Tag Archives: Anfield

Young Defender Could Save Liverpool A Fortune

3 Aug

It has been well documented that Liverpool need to sign another centre half, especially after the departure of Joel Matip.

But the performances this preseason of Sepp Van den Berg have impressed new manager Arne Slott, and it will be interesting if the 22-year-old will be a part of his plans this season.

The young Dutchman was signed back in 2019, but he hasn’t really had much of a chance at Liverpool after three loans spells away from Anfield.

But it really looks like his loan spells have improved the young defender after witnessing his performances this preseason so far.

The Kopite View

Van den Berg hasn’t really had a chance when Jurgen Klopp was in charge, and just maybe Arne Slott could be the man to give him the chance he’s been waiting for at Anfield.

He obviously has strong competition for a place in Liverpool’s defence with the obvious names ahead of him in the pecking order.

But he could be the man to provide cover in the centre of defence if the likes of van Dijk, Konate or Quansah are not available.

Preseason is a great chance for players to impress, especially when many first team players are still on holiday.

Let’s see what Slott does with Van den Berg.

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United Show Desperation As Liverpool Look On

17 Jul

There was a lot of speculation that Liverpool were after Lille defender Leny Yoro, and supposedly in a battle with Real Madrid for the 18-year- old’s signature.

But now it seems that the youngster is destined for Old Trafford after Manchester United put a in a bid of £52 million.

It’s not the transfer fee that has possibly put Liverpool off, but it seems to be the wages that the youngster will receive, according to reports.

It is believed that Yoro will earn £113,000 per week, rising to £145,000 per week inclusive of bonuses.

The deal will certainly encourage United supporters for the new season, and make them very happy getting one over their old rivals, but the Manchester club have been flinging a lot of money about to regain success since Sir Alex left many years ago.

The Kopite View

Liverpool supporters are frustrated with this news of losing out on a talented young defender, especially to their bitter rivals.

But I’m sure Liverpool know who they want to bring in to strengthen this summer, and their defence is pretty strong despite losing Joel Matip this summer.

There is also plenty of time to sign new players this summer, so there is no need to panic.

The biggest factor that would have prevented Liverpool from signing Yoro is the youngster’s wages, and if they were to pay what he wanted, then it would have caused a lot of problems regarding the club’s wage structure.

Although I’m disappointed that a talented youngster has went to Manchester United, I can understand why Liverpool have not tried to better United’s offer.

It is too much money to gamble on a youngster playing in a new country with only one season of experience under his belt.

It isn’t the first time United have spent big money on a youngster and been left disappointed.

Manchester United are a long way behind Liverpool and need to spend a lot of money and bring many new players in to catch up with the Anfield club, whereas Liverpool have a strong squad already and just need one or two players in to strengthen.

We don’t need to panic like Manchester United.

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Slot Must Be Careful With Trio

15 Jul

New Liverpool manager Arne Slot has a massive job on his hands trying to continue the successful period that Jurgen Klopp achieved during his time at Anfield.

The Dutch boss has many challenges in his new role, and one of them is how to get the best out of three of his most experienced players and older squad members.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson have been stalwarts during the Reds’ successful period inspired by Klopp.

But they are all getting older and have a lot of miles on the clock, but the three are still very important players for Liverpool.

It just seems like Slot needs to try and keep his experienced trio fresh for the long season ahead and maybe not play them as much as they are used to.

There was times last season that Mo Salah seemed tired and wasn’t as brilliant as he usually is, but he was rarely rested and he’s now 32 years old and maybe needs more rest.

Virgil is 33 now and although he had a good season last time out, it would be beneficial to give the captain a rest too.

Robertson is only 30 but he has played an awful lot of football in recent years both at Anfield and with Scotland in a very demanding role in the left of defence.

The Scot’s pace has always been a major asset of his game, but there are signs he’s losing a little, and like the aforementioned, I think Robbo needs to get more rest to get the best out of him.

It will be very interesting to see how Slot uses them because it is difficult to leave out your best players when you have so many tough games to negotiate in a very long and demanding season.

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Former Anfield Favourite Hints At Return

12 Jul

Dirk Kuyt has stated that he would be open to a return to Anfield and work with fellow countryman Arne Slot.

Former Reds’ favourite Kuyt is currently managing Belgian side Beerschot, and has admitted he has stayed in contact with Liverpool despite being away for a number of years.

Kuyt said “Of course, if I can help Liverpool in any way, then I will. I’ve always been in contact with people at the club. I did some work for the foundation of the club, and I’ve done some commercial work for them, too. I’ve always been close with them. On or off the pitch, I’ve always tried to help the club because when you sign for Liverpool, you become part of a family.”

The Kopite View

I think it would be great to see Kuyt return to Anfield as part of Arne Slot’s coaching staff, especially with his experience of playing with Liverpool and knowing what is expected at the club.

But the former Dutch international also has valuable managerial experience too that would also be a great advantage and added credential that could only be good for Liverpool and their new manager.

It will be interesting to see if Kuyt returns. From a personal point of view, I would love to see him return.

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Liverpool 4-1 West Brom Match Report

27 Oct

The Kopite View Season 2012-13 Part 2 is now available on kindle format, buy it here at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kopite-View-Season-2012-13-ebook/dp/B00DP7UIGQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372521782&sr=1-2&keywords=the+kopite+view  All the money from the sales of both books will be going to help http://hfsg.co.uk/ please help them by buying my book JFT96

 

Liverpool 4-1 West Brom Match Report

 

Liverpool ran out comfortable winners against recent bogey side West Brom at Anfield with Luis Suarez stealing the show with his first ever hat-trick at Anfield. Daniel Sturridge scored the goal of the match with a sublime chip as West Brom couldn’t handle Liverpool’s S.A.S. Morrison scored a consolation goal for the Baggies from the penalty spot.

 

The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers welcomed back Lucas into his team after missing Liverpool’s last two matches. Coutinho wasn’t risked as he recovers from his shoulder injury but he should be available for next week’s match at Arsenal. The Liverpool eleven that started against West Brom were Mignolet, Johnson, Cissokho, Toure, Skrtel, Sakho, Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson, Suarez and Sturridge.

 

The Match

 

Liverpool started the match in high tempo fashion that was lacking last weekend at Newcastle and Suarez wasn’t long in firing his first effort towards goal as he skimmed a low shot wide of the left hand post in the 6th minute.

 

Suarez turned provider for Gerrard moments later but the captain’s drive also missed the target. Then Suarez went down in the box under severe pressure from Gareth McAuley but the Uruguayan’s appeals were in vain.

 

Suarez was everywhere and it was no surprise when he broke the deadlock in the 11th minute when he produced a superb solo effort nutmegging Olsson before firing into the bottom corner past Myhill.

 

Liverpool continued to dominate possession and doubled their lead 6 minutes later when Suarez powered in a superb header into the top corner from the edge of the box from a Cissokho cross.

 

Skrtel should have scored a third goal for Liverpool after a superbly worked free kick involving Suarez and Gerrard set up the Slovakian but the big defender missed his kick from close range.

 

The unstoppable Suarez curled a free-kick the wrong side of the right post from 25 yards and Henderson was inches away from sweeping a curling effort into the net to end a brilliant passing move from the hosts.

 

West Brom almost pulled a goal back just before half-time when Anelka raced behind Skrtel from a long through ball but the big Slovakian recovered brilliantly to clear the ball off the line with Mignolet beaten.

 

Two minutes after the restart, Sturridge drilled a free-kick from the right narrowly wide of Myhill’s post. The visitors responded with Yacob curling an effort off target.

 

The third goal of the match was always going to be so important and it was Liverpool who scored it when a fantastic delivery from a free-kick from Gerrard was met by a glancing header from Suarez to give the Uruguayan his first hat-trick at Anfield.

 

Liverpool were rampant at this point and Sturridge was next to threaten when he met Johnson’s centre before firing a thunderous long-range shot off the underside of the crossbar.

 

West Brom were then handed a lifeline when referee Jon Moss pointed to the penalty spot after his assistant had flagged for an infringement after Billy Jones tumbled in the penalty box, substitute Morrison converted the spot-kick.

 

Liverpool were knocked off their stride for some time after conceding a goal as West Brom hoped to take advantage. Chris Brunt pulled a low strike across the face of goal before sending a snap-shot too high.

 

But Sturridge calmed the nerves around Anfield with a superb goal when he produced an incredible chip from distance to beat Myhill and finally kill off any hopes the visitors had of a comeback.

 

Suarez almost scored an amazing fourth goal when he produced an acrobatic volley against the crossbar via a reflex save by Myhill. Mignolet responded with a reflex save of his own when he denied Morrison from close range.

 

Liverpool settled for four goals as Suarez tried to net a fifth only to be denied by a great save by Myhill before he left the field to a standing ovation from the Liverpool supporters.

 

Summary

 

This was Liverpool’s best performance of the season as they destroyed a good West Brom side. Liverpool started in the right way by playing a very high tempo and put the visitors under pressure from the start. Liverpool passed the ball confidently throughout the match and created numerous chances as the Baggies struggled to cope with Liverpool’s game.

 

Luis Suarez was unplayable and produced a brilliant hat-trick as West Brom’s defence couldn’t handle him in this form. Sturridge was also very lively and scored a superb goal but was overshadowed by a magnificent Suarez.

 

Lucas played a vital role in Liverpool’s midfield and snuffed out the threat of most West Brom attacks. But it was great to see Liverpool finally play well for a full 90 minutes and this win sets Liverpool up for next week’s clash with Arsenal.

 

 

 

 

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YNWA At 50

12 Oct

YNWA At 50

 

You’ll Never Walk Alone was written by Oscar Hammerstein for the Broadway musical “Carousel” in 1945. But the version we are more familiar with first appeared in the charts on the 12th October 1963 and eventually topped the charts.

 

It is hard to believe that this classic song is 50 years old but what a song it has been with its association with Liverpool Football Club. Whenever you hear Gerry and the Pacemakers classic song on the radio it just makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

 

The song is so passionate and is the most famous footballing anthem in the world. The words in the song have so much meaning and the Liverpool supporters have inspired so many great Liverpool performances over the years with their own rendition.

 

The words in the song mean so much to me and I’ll try and explain what they mean to me and to Liverpool Football Club.

 

“When you walk through a storm”

 

Life is tough and it can be stormy but you have to keep going no matter how hard it gets. I have a severely autistic child and my dad took a stroke the day after Liverpool won the Carling Cup last season and I’ve found life really tough in the last year or so.

 

Liverpool continue to walk through tough times as they strive for justice from the Hillsborough tragedy and struggle to bring back the glory days from the seventies and the eighties.

 

“Hold your head up high”

 

You need to keep your pride and self-respect and keep your chin up when things are tough.

 

I just try to carry on with life as best as I can by helping my family as much as I can. I visit my dad almost every day to keep his spirits up and I try to spend as much time with my kids as possible.

 

Liverpool have continued their great work ethic for success as the y pride themselves as one of the world’s biggest football clubs.

 

“And don’t be afraid of the dark”

 

Don’t be afraid of the uncertainty that the future brings.

 

I worry about my kids growing up, especially my disabled son who now lives in residential care since leaving school in the summer. My father is frail after surviving a stroke and I know his time is limited so I’m trying to spend as much time with him as I can but I fear the inevitability of the “dark”.

 

The future is uncertain and the longer Liverpool miss out on Champions League football then harder it will be for Liverpool to bring back the glory days.

 

“At the end of the storm”

 

Things may be bad, but there will be an end to the torment eventually.

 

Life is full of changes and although I’m extremely busy in my daily life I know that it will change in the future as my kids grow up and my dad’s time runs out.

 

Liverpool have not won the league for over 20 years but that time will end in the future because Liverpool will win again. The Hillsborough families will also get justice after such a long wait.

 

“There’s a golden sky”

 

There is light at the end of the tunnel. After all the pain and struggle there will be a new dawn with a fresh start.

 

I dread losing my parents but I know that it will be the beginning of a new chapter in my life where I can focus on my children growing up.

 

When Liverpool win their next league title it will begin another chapter of success for the club. The Hillsborough inquest will bring those responsible to justice.

 

“And the sweet song of the lark”

 

The storm is over and the dark is past, you can now appreciate the calm after the storm.

 

I will appreciate the difficult chapter that has past and enjoy a slower pace of life with hopefully less stress than I have at the moment.

 

Liverpool winning will not only have the “lark” singing but the supporters singing as the silverware returns to Anfield.

 

“Walk on through the wind”

 

You must be determined to keep going, keep battling.

 

I will continue to fight and be strong through this tough time although I do get tired.

 

Liverpool will continue to improve in their quest for success and so do the Hillsborough families in their fight for justice.

 

“Walk on through the rain”

 

“Though your dreams be tossed and blown”

 

You may have to take three steps back before you can take a step forward in the quest to achieve your goal.

 

I’ve suffered many setbacks with my parents’ business going under and my mother surviving cancer and my eldest son being disabled and my father suffering a stroke but I keep the dream of my kids being healthy and successful and Liverpool winning the league again.

 

Liverpool have suffered many setbacks since their last league success but after the disastrous ownership of Hicks and Gillette Liverpool are heading in the right direction as they dream of winning the league again.

 

“Walk on, walk on”

 

Just take one step at a time.

 

I will try to slowly improve my life.

 

Liverpool are making small steps in the right direction.

 

“With hope in your heart”

 

Hope comes from within. It comes from your heart. If you have hope it will keep you going.

 

Hope keeps me going, the hope my kids will be successful, the hope my eldest son improves and the hope that I’m helping my dad cope with his disability.

 

Liverpool hope to be successful again and that is driving the club on.

 

“And you’ll never walk alone”

 

You won’t struggle alone you have friends and family who will help you.

 

I appreciate my family and how they help me cope with my tiredness and worries. I will never walk alone.

 

Win or lose Liverpool Football Club will never walk alone supported by the greatest supporters in the world.

 

Here’s to another 50 years of the greatest song ever made.

 

You’ll Never Walk Alone

 

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Liverpool 0-1 Southampton Match Report

22 Sep

The Kopite View Season 2012-13 Part 2 is now available on kindle format, buy it here at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kopite-View-Season-2012-13-ebook/dp/B00DP7UIGQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372521782&sr=1-2&keywords=the+kopite+view  All the money from the sales of both books will be going to help http://hfsg.co.uk/ please help them by buying my book JFT96

 

Liverpool 0-1 Southampton Match Report

 

Liverpool lost their unbeaten start to the season at Anfield to Southampton who were the last team to inflict a league defeat on the Merseyside club.  A Dejan Lovren second half headed goal was the difference between the two sides, although the visitors thoroughly deserved the win with a superb performance.

 

The Team

 

Brendan Rodgers had to make a few changes to his team with Glen Johnson still out injured along with Coutinho who had an operation on his injured shoulder this week after sustaining it against Swansea on Monday night. Mignolet kept goal with a defence in front of him consisting of 4 central defenders including Toure, Skrtel, Agger and Sakho at left back. Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson, Sturridge and Moses made up the rest of the team with Aspas deputising for Coutinho.

 

The Match

 

Liverpool started the game under pressure as the visitors worked hard to press the hosts high up the park forcing Mignolet into more pass-backs than they would have liked. Liverpool found it hard to create chances in the early stages and were forced to try their luck from distance.

 

Sturridge teed up Henderson for a curling effort that was comfortably saved by Boruc before Lucas’ long range effort failed to trouble the Saints keeper. Gerrard went close with a 30 yard free-kick which forced Boruc into a superb save.

 

But just as Liverpool started to build up a head of steam Southampton almost caught them out with a sucker punch when a cross from the left fell to Rickie Lambert but a last-ditch intervention from Skrtel prevented the striker from firing at goal.

 

Liverpool responded with Moses bursting his way into the area before Boruc saved his prodded effort. Sturridge was then felled just inside the area but the referee waved away Liverpool’s appeals.

 

Then Sturridge met a Gerrard free-kick but his header looped narrowly over the crossbar.

 

Southampton started the second half energetically as they pressed Liverpool into mistakes. Lallana came close after forcing the hosts into a mistake but his effort was foiled by the arm of Mignolet.

 

Then Liverpool gave away a corner which Southampton scored from when Lovren headed past Mignolet with Gerrard unable to clear off the line.

 

The next attack saw Mignolet pulling off a great save from a low drive from Dani Osvaldo. Southampton continued to threaten Mignolet’s goal as Liverpool struggled to find their passing game in the second half and Mignolet had to pull off a triple save to keep Liverpool in the game when he thwarted Shaw from scoring after the full-back charged into the area, the rebound came off the grounded Sakho which Mignolet palmed out before he quickly reacted to punch away the ball with Southampton players waiting to pounce.

 

Substitute Sterling made a darting run down the right flank before cutting the ball across the face of goal for the onrushing Henderson but Lovren intercepted superbly.

 

Liverpool continued to try and work their way back into the game but chances were few although Sturridge should have done better when he cut in from the right before curling an effort over the bar with team mates better placed in the middle.

 

Liverpool’s day was summed up when Sterling was sent clear behind the Southampton defence in the dying minutes but the youngsters first touch saw the chance gone as Liverpool lost their first game of the season.

 

Summary

 

Liverpool’s worst performance for a long time, it was really poor. With injuries to Johnson and Coutinho Liverpool struggled without them. Rodgers started with 4 central defenders in defence which restricted Liverpool’s attacking options down the flanks. It looked as though Rodgers wanted to find a place in the team for Sakho as he started him at left back in place of Enrique. Aspas continued to struggle and was replaced at half-time. That was the poorest I’ve seen Gerrard play, he wasn’t himself. Liverpool looked lethargic and Southampton looked hungrier and fitter as Liverpool struggled to hold possession with some poor passing and Mignolet must have received more passes than any other Liverpool player as Liverpool were pressed back. Hopefully it was just a bad day at the office but Liverpool need to win these kind of games if they are to challenge for a top four spot.

 

 

 

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Underrated Glen Johnson

12 Sep

Underrated  Glen Johnson

Liverpool and England right back Glen Johnson has made tremendous progress during his time at Anfield but still doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Johnson seems to be one of those players that is overlooked regarding his performances, probably because he is so consistent.

Johnson has been an England and Liverpool regular and now at the age of 29 both England and Liverpool are seeing the best of him. Johnson is quick and dangerous going forward and weighs in with a few goals from his attacking exploits.

Johnson had been criticised for his defending in the past but not so much nowadays. His defending is first class and not many attackers get behind him. Johnson makes last ditch tackles to prevent the opposition scoring on countless occasions and he recently picked up an injury after applying a full blooded, bone crunching tackle on Manchester United’s Patrice Evra which unfortunately will keep him out for several weeks of action.

You don’t realise how much you miss someone until their unavailable and Liverpool will appreciate this with Johnson’s injury. The obvious replacement for Johnson will be Andre Wisdom but he still lacks experience and it was recently rumoured that he might have went out on loan to another club to gain the necessary experience until Sebastian Coates suffered a season ending injury.

Martin Kelly is still recovering from his long term injury as he struggles for match fitness and so Liverpool could find Johnson’s injury a real problem.

Johnson’s versatility has also seen him play at left back where he has displayed just as much consistency as on the right. Johnson’s experience is valuable to the younger players coming through too and there will be a lack of experience down the right side of Liverpool’s defence in the coming weeks that could pose a problem.

I was never that keen on Johnson’s arrival to Anfield and the expensive price tag didn’t help on my assumption. But it is never a player’s fault that a club is prepared to pay “silly” money for them, but it can cause problems of expectancy from supporters.

I thought Johnson was poor at defending and never created enough going forward but during his Anfield career I have been proved wrong and appreciate him now as a top class defender. But Johnson still doesn’t receive the recognition his talent deserves and it is about time he was appreciated.

Probably Glen Johnson likes it the way the spotlight is never on him as he continues quietly performing consistently for club and country. It’s just a shame he will need to wait a few weeks to continue his tremendous form.

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Smells Like Team Spirit

11 Sep

The Kopite View Season 2012-13 Part 2 is now available on kindle format, buy it here at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kopite-View-Season-2012-13-ebook/dp/B00DP7UIGQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372521782&sr=1-2&keywords=the+kopite+view  All the money from the sales of both books will be going to help http://hfsg.co.uk/ please help them by buying my book JFT96

 

Smells Like Team Spirit

 

Bill Shankly’s 100th anniversary of his birth has recently been celebrated by Liverpool Football Club and it is a tribute to Liverpool’s greatest manager that Liverpool are playing with a hunger and passion that he demanded from his players.

 

Shankly demanded 100% from his players and current manager Brendan Rodgers has his players singing off the same hymn sheet as Bill Shankly’s men.

 

Brendan Rodgers has taken over Liverpool with a few similar circumstances that Shankly faced. OK, so Liverpool are not in the second division and Anfield is not the “biggest toilet in Liverpool” anymore,  but Anfield Stadium is in need of modernisation and Liverpool have fallen from grace in recent years after the disastrous ownership of Gillett and Hicks and Liverpool’s current American owners are striving to bring back the glory days.

 

Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and even Tottenham Hotspur have overtaken Liverpool nowadays and Rodgers has the tough task of bridging the gap that has widened between these clubs to make Liverpool a top four club again.

 

Liverpool can’t compete in the transfer market against these clubs until they get back into the Champions League and Liverpool have had to alter their strategy and buy young players with potential or players like Sturridge who need the chance to prove themselves.

 

Liverpool’s new transfer policy has impressed so far with players like Coutinho, Sturridge and also free transfer, experienced defender Toure coming in who brings great experience alongside Liverpool’s youngsters. Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers cleverly reduced the wage bill along with bringing in new faces.

 

Moving high earners like Carroll, Downing and Reina during the summer was a clever piece of business although Liverpool still paid big money for players they felt would take the team forward under Rodgers’ plans. Signing Mignolet and Sakho did cost a lot of money but Liverpool have learned their lessons from the past days of overspending on Carroll, Downing and Henderson.

 

Shankly moved many players on who he knew were not good enough to play in the Red shirt and shaped his team with his own signings and Rodgers is doing the same with his team.

 

Like Shankly Brendan Rodgers had a difficult start to his career at Anfield by only winning two of his first ten league games in charge. But over the course of last season Liverpool have showed signs of improvement and now with this summer’s transfer dealings Liverpool look to have a stronger squad with players that Brendan Rodgers wants in his team. The mix of youth and experience looks like the perfect combination along with the emergence of youngsters breaking into the first team from the youth set-up.

 

Liverpool have enjoyed their best start to a season in many years and although only three games in Liverpool find themselves top of the league with three wins in three games. But the victories have shown how the team is growing under Brendan Rodgers with some great football being played in the Stoke and Villa wins and many goalscoring opportunities being created. Then there has been the steely determination shown and great desire to battle for the victory when under pressure witnessed in the Manchester United game and also in the second half of the Aston Villa victory.

 

There have been some tremendous examples of commitment shown already in this young  season  highlighted by Gerrard flying into tackles against United and the crunching challenge by Glen Johnson on United’s Patrice Evra which led to Liverpool’s right-back having to leave the field, Sturridge played the ninety minutes against Manchester United with an injury and his determination to play paid off as he proved to be the difference on the day with the only goal of the game. This is only a few examples of commitment that Liverpool players are showing under Brendan Rodgers’ leadership but it shows how much the players are playing for their manager.

 

In similar games Liverpool would have lost goals and drew or lost these type of closely contested matches but there is a collective will to win within this group of Liverpool players Rodgers’ has assembled. This group of players are showing the type of determination and spirit that Bill Shankly installed in his team and this quality is vital in any successful team.

 

You can have the best players on the planet but without “team spirit” you won’t win anything and Liverpool seem to be heading in the right direction with a talented young squad complimented by a determined attitude that Bill Shankly would have been proud of.

 

 

 

 

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Happy Birthday Shankly

2 Sep

The Kopite View Season 2012-13 Part 2 is now available on kindle format, buy it here at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kopite-View-Season-2012-13-ebook/dp/B00DP7UIGQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1372521782&sr=1-2&keywords=the+kopite+view  All the money from the sales of both books will be going to help http://hfsg.co.uk/ please help them by buying my book JFT96

 

Happy Birthday Shankly

 

I thought it only fitting that I should write an article about Liverpool’s greatest manager to mark Bill Shankly’s 100th birthday . Bill Shankly was before my time but like any Liverpool fan I have learned about him over the years and even read his one and only autobiography about him quite recently. It’s hard to write an article on this great man as so many better people and writers than me have said it all before. But I just wanted to have my say of what this great man means to me.

 

I was only 10 years old when the great man passed on and I had just recently started supporting Liverpool but I didn’t know who he was but I had heard of him, and I remember the sad news that day of his passing and the reaction of my father who obviously new a lot more about him. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to experience his time in charge of Liverpool, but I have consulted people who did and they said that it was an amazing time to be a Liverpool supporter.

 

All the great stories you hear of this great man from former players are legendary like his achievements. The way he has touched every Liverpool supporter even after so many years after his death shows what this man done for this club.

 

Coming from a small mining village in Ayrshire which is sadly no longer inhabited as I quite recently visited only to find the Shankly memorial standing. I think his mining back ground stood him in good stead for his future career. Football was the only alternative to a life down the pit, and Shankly grabbed it with both hands as he forged a career in football.
I don’t want to bore you with the facts of his career as I’m sure you know all about them, I just want to tell you how he has touched me.

 

I also live in Ayrshire, and I think that is why I took an added interest in his life. I have learned so much about Shankly over the years by supporting Liverpool and I am absolutely fascinated by the great man. I always try to watch programmes on TV about Shankly or read articles in newspapers about him as I respect the man so much for what he has done for Liverpool. I am currently reading the recently published Red or Dead which is another book about Shankly and a very interesting read too.

 

His achievements at Liverpool are all the more remarkable considering the state of the club at the time. Shankly called Anfield “the biggest toilet in Liverpool”. Shankly transformed the club totally and even maintained Anfield and Melwood himself as Liverpool’s facilities were so run down. Shankly put everything into his job and he expected his players to do the same.

 

He had a tremendous rapport with the supporters and told his players that they were lucky to play for them. Shankly would always have time for Liverpool supporters, he would reply to every letter personally and he would give match day tickets away and even play football with them. He loved the supporters and they loved him back.

 

The way Shankly changed the training methods, the players’ diets and obviously the team was amazing, and how the transformation of the club happened relatively quickly as Liverpool’s results on the park improved. Shankly built a brilliant team as he took Liverpool back into the First Division after languishing in the Second Division.

 

He kept improving the team, bringing in tremendous players with the likes of St. John and Ron Yeats strengthening the team. After much success in the 1960’s Shankly realised the core of his team was getting too old and with his priority on improving the team he replaced players that had been with him for so long. He brought in the likes of Clemence, Heighway, Hughes, Toshack and Keegan and basically built a new team that would keep the success coming.

 

Bill Shankly built Liverpool into one of the top football teams in the country and his methods and close knit team of coaches (The Boot Room Boys) would ensure that Liverpool would continue at the top of the English game for years to come after his retirement. Nobody really knows why he really retired but I’m sure he only did so because he knew that Liverpool had a great man in Bob Paisley to reign after him.

 

Liverpool provided a perfect tribute on the eve of Shankly’s birthday with the Kop displaying a mosaic and a minute’s applause prior to kick-off against Manchester United and Liverpool’s win catapulted them to the top of the League, just where Shankly would want them.

 
Bill Shankly you will never be forgotten.

 

He made the people happy.

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