http://img206.echo.cx/img206/1796/9148bab73zi.jpg

The 10 most important dates in club history.
1892 – Liverpool Football Club formed
1901 - Our first title win
1950 - First Wembley appearance
1959 - Shankly appointed manager
1965 - Winning the FA Cup for first time
1977 - European Champions
1985 - Heysel Disaster
1986 - Doing the Double
1989 – Hillsborough
2001 - Clinching the cup treble
2005 - Champions League Winners 2005


Liverpool FC Squad - 2006-2007
Rafael Benitez - Manager
1. Jerzy Dudek
2. Jan Kromkamp
3. Steve Finnan
4. Sami Hyypia
5. Daniel Agger
6. John Arne Riise
7. Harry Kewell
8. Steven Gerrard
9. Djibril Cisse
10. Luis Garcia
11. Robbie Fowler
14. Xabi Alonso
15. Peter Crouch
20. Scott Carson
21. Djimi Traore
22. Momo Sissoko
23. Jamie Carragher
25. Pepe Reina
26. Paul Anderson
28. Stephen Warnock
30. Boudewijn Zenden
32. Besian Idrizaj
33. Neil Mellor
35. Danny Guthrie
36. Antonio Barragan
38. David Mannix
- Salif Diao
- Anthony Le Tallec
- David Martin
- Craig Bellamy
- Fabio Aurelio
- Gabriel Paletta
- Mark Gonzalez
- Lee Peltier
- Danny O'Donnell
- James Smith
- Carl Medjani
- Adam Hammill
- Miki Roque
- Jack Hobbs
- Godwin Antwi
- Darren Potter
- Florent Sinama Pongolle
- Chris Kirkland

1 "Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that." Bill Shankly

Barragan is on his way out. I've read that hes being sold to Deportivo. I didn't even realise we had him :gavin:

Yea same here. I hope he doesnt turn out to be good so we dont end up having any regrets...

Harry Kewell will miss the start of the new season with a foot problem he picked up at the World Cup.

It was initially reported that he had gout but he has since been diagnosed with a bacterial infection that has required surgery.

Also, Deportivo La Coruna have clarified that Antonio Barragan's move has not yet been rubberstamped. A deal has been verbally agreed to the value of €2.5 million (£1.7 million), but the transfer has not been formally finalised. He was signed from Sevilla last summer but made just one appearance and is now on the brink of returning to his homeland. Despite earlier reports that a deal had been done and dusted, Depor have now admitted they are still waiting on official confirmation before the young defender can officially be unveiled as their latest signing.

should be a good season, we could of won the league last season if it were not for a bad start. We should be right up there now, 1st or 2nd likely. Hopefully another trophy aswell.

Heres some good pics from the Fa cup final (and the semi) you can add to the first post:

http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/7456/small18xc.jpg
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/5384/small28hx.jpg
http://img397.imageshack.us/img397/9809/small36eb.jpg

Can't wait for the new season. Apparently i screwed up the season on the tittle.
Can one of the mods put the 2006/2007 on the title?

BTW, that Bill Shankly quote in the first post, and the first post in general, is very good.

STEVIE G is the best midfielder in the epl.
Just ask the HAMMERS

ya i too like the first post quote . nice job m8.

Thanks mates, i thought it would have been better than writting history. I mean that quote from the legend Shankly says it all abut our club. We are the club that has the passion and charm like no other. I mean without meaning to disrespect any other British club, our boys have that little extra that makes tham noble.

Stevie Gerard dissapointed me during the world cup though, i was excpecting more from his genius. I hope he comes full of energies and ready to silence his critics.

I am not so sure how Djibril is doing? Can someone keep us posted on his injury?

He'll be back aroudn december time i've heard. If you saw his leg after the takcle then it's proabably around that time.

ya i too like the first post quote . nice job m8.

Edit your posts and stop postboosting. :|

I'm quitely optimistic for this season. Maybe we need one more proven striker, but the squad is looking strong.

In a rather bizarre twist, the Kaiser has signed for Bolton. That after Fat Sam being quoted on the Echo as saying that he was gutted that Didi had chosen Citeh.

In an even more startling turn of events, Bolton has said that Didi won't be joining them and that he'll be signing for another club within the next 24 hours.

God, this is worse than Alves. :D

'To clarify...

Liverpool DID transfer him to Bolton and he signed a contract with them. He then had a change of heart and will sign for City now.
The story on .tv was correct - we just didn't add in the next bit as that was Bolton's call as he is/was their player and not ours.

Paul.'

Eaton from offal

so Didi was a Bolton player for 24 hours :p

I'd rather see him play in the bundesliga rather than play agains us. :(
On out team webpage there was something on e-ticket about him DIDI Memories. :(
Even koptalk had a pic of him saying: Aufiedersen DiDi.

LIVERPOOL, Jul 11 (SW) - Bolton Wanderers say they will not be seeking the services of Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann, despite reports from the Reds that the German was on his way out. Earlier on Tuesday, Liverpool's official website reported that Hamann had agreed to a deal with the Trotters, but Bolton's website said, "Although Didi Hamann signed a contract with the club, he has since had a change of heart." The 32-year-old former German international will be leaving after being handed a free transfer by Liverpool, and now it appears that Manchester City are in the lead for securing Hamann's services. Hamann has spent the last seven years at Anfield Road, playing in 283 games and winning numerous trophies, including the 2004/05 UEFA Champions League.

Can't belive Didi's gone, Rafa hasn't given him a lot of a chance under his managerment, just like cisse. :nape:

Thanks for everything Didi. His crackers still come to mind.

Is it me or there is another Liverpool thread?
We are special like that. (H)

It's going to be closed soon.

Thanks for everything Didi. His crackers still come to mind.

yeah thx for eveything Hamann!!

LFC training photos
http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N152872060712-0659.htm

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/images4/110706_preseason_02.jpg

who's that guy??

Paul Anderson, our great hope of a right winger.

I didn't know you guys got Palleta. :o

Plus you got Aurelio. I am going to love watching you guys play :)

Palleta is a great, young defender who I bet will last for 12-15 years, lucky bastards.

http://images2.sportsline.com/u/ap/photos/MDT102071208_1024x768.jpg

Anyone got any info on this Aurelio guy? Not sure how good he is.

Does anyone know when numbers will be assigned for the new signings? and with Djibi gone, I would give the number nine shirt back to Fowler. anyone agree?

110% agree. Fowler and Bellamy upfront with crouch on the bench :).

Fowler deserves the #9
Hope he will get it even though mate i really think it's time for us to play strikers that can get better. Fowler i think is done. I can only see him playing sporadically.
EDIT:
@ Shortstraw. I don't really know mate, but Bellamy doesn't convince me. Crouch is better than Fowler too. Thing is with Cisse gone i really believe our striking force is dimished a lot.

I didn't know you guys got Palleta. :o

Plus you got Aurelio. I am going to love watching you guys play :)

Palleta is a great, young defender who I bet will last for 12-15 years, lucky bastards.

http://images2.sportsline.com/u/ap/photos/MDT102071208_1024x768.jpg


wow where do u get High quality pics like this??

yeah agree Fowler should get his #9 back

Shortstraw, Aurelio's been Left Back/Left Wing for Valencia for years now, Benitez brought him through the ranks and into the first team when he was there, so he knows EXACTLY what player he is. Fast and an excellent crosser, just wonder if he can adjust to the brute strength of the Premiership.

from teamtalk:


Rafa reveals Cisse drawbacks

Rafael Benitez marked the end of French striker Djibril Cisse's career at Liverpool by revealing that he wanted "a different style of player."

The Anfield boss also maintained that after Cisse suffered two broken legs, a return to the French league with Marseille would be the best way for the 24-year-old to regain full match fitness. Benitez unveiled two of his South American imports - Fabio Aurelio and Gabriel Paletta - as Cisse's Liverpool career drew to a close, while veteran midfielder Dietmar Hamann completed a move to Manchester City.

But it is the departure of Cisse, Liverpool's record signing at £14million two years ago, which has caused the most discussion.

The international finished second top scorer last season and his final Liverpool goal was a crucial one in the FA Cup final victory over West Ham.

But Cisse has now joined Marseille on a season-long loan with a potential £8million transfer at the end of it, having been forced to sit out the World Cup with another fractured leg.

Benitez, with £6m Craig Bellamy now on board, sees the Welshman as a direct replacement for the erratic Cisse, and said: "We have an agreement for a season loan with Marseille for Cisse.

"It is the best option for him, because after two broken legs maybe it will be more difficult for him now in the English league.

"Now we have (Peter) Crouch, (Robbie) Fowler and Bellamy and that would have made it difficult for him to get matches to regain his fitness levels.

"We wanted more pace, a different sort of striker who would score a different type of goal. Bellamy will give us that.

"Cisse played a lot of games and I am not the kind of manager who does not use players bought by previous managers.

"I use the best for my team, and I used Cisse when I wanted pace, but I wanted something different to take us forward."

Benitez also believes Seville's right sided defender Daniel Alves is still a viable option despite months of protracted negotiations.

And that is clearly the priority now with Benitez revealing he does not have a vast amount of money to spend this summer.

The prospect of two £12million deals - the other being Dutch international marksman Dirk Kuyt - at the same time seems remote.

Benitez said: "We will continue to work on the squad, to find the right players.

"We are still looking for one player on the right while we now have enough competition on the left, we have a lot of players there with competitiveness which will be good for us.

"Now we must do the same on the right to give us more options. It is certainly the priority.

"It depends on the market, but I will want to do something on the right for sure.

"We have a limited amount of money to spend, we will try to use our imagination to do something, maybe two or three more players."

Bellamy, along with Paletta, can expect to make his debut at Wrexham in Saturday's friendly.

The end of Hamann's medal-laden spell at Anfield - he has picked up eight winners' medals - was also a tough decision for Benitez.

The coach said: "I told Didi it would be difficult for him to play the number of games next season that a player of his quality would expect to play.

"And if you know you cannot play every game, it is maybe better to find a club where you will be used more, and that is certainly the case with Hamann.

"He will be happier now. I have been so pleased with him, when he has been called in he has always given us experience and a calm control, a great servant to the club.

"But with (Mohamed) Sissoko and (Xabi) Alonso both now more mature as players, and with Steven Gerrard and Bolo Zenden also there, we have good cover in midfield.

"We know we are losing a good player but maybe now we can manage."

The arrivals of Brazilian left sided defender Aurelio and Argentinian centre-back Paletta signal a new direction for Liverpool.

Aurelio, who won two Spanish league titles under Benitez at Valencia, said: "I know the size of the task I have here, but having the trust and the confidence of the manager and having worked for him before was the main reason I have moved to Liverpool.

"I know it is more physical here, but I hope to be able to impose my own game and to impress the manager that way."

Paletta is more one for the future, but he explained: "This is a big step for me to come from Argentina to Europe, but it was an easy decision to make to join a club like Liverpool.

"It will be difficult, this is a strong squad, but I will work hard to show the manager my qualities."

Sad too see Djib leave man!

it is a good move for him though. Rafa was always gonna get rid of him with or without the broken leg. Rafa used him more on the RW then upfront for some strange reason. he should do great at Marseille. if he can get fit by october i can see him hitting 15 goals at least.

we still need another striker if you ask me. I really hope crouch doesnt start most games. can't see Alves coming as we are skint.

http://s.om.net/om/file/200607/cisse_jour_7.jpg

Agree, cisse was gone no matter what. But i feel bellamy will be a good fit up front for you guys..

http://xs203.xs.to/xs203/06284/heima.jpg

http://xs203.xs.to/xs203/06284/uti.jpg

http://xs203.xs.to/xs203/06284/evropa.jpg

Looks class without the sponsors!

Yeah how awsome. I gotta get myself one of those liverpool/adidas polo shirts rafa and the new signings are wearing ay.

Also a vote of confidence on Aurelio... Rafa says he maybe a better passer than...ALONSO! This is gonna be an awome season. It all starts with Saturdays friendly against Wrexham. Benitez would also like to add a couple more signings!

Good luck to Hamann, been such a great server to liverpool, makes us proud to have had him, also Cisse unlucky and all the best ay. I believed Cisse was gonna be a big impact at liverpool but it seems the gaffer didnt give cisse much of a proper chance to prove himself.

Our whole teams looking damn strong. Just still need a proper right winger and maybe a striker. Although Chelseas made signings like sheva and ballack i feel this season belongs to liverpool!!!!!

http://xs203.xs.to/xs203/06284/heima.jpg

http://xs203.xs.to/xs203/06284/uti.jpg

http://xs203.xs.to/xs203/06284/evropa.jpg

Looks class without the sponsors!
I just hate the Adidas logo in the middle of the current tops, Liverpools and Chelseas.

I agree why not put it on the left, i hated it on the old nike kits as well

anyone know a stream link for tomorrow's pre-season match??

I don't know you guys but that collar in the first jersey is hideous. :kader:
I like the yellow jersey better. The Adidas logo looks pretty OKeven though it could look better on the left of the jersey.

The match-fixing scandal has rocked Italy and it is quite unfortunate that several clubs will be forced to either sell or loan their players. This is an opportunity for a big club like Liverpool to bolster its various needs. Below is a non-exhaustive list of available players:

Fiorentina
Sebastian Frey (G) – 26..he's pretty good but don't need him...
Tomas Ujfalusi (D) – 28 – Czech Republic…sent off during his country’s second group game 2-0 loss to Ghana...quite decent but Rafa's decided to go with the youth movement so Carragher and Hyppia will suffice for now....I'd still consider this guy though.....
Stefano Fiore (M) – 31
Marco Donadel (M) – 23
Martin Jorgensen (M) – 31
Luca Toni (F) – 29….although capable physically of making the transition to the EPL, perhaps too expensive. Draws a lot of attention to him with his large frame. Bayern Munich have already expressed interest in him.

Lazio
Christian Keller (M) – 25
Stefano Mauri (M) – 26
Simone Inzaghi (F) – 30

Juventus
Lilian Thuram (D) – 32…think Spurs have already made an offer for him…a bit old on defence, which is something we already have…
Patrick Viera (M) – 30…..very unlikely…..
David Trezeguet (F) – 29…would be a good veteran presence, but might be a bit pricey for us…should inquire about him nonetheless....
Fabio Cannavaro (D) – 32…hehe…never…
Gianluca Zambrotta (D) – 29…would be great but can’t afford…….
Gianluigi Buffon (G) – 29…don’t need and couldn’t afford…..
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (F) - 24...quite expensive and attracting a lot of interest...would be a good signing though....

AC Milan – since they are staying in Serie A, there is probably a very small (maybe even 0%) chance that any of their players will be sold…
Dida (G) – don’t need and probably couldn’t afford…
Alessandro Nesta (D) – 30….hehe….almost certainly would be impossible to get…
Gennaro Gattuso (M) – 28…..Man United have expressed interest in him……would really want a player like this but couldn’t afford….plus, already have Alonso
Andrea Pirlo (M) – 27…shockingly young…it seems like he’s been around forever…Man United have also expressed interest in him…can’t afford…..
Ricardo Kaka (M) – 24….several reasons why we won’t get him, but most importantly, can’t afford……
Alberto Gilardino (F) – 24…..would really like this guy…has a lot of potential but as above, can’t afford…..

I hope none of the Italian supporters on here don't take this the wrong way because it is not something that I would wish on any club (or its supporters).

If you find any spelling mistakes, you can keep them.

How much does Rafa have left in the kitty for transfers? Maybe enough for Ribery?

Anyone got a picture of the new goalkeeper kit?

Theres cartoony pics in the new kits thread.
newbie is there any decent right wingers? Rafa said he needed 1 today.

Theres cartoony pics in the new kits thread.
newbie is there any decent right wingers? Rafa said he needed 1 today.

Don't know too much about right wingers available but, Frank Ribery can play there among other positions....it all depends on the funds at Rafa's disposal.

I think Ribery joining us is very unlikely. Blasi from Juve would fit better that spot, he plays everywhere.

Story still out there that Rafa still wants Alves although deal is half dead. Maybe itll be a last minute buy. Kuyt coul also be used as a winger but Liverpools interest in him has declined since average performances at world cup. Victor from Deportivo still is a huge liverpool 'admirer' but Benitez might chat him up as a last resort. And Simao, unlikely but the board says they're willing to support the bid for him.

Anyone can get a hold of Liverpool vs wrexham highlights?

yeh was gonna say, anyone got a direct stream or highlights?

The away kit looks ace. The home kit... reminds me of an international kit without the sponsor (H)

The match-fixing scandal has rocked Italy and it is quite unfortunate that several clubs will be forced to either sell or loan their players. This is an opportunity for a big club like Liverpool to bolster its various needs. Below is a non-exhaustive list of available players:

Fiorentina
Sebastian Frey (G) – 26..he's pretty good but don't need him...
Tomas Ujfalusi (D) – 28 – Czech Republic…sent off during his country’s second group game 2-0 loss to Ghana...quite decent but Rafa's decided to go with the youth movement so Carragher and Hyppia will suffice for now....I'd still consider this guy though.....
Stefano Fiore (M) – 31
Marco Donadel (M) – 23
Martin Jorgensen (M) – 31
Luca Toni (F) – 29….although capable physically of making the transition to the EPL, perhaps too expensive. Draws a lot of attention to him with his large frame. Bayern Munich have already expressed interest in him.

Lazio
Christian Keller (M) – 25
Stefano Mauri (M) – 26
Simone Inzaghi (F) – 30

Juventus
Lilian Thuram (D) – 32…think Spurs have already made an offer for him…a bit old on defence, which is something we already have…
Patrick Viera (M) – 30…..very unlikely…..
David Trezeguet (F) – 29…would be a good veteran presence, but might be a bit pricey for us…should inquire about him nonetheless....
Fabio Cannavaro (D) – 32…hehe…never…
Gianluca Zambrotta (D) – 29…would be great but can’t afford…….
Gianluigi Buffon (G) – 29…don’t need and couldn’t afford…..
Zlatan Ibrahimovic (F) - 24...quite expensive and attracting a lot of interest...would be a good signing though....

AC Milan – since they are staying in Serie A, there is probably a very small (maybe even 0%) chance that any of their players will be sold…
Dida (G) – don’t need and probably couldn’t afford…
Alessandro Nesta (D) – 30….hehe….almost certainly would be impossible to get…
Gennaro Gattuso (M) – 28…..Man United have expressed interest in him……would really want a player like this but couldn’t afford….plus, already have Alonso
Andrea Pirlo (M) – 27…shockingly young…it seems like he’s been around forever…Man United have also expressed interest in him…can’t afford…..
Ricardo Kaka (M) – 24….several reasons why we won’t get him, but most importantly, can’t afford……
Alberto Gilardino (F) – 24…..would really like this guy…has a lot of potential but as above, can’t afford…..

I hope none of the Italian supporters on here don't take this the wrong way because it is not something that I would wish on any club (or its supporters).

If you find any spelling mistakes, you can keep them.

How much does Rafa have left in the kitty for transfers? Maybe enough for Ribery?

LOLZ we can't afford most of them.... Mark Gonzalez can play right wing and Riise or Kewell as left winger... Alonso and Sissoko as semi defensive players and Gerrard Bellamy upfront... the defence as usual :)

What happened to Juve and Milan etc..??? Milan is staying up??? thought it would get relegated to serie B and Juve to serie C

edit: lolz just watched the news on tv..Milan stays in serie A but lose 44pts(useless lolz) and will not participate to the CL..Juve,Fiorentina,Lazio go to serie B

Pre-season match: Liverpool 2 - Wrexham 0

Same scoreline as last year if my memory serves me correct! Nice to see Paul Anderson get on the scoresheet, and of course Bellamy :)

Wrexham 0 - 2 Liverpool dont you mean? or was it at anfield...

Bellamy sounds like he had a good time, so all is good with the world.

No, it was at Wrexham. I just put Liverpool first :p

Nice to see LFC donat all their receipts from their fans to Wrexham too - I think they (Wrexham) made over £100K from the friendly. :)

Hmm prospects should be pretty good this season. With a good run I believe we can end up number 2(best of the rest, Chelski aside :( )

Goals
http://www.liverpoolvideos.com/downloads/wrexhamgoals.zip

Some piccies
http://z11.zupload.com/download.php?file=getfile&filepath=32048

I had no idea Bellamy signed with you :eek:. I was watching Sky Sports News and when I heard "Bellamy scored in a friendly for 'Pool on his debut" I was like "huh?"

That's a good buy (Y)

yep, and a bargain at 6 million :D. Wonder who rafa plays up front though, his team selection was crap last season because he always picked Morientes etc. Fowler and Bellamy first choice.

Trezeguet on loan? (http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=403426&CPID=8&clid=14&lid=2&title=Rafa+confirms+Italian+interest)

yep, and a bargain at 6 million :D. Wonder who rafa plays up front though, his team selection was crap last season because he always picked Morientes etc. Fowler and Bellamy first choice.

6 million pounds? dollars? euros?

6 million pounds? dollars? euros?

Pounds

I heard we were buying Trezeguet along with Camorinasi. I just hope Camorinasi doesn't applaude the crowd everytime he gets sent off :ewan:

I hope we get trezeguet...caz imo the names Crouch, Bellamy, Fowler & Pongolle certainly dont send shockwaves through opposition...well not in the way that Rooney and Henry do

Please, not Trezeguet. We need game winners, not chokers.

I think that the price tag on Trezeguet is 2 million Euros which should be fine for us...Camoranesi would be the more needed player, but I can't see him coming.

http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_1347508,00.html

:( :( :( :( :(

http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_1347508,00.html

:( :( :( :( :(

Reds deny Kuyt transferJul 18 2006
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo


LIVERPOOL are "mystified" by reports claiming they are on the brink of landing Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt.

Morning newspaper reports claim the Reds are on the brink of landing the Dutch international for £10m.

But Liverpool have not renewed interest in the player since their only bid to date - a player plus cash offer - was rejected.

Feyenoord want a straight-cash deal for their top scorer, but with the Reds still keen to land Seville's Daniel Alves, they will not sanction a fee in excess of £10m.

Feyenoord set Liverpool a deadline of last Sunday to meet their demands - a deadline the Reds allowed to pass with no fresh approach.

Kuyt himself is desperate to resolve his future, and failed to turn up for pre-season training yesterday - when a new team picture was taken without him on it.


But if Liverpool is to be his eventual destination, Feyenoord will have to lower their demands significantly.


Reds chief executive Rick Parry, meanwhile, says the club's plans to move to a new stadium are on course.


The Reds must prove they have raised £160m for the 60,000-capacity ground in Stanley Park by the end of July or face losing £20m in development grants.


Parry said: "There is a lot of work going on and the situation is coming to a head.


"It is something we are determined to bring off. Too much work has gone into it for us to fail at this hurdle."


* Antonio Barragan's £1.7m Deportivo La Coruna move is almost complete.

:ewan:

I hope you guys don't take Alves from us, and I'm pretty sure it won't happen...

Also is Mark Gonzalez playing for Liverpoool next season? He was very good last season with Real Sociedad. And one last thing, how come Barragan was sold so early?

Also is Mark Gonzalez playing for Liverpoool next season? He was very good last season with Real Sociedad. And one last thing, how come Barragan was sold so early?

Ye, Goonzalez got a work permit a dew weeks ago.

According to Dutch newspapers and internetsites Kuyt will be presented this week by Liverpool :o Curious to know what's true or not..
I wouldn't mind you guys taking Kuyt away from them, that would really cripple Feyenoord for sure :rofl:

We need a 4th striker....it is a MUST! Would've wanted a proven veteran in Trezeguet but if it is Kuyt, then so be it......he's young and will learn.

We do need a 4th striker but not Dirk Kuyt. He was horrible in the WC and i really doubt we need another type of striker with Crouches characteristics. :nape:

Diouf was awesome in 2002 World Cup, never did great for us, did he?

The Holland man would be welcome.

I actually am not too much concerned with his WC performance mate, but as i mentioned above we have Crouch. There is no need for a second tower up front. I would look elswhere for that striker.

I hope you guys don't take Alves from us, and I'm pretty sure it won't happen...

Also is Mark Gonzalez playing for Liverpoool next season? He was very good last season with Real Sociedad. And one last thing, how come Barragan was sold so early?

I'm quite confident that Alves will sign for us eventually, but we shall see. Barragan was homesick; we inserted a buyback clause in his transfer just in case. He's been doing very well for the ressies and I was quite gutted to hear he couldn't settle in the area.

I wouldn't mind having Kuyt at the club at all, as long as he could convert his high scoring in Holland to the Premier League, but wateva happens i believe we need to definately buy a fourth striker....

Well most of the Dutch think that Kuyt is better overall than Crouch no offense ;) Kuyt scores a lot of goals for sure but he is also a good skilled player and dangerous in every position upfront. Man I can't believe I just wrote this as an Ajaxfan :boohoo: but the fact of the matter is, Kuyt will be an asset for any team. Sure the WC was dissapointing but he didn't play much to really grow into it and during the preliminary games and the qualifications he did really well and scored some goals for us as well.
If he stays in Holland will be fine too, we going to be champions anyway :p

I actually am not too much concerned with his WC performance mate, but as i mentioned above we have Crouch. There is no need for a second tower up front. I would look elswhere for that striker.
I get your point, but we need a striker that can score, and he seems like a good buy. GOD is, well... GOD, but injure prone. Welsh midget has attitude problems that may harm his game *knocks wood*. Robot's goal scoring has been patchy at best. Sure, buying a foreign player means the player will have to adapt, but overall I believe him to be a good buy if the price is right. Better than Trez, imho.

We do need a 4th striker but not Dirk Kuyt. He was horrible in the WC and i really doubt we need another type of striker with Crouches characteristics. :nape:

Kuyt is not that tall anyway, and he's got far more pace.

he drops back, we dont need another striker who drops back.

Both Bellamy and Crouch drop back, Fowler doesnt. By process of MATHS, that suggests to me that we need another out-and-out striker (preferably young), who can learn from Robbie and get behind the back four.

Kuyt aint that.

He can be instructed not to drop back i guess. Anyway, ok, if we dont get Kuyt, and we are to buy a young out-an-out striker, do you have any name in your head? I cant think of any out-an-out guy that can bag a handsome and is young. Ok, i just woke up, but still...

Tsigalko? (H)

Kuijt can also play on the right, like he's played with the Netherlands during the qualifiers.

Just thought of an out-and-out striker Tom. Huntelaar scores goals like mad. He's not cheap and he's not leaving Ajax tho. Oh well nevermind.

KJH has all the makings of a superstar....

Benitez has returned from Spain with nary a word on Alves, so that looks bust. Brummie press reporting a deal with Pennant is pretty much set and done.

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=404414&CPID=9&clid=198&lid=2&title=Kuyt+talks+denied

Dirk Kuyt's agent has questioned Liverpool's hopes of landing the striker, insisting he will not move to Anfield unless the club meet Feyenoord's valuation.

The 25-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield as the Reds look to increase their goalscoring options ahead of the forthcoming season.

Newcastle are also reportedly interested but the player's agent Rob Jansen believes he will remain at Feyenoord as both clubs seem unlikely to pay the Eredivisie side's £13.7million price.

'Dirk will not be signing for Liverpool any time soon,' Jansen told AD Sportwereld.

'He is also not negotiating with any other English club for that matter.

'Both clubs do not want to pay what Feyenoord wants.

'If foreign clubs don't have the money to buy Kuyt then he will stay with Feyenoord, it's that simple.'

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If we can't afford him, then Trezeguet might be out of the question.

Not really. Trezeguet is almost 30 or something like that, and Juve is playing Serie B. You can be pretty much sure the French guy is no-where near worth 13.7 million pounds.

Early days. Feyenoord are holding out but give it a month when the window is about to close he will go for much cheaper, hopefully to Newcastle. We need him more than you :p

grunger, AJ or Darren Bent, and we passed on signing both.

Oh yep. And the first one we lost to Everton...

I've just read that Simao is nearing the exit at Benfica. Whether its to Liverpool or not hasn't been confirmed..

Rumours are that Valencia is close to sign him...

Home kit unveiled...
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/5274/homeshirthighxg8.jpg

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/images4/kitlaunch_06_2506.jpg

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/1518/indexphpvt1.jpg

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/9554/newkitsi9.jpg

Flash file
http://www.uploadspider.com/file/?-11537813939525



Extended Crewe highlights

Rapidshare Link
http://rapidshare.de/files/26731757/Crewe_Vs_LFC__Highlights__by_KinGerrard.wmv.html

Non RS
http://www.bigupload.com/d=AC34DAD9

Looks nice, but the adidias logo should definately be on the side, it ruins the kit lo.l.

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/oly_full.getty-71463761iw004_liverpool_fc__10_00_57_am.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m63/_aimz_/lfc%20kit/3.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m63/_aimz_/lfc%20kit/6.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m63/_aimz_/lfc%20kit/13.jpg

love the home kit, the others look pretty bad though :$

I think the home kit is allot nicer than some of the mock ups we've seen on the net. I'm not sure about the Orange keeper top though. Its a damn nice shirt the Adidas GK United top, but in orange :(

the home kit collar kinda ruins it for me.

Luv it.

the home kit collar kinda ruins it for me.
same here... I was thinking about getting a home kit this season, though maybe I'll get last season's for a cut price...

I would love to see Gerrad play with the collar up, thats freaking cool

....collar up....

coughs*****(6)Cantona(6)*****coughs

Stevie actually looks a bit like Cantona. Honestly i love collars on shirts but with the designs these days a collar on the shirt just looks hideous.
Nike did a pretty good job on Hollands old school NT jersey and the collar there looked pretty cool.

.......Hollands old school NT jersey and the collar there looked pretty cool.

Yup, that is a brilliant collar...see I would've wanted that kinda jersey...or maybe something similar to the Arsenal dark red jersey from last year with the collar...this year's LFC jerseys are awful! Last year's ones just need a tweak, at the most, but instead they went overboard.............

From the 3 kits i honestly prefer the yellow one mate. looks ok too me and the color is not that Brazilish yellow but a nice yellow. The Carlsberg made in green though sucks. It should have been red like the stripes and logo.

Our third jersey though is plain disgusting. Green and white with red numbers, you figure it out.

Could have gone worse though : Read Real Madrid Jersey.

Could have gone better: Read Bayern Munich last year home team jersey.

BENITEZ LANDS £6MPENNANT
EXCLUSIVE STEVEN GERRARD ON HIS ULTIMATE DREAM OF BEING ENGLAND'S SKIPPER
By David Maddock

JERMAINE PENNANT will join Liver pool after Birmingham last night accepted a £6million bid for the England Under-21 winger.

Anfield boss Rafael Benitez conceded he had been priced out of the race to sign Daniel Alves, his No.1 target to play wide on the right, after Sevilla refused to budge on their inflated £12m asking price for the Brazilian.

Benitez admitted Liverpool simply could not afford to buy Alves and instead switched his sights to 23-year-old former Arsenal midfielder Pennant.

Liverpool had an initial bid of £3m turned down by City manager Steve Bruce, but last night Benitez went back with double that amount and Birmingham - relegated from the Premiership last season - had little option but to reluctantly accept.

Pennant is expected to complete contract talks with Liverpool today and, if he passes a medical, the deal should go through in time for him to join his new team-mates when they fly out this week for a pre-season training camp in Austria.

It is a dramatic about-turn for Benitez, who felt certain of landing Alves, and even travelled to Spain last week in an attempt to hurry through a deal.

"You can say the price is the price, but you also have to consider the market, and we cannot pay a fee over the market price," said Benitez.

"Some clubs may pay more than the player is worth, but we can't do that at Liverpool. We can't pay over the market price.

"I am not the kind of manager who will pay £20m if the value is only £10million." Benitez eventually lost patience with Sevilla, who refused to budge on the £12m they wanted for Alves.

But Benitez had little room for manoeuvre as Alves would use up all his transfer kitty, leaving him nothing to bring in the forward he also wants.

He has been chasing Holland striker Dirk Kuyt all summer, but with a price tag close to a prohibitive £12m the switch to Pennant instead of Alves still leaves him with a chance of landing the Feyenoord player.

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has dismissed suggestions he is a £20m target for Real Madrid.

Benitez was adamant the Spain midfielder would not be leaving Anfield and Alonso said: "I've heard the rumours but that's all they are.

"I'm focused on my job here at Liverpool and as far as I am concerned there is no truth in the story at all."


-------------------

Off the Mirror though, so add seasoning as desired.

I'll take a pinch of salt, but £6m is quite a high price for Pennant. Why not go to £4.5m if £3m is rejected? Rafa has obviously not played FM too much :p

Why Pennant?

He's trouble off the pitch and hampered by inconsistency on the pitch

SIX MILLION??? :eek: :eek:

can we not just NAE sign that waster and put money towards a kuyt?

Brum wants Cinema Popcorn as part of the deal though the lad would prefer to stay put.

We've got him...for £6.2m.

Now, it's to be seen whether Kuyt will the bo other signing that Rafa was talking about...£12m is his asking price.

£6m for Pennant :kader:

The guy is a liability. I'm beginning to lose confidence about the coming season.

Bellamy was a good signing of a player who is slightly troubled.

Pennant isnt the former, and he's most certainly the latter.

What the **** are you doing Rafa.

6M? oh boy, let's hope for a miracle...

That's an absurd amount of money for someone like Pennant. He's way too inconsistent, looks good when on form and happy tho. Something he never seems to be.

I actually like Pennant. he is young and im sure that Rafa will figure him out.

I concur. I've always been a fan of Pennant despite his tendency for being a shitehead off the pitch. As a player, he's exactly the type of winger we need; young, with pace and the ability to beat his man and swing a marvellous cross in. His percentage and total amount of successful crosses in last season was by far the best in the league and everytime I've seen him play, the lad's been conscientious in tracking back and never lets his head drop even when others around him have laid down arms long before.

I'll leave the gaffer and the senior figures like Stevie G and Carra to sort him out off the pitch.

Again I've read in the newspapers here and on the internet that Kuyt is now very close to signing a contract with Liverpool for 4 years!
It seems that both clubs found eich other in a price for him (15Mill), the report says that he will be joining you guys real soon.
Kuyt himself says it's his dream to play for a club like Liverpool and he really wants to leave Feyenoord (who doesn't :rofl:

I concur. I've always been a fan of Pennant despite his tendency for being a shitehead off the pitch. As a player, he's exactly the type of winger we need; young, with pace and the ability to beat his man and swing a marvellous cross in. His percentage and total amount of successful crosses in last season was by far the best in the league and everytime I've seen him play, the lad's been conscientious in tracking back and never lets his head drop even when others around him have laid down arms long before.

I'll leave the gaffer and the senior figures like Stevie G and Carra to sort him out off the pitch.

Can we have kewell then?

Again I've read in the newspapers here and on the internet that Kuyt is now very close to signing a contract with Liverpool for 4 years!
It seems that both clubs found eich other in a price for him (15Mill), the report says that he will be joining you guys real soon.
Kuyt himself says it's his dream to play for a club like Liverpool and he really wants to leave Feyenoord (who doesn't :rofl:
Is that 15M euros or pounds?

Can we have kewell then?

But does he want you? :fool:

/msg Kibe Kru Euros. Speculation increased after he was omitted from the Babberich friendly in which their offal had him originally pencilled in.

Also, SKY are reporting that we're on the brink of signing a Greek striker who vaguely resembles Nick (Stotty) on a 3 year deal.

http://www.paokfc.gr/images/players/20050825095300203.jpg

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=405723&CPID=8&clid=14&lid=2&title=Reds+to+snap+up+Greek+ace

He is over 30 now, yah?

Barely 28 is Harry.

Pennant signs. Just on SSN.

What a name that Greek striker has eh? Lazaros Christodoulopoulos!

well, now that we have God and Christ playing for us, it has to be good enough...

Ace name. (H)

Also, SKY are reporting that we're on the brink of signing a Greek striker who vaguely resembles Nick (Stotty) on a 3 year deal.


Cheeky :p

£130K? Bargain - think Rafa's been doing a bit of FM scouting :D

The Monobrow is coming to Anfield!? (H)

Rafa says he can tame Pennant, lets hope so...

http://file015.bebo.com/4/large/2006/07/28/09/16709374a1495354586b481901929l.jpg

(H)

Hmmm. A signing of Kuyt and this young Greek fellow has surprisingly lifted my spirits! :lui:

do you guys know where I can buy the new Liverpool FC-shirt on the net? The plan is that I will get, as a present from my parents at my 18th birthday, a trip to Liverpool to watch a match, if I get this present, I will of course by the shirt at Anfield, but if I don't get the trip to Liverpool it would be nice to know where to buy the shirt:)

Man that looks like one tasty dish Mr. Benitez is lining up there!

Gav (H)

dirion: I'd try the official website's store. If the price is too high to get it sent to wherever it is you live, then try a local store with a good reputation... I'd recommend a brazilian website that is very reliable and sends shirts abroad, though I guess they'd end up being too expensive, and also, they don't have the new kit yet..

So, Haifa it is for the CL then eh? I wonder where the match will be played... It'd be a nice target for those Israel-haters... Brits and Israelis all in one place....

Some training piccies


http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h29/tolgak/pennant1.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h29/tolgak/pennant3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v111/coop75/pennant2.jpg

after watching the match vs Kaiserslautern I must say your defensive line is looking worryingly fragile....especially Finnan who's a f'ck up waiting to happen.

on the other hand Bellamy is looking great, I reckon he was a great buy...

....defensive line is looking worryingly fragile....

It's only pre-season.....the Finn is my biggest worry, because of his age. I don't think you've seen Finnan play.

I know it's pre-season, but conceding 3 goals like that is far from promising.
and yes I've seen Finnan play enough times to consider him a liability to your team.

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/9215/larrydentn2.jpg

:lui:

Haha :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Haha. (6)

Why did Reina play as a midfielder against Kaiserslautern? If any of you guys watched that match at all.. cause all you seem to talk about is everything but football in this thread.

To answer the question first - we were short of midfielders and after 2 of our players got injured (Aurelio and Garcia) Benitez brought Reina to play the last 10-15 minutes or so as a midfielder. Yes, he could've put a regular player out of position, dont ask me why he picked Reina. Who cares anyway, just a stupid friendly.

PS - Also, no one is pointing a gun into your head making you read this thread. If you're going to come here to moan, i suggest you do it somewhere else.

He almost scored from outside the box, I got curious. I wasn't moaning dude and thanks for the info.(Y)

No prob. Also, maybe Benitez had made all the subs and only had the goalies on the bench?

Sorry for anything.

anyone got highlights? really wanna see Reina in midfield :D

Oh and im all up for silly substitutions. David James in attack; bring it on!

I hear that Palletta has been very impressive in friendlies so far...

do you guys agree?

He aight. Looks a bit flashy too me dunno.

I hear that Palletta has been very impressive in friendlies so far...

do you guys agree?

Absolutely. When he tackles ya, ya stay down and tackled. You can't go wrong with a mulleted Argie centrehalf whose name isn't Pellegrino (Y) Has a pretty good touch too, and that crossfield pass with the outside of his boot was sex wee inducing. I'll stop here before I condemn the lad to a Josemi.


after watching the match vs Kaiserslautern I must say your defensive line is looking worryingly fragile....especially Finnan who's a f'ck up waiting to happen.


I wouldn't trade him for any other rightback in the league. And that defensive line was made up of a 17 year old playing at centrehalf for the first time with the first team, alongside..........Djimi Traore, who's trying not to dirty his socks in the event of it jeopardizing his imminent move away, as was Dudek. Hmm, I'd be pushing it even labelling it a friendly, looks more like a training match. Reina in midfield should have already explained it eh. The real preseason will start when the rest of the WC lads make up the team.

First half of the LFC v Kaiserslautern game
http://www1.koptalkinsider.com/gold0607/2907061st.wmv

Goals
http://www1.koptalkinsider.com/gold0607/290706goalsreview.wmv

Knock yerself out, Kraptalk.

Awesome news about Palletta (Y)

Where will he be on the depth chart?

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41948000/jpg/_41948560_bellamyfan203.jpg
"You're not lying to me, are ya pal?"

"He says he's a Red, but they all say that when they sign, don't they?"
Steven Gerrard is suspicious about new team-mate Craig Bellamy's claim to be a lifelong Liverpool fan.

Ewan, No chance of Xabi coming to Madrid is there?

(:/)

yeah ewan? seeing as its your decision

Paleta (H) Man he's got a right back pass on him

yeah ewan? seeing as its your decision

Nah, just think he knows more about Liverpool than the other supporters on here (6) like yourself :fool:

Hahah! Should've held back a tad there on Gabby (H) There he goes with a backpass that got intercepted for the second goal and another when he lost his man in the corner leaving him a textbook header. :fool: But he'll turn out alright, all of them Young Carra-esque mistakes. :p

Our wingers are so bloody flying they have trouble even staying on their feet to control the ball. :jap:

/msg RUSI Xabi's very settled and very happy here as it stands. He wishes to continue working with Rafa and sees himself staying here long term. He still has no idea why Real never came in for him back then but now he doesn't see himself playing there anymore. Source: Xabi himself :)

He has red written all over him. :)
Rafa should really consider working on the defence, it looks a bit shaky.

i know, it just sounded so stupid asking ewan if madrid could sign alonso though rusinater. i have no arguements with your comment though, i'm 100% sheep shaggin bastard and merely an arm chair liverpool fan.

wow guys, what a beatdown you just had. 5 freaking 0 against Mainz. daaamn :p.

MAINZ! they are candidates for relegation this year you know that don't you`?

now that they've beaten us, I';m sure they'll stay up.

MAINZ! they are candidates for relegation this year you know that don't you`?
It's a pre-season friendly, ffs... not nice losing 5-0, but then again, it's better to lose now that we can, so we can improve on areas that need to perform better.

Ha-Ha-Ha :D

It's a pre-season friendly, ffs... not nice losing 5-0, but then again, it's better to lose now that we can, so we can improve on areas that need to perform better.

yeah, ironing out all the little wrinkles? ;)

Ribery wants Marseille exit (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/5247478.stm)

I don't know if we can afford him, but I think Rafa should atleast take a crack! I can't see Pennant playing more than 25 to 30 games.

Ribery would be awesome. The guy is pure class and a warrior.
As far as this Mainz accident goes im sure it will be soon forgoten once we start spaking the sides of the EPL.

Usually teams that have a poor pre-season end up having a very good season. Always happens. Would be better if we lost by small goal-margins tho... :$

The Mainz game doesn't mean anything. Liverpool are far stronger than that

So, it looks like Traore is off to Charlton for 2M pounds... Will that be used to get Kuyt? (by the way, can anyone tell me how to pronounce Kuyt? is it like "kite"? maybe koo-it?)

So, it looks like Traore is off to Charlton for 2M pounds... Will that be used to get Kuyt? (by the way, can anyone tell me how to pronounce Kuyt? is it like "kite"? maybe koo-it?)

I think it's like kooit, though, I'm no Dutchman:p

Our narrators for the WC sounded pretty confused aswell in regards to his name spelling. One was saying Kooi, other was saying Kait. Where's all the dutch guys on this forum when you need them? :lui:

I heard a lot of Kooit. Although, once I think I heard someone say Katie.

I think it's KooIT (the it being stronger when pronouncing the name).

I think it's a bit hard for you guys to pronounce, I always laugh when I hear British commentators try to say his name. In Fifa06 it sounds really strange but in WC06 on the other hand it sounds much better.
Well the pronounciation is as follows: it sounds more like Kite than Kooit actually but you never get it right since the UY is a dialect you never use in England and/or USA. So stick to Kite, it's closer to the real name ;)

I laugh every time I see an attempt of a dutch-name pronounciation.

:)

I think it's a bit hard for you guys to pronounce, I always laugh when I hear British commentators try to say his name. In Fifa06 it sounds really strange but in WC06 on the other hand it sounds much better.
Well the pronounciation is as follows: it sounds more like Kite than Kooit actually but you never get it right since the UY is a dialect you never use in England and/or USA. So stick to Kite, it's closer to the real name ;)
Around here they say the "UY" in Cruyff like the "EU" in german, so I was really confused as how to say his name. Thanks for the help!

What is your starting 11 going to look like?

good performance. Pennant looks ace when he hugs the touchline. Bellamy looked great too.

I'm impressed, even if the scoreline was nawt great.

Aye, well made up now that we've got a proper right winger. Still disjointed for the most part our team, but the WC lads have barely had 2 weeks of training under their belt and that mainly was geared towards fitness and conditioning. If we're going to pursue the 4-2-3-1 I'd say Kuyt would be first choice if he comes, bearing in mind his workrate, strength and scoring prowess. Robbie tends to drop deeper now and I don't think Bellamy is suited in the lone striking role, unlike Crouch, whom'd be a logical candidate as his partner.

Fitness notwithstanding, I'd go for

___________Reina______________
Finnan__Carra_____Sami___Aurelio
____________Xabi______________
_______Gerrard___Momo_________
Pennant_________________Speedy
___________Crouch_____________



Oh, last night's highlights aye,
http://www.sendspace.com/file/f54rhe

Hahahaha.

Just heard your kit was launched today, however they've discovered that the Youth/Kids sizes wont fit over peoples heads, so they've all been recalled (H)

Those infants will just have to man up ffs.

Fitness notwithstanding, I'd go for

___________Reina______________
Finnan__Carra_____Sami___Aurelio
____________Xabi______________
_______Gerrard___Momo_________
Pennant_________________Speedy
___________Crouch_____________



Do you think thats what Rafa will choose? So Bellamy doesnt start? And will he start speedy and pennant? Has he been starting them lately? What about Alonso? ANd what ever happened to Sinama Pongolle

Given full fitness, I'd say that would be a safe assumption. Rafa won the La Liga with 4-2-3-1 and there is a prevailing school of thought that leans towards the affirmation that he'd pursue this same system once his chosen personnel are available. The main grouses last season were the lack of wingers, pace in attack and also someone physically commanding upfront who has a reputation for being prolific, to say the least. Those main points of contention seem to have been rectified with Pennant, Gonzalez and the apparently imminent arrival of Kuyt. His alternative system with 2 upfront is all about the tactics for the day to suit the opposition so that's a toss up by any other means.

One of the dilemmas, albeit a welcome one, would be a question of whom to drop in midfield given that Sissoko, Alonso and Gerrard are all proving to be indispensable. And not forgetting the fact that there is the small but very remarkable matter of Luis Garcia who can play virtually anywhere offensively. So it's all about possibilities.

Pennant and Bellamy should start most games from the kickoff since they're already familiar with the league. I think Rafa will plump for stability and balance while waiting for Gonzalez and Aurelio to gel with the rest and also to acclimatize to the hurly burly of the English style of play.

Pongolle is back with the squad and I hope the lad will stay; already his cousin Le Tallec has proven to be quite a disappointment in terms of attitude and application. Both have been speculated to be moving on though. Part of this French clearout, I'd surmise.

For the early part of the season, given that Aurelio has a reputation for being a sicknote, (..Kewell recuperating from hair follicle tear..) and the fact that Gonzalez looks like he needs a certain period to bed in, I'd say Rafa will go for:

_____________Reina______________
Finnan___Carra_____Sami______Riise
Pennant___Alonso__Gerrard___Zenden
__________Crouch__Bellamy________

especially in home matches. (although we all know Zenden is bollocks at left wing)

Hahahaha.

Just heard your kit was launched today, however they've discovered that the Youth/Kids sizes wont fit over peoples heads, so they've all been recalled (H)

hahahahahaha classic :D

According to todays Echo, Kuyt is just about a Liverpool player.:)

aw k, aw k, that "Kuyt almost an Anfield Red" crap has been going on for the past 3 to 4 weeks. I don't know why we would need him in a 1 striker system...3 is enough! I thought Rafa would consider 2 up front with Bellamy's arrival. With a lone attacker, we're better off not wasting any money on the guy!

aw k, aw k, that "Kuyt almost an Anfield Red" crap has been going on for the past 3 to 4 weeks. I don't know why we would need him in a 1 striker system...3 is enough! I thought Rafa would consider 2 up front with Bellamy's arrival. With a lone attacker, we're better off not wasting any money on the guy!

Spot on, leave Kuyt for someone who really needs him, i.e. Newcastle

Cheers

Spot on, leave Kuyt for someone who really needs him, i.e. Newcastle

Cheers

I reckon Luque will really kick in this season. I think Fowler will really kick in again this season. Hes got his sharpness back, he'll bag a good few goals next season

....leave Kuyt for someone who really needs him, i.e. Newcastle....

Personally, if we don't get him I couldn't care less where he ends up....as long as it isn't (6)Old Trafford(6)!

great start to the new season for us.. next match hope we can survive the haifa return leg and get our butt into the CL..

guys what exactly IS happening with Le Tallec? Apparnelty he is back at Liverpool but wasnt given a squad number.

Does he just face a year in the reserves?

Dave probably knows more about him. How did he do at St. Etienne on his loan spell?

i HOPE WE DON'T get over-confident with this Community Shield win.

Remember the last time Liverpool were fancied to win the League? That too was a season following the World Cup...2002, we had finished 4th, 3rd and second in the seasons prior and were the "natural" choice to contend...very similar to this time around. We were leading sometime in October I think, but then we crashed and burned and finished 5th! Got to be cautious this time around with the lofty expectations....

i think we'll finish 4th. Thats not me being pessimistic, just realistic.

Second, methinks.

guys what exactly IS happening with Le Tallec? Apparnelty he is back at Liverpool but wasnt given a squad number.

Does he just face a year in the reserves?

He has been told to find a new club. Was in line for a move back to Sochaux in France last week but it fell through for some reason or another.

i HOPE WE DON'T get over-confident with this Community Shield win.

Remember the last time Liverpool were fancied to win the League? That too was a season following the World Cup...2002, we had finished 4th, 3rd and second in the seasons prior and were the "natural" choice to contend...very similar to this time around. We were leading sometime in October I think, but then we crashed and burned and finished 5th! Got to be cautious this time around with the lofty expectations....

Hardly think that is the prevailing view. Of course we go in season after season wanting to be Champions but it would be a rather dim assessment of the realities at hand. Arsenal have a dynamic youthful side that still plays the most attractive football, and when all else fails, they have Cygan, I mean Henry. Man Utd, you write off at your own peril. They went through the season losing their most influential enforcer and leader, with a patched up midfield and still finished second, ahead of us. They have always scored goals, and even without RVN, I doubt anything on that front will change. Chelsea, well yeh, what else that needs to be said that hasn't.

I just want us to win the league.
Heh heh.

i HOPE WE DON'T get over-confident with this Community Shield win.

Remember the last time Liverpool were fancied to win the League? That too was a season following the World Cup...2002, we had finished 4th, 3rd and second in the seasons prior and were the "natural" choice to contend...very similar to this time around. We were leading sometime in October I think, but then we crashed and burned and finished 5th! Got to be cautious this time around with the lofty expectations....

yes i remember.. but that was houlier which i think rafa is much better then him tactically.. i'm sure this season we will do well.. after watching some of our new lads they did pretty well..

Whats your starting lineup going to be for the first EPL game?

sorry doing my fantasy teams

Kuyt's set to be unveiled after this round of internationals.
No idea George.

Liverpool finalise £10M deal for Dutch ace Kuyt
Liverpool are on the verge of landing Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt.

The Guardian says Kuyt has reached an agreement with Feyenoord that he will be permitted to leave Rotterdam for Anfield once a fee has been thrashed out between the clubs.

Reports in Holland last night suggested the striker had already met the Merseysiders' manager, Rafael Benitez, to discuss the transfer though negotiations between the two clubs are understood to be ongoing.

Kuyt has told Feyenoord he will only consider joining Liverpool, so thwarting hopes of an auction with Newcastle United.

Funds are relatively tight at Anfield and, while Liverpool could offer Feyenoord a deal worth up to £10m for the international, they would look to stagger payments over the course of his contract.

Hope it gets done quickly.

Meh, Roeder is watching him again tonight in the Ireland/Holland game. Hopefully we can come in with a late bid and pip you to him because by the look of it Kuyt has agreed to nothing as of yet.

http://home.skysports.com/transferarticle.aspx?hlid=410108

NOTE:

"I would consider a move to Liverpool, but my first choice is Newcastle," Kuyt is quoted as saying in the Daily Star.

I think people are putting words into his mouth because he would surely opt for CL football?

He probably would.

Haha, Daily Star (H)

im not sure we need another striker, when Rafa is hell-bent on playing a 451 :(

Meh, Roeder is watching him again tonight in the Ireland/Holland game. Hopefully we can come in with a late bid and pip you to him because by the look of it Kuyt has agreed to nothing as of yet.

http://home.skysports.com/transferarticle.aspx?hlid=410108

NOTE:



I think people are putting words into his mouth because he would surely opt for CL football?

Those quotes were made by some of yer fans from a Toon fansite and were picked up by Newsnow and some other journos unwilling to work an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. :jap:

Here's the interview from SSN. Feel free to rip off Kraptalk anytime.

http://www.koptalk.com/detail_subtitle_listing.php?link_id=4027

It's in the Dutch papers this morning and diverse internetsites:

KUYT FOR 4 YEARS TO LIVERPOOL.
He gets his medical today and if all goes ok he will sign!
He will travel from Dublin to Liverpool on thursday.
18M Euro will be the amount that Rafa is willing to pay and both clubs reached an agreement.

im not sure we need another striker, when Rafa is hell-bent on playing a 451 :(
Kuijt can play anywhere in midfield as well.

Bollocks :f***:

I hope he's a big flop for you :(

You'll be alright with Owen(Injured) and Ameobi :)

cool we finally get the striker we wanted!!! now that we have all the players we need..we must do well in the league!!!..btw:Sissoko is as impressive or even more than last year!!! he will be one the best midfield in the world if he continues that way!!! :rockman:

who's everyones first team then, because i'm hilariously confused as to who i'd play now.

GK: Reina
DR: Finnan
DC: Carragher
DC: Hyypia
DL: Aurelio/Riise
MC: Alonso/Sissoko
MC: Gerrard
ML: Kewell/Riise
MR: Pennant
FC: Bellamy/Fowler
ST: Kuyt

Not too bad methinks. We've got depth this season, at least. There are positions i've put 2 players. That means its based on form. Except for Alonso/Sissoko. We should play Momo away from home, and at Anfield we partner Alonso and Steve on midfield. Depending on the situation we can bring Momo.

He' s a good player but not for us. We've just wasted about 18M Euros. We're becoming a poor man's Chelsea! Quite a few STUPID signings!

My preferences are in bold:

Reina

Defenders

MR J. Pennant, D. Kuyt(probably won't be happy or as effective playing here) - Pennant's bought.......so damnit, use him
MC M. Sissoko - MUST HAVE
MC X. Alonso - MUST HAVE
ML H. Kewell/M. Gonzales/B. Zenden - I'd say get rid of Zenden ASAP
FC S. Gerrard/L. Garcia - this will be lethal, provided the Spaniard stays happy
ST C. Bellamy/P. Crouch/D. Kuyt - A ****ING MESS!

A common substitution will be:
Pennant off, Gerrard moves to MR, Bellamy(starting at ST) moves to FC, Crouch/Kuyt comes on as ST

i watch Liverpool quite alot. with the Kuyt signing, i think this would be the best formation:

4-4-2

-----------------Reina---------------
--Finnan--Carragher--Agger--Aurelio--
-----------Alonso-----Sissoko--------
---Gerrard----------------Gonzalez---
------------Crouch----Kuyt----------

I think this team would give Chelsea a big fight for the Premiership!

thoughts?

Bellamy on current form has to start.

http://www.richards9920.freeserve.co.uk/upto/look/wardle.jpg

Still not convinced, £10m is a total waste for a player we dont need.

Just seems silly when we could be strengthening the defence with English talent.

Don't see your point at all. Especially when the likes of Curtis Davies are being priced out of Arsenal's range and we've got young internationals in Agger and Paletta for less 8m quid. It's a good thing to have an English backbone, but quality is all that matters in the end. To say that we don't need another striker when Crouch has never been prolific on the domestic stage, Robbie's getting on and overcoming myriad niggles even during preseason, would be foolhardy. Yer having a laff if yer putting your faith in Bellamy to shoulder all goalscoring burden over the course of challenging on all 4 fronts. Bellamy has admitted too that he still harbours fears of being one bad injury away from another long layoff, which is hardly improbable, taking into account his medical history. Rafa's been after Kuyt for the best part of 2 seasons, I'd think he's on to something there.

Le Tallec has finally moved on to Sochaux and we're still not done on the transfer front as yet.

based on last season how can you think the defense needs strengthened before the attack senor thomas??

cos Hyppia aint getting any younger, and i feel we have all we need in attack. We've bought two first team or at least benched wingers in the form of Pennant and Gonzalez (WP), and we've signed Bellamy upfront. Hell, we've only had Fowler for a bit.

If we are gonna play a 4-4-2, then i understand completely. But personally, i reckon Rafa is eyeing up a midfield of Sissoko, Xabi Alonso and Gerrard, plus TWO wingers, similar to what Chelsea normally play.

If hes gonna play a 4-4-2, then i suspect he'll drop Pennant from the team, and use Gerrard, Xabi, Momo and Mark, which to me, doesnt give is a huge amount of width.

Agger will replace Hyypia eventually and i'll expect 20-30 games from his this season at least. We're tight at the back when it comes to depth Kromkamp/Finnan at RB Paletta/Agger/Carra/Sami at CB Riise/Aurelio at LB.

Rafa would never splash on Kuyt if he didn't think he was worth it. I've watched Kuyt plenty of times for Feyenoord and hes done well plus if Crouch was to get injured we have no cover for him i'm sure Kuyt could play his role if need be.

Now that we've got our priorities for this window I think we could do with a young CM.

Welcome on board mate. Back to the subject, i see that most people after the WC arent so keen as they were when it comes to Kuyt, but i think we should wait a bit before coming to conclusions such as "we've wasted money".

I'm glad we got Kuyt. Bit of a gamble, as we can't know if he'll adapt well to the English game, but there's no reason to think he won't. That said, Heskey was an English player who wouldn't have to adapt when we signed him...

well im not reght happy, but good luck to him! Maybe in two weeks time i'll be eating my words.

You can't go wrong with a player that has Ruud benched for the WC.

People can't help but jump on any passing band wagons can they. Prior to the World Cup, I don't think I heard one bad word against Kuyt, now we're the other side, it seems like enough people can't slate him. Piss off and drink your magners (H)

Agger will replace Hyypia eventually and i'll expect 20-30 games from his this season at least. We're tight at the back when it comes to depth Kromkamp/Finnan at RB Paletta/Agger/Carra/Sami at CB Riise/Aurelio at LB.

Rafa would never splash on Kuyt if he didn't think he was worth it. I've watched Kuyt plenty of times for Feyenoord and hes done well plus if Crouch was to get injured we have no cover for him i'm sure Kuyt could play his role if need be.

Now that we've got our priorities for this window I think we could do with a young CM.

Spot on la. Maybe that Moroccan lad, 19 if I'm not mistaken, will be next on the list. Creative, twinkle toe type, with unmistakeable hunger to prove himself. Rafa was asked about the former's impending arrival at Kuyt's unveiling but wasn't about to give anything away. France's media have it down as a done deal and SKY just about picked up on it as has the locals.

drew with sheffield....ouch thats gotta hurt

We're gonna eat you for breakfast this season.

drew with sheffield....ouch thats gotta hurt
Ah man!:kader::(

That kind of comment should go in the match thread

I was avoiding all contact with possible reports as I will see this later today in full not knowing the result. Then this appears in my inbox.

We're gonna eat you for breakfast this season.
yeah, yeah, of course you will... I mean, look at the matches played so far, you haven't lost any official match this season, have you? With that record, I'd even say you're favs for the league, the FA Cup and the Champions League. :nape:

****! What a **** opening to the season. Without Riise and Carragher, we're going nowhere! We've got to win on the road ASA ****ing P.

Oh My God, We're Sooo Doomed To Relegation! Oomy Faarrkiingg Gawddd! Buy English Defenders Quickk!

Not a very exciting result, but it's the first game of the season. I just hope we dont have a bad start yet again.

For Christ sake its the first game of the season. We were obviously just surprised. How Sheffield played yesterday, they look liked a good side. A few good dribblers.

so so so weird listening to people calling United; "Sheffield", totally freaks me out.

Thought we were actually ok yest, just need to get through Tuesday now (Y)

so so so weird listening to people calling United; "Sheffield", totally freaks me out.

Thought we were actually ok yest, just need to get through Tuesday now (Y)

It's total ignorance and pisses Wednesday fans off no end.

If anything 'Sheffield' is more relevant to Sheffield FC.

yeh i agree, i mean i find it funny, cos i detest Wednesday. But its like playing Man Utd and saying that "Manchester didnt play well today" when City were PROBABLY playing down the road.

Indeed, Liam says Sheffield played well on Saturday, they did actually, they won away to Plymouth.

:p

We got the place in the group stage for CL. One less problem to worry about. Is Kuyt set to make his debut on our next Premiership game? How much will it take for him to put the shirt?

Momo, Riise and Carra out for minimum 3 weeks. Ste should be out for a lot less. Not a flying start by any means but I'd rather lose Sami than Carra. Kuyt should make his debut in the next league game. Great play by Pennant and Crouch, and Agger has been brilliant.

Anyway, what's really distressing other than our disjointed play and injury problems is the fact that Ozzie media are reporting that Lucas Neill is set to join us, with Kromkamp headed back to Holland.

Ah!

Neill? ah well, hope Rafa knows what he's doing... As for Kuyt, he can't get it wrong with number 18!

He jolly well could! Our last Dutch striker wearing #18 fired blanks in the league throughout his stint. This Rafa fella is dodgy as ****, I say we bring Ian Dowie in.

Lucas Neill..... :|

I hate that guy, I can't stand him. I think it goes back to the time he broke Baros' ankle and then stood over him shouting about diving. What a tit. :hit:

I think the only player on Blackburn I actually wouldnt hate if he moved to another team is Pederson. So naturally, I hope Neill joins you as it would make you easier to hate :D

He jolly well could! Our last Dutch striker wearing #18 fired blanks in the league throughout his stint. This Rafa fella is dodgy as ****, I say we bring Ian Dowie in.
Meijer, wasn't it? ah well, that was before me liking the number 18 though (H) If 7 went from Keegan and Kenny to Smicer and Kewell....
So naturally, I hope Neill joins you as it would make you easier to hate :D
You want us to be hated? tell Roman to give us cash too!

Well the Champions League group stages are set. We've drawn

PSV
Bordeaux
Galatasaray

not a tough group so we must win it early. The trips to Eindhoven and Turkey will be a bit tricky, but I think we can suffocate them!

brilliant until it got to Galatasary, but still, a good draw!

Don't worry about psv guys, they are not the team from last season and they've lost Ooijer and Vennegoor this week.
I'm sure you will bag both matches :read:

With the additions we've made, teams like Galatasaray should be "handleable"...that is ofcourse, assuming we're healthy.

Gala is the one that worries me the most. Not on footballing terms, but atmosphere and all that in Turkey. PSV is a good side, and should qualify, along with us.

Believe me psv will not make it this year, players left and their coach sucks :read: I think they will lose against Gala also.

i ll be in the stadium at Gala-Liverpool game..
The atmosphere is going to be awesome..
my team might not qualify, but i m sure that in Turkey, its going to be hell for our opponents..
I hope nothing 'wild' happens though :drevil: