Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Future plans exciting - Parry

Rick Parry has revealed intensive work is taking place behind the scenes with George Gillett and Tom Hicks to help ensure a bright new era at Anfield.

The Reds' chief executive recently spent time in Dallas with the club's new owners and returned full of excitement about the plans taking shape for the future of the club.

'There was a lot of brainstorming and good ideas to come out of that,' said Parry.

'There's no intention of copying everything they do in America because it's different. The nature of the sport is different, the nature of people who attend events is different and the culture is different.

'But, undoubtedly, there are things they do phenomenally well which we can learn from. The quality of arenas in the states is by and large truly inspiring.'

posted by LFC in Toronto at 10:22 AM 0 comments

Fowler Agent plays down US switch

Robbie Fowler's agent has played down reports linking the Liverpool striker with a move to the United States.

Fowler, 31, is out of contract in the summer and New England Revolution coach Steve Nicol says he has spoken to the former England frontman about a move.

But Fowler's agent George Scott told BBC Radio Five Live: 'He has not had a conversation with Steve and I don't think they could afford him anyway.

'If he was to think about moving, Qatar or Dubai could be an option.'

Fowler's hopes of extending his Anfield career have been threatened by the arrival of Andriy Voronin from Bayer Leverkusen.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 10:15 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Crouch likely out for Saturday

Sheffield United striker Rob Hulse has been forgiven for leaving Peter Crouch with a broken nose and requiring several stitches in a head wound on Saturday.

In the aftermath of the incident involving John Terry during the Carling Cup final on Sunday, Hulse's accidental kick in the face of Liverpool striker Crouch in United's 4-0 defeat at Anfield was almost forgotten.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 5:01 PM 0 comments

Monday, February 26, 2007

Riise and Bellamy make up

John Arne Riise has admitted he wants to see Craig Bellamy stay at Liverpool and claims the pair have put the incident that marred the build-up to their Champions League victory over Barcelona behind them.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 12:15 AM 0 comments

Friday, February 23, 2007

Warnock: Gerrard best in Premiership

Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock believes Steven Gerrard stands head and shoulders above every player in the Premiership - as a footballer and a gentleman.

For Warnock, midfielder Gerrard is 'the complete player' who wears his heart on his sleeve, is no nonsense and takes no prisoners.

'If I had to choose any player in the Premiership, ahead of all the foreigners and everybody else, it would be Gerrard,' said Warnock.

Labels: ,

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:43 AM 1 comments

Mascherano ready to Shine

Rafael Benitez believes that he can give Javier Mascherano a platform to prove to a doubting English public that he is a great player.

Liverpool finally received Premier League permission to complete the deal to sign the Argentinian while they were in Barcelona this week.

He was an unused substitute in the Nou Camp as Liverpool produced one of the best European results in their history in beating Barca 2-1 in the Champions League.

And there is every chance that the midfielder will be involved in some capacity against Sheffield United at Anfield on Saturday.

Labels: ,

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:41 AM 0 comments

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Rafa returns to his roots

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez revealed he drew on his personal experience of Spanish football when formulating his battle plan for the Reds' Champions League last-16 first leg with Barcelona.

Benitez did not lose at the Nou Camp during his three years as coach of Barca's Primera Liga rivals Valencia, and the Madrid-born 46-year-old admits his tactics for last night's clash were based largely on those previous successes.

Labels: , ,

posted by LFC in Toronto at 10:43 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Reds win in Barcelona

Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise both scored as Liverpool shocked cup holders Barcelona at the Nou Camp in the first leg of their Champions League tie.

In the battle between the last two winners of the competition, 2005 champions Liverpool tonight became only the second English team to beat Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

Labels: , ,

posted by LFC in Toronto at 7:33 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Benitez going for the win

Rafa insists he will not settle for a draw from Wednesday's tough Champions League first leg clash with Barcelona at the Nou Camp.

Benitez is keen to bring a valuable advantage back to Anfield and intends to name an attacking line-up, with Craig Bellamy expected to start despite a reported training camp fracas.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 1:45 PM 0 comments

Mascherano free to join Liverpool

Javier Mascherano has been cleared to play for Liverpool this season after the Premier League accepted the club's request to register him at Anfield.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 1:40 PM 0 comments

Friday, February 16, 2007

Young Reds advance in FA Youth Cup

Liverpool under-18s are in the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup after dispatching Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Thursday night.

The holders came from behind to win 3-1, with Ryan Flynn, Ray Putterill and Stephen Darby bagging goals to set up a two-leg encounter with Newcastle United.

Steve Heighway will have been delighted with his side's response after a hesitant start, the young Reds producing some fine football to stand them in good stead as they continue their quest to repeat last year's triumph over Man City.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:40 AM 0 comments

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Shareholders await formal offer

Liverpool shareholders are still waiting for their formal offer from the Hicks-Gillett takeover, but there has been 'general acceptance' to the deal from the vast majority.

Shareholders have had a week now to digest the details of the £5,000-a-share offer from the US moguls to buy the club, and it is predicted there will be overwhelming agreement to sell.

It is likely that many senior shareholders will take the opportunity of next week's Champions League trip to Barcelona to continue their discussions.

And it is also believed that third-biggest shareholder Steve Morgan, who will be at the Nou Camp and who has tried to buy Liverpool himself on three occasions, will also agree to sell his 6% holding.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:34 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Stevie: "Don't Fear Barca"

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has urged his team not to worry too much about Barcelona as they prepare to face the holders in the Champions League next Wednesday.

The Reds return to European action in the Nou Camp in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

Gerrard, currently away with the squad for warm-weather training in Portugal, said: 'We have got to go there with confidence.

'We have to have belief in our ability and we must not spend too much time worrying about Barcelona.

'If you do that you will give yourself nightmares because they are a great side.'

Rafa seems of a similar mind -- Rafa Braca Interview.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 10:50 AM 0 comments

Monday, February 12, 2007

Stevie G likes the New Owners

Steven Gerrard has revealed he was ``blown away'' at meeting Liverpool's new American owners and has backed the pair to make LFC the biggest in the world.

George Gillett and Tom Hicks will replace David Moores as co-chairman at Anfield promising a massive investment into the team and their new stadium.

The duo met Gerrard and fellow home-grown star Jamie Carragher this week to discuss the plans and the Reds captain was hugely impressed.

"After 15 minutes, we had been blown away by the plans they have for the club,'' he said in the Sunday Mirror.

"They said they are going to turn Liverpool into the biggest club in the world.

"They spoke to us about the new stadium and about some of their plans to invest in the team, but what impressed me most was the assurance that they have come to win things."

posted by LFC in Toronto at 10:25 AM 0 comments

Friday, February 09, 2007

Who could dress tomorrow?

Rafa has confirmed Momo Sissoko is back in contention for the trip to Newcastle after recovering from a dislocated shoulder. The midfielder has been unavailable since being stretchered off against Birmingham City on November 8.

Liverpool will be without the suspended Xabi Alonso for Saturday's game, while Harry Kewell and Luis Garcia remain sidelined.

Benitez is still pondering whether to use Mark Gonzalez, with the Chilean only arriving back from international duty in South America on Friday.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:53 AM 0 comments

Thursday, February 08, 2007

UEFA's Platini has takeover concerns

UEFA president Michel Platini is planning a series of talks about the wave of foreign takeovers sweeping through football.

Platini, elected as president of the European governing body a fortnight ago, wants to make sure clubs are not falling into the hands of businessmen who just want to make a profit.

Liverpool's takeover by American tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks this week means seven Barclays Premiership clubs are now in the hands of foreign owners - Manchester United, Chelsea , Aston Villa, West Ham, Portsmouth and Fulham are the others.

UEFA communications director William Gaillard believes Liverpool's new owners appear to have the interests of the club at heart - but has added there are concerns about the overall trend.

Gaillard said: 'Michel Platini has doubts whether this is good for football.'

Labels:

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:55 AM 0 comments

Stevie and Carra speak with Gillett and Hicks

Steven Gerrard told Liverpool's new American owners to keep faith with manager Rafael Benitez because he views the Spaniard as "one of the great geniuses of the modern game".

Gerrard and fellow Scouser Jamie Carragher pulled no punches at their first meeting with George Gillett and Tom Hicks - but presented the pair with a signed shirt each.

Gillett said: "They spoke extremely warmly about Rafa and made us aware that they feel this man is truly one of the great geniuses in the recent history of the sport.

"Secondly, they wanted to talk about players and to encourage us to support Rick and Rafa's efforts in building the team.

"They were also clear with their views on the stadium. They made us aware the sound, the energy and the passion that Anfield provides needs to be incorporated into the design of the new stadium."

The £470million takeover means work is now expected to start on the new 60,000-seater Stanley Park stadium within the next two months, with the new owners also considering selling the naming rights on the ground.

Gillett and Hicks made clear, however, that there was no chance of sharing the stadium with Everton.

Labels: , ,

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:46 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

England |
England 0-1 Spain

England woefully underperformed to slip to their first home defeat under coach Steve McClaren in an international friendly against Spain.

Ahead of the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Andorra in March, the pundits are saying that this game provided further compelling evidence as to the incompatibility of Steven Gerrard and Lampard to play together in midfield.

Deployed to the left of Gerrard, who was given a central midfield position, Lampard looked a shadow of the player he is for list club team.

Gerrard was rested for the second half, with Gareth Barry replacing the Liverpool midfielder, but the switch did little to provide England with any better balance.

At least Gerrard had the consolation of playing the pass of the first half, picking out Peter Crouch with a ball played with the outside of his right foot just before the interval.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 5:26 PM 0 comments

Parry allays fans' takeover fears

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has moved to appease fans concerned by some comments made by new joint-owner George Gillett.

Gillett, who has bought the club with fellow American tycoon Tom Hicks, called the Merseysiders a 'franchise' and 'Liverpool Reds'.

'George maybe made that mistake a couple of times,' Parry told BBC Radio Four's Today programme.

'If I went over there I might make the odd linguistic mistake.'

Parry also insisted the American takeover of the club was essential for the club to compete for honours."

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:49 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

US pair agree Liverpool takeover

American tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks have reached an agreement to take over Liverpool.

Hicks and Gillett will be co-chairmen but will leave existing chief executive Rick Parry to run the club.

Liverpool chairman David Moores, who will become an honorary life president, said: 'This is a great step forward for its shareholders and its fans.'

Here's some pundit analysis.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 2:48 PM 0 comments

Monday, February 05, 2007

Mascherano keen to make an impact

Javier Mascherano is keen to establish himself at Liverpool and prove he can make an impact in the Premiership.

The midfielder is awaiting clearance from the Premier League before his move from West Ham can be finalised.

The 22-year-old made only seven appearances for the Hammers and said: 'I want to prove to myself that I can play here in England.

'I want to gain the respect of the Liverpool players and win a place in the team on merit.'

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:29 AM 0 comments

Gerrard to Captain England

The Liverpool skipper will lead the England side out at Old Trafford in the absence of John Terry, who will not start the match after only recently recovering from injury.

"It will mean an awful lot to me," Gerrard said in a press conference.

"To walk out at the front and lead the boys out into battle will be extra-special."

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:24 AM 0 comments

Friday, February 02, 2007

Italian league halted by violence

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has called off all this weekend's Serie A and Serie B games after a policeman was killed at a match on Friday.

Officer Filippo Raciti died as violence flared during the Serie A game between Sicilian rivals Catania and Palermo.

FIGC has also cancelled Italy's friendly with Romania on Wednesday and all matches until a solution is found.

Commissioner Luca Pancalli said: 'What we're witnessing has nothing to do with soccer, so Italian soccer is stopping.'

posted by LFC in Toronto at 6:52 PM 0 comments

Derby Match tomorrow

Liverpool and Everton get the weekend's Premiership programme underway with the 176th Merseyside League derby and 205th competitive meeting between the clubs. The Reds are looking to avenge the heavy defeat in the reverse fixture in September, which would also enhance their ambitious hopes of catching the top two and winning an automatic Champions League place for next season.

The Reds are now setting their sights on a sixth successive Premiership victory, to stretch their unbeaten home League run to 29 games. The Kepa Blanco goal they conceded at Upton Park on Tuesday night, was the first time the Reds' defences had been breached in five Premiership outings. They have only leaked three League goals at home all season, and have kept seven successive clean sheets at Anfield. One more would equal the club's top flight record of eight consecutive block-outs on home turf.

Comment: Hope to see you Toronto Reds at Scallywag's tomorrow morning!

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:30 AM 1 comments

24 hours that changed Liverpool FC forever

Friend of the Supporters Club - Chris Bascombe - has written a lengthy article about the recent ownership drama).

George Gillett Jr and Tom Hicks took only a day to thrash out the deal that will hand Liverpool FC into American control.

The US multi-millionaires breezed in and out of Merseyside yesterday to complete the most dramatic Anfield substitution since David Fairclough came off the bench against Saint Etienne.

What's even more staggering is they were able to board the plane home before anyone noticed the devastating trail they were leaving behind.

Fans can expect to hear how they too will respect the traditions and heritage of the club and embrace the passion of The Kop, the modern boardroom equivalent of a new player proclaiming they have been a lifelong fan.

The success of their trip to Merseyside suggests the American duo are either the most perceptive, astute and forward-thinking entrepreneurs in the world, or the most fortunate.

The Echo has run a number of article on this story today [Click here for more LFC DEal News and Commentary]

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:24 AM 0 comments

Gillett deal close to Completed?

Liverpool have agreed a deal with American tycoon George Gillett and his takeover of the club will be completed early next week, BBC Sport understands.

It is believed that Dallas Stars owner Tom Hicks is also backing the deal.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 9:11 AM 0 comments

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Parry: "Trust us"

Chief executive Rick Parry today appealed for the fans’ trust as the club pressed ahead with George Gillett Jr’s Anfield takeover.

After the collapse of the Dubai International Capital investment, the board was unanimous in declaring Gillett the best option.

But his comments came as Irishman John Miskelly re-emerged as a rival bidder.

Parry insists Gillett should not be seen as a second choice, has ruled out a prospect of a groundshare with Everton, and has been through a thorough background check on his suitability.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 10:18 AM 0 comments

Reds Transfer Update

Spanish pair Alvaro Arbeloa and Francisco Manual Duran have completed their moves to Liverpool.

Arbeloa, formerly of Real Madrid, has joined following an impressive season with Deportivo La Coruna. Teenager Duran is being brought in from Malaga by manager Rafael Benitez to bolster the club's youth ranks.

Meanwhile, Argentina international Javier Mascherano will have to wait for Premier League approval before completing his move to Liverpool. Yesterday he was given special dispensation by Fifa to complete the transfer despite it being outside of the rules.

posted by LFC in Toronto at 10:16 AM 0 comments