DECEMBER 30
Gerrard delighted with MBE honour

TEAMtalk

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has expressed his delight after being awarded
an MBE in the New Year's Honours List.

"I am absolutely thrilled and honoured to receive this recognition for playing a game I've loved all my life," Gerrard said.

"I'd like to accept this of behalf of all those people who have been so supportive to me throughout my career, all my team-mates over the years, everyone at Liverpool Football Club, everyone at Team England, all my family and friends and all those coaches who have helped me since I was eight."

Many thought Gerrard and his fellow team-mates should have been honoured after Liverpool's thrilling Champions League victory in 2005.

The 26-year-old helped his side recover from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan on penalties and then enjoyed a memorable 2005-06 season, scoring 23 times from midfield, including a stunning 35-yard effort in the FA Cup final win over West Ham.

SEPTEMBER 20
Gerrard: Criticism of boss makes me sick
- and why I'll play anywhere

By Chris Bascombe - Liverpool Echo

Anyone expecting sirens, screams of panic or declarations of a state of emergency must be sorely disappointed when they arrive at Anfield.

There remains an air of calm in the red half of the city, yet if you venture a few miles either side of Liverpool's boundaries there are legions prepared to work themselves into a peculiar frenzy on the club's behalf.

Steven Gerrard isn't sure whether to be bemused or insulted by the latest over reactions.

Since flying flak has been the prelude to two major trophy victories in two seasons, the skipper sounds almost sympathetic to those who have failed to learn the lessons of the Benitez era.

"Anyone who questions the tactics of Rafa Benitez must be crazy," says Gerrard, utterly unimpressed by the misguided souls claiming to be speaking on his behalf when they question what role he's playing.

"Rafa's already achieved so much in two years and all the players and supporters have total belief in him.

"I get sick of it when, if there's a bad result, everyone is talking about where I've played.

"Under Rafa I've been used to playing in different positions, and there's no point people going on about it every chance they get.

"I'm the first to admit I was as surprised as anyone when I was picked to play on the left on Sunday.

"I had to check the team sheet, but there were tactical reasons for that which nearly paid off.

"If I'd have taken my chance, as Ishould have done, it would have been because I was on the left against a defender who was having such a tough time he was subbed.

"If we'd have equalised then, people would have been saying it was a master-stroke by the manager to play me against Boulahrouz. These are the fine lines we're dealing with in football.

"I know under Rafa I'll continue to play in different positions, but that's because he thinks I'm a good player who can do a number of jobs.

"There will be times when I'm back in the middle and everyone knows that's where I prefer to be be, but the most important thing for me is always to see the team win, wherever I am."

Since the end of last season, there have been eerie echoes of 2002.

Back then, Liverpool ended the campaign on a high, were seen as the most likely title challengers, and invested heavily on the players they hoped would seal the deal. It went horribly wrong as the final step towards an elusive 19th title tripped them up again.

The similarities in circumstances cannot be ignored, but Gerrard is adamant there is a major difference between then and now.

"The players we've brought in this summer are all top class," he says. "Maybe there have been times in the past we've made signings who couldn't hack it at a club the size of Liverpool. I can tell you now that's definitely not the case this time. Players like Kuyt, Bellamy, Pennant, Aurelio, Agger and Gonzalez are quality players.

"I've seen enough of them in just a couple of months to see that.

"Nowadays if a manager spends big money on a player, people expect immediate goals or man-of-the-match performances. It doesn't always work like that. You need to settle and adjust.

"Liverpool tactics and systems aren't the same as what these players are used to at other clubs.

"The main thing is have they got the quality and will they improve us? We've seen enough alreadyto see the answeris yes. That's whywe knowwe're going to be a better team this season. We 've just got to be a bit more patient."

What's needed most is a win. A victory to create momentum, justify the continued self-belief and keep the doubters at bay for at least another month, or preferably eight months.

"Confidence comes from winning games, but we haven't lost our belief in the dressing room," says Gerrard. "Of course we want to win and put on a good performance tonight, but it would be wrong to say we're desperate to get three points.

"It's not a desperate situation. We'regoing into this just like any other home game, knowing the pressure is on us to play well and win the game, as it always is.

"If that happens, things will already start to look better, but the last thing we want is everyone getting anxious already. It's far too early for that, and I think a lot of it stems from things which have been said and written making out we're already playing 'must-win' games. We're not.

"We're playing very important games, but there's no need to start panicking.

"As a captain, I actuallyfind it easier to do what's expected of me after a defeat because you know the lads are hurt and want to react in the right way. You don't really need to say much to them, because everyone is determined to put it right.

"Sometimes it's harder to get through to players when things are going well, because the focus can go a bit more if you think everything is going well."

AUGUST 27
Gerrard: I was close to 'attacking' Liverpool staff

Kop Talk

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has revealed in his autobiography that he came close to attacking Gerard Houllier, Phil Thompson, Sammy Lee and Alex Miller during a heated confrontation in the former manager's office.

At the time the influential midfielder's parents were splitting up and because of the arguing and fighting at home, it naturally had an impact on his form.

Gerrard's serialisation continues in The News of the World today and again, it makes interesting reading.

Although Gerrard was, and still is, close to Houllier, the pair had their moments and this was evident when the skipper was hauled off against Spurs at Anfield in 2002.

Gerrard said: "Straight down the tunnel, no acknowledgement. Straight into the dressing-room, door slamming, boots flying, absolutely steaming.

"I hate being hooked, however rubbish I'm playing. For Christ's sake, not in front of the Kop where my mates are watching.

"Storming past Houllier at Anfield p****** him off big-time. I stayed in the dressing-room, alone with my anger. Houllier went mental and fired me.

"But the most depressing point in my relationship with Houllier came in the pretty Swiss town of Basle the following month.

"Everyone in Liverpool's colours needed all their energy and focus for this massive Champions League tie, the most important game of the season, but my head wasn't right.

"Before we flew out to Basle, Gerard hauled me into his office at Melwood. He'd had enough. He wanted to find out what was bugging me.

"I walked in to be confronted by coaches Phil Thompson, Sammy Lee, the goalkeeping coach Joe Corrigan and head scout Alex Miller, as well as Gerard.

"Gerard opened up first: "What's eating at you, Steven? Is your family alright?"

"I stared at the floor, I should have talked, but I didnt feel comfortable. Not in front of them all. My silence goaded them. One by one they got stuck into me. They hit me with so many questions it was like being punched in the face time after time.

"Question after question. What the f*** was going on? A goalie coach was having a go at me. A chief scout was laying into me. Fair enough if it were Sammy, Gerard or Phil.

"Incensed I struggled to control my fists. I was that close to attacking them. "Have you lot finished?" I finally said and walked out the room. Steaming."

The Liverpool skipper continues to talk about the following weeks including when he told Joe Corrigan to f*** off. He also talks about comments Houllier made to the media about him which resulted in his father dashing to Melwood to confront the manager to explain about the problems at home.

AUGUST 14
Transfer saga sent Gerrard to brink

By John Edwards - The Daily Mail

Steven Gerrard has revealed how the sudden realisation that he was heading out of Liverpool 12 months ago pushed him to the edge of despair and left him swallowing painkillers 'like they were Smarties'.

Baring his soul over a second successive summer of transfer brinkmanship involving Chelsea, Liverpool's England midfielder admitted he was an emotional wreck as he watched television pictures of his old No 17 shirt being burned outside Anfield's Shankly Gates.

Just as he had a year earlier, Gerrard stunned Chelsea by pulling out of the deal at the last minute, but the scars remain from a saga he says left him "suffocated by stress".

Writing in his autobiography*, to be published next month, the Liverpool skipper describes the trauma of turning from hero to villain in supporters' eyes and paints a stark picture of the toll it took on his mental well-being.

Angry at perceived indifference by Liverpool over a new contract, in the wake of their Champions League triumph over AC Milan, Gerrard tried to force their hand by submitting a transfer request.

What followed caused such distress, he ended up making panic calls for help to his father and brother, his agent Struan Marshall and even Liverpool's club doctor, Mark Waller.

"Madness broke out," he said. "I was sitting dazed at home, watching the TV, and when I saw fans burning an old No 17 shirt by the Shankly Gates, it did my head in. Show some respect. Don't you know how this is tearing me apart?

"Dad begged me not to go, but I replied, 'look at the TV, fans are burning my shirt, the club aren't stopping them, Liverpool don't want me any more'.

"I stared at the TV through flowing tears. I was suffocated by stress. My head was banging, and I was eating paracetamol like Smarties.

'We've made the point that we would like Steven to be with us forever'

"It was the lowest point of my career. I broke down. Panic breakdown. Complete mess. Could I hand in that Liverpool armband? Could I look the father I adore in the eye again?

"Could I let the Kop down? No. I couldn't jump over the edge of the cliff. I could see the great possibilities of Chelsea, but my heart wouldn't let me leave.

"Finally, my mind was made up. At 11pm that night, on July 5, 2005, I called my agent to tell Rick Parry (Liverpool's chief executive) that I wanted to sign.

"My heart stopped racing, and I put the paracetamol away. The following morning, I awoke with a smile on my face for the first time in weeks."

AUGUST 7
Gerrard insists: We can win title this time

By Paul Walker - Daily Post

Steven Gerrard is searching for the one club honour he has not achieved so far in a remarkable career.

Gerrard has virtually the full set - FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup, Champions League and European Super Cup. Only the Premiership winners medal eludes him now.

And the Liverpool skipper, such an inspirational leader under manager Rafael Benitez, plans to apply his 'superman' ability to win games on his own - not just in major cup ties but over 38 gruelling league games.

Gerrard believes Liverpool will make a genuine title challenge this season.

He said: "We ended last season with 11 wins on the trot, eight in the league and that is title-winning form.

"That's the idea now, we need to continue to be as consistent as possible and next season we aim to maintain this same level of home form.

"If we stop the occasional slip-ups away from home then hopefully we will be right in the title race from the start. We aim to carry last term's great finish straight into next season."

Gerrard cracked 23 domestic goals last season, the best ever haul for a midfield player in the Premiership from all competitions.

He said: "I did not imagine I could score that many goals. As a midfielder your main target is to get into double figures each season. I hit that point very early in the season and Rafa told me he wanted 25.

"I got a couple in the FA Cup final and finished just two short of his target for me. I hope he didn't think I was a failure.

"We are getting better all the time. Rafa is improving the squad and the team and you can see from our progression from last season that we are going places.

"If we continue to improve that bit more for next season, we will be right in the title race."

Gerrard's joy at lifting the FA Cup again, following his wonder strike that saved Liverpool from defeat with barely two minutes of injury time remaining, was replaced by his summer of World Cup str ug gles.

But if Liverpool want to be taken seriously as a challenger for Chelsea, regardless of the money the Londoners keep spending, Gerrard knows they must transfer their winning mentality from cups to league.

He says: "The FA Cup is a nice tournament to win and we all enjoyed it last season, but the Premiership is the one we all want now, it's the one that people in the game look to as the ultimate success domestically.

"I'd love to get my hands on it next season and lift it above my head. That's our special aim now and that's what we'll be thinking about when we start preparing for next season.

"I must admit I'm excited about what next season could bring for us because I know we have a team of very good players here who can challenge for the Premiership.

"We've made great strides over the past couple of seasons under Rafa (Benitez) and I'm sure the boss will strengthen the squad again in the summer to make us even more competitive.

"There's no doubt about it, we want to win the title next year and we'll give it a really good go. The reason this club is so successful is because we never dwell on our victories.

"This time it will be no different. We could have lived off the European Cup win last season, but everyone can see how hungry we are for more."

JULY 24
Gerrard focused on Anfield glory

By Paul Walker - PA Sport

Steven Gerrard has vowed to put his World Cup heartache behind him and turn Liverpool into champions.

The Reds skipper was finally back in training today after a month's break following England's depressing exit from Germany 2006, where along with club-mate Jamie Carragher he missed a penalty in the quarter-final shoot-out against Portugal.

Gerrard helped adidas launch their new kit - the first time in 10 years that Liverpool have worn the brand that became synonymous with their glory era.

Now Gerrard is intent on bringing back those days of constant success and taking on champions Chelsea for their crown.

Gerrard said: "I am desperate to hold the league trophy above my head. I have still got painful memories from Germany, but the idea now is to look forward and have a good season for Liverpool.

"I don't know whether I played at my peak in Germany. I got the chance to play in a couple of positions out there but I did get the chance to burst forward occasionally and score a couple of goals.

"And to be honest, although it ended on a bad note I really enjoyed my first experience of a World Cup, even though that may sound strange.

"I scored goals and just being involved was really good after missing the previous one through injury."

He added: "I feel it is already out of my system, as you get more experienced as a player you learn to get bad experiences out of your head quickly.

"Now we have a new season and it would be nice to end the coming campaign on a good note like we did last season with a trophy.

"Another trophy in the cabinet is the main objective for a good season. We are Liverpool and that is what we must do.

"But having improved in the league so much last season it is important that we get involved in the title race.

"To get to Chelsea we must improve on last season and for the new players who have arrived - and there may be one more - to bring something to the squad and strengthen on what we already have.

"We must make sure we are confident and we must believe we can do it or it won't happen."

Gerrard will fly out with his Anfield colleagues to Switzerland tomorrow for a training camp and three more friendlies and he is clear about his and the club's ambitions.

He said: "I would like to think this club is on the brink of something special, there are a lot of players in the dressing room who are missing the Premier League title from their CV having won virtually everything else.

"You can be sure that we will be pushing in the right direction to achieve that because I am desperate to hold that trophy above my head."

Gerrard is more than aware that he is also now being linked with taking over from David Beckham as the new England captain.

But he said: "From the England point of view, I have got a new manager now (Steve McClaren) and I am sure he is going to change certain things and everyone can start getting excited again now for the new manager.

"Of course every England player would like to be the captain, but I am not one of those players who will be talking about and trying to get it.

"That's Steve McClaren's decision and if it comes my way, then great, but if not then I will wish whoever the new captain is every success.

"I have had three weeks off and a couple of nice holidays with my family - and some nappy-changing - but now I am itching to get back to playing because that is what I love doing.

"And to be honest, although it ended on a bad note I really enjoyed my first experience of a World Cup, even though that may sound strange.

"I scored goals and just being involved was really good after missing the previous one through injury."

But it is Liverpool's future that is at the front of Gerrard's mind, and he says: "There is a big, big confidence in our dressing room and we would like to go on and win the Champions League again after experiencing it once.

"It's easier said than done but we need to go further than the quarter-finals like last season, we are better than that.

"We have won two trophies in two seasons, in Europe and the FA Cup. But glory days for Liverpool is about titles and more and more trophies.

"We won't be talking about glory days here because we know we have a lot of hard work still to do."

MAY 28
Gerrard is up for the Cup

By John Curtis - PA Sport

Steven Gerrard has insisted he will be "fresh and raring to go" during the World Cup as he dismissed fears of suffering from footballing burn-out.

Gerrard's season began in mid-July with Liverpool in the qualifying rounds of the Champions League and he looked exhausted after helping the Reds lift the FA Cup in Cardiff following an inspirational individual performance.

With Wayne Rooney's availability for the finals still giving cause for concern, it is paramount for Sven-Goran Eriksson that Gerrard is firing on all cylinders - possibly in the second striker role.

But a week's rest while England trained in Portugal to be with his girlfriend and new-born baby has helped recharge Gerrard's batteries as he prepares for Tuesday's warm-up international with Paraguay at Old Trafford.

Gerrard said: "I've played a lot of games and a lot of football this season but I don't feel tired.

"I know a lot of people are saying 'he's played a lot of football' and 'will he or won't he be tired?'

"I can promise everyone that I'm feeling fresh, fine and raring to go.

"People say about me being knackered at the end of the cup final but in my mind I think I had played the final two or three times before I even went out there! I used a lot of energy before the game.

"Cardiff was also a tough pitch and the weather was really hot and the final came quite close after the last league game of the season.

"I put a lot of effort into that game so that is the reason I looked a bit tired at the end of the game."

Gerrard added: "My girlfriend gave birth on May 9 and I spoke to Mr Eriksson and said I'd like to spend some time with my family and he agreed.

"I got bits and bobs of sleep but my missus is very good and let me sleep in the spare room now and again!"

Gerrard missed the 2002 finals in Japan after undergoing a groin operation and is confident his first taste of playing in the finals can be successful.

He said: "During the last World Cup I just did what every fan did. I got myself in front of the nearest TV and supported the boys - but it was really frustrating.

"Missing the tournament was one of the lowest points of my career. It's as simple as that. It hurt really watching the boys out there playing football.

"Fingers crossed, this time I can stay fit and try and make up for missing out on the last one and hopefully this time around it will provide good memories."

Gerrard added: "This is the biggest stage you can play on as a footballer and there would be nothing better than to bring that cup home for the whole nation.

"Everyone wants us to do it and the players are going to be right up for it. It's the biggest trophy you can win as a player so we will be giving it everything we have got.

"This is the most exciting England squad I've been involved with.

"I hadn't seen some of the players much until I met up with the squad but I am really excited and looking forward to us going over there and doing our stuff."

APRIL 30

Gerrard eyes Prem title

By Lewis Rutledge - Sky Sports

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has set his sights on winning the Premiership title.

The midfielder was named the PFA Player of the Year last week after another hugely impressive personal season, and he has the opportunity to add the FA Cup to his collection of silverware when The Reds take on West Ham next month.

Winning the UEFA Champions League last year persuaded Gerrard to turn down interest from Chelsea and stay at Anfield, and he remains convinced he made the right decision.

But, reflecting on his career to date, the England man admitted he would not be totally satisfied until he won the league.

"Yes I've been quite successful and things are going well, but I want more trophies and winners' medals and I believe I will achieve that with Liverpool," he explained in The Daily Star.

"It was a big decision to stay at Liverpool, but I made that decision on the basis that I felt we had the right manager in charge in Rafa Benitez and I haven't regretted that for a moment.

"I believe in him and have full confidence in him. I know I can achieve my ambitions at Liverpool.

"There's only one thing missing from my collection and that's The Premiership.

"That's the one I badly want and I know the fans do too. But that doesn't mean I don't want others. I'm very greedy for trophies."

After Liverpool had knocked his side out of the FA Cup, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho claimed that The Reds were not capable of sustaining a consistent enough run to win The Premiership, but Gerrard believes that his team can challenge for the top honours in the next couple of seasons.

"I think it is our challenge to prove Mourinho wrong in that respect," said the Liverpool skipper.

"Chelsea are a fantastic team and then you also have Manchester United and Arsenal, so winning The Premiership is going to be really difficult.

"But we have a hungry manager and a hungry set of players and I know Rafa is going to strengthen in the summer.

"I think if you look at the points gap last year and you look at it this year we are a lot closer.

"That makes me know we can have a go at the league in the next couple of seasons and we feel we can really achieve our objectives in the coming years."

Gerrard is also ambitious to succeed at international level, and he feels that England have a golden opportunity to land the biggest prize in football this summer.

"With the World Cup being in Germany this summer it must be our best chance to win it for a long time," he observed.

"We have got to make the most of the tournament being held in Europe."

APRL 25
The next train arriving at Lime Street will be carrying Riise, Gerrard and his PFA trophy...

Liverpool Echo

Steven Gerrard didn't need a limo to whisk him home from London after winning the PFA Player of the Year - he hopped on the train with his trophy.

The Reds hero, together with John Arne Riise and on-loan striker Neil Mellor, travelled back home to Liverpool from the awards night on a packed commuter train yesterday.

Surprised travellers craned their necks to get a glimpse of the England international, who cradled the PFA trophy in his arms after boarding the train at London's Euston station.

The Liverpool captain was voted PFA Player of the Year on Sunday night for his performances over the past 12 months, including spearheading the Reds Champions League comeback in Istanbul.

His win completed a sensational weekend for Gerrard coming just 24 hours after Liverpool's victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final.

But it was back down to earth with a bump as he boarded the busy commuter train for Liverpool.

The midfielder arrived at Lime Street station at 4.50pm with the PFA trophy on display for other commuters to admire.

On leaving the carriage, he passed the cup to his younger brother who was also travelling with the group.

Many Virgin Trains workers were taken by surprise as he strolled through the barriers to head for home.

An onlooker told the ECHO: "I got a glimpse of Stevie on the train and I couldn't believe it. He was sitting there with the big trophy next to him.

"Many couldn't believe he would take a packed commuter train to travel back to Liverpool, it was a treat for everybody and it brightened up a routine trip back home."

Gerrard's unexpected choice of transport is a far cry from the helicopters and flash cars usually favoured by top earning football stars.

When their train pulled in at Lime Street the platform was relatively quiet and the famous faces strolled off to their respective lifts without attracting any attention.

Gerrard was whisked off in a car that was waiting for him at the station just before 5pm.

APRIL 23
Gerrard named PFA Player of the Year

Sporting Life

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has capped a brilliant week by being named the PFA Player of the Year by his fellow professionals.

At a gala ceremony in London's Grosvenor House Hotel on Sunday evening, the Reds captain beat off competition from Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Thierry Henry, John Terry and Joe Cole to land the top honour.

The award finishes off a sensational weekend for Gerrard after he helped Liverpool into the FA Cup final with a 2-1 victory against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday.

With 19 goals to his name, Gerrard currently sits at the top of the goalscoring charts at Anfield and has played an inspirational role in the Reds' securing Champions League football for next season with three games to spare.

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney won the Young Player of the Year award.

Previous PFA Players of the Year:

1996: Les Ferdinand (Newcastle), 1997: Alan Shearer (Newcastle), 1998: Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal), 1999: David Ginola (Tottenham), 2000: Roy Keane (Manchester Utd), 2001: Teddy Sheringham (Manchester Utd), 2002: Ruud van Nistelrooy (Manchester Utd), 2003: Thierry Henry (Arsenal), 2004: Thierry Henry (Arsenal), 2005: John Terry (Chelsea).

Thor Zakariassen ©