Liverpool Banter Archive March 14 2016

14 Mar 2016 19:33:15
Ed002, if the idiots haven't driven you off, is Ian Ayre leaving anything to do with you saying the club may be sold in 2017, or am I putting two and two together and getting 5?

{Ed002's Note - It is simply that his contract runs out then and I would not want to speculate too much. There has to always be an exit plan and the 2017 window for step change for a number of Premier League sides has been something I have discussed at length before. The owners, regardless of how much they are disliked by a large number of fans, have stuck at it trying to buy success. They are on yet another last roll of the dice but know the value of the club will continue to rise in the short term. Don't discount anything just yet Onceared.}

14 Mar 2016 20:47:15
Thank ed002!

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome man.}

14 Mar 2016 21:31:21
By last roll of the dice, do you mean that they are going to make available a lot of money to the manager knowing that they have nothing to lose?
Thanks ed, much appreciated!

{Ed002's Note - Not quite DRM.}

14 Mar 2016 21:37:42
Hi Eds 002 glad your still with us and the people haven't harangued you out of town. Love and appreciate your work mate.
Your reply to Onceared ended with "don't discount anything yet" does that mean the owners could sell before 2017 or is that just me guess-tamating incorrectly? And when and if FSG decide to sell do you think it will be to the Far East or the Middle East? Also do you think say the Chinese bought us would it be a positive move in terms of getting Liverpool to the 'top table' with the likes of City, PSG, Barcelona, Chelsea, Madrid etc. Thanks in advance and apologies for the barrage of questioning.

{Ed002's Note - I think what I said was pretty explicit in, don't discount anything. Owners do not pick and choose who they sell to. I would not see Chinese owners being any different to other owners in terms of desire. It is realization that counts of course.}

14 Mar 2016 21:55:52
Thanks Eds 002.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome sweetie. Do you have a boyfriend?}

14 Mar 2016 22:09:39
I think it's an inevitability we will be bought by the Chinese. Red is a very auspicious color in the Chinese culture and we are one of the premier teams in world football it would make sense on a professional and cultural level for them to buy us. I for one would welcome the thought. Can you imagine the commercial revenue possibilities? And being on par with United, City, Arsenal, Chelsea etc. The Chinese president is ploughing ridiculous sums in the hope that China becomes a footballing superpower and I hope we are part of that process. I don't think I can't suffer anymore 5th, 6th,7th place league finishes and watching us play on Thursday nights! And I'm sure FSG will not think twice at the astronomical sums the guys from the orient will chuck at them!

14 Mar 2016 22:45:56
Thanks ed!

15 Mar 2016 06:34:49
Im wary of being bought by a chinese investor. I feel for some reason it may end in more tears, and it being a lot worse than our current owners. But that's just my gut instinct.

15 Mar 2016 12:05:34
The Chinese are investing huge sums of money to make Chinese football successful, not to boost football worldwide and hope for some blowback.

14 Mar 2016 19:39:47
Ian Ayre to step down as CEO of Liverpool!

Bet it Falls through at the last minute? 😂

Just banter but Classic Ayre.

14 Mar 2016 21:53:00
Brilliant post tbf 😂.

15 Mar 2016 22:14:26
Lol copied this from that fan on Facebook.

14 Mar 2016 18:31:35
I have just read that ian ayre will be leaving his role in may 2017, that gives us more time to blame him for any failed transfers, in the interests of fairness can any of the eds tell us in which areas he has excelled, the fsg tried to change his mind but he has made his mind up, this is not a post bashing the guy, its just he is a "marmite" figure amongst fans, so any info beyond transfer dealings would be great. thanks for your time.

14 Mar 2016 18:49:47
Increasing commercial revenue would be one.

14 Mar 2016 19:12:11
I believe he helped in saving us from bankruptcy, but MAYBE his handling on transfer negotiations has cost us? Or maybe not, some of the linked players are bullets dodged. Overall he has positives and negatives really in my opinion.
I say I look forward to the new era when he leaves and wish him well.

14 Mar 2016 19:26:35
Overall the club is certainly in better shape today then it was when he took over as MD and eventually CEO, so I'd have to say he's been at least moderately successful.

14 Mar 2016 20:03:54
No doubt fsg will hire the wrong replacement.

, maybe someone who knows snooker really well.

14 Mar 2016 18:15:28
Where'd this Ian ayre news come from? Didn't see that one coming.

14 Mar 2016 18:11:39
Anything exciting we should know about the Ian Ayre announcement Eds?

14 Mar 2016 23:48:28
he is planning to hold a press conference tomorrow and the exciting bit is he's going to be doing the presser totally stark naked and anounce the reason he's leaving is he's got dot cotton pregnant and needs time to plot his next move involving his love child with dot.

14 Mar 2016 14:19:22
Hi All, I'm interested in peoples opinions here. I read an article over the weekend about how great Can is doing, nothing odd about that. But the article went on to say that if Liverpool are to progress Can would need a new top class partner. This surprised me as in my mind he already has a top class partner.

For me Henderson is up there with Coutinho and Sturridge as one of our best three players. Can is good and will get better but, even with his potential considered, I expect Henderson to be the better and more important player.

I think Henderson can play at the highest level over the next few years and I think there's a decent chance that Can could partner him all the way to the top but do other people think this partnership has the quality to boss the league and compete with the top European teams or will we need to upgrade to achieve our ambitions? If so who's the first to get replaced?

14 Mar 2016 14:41:29
I saw Emre Can's partner online the other day Muscat. She is definitely 'top class'. Definitely one of the best parents hope in Europe, no need to change! Lucky boy he is!

14 Mar 2016 14:57:48
Just searched for her and immediately had to rush back and give you an agree Brendas :)

14 Mar 2016 15:13:43
Its not even close when you compare Henderson to Can, Hendo is the superior athlete, better close control, bigger goal threat, better passing in confined spaces, leader of the team, better positionally, larger passing range and in terms of pressing the best in the entire squad. Don't get me wrong I really enjoy watching Can, be he isn't anywhere near the player Hendo is yet.

But there are some things which Can provides that Hendo doesn't which is those bone crunching slide tackles, Shoulder barging opposition players just to let them know your there, strong aerial challenges, breaking the game open with a 10-20 yard run with the ball. Very Fundamental things that just lift the moral of a team. All things that incidentally fans also love to see, hence why you read articles raving about him.

The problems we have right now is lack of goals from midfield and a player who can control the tempo of a game, Hendo is the biggest goal threat when Milner and Can play, Milner can't play DM and when Can plays there he leaves big gaps. So Hendo has to play DM, we solve a bit of the problem when Lallana plays in terms of goal threat instead of Milner, but then we aren't as stable defensively.

Going forward I think we have two options one is to get a DM who can offer the same things Hendo does in that position, and push he further forward with Can and hope they offer us a greater goal threat. Or the second option is to bring in a Lampard/ Gerrard type player who can get you 10-15 goals a season and keep Hendo playing DM, I would love to see Ross Barkley, but that's dreamland.

I will say this though, the last couple of games with Hendo and Can we have been physically dominating teams in midfield, something I haven't seen in a Liverpool team since my memories of being a Liverpool Fan.

14 Mar 2016 14:36:29
Do we have a choice? I can't see us buying a CM in the summer. Klopp plays only 2 CM in the middle and its Hendo and Can for now and future.

14 Mar 2016 15:51:23
I personally don't rate Henderson as much as some do on here, I think he's a good solid honest pro and I also think he has lots of good points I also really like him as a person as he comes across really well but do I seriously think he's good enough to win us major trophies, I just don't see it, I know he had a top season the year we nearly won it and I know he's been carrying this dreaded heel injury but I dunno I just don't see it, I hope i'm wrong as his attitude is spot on, I also think a lot of players could have played behind Luis THAT season and we'd have finished in the same place, but I suppose we'll see
I see lots of surprises in the summer but i'm not sure If Henderson leaving is one of those so he'll always get support no matter what
Everyone has their own personal favorites I suppose, I like Sakho, lots dont, Summer will be interesting for sure.

14 Mar 2016 16:13:52
Jatt, I think your assessment of them shows we have no need to change. Hendo and Can are a nice mix, Can brings tenacity, power and drive whilst Hendo provides control, range and penetration. They're both good athletes and I think they compliment each other well. They may not score loads of goals between them but our front 4 are starting to gel and look to have more than enough goals in them to compensate.

Harry, the article I read suggested we should go for Xhaka this summer and that he should partner Can. I don't really watch football outside of England so I have no idea how good he is but, having read a little, my instinct is he wouldn't improve the team over Henderson.

14 Mar 2016 16:27:46
Was the article written by sir alex ferguson by any chance?

14 Mar 2016 16:44:30
What about Allen in the team in replacement of milner? Allen still puts in a great tackle and could link up really well with the front three.

14 Mar 2016 16:52:30
I'll say the dreaded words. Henderson is nowhere near the standard of a centre midfield Liverpool captain. Working hard and being a good guy are not enough. He simply lacks ability. He was bought for his potentential which he has simply not fulfilled. A good all round player but certainly not one who can change a game or turn the tide. At mid 20's I can't see him turning out to be the player we all want to be : (

14 Mar 2016 17:16:09
Sorry Redman but I think you're completely wrong and the majority of reds fans agree. I personally expect that all you can see with the words LFC, midfield and captain is Stevie Gerrard and will be proclaiming that anyone who isn't Gerrard isn't good enough - which simply isn't the case.

14 Mar 2016 17:16:30
I disagree Redman, Henderson has bags of ability, a great mental attitude and a huge desire to win and keep going from start to end. He is carrying an injury now which is limiting a big part of his game (being his tireless, non-stop harrying and pressing) but he is still doing well. I think, all going well and him recovering, that we will see a truly outstanding Liverpool captain emerge next season. I think he has the potential to be one of the best CM's around - his all round game is quality and, before his injury, he was starting to pop up with important goals as well. The lad has a big future, I want it to be with us.

P. s. I thought Can was off the boil a couple of months ago - credit to the lad he has bounced back and really started to show his quality. He still does annoying things at times (his passing is really frustrating as his decision making) but he is growing in stature and is clearly improving - Henderson and Can has the makings of a really top class central midfield pairing for years to come.

14 Mar 2016 18:43:08
All of the talk of Can and He do in the middle and I know he's only 18 but where do you see Grujic playing come next season?

14 Mar 2016 18:46:06
I think to get the best from Can and Henderson you need a player in the mould of xhaka/ kante.
We have Lucas for this but I think a more mobile one when only playing 2 cm is required.
I like the look of Stewart and he could become a great player given a few years around the first team, to much pressure for now.
I think we should seek out a player in the summer and it be him and either Can or Henderson if playing with 2 cm and in some cases or games have all three in there and two wide and one up.

14 Mar 2016 19:43:07
Just to add to this, Henderson's form has been poor since his return from injury. His range of passing has deteriorated to an alarming level along with his shooting.

But since Henderson is highly motivated and a natural leader, I believe he will be back to the same level, maybe even better next season, which excites me the most. The pair of Henderson and Can will be the one to watch the next season.
YNWA!

14 Mar 2016 19:48:41
Xhaka, Kante and Lucas are three very different players. Don't really get your point mate.

14 Mar 2016 19:49:15
It's all about penalties, ask Ron Keague, he knows,
Tell em Ron.

14 Mar 2016 19:51:41
Benteke for captain.

14 Mar 2016 21:33:00
Puzzled
I mean Lucas isn't like xhaka or a kante, not as mobile as them which I think you need if playing two in centre.
Xhaka and kante cover every inch of grass in there winning the ball back, yes differences in there game but to sit in there they would both be a better foil for can/ Henderson.

14 Mar 2016 18:23:33
Alonso - Mascherano - Gerrard
Could someone explain me whom would Henderson or Can replace in the above three?
None is the answer.

14 Mar 2016 19:59:14
Puzzled got that bang on. What we need is Xhaka or Nainngolan.

14 Mar 2016 11:26:09
Ed002 a quick question if you have the time. Götze has confirmed that he still exchanges text messages with Jurgen Klopp. Can this be considered as tapping up? Or would that only be an issue if the text messages were related to a transfer to Liverpool? I imagine a lot of players stay in contact with their old bosses wouldn't they?

{Ed002's Note - Right, he had played for him before so talking and sending messages won't be an issue. If however it discusses a transfer then that would indeed be construed to be an illegal appreoach.}

14 Mar 2016 13:34:13
Fergie was always in touch with his ex players, especially the ones that came through the ranks under him. Very common with good managers i think.

14 Mar 2016 14:11:23
Is it considered tapping up if the player asks the coach? Is the entire topic off-limits, or just the coach/ manager talking about it?

{Ed002's Note - It is all off limits Colin.}

14 Mar 2016 15:02:56
Cheers Ed002. A font of knowldege as always!

14 Mar 2016 16:13:16
How about if I get my grandma to text him?

14 Mar 2016 17:53:29
Is your grandma Karen Brady?

14 Mar 2016 20:40:59
I'm assuming that if Klopp wanted to ask him the question he'd go through someone like Can. Pretty sure we did the same with Robbie Keane back in 2001 with Gary McAllister - but he text Robbie Fowler by mistake! Hence Fowler finding out Houlier wanted rid of him.

14 Mar 2016 10:30:54
Just wondering what people's thoughts are in the spearing situation? If he plays another game they owe us £100,000 apparently so they have left him out. They asked us to defer the payment but we declined. Since they faced a winding up order I can believe they don't have the cash, this consortium that has bought them presumably would have that sort of money.
Spearing is stuck in the middle so feel a bit for the lad. Should Liverpool defer it, say till the end of the season to give an old club so breathing space or should they stick to their guns?
You can tell I'm not a business man with this sort of sentimentality!

14 Mar 2016 10:44:44
Hard one to judge unless you know their full finances but they would have known for a while that this situation is coming up.

14 Mar 2016 11:19:29
I guess business is business and if you give one club and inch another club will try and take a mile.

On the other hand would lfc even notice if 100k went walkabout?

14 Mar 2016 11:57:42
Defer it. Pure business decision - if we enforce it we never receive it anyway, so why not defer it? We don't lose anything and we aren't damaging the career of a helpless individual in the middle of it.

14 Mar 2016 13:21:25
"a helpless individual" 😄😄.

14 Mar 2016 13:32:10
Agree with hjikle - if we enforce it we won't get it anyway so just defer it and let the lad get back to playing. From a PR perspective it would make the club look a lot better as well.

14 Mar 2016 13:36:17
Well he is Ron - in regards to this situation anyway!

14 Mar 2016 13:42:26
As mentioned above, it seems an unusual decision to me to demand the money, for how little it is in footballing terms, to the detriment of an ex-player who always gave his all for the club. Having said that, Bolton have been a disaster for years, it's nobody else's fault that they're in the position they're in.

Only real loser is Spearing, but he'll no doubt be released in the summer anyway.

14 Mar 2016 04:34:44
Alright eds and reds?

Most of you probably won't remember me, I was decently frequent on here a couple of years ago and have since moved to sunny california. I've been pretty inactive in my posts but I have been VERY active in my lurking the site.

I just came back to hope you are all well and to say a big thanks to the eds for all their hard work.

Ps I GOT MARRIED WOOT.

{Ed001's Note - congratulations mate, explains why you have been too busy. How are you finding it in California?}

14 Mar 2016 06:20:30
I love it Ed001! I'm my experience the people are a little more laid back and a little less rude than the people from my native Leicestershire. Only problem is I have to wake up at 4:30 to watch the pool : (

How have you been, sir? I've kept an eye on the site and want to say thanks for keeping it running. It really is my primary resource of LFC info now that I'm across the pond.

{Ed001's Note - good thanks mate, getting married myself in January *fingers crossed*.}

14 Mar 2016 06:37:45
Wow congrats man! I hope it goes nicely for you both! It was the best decision I made, apart from the fact that my wife is a gooner. But I'll forgive her!

I really hope it all goes well for you though Ed.

{Ed001's Note - my wife-to-be has never seen a game of footie, it is nice to just have a break and get away from it when I am with her.}

14 Mar 2016 06:43:12
Best of luck Ed001 and congratulations Ps I GOT MARRIED WOOT.

{Ed001's Note - congrats mate!}

14 Mar 2016 07:52:16
Ed001

How in the world did you find someone for your self. One of ed025's exes?

{Ed001's Note - Ed025 is so old, there are no exes of his left alive. His number was chosen as it was the same as the year he was born. 025 ADE.}

14 Mar 2016 08:01:18
So what's happening with the stag #1
Can't wait to see what your best man #2 has in store for ye. No shortage of women's clothing.

{Ed001's Note - if Ed002 organised it, the Hangover would seem like a quiet drink in a rustic pub.}

14 Mar 2016 08:10:29
Can i join the stag there's a few of us irish here we can help yee put the hangover films to shame haha 😂.

{Ed001's Note - I am beginning to think I should be the one avoiding it.....}

14 Mar 2016 08:28:00
Yeah ed001
Just the day you were born too worth ed007 as the terrible triplets.
P. s i am really running out of good returns lately.

{Ed001's Note - it is only fair to point out that Ed007 is a lot older than me! I am hurt you think I am as old as him :-(

14 Mar 2016 08:32:16
I have a feeling people in Leicestershire are quite in good mood at the moment - especially those living at Leicester and are into football.

14 Mar 2016 09:33:22
Ed001
And i am hurt that i still haven't received the wedding invitation to ascertain that your wife is real.

{Ed001's Note - sorry mate, there was no space left at the children's table for you.....}

14 Mar 2016 12:07:45
I didn't recieve mine either i shall watch weeding crashers to see what i have to do.

14 Mar 2016 12:33:51
Marriage is AWESOME. Welcome to the club, mate.

14 Mar 2016 14:24:08
Awesome? I wouldn't go that far!

{Ed001's Note - I bet your wife would go a lot further ...... if only to escape it :-P

14 Mar 2016 17:36:50
Don't be bitter lads. He made it pretty clear in the podcast that harry is the only one of us lot he wants there. Has he got back to you on that invite yet? Or has he not even bothered to listen to it yet.

{Ed001's Note - thankfully he never listens to the poddies.}

14 Mar 2016 17:39:28
I hear lourdes is a nice place for one and even at your age you wouldn't feel out of place.