Perhaps Quitters Are Winners

Bellamy & Cisse Unloaded

The striker musical chair game going on at Liverpool is still up and running with both Djibril Cisse and Craig Bellamy set to leave for Olympique Marseille and West Ham respectively.

The news of the impending departure of the duo was confirmed yesterday by Liverpool manager, Rafa Benitez, after the game which saw his side winning their first friendly game at Wrexham.

Being asked about the deals, Rafa said "The deals for Bellamy and Cisse are completed."

While he also added that he likes Yossi Benayoun and the Israeli playmaker is kept under close watch by the Spanish boss and his trustworthy scouts. It fueled speculation after Benitez mentioned that his next target will be a winger.

The description that is to be given to the two players could well be 'flops' but it's a gross overstatement of what they did for the club. It's unfair to hurl abuse at them now for what I call, under-achieving and not unleashing their fullest of potential.

Djibril Cisse came in as a record signing by Gerard Houllier but the Frenchman was promptly sacked before they even had a chance to work together.

Apparently, Rafa thought Cisse is unteachable and that his attitude stinks at times. Even the injuries he suffered in his short span of career at Anfield didn't gain him much sympathy.

Meanwhile, Bellamy is brought in to replace Cisse only last summer. Both players are probably in the same mould, with tenacity and pace to burn. But their finishing can be a suspect at times while Bellamy's misdemeanors are one too many for Benitez to take.

The golf club incident pre-Barcelona could've been the last straw and that he wasn't able to sustain his form for an extended period of times probably means the gamble that Benitez took last summer didn't pay off. Or maybe not in full divident.

Yet the two players have left good memories for the fans to reminisce and we'll still remember the good times. I'll like to thank Cisse for his goal at Cardiff, the FA Cup would've been out of reach if he didn't score that one just before half time. His heroics in the UEFA Super Cup should not be discounted as well. You could even say he scored in the Champions League final from the penalty spot back in 2005.

Bellamy, a true 'ah-beng' he is, has given us some laughs for his uncountable amount of offsides and whining at the referee. He must be a true irritant to the referees but when it comes down to the real job, he just didn't make the grade. But thanks for that goal in Nou Camp and the various others.

Speaking without malice and bitterness, I would like to say thank you to the two, who have served the club well in some ways for the past seasons. Let's hope you leave with good peace and in good terms with the club and don't hurt us too much when we meet again.


Carragher Turns His Back On England?

Well done, about time Carra. About time to turn your back on a team that doesn't appreciate any bit of your presence and under perform all the time.

About time to leave the bunch of prima donnas on their own and focus your career for Liverpool.

About time to tell everyone that you're one of the best central defenders in the world, not a stop gap right back or replacement anchorman in midfield.

Even when Terry and Ferdinand ain't available, there isn't a spot for him and that the right back spot, which he previously replace Gary Neville on a couple of occasions, was taken away from him by Wes Brown in the match against Estonia.

It was a bitter blow for the Liverpool vice captain, who clearly isn't favoured by Steve McClaren, whom he only made 5 appearances under his 'fine' management.

It isn't a selfish act from his part and totally understandable, that he himself feels that he's very much dispensable and he doesn't need a reason to be in a part of a team which sees him as a stop gap and replacement only when someone goes missing.

It's time to give it up like Scholes and watch how his career at ManYoo blossom after his 'retirement'. Concentrate at Liverpool and give up on them who doesn't give a sh*t about who you are.

Just quit!

Source: The Daily Mail (Or Diana Watch.....)

Good Man Rafa!

We know his goatee is probably the best thing since sliced bread and it has been on Liverpool fan's lips for the past week but during the official unveiling of Fernando Torres, where he held a press conference, Rafa once again showed a humorous side of him and reminds us of why we love the goatee man so much.


Reporter - So are you happy for him (Bellamy) to stay?

Benitez - Who? Fernando Torres?

Reporter - No. Bellamy

Benitez - Yes, I know. I'm joking

Reporter - So??

Benitez - Yes, I am very happy for Torres to stay.


Can't help but laugh at the poor reporter....

Post Season Team Review Part III

After reviewing the defence and midfield components of the team, it's time to focus on where the goals come from and that's the forward line.

With the inclusion of Dirk Kuyt and Craig Bellamy last summer, Liverpool were looking to include more options upfront to support Peter Crouch and after a season, the views of both the players seems divided.

So here's my take:


9. Robbie Fowler

Signed from Man City last season during the winter transfer break, it was to boost the rank of the Liverpool strike force back then, when hitting the back of the net seemed pretty tough. It was also to give the fans something to cheer about as Fowler never really had a chance to bid his goodbye to the Anfield crowd properly.

Rewind it forward to 2007, he has had a decent season although it appears that his chances are limited due to the arrival of Kuyt and Bellamy.

But when he was called upon, he seldom fails to deliver. Yet the injuries over the years and that pair of old legs seemed to have taken a toil on the man they dubbed the Anfield God.

He made 6 starts and 10 substitute appearances for Liverpool this term and yielded 3 goals which is an impressive statistic. But if you're not aware, the 3 goals all didn't come from open play.

But his real contributions did come in the domestic cup games while off the pitch, he'll always provide the players with his experiences and also his presence in the dressing room helps the team in some extent.

Although his farewell match didn't turn out to be a fairytale story, it just wouldn't change our mindset of one of the club's greatest striker. Thank God for him.

Grade: B-


15. Peter Crouch

Who would've thought that when Liverpool goes through another round of 'Rafalution', the beanpole striker will manage to hold down a spot in the team and becomes an integral part of it?

Not me, and I don't think you do too. But what an amazing turnaround for a so called journeyman football, who has gone through the ups and downs, switching clubs and ended up playing for Liverpool, FA Cup winner and CL finalist.

Ridiculed for his build, he has since silenced many critics including me myself. Looking back, that 7million GBP paid for him seemed justifiable since English player's price always seemed to be inflated.

His stats shows 19 starts and 9 goals. That is an impressive return for the forward and also not discounting his 8 assists.

And from the mentality of 'let's not start him upfront' to this season's 'start him, Rafa, he'll deliver', it's amazing how the big man with good touch has managed to change our views of him. Memorable moments including that 'perfect hat trick' against Arsenal and his double scissor kicks in the league against Bolton and in the Champions League against Galatasaray.

Grade: A- (Nominee for TRC's Player of the Year)


17. Craig Bellamy

The Welsh striker is brought in to provide Rafa Benitez an alternative option for his strikeforce. For years, Liverpool have had a dearth of pacy strikers and that has limited us to pretty one dimensional football at times.

With the forward's speed and acceleration, it no doubt struck fear in the opposition defence and with his previous season at Blackburn being rather decent, Liverpool fans expect something from him.

But with only 7 goals in 23 starts, it was rather disappointing from the front man as he squandered bucket-loads of chances earlier in the season before hitting a high just about the right time and then slid downwards again towards the end of season.

If he's the answer to Michael Owen, then we're sadly mistaken and that he doesn't seemed to be featuring in the future plans of Liverpool after Rafa was promised a transfer war chest by the American owners. Expect his departure sooner rather than later.

Grade: C+

18. Dirk Kuyt

A long time transfer target of Rafa Benitez was signed last summer and he impressed the fans with his debut appearance against West Ham in the Kop's 100th birthday.

A 'modern day Mark Hughes' they called him, his work ethic and attitude on and off the pitch is something that many Liverpool fans love about him but that's not all.

He was brought in to be the worker up front for Liverpool while his ability to get goals are never in doubt. His goal record in Holland's Eredivisie speaks for itself.

But this being his first season at Liverpool, scoring 12 goals from 27 starts isn't that bad from the Dutchman although some feel that he could do better. His future at the club seemed certain and that he'll have a part to play in Rafa's Liverpool for the coming seasons.

Grade: B+ (Nominee for TRC's Player of the Year)


Alright, that wraps up the team review for the season but look out for more in the future as there'll be a vote for the best Liverpool goal for the 06/07 season. But for now, do vote for who you thinks deserve the TRC Player of the Year award.

Do drop a comment if you please.

Bellamy To Leave Liverpool

*Not to be taken as a windup. Thank you*

Prior to the game against Portsmouth, Craig Bellamy has told BBC Wales that he is definitely leaving Liverpool after his relationship with Rafa Benitez has broken down and the manage doesn't speak to him.

He's not pleased that he doesn't start on a regular basis while he's also frustrated by Benitez's tactics.

No surprise there, from the Welsh, who already had so many stormy relationships with previous managers. Often seemed like a problematic player, his attitude, behaviour on and off the field has left much to be desired.

Rafa Benitez did gave him a chance at his childhood club, Liverpool, and splashed 7 million GBP for him last summer. Despite the impending hearing of the assault case, Benitez stuck with him through it and he finally did show some form after the trial was over.

But with Crouch and Kuyt forming a great partnership, Bellamy looked less likely to start in recent months and started to look disillusioned. It came as no surprise to me that he has decided to leave at the end of the season and perhaps, he's not the one we're looking for.

He has bags of speed and finishing prowess but his attitude and constant moaning will always clash with the ideology which Rafa Benitez has set out, which is to be selfless and hardworking without complains.

Farewell son, all the best. Do at least give us a farewell present before you goal. Like a goal against Chelsea next week, I guess....

Link:

How Well Are They Paid?

Have you ever wondered how much is Harry Kewell's pay? Thinking about the incentives that the players and manager receive? Well, I saw this 'exclusive' report about Liverpool's pay structure and it doesn't surprise me one bit actually. It just seemed like there is a need to 'save' some resources and use it in a better way...

Here are some facts:


HARRY KEWELL (Left, in case you forgot how he looks like)

BASIC SALARY
Contrary to popular rumour, the injury prone Aussie does not get £80,000 a week - he has to make do with £40,000 for the duration of his five-year deal.

BONUSES
Kewell has shunned the performance-related bonuses (just as well, probably) but he is the only player at Liverpool to have an image-rights clause. Also has a deal that will give him a slice of any transfer fee over £6million.

ADDED PERKS
Liverpool pick up the tab for six business class flights back to Australia.


RAFA BENITEZ

BASIC SALARY
A whopping £3.5million for the six years of his contract, which expires in June, 2010. That's a total pay packet of £21million.

BONUSES
Where do you start? A cool million if he wins the Champions League and £300,000 if he keeps Liverpool in third place in the Premiership. Various incentives in the other competitions.

ADDED PERKS
Again - where do you start? Mobile phone, business class flights to Spain, company car ... and English lessons for himself and the family.


STEVEN GERRARD

BASIC SALARY
A nice, round £100,000 a week until June 2009.

BONUSES
none

ADDED PERKS
none


JOHN ARNE RIISE

BASIC SALARY
Only £25,000 a week

Travel back to Norway on Economic class flights.


ROBBIE FOWLER

APPEARANCE FEE
£10,000 per appearance


CRAIG BELLAMY

BASIC SALARY
£2 million per annum
*Contract improvement upon qualification for Champions League


JAMIE CARRAGHER

Will receive 10% of the transfer fee IF Liverpool ever sell him


TEAM

Champions League winners: £100,000 a man

Premiership winners: £25,000 a man

FA Cup winners: £15,000 a man

Carling Cup winners: £12,500 a man

UEFA Cup winners: £15,000 a man


That's about it. Make your own decision on whether they're overpaid or underpaid....Oh hang on, how can they be underpaid?!

Bellers You Daft Arse!

So we've been waiting for the truth of the 'Golf Club-gate' from the very mouth of the men involved in it, Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise. Today, Bellamy told The Daily Mirror everything and now, we know, there is absolutely nothing with the golf club, seven iron or anything.

He told the Daily Mirror: 'It started when we were all doing a bit of karaoke. I only sang one song and that was Red, Red Wine by UB40. That was because Jerzy Dudek was drinking it. That's how silly it all was.

'A lot of the lads wanted Riise to get up there next because he hadn't turned up at the dinner earlier and I tried to get him up, too.

'I wasn't that bothered whether he wanted to sing or not so I sat back down but he wasn't too happy about me trying to get him to sing so he let me know about it.

'The situation was calmed down then but when I was walking back to the hotel with Steve Finnan, who I was rooming with, I lost control for a few seconds.

'I went and confronted 'Ginger' and I said to him 'don't be doing that in front of the players again'.

'And that was really about it. I didn't want to cause a scene in front of everybody else. I just wanted to talk to him about it alone.

'John has been great about it. Straight away the next morning we were training together. There's no problem now.

Want a quick way out of Liverpool especially after the takeover? Do something like this. Guaranteed on your way out faster than Cronaldo drops on the floor.

Picture Of The Day

Riise: Now, my left leg's worth around 5million while my right is not worth a penny. Take it if you want. Meanwhile, I put up a really cheesy smile to distract those pesky photographers.

Bellamy: *evil laughter* Let me have a look.....

Truth? Or Lies?

Prior to Liverpool's crucial Champions League visit to Barcelona's Nou Camp, news broke out that the players went wild at their training camp in Algarve, Portugal. Sounds like a movie eh?

Few days back there were reports coming in about how Dudek and Fowler got drunk and smashed 'telephone boxes and other stuff' on the streets before getting handcuffed by the police.

Then again yesterday, there was news about how Bellamy went insane and used a golf club and chased John Arne Riise and actually hit his legs!

Now we have another report saying that it's a trap to make Craig Bellamy the scapegoat of these entire saga. Well, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out why it's Bellamy and not the others. Simple, because of his previous record. It's always easy to point your finger at the blackest sheep and Bellamy's notorious past isn't going to help the case.

When it comes to these sort of 'reports', I'll always read it with a little cynic and filter out only certain parts of the reports and take them seriously. The rest, just take it like a pinch of salt. It's like eating meat. You always take away those bones and skins before you eat the real stuff. And those rubbish usually takes up 70% of everything.

Take a wider perspective and look this way. Why does these reports only appear when Liverpool are preparing for the most important match thus far this season. Nice timing, isn't it? And noticeably the players named where never in the good books of the newspapers, namely Bellamy and Fowler.

Reading Robbie Fowler's autobiography will help you understand a lot about these footballer's life. Although you won't believe everything they say in the book as well, but you'll get the jeez of it pretty quickly. They're always set up for the newspaper to put up new stories and stuff they did that are common among the lads but got blown out of proportion by the tabloid newspapers. Sensationalism is the word for these stories.

But then again, I'm not saying I don't entirely believe the reports. To be honest, I'm quite worried about it as well. It affects the club's reputation and hey, you're playing for Liverpool FC. Show some pride while you're at the club and behave.

And I hope Rafa will have a serious look into this matter and if anyone is to be found guilty of ruining the club's name, they should not be spared. Footballers or not, they're liable for punishments and I seriously hope this saga will end soon and will NOT affect the performance against Barcelona on Wednesday. We'll be the underdog and I have full faith we'll get something out of Nou Camp. But we need the player's to remain focus and concentrate on their task ahead.

Still, truth or not, it's up to you to decide.

Bellamy To Be Swapped With Defoe?

Liverpool could offer Craig Bellamy as part of an exchange deal for Spurs striker Jermain Defoe.

Despite only signing the Welsh striker in the summer, Rafael Benitez is apparently prepared to include Bellamy in a package to beat off competition from Manchester United, who are also interested in Defoe.

According to the Daily Mirror, Spurs have already been sounded out about the prospect of a player exchange, and the deal could appeal to Martin Jol, who seems to favour Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane ahead of the England forward.

Liverpool are keen to not only strenghten to their forward line, but deny United the chance to sign Defoe.

The Red Devils' lack of cover up front was exposed during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea, after they were forced to name a bench with three defenders and a midfielder.

Sir Alex Ferguson is a long-time admirer of Defoe, and was interested in signing the England striker - a West Ham player at the time - when they bought Louis Saha from Fulham.

We know Rafa is a huge Jermaine Defoe fan and we have been linked with Defoe for the past 1 season plus. The move never materialise and instead, Liverpool went with Craig Bellamy, whom everyone thought was the better choice. It's a bit too early to judge, but Bellamy has managed to disappoint a lot of Liverpool fans and has yet to kick start his season.

His on-going trial with the court is not doing any good as well. We're short of men for the match against Portsmouth tonight and again, Bellamy won't be present because of some silly things he had done few months back. At the moment, we need all hands on deck and he's not available. Has he changed his attitude? Can he really behave himself in the future? Will it all happen AGAIN? This are the doubts in many of our supporter's mind, no doubt.

Then on Defoe, I'm definitely not his biggest fan due to the similarity between him and a striker we're looking to sell, Djibril Cisse. They're flamboyant, enigmatic, unpredictable and very much inconsistent. If we're looking to offload one that is of this quality, why buy another one?

Of course we could say this is the press media b*llocks just like every season we're hearing Gerrard joining Real Madrid etc. But what if it's true? Are you ready to accept the little man in for...another little man? Who's better in your opinion? I want to hear from you.


A moment of brilliance from Defoe:

'God' Not Watching Closely Enough...

Bellamy In Nightclub Trouble Again

Craig Bellamy grabbed a young woman by the throat after they bumped into each other at a nightclub, a court heard today.

The Wales and Liverpool striker is alleged to have assaulted 19-year-old Sophie Palmer and 20-year-old Holly Smith during a night out in Cardiff city centre during the early hours of February 5 this year.

Prosecutor Mike Hammett told Cardiff Magistrates Court the alleged altercation happened as Bellamy was walking in a corridor at the No 10 nightclub at about 2am.

Mr Hammett said Bellamy collided with Miss Palmer as she walked in the opposite direction, and "words were exchanged".

Bellamy is said to have then grabbed Miss Palmer's friend, Holly Smith, by the wrist and swore at her.

The court heard that moments later he followed the pair after they had walked away and grabbed Miss Palmer by the throat.

Bellamy's friend and sometime minder, Franklin Lynch, was also accused of assaulting Miss Palmer, and is alleged to have grabbed her in a bear hug when she tried to get assistance from door staff.

After the two women made an official complaint to police, Bellamy told officers during an interview the incident started when he caught the eye of one of the complainants, in the nightclub.

Seriously, as a Liverpool player, you not only conduct yourself ON the field, but OFF the field as well. Not that there's a special rule for the Reds player, but I think if Bellamy doesn't change his attitude, he'll be out of the club before he can even make any sort of positive impact. It's already frustrating enough to see him play so badly every time he's on the pitch and then now he's back to c**tish best with that sort of action.

To me, Bellamy's arrival at Liverpool is more like a chance given by Rafa. Not that I doubt his talents, but his attitude and off the pitch problem are really obvious.

So if he doesn't grab this chance by the scruff of the neck, bye Bellers. You're obviously not fit for the red jersey.