A Message To You People Out There..

Noticed that the updates on this blog is getting lesser each day? The blog that used to be updated 3 to 4 times a day now has slowed down, right? Well, sad to say a student have to go back to school at some point of time and the thing is now I'll have to go to school from 8 to 5 daily and come home really tired and lazy. The 'crisis' our club is facing doesn't help either and even as an optimist I'm not feeling good at all.

But rest assured! The blog will still be running, just that I'll update a little lesser compared to the past and hope you guys don't abandon me!

To cheer you people up:



Non football related, but have a laugh!

100 Players Who Shook The Kop Top 10

#3 IAN RUSH

Name: Ian Rush

Years at Liverpool: 1980 to 1987 & 1988 to 1996
Position: Forward

Date-of-birth: 20/10/1961
Birthplace: St Asaph

Signed from: Chester City (May 1980) & Juventus (August 1988)

Games: 660
Goals: 346

Honours:
First Division Championship (1981/82, 1982/83, 1983/84, 1985/86, 1989/90),
European Cup (1984),
FA Cup (1986, 1989, 1992),
League Cup (1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1995),
Charity Shield (1982, 1986, 1989, 1990),
ScreenSport Super Cup (1986),
PFA Young Player of the Year (1983),
PFA Player of the Year (1984),
Football Writers Player of the Year (1984)

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Part Two:




Only one word is needed to describe Ian Rush's Liverpool career. Goals. Plenty of them, to be more precise. No player in Anfield history has scored more and his record his one that will take some beating.

Nothing shakes the Kop more than a goal and in two glorious spells with the club he netted so many times he must surely have been guilty of causing some structural damage before the old terrace was finally pulled down in 1994.

A goalscoring legend if there ever was one, it's hard to imagine that his glittering career with the Reds had such an inauspicious beginning. Signed from Chester City towards the end of the 1979/80 season for a then British record fee for a teenager - £300,000 – Rush felt he wasn't being given a fair crack of the whip by then boss Bob Paisley and asked for a transfer after making just a handful of appearances.

Tall, thin and ungainly, the young striker looked anything but a future striking hero when he broke into the team but how looks can be deceptive. It actually took him nine games before registering his first goal for the senior side but once that hit the back of the net there was no stopping him.

Electric pace and eagle-eyed anticipation meant he was also a nightmare to mark and his attacking partnership with Kenny Dalglish is genuinely regarded as one of the finest there has ever been.

A remarkable 47-goal haul – 48 if you count his spot kick conversion in Rome – was enough to see him become the first British player to win Europe's Golden Boot, a perfect accompaniment to an unprecedented treble of League title, European Cup and Milk Cup, not to mention double player of the year recognition.

After just one season in Italy though, he was to make a sensational return amid a blaze of publicity. Having been made aware that their former star had failed to fully settle in Turin, Liverpool jumped at the chance to bring him home and Rushie responded by picking up where he left off, scoring goals for fun and proceeding to smash what goalscoring records he hadn't already.

In October 1992 he found the back of the net for a 287th time in a Liverpool shirt and in doing so surpassed Roger Hunt as the most prolific striker in Anfield history. The same year, Rushie's status as one of the club's elder statesman saw him handed the captaincy by manager Graeme Souness and in 1995 he fulfilled a personal dream by lifting the Coca Cola Cup as Reds skipper.

While records are there to be broken it's not inconceivable to suggest Rushie's phenomenal tally of goals in a Liverpool shirt is likely to stand the test of time.

But even if he is, somehow, one day, displaced from his position at the summit of the clubs all-time leading goalscorers, the fact he shook the Kop a record 346 times means he'll forever be renowned as one of the all-time Anfield greats.

Sold to: Juventus (July 1987) & Leeds (May 1996)

Claim to fame: Scoring more goals for Liverpool than any other player

Did you know? Liverpool didn’t lose a match in which Rush scored until the 1987 Littlewoods Cup Final against Arsenal

Where is he now? Looking to get back into football after recently completing his UEFA coaching badges

Nicky Allt on Ian Rush: "Ian Rush is maybe your all-round complete centre forward because the man could run, defend, was pacy, athletic and he could put the ball in the net. But more than anything his work ethic for the team is something you don't really find in a striker today. Your modern goalscorer thinks he hasn't got to run back and work but Rushie was always our first line of defence and a lot of people forget that."

'Keepers Get Pwned..

Last week, Paul Robinson was made to look like an absolute fool with that air kick. Then last weekend, goalkeepers grabbed the headline once again but with different reason.

They say lightning doesn't strike the same place twice. But think again, after watching the Chelsea vs Reading game over the weekends. Chelsea lost two goalkeepers in the match unfortunately and one of them nearly get KOed by that kick. As they say, Cech was lucky to survive that kick from Hunt.

Accidental or on purpose? You'll have to be the judge:

Petr Cech's Injury:



Carlo Cudicini's Injury:




To me, they looked just like accidents. Football is a contact sports and it's not surprising that there will be things like this happens. But to be fair, the videos are inconclusive and I can't be very sure whether my guess of it being incidental is right. But obviously in the Cech's one, the Reading player did tried to pull his leg away.

Cudicini one was more of an accident. Both went for the ball and unfortunate for the Italian, he was on the receiving end.

Even without two goalkeepers, Chelsea still went on to win. And guess what, Frank Lampard's deflected goal. Didn't deflect once but TWICE. He must have gained some level and now has mastered the art of deflection.

100 Players Who Shook The Kop Top 10

#4 Robbie Fowler

Name: Robbie Fowler

Years at Liverpool: 1993 to 2001 & 2006 to present
Position: Forward

Date-of-birth: 9/4/1975
Birthplace: Toxteth

Signed from: Apprentice (April 1992)

Games: 348
Goals: 177

Honours: FA Cup (2001), UEFA Cup (2001), League Cup (1995, 2001), Super Cup (2001), PFA Young Player of the Year (1995, 1996)

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Part Two:




It's not for nothing that Robbie Fowler is known as God by those on the Kop. One of the most revered figures in Liverpool's recent history, Fowler is also one of the most naturally gifted goalscorers to have graced the famous red shirt and his striking exploits are already the stuff of legend.

Now in his second spell at the club, even if he doesn't net another goal for the Reds, his halo will never slip in the eyes of his adoring fans. Since scoring on his debut against Fulham in a 1993 League Cup tie, Fowler has enjoyed a long-running love affair with Kopites that has never wavered and shows no sign of abating.

A boyhood Evertonian, he switched allegiances when joining the club's 'centre of excellence' at the age of 11. A host of clubs sought his coveted signature but Liverpool made the successful swoop. It was the late Jim Aspinall who is rightly credited with persuading him to sign for the 'enemy' and it must rank has one of the most important this club has ever made.

Fowler rose through the ranks as expected and those in the know knew the Reds had a special talent in their midst. With the Reds still struggling for goals, Souey handed his highly-rated rookie striker a start at Craven Cottage and was rewarded with a debut goal. In the return at Anfield Fowler famously netted all five in a 5-0 rout and a star was born.

His first full season in the limelight saw his reputation blossom from promising youngster to fully-fledged superstar, this rapid elevation no doubt aided by a fastest-ever Premiership hat-trick against Arsenal, a Coca-Cola Cup winners medal and the PFA Young Player of the Year accolade. He also topped the Anfield goalscoring charts again, breaching the 30 mark for the first time, and the so-called 'Toxteth Terror' was suddenly one of football's most feared finishers.

What Fowler lacked in pace and height he made up with an uncanny ability to sniff out goals. No opposition net was safe when he was in the vicinity of the penalty box. Close-range tap-ins or long-range super strikes, the 'Growler' was wonderfully adept at both and, as the goals flew in by the bucket-load, his stock rose higher and higher.

Four goals at home to Middlesbrough in December 1996 saw him hit the milestone figure of 100 goals for the Reds quicker than striking mentor Ian Rush, while another 30-goal haul the following season took Liverpool to the closest they came to a 19th League Championship during this era.

Two serious injuries then forced him to endure a lengthy and frustrating spell on the sidelines, which coincided with the emergence of Michael Owen. But although Fowler temporarily lost his 'golden boy' status, Owen could never boast the same kind of rapport with the Liverpool crowd and it was no secret who they favoured most.

In February 2001, Fowler scored a spectacular goal on Liverpool's first visit to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff and became the first Reds skipper to lift a trophy in six years as Birmingham were beaten on penalties in the Worthington Cup Final.

But despite these goalscoring heroics, speculation that Houllier wanted to sell him refused to disappear and in November 2001 the unthinkable happened; Fowler was offloaded to Leeds, against his will, in a record-busting transfer.

To say the Kop was shaken by this would be a gross understatement. Letters of protest flooded the local press and even the massive fee received failed to soften the blow.

Talk of him returning occasionally popped up in the sports pages but was always shrugged off as pure fabrication. Until January 2006 that is; when Liverpool's prodigal son sensationally returned to a hero's reception.

Whatever the future holds, it's hard to envisage him being loved by the fans more than he already is – although helping Liverpool to a long awaited Premiership title would surely do him no harm!

Sold to: Leeds United (November 2001)

Claim to fame: Scoring the fastest-ever Premiership hat-trick

Did you know? In 1997 he won a UEFA Fair Play award for admitting that he had not been fouled by Arsenal keeper David Seaman after a penalty had been awarded during a league match at Highbury.

Where is he now? Back at his spiritual home

Tony Barrett on Robbie Fowler: "You could list all of Robbie's goals but I think the thing that separates him from the other Liverpool centre forwards is that he's always had this feeling among the fans of being a kindred spirit. There are countless examples of things he's done for fans and done for the people of the city. It wouldn't matter if Robbie never scored another goal for Liverpool Football Club as he's made his feelings for the club known and the fans returned those feelings."

Bellamy Salvages A Point For The Reds

English Premiership

LIVERPOOL 1 - 1 Blackburn

Scorers:
LIV - Bellamy (64min);
BLA - McCarthy (17min);

A frustrating afternoon for the Reds, fans and players alike. Liverpool has finally lost their 100% record at Anfield this season after they could only managed a draw against a hardworking Blackburn. It was their old boy, Craig Bellamy, who was back to haunt them with the equaliser and his first league goal for Liverpool after his move from Blackburn.

Many, including me, felt that this is yet again 2 points dropped and the feeling of frustration seemed to be in the air right now. After the 2-0 defeat to Bolton 2 weeks ago and the aptly timed International games, Liverpool came back to this game without Daniel Agger and Dirk Kuyt. Both have played an instrumental part in Liverpool's season so far with Agger impressing in the middle of defence.

His absence was felt throughout Liverpool when Benni McCarthy drew first blood. It yet again exposed Liverpool's weakness in dealing with crosses from the left. It has been a probem for quite some time and we haven't been able to find an answer yet. David Bentley's cross from the left went over Nonda and Carragher's head. It fell kindly for McCarthy to slot the ball into an empty net. But Reina have to shoulder the majority of the blame for his decision to come out and then get himself caught in no mans land. A rush of blood to his head from a very inexperienced goalkeeper. Very disappointing.

Even before the first goal, Liverpool struggled to up the tempo even though it was played at Anfield. The general energy level of the players were not at a high and they seemed to be lazy and lethargic at best.

Pennant's run did cause a few problems for the Blackburn defence, but his final ball were poor and was frustrating. He then ran around like a headless chicken, without aim and purpose. The midfield pairing of Alonso and Gerrard was in question once again. Are they suited to be paied up in the middle? Gerrard was neither here nor there while Alonso's position was behind Gerrard. Both of them failed to track back at times and Blackburn exploited that. Nonda and McCarthy, who both are mobile and pacy strikers, were allowed to run into that space directly threatening the defence. Hyypia's ageing leg made it easier for them and his form has to be a concern to Rafa Benitez.


Crouch did well on a few occasions and was able to link up well. But his lack of pace and mobility made him a virtual spectator and other than his effort in the first half, he was pretty much out of the game. Bellamy was quiet throughout the game as well. Other than the goal, he was largely annonymous.

Alonso and Riise did played well after half time and deserve some credit, but the rest of the team were pretty poor. The most probably reason would be the tiring international games prior and those game pretty much drained up their energy while Blackburn players seemed to be more energetic and hungry.

We could always find excuses for such performance. But at the end of the day, the result counts and it's not a pretty one. We never truly deserved a win anyway, so a draw is a fair result. We never really pin Blackburn back to the wall and failed to get any sort of rythmn in the game.

Are we missing Sissoko's energy from the midfield? I do think so, especially when Gerrard and Alonso in the middle, there bound to be some problem. As I've mentioned before, both of them cannot really compliment each other well and the balace wasn't there.

We'll have to look at the defensive problems and solve it before it's too late. It's starting to worry me abit because I like the look of a solid defence and where was the solidarity and understanding of last season, were we kept a dozen of clean sheets consecutively. Our weakness seemed to have been spotted and exploited not once or twice, but on many occasions already.

Even the most optimistic fans like me have to question our 'title chase' already. If we can't pick ourselves up from this and go on from strength to strength in the coming months, we'll be lucky to finish 4th. Chelsea, ManYoo and Arsenal have began to found their rythmn while we're struggling to find any sort of cohesion. It's ManYoo next week and if we don't turn this around, I'll have to say it again, It's too late.

Weekend Preview

Due to my busy schedule, I'll have to do a quick one, which is concentrating on none other than Liverpool !

Kuyt Won't Be Risked

Dirk Kuyt will not be risked against Blackburn today but Robbie Fowler and Momo Sissoko could play, despite concerns over their fitness earlier in the week.

Kuyt injured his ankle while playing for Holland in Bulgaria last weekend but the problem is not has bad as first feared and Rafael Benitez is hopeful that his Dutch striker will be available for the midweek trip to Bordeaux.

"I spoke with the doctor, and we think it's better if Kuyt is not involved for this game. But he is better and we hope he will be okay for the next game," says Benitez.

The boss is also optimistic that Fowler (back) and Sissoko (ankle) will be fit to face Rovers, adding: "Robbie Fowler had a problem with his back, but we think he'll be available, and Momo Sissoko's ankle isn't too bad."

Daniel Agger's broken hand, meanwhile, is not expected to rule him out of action.


Therefore, I expect Crouch and Bellamy to start, with Robbie Fowler making a substitute appearance finally, his first after the opening day draw with Sheffield United.

Saturday October 14th: LIVERPOOL vs Blackburn (Anfield) - 9.55pm GMT +8hrs

100 Players Who Shook The Kop Top 10

#5 John Barnes

Name: John Barnes

Years at Liverpool: 1987 to 1997

Position: Winger

Date-of-birth: 7/11/1963

Birthplace: Kingston, Jamaica

Signed from: Watford (June 1987)

Games: 407
Goals: 110

Honours: First Division Championship (1987/88, 1989/90), FA Cup (1989), League Cup (1995), Charity Shield (1988, 1989, 1990), Football Writers Player of the Year (1988, 1990), PFA Player of the Year (1988)

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Part Two:



At his scintillating best in the late 1980's, there was no finer sight in football than that of John Barnes gliding down the left flank in a Liverpool shirt. One of the most exciting wingers of all-time, Barnes enthralled the Anfield crowd and ensured 'full-house' signs became a permanent fixture outside the Kop gates during one of the most entertaining era's in this club's history.

An awesome blend of poise, pace, strength and skill, when the Jamaican-born wide-man was in full flow he was quite simply a joy to watch and those privileged to have saw his sublime talent at close hand will forever cherish the memories.

Whenever he gained possession an air of anticipation would sweep through the ground, anything seemed possible as he advanced towards goal and to a generation of Liverpudlians he's still regarded as 'simply the best.'

Given the racial barriers that existed at the time, Barnes found himself the focus of intense scrutiny from day one of his Liverpool career but he took it all in his stride and quickly brought them crashing down, winning over the locals with his charismatic charm and amazing ability.

His sweet left foot and intricate close control was to prove the downfall of many a team as Liverpool took football in this country to previously unscaled heights during their run to a record-equalling 29-game unbeaten run from the start of the league season and a comfortable 17th title triumph.

Not surprisingly, Digger deservedly walked away with the 87/88 Player of the Year accolades but defeat to Wimbledon in the FA Cup Final denied him and his team-mates their dream double.

An exemplary role model, the positive influence he exerted on the club's up and coming youngsters meant he was the ideal man to succeed Ian Rush as captain in the mid-nineties - the likes of Steve McManaman, Jamie Redknapp and Robbie Fowler all benefiting from training and playing alongside him.

He spent a total of ten years with Liverpool, was a pivotal member of the side throughout and just as the number seven shirt will always be associated with Kenny Dalglish, the number ten will forever belong to Barnes.

On the pitch, John Barnes helped take Liverpool's brand of football to previously unscaled heights of excitement, but in a wider social context the contribution he made to the club was even more enduring.

Sold to: Newcastle United (1997)

Claim to fame: Being the club's first high-profile black player

Did you know? As well as an excellent footballer, he was also an accomplished rapper, performing on both the Anfield Rap and New Order's 'World in Motion'

Where is he now? After a brief spell in management with Celtic, he's now an established face in the media

Peter Hooton on John Barnes: "When he used to attack the Kop down the wing by the Kemlyn Road he literally used to walk past players. You just didn't know what he was going to do. Half the time I doubt even he knew what he was going to do. His technical ability was South American, it was Brazilian, there's no doubt about it. And that's why I state that he was my favourite all-time Liverpool player, to actually watch. I know Dalglish brought other things to the team but the most exciting, I ever thought, was John Barnes."

Maybe You Should Stop Talking So Much...

"I feel very determined and really hungry. I'm determined to be as good as I can be on a personal level, but also to be part of a team that's successful - both for Chelsea and England.

"I've come out of the World Cup experience very determined. You can't let your head go down. It's all about putting things right.

"I've been very fortunate. A lot of things have gone right for me, both at club and international level, and I understand that it's down to bits of good fortune here and there... but I've also worked hard for it." - Frank Lampard

He speaks before the game and after the game and it's as predictable as England's performance. You are very hungry? Get some pies and stuff them in your mouth before yet another of those 'we're unlucky' and 'we'll improve in due time, just watch us' claims. We've heard it all the way from the Pre-World Cup talks and build up.

"I could hide away. I could have hidden away in the World Cup and not at least try to get forward and score goals. But I didn't do that and that's the attitude I'll continue to have. It's all about coming out of it stronger."

Good lord, expect more shots from the guy who doesn't want to get involve in the hustle and bustle in midfield, but instead concentrating on his 'own time own target' shooting practice every game and somehow, the ball will hit some unlucky bloke and goes in. Keep trying? I would'nt have given you a chance to IF I'm the coach!

All he talks about is me me and me. A very self-centered and selfish person to be honest. He needs a team to be built around him and you can understand why Lampard always fails to turn up for England games (and some Chelsea ones).

You modern day footballer. All the talks. Show us what you're made off on the pitch instead. I couldn't be bothered by how many pies you ate in a year.

Neville Passes Back To Robinson....OH MY GOD!

The epitome of goalkeeper blunders..Okay not so serious. But that provided some entertainment for people who wished that England can be a little more..entertaining. You got it!

PS: Watch the scene with Borat in the background advertisement board with the words 'I like you!'. HAHAHHA

Question 1: Why didn't Robinson stop the ball before attempting to kick? He was not under intense pressure anyway.

Question 2: What did McClaren wrote on his notebook right after they conceded? 'We're f*king sh*t' or 'B*llocks I got merk'd by Bilic' ?

Nightmare in Zagreb; Macca Fell For Bilic Trickery

Euro 2008 Qualifier

Croatia 2 - 0 England

“Boring, boring, England”, Cries the national press and fans alike. But this match provided something that’s funnier than the Borat advertisement board over in Zagreb. Paul Robinson, England’s number one goalkeeper, committed an unforgivable sin as England crashed to a not very surprising, 2-0 defeat to Croatia. This is the first defeat for England under Steve McClaren’s regime.

One would suspect that Croatian coach, Slaven Bilic has set a trap which McClaren himself fell for it. He dared England to play a 3-5-2 formation and Macca, caring more about his personal pride, duly sent out England with the 3-5-2 formation which caused more harm than remedy.

To be honest, England’s only bright spark in recent times have to be their defence which is well marshaled by John Terry. But tonight, the formation which required 3 central defenders proved to be the stumbling block and a very average English side were made to look like a third world nation playing.

Jamie Carragher, who was drafted in to play on the left of the back three, looked confused as to where he should position himself , but looked the more solid of the three. Rio Ferdinand’s confidence on the ball seemed to be his downfall as he tried to dwell on the ball and was nearly punished by the zealous Croats.

England lacked any sort of idea, coordination and teamwork, from start to end. Captain John Terry, whom has said he’ll be giving a rousing speech before the game, seemed to have failed to inspire anyone including himself. Frank Lampard, whom before the game spoke of his selfishness and self-centeredness, was largely ineffective or to be fair, anonymous.

His two holding players behind him looked all at sea and were unable to provide any form of ammunition for the front or protection to the back. Parker looked a little out of depth due to his inexperience while the way Carrick played must have Sir Alex worried with the obscene amount of money spent on him. The supposed ‘great passer of the ball’ struggled to even string short passes and I don’t need to go into the long ball part, do I?

The strike force of Crouch and Rooney were again starved off from any supply from the so called playmaker in Lampard who was seen eating pies rather than getting stucked in and work for the team. Rooney did have a chance when he was put through by Crouch, but his poor form continued as he blasted the ball over the bar. Crouch was marked out of the game.

Gary Neville and Ashley Cole, who were the two players who were thought to be providing the widths were more occupied trying to defend rather than putting in crosses.

After 84 caps, the older of the Neville brothers failed to put the ball in the net until tonight, but unfortunately, the wrong side. But who can blame him for passing a seemingly harmless backpass to Paul Robinson, who took a huge swipe at the ball, but the ball bounced past him, leaving him red faced. Is it any wonder that McClaren looked just as embarrassed as his ‘keeper. As a top level goalkeeper playing for your nation, it’s just unacceptable to make this sort of mistake and he must have felt David James breathing down his neck already.

It was a clueless, inept and laughable performance from England. Who would’ve thought they’ll provide us with such entertainment, although the England fans will definitely not be amused by that. The 3-5-2 formation that went terribly wrong 6 years ago came back to haunt England once again and Macca will surely now take this time to work on a set formation for England rather than tinkering with the formation.

The players looked like they’re never properly briefed on their roles and the pre-match preparation will surely come under scrutiny from the press. Did McClaren gave the England team appropriate and adequate preparation before the game? Because judging by the performance, it seemed like they were truly not ready.

The ‘golden generation’ and ‘world beater’ tags surely will now be taken away from this bunch for now. They’re clearly not up to it and Steve McClaren has a huge problem ahead of him. The disjointedness of the squad will surely be a cause of concern as well as getting the best out of these bunch of players whom earns mega bucks that everyone could only dream of. But players earning that sort of money putting up this sort of performance? Shameful.

For Croatia, their performance was commedable as they taught England a lesson in football. Their fans were brilliant for the night as they spurred them on. They deserved all three points with that sort of performance.