

Just a few weeks ago you would have said it was any three from four - Norwich, West Brom, Southampton and Crystal Palace.

Suddenly, Southampton and Crystal Palace look like they could win games, particularly at home, and Bryan Robson has revived West Brom.

Robson has done a brilliant job in a short time at The Hawthorns. I saw them lose to Birmingham and Liverpool - well, thrashed by Birmingham and Liverpool - and they were unbelievably bad.

You wouldn't have given them a prayer, but Robson has got them organised and difficult to play against and they have had great results back-to-back against Birmingham and Charlton.

Southampton had a massive result at Middlesbrough, and even though Norwich are right on the trapdoor at the moment, West Brom have proved two wins may be all it needs to send you up the table.

These results have dragged other teams into the fray, and now Portsmouth and Fulham could easily get involved if they do not start getting results - and fast.

So while the title race may be close to being decided with Chelsea holding an 11-point lead, there are still many crucial and exciting issues to be decided.

From: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4368293.stm

Sunday, March 20, 2005

Liverpool wins Merseyside derby



Sun Mar 20, 2005 08:27 PM GMT

By Trevor Huggins
LONDON (Reuters) - Liverpool have boosted their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League with a 2-1 victory over Everton in a passionate Merseyside derby.

Liverpool led on Sunday through first-half goals by captain Steven Gerrard and Spanish playmaker Luis Garcia before a 77th-minute red card for their Czech striker Milan Baros threw Everton a lifeline at Anfield.

Everton's Australian midfielder Tim Cahill capitalised with a fine strike on 82 minutes but Liverpool held on during a thrilling finale for a priceless win in the race to finish fourth. They now trail Everton by only four points.

Birmingham City beat Aston Villa 2-0 in the Midlands derby and two Peter Crouch goals hauled Southampton out of the relegation zone, giving them a 3-1 win at Middlesbrough.

Chelsea moved ever closer to the league title after Saturday's 4-1 rout of Crystal Palace, maintaining an 11-point lead over Manchester United, who beat Fulham 1-0, and a 13-point lead over champions Arsenal, who edged Blackburn Rovers 1-0.

However, Sunday's spotlight was trained on Merseyside and the battle for England's final slot in the Champions League qualifying round.

Everton kept hold of that prized fourth place on 51 points despite their defeat, but the lead was cut to four points over fifth-placed Liverpool and to five points over Bolton Wanderers with eight games to play.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, whose men are through to a quarter-final with Juventus in this season's Champions League, told Sky Sports News: "I'm delighted with the players and the supporters. It's a fantastic victory for the club.

"We were losing players (to injury) every 20 minutes and in the end with 10 men it was a fantastic job. Luis had an ankle problem and it was almost like playing with nine men." As for denying Everton fourth slot, he added: "We put pressure on them today and we will try do the same in the next games."

MOYES PRAISE

Everton manager David Moyes said: "I thought Liverpool were very good, excellent in the first half. They competed, they put us under pressure and they showed that they wanted a game."

Liverpool knew it was a must-win game and Gerrard rose to the occasion in the 27th minute, lashing his shot below the Everton wall after Dietmar Hamann had nudged a free kick to him on the edge of the area.

The second followed five minutes later after a speculative long shot by Spaniard Fernando Morientes was parried on to the crossbar by Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn and Garcia headed the rebound into an empty net.

Liverpool were cruising until Baros, who had missed two glaring chances to score, was sent off for a wild, high challenge on Everton skipper Alan Stubbs.

Cahill reduced the arrears with a low shot on the bounce but Liverpool held on.

It was a much more tame affair at St Andrews in the Midlands derby which was effectively decided by a goalkeeping blunder.

Birmingham took a deserved lead after 52 minutes when Emile Heskey powered past two defenders and Danish keeper Thomas Sorensen let the striker's near-post shot slip beneath him.

Midfield substitute Julian Gray made it 2-0 in the 89th minute, pouncing on sloppy defending to steer home a shot from close range and give City their second 'double' over their local rivals in three seasons.

City manager Steve Bruce felt his team had made amends after losing 2-0 to relegation battlers West Bromwich Albion in another Midlands derby a fortnight ago.

"They owed everybody who supports this club a performance after West Brom and today they're forgiven," he said.

Southampton moved just outside the drop zone, swapping places with Palace, after Crouch scored twice in seven minutes midway through the second half at the Riverside to secure their first away win of the season.

Southampton, who took the lead through Andreas Jakobsson before being pegged back by Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's equaliser in the first half, are now 17th on 27 points.

Palace have 26 points, followed by West Brom on 24 and Norwich City on 20.

© Reuters 2005. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml?type=sportsNews&storyID=693487§ion=news&src=rss/uk/sportsNews

Saturday, March 19, 2005

Liverpool v Everton



Anfield
Sunday, 20 March
Kick-off: 1605 GMT

Liverpool will welcome back Sami Hyypia, who has recovered from a stomach bug, and John Arne Riise should also return to the starting line-up.

Djimi Traore is still out with a knee problem, while Harry Kewell is not expected back for three weeks.

Everton striker James Beattie is available after suspension but Mikel Arteta (ankle) and James McFadden (hamstring) are both doubtful.

Steve Watson could make the bench after recovering from a stomach problem.

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Liverpool (from): Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Pellegrino, Warnock, Luis Garcia, Hamann, Gerrard, Riise, Smicer, Le Tallec, Nunez, Morientes, Baros, Carson, Biscan, Welsh.

Everton (from): Martyn, Hibbert, Yobo, Stubbs, Weir, Pistone, Naysmith, Carsley, Cahill, Osman, Kilbane, Bent, Beattie, Ferguson, Wright, Watson, Arteta, McFadden, Plessis.

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BIG-MATCH FACTS

LIVERPOOL trail Everton by one place, but more importantly seven points, going into the 201st Merseyside derby and 172nd League meeting. Rafael Benitez' side failed to close that gap to five points when held to a goalless draw by a well organised Blackburn at Anfield on Wednesday night. But the Reds will need victory here, and a further three points from their third successive home game, against Bolton on 2 April, if they're to stand any chance of pipping the Toffees to that fourth Champions League spot.

Benitez' boys are still going strong in this season's Champions League, but their goal threat seems to have dried up in the Premiership. They've gone three games and played 283 minutes (four hours 43 minutes) of top flight soccer since Milan Baros knocked home their third against Fulham at Anfield on 5 February. Wednesday's was their first goalless draw in the Premiership this season and in 33 League outings.

Last season's Anfield derby was one of the most exciting in years with a host of chances, which amazingly ended goalless. Liverpool have not scored in two Merseyside derbies, one of which was drawn, the other lost. The last three corresponding fixtures have finished all square, the last two goalless.

EVERTON too suffered a setback against Blackburn last time out - losing 0-1 at home on 6 March. David Moyes' side have won only one of their last five League and Cup encounters, and have remained fourth in the table despite losing five of their last 10 Premiership engagements.

The Toffees have fared better on the road than at home of late. They've picked up one win and two draws away from Goodison in the League, since losing to Tottenham on New Year's Day. But having said that, the 1-3 victory at Aston Villa in their most recent away game was a first maximum on their League travels in nearly four months.

Everton chalked up their first derby win in five years and first at home in six in this season's reverse fixture. A well-placed shot from Lee Carsley settled a scrappy 200th Merseyside derby. It sets up the chance of a first ever Premiership 'double' over Liverpool, first over them since the title winning season of 20 years ago, and tenth since they first locked League horns in 1894. However the Toffess have not won at Anfield since their 0-1 victory on 27 September 1999 courtesy of Kevin Campbell's winner.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Referee:

Rob Styles (Waterlooville)

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SEQUENCES/RECENT FORM

LIVERPOOL


Club stats
Fixtures
Going into the weekend: 5th 44 points
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premiership fixtures)

Completed five Premiership draws this season. Only Chelsea have finished all square that infrequently.
Won three and drawn one of the 10 games in which they were behind at half time.
Conceded only once in the first 15 minutes of top flight encounters. Only Arsenal can equal that.
Lost 10 of the 11 League matches, in which failed to score.
EVERTON


Club stats
Fixtures
Going into the weekend: 4th 51 points
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premiership fixtures)

Won 15 Premiership games. Only Chelsea (23), and Manchester United and Arsenal (18 each) have won more.
All but two of their League victories have been by a single goal (1-3 triumphs at Crystal Palace on 21 August, and at Aston Villa on 26 February being the exceptions).
Posted eight 1-0 Premiership victories.
Won 13 and drawn one of the 14 top flight matches in which they have opened the scoring.
Turned round in front in only two top flight matches this season (0-2, away to Norwich on 23 October - and eventually won 2-3, and 0-1 at Aston Villa, winning 1-3).
Come in at the break all square in 22 games - more than any other top tier club.
Accrued two more points after 29 games, than they did at this identical stage two seasons ago when they finished seventh.
Had 46 points at this stage when finishing a Premiership best sixth in the first year of a 20-club division in 1995/96.
Like Chelsea, not lost a Premiership game once in front, and dropped just two points from a winning position - the 2-2 draw at Southampton on 6 February.
The only club not yet to have conceded a penalty in Premiership matches this season.

Won one and drawn two of the last three Premiership matches away from home.
Not lost a League game on the road since the 5-2 reverse at Tottenham on New Years Day.

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KEY PLAYER NOTES/POTENTIAL MILESTONES

LIVERPOOL

Squad profiles

Jamie CARRAGHER remains the only player to have figured in every minute of every one of Liverpool's Premiership matches.
EVERTON


Squad profiles

Marcus BENT and Kevin KILBANE are the only players to have figured in each of Everton's Premiership matches this season.
Suspended: Tim CAHILL

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LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME:
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
31 January 2004 - Ref: Steve Bennett

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THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE:
Everton 1-0 Liverpool
11 December 2004 - Ref: Steve Bennett
Everton scorer: Carsley 68

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HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS
League: Liverpool 62 wins, Everton 55, Draws 54
Prem: Liverpool 8 wins, Everton 7, Draws 10

HEAD TO HEAD at Liverpool
League: Liverpool 35 wins, Everton 23, Draws 27
Prem: Liverpool 4 wins, Everton 2, Draws 6

from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4343223.stm

Friday, March 18, 2005

UEFA Champions League - Ticket Information


(©Getty Images)

Liverpool F.C. v Juventus FC

To be played at Anfield on Tuesday 5 April 2005

Kick off 7.45pm

The entire stadium will be ticketed and the following prices will apply;-

Main Stand, Centenary Stand, Paddock Enclosure, Anfield Road Lower Tier £30.00
Over 65’s £22.50

Kop Grandstand £28.00

Over 65’s £21.00

Kop Grandstand (one adult/one child combined) £42.00

Anfield Road (one adult/one child combined) £45.00

Wheelchair Spaces and Visually Impaired tickets £15.00

Personal Assistants Free

The allocation and selling arrangements for ALL Shareholders are as follows;

Shareholders

On holding 1-29 shares 1 stand ticket at £30.00
30-59 shares 2 stand tickets at £30.00
60-89 shares 3 stand tickets at £30.00
90 shares and over 4 stand tickets at £30.00

Selling arrangements for Shareholders

All the above tickets will be available to purchase by personal application at the Ticket Office Window, or by postal application or on the Credit Card line, telephone number 0870 220 2151.


Season Ticket Holders and Fan Card Holders who have attended previous UCL fixtures during Season 2004-05


Main Stand, Centenary, Paddock and Anfield Road Lower

1 ONE stand ticket at £30.00
Over 65’s £22.50

Kop Grandstand

1 One stand ticket at £28.00
Over 65’s £21.00

Kop Grandstand Adult/Child

1 ONE combined ticket at £42.00

Anfield Road Adult/Child

1 ONE combined ticket at £45.00


Wheelchair/Visually Impaired

1 ONE ticket at £15.00

Selling Arrangements

All the above tickets will be available to purchase at the Ticket Office, by postal application , online at www.liverpoolfc.tv or on the UEFA Credit Card line, telephone number 0870 220 0034.

Personal application

The Fan card must be presented when purchasing tickets at the Ticket Office and Shareholders must bring details of their shareholding.

Postal application

Postal applications from Shareholders, qualifying Season Ticket H and Fan Card Holders should include the correct remittance and stamped addressed envelope. Fan Card numbers must be quoted. Shareholders must give details of their shareholding. Shareholders with shares registered under a nominee company, must give details of the nominee company and the account number. Postal applications should be received by Tuesday 22 March 2005.

LFC Ticket Office
P.O.Box 204
Liverpool
L69 4PQ

Online bookings.

Tickets may be booked online by quoting the fan card customer number and unique password. There will be a transaction charge of £2.50 per ticket.

Telephone Bookings

Tickets will be available on 0870 220 0034 and will be subject to a 50p per ticket booking fee. Fan Card numbers must be quoted and supporters will be asked to confirm their address.

Shareholders tickets will be available on telephone number 0870 220 2151

Shareholders will be required to confirm their address and details of their share holding. Shareholders with shares registered under a nominee company, must give details of the nominee company and the account number must be supplied.

Tickets will be available as follows,

ALL Shareholders
From Monday 21 March 2005

Season Ticket holders and Fan Card holders
From Monday 21 March 2005 -
who have attended THREE OR MORE

Wednesday 23 March 2005
previous home UCL matches during season
2004 - 05

Season Ticket holders and Fan Card holders
From Thursday 24 March 2005 -
who have attended ONE OR MORE

Wednesday 30 March 2005
previous home UCL matches during season
2004 - 05

All of the above sales are subject to availability and for as long as supplies last.


Should there be any tickets remaining after the above sales they will be available to the General Public from Thursday 31 March 2005.

In the event of a General Sale it may be necessary to limit purchases to TWO tickets per person subject to availability and for as long as supplies last.

The following Ticket Office opening hours will apply;-

Monday 21 March – Thursday 24 March 8.30am – 5.30pm
Good Friday 25 March CLOSED
Saturday 26 March CLOSED – Telephone Sales Only 9.00am – 12.30pm
Easter Sunday 27 March 9.15am – 4.00pm
Easter Monday 28 March CLOSED
Tuesday 29 March – Friday 1 April 8.30am – 5.30pm
Saturday 2 April 9.15am – Kick off (3.00pm)
Sunday 3 April 9.15am – 1.00pm
Monday 4 April 8.30am – 5.30pm
Tuesday 5 April 8.15am – Kick off (7.45pm)

Liverpool Football Club CANNOT guarantee tickets will be available to all eligible applicants.

Should tickets still be available on the night of the match it will not be possible to capture data at the cash turnstiles and therefore loyalty CANNOT be credited on to the Ticket Office computer system. This will apply to Season Ticket holders or supporters holding Fan Cards who purchase tickets in this way.

Priority for tickets to any future rounds of the UEFA Champions League will be given to Season Ticket holders and Fan Card holders who have purchased tickets for the previous home matches in the competition.

All supporters should retain their ticket stubs, as they may be required for future home UEFA Champions League ticket allocations.

RAFA: IT'S A TOUGH DRAW

Paul Eaton 18 March 2005

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez reflected on today's Champions League pairing with Juventus and admitted: "It's a tough draw."
The Reds will take on the Italian giants in the last eight of the competition following today's draw in Nyon, with the first leg being played at Anfield on April 5 or 6.

Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Italian teams are always tough to play against and you always know you will be in for a difficult game.

"They beat Real Madrid in the last game with a late goal in extra time so we know they will be difficult opponents for us. But we will be difficult opponents for them as well.

"They haven't conceded many goals in the competition this season so that means they have a good defence, but they also have good forwards. They are very strong.

"We're at home in the first leg and our idea will be to be careful and not to concede any goals if possible. Then we will see what we can do. This is the Champions League and over two legs anything is possible.

"It is a tough draw but I'm confident we can do well in the tie."

And if Liverpool overcome the challenge of Juventus then they will progress to a semi-final meeting with either Chelsea or Bayern Munich.

"Again, the semi-final will be difficult if we get there," added Benitez. "Bayern are doing well in the German League and of course we know all about Chelsea.

"But for now all we are thinking about in the Champions League is the Juventus game."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N148190050318-1252.htm

Thursday, March 17, 2005

LIVERPOOL'S IRISH DREAM TEAM

Mark Platt 17 March 2005


http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N148168050317-1008.htm

To commemorate St Patrick's Day, Liverpoolfc.tv take a look back at this club's proud connections with Ireland and come up with the all-time LFC Irish Dream Team...

Goalkeeper: Elisha Scott

The only member of our team to come from Northern Ireland, the legendary stopper hailed from Belfast and made his international debut back in the days before Ireland was divided. One of the all-time Liverpool greats, his Anfield career spanned an awesome 22 years during which time he played for his country on 27 occasions.
He remains the last Liverpool player to have represented Northern Ireland.


Right-back: Steve Finnan

The only current full Irish international on the club's books, Finnan was born in Limerick and, to date, has represented his country on35 occasions. Played in the 2002 World Cup and, as a regular member of Brian Kerr's side, he'll be hoping to help Ireland clinch qualification for next years World Cup.


Left-back: Steve Staunton

Drogheda-born Staunton joined Liverpool from Dundalk in 1986, winning a championship medal in 1990 and then becoming the youngster member of Eire's World Cup squad that summer. After leaving the Reds for a first time he won the FAI player of year award in 1993 and also played in the 1994 World Cup. With 38 caps during his two spells at Anfield he is Liverpool's second most capped Irishman.


Centre-back: Phil Babb

It was on the back of his fine performances for Ireland in the 1994 World Cup that then Liverpool boss Roy Evans shelled out a record transfer fee for a defender to acquire his services. His time with the Reds won't be remembered too favourably but he still managed to win a further 25 caps while plying his trade in a red shirt.


Centre-back: Mark Lawrenson

Rightly regarded as one of the finest central defenders to ever play for Liverpool and Ireland, Lawro won 24 caps during the course of his Anfield career but unfortunately missed out on Eire's halcyon days of the late 80s and early 90s after injury forced him into premature retirement.


Left midfield: Steve Heighway

Dubliner Heighway was one of the greatest wingers to ever grace a red shirt but he frustratingly struggled to reproduce his club form in the green jersey. He became Liverpool's first Irish international since Elisha Scott when he won his first cap in 1970 and went on to make 34 appearances in an unfulfilled 11-year international career.


Right midfield: Ray Houghton

A model of consistency in a Liverpool and Ireland shirt, Razor famously scored the winner versus England in the 1988 European Championships and won 73 caps in total. Glasgow born, but with an Irish father, he also netted a much-celebrated goal against Italy in the 1994 World Cup and was an integral member of Jack Charlton's team.


Centre midfield: Jason McAteer

His boundless enthusiasm made him a firm favourite of the Lansdowne Road crowd and he'd already made his name on the international stage when joining Liverpool from Bolton in 1995. His Anfield career may have reaped little in terms of silverware but the popular Scouser did manage to win a further 14 Irish caps while with the Reds. After leaving for Blackburn he continued to be a regular in the Republic side and scored the vital goal that booked their place in the 2002 World Cup.


Centre midfield and captain: Ronnie Whelan

Signed by Liverpool from famous Irish amateur side Home Farm in 1979, Whelan played 53 times for the Republic during a distinguished career but that figure could have been a lot more had it not been for injury. He's probably best remembered in the Emerald Isle for a spectacular bicycle kick against USSR in the 1988 European Championships and is Liverpool's most capped Irishman.


Attack: John Aldridge

A born and bred Scouser, Aldo qualified to play for Ireland by virtue of a grandparent and represented Eire at two World Cups and one European Championship. Despite his prolific goalscoring form for Liverpool it took him 15 games to register his first international goal but then the floodgates opened and no Reds player has scored more than the 19 goals he netted in an Irish shirt.


Attack: Michael Robinson

Although born in Leicester Robbo qualified to play for Eire via his Irish grandmother and was one of the first 'outsiders' to represent the Republic. His commitment to the cause though could never be questioned and he was already an established international by the time he joined the Reds in 1983. During his brief spell at Anfield he won a further five caps.


Subs


Jim Beglin: Waterford-born Beglin joined Liverpool from Shamrock Rovers during the summer of 1983 and made and made his international debut before making his senior club bow but a promising career was tragically cut short by a broken leg in 1987.

Bill Lacey: One of the finest wingmen of his day and a member of Liverpool's double title winning team of the 1920s. He also played in the 1914 FA Cup Final side and won 12 international caps during his Anfield career.

Ken de Mange : Failed to make the grade at Anfield after joining from Home Farm in 1983 but managed to win the first of two international caps when handed a surprise debut as a substitute against Brazil in 1987. Left Anfield without making a single first team appearance.

Mark Kennedy: During the course of an undistinguished three-year Anfield career, Britain's once most expensive teenager made more appearances for his country than his club.

Darren Potter: The Liverpool-born midfielder has followed in the footsteps of Aldo by committing his international future to Ireland and is a current under-21 international.


Full list of Liverpool's Irish internationals and caps won

Ronnie Whelan (51)

Steve Staunton (38)

Ray Houghton (34)

Steve Heighway (33)

Elisha Scott 27 (22 for Northern Ireland)

Phil Babb (25)

Mark Lawrenson (24)

John Aldridge (19)

Mark Kennedy (17)

Jim Beglin (15)

Jason McAteer (14)

Bill Lacey (12)

Steve Finnan (9)

Michael Robinson (4)

David McMullen (Northern Ireland) (3)

Ken De Mange (1)

(Thanks to LFC club statistician Ged Rea for the stats)

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

It was 28 years ago today!

March 16th 1977
Liverpool 3 v 1 St Etienne
Clemence, Neal, Jones, Smith, Kennedy, Hughes, Keegan, Case, Heighway, Toshack (Fairclough ), Callaghan

Goals
Keegan (2)
Kennedy (59)
Fairclough (84)

Attendance
55,043

Many call him "Super Sub" - we call him a great friend of the Toronto Supporters Club - cheers Davey

Return to days when derbies had more than pride at stake

Mar 16 2005
Liverpool Echo



SUNDAY'S Anfield showdown is the most significant collision of the two great Mersey rivals for years.

Champions League qualification could hinge on the outcome, with Everton lying fourth - and Liverpool breathing down their necks in fifth.

It is a throwback to the days when Everton and Liverpool meetings usually held greater significance than just local bragging rights.

Carrying off the pride of Merseyside mantle, usually led to other domestic honours . . . although not always!

Today we focus on four collosal collisons between the Mersey giants - when the team which won the battle didn't necessarily win the war!

April 25 1987 Liverpool 3, Everton 1

WHEN Everton travelled to Anfield in the spring of 1987, no less a prize than the League title was at stake.

Everton lay first and Liverpool second in the Championship table - and the Blue half of the city knew that victory in their neighbours' backyard for the third successive season would hand them a nine point lead, with only three games remaining.

The Reds still harboured faint title hopes of their own but, perhaps more importantly, did not want to countenance the prospect of their neighbours celebrating a title triumph on their turf.

Former Blue Steve McMahon crashed in a stunning opener, before former Red Kevin Sheedy struck an equally spectacular equal-iser direct from a free-kick.

Ian Rush struck on the stroke of half-time - sparking an Everton onslaught in the second half which saw Adrian Heath and Trevor Steven both hit the post with headers.

But Liverpool were always threatening on the counter and Ian Rush settled the match - and claimed a share of Dixie Dean ' s record haul of derby day strikes - with his second of the afternoon, and his 19th in total.

It was widely thought to be Rush's Anfield swan-song, with the striker leaving for Juventus that summer, but it is now Mersey soccer folklore that he returned to claim that record as his own.

Only sad note on a wonderful afternoon was the absence of television cameras to preserve a stunning clash for posterity. But all supporters fortunate enough to be inside Anfield that afternoon witnessed a classic.

April 16 2001 Everton 2, Liverpool 3

FROM an Anfield perspective, the parallels between this fixture and the forthcoming derby are uncanny.

Nothing less than three points would keep Liverpool in contention for a Champions League place.

A Good Friday defeat to rivals Leeds United three days earlier left European hopes dangling by a thread and manager Gerard Houllier recognised his side would have to win all their remaining games.

A dominant performance saw the Reds lead 2-1, but two controversial penalties looked set to deny Houllier's side three points.

Robbie Fowler missed, while David Unsworth slammed home after one of several Jeff Winter interventions.

Deep into injury time, Gary McAllister lined up a free-kick 35 yards out, and the rest was the stuff of derby folklore.

The wild celebrations reflected Liverpool's first Goodison win in a decade, while the dramatic nature of the victory kick-started an impressive finale which not only yielded the coveted Champions League place, but also the FA Cup and UEFA Cup.

The return to the European Cup was sealed with a win on the last day of the season at Cardiff, but Liverpudlians recognise it was four weeks earlier the momentum shifted in their favour.

March 20, 1988 Everton 1, Liverpool 0

NO titles were at stake when Liverpool travelled to Goodison Park 17 years ago to the day of this latest derby clash; the Reds' 17th title was as good as in the bag and the bookies had stopped taking bets on Kenny Dalglish's side.

But there was one notable record at stake. Liverpool had drawn with Derby to equal Leeds United's record of unbeaten games from the start of the season - 29 games. Avoiding defeat at Goodison would have given them the record outright.

One of the local radio stations had the bright idea of inviting Allan Clarke to join their commentary on the day. He had been a member of that successful Leeds side - and brother Wayne was in the Everton line-up that afternoon.

It was an inspired decision. Once fate had been tempted there seemed an inevitablity about the outcome: 1-0 to Everton, scorer Wayne Clarke.

It was only the third goal Bruce Grobbelaar had conceded in 17 games, but it was enough to give Everton the domestic glory.

The previous season had seen Liverpool take the derby honours, Everton the title.

In 1987-88 the tables were turned.

Feb 22, 1986 Liverpool 0, Everton 2

THIS should have been the result which cemented Everton's grip on their second successive Division One crown.

Instead, it proved the catalyst for an amazing run of results for Kenny Dalglish and co.

They bounced back from this home defeat to end the campaign with the prestigious league and cup double which had evaded Howard Kendall's men 12 months earlier.

Liverpool won 11 of their remaining 12 league games, drawing the other. And yet Everton still managed to finish just two points behind.

To rub salt into those Blue wounds, the Reds secured the double courtesy of a cup final derby win.

Such a dismal conclusion to the season would have been unthinkable for the Blues on the evening of Saturday, February 22.

Inspired by Gary Lineker's relentless goalscoring form, the defending league champions went into the game on top form and neck and neck with Liverpool in the race for the title.

This game was seen by many as a title decider.

In the opening half Pat Van den Hauwe had cleared off the line after Ian Rush had rounded Neville Southall.

Liverpool hearts were broken when, after 73 minutes of cat-and-mouse derby action, Everton took the lead through skipper Kevin Ratcliffe. It was only his second goal - and what proved to be his last - in an Everton shirt.

Much of the blame for the goal went to Bruce Grobbelaar. The clown prince of goalkeepers had produced an eyecatching display despite suffering from a hip injury ahead of the match.

But when Ratcliffe unleashed a speculative 25-yarder he allowed it to squirm away from him and roll into the net.

After taking the lead the Blues quickly killed the game off, Lineker netting his 28th of the season by chipping Grobbelaar with 12 minutes remaining.

Monday, March 14, 2005

Memory of Shanks spurs Benitez





By PA Sport

Everton may have reinvented themselves as the self-styled 'People's Club', but Liverpool have found their new man of the people in manager Rafael Benitez.

His stroll into Cologne's city centre last week in search of a pub and a TV screen ended with Benitez enjoying an evening with Liverpool fans in Jameson's Bar.

The place probably did not hold more than 200 raucous Scousers watching Manchester United go out of the Champions League, but virtually every one of Liverpool's 2,000 fans in Germany will try to convince you they were there.

They will tell you they were sitting with a man who insists he wants to "discover the heritage of Bill Shankly and learn about him".

It is hard to imagine the likes of Arsene Wenger or Sir Alex Ferguson stepping around the local German military police to buy drinks for fans, but Benitez has cemented himself into Kop folklore for his actions.

And if he can engineer back-to-back home wins this week, first on Wednesday against Blackburn and then on Sunday in the derby showdown with Everton, his hero status will be assured.

The German party did get a bit out of hand in the end with everyone wanting to wish him luck for the Leverkusen triumph, so he retired early to allow the punters to sing the night away.

But here was one foreigner intent on being one of the boys and finding out for himself what makes such a famous club tick.

He will have discovered that the songs from Liverpool's travelling fans are still about Emlyn Hughes and Tommy Smith, of Kenny Dalglish and Shanks.

And with that he will have discovered the key to his reign at Anfield. He has set out to discover the roots of the club and the new city he calls home.

He maintained a couple of weeks ago he was not just here for the money. He wanted trophies and he has already bought into the atmosphere by bringing his entire family over to his new Wirral home.

To Benitez it is the past that explains the future. And the victory in Leverkusen underlined that more than ever. He will now know that Liverpool refuse to be cut adrift from the European elite they once ruled.

They demand to be taken seriously as Champions League contenders and their song about winning the trophy four times - turned into five at the BayArena by jubilant fans - will ring in his ears because that is the heritage that refuses to drift into history even if it is now a distant memory since their last European Cup triumph.

Liverpool do not have the money to compete with Chelsea or the ground to compete with Manchester United, but they are clinging onto the good old days defiantly. And they are still English football's most successful club.

It is those days that seemingly form much of Benitez's learning curve at Anfield. He admitted that in the days before Leverkusen he sat at home watching videos of Liverpool's past European Cup finals.

And his wife reads the club's history books so she can discuss those great years with her husband when he returns from the Melwood training ground.

Benitez says: "Bill Shankly brought fresh air to Anfield. They breathed ambition, discipline and success. So now what my wife and I do is learn about him every day.

"She spends some of her day reading books about the history of this great club and every day, when I finally get home from Melwood, she teaches me more and more about Liverpool and what made it great.

"My challenge is to find, teach and inspire the old Liverpool spirit, the mentality, the philosophy of respect and the original values of football that our club made famous over generations.

"Shankly changed Liverpool's mentality into the hungry one that fuelled their desire to win. That was the basis for the Liverpool teams that later, even without him, went on to win those four European Cups.

"I spend 10 hours or more every day in Melwood and when I go back to my house I'm on the sofa watching a video, maybe an old one from great Anfield nights in the 1970s. Then I talk to my wife about my day and all the things that are unresolved in my head.

"I fight hard to find some time for my two young daughters, but the rest...it's football."

He adds: "In Valencia I could go home for my lunch and work around six hours a day. Here I am at the training ground 12 hours sometimes and my wife will ring and ask me what time I will be home for a meal, I can only say, 6,7,8 maybe.

"It is the way it has to be, I will work hard to bring success to Liverpool. I am sure English managers going to work in Spain would have to do the same."

With the worst injury list in the last eight years at Liverpool, Benitez has been denied much luck since he arrived. But a Carling Cup final, European Cup quarter-final or maybe fourth place in the Premiership would be a remarkable return for the Spaniard.

They've 'just' got to beat Everton to get within touching distance of the dream.

Friday, March 11, 2005

RAFA ON THE NIGHT HE WENT THE PUB

Mark Platt 11 March 2005 - http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N148110050311-1538.htm



Rafael Benitez has spoken for the first time about the now legendary night he spent in a German bar with 200 or so Liverpudlians and described it as a 'fantastic experience'.

The Liverpool boss stunned a pub load of travelling Reds when he popped into Jameson's Irish bar in Cologne city centre the night before the Champions tie against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.

Together with Pako Ayesteran and Alex Miller he left the team hotel with the intention of finding somewhere quiet to watch the second half of the Chelsea v Barcelona game.

But for once he misjudged the situation.

What followed has already passed into folklore, with every Liverpool fan under the sun now claiming to have been there when 'Rafa went the pub to see the lads'.

"It was fantastic. We went out to see the second part of the Chelsea game but we only ended up seeing our supporters," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv in an exclusive interview at Melwood today.

"The atmosphere was amazing and we could really feel it. Normally we only see or hear them in the stands so it was fantastic to meet them close up.

"I was not expecting there to be so many Liverpool fans in Germany. Just before going into the Irish bar we thought there might be some fans in there but not that many!

"We tried to sneak in without anyone noticing and I said to the first fan 'ssshhhhh be quiet', but next thing the whole place erupted and everyone was singing 'Rafa-Rafa-Benitez'.

"I stayed for about 50 minutes but it was impossible to watch the game after that. All the fans gathered around me, singing, shaking my hand and taking photographs with their mobile telephones. I told them to forget about me and watch the game but it was impossible.

"The singing continued all the time I was there. It was great. The fans of this club are totally different to those in Spain. In my third year at Valencia the fans began to sing but here they have been singing since I arrived. They are always singing. And to experience it at close hand in the pub was just fantastic."

So will a tripto the pub now be part of Rafa's regular pre-match routine, especially as it was followed by a memorable win on the pitch?

"Oh no," he laughs. "Normally we will be in the hotel concentrating. It was only because there were important games on the TV and we couldn't watch them in the hotel."

The high esteem in which Benitez is held by the Liverpool fans has certainly reached new heights following the midweek trip to Cologne.

But his soaring popularity was best illustrated prior to the Carling Cup Final in Cardiff when a group of supporters paraded through the streets holding a giant framed picture of the 'Rafa-tollah'.

"Yes, I have seen the pictures," he says with a beaming smile across his face. "I must say I was both surprised and impressed.

"It is not normal in Spain, maybe Iran but not Spain! It's a kudos thing and for me as a manager it was fantastic to see the fans showing their support for me in such a way.

"It was just a pity we couldn't have won the final for these supporters and all of our other supporters but I can assure them that we are doing all we can to give them some trophies to celebrate in the future."

Good Luck Kev

Kevin Keegan left Man City today, Friday, March 11, 2005


Shankly signs Kevin Keegan







Thursday, March 10, 2005

Livepool vs Blackburn Rovers

Join us at Scallywags - www.scallywags.net

LIVE
English Premier League
Livepool vs Blackburn Rovers
Wed Mar 16 3:00PM

Wednesday, March 09, 2005

PICTURES: UEFA Champions League - Bayer Leverkusen v Liverpool











All right Rafa - it's your round so get the beers in



Mar 9 2005
Liverpool Echo

REDS boss Rafa Benitez showed his true colours when he joined a group of Liverpool supporters for a night out in a German pub.

Benitez left around 100 Reds fans stunned last night when he walked into Jamesons bar in Cologne city centre.

The Liverpool team and fans are in Germany for tonight's crunch Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkeusen.

Benitez is believed to have been looking for somewhere to watch the Chelsea-Barcelona match after he found it wasn't being screened at the club hotel.

He ventured out with first team coach Alex Miller and after walking around the city centre for a few minutes stumbled upon Jamesons, which was packed out with Liverpool fans.

Radio City sports presenter Paul Salt was in the bar at the time. He said: "It was absolutely unbelievable.

"The bar was rammed with Liverpool fans and they had been singing Rafa's name all day.

"All of a sudden the doors opened and in walked Benitez with Alex Miller and everyone's jaws just dropped.

"When he got to the bar he was mobbed; everyone was shaking his hand and wanting to have a chat with him.

"Rafa recognised me because I've interviewed him a few times for City and I asked him what he was doing there.

"He told me he had just been looking for somewhere quiet to watch the Chelsea game and this was the only place he could find.

"I think word must have got around that the Liverpool manager was in Jamesons because more and more fans started turning up.

"In the end he stayed for about half an hour and had his picture taken with everyone. He was an absolute gentleman."

rafa2.bmp

Wednesday, March 02, 2005

Match Update

The following games will be available at Scallywags:

English Premier League
TAPE DELAYED
Sat Mar 05 03:00PM
Length: 2 hr
FOX Soccer Channel (US)
Newcastle United vs Liverpool

UEFA Champions League - Round of 16 - 2nd Leg
LIVE
Bayer Leverkusen vs Liverpool
Round of 16 - 2nd Leg
Wed Mar 09 2:30PM
Length: 2 hr 15 min
Setanta Sport
$10 Cover