Liverpool Banter Archive January 07 2015

07 Jan 2015 23:07:48
Hi Ed's
I know we have problems with FFP but are liverpool looking for a replacement GK of any kind? Or will it just be sales and trying to reduce the wage bill?
Thanks

{Ed002's Note - Why not read the posts or use the search engine?}

I can sum it up by saying don't hold your breathe for a goal keeper of any quality. Brendan's going bargain basement if he's still there in the summer.

Mr Dennis, that is exactly what i'm fearing. I am prepared to wait till the summer to see the club get a top notch keeper like Begovic, Cech or Trapp rather than shop in the bargain basement for Ochoa or Neto now. Both are not what we need and certainly not an upgrade for Mignolet.

07 Jan 2015 21:10:01
Hi Eds. You say that the management position will be reviewed in the summer. Surely Brendan Rogers can not be under fire for not following up on such a unexpected successful season. I mean, FSG has a blueprint to buy in young and sell on. How can we expect to win major trophies if we buy unproven players who can be very hit or miss. If a team wants success you buy players in there prime and pay a premium (no need to mention clubs). The way we are buying players of the future will never get us success today!

Are the owners looking for a manager to create a young team to challenge at the top or is there another reason to be reviewing the position?

{Ed002's Note - Done to death.}

No, but they can surely fire him for not delivering on the promises made to them by him, spending a gigantic amount of money in the process.

It cannot have helped that he is a motor-mouth.

Kenny spent a load of cash, won a trophy, got to a final and got sacked. BR has not won anything, spent more, is going backwards and had 2 and a half years. Why wouldn't they sack him!

07 Jan 2015 21:29:52
I have to say and I am willing to take some abuse for that, that I hope we keep Mario at least until the the summer. Assuming we don't have 30M plus to spend on a top striker, I just don't see who we can buy that will hit the ground running and give us the 10 goals that we expect a striker to give us between now and the end of the season. As Baloteli and Lambert and all of our other signings demosntrate this year, for whatever reason, we are not a team that is easy for new players to find their feet quickly in it. On the other hand, I think Baloteli just cannot be as poor as he was early season. We all know he can strike the ball and now that we create many more chances per game and we have a certain formation and he trained a lot with the lads on this formation, he should score. I thought he looked good in the last game when he went in/ I know it was only Wimbledon and you cannot conclude anything from this game but he had more of the ball in this game and looked more dangerous in the 15 minutes or how many he played than in whole games earlier this season. I hope he willg et his chances. Lambert however is a lost cause for us in my view.

I agree, but also think Balo and Lambert just aren't the type of players suited for the system we currently play. Lambert is pretty useful as a hold up player for others to run off, but we don't use him that way. Balo needs someone alongside him but we insist on playing him alone.

The current setup needs pace and movement in behind to maximise on creativity of our AM's (particularly Coutinho) and neither player fills this role.

I'd still keep Balo if we play him wide or alongside Sturridge through the middle, but would sell him if we're going to insist on playing him alone upfront. Lambert just doesn't suit our setup I fell, we should move him on for his own good.

Have you seen their form up to now, what makes you think mario will changr his attitude afterall that's what's holding him back he gets paid if he plays or not or if we win or lose, he is not a team player and that's why he has not hit the heights he should have done, ronaldo, messi and suarez are all team players, with lambert i think he would get the goals but BR does not play him enough he got them for southampton and links up with lallana, so again its down to BR arrogance in keeping with his system of passing the ball slowly so our players are put under pressure and pressed high up because everyone knows we play it out the back and the best form of defence is attack, but by the time it gets to our attack the ball is lost because the build up is so slow and we are under pressure, untill he changes his system to last seasons like in the swansea game we won't win games or score many goals because our players will lose the ball or misplace the pass or be defending its that simple and if he won't change it then he needs to be changed for a manager who can mix it

We don't have £30 million to spend on anyone this window.

If We get a decent deal for Baloteli, I will take it and run with it; I just don't think it is going to work out.

I saw enough in him against Wimbeldon to move him in front of Lambert in the pecking order.

08 Jan 2015 07:48:54
Ed002 has stated clearly, our expectation on Balletolli sale figure is as similar to us winning the league this time.
Not happening until summer.

07 Jan 2015 20:21:02
Gone are the days of signing players from lower leagues. Surely there must be some gems out there. Was reading a Bob Paisley book whilst fishing the other day ( tends to bring on a bite ) and it reminded me of Phil Neal's transfer. A complete unknown, nothing special but went on to a very successful career. Do you know of any gems in lower league Eds?? Even a decent full back or 2 must be out there.

Indeed - Deli Alli et al.

Much love,

N.

I thought west hams signing this summer Cresswell was one of the "gems" but he doesn't look to comfortable in the PL yet

Regards to a full back, manquillo, although looks very energetic, he cannot cross a ball. Surely a full backs top 5 attributes should be crossing a ball. I'm sure there are full backs out there lower down who have the same energy and can cross the bloody thing. I have no ideawhy he was required.

Cresswell played well last night

07 Jan 2015 23:40:45
The problem with us signing from the lower leagues is when it comes to selling them on as we are the worst culprit of over spending on homegrown talent. Realistically if an English player did well for us from a lower league then he wouldn't realistically attract interest for a mega bucks move. Chelsea don't buy English, Man City haven't paid for an English player for a while either, Arsenal don't pay over the odds for home grown talent and we don't deal with Man Utd. With another sticking point being that not many English players move abroad.

There aren't many gems out there because of better scouting etc, these gems are picked up by bigger clubs at a younger age for their respective youth teams.

If LFC want players to gamble on, they should look at their own Youth and Reserves and give them a chance whenever possible instead of buying expensive squad players.

08 Jan 2015 08:19:49
Another problem with 'gems' from lower leagues is that there is more money now in lower leagues and they can therefore hold onto their star players better. The likes of Alli, Hughes, Byram etc will all come at a cost

07 Jan 2015 19:58:02
Slightly disappointed that martin odegaard has gone to Real, but guaranteed playing time in the b team and managed/ mentored by Zinedine zidane, no contest.
On a positive note, if he keeps progressing as he does, we have Harry Wilson. Young, quick, can finish, and he's Welsh :)

Don't get to excited he will leave when his contract runs out by the time Brendon has done with him.

He hasn't signed anything yet.

{Ed001's Note - he is just there for a second look at the club, but they do seem to be the most likely as they are offering him regular football with their B side.}

He should sign for Ajax as he would be in their 1st team and playing regularly in a competitive league.

07 Jan 2015 19:13:39
Hi eds.
I read an answer from one of you a couple of days ago. A looooooong answer about the owners, finances, stadium ffp etc.
But i have been looking now and searching for about anhour and can't find it.?!
Where did that go?

{Ed002's Note - I have no idea which post you are referring to, sorry. It should be there somewhere.}

08 Jan 2015 05:31:06
Found it.

{Ed002's Note - I need to read thru this again - but this may help:

The Demystification of the Financial Fair Play Rules (FFPR)
Introduction
I will try and simplify and summarise the FFPR and give examples where I can.
Putting aside all of the "mother country" fluff, the fundamental purpose of the FFPR is to:
(1) Ensure that clubs are operating within their means with transparent financial reporting. Example: Arsenal has debt which they can manage from the money they make as a club (good). PSG has a very low turnover given the amount of money they spend on players through donations from wealthy owners (bad) and sponsorship deals well beyond the norm.
(2) Protect creditors. Example: When Portsmouth went bust they owed money for players (the extreme case being Glen Johnson who had moved to Liverpool but Portsmouth still owed Chelsea for), money to local businesses (tradesmen who had worked at the ground, newsagents etc.), utility companies, the police et al (bad).
(3) Encourage responsible spending. Example: Liverpool under Hicks and Gillett borrowed money against the value of the club in order to buy players (bad).
(4) Protect the long-term viability of European club football. Example: They want to avoid the scenario of clubs entering administration or going out of business.
The FFPR apply to all UEFA club competitions and will actively come in to force from the end of June 2014 taking account of the financial monitoring period (the season just finished) and the two prior reporting periods. So when they first start, the FFPR will look at the 2013/2014 returns, and they will give consideration to the 2011/12 and 2012/13 figures.
I should make clear that it is not the full accounts of a club that are being considered, but just the "relevant" income and the "relevant" expenses. "Excluded" expenses are critical to the FFPR calculations. To this end, all clubs will need to effectively produce two sets of accounts. An audited set which are provided to Companies House and the relevant revenue organisations, and a second audited return laying out the "relevant" income and the "relevant" expenses for the purpose of the FFPR.
Relevant Income
(1) Match day gate receipts. Example: The money made by the club from paying fans attending games. This includes income from cup games when played away from home where a proportion of the gate money goes to the away side.
(2) Broadcasting rights. Example: Television income for games, money provided for radio broadcasting.
(3) Income from commercial activities. Example: Sales of bobble hats and rattles, club shop income, licensed income (e.g. DVD sales). In the future you can expect to see income from other media (e.g. streaming of games on a pay-per-view basis to the web and phones) increase.

(4) Prize money. Example: income from the Premier League, Champions League etc.
(5) Sponsorship. Example: Shirt sponsors (Standard Chartered, Samsung etc.), shirt manufactures (Adidas, Warrior etc.).
(6) Advertising. Example: Companies who buy time on video screens during games or hoardings at the stadium.
(7) Other operating income. Example: Payments made to a club for playing friendly matches in the Far East.
(8) Income from transfers: Example: All income from the sale of a player regardless of payment being due to previous clubs, the player himself etc. as they are allowable expenses which will later be deducted.
(9) Excess proceeds on the sale of tangible fixed assets. Example: The money Arsenal from converting part of Highbury in to apartments and selling them.
(10) Other income: Example: Interest on investments.
Relevant Expenses
(1) The costs of running the business (confusingly referred to as "the cost of sales" by accountants etc.). Example: Wages, ground maintenance, lighting, telephones, IT equipment, travel costs, policing costs etc.
(2) Employee related benefits and associated costs. Example: Costs of providing insurance, dental care, medical, employer NI contribution, housing, loyalty bonuses etc.
(3) Other operating expenses. Example: Payments for advertising, legal fees, agent fees, accounting fees, payments to players in relation to transfers, payments to player's previous clubs, etc.
(4) Amortisation or transfer costs. Example: The total amount of money paid to another club to transfer a player or, if a club decides to do so, the amortised cost for that year (where a club is spreading the cost of the transfer out over the length of his contract for accounting purposes).
(5) Finance costs. Example: Bank charges, interest on loans etc.
(6) Dividends. Example: The owners may take a dividend from the profits a club makes as income.
Excluded Expenses
(1) Depreciation of tangible fixed assets. Example: The loss, if any, in value of the stadium, cars, IT equipment etc.
(2) Costs associated with the intangible fixed assets (other than player registrations). Example: goodwill, franchises, trademarks, copyrights etc.
(3) Expenditure on youth development activities. Example: All youth development expenses (housing, schooling, travel, medical etc.) are excluded from the calculations.
(4) Community development activities. Example: Outreach programmes, donations to the local community and charities, provision of equipment etc.
(5) Tax expenses. Example: Monies paid to the Inland Revenue, VAT etc.
(6) Finance costs related to construction of tangible fixed assets. Example: The interest on the £300M loan to build a new stadium.
(7) Interest payments on old loans (pre June 1, 2011). Example: Any interest due on a loan taken out for whatever purpose before June 1, 2011 is excluded from the calculations.
(8) Certain expenses from non-football operations. Example: This does not really apply to British clubs, but in other European countries clubs are often "sporting clubs" and have basketball, football, hockey team etc. all under one business.
The Calculation
FFPR calculates from a club's "relevant" income and the "relevant" expenses whether the club is running at a surplus (profit) or deficit (loss) within a Monitoring Period (e.g. 2013/14). From this the FFPR decides if a club has met the "break even" requirement or not. This is not met if the "relevant" expenses exceed the "relevant" income by more than 5M euros (an acceptable deviation).
If the club exceeds this acceptable deviation, the owners of a club may contribute toward correcting it to a maximum of 45M euro over a rolling three year period (30M euro from 2015/16 on). Example: If Club X made a loss of 50M euro in 2013/14 due to the purchase of players, the calculation will ignore the first 5M euro and assume an owner contribution of 45M euro and there would not be an issue. However, for the two years following, there would be no allowable owner contribution as the full allocation had been used. If Club Y made a loss of 30M euro in 2013/14 due to the purchase of players, the calculation will ignore the first 5M euro and assume an owner contribution of 25M euro and there would not be an issue. But in this case, for the two years following, there would still be 20M euro allowable as owner contribution to cover further losses.
The Punishment
The Threat: If a club has been determined to have violated the "break even" requirement for a season it may be excluded from the next season's UEFA competitions.
Likely Situation: If a club can show it has been moving in the right direction and doing what it can to overcome financial issues, perhaps brought on by a recession (e.g. in Spain) then I would expect a strongly worded letter as a warning. If a club has strayed a significant distance for the rules, then a fine and cap on number of salaries of players in UEFA competitions may be imposed. Perhaps by then end of the 2016/2017 season, If a club has been determined to have violated the "break even" requirement for several seasons then it may be excluded from the next season's UEFA competitions.
UEFA are willing to make some exceptions to the rule and have already said they will consider:
(1) The quantum and trend of the break even result. Example: Chelsea spent a lot three years ago summer rebuilding an aging squad, so even with considerable additional income from winning the Champions League it could violate the "break even" requirement. However, spending less the next season will show the club moving in the right direction. Expect a strongly worded letter in a couple of years time.
(2) Debt situation. Example: A possible "get out" for Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United should they have a bad season and need to violate the "break even" requirement. Consideration will be given to the existing debt and the ability of the clubs to service that debt. The trend of the debt reducing and an excuse of "one bad season" and "need to rebuild the team" would likely result in a slapped wrist.
(3) Fluctuating exchange rates. Example: All non eurozone countries need to report the FFPR figures in euros which could fluctuate due to the exchange rate, whereas a number of the UEFA figures are fixed amounts (e.g. the 5M euro acceptable deviation).
(4) Projected figures. Example: UEFA will allow clubs to show that they are moving in the right direction if they provide projected figures showing that the "break even" requirement will be met in the following season.
(5) Force majeure. Example: Any extraordinary events or situation arising that is beyond the club's control will be taken in to account.
(6) Until then end of 2014/15 only - Ongoing reductions in wage costs. UEFA will be flexible over the "break even" requirement if a club can show that their wage bill has been reducing and with the exclusion of wages of players signed before June 1, 2010 they would have met the "break even" requirement. Example: An escape route for the likes of Chelsea with Cech, Terry, etc. wages excluded from the calculations. A possible future escape route for the likes of Barcelona.
The Issues
There are a number of matters that UEFA still need to figure out and a number of concerns that certain clubs and certain national associations have. Off the top of my head:
(1) Loopholes: Whilst UEFA has done what it can to block any potential "loopholes" it is well aware that exclusion of wages for players signed before June 2010 is one it has introduced itself, and one that will be popular with the higher paying clubs as a short term escape route through to the summer of 2015. The matters of excessive sponsorship will be addressed via a cap to thwart the concerns over the likes of Manchester City abusing the rules. The cap has yet to be finalised but will require ratification. It was discussed without UEFA present at the end of March at a meeting of a number of clubs in Monaco and again in August 2015. No agreement was reached.
(2) Soft Sponsorship: UEFA are concerned at the aggressive approach to obtaining sponsorship some clubs are taking. Questions are being asked about the ethics in clubs having airline travel partners, photocopier partners etc. The Spanish clubs have raised this as a concern.
(3) National Sponsorship Variations: As we have seen tobacco sponsorship leave Formula 1 UEFA would like to see alcohol sponsorship out of football. We already have a situation where sponsorship by alcohol related businesses are forbidden in certain countries. Wealthy breweries are now focussing their sponsorship in other countries thereby creating a perceived imbalance in what income clubs are able to obtain in sponsorship. The French and Russian clubs have raised this as a concern.
(4) National Financial Distribution Variations: Concerns exist in countries where different models are used for distributing prize money, contributing to the grassroots game and distributing income from television and other media broadcasting. This led to an original request (rejected) from a number of clubs to restrict the FFPR to only the wealthiest of clubs, those with a turnover in excess of xM euros.
(5) National Taxation Variations: There is a considerable difference across UEFA nations in taxation, and this is seen to be reflected in the wages paid to players. The Spanish clubs have raised this as a concern.
(6) Third Party Ownership: Countries that allow third party ownership of players are seen to have a distinct advantage in being able to keep the costs of transfer fees low as they are only paying for a proportion of a player. The English clubs have raised this as a concern.
The Great Fear
Without going in to too much detail: (a) A number of clubs take the opportunity a once or twice a year to discuss various issues including changes in rules, television rights, the power of UEFA, exploitation issues for new technology streams, etc. These discussions, the last of which were in late August, also always turn to the possibility and structure of a breakaway pan European league. Several are ex-G14 clubs, several are not, and some clubs decline involvement in such discussions. (b) The plan is that at some point a number of clubs would break away from their national leagues and UEFA. They accept that they would be banned from all existing club competition and the players would initially be banned from all FIFA competitions as well, but know that FIFA would be looking to negotiate in any case. It would be the end of UEFA in all probability and UEFA are very aware of this. It would also result in a restructuring of many of the national leagues. (c) The clubs would renegotiate their television rights, rights of distribution via other streams etc. (d) It remains the greatest fear of UEFA and all major national authorities that one day this will happen.

07 Jan 2015 18:59:30
ed001 what is your opinion on Neto & Ochoa as it seems if a new GK is to arrive it will be one of them and also who's your preferred choice of GK.

{Ed001's Note - I am not keen on either to be honest. From what I have seen of both they look to be very similar to Mignolet, shotstoppers but not a lot else. I would rather go for Trapp I think. Or Zieler.}

Cheers ed much appreciated for the reply Trapp edges it for me over Zieler. I just hope we get a better GK in and hopefully push on.

Trapp is either injured or just came back from a lengthy injury himself so would be risky. I'd go Zieler, though he hasn't been able to keep the ball out of his net either. Mignlet staying in goal until the summer preferable to me with Ochoa coming in on loan allowing BR to give Mignolet his deserved time on the bench.

Zieler 4 me I think

Ochoa is no good, no improvement on Mingo and should be left where he is. There are good goalies out there especially in France and Germany like Zeiler, Costil (Rennes), Ruffier (Monaco) and Mandanda (Marseilles) of the top of my head. Let`s go for them instead of getting linked with GK`s who are no improvement on Brad Jones.

Have we watched either of the players you named ed001?? Also who is the keeper dubbed the new buffon for 12 million in Italy we were linked with him although I for get his real name

{Ed001's Note - both of the two I listed have been watched, hence why I mentioned them, there is another lad in Germany as well, but I couldn't remember his name. No idea who is the new Buffon, as any keeper coming through is called that in Italy if they make a save and are under the age of 24.}

Ed1 what's your opinion on Leno and who holds an interest in him?v

{Ed001's Note - dammit that was the other one I just mentioned above! We are interested, but so are most top clubs in Europe. I am told Arsenal have had him watched closely too. I like him myself. Seems like he is just unlucky to be German as Neuer is a class apart, so he will struggle to get caps.}

A new goal keeping coach is the first position that should be filled

Good shout, Phooey because the one we have now would succeed in making even Neuer aweful.

Scuffet maybe, dezyboy? He's quite impressive for an 18 year old.

07 Jan 2015 18:48:27
Hi all,

Does anyone know when Flanno is likely to be back? And probably more importantly do you think he will play when he is fit again? What with Manquillo and Johnson and us looking like we're sticking with the 3 CB's I can't see where he will fit. (Or is the 3 CB's just until Sturridge is back and we can drop Lallana and Gerrard a bit deeper?)

I really enjoyed watching Flanno him last season, his passion was unrivaled and he just got better and better as the season went on. We need some local lads like that in the squad.

Note to BR: Look what happens when you give a youngster from the academy a run of games!

Cheers all

I think he will be exposed if he comes into the team and we're playing the same way because he's not overly quick. I don't envy any defender in our team currently. It's a shambles and it makes them look worse than they are.

07 Jan 2015 18:04:12
Evening all, my nephew has just signed for an Evo-stik prem side and he's been looking online at the sort of diet he should be on. He's found something that looks a bit strict diet wise and I'm wondering if any of you (maybe EMS) would have any advice on how much he should take notice of these "footballer diet plans" taking into account he's 19 and still growing
Thanks in advance

{Ed002's Note - The club should give him guidance if he needs it Chris.}

Congratulations to your nephew.

Thanks Jonny

Glue-cose should do the trick!

07 Jan 2015 22:07:15
Ed 2 is right mate, the club should be able to help.

If not, I'd suggest finding a proper nutrionist and s+c coach as to avoid any general diet not having full affect depending on your nephews needs. E.g. Additional strength training etc would then require added calories unless of course he was looking to cut weight.

Your best bet is the club and licenced nutrionist / s+c coach rather than us lot matey! But in general, general training plans are ok but realistically every programme sport specific would be tailored towards each individual.

Think of it in terms of; would a big strong monster of a forward like Costa be on the same diet as a small agile David Silva? Diet must be tailored towards the individual themselves mate.

Chris it should depend on his fitness. At 19 as you already know he is still growing and should not be to concerned about dieting specifically. If he eats right, lean meats, lots of veg and fruit, drinks water he should be fine. Good luck to him

Thanks for the advice guys

07 Jan 2015 17:38:15
Long time member but rarely post however gutted Stevie living the clubs grew up loving Now I live in LA, So from a personal perspective. Season ticket here we come.
The league runs from March-October with the playoffs after. This is the Summer here, So I think Stevie May find the heat tough. And as a previous poster said the games are quick paced. Saying that Robbie Keane got Mvp last year and scored the winner for the MLS trophy.

07 Jan 2015 16:22:20
We should sign that guy Messi. I hear he is unhappy at Barca.

People should really stop fussing about Stevie G. He is going to California. Take a trip there and you will understand why he is going. Also, he will be loved there, not ridiculed constantly for the infamous 'slip' like has been the case in England (Liverpool fans excluded Ofcourse)

I've no doubt Galaxy supporters will stand behind him, but he's got a bit of a tougher job in front of him than he might realize as he's effectively replacing the LA version of himself and that's never an easy thing to do regardless of your talent.

I also think people underestimate the MLS a bit- it's not the EPL and the overall game style is a bit less than poetry in motion, but the play is very, very quick (largely due to lack of technical ability admittedly) and he's going to have run a lot more than he might be prepared for.

Good points. However, if he is down he can always head to the beach to cheer himself up!

{Ed002's Note - It would be close to the last city I the world where I would want to live - I spent a summer living there back in the mid 70s. There is a nice area about 70 miles north west, but the rest is pretty awful.}

Or maybe at least his manager Enrique. I don't think I have heard in a long time such a deslusional misunderstanding of one's place in the pecking order as Enrique's decleration to Barca's board 'Its me or him (Messi).

07 Jan 2015 20:15:32
You can take the Ed002 out of San Francisco but you can't take San Francisco out of Ed002:)

07 Jan 2015 20:15:47
It's not that bad out here, Ed002, although parts of it are rather unpleasant. Suppose that's what happens when you jam 25M people into a relatively small area, though. Most Galaxy players/staff tend to live in either Redondo Beach or Torrance, although I suspect Gerrard may be a bit further up the coast (Malibu beckons, I would think).

{Ed002's Note - Ojai is the nice are to the north.}

Paid an eye watering (to me) amount for a round of golf at Ojai Country Club once. wasnt worth it, lovely area though. Spent a lot of time in OC, the food is great

07 Jan 2015 21:20:02
Los Angeles sucks compared to other American cities. No culture, no individuality, no artistic vibrancy or intellectual centers. It's dominanted by Hollywood and both guys and girls walking around with sunglasses and billabong tanks.

I`ve been to LA several times and will NEVER wanna live there. It`s good to visit especially in Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Hollywood and the like. After that, KIM (Keep It Moving)!

To each their own, but it really depends on what you mean by LA. I live about the same distance from StubHub Center (where the Galaxy play) as it is from Anfield to Old Trafford and it's even further than that to downtown LA, yet most would still say I live in LA since there's no division between any of the cities out here really. Been here maybe 10 years or so, but have literally lived in dozens of places over the years and so long as you don't have to sit in traffic it can be a great place to live.

And redohio, Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and Hollywood are all dreadful places to go for any length of time, so if that's where you went I can appreciate the sentiment!

RDL, My man! Always good to hear from you, bro. I live in Ohio and I go to LA to visit my mum and sister who live in Westwood. I enjoy these places because I`m a tourist and that`s about it. What part of L.A do you live at so I can look you up whenever I get out there?

I live about 50 miles east of there in a city called Corona, redohio, so not real close to there unfortunately. If you're in the area though, definitely let me know and I'll buy you a latte (ha!).

08 Jan 2015 05:31:42
Ed002, Santa Monica is pretty nice. I would swap it for the Uk if I could. As for SG leaving, he is still our best player and we are letting him go, ridiculous !

{Ed002's Note - Santa Monica is simply a seaside town. If that is "nice" to you then go for it. As for Gerrard his time is up at the highest level. You have to move on.}

08 Jan 2015 12:01:39
Agree with Ed002, I travelled across the country a couple of years ago and LA was one of the places I was looking forwards to most and I was left very disappointed. Not particularly nice at all for me

07 Jan 2015 15:37:04
Hi Eds,

Although it's almost certainly irrelevant at this point, I'm just wondering if it is still theoretically possible for Liverpool to reverse his decision & remain at the club?

I'm thinking specifically in terms of his pre-contract agreement with LA Galaxy and how water-tight that is.

As I say, I stongly doubt this will happen but I'm just interested in how reasonably possible it is.

Thanks

{Ed002's Note - He is going and has now stuck the knife in. Suck it up and move on.}

Gerrard on why he chose LA Galaxy:

"I want to add some medals and trophies to my collection."

That's sticking the knife in.

The MLS is Gerrards level now. All the best you WERE a great player but as the saying goes 'no player is bigger than the club' and this includes Stevie. LFC will go on and hopefully with a new manager next season we maybe even stronger

07 Jan 2015 17:39:48
Something has just pinged in my head there Sydney.

You made me think.

Many people are going on about Stevie and his medals, but aside from not winning the league, Stevie hasn't done too badly in my opinion.

07 Jan 2015 18:18:25
Make sure you don't slip on the way to achieving those medals.

Just noticed something myself. Sydney has been missing for over a year ( whilst his team were doing badly) and hey presto, he pops up on our page again. Just bite the bullet lad and admit it. You love us more than your own team.

07 Jan 2015 18:54:27
Sadly Mr Gerrard has, for some reason decided to criticise the club that he has served for 17 years, and in return has reaped a very good financial remuneration.

The lad is nearly 35, no manager in any professional league, for any club, would be foolhardy enough to guarantee playing time to any player of that age.
He should have been honest to himself and the club that his incredible stamina was waning, and he would not be a guaranteed starter anymore.
So Mr Gerrard, what is the difference in a few months - you would have signed if you were offered a contract in the summer, but won't sign when it's offered a few months later.
However, I like many others on here hope he returns after his sojourn to the sun, in some capacity at the club, eventually maybe doing a King Kenny and become a future manager.

If he were playing under Paisley he would have been gone 4 years ago.

Wahay, Sydney's back! call off the search party.

Have United won a couple of games or something?

Tell us where you've been hiding Syd, as we're currently on the lookout for Daveyboyblue, who also seems to have deserted these pages recently. Haha.

If SG did say that then, good riddance!

I am upset that Gerrard is now sounding like a jilted lover.
He needs to button it in my opinion.
Love him to bits but it just sounds like moaning that he did not get the offer that he wanted.
I don't like his insinuation that he was no longer wanted at the club.
He has not done too badly by us as we have not too badly by having him.

07 Jan 2015 13:50:43
Hi Ed's

Why are we being linked about signing Shaqiri, Benzema and now Vidic in deals when we won't be buying anyone. Three articles I have read state that Shaqiri is a done deal.

Could you help explain how they get away with spouting these false stories please?

Also what do you make of Gerrards and Hendo's comments about Rodgers being a magical tactician and great manager (Obviously they will not speak ill of their manager) but why say these thing at all especially given the season we have had so far and the fact our defence is still terrible

Thanks in advance and happy new year

{Ed001's Note - because people keep clicking the links and they get page views for their sponsors. By being dishonest, they make lots more money than we ever will, sadly.

It is the same as a politician making a speech, they don't necessarily agree with what they say, but they say it as it is what they have to do to stay in their role. I know Gerrard does think highly of Brendan, but these kind of interviews are just waffle and no more reality than 'reality tv'.}

07 Jan 2015 14:40:51
Why (if true) are we signing Shaqiri does anyone know? In place of whom? For the price, it can only be in place of someone like Sterling, Coutinho, Markovic Lallana etc as Ibe is out on loan anyway and others such as Rossiter, Ojo etc don't even get a look in. I fingd it confusing we are being continually linked with someone we would struggle to accommodate without off-loading one of the bigger names. He certainly won't be willing to be a bit part player or an anonymous name sometimes seen in a match programme - he will expect to play in most games he is fit. Perhaps he's being bought to be Brendaned the minute he gets here.

We haven't replaced Suarez yet have we? The money we spent in the summer should have been spent regardless of the Suarez situation to deepen the squad in my opinion, so I'm still expecting a decent signing to replace Suarez, although I suspect I'll be disappointed. How good would Jovetic be if City are signing Bony?

{Ed002's Note - You are living in a fantasy world.}

07 Jan 2015 15:11:55
Suarez is not going to be replaced squad size wise - we need to reduce the squad size and make it a lot smaller than it currently is. And Shaqiri will not replace him position or skill wise.

Our squad is too big (it is even bigger if you add the loanees who we have no plan for). We need a moderate YET effective squad of players where every player knows his job and not having a big squad just for the sake of it.

07 Jan 2015 12:49:47
eds will gerrard leavin free up wages for a decent player possibly?

{Ed002's Note - It doesn't work like that.}

07 Jan 2015 14:03:44
Obviously his wages won't be on the wage bill anymore but then you're left with two choices a: spend the wages on a replacement. B and the more likely choice of F$g: save the money and use it as a way of lowering the wage bill and the amount of money we lose on a weekly basis which for 3 years I believe was 1m a week but Ed002 will be able to clarify if I'm wrong and they wish

Referring to them as f$g in the same post as suggesting they're losing $1m (£1m?) per week seems a bit callous, no?

Shame on you, evil corporate ownership, who are willing to irrationally lose millions of quid on our emotional sporting obsession! How dare you take advantage of us so!

07 Jan 2015 12:33:27
Hi Eds, not liverpool related but reading a lot about Messi being unhappy and wanting to leave Barca etc.

With FFP rules could any club realistically afford to buy him? Imagine he would need a transfer fee of around £100+ million to sign him plus wages fees etc and just don't think any club could realistically afford to buy him!

Would like to see him in the premiership though.

{Ed002's Note - A number of questions have been asked of representatives of UEFA regarding the transfer of the financially very high-end players and the impact on FFP. It is clear that exceptions would need to be put in place as the alternative could be lawsuits from players regarding restrictions on trade.

I understand that again they see three possible destinations for the player but I am not going to get involved in any further speculation at this time.}

07 Jan 2015 12:46:17
Thanks Ed!

Surely their value would come down Eds if buyers can't afford to break FFP rules? Isn't it a case of price affecting supply and demand?

{Ed001's Note - their value to the team who has them will not be lowered though. For instance Messi's value is raised by the sponsorship deals he brings to Barca, which are increased because of his presence. So all it does is decrease the chances of a move happening, hence the restriction of trade talk.}

07 Jan 2015 14:46:38
If - and it would be an almighty big if - he ever came to the Prem it would be for City or Chelsea. He won't come cheap and he's way out of our wage league.

07 Jan 2015 11:21:36
Ed002, in answer to a post last evening you said "people craving the likes of DIC (and Kenny Huang) were deluded" why DIC? I Thought thy where able and very new to completing a deal to buy the club on a least one occasion.
Cheers

{Ed002's Note - I answered this when you last asked.}

Thanks just seen it, I do recall the the news leaking out of the exit strategy but i didn't realise the purchase was based on 100% debt.
Thanks again

{Ed002's Note - It was discussed by David Moores when interviewed about the sale by (a) The AP, and (b) The Times. I imagine that you could find these if you want. Or go through the archives here. All history now.}

07 Jan 2015 12:30:36
Kenny Huang is a pretty dodgy fella from what I could gather. Very interesting read from Ed002.

07 Jan 2015 15:23:16
Yes Mr Dennis, I was aware of Huang being dodgy he never seemed a good fit did he, as well as being a Man U fan apparently, actually my question just referred to DIC who I thought would be good for us but evidently not according to Ed002.

I heard that DIC were not as flush as they are supposed to be. Don't see what FSG have actually done wrong, other than make some naive mistakes which is hardly like Moores or those cowboy cretins Hicks and Gillett.

Any reason ed why I can't get into the archives of around the time when the takeover happened? Anyone else have this problem as well.

{Ed033's Note - I'll take a look

07 Jan 2015 08:26:17
When gerrard leaves next year, Gerrard will be loaned back to us till the start of the MLS, you do know this right. It is a educated guess

He's going to City ;)

07 Jan 2015 14:53:55
Almost certainly not. He will be moving himself and his family to another continent - he will need to find a place to live, where things are and make new friends. He woll almost certainly have pre-season work to do as well - appearances, kit modelling, TV interviews etc etc.

07 Jan 2015 08:17:23
First time poster but have been reading this site for quite a while now. Would just iike to know from any of the eds or any of the posters what's your opinion on Hugo Loris and would Spurs be willing to sell?

{Ed001's Note - Lloris is an excellent keeper, Spurs are not looking to sell him. They might be tempted for a ridiculous fee, but they are looking to build something there.}

07 Jan 2015 07:22:54
Hi Eds,
Sakho's performance has been far from convincing since he has arrived, do you think there is a chance we are looking to offload him ?

{Ed001's Note - yes.}

Played 25 games and already we all want rid of him. Utterly bonkers, you don't become a bad player over night. What ever happened to giving a player time to settle, different league, language barrier, cultural differences etc? Why do I feel as though we are continually hounding players out, we are better than that. Perhaps judge the lad over a season at least and one where he has been fully fit.

{Ed001's Note - Brendan is not happy with him. It would not be the decision I would make, I think he is better suited to the Prem than the alternatives we have at the club. Personally I would rather move a manager on who wanted so much spent on a player he clearly didn't know anything about. He should have done more research on him.}

07 Jan 2015 07:50:35
Don't know what Sakho you've been watching, he's been our best defender this year

Ed as you know I have been a great supporter of BR but what on earth is he playing at? I must agree Sakho does look like he suits the league more than any other CB we have. I wonder if BR is moved on would that mean we keep sakho?

{Ed001's Note - Sakho would probably stay, if the new man wanted him, it is unlikely, very unlikely even, he will stay if Rodgers does.}

Here is how i see it. Gerrard, Johnson and Suso, contracts running down, as good as gone.

Ilori, Alberto, Aspas, Wisdom all out on loan. Do they have a future? It looks unlikely.

Lucas maybe gone this month but defo on the move. Sakho looks pretty likely in the Summer.

Mario and Borini, not good enough apparently. Where does Lambert fit in?

I will not even go into the youth players!

A bit of a mess Ed and we are skint!

{Ed001's Note - and who has to take responsibility? Because if we are going to fix it we need to make sure it doesn't just keep happening.}

I am a big one for continuity but for BR to stay he needs to be a little more humble. Saying that I am not sure the owners will settle for anything less than he promised. Long term and with the correct stewardship I still think as a manager he could achevive an awful lot.

Is it any coincidence that defenders and goalkeepers alike for that matter are all currently shells of their former selves playing under a manager who has no idea how his team should defend?

Lets just hope Brendan gets the boot before more quality players like Sakho are shown the door. A few minor tweaks could have this squad challenging on all fronts but with Brendan in charge it is all just a pipe dream. Really disappointed about Suso, letting a talent like Suso go for free is just criminal. Imagine the uproar within the club when Milan sell him for an astronomical fee a few years from now.

What are you talking about. Since sahko has come back in the team we have been playing a lot better and his been our best defender at the back. Where did you get not convincing from. do you even watch the games ?

07 Jan 2015 09:13:48
I really believe a good manager could get way more out of our squad. our players aren't as bad as our results.

All the problems stem from Rodgers.

Many postings here reflect this.

07 Jan 2015 19:03:02
We had a better squad last season and yet this window was all about bulking up the squad. Give me last years squad back all day

BR thinks Skertl is our best defender (NOT!!) and wants to sell Sahko who currently IS our best defender. Goes to show he is ABSOLUTELY hopeless when it comes to defenders and defending. I would sack BR before he sells our best defender.