Liverpool Banter Archive January 24 2014

 

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24 Jan 2014 23:44:05
The lose of Salah probably spelled the end of our transfer window. By the start of next season expect Ayres to be employed elsewhere. FSG were apparently wrong-footed as to how fast developments change in the transfer market - ie he's your player and 30 minutes later he isn't unless you up your offer considerably and no we won't wait why should we.

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{Ed002's Note - I am not so sure how you have gotten FSG involved in this.}

FSG, owners, board - call them what you will. It wasn't coincidence John Henry was over here at the same time as we were supposed to be unveiling Salah.

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{Ed002's Note - You cannot unveil a player that plays for another club. You clearly are not aware of what the situation was with Salah.}

After more than two months of chasing they were fairly confident they would get their man. The fact that it suddenly became apparent that he (Salah) would not move to Liverpool but also that Chelsea waltzed in with no problem at all caught them completely flat footed. The assumption was he would be a Liverpool player and the fact that he had no interest for some reason surprised them. Personally, I think the hesitancy is a result of the Comolli/Dalglish era - once bitten and all that. As a result they struggle to react to fast moving developments. We should have known way way before Sala signed for Chelsea that he wasn't interested in us and dropped the idea and moved on to other targets. As it is we were on a wi;d goose chase and two months was basically a total waste of time.

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24 Jan 2014 23:31:23
Not going to lie never seen romulu play that I know of and know very little about him apart from hearing his name occasionally. would someone (eds or reds) care just to give the basics of what he would give to the squad? I saw him likened to essien on here is this apt? As I think a younger essien is pretty much what we need.

Cheers lads

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From what I've seen he looks lightweight and certainly seems to be made of glass, not really what we need. I'd prefer Fernando or M'villa with a preference for the former as he is pure class.

Knowing us we'll probably end up with Leon Britten. Marvellous.

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24 Jan 2014 23:07:30
Not so much a rumour more a question eds please is there any interest in konoplyanka from Liverpool or anyone else? I imagine he would prove to be even more £ than Yarmalenko and therefore currently out of our price range? For me he looks a better prospect for the left side should that be deemed our main problem area.

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{Ed002's Note - Not from LFC.}

24 Jan 2014 23:04:04
Massive lfc rumour site. rumour on net! The editors are turning laptop on Friday AM. Google will reveal what were craving. they also plan trip to boozer for the latest. So we'll be in the know by Friday night. Just in time window to SLAM!

P.s last 10 days on this site. Sheep without Shepard.

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24 Jan 2014 22:31:18
Eds, not being funny like, but you seem to know a lot about other club rumours " yes he is about to sign for Napoli, " ye he's having medical at Zenit, so c'mon what do you know about Liverpool fc who are we signing who are we looking at, we post something and the Eds are like ye he's signing for feyenoord, so what's the script?

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{Ed002's Note - I have no idea who this is aimed at.}

24 Jan 2014 22:28:59
I think the BR has wasted money on players like borini
aspas, alberto, moses loan allen we need big name players at this stage this is r best chance 2 make top 4
long time plez take that chance plez post great work ed thanks

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24 Jan 2014 22:23:56
Ed02, I saw you say earlier that you thought Liverpool would still sign a midfielder and possibly another full back. DO you have any names of players we might want for those positions who may arrive in the next week? thanks

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{Ed002's Note - I really doubt that I said that. If I did the Orange Sunshine was kicking in.}

24 Jan 2014 21:56:58
Guy we need a left winger, whether it is a kid like Ibe or someone we buy. We need a left winger above all else. The team is so unbalanced when we play with coutinho on the left and sterling on the right.
4-3-3
with Suarez-Sturridge-Sterling is far better that the 4-4-2 we play right now. At least Suarez stays on the left and cuts onto his right foot. With a left winger we only need 2 CM between Gerrard Hendo Lucas Allen and Countinho. We got by at the start of the season because of Enrique who covered the hole flank and that allowed countinho to drop more central.

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24 Jan 2014 21:55:01
Ed's I have heard a few rumours from friends that we have been looking at Gaston Gil Romero, is this true? I have watched him a few times for Estudiantes when scouring livesoccer.tv for football matches. He looks a really good prospect who wouldn't need to much time to adapt. Hopefully I'm not just throwing up random names.

Also do you know if it's true that F.C. Basil moved the goalposts from 12m to 16m, or were we just not too interested/too slow/not Chelsea?

Really appreciate any info you guys have.

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{Ed002's Note - Romero is attracting attention from a few clubs - I don't know about Liverpool but it seems unlikely - a work permit would be a major issue. I have no interest in explaining about Salah but there are a few hints earlier in the day. Not so sure if Brendo is still waiting at Heathrow.}

24 Jan 2014 21:31:47
I've just read on a web site that Utd are putting of the mata transfer until Chelsea sign salah?
Too me it just seems there playing games, and don't want Liverpool to strengthen?
Can you help me get this out my head and please explain why all transfers not just Liverpool seem to be dragging their heels?
Nothing has been confirmed and I haven't seen any player ie from Chelsea Manutd holding up shirts.
Any reason at all why it's dragging?
Thanks

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{Ed002's Note - You have clearly misunderstood something.}

Can you not explain? So I understand

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{Ed002's Note - It is nothing to do with Liverpool.}

I didn't say it was Liverpool related.
I just wanted to know why has it been reported that the deal isn't going to go through till Monday.

I didn't go into that much detail. But I did ask why they are dragging their heels.

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{Ed002's Note - It is entirely irrelevant to you.}

24 Jan 2014 21:26:26
Ed's I posted about the owners earlier today but I can't see it, did it not get shown or was it taken down because of abuse?

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{Ed002's Note - I would imagine it got taken down because it was ill-informed bollocks. Sorry to use the technical term.}

Hello Waro. Nice to see you back. The return of yourself and ozone obviously means that we are languishing mid table and FSG are bleeding us dry by selling off assets and looking to make a fast buck. Oh, hang on.
Don't worry sunshine, for every Waro conspiracy post that gets cut, there's one from me that gets cut too. We both need lessons in objectivity apparently.
Back to the orange sunshine.

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Its on the "Other banter page"

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25 Jan 2014 11:37:37
Some days, just reading Ed02's replies, makes my day.
"I would imagine it was taken down because it was ill-informed b*******. Sorry to use the technical term"
If ever we were to meet Ed02 I would like to buy you a drink for all the laugh's you have given me.
Classic.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

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24 Jan 2014 21:24:32
Eds, do ye think we will sign anyone?

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{Ed002's Note - Yes I do.}

Any idea who you see as the most likely and viable options right now?
Cheers

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Hope your not on the orange sunshine ed and on the wind-up haha.

In all seriousness, I hope your right ed and we do get someone, proving they are good enough.

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25 Jan 2014 11:38:32
any player we are moving towards now Ed02? it was looking likely that we are not signing anyone and we are most likely going to be priced out of yarmalenko like u said, or was it ed001, not sure.

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{Ed002's Note - I am not aware of anything new at this time.}

24 Jan 2014 21:19:35
Oul Fergie up to his old tricks again! When asked who he thinks will win the league he said the top 3 have a great chance, Everton are still up there and United still have a really good chance. Liverpool must be too far behind United I'm guessing! Oh wait.
ROI.

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{Ed002's Note - So why bitch about a man who has an opinion that reflects that of the Liverpool supporters?}

Yeah Ed but United and Everton fans surely don't think they can win the league, not realistically anyway. I'm just saying even when he's retired he's still up to his tricks! At least he's not still in charge, because then we would have the "Rodgers out", "Yanks out", and possibly even the "Bring back Hodgson" crew. Although the latter is maybe a bit extreme. If this is the abuse this page is littered with when we're fourth I'd hate to see what it would be like if we were in United's position. Probably still have the odd whinger if we were top!
Cheers,

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24 Jan 2014 21:03:50
Eds what's your view on the future of the ownership of fag with Liverpool it looks like there not keen on financing any signings this month, and without a left sided attacker left back and dm I think we are going to struggle to make top 4 does that then mean the end of rgers and a new manager new players etc and yet more cost? I do think they are right to be conserned that we have bought players who have not made the step up and can't keep money balling the club but it just seems strange they target cl but don't get the final push to achieve it?

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{Ed002's Note - They have pissed loads of money up the wall - why bitch about the owners of have supported the haemorrhaging of monies by the club? This is why we don't talk about finances.}

24 Jan 2014 20:12:18
Hi eds

Do you think fsg are going to continue to support rebuilding the squad or FSG we don't achieve champs league do you think they will look to sell up? I for one like them but can't help think that they are struggling to come to terms with running such a huge club. They work wonders with the boston red sox completely different I know but with academy players still being a few years away from fruition we still need to invest and it looks like fsg are becoming reluctant now and doing it?

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{Ed002's Note - Ask in the summer. They will be pissed with the wasted money and I would think with the complete lack of support from the fans they will be looking at that as well.}

Do you mean "coming to terms with running such a massive money pit" :-)

Do any clubs actually make money?

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{Ed002's Note - Of course some clubs make money.}

24 Jan 2014 19:54:32
Hi Eds, do you think we will be buying anybody in January, and what area is most important to get someone in?

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{Ed002's Note - Liverpool will buy I think. Midfield and with recent issues full backs might be sought.}

24 Jan 2014 19:28:43
{Ed033's Note - New blog post from YNWAdam called, 'Liverpool don't need to spend big this Winter' now on the Liverpool FC Blogs page.

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24 Jan 2014 18:02:43
edo2 seen u said bren saying he is still after salah this morn so my question is wats he thinking its quite clear he is not coming why does he have these silly out bursts its not the only time he has done this do u think this is his week side of management cheers

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{Ed002's Note - You might be surprised to know I don't live in side Breno's head. He makes this stuff up on his own.}

I no he just has these made cringe moments

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Suggest people go to the website and listen to the interview from this morning. BR was pragmatic not hopeful, Alan brazil made more of it than BR did.

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24 Jan 2014 19:44:09
Was Salah just a smokescreen?;)

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Smokescreen. lol every year. without fail haha

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24 Jan 2014 19:32:13
Not LFC related but on the point of Wenger moaning about the transfer of Mata. Is it just me but what is the difference between him selling Van Persie to Utd and Chelsea selling Mata to Utd

Or is he just being ironic?

The red shadow

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He's a typical narrow minded pr**k, who wants it all his own way.

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Its not the selling of the player. More the timing of selling to a rival club mid season.

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Actually it's completely different Rvp wouldn't sign a new contract and £20m for a bloke who is 30 and in the last year.

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Pelligrini moaning about the Mata too, claiming it shouldn't happen midseason, how the feck does he think half HIS squad #knob

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Your comment reminds me of you Ozone, apart from the last part, unless you do.

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The Salah/Mata deal has certainly strengthened Utd's chance of top four and possably weaken our chance, perhaps Mourinho is hoping for the Utd managers job when DR gets the sack next season

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In FSG we trust AR1992. Pilchard.

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24 Jan 2014 19:20:11
Really hope we manage to bring in a couple of players, we just need that final push for top 4.

I understand we've overpaid for players in the past but we can't let that hamper us in the future.

We've been in this position before with rafa where we are 1 o. 2 quality players short of really competing. But instead of buying them we piss around with getting 5 fringe players.

I fear if we don't get top 4 then it's buy buy saurez then we are back to square one again.

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24 Jan 2014 19:18:36
Rodger's said this today.

"The club has been working hard on a number of targets. I know the club has been working very hard to get players in. I'll leave that to them and see how they can get on. I'd rather wait and look at our young players than just bring in one or two squad players."

What he wanted to say:
1. There are players that I want that will benefit first team and help us push on from a good position and consolidate a champions league spot.
2. By 'working hard' I mean they diligently faffed trying to get players cheap cheap
3. I have no control over who we actually get, so I have to leave the faffing to them
4. Rather than get 2nd, 3rd, 4th choice targets to be average squad players, I'd rather give the youth a chance.
5. Is Rick Parry back again! :-)

ok, I admit point 5 was mine!

Let's stay positive, we still have top, top players who hopefully can stay fit.

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Spot on.

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Statto. Not taking the piss but have you been on holiday, we have lost about 4 players in last week to injury and another 4 on the first aid table so we are very light on the ground with our squad .

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No mate, I was saying what I think Rodgers is saying, and I agree. If we are going buy, buy quality that can help the squad not just a average squad players that we'll end up sending out on loan. Or else, just bring in younger guys to give them a chance. I think we need to strengthen but with quality not just numbers. We could do with some players mate, for sure!

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It's a bit rich coming from him given our summer transfer window dealings, to be honest. You can't really spend the money you're given then complain if choose not to play the players you bought.

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24 Jan 2014 19:16:53
I would be happy if we got Romulo not expecting more than one signing but he would be a great choice as he could play holding when playing next to Gerrard or henderson and could play box to box next to Lucas just the same.

Hope BR means what he stays about youth as Ibe could do with some minutes tomorrow and hopefully Teixeira can make his bow at some point tomorrow if he is even included at all.

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24 Jan 2014 19:03:39
Sunderland have apparently made enquiries for Ever Banega, surely a good player like him would be of interest to us?
I would say he would be a great signing and surely were a better option than Sunderland at present and long term.

If the reported valuation is true of 8 million is a fee we can afford? Also with Romolu's injury record surely a safer buy.

Another two player's I think are attainable are Coentroa of Madrid and Shaqiri on loan from Bayern. With world cup year here both players desperately need game time.

In Coentroa's case a loan to buy option would be possible and he's a player who would go straight into the side. If the reported 12 million fee is correct he's a steal.

In Shaqiri's case it's less likely but again a player who is not getting any gametime and we may just be able to strike a deal. It's another position we need to strengthen and he fits the relevant criteria.

Just my opinion but I think if we are aiming to push on these three would be great signings who would help us achieve that at a vital period in the season. Players can see we are in a good position playing good football and we are an attractive option to them.

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Might be just me, but personally don't rate Shaquira (spelling!). He's not much of an upgrade on what we already have, and seems a tad lazy off the ball. Admittedly I have only seen him play a half dozen times, but wasn't impressed by him. Agree that Banega seems a great shout though.

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24 Jan 2014 19:02:02
fsg have given br money in the past few windows, when he arrived borini/sahin/assaidi/allen none have delivered.
27mil for allen/borini were both overpriced.
sturridge/coutinho was a good window and both have made a impact.
last summer we brought in sakho very good buy.
aspas not suited for the pl.
alberto/illori for the future.
moses on loan has not worked out.
and cissokho is just useless I am sorry to say who the hell scouted him.
without suarez we would have had 10 points less and that's a fact.
we need to buy class players if we are not able to this window we should buy nothing and hope we have no injuries.
pls no more squad players or loan players.

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24 Jan 2014 18:45:29
Hey guys, since other clubs ie Chelsea, Spurs no longer have scouting networks because we do all the work for them. Maybe it's time to bring back our tried and trusted trick to stop other teams hijacking our primary targets at the 11th hour. And that is 'The Smokescrean'.

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How about we retrospectively take out a small claims action against each of these clubs, put the money into the transfer fund pot and go in with a decent bid first-time on our next target ;-)

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24 Jan 2014 17:54:13
Ed001, I was wondering, obviously as supporters we don't see the inner workings of the club, how things are done behind the scenes etc. Are lfc as appalling at completing transfers as we seem? Are we actually not budging from our valuations of players thus not being taken for a ride, or are we dithering so much that other teams can just swoop in and get the deal done while we are preoccupied stacking our coins into little piles? In other words, are we ineffective or unfortunate?

Thanks Ed

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{Ed001's Note - we are just bidding too little and not meeting the asking price or getting anywhere near it.}

Ed haven't the owners stepped in and said what are they playing at or is it part owners fault?

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{Ed001's Note - I think they are more worried about the players we have paid over the odds for already.}

We're just crap at it!

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Maybe we could officially offer a scouting outsourcing service to these teams and actually make some gain for sending the scouts out to these places.

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24 Jan 2014 17:40:57
Hi eds and my fellow reds, seems like Mr Ferguson is chatting poo again. Eds what's your gut feeling do you believe something will happen by next friday for the Liverpool.

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{Ed001's Note - no, I don't see it, we don't seem to have any idea of realistic valuations for players.}

Living in fairland I guess

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I read it and thought it's hilarious because it just goes to there is only one team he is scared of. LIVERPOOL, LIVERPOOL, LIVERPOOL!

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Mr bitter and twisted Ferguson will never ever ever ever mention Liverpool fc in a good or positive way EVER

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24 Jan 2014 17:32:57
Hi Eds and Liverpool fans.
Any chance of having a no Salah day sometime soon, the page is filling up with people complaining or asking the same questions. Any chance we could all just forget about him for just one day even?
As a club we have the best opportunity for years at bringing Champions League football back to Anfield. The team has been playing well and missing out on one transfer target should not derail our season. let's just be thankful that we are not dealing with a month of Suarez leaving rumours. As a club our fans have always had a special reputation worldwide but visitors to this page will not see it, they see abuse and complaining. The 2005 Champions league final could have been a very different story had our fans spent half time complaining instead of singing, just a thought.
Thanks and apologies for the long post.
Jack!

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Don't worry the Suarez leaving rumours will start sooner than expected, because we ain't getting top four.

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24 Jan 2014 17:30:33
Hi Eds, after yet ANOTHER failed attempt at signing an attacking player in Salah (after Willian, Costa and Mkhitaryan), could you say who is in charge of negotiating these deals? I'm under the assumption that it's Ian Ayre, and if that's the case then he needs to go because this is beginning to happen far too often.
YNWA

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{Ed001's Note - I answered this question repeatedly last night, try reading down the page a bit (lot).}

24 Jan 2014 17:21:28
Nice to see fergie talking up every team in the top 7 for the title but absolutely no mention at all of Liverpool. Hardly suprising I know but I can't help but think that's one last dig at us from the blithering old fart.

Funny how UTD are loosing everything now there is no fergie time.

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Why are we title contenders?

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Well if united are title contenders then we must be title contenders as we are higher in the league than them at this stage, you can't say they are and then ignore who ever is above them can you?

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We are over spurs and everton

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SAF
Sour And Foul

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24 Jan 2014 17:09:20
To be fair to Basel I don't blame them for knocking us back. They set a price, we didn't come anywhere close, and Chelsea came calling with an acceptable offer. I'd have done the same thing in any line of business if I felt I was being messed around. The board really need to pull their finger out. I don't buy the line that without reinforcements we will not attain top 4 this season - we've done allright so far - but it must be blindingly obvious that with everyone around us enjoying more strength in depth and with the injuries that we have, it might be a struggle to stay where we are. From the position we're in we should be looking to consolidate and cement a place in Europe, and that means improving where we are weak. Aspas hasn't cut it, so Sterling has got his chance. But although he's done well he isn't the finished article and somebody with better quality in the final third is an urgent priority.

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Finally someone who gets that it's not the players fault but ours.

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Carlitoc, how can it be our fault? We as supporters don't negotiate deals mate. Seriously stop being so negative, the team is doing well, the club is improving, the previous owners have done nothing but waste money and years living on the past. FSG and BR have breathed new life into our club, yes we have tried and failed to sign players, but we haven't the money available yet to compete. What we spend we spend with caution to protect the club and secure it's future. The future is bright, be patient. Yes mistakes have been made, by LFC, BR, me in my life, you in yours, and most others in theirs. Come on Liverpool we are behind you YNWA

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24 Jan 2014 17:01:43
dont no why everyone in bad form with chelsea because we have the last laugh sending victor moses back end of season

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We would have the last laugh if we didn't play him again for the rest of the season and sent him back unfit and out of form.

Really have no idea what he is here for, because it clearly isn't football as he looks as much of a footballer as he is a brain surgeon and that he definately isn't.

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{Ed002's Note - Thankfully the clubs are not vindictive cretins like you. Otherwise they would be the laughing stock you seemingly want them to be.}

Ed he has been useless and shown no desire to perform well. There's plenty of respect for players who perform poorly but give their all for the side, however with Moses there has been little to no effort.

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{Ed001's Note - it is not the point, being vindictive and petty by leaving him out, purely through spite, would do nothing for anyone. It would just make the club look petty and make other clubs wary of doing any kind of deal with us.}

Just don't see the point of Moses actually being at the club, he has been woeful since day one, and he offers nothing to us so if it annoys Chelsea and Mourinho to send him back unfit then I'm happy with that. If I could send him back now I would happily.

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{Ed001's Note - then you need to grow up. The only thing you would be doing is harming the club by playing childish games.}

Come on Mark how ever much you don't rate a player you can't destroy their career.

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Mk that's why I can't criticise Cissokho yeah he has had a few dodgy moments but he doesn't hide and you can see that it matters and he cares. Moses doesn't and it shows.

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We have the last laugh? Erm I think they will when they finish higher in the league.

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Wat the poster also needs to realise bit like ed said if we treat him like poo then it severs any ties with the said club who down the line we may want a player from them ala d sturridge

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I don't buy the whole being vindictive and not playing him out of spite thing, but I am totally OK with him not getting another game this season because he is terrible. If a player performs he plays, we can't be expected to play players if they have no desire to play for the club.

If we do we will be just as much a laughing stock, "Offer to loan rubbish players to Liverpool, they won't perform but they will be obliged to play him". I know it's probably a gentleman's or written agreement to play him, but we can't be held to ransom by the likes of Victor Moses when we have serious talent gagging for a chance.

It's not about being vindictive it's about picking the best team, and right now Moses isn't in it, regardless of whether he is on loan from someone else.

If he excels in training/reserves then he gets a shot, just like everyone else. I would rather sour relationships with Chelsea than play a player who is not good enough.

I fully expect to be told to grow up by Edo1 :)

Have a good FA Cup weekend everyone.

Keep up the good work you brilliantly cantankerous Editors, all the best

YNWA

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{Ed001's Note - not at all, I fully agree with that. That is how it should be with all the players, including the captain. If they don't perform, drop them and bring in someone else.}

Thing is if he played well it would not be an issue for me, in fact I would be the first in the queue saying get the cheque book out, but since Chelsea were saying they were unhappy that we weren't playing him(but why play a guy who has no actual quality), why not take an opportunity to annoy them.

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{Ed001's Note - because you might want to do business with them again in the future. It would be stupid to cause issues with them over nothing.}

24 Jan 2014 16:40:30
WHY don't LIVERPOOL PUT a cheeky bid in for hernandes(littlepea a snip at 15 mill

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We wouldn't pay that much for Salah and we wanted him? Why would we do it for a striker who we don't really need.

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24 Jan 2014 16:11:27
Good day eds,

I have a question for Ed 001 if possible. Something you said about mourinho peaked my interest. You mentioned that people have the wrong idea about him and said that he had been known to suit down with opposition players to help fix errors in their game. Is this true? I've never met him but have met a few other managers and the only other one I've known to do this was Cesare Maldini. What else do people have wrong about him? I'm curious because my perception of him is not great though I'll be the first to admit that is coloured by what is reported and not personal experience.

Nevada

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{Ed001's Note - he has dossiers on every player that they face, with strengths and weaknesses of the player in them. He has sat down with Gerrard and Carragher to point out the weaknesses in their game and advise them on how to improve them, following matches against Chelsea.

There is a good reason why he is so loved by the vast majority of players. Not just does he protect them from the media, by taking the spotlight on himself and projecting this aura of being some kind of media hog. That is not him by the way, that is a very calculated ploy, like just about everything he does is. He is also very approachable, he spends time helping players with their game, in a similar way to Rafa, but he is also giving them praise and building up their confidence. Rafa was great at pointing out faults in a player's game, but he lacked that ability to put his arm round their shoulder and build them up.

There have been lower league players who have similar stories, by the way, about how he has sat down and showed them the dossier on them and helped improve their game following contests in the cup.

He doesn't need to do that, it is not something done publicly, it is not done to get them to play for him, most will never be at the level of club's he manages. What you see in the media is not the real Mourinho, it is the Mourinho he wants people to see because it is what he feels will help his team win trophies.}

I wish I knew what weaknesses he pointed out to Gerrard and carra and if they ever improved those areas because of him.

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Also I have a very similar story about Brendan but I won't post most of the finer details on here.
Basically someone in the game asked me to ask Brendan for some help and guidance regarding coaching and Brendan really went out of his way to help him out.
Top man.

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And how could you even no Rogers mikey would love to no be grate to approach certain people in the game

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Through work mate. The person who asked for help was an ex international for Northern Ireland who is getting into coaching and knew I would have a few minutes of Brendan's time so asked if I could give him his details to ask Brendan's advice etc. I did and Brendan helped him out a lot.
I get to meet a lot of football people through work and must have a hundred stories. That's one of the few positive ones regarding footballers unfortunately.

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24 Jan 2014 15:22:23
Eds the squad has come out for the game tomorrow but still know Sakho, Enrique, And also Allen, are all 3 still injured? Should they be back for Derby?

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{Ed002's Note - They won't be risking players returning from injury. Allen I don't know the situation with.}

24 Jan 2014 15:11:38
I really like Brendon Rodgers. When he's allowed to chase his number 1 targets he normally gets it right. But I wonder sometimes who and why the likes of Aspas, Cissoko, Borini were bought. Compared to Sturridge and Coutinho these signings must of been 5th / 6th choice. I suppose if we break into the top 4 and get CL qualification we will see 1st and 2nd choice targets signed.

What you thin Edds?

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{Ed002's Note - Not as thin as I would like to be.}

Borini was easy that's BR's fall to guy. Aspas I don't know not like celta play similar game to lfc maybe BR thought he has more pace if he had more pace he'd be a decent 3rd striker. Cissokho is a loan why complain?

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24 Jan 2014 15:11:15
How is our actual purchase power when it comes to new players? What is the biggest challenge, the weekly wage or the actual transfer fees?
It is no secret that the miss out on Salah is a big blow reputation wise (dont really know whether it is a big loss sportswise).
What is your view on this? What segment of players can we actually compete in?

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{Ed002's Note - I really don't want to be explaining even the simplest finance matters.}

£5-8 mill market unless Rodgers sells to add to the kitty. Ayres trying to shop at Harrods with a C&A budget.

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Take no notice of all the Henry and Werner spin about competing in the transfer market. It's complete eyewash. Salah ticked all the boxes. We need a winger, 21, comparatively low wage, reasonable fee at £11mill. We scouted this guy for months and end up losing him over a coup, e of million. The deal should've been wrapped up weeks ago. It's a sham. A winger and DM and we would've been serious contenders for top 4. The owners have once again demonstrated what they are but no doubt the lemmings will shout 'but they saved us'. Interpret their acquisition a you wish but bare in mind the price through a distressed sale.

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{Ed002's Note - They never said anything about "competing in the transfer market" and it was not "a couple of million" in respect of Salah.}

£11 million Ed. This isn't the £20mill plus market. I believe Ayres was hanging around like a bad smell trying to pick pocket at £6-8 mill. If we can't compete in the £10-15 mill market, then we as fans may as well forget about champions league football.

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{Ed002's Note - You are out by a bit still.}

Did Liverpool offer a third of what Basel were asking? Poor show all the same. You can't seriously expect Basel to accept that. I know there a teams that will sell a player at a higher price to the Epl but I don't think this boy was anywhere near over priced.

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24 Jan 2014 15:05:45
Hello Eds.
News is starting to filter through that we are going after Shaquiri from Bayern Munich now that the Salah deal has hit rock bottom .
Is there any chance of this happening?

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{Ed002's Note - I have this vision of a Wallace and Grommit scene with Ian Ayre and Bendo on a motorcycle and sidecar heading towards Munich.}

Lmao. Nice one Eds, very good.

I take it were not in for him then.
?

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{Ed002's Note - This morning Brendo was still working on Salah he announced to the world.}

Ok, wasting valuable time instead of working on other targets. Can't see us getting anyone tbh in the. Ext week.

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24 Jan 2014 14:35:03
I understand as MD Ian Ayres has more of a role at LFC that just transfer negotiations e.g. Dunkin, Vauxhall, Standard C, Warrior, Xolo etc. which is a good job & well done to him.

But is he really that inept when it comes to transfers? So much happens behind the scenes that we'll never know exactly what happens but it appears that 9/10 times we miss out on our priority A choice in any position.

Is transfer process a weak spot of Ian's skill set or is he really smart, drawing attention away from real targets by "leaking" transfer info. but then surely that means his peers at other clubs are slightly muggish (which I really doubt).

Any thought ed's or others what do you think?

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Ed001 had it pretty well spot on, in my opinion. It's not that he's necessarily inept, it's that we spend far too much time on deals where the player only considers us a last option. Salah was content (in my opinion) to hang about until the end of the window and see if any of the clubs he wanted to go to would come in for him.

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I agree but this is the partly the definition of inept. Targeting the wrong player & taking too long to complete a transfer. But I guess if you don't try you don't get!

All being said YNWA, improve where you need to on the pitch & in the offices.

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Why are people having a go at Ian Ayres I thought it was a committee who did the transfer dealings Ian just went and discussed the deal with club and player? After reading how Chelsea went about bidding for Salah they got in first with how much money then arranged for what the player wanted so maybe there is a lesson to be learnt by the committee of LFC

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24 Jan 2014 13:59:26
Would like Aspas to start tomorrow up front with Sturridge.
He deserves his chance now.
I know he has under performed so far but he has the quality to make it.
Also would love to see Kelly and Flanno to get a half each with the better performer starting vs Everton.
Suarez can come off the bench if needed but he needs rest too.
I understand people want to do well in a cup but would rather we concentrate on the league.
We should be aiming for 3rd place (probably beyond us now) just in case of the nightmare scenario of United winning the Champions League. as unlikely as that seems. just remember 2005.
Hoping for 2 decent signings before February but it seems apparent the funds aren't there or aren't being released.
Not concerned though as the owners DO have the club's best interests in mind, i'm 100% sure of that.
Keep the positivity and faith folks!

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24 Jan 2014 13:56:06
edo1 fantastic post early this morn bout scouting wrong players and not sounding out if they would actually like a move. have to say the guy from southhampton would be great cortese is it? is this something the club must look to do because itseems to get worse with transfers and if fsg are willing to improve surley it has to be the way? cheers

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24 Jan 2014 13:44:04
Brendan Rodgers has refused to give up on the salah deal.
He said just because a fee has been agreed he hasn't done personally terms. Source Liverpool echo
Also not Liverpool related there's a photo on tv That hulk is on a private plane heading to Luton. Who's the likely team.
It also said that it was Chelsea's owners aeroplane. (Can't spell his name)
Eds if you can shed some light I'll be very greatful.
Thank you in advance

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{Ed002's Note - Twitter saying it is Abramovich's plane is it. No, it is not.}

Brendan Rogers was on early this morning were he said the deal for Salah was not done and dusted with Chelsea he was speaking to Alan Brazil and Malky McKay

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I think Brendan should think twice about going on talk sport, aren't they owned by that bag McKenzie?

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24 Jan 2014 13:42:11
Right, We are in the top four.with what we have.having juggled around with the side already a few times this season.have some faith in our side, we were top till we encountered City and Chelsea, its not as bad as no top four due to an Egyptian we've never heard of in reality,
Always a Red
YNWA JFT96

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24 Jan 2014 13:27:29
Hello Ed02, I have seen you mention atleast two times how the likes of Alberto, Aspas and Ilori were identified by BR, but since they are not playing, steps are being taken to make sure this doesn't happen in the future.

What exactly do you mean by that? I thought the committee discussed scouted players before signing them?

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{Ed002's Note - This "committee" is fairly new. These were Brendo buys with the scouting staff taking a look.}

24 Jan 2014 13:29:10
I don't think it was a good idea for BR to come out in the presser and show hope foe Salah. Should have kept it to himself.

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And worse still it was to talk sport.

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24 Jan 2014 12:52:24
Question for the Eds
I read on this site that Liverpool suffered loss on the first 3 years under FSG. With the recent deals with warrior, standard chartered, garuda, last year asia trip and remove a lot of players including carroll, downing etc, how is the current financial status of Liverpool? Do the owners alreay managed to reducednthe deficit or still as bad as when they firat took over?
I also curious about transfer dealing. When a manager need a player does he mention a specific name or he just mention the characteristic of the player he wants then the scout will recommend several names to pick?

Indonesian Red

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{Ed002's Note - I really don't want to get in to the finances but all of the things you speak of relate to the periods of loss. Managers will mention players by name - asking for a ginger-haired left footed player with a beard makes it tough for the scouts.}

24 Jan 2014 13:16:11
John Arne Riise could comfortably grow a beard! (Apart from in the summer, they are never comfortable in the heat!)

YNWAdam

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24 Jan 2014 13:24:49
Beards are always good. My girlfriend absolutely loooooooooves mine!
A.Moran

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Beards worked for the Red Sox this year, and they are a relatively inexpensive upgrade. Under current budgetary contraints, LFC might not be able to purchase a new beard for each and every player, but they could phase them in over a period of two to three transfer windows.

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24 Jan 2014 12:45:33
I reckon diame from westham good cover powerful player

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I think he is injuried . not sure but in the semi final I think he was taken off in the 2nd half

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24 Jan 2014 12:40:12
oh and sigurdson, not great but BR knows how to play him.

list goes on and on

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24 Jan 2014 13:02:50
There's no point deliberating on what's happened, we just have to accept the fact that Liverpool FC is a club who haven't won the league title for over 20 years and have failed to qualify for the champions league for the past few. As a player there are far more attractive options out there at present. We have done well to get to where we have this season so far and it would have been nice to have added an extra player or two this window. Salah, I thought was a realistic option at the beginning of this window but for whatever reason we couldn't close the deal. We must accept it as it is and place our faith in the current squad and hopefully Brendan shows more faith in his squad.

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24 Jan 2014 13:12:48
Fred, you don't seriously consider Snjeider and Sigurdsson as 'missing out' do you? Shall we include Dempsey in that? Or perhaps Amorbietta? We could really push the boat out and say we missed out on Del Piero.

Seriously mate, there is no such thing as missing out on a transfer unless we match another teams bid, and contract offer and then he choses them over us. Even then you can only really be bothered by it if we needed the player. Where was Salah gonig to play in our 4-3-3? We already have Suarez, Sturridge, Aspas, Moses, Coutinho, Sterling, Ibe and Alberto. I reckon he'd have come in as the 3rd choice wide forward. That'd be good for us considering Sturridge is injury prone. However it was not a crucial signing when we have Suarez, Sturridge, Ibe and Alberto all capable of playing the central striker role plus Suarez, Sterling, Coutinho, Moses, Aspas and Ibe capable of playing the wider roles. It'd be a nice option as Coutinho could then play centrally, but on current form he wouldn't dispalce Henderson anyway. Hendo has 2 goals and 8 asssists in all competitions this season. Alberto can also play the attacking midfield role. Then let's consider we have Borini, Suso and Assaidi on loan who are all doing well. Then if you want to go further we have Dunn, Sinlcair and Yesil in the accadmey as forwards, plus Branagan and Texeira who play as attacking midfielders. We don not need any more forwards. Salah was always a luxury signing and I don't know why we are pressing so hard for him when he is on the same level as Assaidi (albeit 4 years younger). Assaidi has a better record in the Dutch league (far superior to the Swiss and Egyptian leagues), he is just as fast, and he has also taken Chlesea apart in his career. They are both lacking in the physical department and I gurantee you Salah will need a loan to get used to the physicality and tempo. We need 2 central midfielders (as Gerrard, Lucas and Allen get injured too often and Stevie is 34 in a couple of months). That is it. I think we have more than enough full backs to get to the summer. So many that we have 3 on loan! (Johnson, Enrique, Kelly, Cissokho, Wisdom, Robinson, Flanagan, McLaughlin, B.Smith) I would look to repalce Johnson and Cissokho in the summer with top players (leaving Kelly and Enrique as the back ups) and allow a few of the youngsters to leave (obviously keepnig the best ones). THEN we can look at replacing the forwards with better options. We will need to shift at least 2 (+Moses) of them though if we are to sign any. People are panicking too much. We're 4th and have the easiest run in of the league left as well as the fact we had our second best player injured for the busiest period (Sturridge) and our best player missed a quarter of the games we've played so far through suspension.

Basically, stop panicking!

YNWAdam

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Adam you really must stop being so sensible. blind panic is required with a decent amount of screaming and shouting. slag off half our players, owners manager etc and start a protest movement with a march on anfield. dear lord we have just missed out on the worlds greatest player. surely someone must be hung out to dry as a result.

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Your arguement became void the moment you seriously consider that Moses is a serious option.

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Well said Adam, no need to panic. I would have been excited if Salah was coming, but he has clearly indicated he wants to sign for Chelsea not LFC - that's his problem, not ours, so let's move on.

Mourinho is one sly dog - he knows that Mata's move to Utd cannot undermind Chelsea's title bid as they have played them twice already, but an improving Utd with Mata in the side could cause damage to the other top teams who have still got to play Utd in the next few months. Mourinho gets Salah plus £26 million for Mata. A shrewd bit of business by Jose? Let's wait and see.

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24 Jan 2014 12:36:54
Eds if the fan's remember a few years ago there would have been no Liverpool fc if it wasn't for our current owners. Salah has to decide whether he want to play football with Liverpool or sit on the bench with Chelsea

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Eds, i'm sure I read somewhere that there was several suitors in line along with FSG to buy the club.Is this true?

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{Ed002's Note - You sure as hell don't want to open up that wound.}

Kenny Huang? Oh dear that is a big jar of worms

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Haha ill leave it at that then

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24 Jan 2014 12:19:01
add sneijder to the list we missed out on, this time last year!

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We never had a chance of signing him, and never chased him so your point is void

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24 Jan 2014 12:18:31
Hope the Johnson knockers are happy now, looks like you got your wish. Let's see how the replacement(s) get on eh? Rogers isn't stupid, he stuck with Jonno for a reason and now he's knackered. He's no bad player and it will be interesting to see how that position is filled by someone, both attacking and defending.

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24 Jan 2014 12:33:23
We all know he isn't a bad player. But he's a lazy so and so who doesn't look like he wants to win. I'd rather have Flanagan, Kelly, McLaughlin or Wisdom there than him. Rodgers has stuck with him because he thought Wisdom and McLaughlin were not ready to be thrown in as a regular, Flanagan has been injured, and Kelly as been recovering from the worst injury a footballer can have, ruptured ACL. I think Rodgers should've had more faith in Wisdom and McLaughlin personally, but he's more wary of using younger players this season for whatever reason.

YNWAdam

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So you believe Johnsons prescence alone warrents a place in the starting 11?

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ND - Johnson is a liability

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With the interest and effort he's shown lately, he will enjoy the holiday!

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Or maybe he's looked like this because he was injured adam? Maybe it looked like he was being lazy when actually he was playing whilst severely injured?

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Has he been injured for the best part of 2 or 3 seasons then? Lol

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24 Jan 2014 12:10:59
I would have liked to see Salah put on a LFC shirt but seriously guys please stop thinking he may still move to LFC. Its not going to happen is it! Maybe I am wrong but while lots of reports say he wanted Liverpool I am pretty sure he said the same about Chelsea, who are much more likely to get champions league football.
I am not saying we won't but it will be more of a task for us I think as we do have a thinner squad, and while some of our youngsters are class, their lasting impact will waver for sure until they find their feet and that will take time.

Salah won't be coming but hopefully there is another player or 2 that may although I am not convinced at this time

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24 Jan 2014 11:57:33
BR saying Saleh deal not dead, this could be something to take with a pinch of salt, everyone thought willian was off to spurs am I not right?!

anyhow if we don't sign him I find it hard to believe that we wouldn't be able to sign someone else?

Yarmalenko, Pedro, Draxler, bernard, ince. anyone?

In all honesty if we got a decent CM I wouldn't be so hurt over the loss of Saleh as I wouldn't want to stop sterling progressing - I want him at the world cup!

M'vila could be an option? bit of attitude but on loan that would be ok.

What about cabaye? great player - I know he would cost £20 mill but we could sell him on to PSG in 3 years time for more!

I would take that mutch lad from cardiff.

Thoughts?

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All they have done is very publicly agreed a fee nothing is signed & he hasn't had a medical he could very easily come to us we'd have to offer the money & him pick us though

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24 Jan 2014 11:54:21
Rodgers makeing himself and Liverpool look like a big'er fools by saying he still hopes to sign salah. He still thinks he can sign willian and erickson aswell .

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I think the old adage about staying silent and letting people think your an person applies here.

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24 Jan 2014 11:53:26
Like it or not this is "Moneyball".
FSG are big proponents of this approach. Every player has a price.

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No it isn't

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I will repeat this again, sabermetrics (or as you call it "moneyball; which is actually a name of a movie) is for baseball only, it cannot nor is it applied to football.

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{Ed002's Note - You are wasting your time - some posters will simply never understand it.}

That's not money ball in any way shape or form. Money ball and statistics like that only work in non invasion sports really. If you were truly looking for cheap players, and good statistics etc, youth progression would be the most alikened to the ''moneyball'' approach.

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24 Jan 2014 16:06:42
Sum peepell Will always beleef what they beleef. Axplaining the concept of Money balls is a bottomless Pitt in dis case.

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Are you spelling like that for a purpose? Surely if you're writing in shorthand, the replacement word (loosely) should be smaller than the one you are changing?

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24 Jan 2014 11:43:56
want to see why ed001 raves about him so much?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWhl5jLuZMI

quick, direct, skillfull, end product, no nonsense, modern day bull back.
How johnson plays ahead of him ill never know. the lad just needs 1 game to prove it, hope br is watching him whilst he's out on loan, had a great debut for them too.

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I said that a while back, when I saw him for the first time in youth game, he was just so goood, my type of player, has pace, lil bit of tricks in his bag. if he doesn't make it then I don't know who will

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If ever there was chance to seize an opportunity it would be now with Glenno out. Who knows, perhaps he will be in Brendan's plans after his month long loan.

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Nice little dive at the 30 second mark

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24 Jan 2014 11:38:51
Any1 wanna see us bring back momo sissoko on a free after all he is in our price range could be like flamini LOL

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I would rather give a youngster a shot. Ideally it would great to get someone of note this window but it seems highly unlikely. In that case there's no point bringing someone in who won't really improve the team. It would be quite incredible if we make the champions league for next season and it would feel even better if a couple of the youngsters (or even Aspas and Alberto) establish themselves.

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24 Jan 2014 11:38:38
it doesn't bother me that we can't compete for 25 mill players but if salah doesn't fit the lfc criteria I don't know who does young with sell on value we've coveted and scouted him and agents have spoke for a while says brendan his wages aren't massive and 11 mill I honestly don't know where this is going can we only get players none of the big boys want like aspas alberto lori there's another point if we had any intention of keeping lori he should have been loaned to a championship team what's the bets we never see him again

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Illori wasn't bought to go straight into the first team and he wouldve known that signing for the club, same goes for alberto. They are both players for the future and the money we paid for them now could very well turn out to be bargains in a few years

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And alberto was highly rated by barca but with the options they have for attackers a future with them couldn't be guaranteed so the "big boys" were interested. Or by "big boys" do you mean the clubs that couldn't give a f#@k about finances and just buy the biggest name players?

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24 Jan 2014 11:31:06
Valon Berisha has a medical at LFC scheduled for next week.

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Waste of money, isn't what we need another Joe Allen, marvelous.

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24 Jan 2014 16:09:17
Wonder if your parents said something similar about you, Marky Mark.

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You heard anything of this eds?

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{Ed001's Note - only the post above, which is in banter for a reason.}

24 Jan 2014 11:35:10
eds any chance of a bid for kagawa.hnk he would be relativly cheap as utd obviously don't want him and it would be good for our profile in asia.i know he's not the type of player we've been looking at but he is a quality player that could improve our first team

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{Ed002's Note - No.}

24 Jan 2014 11:34:15
Salah has NOT SIGNED for Chelsea YET, the clubs have accepted both Chelsea and Liverpool bids, yet it is the player who has to decide pesonal terms and promises of firts team action. Salah will not get that at Chelsinki, Jose is playing chess, wants to ensure that Arsenal, City and Us have a rocky road, thus pushing Mata out. I hope the lad chooses us and read Mido's tweet that he is sure that he will sign for us. all is not lost. YNWA REDS

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24 Jan 2014 11:27:36
Hi eds and reds,
after this transfer window looking very bleak, I just really would like a straight answer please from ed001 or Ed02, has salah gone to chelsea because we could not afford his wages or his transfer fee? Surely Br knew about these figures before even starting negotiations and having Mr.Henry fly all the way for nothing. I just really need some proper answers pleas because there is so much being said at the moment. thank you
hibsylfc

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{Ed002's Note - As I explained a number of weeks ago, Salah had stated that Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea were the three clubs he would consider - although at that time, the interest was not there from any of these clubs. Whilst Chelsea had spoken with his agent after the Stamford Bridge game it had been dormant until recently when another club also made a serious enquiry. It is the way it is. Liverpool's interest goes back to the summer, as was explained at the time. I really think we need to move on from this, although Brendo still thinks there is a chance.}

Agree with all that you've said Ed on that.

Can't believe Brendo still thinks there is a chance on him!. Why would he think and say that?

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{Ed002's Note - I have no idea.}

24 Jan 2014 13:27:02
thankyou Ed02 for your answer I have already moved on, it does not even bother me that chelsea have signed him it was just shere curiousity into how these things happen so I understand better. Thankyou, it looks like the quietest window yet.

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24 Jan 2014 11:26:53
So Ed02. Who has come up with the idea of offering a third of the asking price for a player? Is this an Fsg strategy or Ayre/commitee? Pretty amatuerish if you ask me? The reason I ask is because you have stated before that Liverpool have done this and the feedback was not great. Cheers.

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{Ed002's Note - It won't be strategy. It will be a negotiating tactic based on the value the "team" put on the player constrained by the money available.}

When you consider that Derby Co reportedly value Will Hughes at £12m, and it looks like Salah will be around the eleven mark, your criticism becomes unfounded Rover.
It surely all depends on how much Liverpool want a player. In Salah's case, yes it would have been a good addition but its not critical. There are good young players that can play there.
That's how I see it anyway.

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24 Jan 2014 11:26:06
Ever think that we never pushed through a bid because we knew Salah would end up in London?
Just because we heard abouts Chelsea's interest this week, it may have been common knowledge in the industry.
Why would LFC waste time pushing through a bid for a player they know is going to sign for Chelsea?

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Cos brendan said we've been looking at him for months and agents talking that's why or do we keep sending scouts out and meet agents who we aren't going to make a bid for

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24 Jan 2014 11:25:06
Hi eds . Why are we messing about with transfer targets when they aren't particularly expensive (salah) and letting other teams just come in and take them, I still believe we will be in the top 4 but now there is a lot of pressure on just sturridge and suarez to get us there. Also are we looking at any big powerful midfielders as that is clearly what is needed as the midfield got bullied at Chelsea and City. Keen for a reply eds . Great site

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{Ed002's Note - It is value for money constrained by the money available. Money has gone on players that the manager seems to have no intention of playing (e.g. Aspas, Ilori and Aberto) all of which are well respected and now are filling in those fringe positions that were occupied by the likes of El Zhar and Degen. This doesn't help - and sucked more that £20M in transfer fees and half as much again in add ons (tax, agent fgees, relocation, signing in on fees and wages). Big and powerful? I really don't know.}

Eds, I thought the money spent on aspas, alberto etc came from the sales of shelvey, carroll, downing etc?

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{Ed002's Note - This is why we don't talk about finances.}

24 Jan 2014 11:23:55
So Ed02 was bang on!
There are a few readers on here that should be man enough to come forward and apologize to him/her. And maybe in the future could hold you tongue with some of the vile abuse that was posted earlier this month. Shame on you.
Does anyone else feel Salah and his agent played LFC like a fiddle to get his move to Chelsea?
Well with the likes of Willian, Oscar, Eden Hazard and Andre Schurrle in front of him for a starting place I don't see there being much game time for the boy tbh. If Mata couldn't get in there I cannot see, barring injuries or a change in there formation how he will.
Anyways, onwards and upwards.
I mentioned at the start of the window, and still maintain that Ravel Morrison at West Ham could do a job for us.
Yes I know the boy has had his problems. But he seems to have settled down now. His stats are pretty impressive and at the age of 20 there is still room for considerable improvement.
He has plenty of experience in the EPL so there would not need to be any "bedding in" time. And at £10 mill looks like a player that is worth a punt.
If we were to get him, all this Salah nonsense could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

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24 Jan 2014 11:17:34
Salah has almost gone. Is there any interest from Liverpool in any other players for this winter window or this January will go barren?

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24 Jan 2014 11:15:49
The most likely outcome for this window is that Rodgers will sign another garbage player (maybe billed as 'one for the future' for about 7 million quid)

Look at what he has brought in loan or full deal since he took over -

Allen, Borini, Assaidi, Sahin, Sturridge, Coutinho, Aspas, Alberto, Illori, Moses, Cissokho, Sakho, Mingolet.

How many of them can you call a TRUE success?

I would say only Sturridge. At best the 'next best' have big question marks over them.

1 out of 13 is a disgrace.

Can someone please tell me exactly what purpose the summer signings of Aspas, Alberto and Illori served? They cost more than 20 million and god knows how much in real terms when add wages on top.

Look back to saturday's game. we were chasing a win at 2-2 but he doesn't trust Aspas and Alberto enough to send them on.

At the other end we are as fragile as Humpty Dumpty post fall, but he is sending is 20 year old centre back on loan to Granada. Where Lucy Meacock is still being picked ahead of him!

He thought Brad Smith was old enough to play at Stamford Bridge and he is only 19, so why not trust HIS OWN SIGNINGS?

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Is there any real need to emphasise 'HIS OWN SIGNINGS'? From what I've gathered, there is a pretty large scouting network to identify potential players, negotiations take place between the two teams to reach an agreement over the player, the player then moves and BR then manages them. Stop putting the blame at BR's feet, if you aren't a fan of the players brought in then you need to have a moan about the entire group involved in identifying and purchasing that player. BR is working with what he has - if he doesn't feel they should be played then he won't play them, considering he is a professional football manager and not a moaning keyboard warrior like you I'd say he has a better inclination of what works best for the team over you. Stop using BR as a scapegoat just so you can target one person with your misery, it's not fair.

JFT 96

JP

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{Ed002's Note - These were players that Rodgers identified as he wanted - now moves have been made to stop this happening again.}

24 Jan 2014 13:46:18
Hello Ed02, What do you mean by the above? I thought a committee discussed scouted players before a decision was made? Can you explain? I asked this earlier today, but hasn't been posted for some reason.

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{Ed002's Note - You asked half an hour ago. It has been answered.}

I remember asking you this a couple of months ago. Hasn't this set up been in place since last January whereby Rodgers identifies a position and chooses which players he wants from a list drawn up by 'The Committee'. For all his talk about watching Coutinho since he was 15, Edwards was the one who really pushed for it.

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{Ed002's Note - So?}

24 Jan 2014 11:20:13
Hi Eds, the Salah saga reminded me of the Eriksen saga. Both were very strongly linked with us for weeks, both it seemed were about to sign and at the last minute went to Chelsea/Spurs. I totally understand that FSG got their fingers burnt with Carroll/Downing etc but surely we can't expect to get a Coutinho deal every transfer window. This is the one window where I really expected us to do some business with a couple of players because we have a very realistic chance of CL football, which is what FSG and all of us crave. Now I wouldn't be surprised if nobody arrives and with injuries to Lucas, Johnson, Enrique, Sakho, Agger etc I think that CL place is in jeopardy.

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The Salah and Eriksen sagas were nothing alike as we never got seriously interested in Eriksen.

It was probably similar to the Mkhitaryan one.

Hey, but atleast we seem to be having a saga a window! Very exciting!

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24 Jan 2014 11:18:27
Would have been nice to have Salah, but now I hope this gives Ibe his big chance to shine. who knows, come the end of the season we may look back on missing out on Salah as a blessing in disguise. There's no point teasing young players with training with the first team if they're not going to play. I'd rather see Ibe coming off the bench than Moses.

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24 Jan 2014 11:16:47
Everyone needs to stop moaning saying its ayre's/Rodgers/FSG fault we are missing out on players. In reality it's because the players would rather play for champions league teams. However it is disappointing we haven't reinforced the squad YET!

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24 Jan 2014 11:13:43
After apparently missing out on salah, are there any other wingers or attackers a possibility? Shaqiri loan? Yarmolenko? Ince? Have Liverpool got no funds? Just wondering also on a not too dissimilar point but anyone looking at muniain? He seems to have disappeared off the scene and he was touted as the next big thing?

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24 Jan 2014 11:09:53
People are saying this morning that brendan rodgers has hinted that we are still in for salah, probably bs.

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24 Jan 2014 11:09:03
hi eds,
i just wanted u to name d players we've sriously shown an interest in. atleast d players u r sure we've shown an interest!
THNX in advance.

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{Ed002's Note - LIke Salah you mean? You need to read the posts.}

24 Jan 2014 11:01:30
For all those going mad about salah, I live in spain and everyone rates Aspas. Maybe he hasn't had a good enough chance yet but at the moment he seems to have failed. When we signed him I desperately wanted him, whatever the cost! Look at things now!
FSG are doing things right, it appears to be slow but that's negotiations. If we miss out we miss out, but I don't want us making the same mistakes again, if we pay 20 mill for a dud that's 20 mill we cannot spend on quality, so calm down.

Remember that we can sell aspas tomorrow for more or less what we paid. For me that's good business, we should only ever break the bank for a worldbeater like mata but not at 36 mill. Desperate mancs! Haha!

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If we sell Aspas now, we won't get anything close to what we paid for him I think, but I agree with what you are saying in general.

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24 Jan 2014 11:00:22
Have to say I am not that bothered about salah, we have sterling and ibe, also we have suso to come back from loan to address cm, we have not got a problem in the attacking department it is the dm and def that needs sorting at the mo, does anyone think toure could do the dm role? cheers ant

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24 Jan 2014 10:44:30
Morning eds,
Just some info clutching a straw maybe? Listening live this morning Brendon Rogers on the Allen Brazil/ talk sport. He was asked about salah deal, and he said that the deal between chelsea isn't done and it was still a possibility he could come to Liverpool? Interesting! Just thought I'd share

Noel

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Perhaps BR meant that he is hoping for Chelsea to loan him to us? (Sarcasm folks)

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24 Jan 2014 10:48:34
Still think Fernando would be a quality acquisition on Liverpool's part, and I'am hearing more on Romulo? Any thoughts eds?

Noel

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{Ed002's Note - Try the search function please.}

24 Jan 2014 10:46:48
Morning Eds, all these Romulo rumours seem far fetched as the guy has been injured for over a year I read, also if he was any good he would be valued at more that 7million that's being bashed about. I realise you have know contacts over there but have you heard any whispers or slightest bit of news that there could be some truth in this?

I'm well over Salah now and feel we really need some one in that central holding slot.

Also I've seen Yarmalenko suggested again and I know you said we looked at him earlier in January, surely it's too late for him and his fee would be even higher than Salah?

We have 8 days to do some business or settle with what we have, either way we should all get behind the team and the manager and support them.

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24 Jan 2014 10:35:52
Being told that there are to be no signing this window now. Salah was the only target we were looking at, and now that he is off to Chelsea, we are closing the books. Any idea if Suso's loan includes an option to call him back eds?

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{Ed002's Note - Suso is on loan for the season.}

24 Jan 2014 10:39:39
I think, perhaps for the sanity of the Eds, we should all stop trying to guesstimate a price for players. And we should all stop assuming that just because a price seems low, there is a 100% chance that we can get the player.

A player may well have a base value of 6-8 million pounds, but that is not all that needs to be taken into account.

Agent fees. Signing on fees. Wages and even the player not wanting the move could all scupper a deal.

Soo how about we stop thinking about transfer in such a reductive way as '8 million job done' and start trying to atleast understand the finer details that really determine the outcome of the deal.

It's getting boring seeing people act as if transfer fee is the only cost to the club.

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24 Jan 2014 10:34:04
Glen Johnson's injury is more serious than is being let on. There is a possibility he may be out for more a considerable time.

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In fact, we will be lucky to see him start again this side of Easter.

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As opposed to indefinitely as was announced yesterday?

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Not sure we have seen Johnson play anything that resembles football for ages mate.

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24 Jan 2014 11:30:46
Maybe a few people on here will lay off the guy now, seeing that he has been playing with these injuries for a while and that they have seriously affected his performance levels. The fact that he has apparently been willing to play through this shows a level of commitment from him that many have accused him of lacking. Hope you're back soon lad.

Dave's dog

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I have been told he has been carrying an injury for a while and it has now got a whole lot worse and is going to take months to sort out. In addition he has his eyes on the World Cup - he won't get another after this 2014 one so he wants the time to fix what is wrong (which is apparently two operations) then recuperate and regain full fitness before he plays again so the word is he won't play again this side of Easter.

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24 Jan 2014 10:28:21
All this "talk" about this Romelo boy is utter rubbish. this guy is only coming back from a serious cruciate injury. We would b insane to risk it. The Salah non transfer has left me hoppin mad. What is the club doing. we had this lad identified months ago.it should off got done in the first week of January. Sick that Jose had done us over. Ian Ayre! come on man, pull the finger out. IMHO. We need to sign a top class central defensive midfielder. i'd go for Fernando from Porto. £6-8M(he is a free agent in the summer). This guy would give power and strength to our midfield. We should also go for Georginio Wijnaldum from PSV. Versatile player who can play any where in the attacking line of midfield. £8-10M. WARNING. If we do nothing in this window we can wave 4th spot goodbye. Come on you redmen

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24 Jan 2014 10:23:30
Rodgers on suggesting that he hasn't given up on signing SALAH

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24 Jan 2014 16:17:28
It's just on the back of the shirt his name is all caps. Anywhere else its like anybody else.

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24 Jan 2014 10:00:51
I'm bored of all the Liverpool/FSG bashing going on here. As well as whining about Salah

I am going to look at the bright side of this and say, now it's time for the academy boys to put on some great performances.2 years ago against Arsenal every1 watched holding their breath as a young flanno was put up against Walcott of Arsenal and he excelled in that game when he was 18, he even ko'd our captain in the game and it didn't faze him.
Hopefully a few of the other graduates will step up their game for just 2-3 weeks if they're required to fill in.
I don't get a chance to watch many academy games, but a few here have said baio/ibe should be given a chance and I'll happily go along with that.

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How's life in cloud cuckoo land?

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24 Jan 2014 16:19:08
Mark, how's life being a jerk?

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24 Jan 2014 09:54:05
"I am surprised. Juan Mata is a great player and they sell a great player to a direct opponent, " Wenger said.

From the guy who was trying to get Suarez on the cheap only six months ago. Unbelievable

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In fairness he was talking about a direct competitor which I doubt arsenal see Liverpool as

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And Manchester United is a direct competitor to Chelsea based on your logic Dave?

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Rvp to united then?

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24 Jan 2014 16:22:45
He emphasized the words "good player" in the interview. The surprise is that a good player wants to go to United.

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24 Jan 2014 09:53:45
So ed001 wants the transfer job you got me backing and you'd prob do it for free ya love lfc that much I already no your transfer list

GARY MEDEL
bring back SUSO
Start them and start playing ibe and ryan mclaughin
sell Skrtel
Johnston

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24 Jan 2014 09:36:46
ed001,

just wanted to say thanks for the real insightful views earlier (might have been last night).
didn't half make for a good read.

interesting to read up on ayre's role exactly. personally speaking a transfer committee's a waste of time- a single (and very good) negotiator with an ear in brendan's and bostons' camp equal measure'd be way better.

anyway, just to say cheers for taking the time pal.

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Agreed, a good read ed001, thanks.

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24 Jan 2014 09:34:15
Is David Dein still unofficially advising us? It that why our transfers have gone almost perfectly arsenal? Mr Wenger only pays 60p for £1 bag of chips so they don't give him the chips

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Fanatic Viewer
I would suggest you look at how Arsenal do in transfers in buying and selling players since Wenger has been at the Gunners. It puts Liverpool to shame.

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That would depend on if youd rather win trophies or have rich owners/board members surely? i'd rather win trophies than sell players for a profit

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Then look at how many league trophies Wenger has won then. CL every season. You are deluded.

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Oh right like the trophies you have won

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We have won a trophy in the past 8 years unlike Arsenal.

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24 Jan 2014 09:08:47
People blaming FSG need to get a grip we all new at the beginning of their reign that they were planning on buying players they can get a profit on its how they do business if they thought how much they offered was acceptable and wasn't getting bullied into making a higher offer because his agent wants a higher fee for brokering the deal I am sure they will bring someone in if they think the price is right and cam bring something to the club ed do you know if they are still looking at yarmelenko?

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{Ed002's Note - He was considered again earlier this month.}

Yarmalenko would surely cost more than Salah? I don't see that happening, and IMO he Yarmalenko is not that good a player.

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Cheers edd

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24 Jan 2014 09:04:20
Interesting interview Brendon Rodgers on talk sport, do you think there's much to take from it regarding Salah, it's not over according to Rodgers full of praise for him :)

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24 Jan 2014 07:41:40
In saying that ed, if you could choose the next Director of Football from any club, who would you choose & why? Are they achievable for LFC? And would they be interested? Does Nicola Cortese fall in this category or just CEO? I (and I'm sure a lot of other people) would like your opinion & options for LFC.

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{Ed002's Note - I am not going to get involved but I am sure others have an opinion.}

24 Jan 2014 09:14:38
A significant fact, We have never sold a player on profit from past 5 years apart from Torres whom we slate. and yet people mock chelsea who just recieved 15 mill profit from Mata.

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24 Jan 2014 09:19:26
Johan Cruyff.
Who better to Help implement Rodgers ideas of total football than the guy who helped invent it back in the 70's?

I don't know what he is doing currently, but he'd be my choice.

YNWAdam

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24 Jan 2014 06:55:40
Looks like my Brazilian links have come off with the impending signing of Romulo. But now I've a serious tit-bit of transfer news that's excellent news. My brother-in-law works at HP's special projects division. They had a rush order in yesterday for a very special fax machine. Apparently it's been designed, built and shipped with a very special feature. It automatically adds 25% to any number prefixed by a £ sign. It's also engraved with the following: "To Ian, here's to many successful signings, best wishes, Brendan"

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24 Jan 2014 16:29:55
I don't see how brown sauce can possibly help unless you are suggesting Brendon hasn't yet had his breakfast and maybe this has something to do with transfers

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24 Jan 2014 06:50:28
Looks like FSG policy is to make out they are interested in signing "big" players (mirage) without ever actually signing them by not meeting the valuation or offering a fair price. i.e. willian, costa, miki, salah. Disappointing at such an important stage of our season.

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It's a bit difficult to sign the best players without CL.

Suarez's contract was a surprise but FSG know they can rake in £60/80m plus come the summer.

However I think it's clear financially that the club could not afford to buy the best players.

As this is the case let's hope the investment in our youth section comes to fruition as we will end up as a selling club once we finally get in the top 4.

I do think FSG should speak more realistically when they actually do as it's very clear we have limited funds unless we sell players.

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24 Jan 2014 08:29:30
No101,

You should raise this question to KK and Commolil when they splashed cash like peanuts.

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Above post. Notably from the sale of Torres and 1 or 2 others. Not direct from the owners.

Yes AC was a big mistake along with Adam and Downing

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{Ed002's Note - The club was losing £1M a week for their first three years of ownership - who picked up the bill for that?}

Sad that you think the club have so much free time on their hands that they can waste on prettending to go after players. maybe it is more the case that we will only pay what we feel a player is worth.

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24 Jan 2014 05:55:20
I have to disagree with Ed over the transfer committee and targets.
I have no great insight but I know players. Take Salah for instance. Unless he is a Liverpool fan then he and his management team are going to look for what he perceives as the best deal.
His agent would be making it know to all that his club Basel are willing to sell. LFC made there interest clear and I'm sure we wanted to push it through. Any agent worth his salt would say to the player wait, Chelsea like you and they are moving on a player, and you never know, extra money for you me and the club.
Now unless the player has set his heart on a developing club with history and doesn't want to live in the capital and player for a club with billionaire money and mourinho then No Committee with any one leader makes any difference to signing the player. It's just where we are. London clubs have a clear advantage in signing international players because that's where they and there wife's want to live.
BR said he wanted players who want to wear the shirt . Salah didn't . Move on. It's just given Ibe and Sterling who has been excellent this season an opportunity.

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Why have a go at Salah? They had a hid accepted. Liverpool are the guilty party, we didn't offer enough, so do you just expect Basle to take a lower offer? Should we have just took Arsenals offer for Luis? Just to make fans like you happy. Liverpool are to blame, FSG said they wanted to return u's back to the summit, rubbish.

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24 Jan 2014 08:31:36
Absolutly No problem in Salah choosing chelsea or any club, Its his decision and his life.
Y did we made it late?
Do we have other targets who actually wants to wear our shirts lined up?
If we can't convince a 21 year old unproven player to join us, then Forget big singings, We should look players who are born at Liverpool FC,

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{Ed002's Note - You need to sign in.}

Pistol pete what are you on about let's nip this one in the bud straight away lfc didn't agree a fee with basle so salah never even had the choice let's not start saying he didn't want lfc when that's not the case

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24 Jan 2014 05:49:45
Hi Eds,

The Metro are reporting that we have made an approach for Romulo. Great player, but it would be a strange move as he is recovering from injury. Is there any truth in this one?

Also - What are your thoughts on Allen playing the defensive midfield role?

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{Ed002's Note - RTP.}

Allen played CDMA last season and was swatted away like a fly and he gives away too many fouls in important areas of the pitch. Square peg in round hole, apparently the new Liverpool way.

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Bit of an exaggeration regarding Romulo? He is a good player but not great. He has also been out injured for well over year and will probably need to be managed carefully. Very risky.

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Bit of an exaggeration regarding Romulo? He is a good player but not great. He has also been out injured for well over year and will probably need to be managed carefully. Very risky.

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24 Jan 2014 05:19:03
As an American, and coincidentally a diehard Red Sox fan, I would just like to maybe address those that don't believe in FSG or their ability to progress with Liverpool.

First off, the money that the Red Sox bring in has nothing to do with Liverpool's money. What the Red Sox make in revenue, stays with the Red Sox, and the same goes for Liverpool. It may seem sometimes that FSG just don't want to fork over money to improve the club, but they are just trying to correctly manage their finances. They are quick learners and will learn from mistakes (Carroll, Downing, etc). They honestly have a strong desire to bring Liverpool back to where they belong, which is at the top of the premier league.

They are very much willing to spend money on bringing in quality players, but they do not want to make more mistakes of over paying for players. If the right players are available at the right price, then they will provide the backing to bring them in. Another thing, the failure to bring in top top players is due to the players wanting to move to a club that can offer champions league football, not because they weren't willing to splash a bit of cash. As the Eds have said, potential targets have a value and FSG are only willing to pay for players that they can buy for the club's valuation of that player.

I'd also like to say that the Red Sox were not always bringing in top baseball players. After their recent successes over the past decade, more money has been made by the organization and they have been able to consistently bring in very good players. There was absolutely transition periods where younger players were developed within the organization and eventually have become extremely good players. Also, similarly to Liverpool, there have been times where they have gotten rid of aging, beloved, overpayed players. This is necessary sometimes if it is in the best interest of the progress of the team.

They are implementing some of the same strategies with Liverpool. Younger players have been able to break into the first team. Players like Pepe Reina (potentially Johnson and others) could be moved on due to drop in form and high wages. Now it's about improving in the league and being able to attract top players to the club.

I know FSG is dedicated even if it seems otherwise to many people. Just give it a bit of time and it'll come good.

Anyway, just wanted to share that and hope to help people better understand were FSG are coming from in regards to their policies.

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I think its clear to see we have solid owners. i'm pleased with all they've done/doing for us

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24 Jan 2014 08:36:26
Only a foo would slate the owners after splashing more than 100 mill in past two years. and unfortunalty we have got plenty here.

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Nice to read a rational take on our clubs owners. I could not be happier with the way they are running things. some on here are just deludded with their desire to buy expensive players at all cost

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I slightly disagree.
Yes, I do understand that FSG do not want to overpay for players, and this is normal.
However, to play like this, you must have Champions League card in your hands already. Then you can try to decrease prices, use long periods of pushing down prices and wages before signing, and sign hottest prospects for half price just because they want to join.
But at the moment, it looks like FSG are feeling we already are in CL. And this is a mistake. Of course, nobody wants them to overpay again, for a prospect that does not turn well. But there are plenty of players (at a certain 20-40 mil price range), who are proven themselves to be able to adapt and provide results. They are quality. Of course, they cost. However, they cost as much, as they are worth, and would not be considered as overpaid.
So yes, I lack the abmitions, and although we should learn from the past, in this case, I believe, FSG overlearned this lesson way too much.

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24 Jan 2014 04:17:04
So ED after reading some of your post about Liverpool going after the wrong players that doesn't to join us would you add this player to the list Romulo we have been link too. Also would it be right to say that we are no longer a big club?

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{Ed002's Note - I don't know which Ed you are pointing this question at. I have explained my views on Romelu.}

24 Jan 2014 02:37:45
Eds or anyone know what will happen to reina at the end of the season I'm intrested to see where he ends up

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{Ed001's Note - I expect him to leave, if a suitable buyer can be found.}

24 Jan 2014 01:36:51
.
Just when we thought we were doomed LFC pull of a master stroke.
Ian Ayre is currently in a Kiev hotel knocking back the voddy like a good un just waiting for his moby to ring.
Earlier today he wrote a bid on the back of a fag packet and faxed it to Dynamo Kiev for Yarmalenko.
apparently we value him at 4m euros, 4 goats and a Cat plus add ons.
Just waiting for the call.

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24 Jan 2014 01:13:25
eds, just wondering, who if anyone do you think is to blame for what seems to be our lack of effort in the transfer market? is it FSG's fault for not allowing sufficient funds in order to be able to approach clubs with an appropriate fee, or is it Ian Ayre or the transfer committee? Are they not good with transfer negotiations or what? I dislike how people blame BR or the club in general as they have nothing to do with the transfer negotiations. BR probably has some targets in my mind and he let's the transfer committee know of those targets to see what they think, I would assume. Do you think there are other reasons why we are somewhat slow with transfer negotiations as opposed to other clubs who approach and sign players at a faster pace? Do you think Ian Ayre will be replaced later on in time?

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{Ed001's Note - there are a number of problems, I wouldn't know who to blame individually for these failures, but I am sure the club will know.

We are targeting players out of our reach and not being decisive enough to move on when it is clear they are stalling for another option. Mostly those players are the ones that are looking for a Champions League team.

We don't have the money to just say 'ok what would it take to make this deal happen?' like Chelsea or City can.

Then we don't seem to have any real clear back up targets outlined, for when we can't sign the players we chase. So we end up just getting no one.

In my opinion there are changes needed to the system. Committees are useless, they only slow things down and create confusion and dissention. First thing we need to do is put one man in charge of transfers, someone who is decisive and doesn't get sidetracked.

Then we need to make changes to our scouting system, to get them to look at the right type of players. Right now they are recommending players who are what we need, but they are also not ones who are looking to join us. In the old days scouts would spend time talking to a player, getting to know them and if they would be keen on a move before recommending them.

That doesn't seem to be happening any more, as the whole reason I have been saying I don't see us signing anyone this window, when I have been asked, is because all the players we seem keen on have made it clear they aren't that keen on us.

If your scouts are only finding players that are unattainable, you are not going to be doing much business! Basically, I am saying there is a overall failure in the system we are using. They have made some changes, following a few very public disasters, to try and cut down on human error.

The problem is that the checks they have put in place to stop an Andy Carroll type mistake is simply slowing down our business altogether. I can understand that it is very difficult to trust one person to make all these decisions, especially having had their fingers burnt, but they need to do so. They just need to choose a better man then Commolli!

With that in mind, if anyone from FSG does happen to read this, I am available for a role......}

Perhaps someone on twitter can post this and connect with John Henry so he can see the view of the fans. Thanks for the fast and descriptive response Ed001. greatly appreciate it! and completely agree with your analysis and I feel this is also holding us back from getting to the top sooner. I honestly never though BR would take us from 7th to 1st in 2 seasons but as it has been said we are on a long term plan making sure in the future we are as a succesful club as any in europe. and by successful I mean with many titles and greater finances to spend in the transfer market. The problem this season is that we found ourselves at the top a few times and blew our expectations sky high. let's all just get behind the club and the players and see where we end up. hopefully in a champions league spot.

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{Ed001's Note - that is probably the biggest problem the club will face: managing the fans' expectations.}

I agree with Ed001 on this completely. Largely Rodgers has done a good job, but the situation with transfers is not great. this is mostly the knock on effect from Carroll and the following Summer. FSG should have stuck with the plans to appoint a director of some sort to coordinate the opinions of the scouts/Rodgers/Etc and move quickly to get those targets identified and as you say have back ups. unfortunately it will mean missing out on targets unless things change. Commolli reign probably also leaves a bad taste in the mouth of Henry et al as well as Rodgers mini-Benitez style coup of power. hence we have the current inertia.

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The fans expectations are a bit outrageous sometimes. There is a clear correlation between yearly turnover and final league placement. We're 5th in turnover, so 5th is probably about the right spot for us to be in. 4th or better would represent a great showing, 6th a bit of a disappointment, 7th would be poor, etc.

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Spot on that ed001. We as fans will have to accept the we are no longer perceived as a 'box office' draw to players. Whether champions league qualification will change, or start to change their perception, is open to conjecture. but we'll have to qualify first first and probably maintain that position for several seasons before top top players are convinced. Our history is one thing, but the reality is entirely different.

That said, it does feel like the committee system is inefficient. We seem to have courted salah for some weeks and nothing was committed. Imagine it from his perspective. If he wanted to come here, he must have wondered if we were serious, given the time it was taking. We gave Chelsea the chance rather than sealing the deal.
If he was waiting for another offer however, we played right into his hands with our dithering.

The system needs to change. If we identify, reach a quick decision, pay the money and move on.

Before anybody goes on about buying a loaf of bread or a car for more than its worth, then please don't. It's a supply, demand and quality issue. If there were more than one salah, or equal alternatives then ok, but the quality is the key. Don't confuse with mass production ( in this case, the lower leagues). If we want to haggle to death, then that unfortunately is where we will have to look.

We however, want to play with the big boys and they are constantly bullying us, because they can. and we're allowing them to. as I said, a reality check is required, both for us fans, but from the owners and committee as well

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Excellent summary Ed 1.

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24 Jan 2014 11:24:18
Firstly ed01, surely scouts can't talk to players that are attached to clubs these days. Would that not be like some sort of illegal approach/tapping up of a player?

What is your view on Ed02's comment about Liverpool putting in really low bids for players? So low that the other club don't even want to try and negoiate. I appreciate that you don't want to pay over the odds but this approach smacks of an amatuer club. Surely this must be coming from Fsg or they would have tried to rectify the situation to stop this amatuer situation happening again.

Lastly, I see your comment about managing the fans expectations. What would yours be for this season? Mine would have to be no lower than 5th with the money Brendan has spent. Anything lower would not be good enough in my opinion and serious questions would need to be asked. Cheers.

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{Ed001's Note - scouts can talk to players, they can't approach players about a transfer, but they can talk to them and find out what they are like as a person. It is about judging their attitude, whether they can handle pressure, what their ambition is for their next step in life etc. We should know all these kind of things before deciding if they are right for us, not their stats. That is why we had so few duds in past eras, because we knew the lads we were signing inside out before they joined.

There is a real problem with us going in with low bids, that is just about getting to know the market. Clearly we have an issue in that regards, no one at the club is experienced enough in dealing with the transfer market and are applying principles from other areas. We are looking to pick up bargains, but then trying to get them from clubs who don't need to sell for a bargain price. That is partly down to being over ambitious in our targets with the money we have to spend. I think Swansea's signing of Michu has affected a lot of the thinking, but cheap bargains like that don't come along every transfer window and there is usually only one of those type of signings a season. We are unlikely to be the ones that get a signing like that as we are seen as a big club, so prices are raised.

My expectations are to qualify for Europe. This season.}

I have to say, I don't want the Uefa Cup, that will just set is back further with no real financial gain. All I know is that out competitors are stronger than us and we are standing still.

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24 Jan 2014 00:50:28
not gutted on missing out on Salah as I'm worried about the lack of negotiating nous expressed by the transfer committee, which is an excellent name by the way wonder when they had the time to think and debate about the name of the group, personally would have gone with speedkills or LoBallers(Holla). Probably have t-shirts made and everything you know to make it official.

In all seriousness I beg someone to make a sketch. that would be the most entertaining meetings in comic book history, I can only imagine. sitting in the office bored as fuc making paper planes, playing flick penalties with bits of rolled up paper.

lol, I feel good now no more negativity even if we don't sign anyone.

I lie, we better sign a midfielder.

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24 Jan 2014 00:47:34
If we don't sign anyone with quality this window as Rodgers said "we will only buy first team players" not squad players. Could any of the transfer committee be removed as they have now failed with Salah, Mickey, Willian, Costa and I'm sure more we don't know about.!

Would the Ed's expect a sacking. or do the owners just put this down to be out bid?

Thanks in advance.

Ynwa

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{Ed001's Note - there is a week left yet, but I have seen enough of the way FSG operate to know they won't take failure lightly. They will examine what happened and look to take lessons from it. That might well result in some personnel changes, it wouldn't be the first time.}

24 Jan 2014 00:44:47
Hi guys not posted for a while

I Have no idea of how the whole thing played out with Salah but neither do any of you. We obviously wanted him but just may be he and his agent knew that so did Chelsea.

My point is we could have been as proactive as is possible but if the boy was waiting for Chelsea as number 1 what can you do.

Hey equally we may have ****ed up but what is the point of caster gating the club when we don't know the facts. Ps as a reminder of surprise signings well done Coutinho And the SAS.

Apologies for spellings but dyslexia is a bit of a pain in the arse.

Let's just remember how directionless and hopeless we had been before our new Americans and Rogers we had become.

Ps Eds 1&2 could you give a a mortgage reference apparently Lloyd's are saying if you guys says yes it's like getting Goldman Sachs on board.
C

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{Ed001's Note - I would do, but I am a bit busy advising Goldman Sachs this month.....}

24 Jan 2014 00:44:44
Just wanted to weigh in on the 'lack of ambition' campaign developing regarding Salah signing for Chelsea.

Yes, we lost another target. However, I personally think FSG are being financially responsible. The problem is not a lack of money, its that there are a few rich clubs who throw money at whoever they want and the FA or whatever governing body involved is not willing to actually stand by the rules they have created. As long as super rich fools like Abramovich are in the game, a team like Liverpool will never be able to compete on financial grounds. And it doesn't matter how good your academy is, the richest teams (over a period of time) always end up on top.

I think I am as ticked as everyone else about this window (but remain hopeful of one signing. ). The problem is not us. The problem is a spineless FA.

Coop

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To be fair, at least for the last few years Chelsea haven't been nearly as crazy with their money as we have. They actually made a few million a year or two back even.

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{Ed002's Note - Chelsea are in significant profit this January right now, although they are still looking to buy.}

As Ed001 has suggested, I think it is partly a hangover from the Andy Carroll fiasco. We have been badly burnt in the transfer market; we now appear to be gun-shy.

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24 Jan 2014 00:42:48
I thought Salah only wanted to play for Liverpool? that's what was reported all over the internet, so it all comes down to money then? mercernary? I am tired of losing players who will make a difference to our season being taken from under our nose, LFC need to sort this out and quick! if we don't get fourth we will know why right?

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{Ed001's Note - he never only wanted to play for us, that was nonsense. He had stated that he wanted to move to Manchester or London, Liverpool were only an option when none of those clubs seemed interested.}

Why is it that people feel Salah would 'make a difference'? I think he's a fine player, but how do you know? He might have come in and drank the injury water everyone else seems to be drinking, or been so overawed that he didn't perform, or been homesick, or simply been not very good. Good player, sure, but by no stretch of the imagination would he have 'guaranteed' a fourth place finish.

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Rdl awful post, we should never sign anyone again because they may get injured.

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24 Jan 2014 08:41:45
RDL

Then whom should we sign?. How can you guarantee Suarez would be fit for the next 16 gmaes, let's sell him then.
Poor post

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24 Jan 2014 00:41:08
A quick question for the Eds, hopefully Ed001 as he seems to have a good knowledge of the club. I was wondering about how we do transfers. It seems to me that we are rather slow at doing business compared to other teams, but this is probably because I don't know how teams really spend on transfers. However, with players like Salah, Willian, and Mkhitaryan going to other clubs after we have allegedly been in negotiations with them a while before the clubs they eventually go to, is this down to us being rather poor at negotiating? I was wondering your opinion on the matter, I have a few friends who slate Ian Arye and are blaming him. Or is it simply we won't pay what others will?

Apologies if I have misunderstood some of the recent transfers and if it down to price, then fair enough.

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{Ed001's Note - it is not that we are poor at negotiating, it is that we are targeting players who are not keen on coming to us. Then we are messing about trying to agree a deal with the other side stalling in the hope of a better offer. In my opinion, and it is just my opinion, we are a victim of trying too hard and long to sign players that aren't keen on a move. We seem to just keep hanging on in there, in the hope they won't get a better offer. We should just move on. Paisley and Shankly would never have allowed things to drag on like that. We need to be more decisive, and more realistic about the targets we try and sign. Instead of going for Salah, who has made plenty of comments about wanting to join Man Utd or Chelsea, and then hanging about when it was clear he wasn't really keen on us and we were just going to be a stepping stone move at best, we should have moved on weeks ago. Players like Sturridge, who wanted the move to us, even when it wasn't able to be done initially, he pushed to get it done in the next window. That is who we should target.}

Fair points, always nice to hear your thoughts. Out of interest, how heavily involved in the process is Ian Ayre? And in your opinion, is he doing a good job, not just here, but in general? As I mentioned, his name isn't popular with my friends, I wonder if the are misinformed.

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{Ed001's Note - he is not as heavily involved as he was last year, this year he is just a major cog in the wheel, rather than the only cog. He is doing a great job in many ways, he brings in lots of sponsorship and income streams.

That part of his role he is performing probably about as well, maybe even better, than anyone we have ever had at the club. Sorting out transfers, well it is just not his game, he doesn't do that well at all. He is used to long drawn out negotiations, where things can take months to move on a deal.

Transfers are a whole different kettle of fish, and he doesn't seem to be able to adjust his mindset to understand the differences. When a transfer is dragging on, he should be able to read (or have someone with him) between the lines and tell that a player is not keen. Instead he is doing all the schmoozing etc to try and clinch a deal that is just not going to happen.

Whether he can gain that mindset as he gets more experience in the transfer market is anyone's guess. He is certainly an intelligent individual, but it is very difficult to be able to adjust between two totally different mindsets.

Personally, I would like to see him completely removed from involvement in transfers and allowed more time to just get those sponsorship deals done. He is clearly far better suited to that role.}

Thanks a lot for your insights, great read as always.

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{Ed001's Note - my pleasure mate, it saves me ranting about it to friends and family!}

Very interesting to us fans to hear this kind of "inside info", Ed001. Many of us have been puzzled by the way we conduct our transfer dealings. Thanks.

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24 Jan 2014 00:27:31
Urgh have this feeling that we need to buy to make top four, every day of players revealing injuries and still no signings is slowly killing me!
Eds don't FSG have money to spend after the Red Sox won the World Series? Or has this not injected too much into their books?

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{Ed001's Note - the Red Sox have no bearing on us at all. Red Sox money is spent on the Red Sox, our money (plus some input from FSG) is spent on our club. The two never mix.}

24 Jan 2014 00:21:12
Hi Eds, can you explain why we are unable to secure any of our targets, when other clubs such as Chelsea and Spurs seem to sign them in a matter of days.

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{Ed001's Note - there are so many different reasons, as each transfer is different. Money is a big factor. Also lack of Champions League football. The player has to be open to a move to us, just as much as the club have to be willing to do business. Most of the players we want, well they want to wait and see if a club that is getting regular Champions League comes in for them. We just need to be a bit more selective with the players we go for. We are simply targeting, in my opinion, the wrong players, ones who won't see us as a big move, being as how they have options that offer them a better deal. I apologise for repeating myself, but in the summer we passed over the chance to get Gary Medel, instead we chased people who were never going to join us. Medel may not be the huge name the fans are looking for, but he is a quality player who would have improved the team, he would also have been extremely pleased to get an opportunity to sign for us. Those are the kind of players we need, the ones that are available, keen on a move and an improvement on what we have while still being within our price range. I think our transfer committee are just getting a little ahead of themselves, overambitious, as we are a big club, but forgetting that we are no longer the big draw.}

24 Jan 2014 00:09:50
So mata can't get in the Chelsea
Team and now looks like salah will be joining them to sit on the bench

My point is mata is world class salah is not anywhere near that, give it time and salah will find out his made the
Wrong move will end up on loan next season

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Mata doesn't fit into Mourinhos style of play, he lacks pace, plays much narrower than other wide players, whereas mourinho prefers his widemen to be quick glide past a wingback and thus draw a central defender out of position, before cutting it back or crossing it. Mata usually prefers to cut in and play a through ball.

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24 Jan 2014 00:04:36
The club's policy hasn't half blown up in their face. how have we let Salah slip away. Our players are dropping like flies and we are seeing no activity; it his hard in January, but this is our best opportunity to make top 4 in 3 seasons & to a degree we need to be pulling the trigger on these transfers. I will reserve final judgement for the 1st of February, otherwise they will have some more explaining to do. I do trust FSG, however if they're serious about restoring our club to it's rightful place then I'm sure they will understand the vitality to strengthening an already thin squad, even without the injuries.

Johnson, out & Lucas, out for who knows how long. Lucas seems to think it's a few weeks, however Rodgers today says a few months. The time for action is now, or I feel a huge supporters backlash & missing top 4 AGAIN!

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24 Jan 2014 00:39:01
Reality is we are not capable to compete with Chelsea in transfer market. So just accept it. But it doesn't mean we can not compete on the pitch. Let's show them football is not all about money!

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24 Jan 2014 00:33:24
No signings = No top 4
Sign 2 quality players = top 4 maybe
Sign Dedensive mid, fullback, attacking midfielder or winger= certain top 4

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