Liverpool Banter Archive January 10 2014

 

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10 Jan 2014 21:56:17
I know we have a small squad and we possibly might struggle come the end of the season, but I personally think we should save the money (if we have any) until the summer.

We all want CL and have a good chance of getting it if Suarez keeps going the way he is.

We coped ok without SG and Sturridge which has allowed Sterling/Henderson to flourish.

In the summer we will have Suso and a few other youth players who've been on loan who might be able to butch up the squad.

In the summer if we have CL we will have a lot more players wanting to join us and then will be the time to invest more heavily.

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I tend to agree with you, to be honest. Looking at players like Salah, as an example- I think he's a good player and perhaps might someday even be a very good player, but is he really that much of an upgrade on say Sterling right now? I don't know that I would say he is and it's not like Sterling is even guaranteed of game time once Sturridge is back in the side. For me, unless it's for a very obvious improvement in the starting 11 (which I don't think we can afford without selling someone else first) or a promising youngster at a very good price (e.g. Salah at the right price), I just don't see the need to spend this window personally.

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I am beginning to come to the conclusion that this is what is going to happen. Clubs seem to want astronomical figures for players that just are not worth the amount being asked.
Salah is an example. At 21 has bags of experience and potential but can you see where his valuation is £18-£20mill that Basle think they can get?
I think we may see some one come in to bolster the squad, (my opinion has changed because I thought there was going to be some one big coming in not too long ago) and maybe a loan to help us out with the thinness of the team.
Its a gamble whichever way LFC do it. Do we spend big now hoping we can qualify, or hold fire with what we have and hope we don't just miss out.
Whatever happens we've had a great first half to the season. let's hope we do just as well in the second half and get in the top 4.
I can then see us kicking on from there under Rogers and bring some of the glory days back to our great club.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

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10 Jan 2014 21:21:32
Ed's a little confused about LFC/FSG transfer policy. Maybe someone could shed a little light on it.

It would appear we identify a young/hungry player that would fit in to BR's style of play and that would have a decent sell on figure. (Sound good up to now)

We then seem to leak info of our intentions to media and put other clubs on alert.

If we are feeling really bold we may speak to players representatives or their club and make enquiry of their availability.

Now we inform their club we have vastly undervalued their top player and make a low offer and wait to see what happens.

What happens is another club is willing to pay nearer the required figure and the player is seeing that other clubs are more willing to pay for his services than ourselves.

And we look elsewhere?

When are we going to go that extra mile to make a player feel wanted/important?

If we believe players are going to jump at the chance to play for LFC it's going to be a long window.

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{Ed002's Note - No Dave. Clubs are not hanging on to see what Liverpool are doing.}

My view is just slightly different. Liverpool have certain targets, the committee decide what valuation they are prepared to pay. If the player fits the criteria set by BR and the club they will make a bid, negotiate etc. The player himself has an extremely important role to play. He can decide to push a move towards us ie even if his club decide to accept a dif offer than ours he can choose not to move. I think this is the type of player we want. Someone who wants to play for us, not someone who is motivated solely by money.
BR seems to be very keen on players showing the right character. Gylfi being a perfect example. We didn't move our valuation, wages etc and it doesn't seem to have been the wrong decision. Willian hasn't really done anything to show his increased price tag either.
I'd rather we bought players who wanted to play for us and then earn a big contract like Suarez has, rather than just hand him or his club extra before he got here.

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Simonpw, that tactics will make Liverpool hated by all clubs and will make any attempt to sign players near impossible.

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Its not tactics its just setting a value on a player and within a certain range sticking to it. They have already said if the right player is available at the right price they will pay it. I don't see why people just presume that they should just fork out extra millions because the selling club says so. They have a strategy and they will stick to it. I for 1 agree with it.

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Disagree Simon. Understand the clubs policy but to be so rigid in valuation will be detrimental long term. Sometimes an extra few millions must be paid in order to land a target. We missed out on a number of players this summer because of this rigid approach to transfers. I'm not suggesting that Salah not signing for us is a disaster - merely that if we continue with this approach will we lose out on players who really could make a big difference to the team. That is not a good thing.

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11 Jan 2014 02:10:34
I don't think that's correct Seano.
We lost out because Costa wanted to stay in Spain, Willian chose a move to Chelsea and Miky(not even going to attempt to spell it) wanted to play for Dortmunt.
Horay for a rigid budget I say. How long have we been 'seen coming'? Far too often for my liking.

Having said that, I DO believe FSG when they say they will make money available if the right player comes up.

It's also important to remember, that although steps are being taken to change things, the club is still leaking money, we are currently failing FFP targets and do not yet have champions league income.
Do not kid yourselves that we are back with the big boys yet, there is still a lot of work to be done.

Welshboydave

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Have to agree with Simonpw.
There were a lot of players BR "lost interest in" as soon as they started to get swayed by other teams.
Salah is an example this window. It was all but nailed on at the end of December and everyone thought he would be here in the first week. Now his "head has been turned" by other clubs and I will be surprised if BR carries on with the interest in him.
Especially if we have to go as far as figures being quoted by his parent club.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

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@ Welsh Boy Dave

To be fair I don't mind if the clubs budget is small or tight, that's based on the finanical status and I don't think disrupting that and forcing the club into debt is the way to go. I agree with you: hooray for a rigid budget, it is the right way to run the club. I just hope if/when a player who could make a difference is available the club will show a little more flexibility - sometimes a little extra is required.

p.s. also want to clarify that I don't mean pay an extra 10million - there must be limits - but if we're talking about a couple of million then the club must surely take the plunge sometimes right?

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Tbh Seano,
I'm sure the club are flexible within reason. The exact bid or counter bids are purely speculation by the papers. Agents play a significant part in the negotiation process and are less likely to be swayed by sentiment. They want the best financial package they can get sometimes to the detriment of their clients footballing career. It's really up to the player at the end of the day to choose which path is best for their career, be it in a footballing sense or a financial sense. That is what I meant by the right character. Not that the player would always have to push for a move, but more so that the money is not the be all and end all. BR made it quite clear from day 1 that players that come here have to earn their contracts not just arrive and think they've already made it. A players belief that they can prove themselves will bring the rewards in the long run. Well that's only my opinion from what BR says anyway.

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11 Jan 2014 14:28:24
I agree Seano. If the right player comes along, I also hope that the club would be willing to spend the extra needed to bring him in.
I guess it's down to the clubs interpretation of just how good Salah is. My guess is they don't feel he is worth what Basel are asking, and don't think this is a player we cannot allow ourselves to lose out on.
It's going to be a quiet transfer window, so I'm not really expecting much.
I'd swap any incoming transfers for 3 points tomorrow and all our players staying fit between now and the end of the season.
Our position in the league this year will not be defined by any January transfers. The players we have at the club now will ultimately play the biggest role.
Like BR says, I wouldn't bring in anyone for the sake of it. Especially if it meant going over our valuation by 50%. IE we value him at £8 million they value him at £12 million.
Maybe I'm just a sucker, but I trust Rodgers and FSG!

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The club haggled all summer for Sakho. Then at the death paid what PSG wanted. Probably too much, in my opinion.

Not much rigidity there.

I suspect it all comes down to how badly the club want the player.

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{Ed002's Note - That is not true.}

10 Jan 2014 21:00:31
Does a players become worse if we over pay? No is the answer. So if they do want a few more million for salah and it helps us get in the Champions league, then is it not worth it? Yes is the answer.

A few seasons ago Aston villa Paid well over the odds for Bent and he scored the goals to keep them up!

Paying more can work. Not trying to compare the situation but the means to the end result is what we all want and Salah will only get better.
Ynwa

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Don't tell us tell LFC transfer committee

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And what happens if we over pay and we DON'T make CL?
What happens if we over pay and the player doesn't adapt to the EPL?
What happens if we over pay and the player does not settle?
What happens if we over pay and the player gets a serious injury?
FSG and BR know what there doing.
Leave it to them. I am sure, come May, everyone will be happy.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

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11 Jan 2014 08:48:42
Trouble is, its easy to talk when its not our own money being spent. Who knows whether Salah would adapt well to the epl? Admittedly he looks good already and like he will become an incredible player, but if he struggles and sterling gets played instead of him many of us will be the first to complain that we spent £12m on a bench warmer when we could have got x, y, or z. With our issues with FFP, its more important than ever that we 1) don't over spend and 2) we pick players carefully, especially when they would be coming in from other leagues. I just hope that whoever we do sign adapts well and contributes towards a decent title challenge, I trust Brendan will bring in players appropriate for our aims. As I understand it, clubs that fail to comply with FFP over 5 years could potentially be banned from European competitions. I'm sure 99% of us won't be happy if we finally get back to being CL regulars and are then banned because we failed on FFP grounds.

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10 Jan 2014 20:38:19
so tomorrow we will be 11 days into the window and so far we have made a bid for your 1 person which was rejected and as of yet we haven't bid for anyone else a lot of talk about players but nothing concrete I thought we were going to use this window to buy players with quality who could strengthen the window1st team I just thought we would have done something by now

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Fed up with posts like this. It is not as if every other team have made a load of signings is it? Remember the transfer window lasts the whole of January.

Even if we don't get the players we have shown an interest in, I for one will just support the boys we do have. to the end.

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Hull are the only team who made a move relax there's plenty a time not like our rivals are singing loads of quality player and leaving us behind

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Only eleven days my god we must buy someone immediately. We have made a bid for one person? And you know this because you deal with all of the offers. you thought we would have done something. yeah and I Sh&t myself and thought I farted. mighty impatient red is more appropriate

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That's fine you lot think what you want am not here to argue am just paying he we don't win no Sunday we will be out of the top 4 and in to sixth place if spurs and everton win and we all no everton have been playing well but spurs have started to sick up to

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Spurs have started to sick up? That certainly applies to Sandro

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10 Jan 2014 20:35:38
I have watched Will Hughes on several occasions this season, however I have not seen anything to suggest he is worth the £10-15m suggested.

I can understand why Rodgers is interested, as he is a Rodgers "type" player. He has good passing ability and plays with composure, but he is not an improvement on the players we already have, and at only 18 years old he would most likely be one for the future. Therefore, for me it is not essential that we purchase him this month.

This month needs to be about our push for champions league. All money spent now should be on players with that extra quality to increase our chances of CL qualification. Potential and future talent can wait until the summer at least.

Red Rum

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I agree, i've been watching the derby match on sky tonight and have felt really underwhelmed by will hughes' performance. Hasn't really made an impact in the game apart from the delivery of one good corner which led to the goal. He has been getting over run in midfield tonight, often chasing shadows and hasn't been able to break up play as the leicester midfield seem to run right passed him especially first half. Also when in possession he seems to be playing simple passes around the defence and I haven't seen him challenge the leicester midfield successfully as much as I would like. As good as leicester have been playing tonight I can't help but feel that if he is being proved to be this ineffective against a leicester side how would he perform in the premier league.

I understand that he is still incredibly young and has played a lot of football this season, it could be possible that he just having a bad game but I feel that if rodgers is interested then I wouldn't classify hughes as a signing which could make a huge difference to the squad this season although possibly one for the future

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Very true, having watched him a few times he is a good passer and box to box midfielder aka young Stevie but still young and hardly had a look in tonite against Leicester, and can't be classed as an urgent requirement if we are to push for Cl or better

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10 Jan 2014 21:49:48
Well said we need first eleven players that are at least as good as their replacement or better to push on for fourth or better

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Not needed this month is true but ed stated we may have to bite the bullet and sign him now before were out muscled in the summer

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One bad game tonight away at Leicester and you are saying he's not good enough? Hughes and Ward-Prowse are the best young (U21) passing English midfielders around in my opinion and Hughes is the only realistic Target. Or Eds could Southampton be willing to sell Ward-Prowse at the right price and/or could you see Liverpool interested? Cheers

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Read the whole post wez.

Red Rum

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10 Jan 2014 19:06:18
Hi,

A couple of quick questions with regard to transfer mechanics.

Clubs employ scouts who will identify targets throughout the year. I assume these targets are discussed and a shortlist is agreed.

If the above is the case why do so many transfers happen so late in the transfer windows? Are any form of negotiations only allowed to take place during the window?

Sorry if these questions are naive.

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10 Jan 2014 20:17:03
Excellent question. One I do not unfortunately have the answer too, but one I look forward to being answered!

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10 Jan 2014 21:22:05
Because they spend all he time trying to get there 1st choice targets then end up buying 2nd last minute, they think its better than being empty handed. Bill

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10 Jan 2014 17:58:37
Might be an recycled story but was wondering what people thought. If it came down to a straight choice between Salah and Yarmalenko who would you choose?

Have to admit I haven't seen anything of Salah to be fair (odd game maybe tops), I've seen Yarmalenko more but still not a great deal.

Due to this I'd have to go with Yarmalenko, but who would you pick?

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Salah, he's younger quicker I've watched him in both games against Chelsea and against spurs also for Egypt I have to say he looks a very good player exactly what we need, not seen much of Iarmalenko apart from a couple Ukraine games he looks good to but they want to much, I think konoplyanka is better.

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Both will be good signings but not at the price their clubs want

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10 Jan 2014 21:56:13
Well from what I have seen of salah i'm not overly impressed with him and don't think he is a top player as in world 11 or so on so if he's above the clubs valuation i'm not too worried. Not too sure if he would offer more purpose than lennon or a younger Walcott with end product in mind. Just my opinion though just don't see him setting the world alight. Don't know fa about yarmalenko though

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10 Jan 2014 17:30:10
hi eds, sorry about this as its more a question than a rumour, but end of last season the young mc laughlin was said to be progressing well and couldpossibly push johnston for the right back position. so could you tell me how well is he thought off now and does his loan to barnsley mean he is being put in shop window to be sold or gaining valuable needed first team experience

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{Ed001's Note - to gain experience.}

10 Jan 2014 17:29:34
Hello Macca, if the tello deal is not going to happen, what's your thoughs on the level of player we are likely to get instead please?

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10 Jan 2014 16:52:39
hey guys. I can't help but laugh sometimes at how Liverpool go about their business.

after many years Liverpool are finally being recognised as a potential league winner, yet when the best time to reinforce and guarantee a top 3 or top 2 finish comes. it seems yet again they fail to take the opportunity in janaury.

look at the players who always get injured as a guarantee.

johnson
allen. always always injured his future at lfc will disappear because he can't get a run in the team so he will be useless

lazy gerrard who walks in the team
sturridge
agger
enrique

so that's a big loss when they don't play so why wouldn't the management do the normal thing and continue to use each window to strengthen?

is it because they think they are 4th now. and we have players coming back. we can handle it?

who knows. except the coach and management

but I guess Liverpool have missed another train as they are too slow

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Wow I must've been in a coma for a month because I swear I thought it was only the 10th of January. Thanks so much Red Lobster for the wake up call. going to nod off again now so maybe you can give me a shout when the seasons over in May. Thanks mate.

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Oh dear

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1 Jan - 10 Jan. The best time to reinforce indeed.

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I assume you kjnow that it is the 10th!!!

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Haha its utd you should laugh at we haven't missed any train its not halfway through the window yet.is the utd page really that moany right now and down right depressing.

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More like red nobster methinks!
In Buck we trust!

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A bit of desperation in the post, having a pop at our injury list, and transfer activity

and as most have said its only the 10th, the last time I looked at my calender January

has got 31 days in it.

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He's a manc lads, leave him alone, I actually feel kind of sorry for those lot.

Dithering Daves giving them all depression.

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Red lobster, our train maybe slow but yours is in reverse pal

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10 Jan 2014 15:30:11
Apart from salah bid have we actually made a bid for any other targets. Cause am just wondering if brendan knew what players he wanted in this window why isit taking it us so long to move move on other players. Presumably Liverpool have had the players brendan wants scouted and no what they will be bringing to the club. Also this question isn't just related to salah but surely when Liverpool enquire about a player I'm presuming they are told what the player would cost so why are we forever chasing a lost cause if we never intend on pay what the player is worth just doesn't make sense to me. Another thing how does it all work in the case of transfers say we are interested in a player what happens do we ring or fax or something saying we are interested in your player we wouldnlike to buy him for 10 million it gets accepted and that's that or is there more to it. Please explain

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{Ed002's Note - Clubs will typically informally ask an agent (a) if the player is going to be available, and (b) would the player consider a move to the club. There may be some broad discussion on the sort of deal that would be offered. If the answer is yes, it is then necessary for the club to approach the player's club to ask if they would be willing to sell and if they would grant permission to speak to a player's agent and possibly even the player about actually making a move. This will typically involve either broadly (through an offer) or actually agreeing a fee and responsibility for any significant costs (agents fees etc.). Once this has happened the club will be able to speak to the player's agent and perhaps the player himself to look at the package that will be involved. Many players are looked at and discussed at a high-level with agents and clubs; a subset of those have an offer placed; a subset of those involve discussions with the player's club; a subset of those involve discussions over terms, and; a subset of those go ahead.}

A thing that has always irritated me
is the fact that the club/s are expected to pay the 'agent's fees'
that is scadalous - the man appointing the agent (who I think would be the player) should pay that fee. don't mean to tread to heavily on any toes here.

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10 Jan 2014 17:28:11
ok thanks ed2 for your reply kinda long process then.

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Or even 'too' heavily

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Ed, why is a club 'allowed' to have even informal talks with the player's agent before speaking to them first? Seems stupid (in a way) to ask to speak to a player's agent, when you've already done the initial leg work, so to speak!

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{Ed002's Note - See above.}

10 Jan 2014 14:59:01
Sorry not directly related to the team but I thought i'd share it with you - a couple of yeears ago when my son was 6 his grandad aked him if he wanted a football shirt & his reply was a Manchester United one, I was gutted but he chose them because all his friends @ school liked them. I would take him to football training while he was wearing it! anyway because we live in Huddersfield I took him to a few Town games & eventually he decided to get a Town shirt to replace his utd one. Then the chance came for me to get 2no tickets to the QPR game last season, I really enjoyed the game but my son was a bit indifferent about it! anyway I kept on trying & we've watched a few games on tv the first part on the season & over Christmas & with it being his birthday the start of Feb I asked him if he wanted a football shirt, his reply I will never forget for as long as I live, I had tears of joy in my eyes when he asked for a Liverpool shirt please daddy, with Saurez on the back!!

Happy New Year all Eds & Reds & I hope your & Liverpools year is going to be as good as mine is @ this moment!
YNWA

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Mate you done it all wrong drum it into his head from a early age my one year old got two and every game day it's put on and every time it's on we haven't lost its only when our lass dresses him on game day we lose haa

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Im a Gooner and I was touched by that story, bless.

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10 Jan 2014 17:15:46
If your boy supports United, you whack him.
If he still supports United, whack him harder.

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To welshboydave
If he still supports Utd don't whack him again, whack the missus and damand a DNA test

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Robbie77 - That post made my day mate. Haha!

Red Rum

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10 Jan 2014 21:31:18
Nice story, but I think daginham gooner bigger on here then he is on his on page, lol, dam he has a special place for us in his Heart, you welcome, ynwa gooner YNWA bill

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My boy is now 9yrs old and like me I never had a choice in what team I supported. It was in my blood and now its in his. Its the Liverpool way.

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Lol, mate i'm a legend on the arsenal page lol

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10 Jan 2014 14:51:13
Afternoon everyone.

Quick question to the Eds. This window seems to be going very slowly in regards to movement in the premier league. Are we waiting for one team to make a move and that will be the catalyst that sparks all the other movement? Or are all the rumours we keep on hearing just a load of tosh?

I hope we ding someone who can add that little bit we need, this season is going very well so far let's keep it up.

Rob

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{Ed002's Note - Your expectations are likely too high.}

10 Jan 2014 14:41:56
Hello fellow eds and reds, not transfer related but I was wondering if you guys have any updates on the fitness of sturridge? When is he likely to return for us? Cheers guys! Great job!

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{Ed002's Note - He is available.}

10 Jan 2014 14:01:55
I know there isn't much to say atm but is there any snippit (new word) of news on any player for Liverpool?
Starting to get bored now, but at least we have football back tomorrow.

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{Ed002's Note - Nothing right now.}

Snippit IS a new word whereas snippet is not

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10 Jan 2014 13:56:46
eds and fellow reds,,
not had too much to brag about on the trophy front of late so I thought i, d big myself up a bit and share a tale from yonder years (35 roughly). my old man suggested to me and a few mates we could do no worse than to see what the congregational church at the bottom of our road has to offer us urchins as a way of keeping us off the streets (and away from his shiney j reg vw camper with the football more like)
we joined the scout group with a footie team, weekend trips to muddy forests and army camps and a youth club on fridays,, happy days we all signed up.
the very 1st match we played for the scouts 7 of us newbies played and we got to half time (30 mins each way) 12-zip up,, i, d banged in 2 hat tricks!
they kick off the second half with a lay back and a big punt upfield which our keeper picks up easily, he then rolls it out to the left back( not touched the ball once in the 1st half ) who then chips it straight back over the keeper into the top corner and its 12-1. well I was pissing meself as was our 13th goalscorer of the day but our goalie was less impressed and marched out and with a top quality right hander larruped him-and got sent off!
well out of due respect to the opposition and down to 10 we dident even bother with a keeper for the rest of the game! we also righty eased off with the final score being 25-1,, I had eased off most and ended up with just the 14 goals. all I can say is there were no gold ribbons handed out to 7th place finishers in the egg and spoon race in those days.

off to charlton v barnsley sat with my son so we can witness at first hand our brilliant young prospect ryan mclaughlin hopefully playing in his 1st senior league match.

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10 Jan 2014 13:24:53
Ed001, I seem to remember you saying if we bought another solid DM you would like to see Lucas given more freedom to roam forwards (apologies if I've got that wrong). I'm just interested in your logic behind why you would like to see this? I understand Lucas had more of an attacking presence at Gremio, however after playing for a prolonged period of time as a DM, do you think he would still be successful in being given more room to push forward? I'm personally not entirely it would work out for him. I love Lucas and think he's an integral part of the team, but he has built that stature around his ability to help the defenders and stop attacks radiating from midfield, surely it would almost be a learning curve again for him to start adjusting his play to a more attacking presence if he had cover there?

Anyway, I'd be keen to know your thoughts! Cheers.

JFT 96

JP

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{Ed001's Note - I think he still has the vision required to be able to help cover at the back and push forward and play a pass. On the rare times he gets forward, he often picks out a dangerous pass and he is physically strong, which would help him to get on the end of bits and pieces breaking around the box. Add that to his reading of the game, and he should be able to play like that, certainly years of playing as a DM never stopped Yaya Toure being effective when played further forward. Before anyone says it, I am not comparing them as players, Toure is far more physical, but the reading of the game is what makes players like that able to play other positions.}

Thanks for the response Ed, I fully agree in terms of his picking out a dangerous pass, for somebody operating as a DM he has an uncanny ability of retrieving the ball from opposition when they're attacking and turning play on it's head with a ball through to the forwards/midfielders further up the pitch - that quick shift in momentum is always good to see. Maybe I'm cautious about him playing a more attacking role simply because he has been so adept at building a wall in front of the back 4, but one would hope he'd be able to, as you said, still cover and track back when need be. Would definitely be interesting to see whether he is used in a more box-to-box role though if another DM is bought. Worst case scenario would be he doesn't take to it too well and we end up with two great out-and-out DMs which is hardly a negative!

JFT 96

JP

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I bet if Rafa ever got his hands on him again at Napoli, as he'd no doubt like to, he'd play more of a DM role. No way he'd oust Gokhan Inler and Hamsik as first choice advanced midfielders.

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10 Jan 2014 12:49:30
I'm just hoping brendan Rodgers has something to say on transfers during his press conference at 2 but let's be honest not much will be said by BR justreally want something to happen in this window now my gf really getting annoyed with me watching ssn all the time

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10 Jan 2014 12:19:12
I hope we don't get m'vila, seems a bit disruptive, and I think we have a good team spirit! Just a quick question, who would you think is the most disruptive in the Liverpool camp? In my opinion I reckon Sturridge could be a bit temperamental and sterling a little arrogant! Any Thoughts?

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10 Jan 2014 12:57:20
I think that is just how the Media paint Sturridge and Sterling mate. Both are apparently good trainers at Liverpool and take care of their bodies well. They put in effort during the matches too and Sturridge by all accounts is one of the nicest guys at the club. I don't think we have a disruptive player now Suarez has decided to stay put. I think that's what makes us such a good team. There is no Torres, Mascherano or Babel sulking around the place. Everyone is here to play football for Liverpool FC. It's the best thing Rodgers has done at the club.

I got told a few years ago by a Liverpool youth player that Gerrard is quite intimidating and comes across as arrogant sometimes, but I don't believe it personally. Think he was probably on the wrong end of a bit of banter and took it to heart.

YNWAdam

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Glad to hear that about Sturridge, at times seems lazy on the pitch but I think you may be right, he appears rounded and genuinely nice on twitter! The only thing I remember about sterling was on Being Liverpool sterling told Rodgers to calm down or words to that affect!

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10 Jan 2014 12:18:53
I think we should put all our eggs in on basket and try a sign d costa. I think we have enough talent at the club to back suarez costa and sturridge up! What do we think?

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10 Jan 2014 11:36:09
Which teams are showing interest in Hakan Calhanoglu and could we be in for him?
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

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{Ed002's Note - Fenerbahce and Arsenal - but I don't see him moving.}

10 Jan 2014 11:30:12
There must be something in the water at Atletico Madrid - turning out strikers like Torres, Villa, Costa - flip we need to get some.

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Aguero

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Villa didn't start at athletico but you can add aguero to em instead. Madrid is a good fotball city

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Aguero, Forlan, Falcao, Even christian Vieri and JF Hasselbaink if you go back a few years!

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10 Jan 2014 12:51:55
Villa was a product of Valencia was he not? However Costa and Torres can probably be credited to Atletico. Falcao is definitely credited to Porto in my eyes also. I think I'm right in saying Aguero started his European career at Atletico though, so you are right, they do pull a few rabbits from the hat! I'm not sure about Diego Forlan, but he's another top striker who's played for them recently. I know he had a stint at United (which didn't go brilliantly), but cannot remember who they signed him from. Inter Milan maybe?

It has to be said though, United have always had good strikers in the last 20 years. Yorke, Cole, Cantona, Solsjkaer, Forlan, Van Nistelrooy, Saha, Rooney, Van Persie, Hernandez etc. The key to sustianed success would appear to be holding on to your top strikers. Blackburn won the league with Shearer and Sutton (i think it was him anyway). Arsenal won the league a few times during the Henry/Bergkamp era and Chelsea really rose to prominence when they had the likes of Drogba, Shevchenko, Crespo, and Anelka. Now we are seeing the rise of City who have perhaps the best crop in History (Tevez, Adebayor, Robinho, Aguero, Negredo, Dzeko, Jovetic - the last 4 of whom are all at the club currently!). If we can keep Sturridge and Suarez together and let them form a chemistry together, we will go into every single season with a genuine chance of winning the title. I would like to see us add another striker though. Aspas is the only senior understudy and Yesil's career looks over before its started (another long term injury). There are a few good forwards further down in the accademy, but we cannot afford to wait. I think Aspas and Borini have until the summer to prove their credentials in the Premier League, otherwise I see us signing another striker (Maybe even Costa if we do land CL football, Rodgers is a known admirer).

For me though that is the key to sustained success. You need a good Goalkeeper, a settled centre back partnership, a leader in the middle of the park, and forwards who know eachother inside out. The rest of the squad can usually be filled out with talented nomads. Manchester United won so much because they had about 8/9 one club players, let alone 5/6! If I had to name who currently at the club I can see being here for the next decade i'd go for McLaughlin, L.Jones, Ilori, Smith, Rossiter, Henderson, Sterling, Dunn, Ibe and Sturridge. I'd love to include the likes of Sakho, Suso and Coutinho as they are all still young, but Sakho wil return to PSG one day, Suso is Spanish and we all know what happens when Madrid/Barca come calling, and Coutinho will likely be snatched away by a multi million pound move when he eventually hits his peak in 4/5 years. Although, Lucas has never let his head be turned by a big money move though and recently said he wants to have his testomonial at Anfield, so perhaps Coutinho will stay into his 30's and then return to Brazil like all the top players from the country do. Ilori was actually born in England, so it wouldn't suprise me to see him settle here, especially if he decides to play for the England National side. I can't see Mingolet being here for 10 years personally. I think he is a great keeper and a nice guy, but he is 25 and a lot of keepers tend to lose some abiltiy at 30ish. They still usually play to 40 though so perhaps he'll be happy then to become an experienced back up to a younger player (hopefully Ward although i'm not sold yet). Wouldn't suprise me to see the likes of Flanno, Kelly and Allen stick around as squad players (If they can all dust off their injurys anyway). Although he won't be here for another 10 years, It'd be nice to hold onto Suarez for another 5/6 years and get his best years out of him.

Anyway, sorry for going off track haha!

YNWAdam

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Villa started at real zaragoza, before moving to valencia.

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They signed forlan from villareal

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I think we have also had our fair share of top top strikers, in fact as far as I can recall we always had at least one world class striker at the club at any given time.

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10 Jan 2014 14:12:57
There is also Brecon Carreg, Hiram Codd, Gerolsteiner Brunnen, Knjaz Milos, Zajecicka Horka and of course our own Roy Evians!
DM2014

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10 Jan 2014 10:52:54
Ed2, is there any news on Salah? I know you said you would just get abuse if you answered, but you could a) ignore the persons b) ban them. Just wondering. Cheers.

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10 Jan 2014 10:21:49
Good morning eds

In my opinion Liverpool are starting to drag out the Salah deal. Although we're aware that it's not our clubs fault we can't have the deal done straight away this is starting to feel like the Mikityraian deal again. Rumours are brewing that Dortmund are circling again for Salah themselves. We're are we Eds with this deal.

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{Ed002's Note - It is not worth the grief to explain - sorry.}

I understand ed but that's sort of the point in this site? Especially this time of year I could understand if it was last month but in January people would like daily updates

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{Ed002's Note - It is not going to happen.}

Considering we don't have to pay a subscription, we should just be greatful that we have such a site offering the infromation it does. Asking for daily updates is a little cheeky.

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10 Jan 2014 10:06:47
Glad BR made the ref comments but hope he now knows to cover his rear by peppering words and combinations of such to include: undue speculation; which could burden the official with baseless questions of his integrity

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10 Jan 2014 08:58:32
Good morning Eds and reds

Any truth at all in the Yarmalenko and M'vila rumours that seem to be flying around again?

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{Ed002's Note - RTP.}

10 Jan 2014 08:36:54
Ryan Nelsen, Toronto manager, said on that top 4 club has made an offer to Defoe . Can't see it being the other 3. It us?

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Could be Arsenal, they need another striker

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{Ed002's Note - Defoe will join Toronto - we can move on from this.}

I think this is Nelsen trying to big up the transfer so Toronto supporters think they're getting a player champions league sides are wanting.
If it were to be a top4/champs elague side I would gamble Arsenal being the interest needing cover for Giroud. I think Ryan is making this up though

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10 Jan 2014 08:19:48
Morning ED's.
I read this morning Valmir Berisha is considering offer's that he has received for his services.
One is believed to be from an English PL club.
Some say us, some say Arsenal.
As you are in the know on most of these stories maybe you could shed some light on who the un-named club is?
Thanks on advance.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

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{Ed002's Note - He is a child - I have explained the position before.}

10 Jan 2014 06:08:11
"It's a funny old game"
We have been in competition with Tottenham for players in the past few seasons but this transfer window see's us in competition mainly with Arsenal.
Another player I thought that was going under the radar and would be BR "rabbit out of the hat" is Giovinco from Juventus.
LFC have been admirers for a while and I thought that this would be the ideal time to make a move for the player. Now it seems because of Walcott's injury Arsenal have entered into discussions and could be about to make a bid on the player.
My friend in Italy, a Juve supporter and not a source tells me what a good player he is and his thoughts were he would have fitted well into the LFC style of play.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

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I've always thought he would be a good option for us and a realistic target! Asked the Ed's a couple of times in the past about his situation but we never seem to have held too much of an interest unfortunately.

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10 Jan 2014 06:07:52
Conspiracy Time!

What if Mourinho sent Moses on loan to sabotage Liverpool's chances by playing rubbish?

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He payed us back then for what we did to Chelsea with Torres.

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Theory number 2. BR h'd up sending Assaidi on loan

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10 Jan 2014 03:34:39
Salah deal seems a dead end as Basel and his agent want what it looks like they won't get, alternative Ince from blackpool since he'd be cheap and knows how to score goals plus has a decent turn of pace as well.

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Nope we don't need more squad players in that position we have Assaidi and Suso out on loan.

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10 Jan 2014 00:25:16
There is someone booked in for a medical tomorrow 90% sure.

Ynwa

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{Ed002's Note - Hang around outside in the morning. Let us know when you hear a coughing noise.}

Just be sure not to walk in when you hear the coughing noise, that could be ugly

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10 Jan 2014 10:54:47
I bet your a scream on a night out Ed2. Some of your replies of late have had me in tears with laughter.
Keep up the good work.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

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Still waiting and not a cough in site. ;-/

Ynwa

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10 Jan 2014 00:19:27
The guy who does the transfer thing on tv is reporting we've already agreed a 5yr deal for salah but were yet to meet Basel' price tag.

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Dont you realise by now the 'media' get a lot of their info off sites like this because they know nothing. This was posted days ago on this site.

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