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THURSDAY 12 |
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Reds mourn former striker Arrowsmith
Liverpoolfc.tv are saddened to report the death of former
Red Alf Arrowsmith - a striker who was a key member of Bill
Shankly's first title-winning side.
Arrowsmith, 62, passed away quite suddenly earlier this
week.
A record-breaking marksman as a schoolboy, the popular
Mancunian joined Liverpool from Ashton United in 1961 and
went on to make 55 first team appearances during a
seven-year Anfield career.
In that time he netted 24 goals and is best remembered for
his contribution to the club's First Division Championship
success in 1963/64.
In 1968 he moved on to Bury and later turned out for
Rochdale and Macclesfield.
(LFC Official Website)
Carson named in full England squad
Scott Carson has been handed his first call-up to the full
England squad for the end of season tour to the United
States of America.
The young goalkeeper, who is a regular for his country at
under-21 level, will provide back-up to David James and
Robert Green for the games against USA in Chicago (May 28)
and Colombia in New Jersey (31 May).
Since joining the Reds from Leeds in January, Carson has
made four first team appearances and is the only Liverpool
player named in Sven Goran Eriksson's squad.
(LFC Official Website)
We'll play Liverpool for our place in the
Champions League
A tiny village football club may hold the key to Liverpool
FC's participation in next season's Champions League.
Welsh champions Total Network Solutions FC say they will
consider taking on the Reds in a winner-takes-all summer
clash.
The prize awaiting the winner of this classic David and
Goliath contest? TNS's hard-won place in the first
qualifying round of the premier European club tournament.
The match would only take place in the event of Liverpool
winning this year's Champions League final, but being unable
to defend their title because no place is automatically
available for the winners.
TNS play in front of an average of 258 fans in the village
of Llansantffraid - population 1,000 - near Oswestry in
Shropshire, and have sealed their place after running away
with the Welsh title.
But they face the prospect of a costly trip to eastern
Europe for tough ties against the champion from a country
such as Moldova, Estonia or Azerbaijan.
A one-off match against Liverpool, in front of tens of
thousands of fans in a neutral venue like the Millennium
stadium and an even bigger TV audience, would mean the
biggest payday in TNS's modest history.
(Liverpool Echo)
Mellor boost for Reds as striker eyes
return
Liverpool striker Neil Mellor is hoping to put his injury
troubles behind him - targeting a return to pre-season
training on June 27.
Mellor has been out of action for the past two months after
having an operation for tendonitis in both his knees.
He is still a couple of weeks away from running but remains
hopeful his rehabilitation programme will bring him back to
full training in time to start preparations for the new
season with the rest of the squad at Melwood next month.
Mellor said: "There's never a good time to get injured but
this problem came at a bad time for me because I was in the
squad and showing people I could score goals.
"But I've had problems with my knees for a while and it was
painful to get through some games.
"I just want to be back out there with the lads and I'm
hoping I can return for pre-season. That's my aim. I've
never really had a proper pre-season so I'm hoping that
changes this summer."
(Liverpool Echo)
Blatter backs Liverpool
Fifa president Sepp Blatter has given added impetus to
Liverpool's bid to be allowed to defend the Champions League
trophy next season if they beat AC Milan in the final.
Blatter insisted Uefa president Lennart Johansson was
"right" to have raised the idea of Liverpool being granted a
wild card into the competition as champions.
"Johansson said he would support the idea if the Football
Association proposed it to Uefa. And I think he is right,"
he told the Evening Standard.
Under Uefa rules, the Champions League winners are not
automatically entitled to defend their crown and the FA's
professional game board have already ruled in favour of
their four places remaining with the top four in the
Premiership.
That means Everton will join Manchester United in next
season's qualifying round, with Liverpool at best able to
finish fifth in the domestic league.
However, the FA have already formally raised the matter of
Liverpool being allowed special dispensation if they win the
final.
(TEAMtalk)
Rushie interested in Posh job
Former Liverpool striker coach Ian Rush has put his name
forward for the vacant managerial position at Peterborough
United.
The Posh are on the lookout for a new manager following
Barry Fry's retirement and an announcement is expected to
made regarding his successor next month.
Rush resigned from his position as boss of Chester earlier
this season but Kop legend admits he's keen to get back into
management as quickly as possible.
"I'm definitely looking to get back into football and if the
opportunity to speak to Peterborough came about I would take
it," says the 43-year old.
"I love football. When I stopped playing I wasn't sure I
could cope with management but I enjoyed my short time at
Chester and know I can become a decent manager.
"I've no problems in taking a job in the lower leagues. I
learnt plenty in my time
at Chester."
(LFC Official Website)
Smicer to consider Lens offer
Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer has revealed he will
now consider a move to former club Lens.
Smicer seems almost certain to leave Anfield in the summer
when his contract expires.
The Czech Republic ace had previously ruled out a return to
Lens, but now he has had a rethink on the decision to go
back to France.
Smicer enjoyed a three-year spell with the French outfit
before linking up with The Reds in 1999 and Lens are keen to
bring him back to Stade Felix-Bollaert.
The 31-year-old is weighing up his options, but he will not
rush into making a decision on his future.
"It's still too early to make decisions, but I think about
this offer (from Lens)," Smicer told Czech daily Pravo.
Smicer did rule out making a return to his native Czech
Republic for the time being.
"For the present I am not in a hurry to return to the Czech
Republic."
(Sky Sports) |
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WEDNESDAY 11 |
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Reds set to renew deal with Carlsberg
Liverpool are about to renew their sponsorship deal with
Carlsberg, quashing fears their 13-year partnership is about
to end.
Both parties are said to be 'very close' to agreeing fresh
terms on a lucrative new contract.
There were suggestions Liverpool were looking elsewhere
ahead of next season, but negotiations with Carlsberg are
now in their final stages with an announcement due
shortly.
The Reds have a new away kit launch currently on hold until
pen is put to paper on the latest terms.
Carlsberg agreed a club record £15m over a three year period
in 2002, although the full amount was conditional on
Champions League participation.
The Reds' failure to qualify for the elite competition in
the 2003-4 season proved expensive under the terms of their
deal, although this year's progress has provided Carlsberg
with the fullest possible exposure and strengthened their
relationship.
It's unclear exactly how much the Reds will be able to
command this time, but shirt sponsor-ship has become an
increasingly profitable revenue stream.
(Liverpool Echo)
AC Milan: Liverpool are horrible
AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti has branded
Liverpool’s defensive style of play as ‘horrible’.
Ancelotti’s team faces Liverpool in the Champions League
final in Istanbul on May 25th and he isn’t taking anything
for granted despite Milan being big favourites to win the
match.
The 45-year-old told The Sun: “Liverpool are highly
organised in defence and I am certain that they will try to
cast a cloud over our attacking intentions.
“They are a horrible team to play against. They are also a
side that can spring surprises.
“Against Juventus and Chelsea they ran the games exactly as
they wanted, giving away very little and exploiting their
chances.
“We will need to prepare well for the game against them and
to retain our composure.
“But I am confident. All my players are available and I
believe that we will go to Istanbul in top form."
(Pink Football)
Lyon plan Reds raid
Lyon could be ready to plan a raid on Liverpool as they
search for a new striker.
The French champions have revealed they are willing to let
Sidney Govou leave in the summer and are already targeting
possible replacements.
Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas has admitted he is keen to
bolster his squad and that a new striker and midfielder are
his top priorities.
Aulas has revealed he had contact with Liverpool duo Milan
Baros and Harry Kewell over a possible move to Stade
Gerland.
(Planet Football/Sky Sports)
Henchoz wants Bhoys talks
Stephane Henchoz has urged Celtic to tell him if
he is in their plans, after being left in limbo over a new
deal.
The Swiss star has found himself on the periphery at Celtic
since arriving in January from Liverpool, but is keen to
know if he will be seeking a new club when his deal expires
in the summer.
"It is definitely possible that I could stay next season but
at the moment I don't know what's happening because no-one
from the club has come to me and said `yes we want to give
you a new contract'," Henchoz told Celtic View.
"I read what the manager has said about wanting to keep me
and I was pleased.
"But no-one's actually told me that they'd like me to stay
and in that situation it's difficult for me to say too much.
"All I know is that I'm on a free transfer in the summer so
I'm happy enough to wait and see what the possibilities are
for me.
"I had quite a lot of choices when I came here in January
and hopefully that will be the same again but at the moment
it's too early to say because everyone's focus is on the
last few weeks of the season."
(Planet Football/Sky Sports)
Baros reveals Reds frustration
Liverpool striker Milan Baros has revealed his frustration
at his current situation at Anfield.
The Czech Republic star has endured a mixed season form-wise
and he has struggled to establish himself as first choice
striker under Benitez.
Baros denied any talk of a bust-up with Benitez, but
admitted he is frustrated at being constantly substituted.
"It's not true that I had or have had disputes with
Benitez," Baros told Pravo.
"But I am annoyed when I'm fit and I only warm the bench. Or
when Benitez takes me off during a game even if I haven't
used up all my energy on the pitch.
"I need to play, only then will I be better than I am now.
"This effects my scoring statistics in the international
team. I don't score many goals."
"If I leave The Reds I would like to play in a team which
would be at least at the same level as Liverpool in regard
to playing in European competitions.
"And I would like to play there constantly."
(Sky Sports)
Cisse calls for time
Djibril Cisse wants more time to prove himself at Anfield.
After missing six months of action because of a broken leg,
the French striker is delighted to be back and doesn't want
the season to end.
"It feels fantastic just to be involved in the big games we
have at the moment," he said. "I came to Liverpool for the
kind of excitement we are experiencing now. I just wish the
season wouldn't end because I am really enjoying myself.
"It was tough being in the dressing room and watching the
lads prepare for the Carling Cup final and the other big
games this season but I just had to get on with it.
"Working hard in the gym was great for getting rid of my
frustrations. My fitness is coming back slowly and I am
trying to find the level I had before.
"My speed is not totally back yet either but that is natural
because I have been out for so long. It is just a matter of
time - and I wish I had a bit more of that."
(LFC Online) |
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TUESDAY 10 |
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Owen urges Reds to focus on final
Michael Owen says his former club Liverpool must concentrate
on winning the Champions League this year rather than
fighting to defend it next season.
Liverpool play AC Milan in the final on 25 May but have been
denied the chance of entering next year's competition
through the Premiership.
And should they win in Istanbul, Liverpool will be hoping
for special dispensation to defend their title.
"It's going to be hard to win and they all have to focus on
that," said Owen.
"If they don't win there will be no complaints, but if they
do win I would expect a big campaign in England to Uefa to
see them given a place.
"If they win then it would be a strange situation if the
champions couldn't come and defend their crown.
"I wouldn't instigate a campaign but it would be a strange
situation. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
(BBC Sport Online)
Hamann: No decision yet
Didi Hamann insists there will be no decision on his Anfield
future until after the Champions League final, despite an
offer from Bolton Wanderers.
Hamann is out of contract in June and Sam Allardyce has put
the classy midfielder top of his summer wish-list.
"I've not agreed or signed any contracts," said Hamann
today.
"We've got two more important games and I'm not going to
think about my future until after we've played the final.
This game is too important for me to start thinking about
anything else before then."
Liverpool stalled on renewing the 31-year-old's terms
earlier in the season, which has prompted Bolton to register
their own interest.
The Lancashire side aren't the only club ready to pounce,
although their proximity to Merseyside would make them an
attractive alternative to a player who is settled in the
area.
However, Rafa Benitez will hold further talks with Hamann at
the end of the campaign and could yet convince him to pen a
short-term deal.
Hamann would naturally prefer to remain at Anfield.
(Liverpool Echo)
Anfield alerted as Van der Vaart hands in
transfer request
Former Liverpool target Rafael van der Vaart has handed in a
transfer request at Ajax.
The Dutch international was targeted for some time by former
Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier with a proposed transfer
falling through shortly before he was given the bullet.
Earlier this season Van der Vaart admitted that he had
spoken to Liverpool executives about a possible move with
nobody at Anfield coming out and rubbishing his claims.
Van der Vaart has just a year left on his existing deal and
with Rafa having tried to sign him while at Valencia, you
can expect him to register an interest, if he hasn't
done already.
(Kop Talk)
Liverpool slap £8million price tag on Kop
star
Liverpool are reportedly informing clubs interested in
buying Milan Baros this summer that they want to see at
least £8million in cash put on the table for the Czech
striker.
Baros has failed to reproduce the form he showed at Euro
2004 and while Rafael Benitez is in no rush to get shot of
him, the player is available for transfer providing
realistic offers come in.
(Kop Talk)
Cisse has chance to claim final place
Djibril Cisse is poised for his first Liverpool start in
more than six months to put Milan Baros under pressure for a
European Cup final starting place.
Cisse has not started a game since the horrific double
fracture of his leg sustained at Blackburn on October 30.
The Frenchman made a quicker-than-expected recovery to
return to the Liverpool squad for the Champions League
quarter-final at Juventus in March, making eight substitute
appearances including a 45-minute run-out at Arsenal on
Sunday.
And now the £14million signing from Auxerre could be handed
a place in attack for Sunday's final Premiership game at
home to Aston Villa.
With Fernando Morientes cup-tied and Neil Mellor and Florent
Sinama-Pongolle injured, Baros has been a regular starter in
the latter stages of the Champions League.
But his place in the final against AC Milan in Istanbul on
May 25 is under threat after a poor goal return that has
seen him net just three goals since his hat-trick against
Crystal Palace on November 13.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is now likely to give Cisse
the chance to stake his claim for European football's
showpiece occasion.
(Daily Post)
Perrin admits Diouf admiration
Portsmouth manager Alain Perrin admits he is an admirer of
Liverpool's El-Hadji Diouf but is put off by the player's
past.
The Senegal international has enjoyed an impressive campaign
on-loan at Bolton and is thought to be on his way to the
Reebok Stadium on a permanent basis in the summer.
Diouf was involved in an unsavoury spitting incident with
Pompey defender Arjen De Zeeuw earlier in the campaign and
is not a favourite figure amongst supporters of the South
Coast outfit.
However, Perrin concedes that he is a fan of the
temperamental-but-talented striker and that in different
circumstances, he would like to bring him to Fratton Park.
''Diouf is a big talent but there are some players who
struggle to control themselves,'' said Perrin.
''I would like to sign him but that would be difficult.''
(Sky Sports)
FA boost for Reds' hopes
The Football Association has vowed to carry on the fight for
Liverpool to be allowed to defend the Champions League title
if they beat AC Milan and win the trophy in Istanbul.
UEFA president Lennart Johansson yesterday again hinted that
a way could be found for the Reds to be allowed back into
next season’s tournament as holders, despite not qualifying
through the Barclays Premiership.
He urged the FA to make a written appeal to Europe’s top
brass after stating “the champion must always be given the
opportunity to defend the title”.
FA communications director Adrian Bevington responded by
saying: “We have been very proactive on this matter.
“We have already submitted a written request to have an
additional place for Liverpool should they win the Champions
League.
“If Mr Johansson has said we should put something in writing
to the UEFA executive committee then we are happy to send
another letter once again requesting an additional place for
Liverpool should they – as we all hope they do – win the
Champions League in Istanbul.”
(BreakingNews.ie)
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Thor Zakariassen
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