If Robben Is A Referee...

He'll be something like that:

Cracks Are Showing At Goodison Park

**LADIES please look away!**














Nice one Barton! Anyway is it true that Joey Barton's a Scouser?

My Top 5 Players Who Shook The Kop

The ongoing 100PWSTK over at Liverpoolfc.tv is proving to be a huge success and has kept fans revisiting the site for the past few months. After weeks after weeks of unveilling of players, we have finally reached the pinacle, the top 5 players who has made a major impact in the most illustrious club in England.

We are left with the 5 players and they are: Steven Gerrard, Robbie Fowler, Ian Rush, Kenny Dalglish and John Barnes.

My Prediction:

1. Kenny Dalglish

I think nobody will be able to surpass the great 'King Kenny' of Anfield. His achievment at the club is for all to see and playing in the '80s Liverpool team where they totally dominated the English game as well as in Europe.


2. Ian Rush

All time top scorer for Liverpool, he has already endeared himself in the hearts of the fans because of his predatory skills and his apparent love for Liverpool. The moustached Welsh looks exactly what everyone think a Scouser will look like and he IS made for Liverpool.


3. Steven Gerrard

In an era where great players and legends are hard to come by, he stood forth and shone. He's the one player that carried Liverpool through the transitional period when Rafa Benitez took over. He's the one player that kept us in the Champions League in 2005 with that goal against Olympiakos. His goal in the Champions League final sparked a revival in the Liverpool team which looked to be down and out. He scored the double to carry Liverpool through the FA Cup final. You don't make a one man team, but you just need the one player to be more special than the rest.


4. John Barnes

The modern day equivalent of what we have in CRonaldo and Robben, but with pace and power. He excites the crowds in the late 80's and early 90's and his ability to rip opponent's defence to shreds earn his plaudits.


5. Robbie Fowler

The man they Kopites called 'God'. That is enough to tell how much the fans love the man. Although he played in an era where Liverpool slumped and stumbled most of the team, he provided the hope everyone was looking for, the salvation everyone hoped for. A natural goalscorer by birth, his wonderful left foot made football fans awe-struck. He 'died', but 'rose' again.

Macca, You Got Merk'd

After all these weeks of bombardment from the mass media about how a team should be consistent with the starting players (etc. Liverpool, Liverpool & Liverpool), Steve McClaren decides to turn on deaf ears and bring radical change to his England side for the game against FYR Macedonia this weekend.

Radical as in, changing from the familiar 4-4-2 formation to a untested 3-5-2 formation. If you thought that changing personal is bad, then how about changing formation? I have always believe that no matter how much changes the manager makes, the system and formation must not be tempered with.

So now is McClaren going to use 2 totally different formation against Macedonia and Croatia? If he is, then he is making a serious mistake. Talking about 3-5-2, which team actually plays that formation? None. Yes, so the players will need some time to get used to the system. And everyone knows that Macedonia is going to be the 'guinea pig' or cannon fodder for England this weekend, but just what IF it backfires?

You can imagine the English papers on Sunday morning, having a field day of their own, the press will go 'McClaren out!' and '3-5-2 not the way!'. So by this radical change, McClaren is putting his reputation at stake and also how smooth the road ahead is depends very much on this not so important match.

Will he then revert back to 4-4-2 against a much stronger Croatia? Then if it is, where will they find the consistency? I just don't think that playing two different system in 3 days will get be of any good but in fact, it will cause confusion and disjointedness.

So good luck Macca, if it backfires, don't say I didn't warn you!

Likely Line-Up
Robinson; G Neville, Ferdinand, Terry; Wright-Phillips, Gerrard, Carrick, Lampard, A Cole; Rooney, Crouch.

100 Players Who Shook The Kop Top 10

Of all the stories so far, Billy Liddell's one touched me the most. This is what I meant by sticking through thick and thin. Will you be there when Liverpool relegates?

#6 Billy Liddell

Name: Billy Liddell

Years at Liverpool: 1938 to 1960
Position: Winger

Date-of-birth: 10/1/1921
Birthplace: Townhill (near Dunfermline)

Signed from: Lochgelly Violet (June 1938)

Games: 534
Goals: 229

Honours: First Division Championship (1946/47)





Life as a Liverpudlian in the 1950s was no bed of roses but while Billy Liddell was around there was always a shining light amid the gloom of relegation from the top-flight, humiliating cup exits to lower league opposition and seemingly annual near misses in the quest for promotion.

The mere mention of his name is enough to send ageing Liverpudlians into dewy-eyed reminisces of bygone football age. For them, William Beveridge Liddell is quite simply the greatest player to have ever donned the famous red shirt.

Although his modesty would never have allowed him to admit it, without him the Reds could well have sunk into the murky depths of the old Third Division and if they had who's to say they'd have ever escaped?

To the modern generation of Liverpool fans, who look back in time and can't see beyond the arrival of Bill Shankly, this is a scenario too severe to contemplate but it's no exaggeration and for this reason alone, Liddell's contribution to the success story that followed should never be under-estimated.

Without doubt, 'King Billy of Anfield' was one of the post-war greats of the British game, a thrilling, skilful, two-footed winger - fast, direct and capable of bursting the back of any opposition net with one of his trademark thunderbolt shots.

But the fact that he was twice selected to represent Great Britain during the course of his career – a feat matched only by the legendary Stanley Mathews – is ample proof, if needed, of his immense stature in the game.

On the pitch, Liverpool was a club in decline and in 1954 the unthinkable occurred when the Reds suffered the indignity of relegation to the Second Division. Many players of his ability would have jumped ship at the prospect of dropping into a lower league but Liddell's unswerving loyalty to the Reds ensured that he remained with the club as they strove to regain their top-flight status in the proceeding years.

Ever the gentleman, Liddell didn't complain. During the course of his illustrious career he was never booked and captained the club with distinction. One of the finest role models ever to play the game, he was the perfect club ambassador – a devout Christian who never drank, smoke or swore, he did a lot of work for charity, helped out at local boys clubs and was a qualified Justice of the Peace.

It was unfortunate fact of life that Liddell's prime did not coincide with the Shankly revolution that followed his retirement. Had it done, who knows what he would have gone on to achieve?

The great man is sadly no longer with us but visit Anfield on a quiet day and old-timers will swear they can still hear the once famous roar of 'give it to Billy' ringing around the Kop. Gone but never forgotten, when legendary Liverpool players are discussed you can be sure his name will always figure prominently.

Sold to: Retired (1960)

Claim to fame: Carrying Liverpool through the fifties

Did you know? An accountant by profession, he trained only two days a week and worked at the club accountants office on the other days

Where is he now? Sadly passed away after suffering from Alzheimer's disease in July 2001

John Keith on Billy Liddell: "He was a role model before they had role models. He was a wonderfully exciting, good looking, dark hair, dashing player. Built to athletic perfection, with broad shoulders, tapering body, great speed and great power. He was excitement personified. That's how I would describe Billy Liddell."

You Should Be Ashamed

If you're one of those 'fans' who goes onto various Liverpool forums and start blasting people away when Liverpool loses a match.

Xabi Alonso has told Liverpool's critics to reserve judgement on Rafael Benitez's side until the end of the season.

The Reds have come in for stinging criticism from some sections of the media following their weekend defeat at Bolton and while Alonso admits Liverpool haven't started the season in the manner they'd have liked, he struggles to understand why there has been such an over the top reaction from journalists and pundits, especially when other sides have also made stuttering starts to the campaign.

"In England I have found that the media are not interested in the bigger picture. As far as they are concerned you are only as good, or as bad, as your last result," said the Spanish midfielder. "If you have won comfortably then you are a great team and you are going to be challenging for the title at the top of the league.

"Yet, if you have lost, then you have big problems and something has to be done to change things. All week they will talk about it but then if you win the next week you are a much better team again.

"That is one of the main reasons why I do not read English papers. I choose to read only papers from back home, but it is the same in Spain and all of the big football countries and seems to be more and more a part of the modern game.

"People have to try and analyse football with a little more distance and perspective if they want to do it properly.

"We know that we can still do things better than we are doing them now, but it's not a problem for us. We have nothing to fear if we keep playing like we did against Newcastle, Chelsea and Spurs.

"With the way that FIFA have the schedule now, with all the international matches to be played, it's only normal that teams are taking time to find their feet and it's no surprise to me, or to anybody at the club, that around Europe a lot of big teams are starting their seasons slowly.

"I would say that none of the so-called giant teams have started the season the way they ended last season but not every club receives the same level of criticism. Some get it and others are spared but that's okay because we are only interested in ourselves. We have just started the season and we will see where we are in May."

If even fans of the club doesn't get behind the club, who will? So stop moaning about this and that because we HAVE a boss and he is not a retard for winning Champions League and FA Cup. Don't tell him what to do because he already started coaching when most of us are still drinking mummy's milk.

Just stick behind your team. If you can't do that, then don't watch football.

How Sarcastic Can They Get !

Hahaha, and they say the British are boring! Anyway click for bigger version.

Finally An Official Word...

Moroccan striker Nabil El Zhar is confident he can be a success at Anfield after completing his move from St Etienne.

El Zhar, who was born in France but has opted to represent Morocco at international level, came to prominence during last year's World Youth Championships where he helped his country reach the semi-finals of the competition before they were knocked out by Brazil.

Having decided to bring an end to his career with St Etienne, he's now hopeful of forcing his way into Rafael Benitez's Anfield plans.

He said: "St Etienne offered me a professional deal but I waited before signing it because I was unconvinced it was in my best interests to stay.

"When we came back for pre-season training I came back with the seniors, but they weren't really expecting me.

"So I preferred to pack my suitcases and go somewhere where I'd have a long-term future, that's to say Liverpool.

"They are a big club, but I'm convinced I've made the right decision to sign for them. I'm aiming on making a name for myself here. It's my intention to play in the first team eventually. I want to prove myself, make a name for myself and, if I do that, my chances will come here."



Drogballs: First of all, welcome aboard, Mr Elzharinho. Anyway this player has already played twice for the Liverpool reserves and only today, the official word was out that we've signed him. His official website states that he has signed a 4 year contract with Liverpool.

I've looked around for more information about this Morrocan kid and he seemed to be touted yet again as 'the next Zidane'. I know, you guys must be thinking about Bruno Cheyrou because Gerard Houllier said he will be the next. We've had various 'the next (insert legend name here)' like Sinama-Pongolle and Le Tallec. But sadly, they struggled to hold down a place in the squad and both are not at the club already, although technically Sinama-Pongolle is only away on loan.

Rafa of course, made some mistakes with his purchases in recent times with the likes of Morientes and Nunez. But we too know that after taking over the helm at Liverpool, the first thing he did was to change the scouting system we had and the scouts are continually looking for talents abroad.

This player here is a Morrocan Under 20 player and he operates on the wing as well as 'in the hole'. Think Luis Garcia, with perhaps more sidesteps and tricks. He could be our answer to Cristiano Ronaldo but I feel there's much to learn for him. The tenacity and pace of the English game is something difficult to get hold of and he must understand that you can never side step your way into the opponent's penalty area without getting your legged swiped at.

So we'll wait and see with anticipation whether is he the next Zidane or just another wannabe.

See What I Mean...

That those people up there don't actually give a sh*t about what's going on the pitch itself.

The Football Association are unable to take action against Zokora due to FIFA restrictions, which they have found "frustrating".

A spokesman told the Daily Mail: "We've been restricted by FIFA in the past on where we can take retrospective disciplinary action and that has been frustrating at times."

So they just push the blame around and then sit there with their arms folded and oh yes, it's FIFA again. FIFA restriction WHAT? FA not being able to punish cheaters and dishonest players?

Pfft, even Bush is more competent.

100 Players Who Shook The Kop Top 10

#7 Jamie Carragher

Name: Jamie Carragher

Years at Liverpool: 1996 to present
Position: Defender

Date-of-birth: 28/1/1978

Birthplace: Bootle

Signed from: Apprentice (October 1996)

Games: 426
Goals: 3

Honours: European Cup (2005), FA Cup (2001, 2006), UEFA Cup (2001), League Cup (2001, 2003), Charity Shield (2001, 2006), Super Cup (2001, 2005), FA Youth Cup (1996)




His boyhood footballing allegiances may have lay on the wrong side of Stanley Park but ask any Liverpool fan who their representative is out on the pitch and you can bet the majority would plump for Jamie Carragher.

A blue-blooded Evertonian he may have been when growing up in the Marsh Lane area of Bootle but cut Carragher in half today and he'll bleed nothing but Liverpool red.

A no-nonsense defender, who plays with the passion and devotion of the most fanatical Liverpudlian, Carra has been a key figure in all of the Reds' recent triumphs and his value to the team is priceless.

A local working class hero, with the broadest of Scouse accents, he rose through the Anfield youth ranks and has remained true to his roots. As modest and down-to-earth as they come, in the modern game his attitude is both refreshing and endearing.

Widely regarded as one of the finest out-and-out defenders in Europe at the moment, comparisons with such defensive greats as Franco Baresi should not be taken lightly, for Jamie Carragher is fully deserving of such plaudits.

Whether it be at left-back, right-back or centre-back, he defends the Liverpool goal as if his life depends on it – as perhaps best proved from half-time onwards in the unforgettable 2005 Champions League Final against AC Milan in Istanbul.

While his versatility was to work in his favour to a certain extent during those early years, it prevented him from showing his true class in one position and he was not instantly adopted as a firm favourite of the fans, like he is today.

A succession of big money buys were brought in and his place seemed in constant danger but each and every time he resiliently knuckled down, refused to kick up a fuss and eventually saw off the challenge of all newcomers.

Seemingly growing in stature with every game, Carra slowly won over the doubters and blossomed into a highly consistent performer who was to become one of the first names on the Liverpool team-sheet.

Upon taking over the Anfield managership in 2004, Benitez was so impressed by his dedication and work-rate that he had no hesitation in appointing him vice-captain to Steven Gerrard, and as stand-in skipper he proudly held aloft the European Super Cup the following year.

Carragher will be first to admit that he's not the most technically gifted player to have ever pulled on the red shirt but a combination of hard work and a fully committed approach to his profession have helped him attain his goals.

An impeccable reader of the game and fine man-marker, he's strong in the tackle, dominant in the air and exerts a positive influence on all those around him. He would run through a brick wall in aid of the Liverpool cause and has displayed a willingness to play through the pain barrier.

After breaking his leg away to Blackburn in September 2003 he refused to accept that he couldn't continue and eventually left the field with a genuine belief that he'd let his team-mates down, while during extra-time of the Champions League Final he bravely soldiered on despite being crippled with excruciating cramp.

One of a select band of players to have played over 400 games for the club, his loyalty to the Reds is commendable. When once asked in an interview if he'd ever contemplate a move to somewhere bigger, his quick-as-a-flash reply was 'there is nowhere bigger than Liverpool'.

It's this type of attitude that has helped earn him 'living legend' status among those on the Kop, who dream about a 'team of Carragher's'. There have been many better players in Liverpool history but few have had a greater affinity with the crowd.

'23 Carra Gold' is the wording on one of the many banners to have been created by supporters in his honour and there can be no denying that Jamie Carragher is a present day jewel in Liverpool's crown.

Claim to fame: Giving Jerzy Dudek an inspirational pep-talk before the penalty shoot-out drama in Istanbul

Did you know? He is the longest serving player currently on Liverpool's books and will complete ten years unbroken as a professional at Anfield in October 2006

Chris Bascombe on Jamie Carragher: "I've probably been accused of being chairman of the Jamie Carragher fan club since he broke into the team and it's a funny one with him because when he first got into the side I don't think anybody would have believed he would become the player he has. But every season Carra has been in the team he's raised his game another 10 per cent and I think Liverpool fans have now woken up to how great he is."

Wayne Rooney....

"I'd never dive. I'd like to think of myself as an honest player.

"That's the way I play. I don't like diving, football doesn't need it."

Then:



They should be punished for being hypocritical as well, I think.

No just kidding!

It's Time To Bring In The Technology

Didier Zokora's dive, Reina's 'handball' outside penalty box and William Gallas' handball. What do they have in common? You guessed right! Bad refereeing decisions. Welcome to 2006, to an age where technological advancement is so rapid that human often fail to catch up, just like the referees we have in football. They huff and puff every game and then goes on to make mistakes in matches and this is getting frustrating.

I mean, 3 controversial decisions in a WEEK! What else does it take to make the governing body wake up and realise they are deluding themselves into thinking that football is fine and going well. Is football not in a bad state already, with the 'bungs' alleagtions surrounding the proud English game, the match-fixing scandal over in Italy and the recent World Cup where people will remember it for controversial decisions and winking instead of the skills displayed in the matches.

Human makes mistake, it's fairly straightforward and I do not need to go further with that. But this is 2006 and can't they just use something to aid them instead of being stubborn and thinking that it's okay? Why are the governing body so headstrong with this decision about using technology to aid the poor referees? If they're truly 'working on it' like they said, then why does it takes such a long time?

I do not have the answer of course, only those people in suits have. As often people say 'if it's not broken, don't fix it', I think someone's better come and fix this before it gets worst. Worst? Worst what, you say. Don't you people think that the so called 'beautiful game' we love is transforming into something we can no longer comprehend? Don't get me going on the money side of the game because we had enough, so let's just talk about things ON the field.

Diving, cheating and wrong decisions. They all goes hand in hand, don't they? Don't tell me that with all these wrong decisions, it creates entertainment and 'talking point'. It might be amusing for awhile, but it gets tiring and now it's just plain ridiculous. Can we sit down and actually enjoy football when people are going down like a sack of sh*t with minimal contact and some stupid ridiculous decisions by the linesman and referee that went on to change the face of the game?

How fair is it to people like us, who supports a team and then you feel cheated by someone that's supposed to be the fairest of them all. Do we still have faith in the men in black? I don't think so. I don't want to blame them for that, but can't the authorities at least act on it?

How difficult is it actually to put a damn TV at the sidelines with the supposed '4th referee' who does nothing but hold up the boards to actually WATCH the replays before giving the referee his verdict? It might waste some game time, but it surely makes football a much more enjoyable game. We won't have to go on thinking 'we got robbed' from this game etc.

Back to diving, I think the later the authorities step in, the worst it will get. Now everyone just sit around with their arms folded and doing nothing about it. So is cheating actually being compromised here? If it's not, then why punish the people that 'match fix' and not those who cheats in front of tens of thousands of people? Week in, week out, we see people going down at the slightest touch and then escape without any punishment.

Imagine you're a kid and you walked into a candy shop. You fancy something and you stole it. Hah, brilliant. So what will you usually think next? Yea, go on and steal again since you didn't get caught! Precisely that, footballers are all cheating and diving because they know they could escape the punishment. So why aren't anyone doing ANYTHING about it? Does it take a genius to actually think of a plan to punish these players?

I suggest a panel, consisting of referees (or former referees) and they sit down and watch the recorded matches. If they suspect a player of 'simulations', they are given the right to ban and punish the players. Simple as that, don't you think? Well, no one thought of that!

Mr Blatter thought of changing the penalty rule in cup finals. Why not you just do something about the cheating instead of worrying about something that's not there.

Beautiful game? It's degrading into one ugly mess. And what can I do?

Just sit here and type this crap to express my frustration and nothing else. Nothing to be honest.. Oh how I fear for the game's future...

100 Players Who Shook The Kop Top 10

#8 - Kevin Keegan


Name: Kevin Keegan

Years at Liverpool: 1971 to 1977

Position: Forward

Date-of-birth: 14/2/1951

Birthplace: Armthorpe

Signed from: Scunthorpe United (May 1971)

Games: 323
Goals: 100

Honours: First Division Championship (1972/73, 1975/76, 1976/77), European Cup (1977), FA Cup (1974), UEFA Cup (1973, 1976), Charity Shield (1974, 1976)




Bought for a bargain £35,000 from the lower leagues in 1971, Kevin Keegan's high-profile departure in the summer of 1977 may have left a bitter taste but there can be no denying his stature as a true legend of this club.

In the six years he wore a red shirt, Keegan went from unknown rookie to an internationally renowned star, attracting a type of hero-worship that was almost pop idol-esque at times. Like Michael Owen two decades later, he became not only a Kop hero but also the golden boy of English football and a player who shouldered the hopes of a nation.

One hundred goals, three League Championships, the European Cup, FA Cup and two UEFA Cup's, not to mention a multitude of magical memories mean he'll forever be revered in the red half of Merseyside.

'Robbery with violence' was how Bill Shankly described the capture of Keegan from Scunthorpe, such was the belief that he'd got himself a bargain buy to beat all others. And he was right.

Although he'd been signed with a view to replacing Ian Callaghan in midfield, the confident new recruit immediately impressed in an attacking role during pre-season. So much so that he was handed a surprise debut at home to Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season – an occasion he marked by scoring in front of the Kop after just 12 minutes.

Energetic, enthusiastic and one hundred per cent committed to the Kop cause, Keegan was a born winner who provided Shankly's second great side with the spark that ignited a renewed assault on the major honours.

In 1972/73, Keegan fired the Reds to an unprecedented domestic and European double, topping the Anfield goalscoring charts in the process and netting what proved to be a crucial brace in the UEFA Cup Final first leg against Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Another two-goal Keegan blast clinched FA Cup success the following year as Newcastle, a club that would play a big part in his future life, were overwhelmed at Wembley. The effervescent number seven had already struck four times on route to the twin towers that season, including a perfectly lobbed effort over Leicester's Peter Shilton in the semi-final replay at Villa Park.

On the eve of the 1976/77 season every Liverpudlian's worst fears were confirmed when Keegan served notice of his intention to quit the club and join Bundesliga outfit Hamburg in twelve months time.

His decision was understandably met with disdain from certain sections of the Kop and his once soaring popularity dipped significantly in the months that followed as some fans questioned his loyalty.

Four days after being made the scapegoat by some for the FA Cup Final defeat by Manchester United, which had scuppered dreams of the treble, Keegan won back the everlasting affection of the supporters with a dazzling performance against Borussia Moenchengladbach.

On a balmy night in the Olympic Stadium his tireless work-rate and close control bamboozled experienced German international Bertie Vogts to such an extent that he had no option but to bring him down for the penalty that sealed a momentous victory.

Keegan may have gone on to be crowned European Footballer of the Year twice during his spell in Germany but it was at Anfield where he enjoyed his greatest success and spent his best years.

One of Liverpool Football Club's favourite sons, there'll always be a special place in the heart of the Kop for Kevin Keegan – an iconic figure of an era that no Liverpudlian who lived through it will ever forget.

Sold to: SV Hamburg (July 1977)

Claim to fame: Scoring twice in the 1974 FA Cup Final victory over Newcastle

Did you know? Liverpool had first option to buy Keegan back when he left Hamburg but Bob Paisley opted not to take up the offer and he went to Southampton instead

Where is he now? Not much has been seen or heard of him since leaving his post as Manchester City manager in 2004/05 but he was recently linked with the vacant managerial position at Doncaster

Brian Hall on Kevin Keegan: "Kevin turned out to be a brilliant footballer. For me, his contribution to that seventies team was quite phenomenal. The media tried to make him into some kind of superstar but he was a team player and when he pulled on his red shirt was one of the lads. I thought he was a terrific person and a terrific footballer."

Super Crouch Could Not Defend His House

Burglars raided England striker Peter Crouch's home while he was playing for Liverpool in the Champions League this week, it was reported today.

The Sun reports that while the 6ft 7ins striker was scoring two goals in the victory over Galatasary yobs were ripping apart his home in Alderley Edge, Cheshire.

They stole valuables and drove away in a car he left on the driveway.

The paper says the thieves made a wreck of Crouch's home, slashing his leather sofas and going through his belongings.

Cheshire Police said tonight they were unable to confirm or deny reports Crouch`s house had been burgled.

But in a statement to The Sun a police spokesman said: 'There was a burglary but the victim wants no publicity.'

Crouch is the latest footballer to be targeted by burglars.

Thugs who broke into Everton star Andy Van der Meyde's home stole his car and even his pedigree dog, while in July mementoes belonging to Manchester United and England forward Wayne Rooney were stolen from his parents' home.

Other victims have included former Spurs goalkeeper Ian Walker and Chelsea's Frank Lampard.

Drogballs: Poor Crouchy. But unlike van der Meyde, he didn't appeal for the public to help him find his dog or whatever. Oh what a terrible week...