Red News                    

      
JANUARY 2006
28  29  30  31

TUESDAY 31
Rovers seal Sinama swoop
Blackburn have signed Liverpool striker Florent Sinama-Pongolle on a loan deal until the end of the season.
Manager Mark Hughes has also completed the signing of Arsenal's David Bentley for an undisclosed fee, with the attacking midfield man agreeing a three-and-a-half year deal at Ewood Park.
As revealed by skysports.com earlier on Tuesday, Hughes had turned his attentions to Sinama-Pongolle in a bid to pep up his side's striking options.
And the Welshman is delighted by his capture after beating off competition from the likes of Auxerre and Bordeaux for the former Le Havre youngster who is in search of regular first team football following a disjointed season at Anfield.
"We are very pleased with the business we have been able to conclude. We were keen to add to our striking options and welcome the opportunity to bring Florent here," Hughes told the club's official website.
(Sky Sports)  
  
Former Red sacked

Former Liverpool defender Mark Wright has been sacked as manager of Peterborough United for gross misconduct.
The 42-year-old was suspended last week following rumours of a bust-up behind the scenes and the League Two club side decided to sack him today after he failed to attend a disciplinary hearing at London Road earlier today.
A statement on the club's official website read: "It is with regret that the club announce the dismissal of Mr Mark Wright on the grounds of gross misconduct.
"A disciplinary hearing was held today when all matters were considered and the full evidence was investigated.
"Mr Wright failed to attend this hearing. The board therefore felt that there was no alternative but to take this course of action.
"The club feel badly let down particularly after giving Mark the chance to re-establish himself within the football community."
(Kop Talk)

Moores predicts bright future
Liverpool chairman David Moores believes the Reds' Champions League glory is merely the "first chapter in the modern-day history" of his club.
Writing in his annual report to shareholders, Moores added: "This is a valuable springboard for further and sustained success."
The financial report will show Liverpool - who will hold their annual general meeting on February 23, two days after the first leg of the Champions League last 16 clash with Benfica in Lisbon - made a profit after tax of £7.53million last year.
That compares with the previous year's loss of £18.22million, although the net debt has risen from £15.38million to £17.14million.
The accounts also reveal Liverpool have cut their wage bill from £66million to £64million - 53% of overall turnover, compared to 72% the previous year.
Turnover has risen by 32% to £121.05million, compared to the previous year's £91.57million.
(TEAMtalk)

Fowler set for bench role
Robbie Fowler may be on the bench for Liverpool against Birmingham but defender Jan Kromkamp is a major doubt after suffering an ankle injury in the FA Cup victory over Portsmouth at the weekend.
Manager Rafael Benitez will make some changes from the side that played at Fratton Park, with the likelihood that Steve Finnan will return at full-back and Harry Kewell on the left wing, while Peter Crouch is expected to return up front.
Fowler is expected to be in the squad after his free transfer return from Manchester City and can be assured of a hero's welcome on his return to Anfield.
Young defender Daniel Agger is also likely to be involved.
Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Agger, Riise, Warnock, Traore, Kewell, Gerrard, Hamann, Alonso, Sissoko, Cisse, Morientes, Crouch, Fowler, Carson.
(TEAMtalk)

Reds FA Cup date set
Liverpool's FA Cup 5th round meeting with Manchester United at Anfield has been set for Saturday, February 18th.
The match will kick-off at 12.30pm.
(LFC Official Website)

Benitez keen on a Scouse Anfield
Rafael Benitez wants a Scouse heart in his European Cup winning squad.
Robbie Fowler was unveiled at Anfield yesterday, joining Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Steven Warnock as the locals in a multi-national squad.
And the Reds' boss explained that it was important for him to have more locally based players at Anfield.
"One of the reasons for bringing Robbie back was to sign another local player," he explained. "You know I always say that the English players have the passion that you need and they know the Premier League.
"That was one idea - and if you can sign a local player it's good for team spirit in the dressing room."
(Liverpool Echo)

Raven joins Tranmere
Liverpool defender David Raven has joined Tranmere Rovers on loan for the rest of the season.
Raven, whose only first team appearance this season came in the Carling Cup defeat at Crystal Palace, has joined the Prenton Park outfit on loan until May 29th 2006. At the end of the loan period Raven will return to Melwood.
(LFC Online)

Gonzalez joins Sociedad
Mark Gonzalez has joined Real Sociedad on loan.
Winger Mark Gonzalez has joined Real Sociedad on loan for the rest of the season.
The Chilean international has been unable to play for the Reds due to work permit problem since joining in October so has decided to join Sociedad to regain fitness following a serious knee injury.
By returning to Spain, Gonzalez will qualify under EU residency laws and no longer require a work permit next July
(LFC Online)

Victor explains Reds collapse
Liverpool target Victor has revealed a disagreement between himself and Deportivo La Coruna ended his hopes of moving to Anfield.
The European champions had lined up a deal to sign the former Real Madrid man before the transfer window slams shut on Tuesday.
Victor, who is coming to the end of his contract, was hoping that Deportivo would pay him a fee for moving on.
But Deportivo refused to meet Victor's request and the winger insists he will now stay at La Riazor until the end of the season.
"It was impossible to pardon the money and in these circumstances I've preferred to stay in La Coruna and finish my contract in June," explained Victor.
Liverpool could rekindle their interest in Victor in the summer when he becomes
a free agent.
(Sky Sports)

Heskey so happy for Fowler
Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey says he hopes Robbie Fowler proves to be a big hit at Anfield.
Like Fowler, Heskey was also shown the door and while that was a huge wrench for him too, he believes because Fowler is a local lad, the blow of leaving the club in the first place must have been much harder to come to terms with.
Heskey said: "I am just happy he is there and I wish him all the best.
"I really hope he wins the contract he wants to get because Robbie is Liverpool through and through. He is almost a figurehead at that club.
"I think he will end up staying there now. He has still got a lot to offer and the advantage for him is he has got a manager that has brought the best out of a lot of players. I am sure the manager there could get the best out of Robbie again.
He added: "Robbie is a very approachable guy. He will give you advice whenever. At the club he was brilliant for a lot of people.
"People on Merseyside love him. He has done brilliantly for himself and the club and I know it will mean the world to him to go back."
(Kop Talk)

Rafa provides fresh transfer update
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says his wheeling and dealing in the transfer market could be over although he's admitted that their may still be at least one exit.
The window will slam shut at midnight this evening so you can expect a mad rush of activity in the game today as managers look to strengthen their squads for the final time this season.
"I think, for signing players, maybe that's the end," said Benitez.
"We may let a few go on loan as we have one or two options. Gonzalez is almost done with Real Sociedad - we have a verbal agreement.
"I am happy with Flo but I'd like him to play more games. Maybe he will go out on loan abroad, maybe he will stay in England."
(Kop Talk)

Anderson guides Reds to cup joy
A scintillatingsecond half performance saw Liverpool coast to victory in the FA Youth Cup fifth round against Burnley at Turf Moor.
Inspired by the brilliant wing play of Paul Anderson, a goal from Michael Nardiello and two from substitute Craig Lindfield secured a comprehensive 3-0 win that guarantees the young Reds a quarter-final tie at home to Carlisle United.
(Liverpool Echo)
MONDAY 30
Liverpool end Victor interest
Liverpool have ended their interest in signing Victor from Deportivo La Coruna after failing to reach an agreement with the Spanish club
With the transfer window closing on Tuesday, there was not enough time for talks to continue and so the move is now dead.
Reports in Spain suggest that Depor refused to budge in the negotiations and Reds boss Rafa Benitez pulled the plug on the deal that was expected to go through this week.
Victor's contract at Riazor expires in the summer and the player is hopeful that the deal can be resurrected then.
Spanish news agency EFE reported that Depor were keen to include Liverpool winger Mark Gonzalez as part of any deal, but when the Premiership side refused the discussions were brought to a halt.
Gonzalez has since joined Real Sociedad on loan for the rest of the season, while Victor is preparing to earn his place back in the Depor side in order to earn a move at the end of the current campaign.
(Sky Sports)

Fowler ready to turn back clock
Robbie Fowler believes he can turn back the clock and create another golden era for himself at Liverpool.
And defying the critics who doubt he can still handle the top flight by insisting: "I always have confidence in what I can do."
He said: "If you pray enough for things, I am proof that they can happen. I feel like a kid on Christmas day now, every day.
"Now I want to repay the manager's faith in bringing me back, it's great to be here.
"You can all tell by the look on my face how much I wanted to come back. It's something I've wanted for a long time and now I'm here."
(Sporting Life) 

Liverpool defender joins Tranmere
David Raven has signed for Tranmere Rovers, on loan until the end of the season.
The 20-year-old Liverpool defender has failed to gain first team experience and returns to the club he started his career as a teenager.
(LFC Online)  
 
Fowler was Rafa's pub plan

Rafael Benitez has revealed the idea to re-sign Robbie Fowler was hatched in his mind after he celebrated last season's Champions League semi-final triumph over Chelsea with the Kop legend in a Liverpool pub.
He said: "I first thought of the idea after the Chelsea game, he was in a pub - only with a soft drink - with us and we were talking about football.
"Steve McManaman was also there and you could hear all the fans saying 'you should sign Robbie on again' and things like that."
(Football 365) 

Rafa wants fight for places
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has insisted that Robbie Fowler's return to Anfield will help everybody by providing fierce competition for places.
The 30-year-old joined The Reds in a shock transfer last week, and the fans' favourite will be pressing hard for a regular place in the side.
"Robbie is a great finisher and provides us with another alternative up front," he enthused.
"I don't know if he will score one, two or 15 goals, but he is experienced and will be an important player for us."
(Sky Sports) 

Reds relishing clash of titans
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his Liverpool counterpart Rafael Benitez are relishing the chance to clash again after being drawn together in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
The clash of the north-west giants is the tie of the round and although United may hold the upper hand after their last-minute victory over the Anfield side just over a week ago, Ferguson is taking nothing for granted.
"It's a great tie for everyone. It's a hard draw,'' he told the club's website.
"But the FA Cup is all about difficult ties and dramatic games. And you can only really appreciate what winning is all about in the cup competitions by getting through the tougher matches.''
Benitez was in full agreement, although he hoped to benefit from home advantage.
"It won't be easy against a team of Manchester United's level but we will be at home and that gives us an advantage,'' he said.
"When we play to our full ability we can beat any team in the world and with our supporters behind us at Anfield I believe we can win this match.''
(Football 365)

Rafa: Cisse has a big future at Anfield
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has laughed off suggestions that Djibril Cisse is about to be sold.
Asked if Cisse still had a big future at the club, especially following the signing of Robbie Fowler, and Rafa said: "Yes. I say before that Cisse can play as a right-winger if necessary. He's a good striker.
"We are trying to use our players in the best positions for the team. In this case if we play with Robbie for example with Morientes we can use Cisse in the right position, also Crouch. We can manage with the players we have now.
"I was talking with him (Cisse) before the game and he was ok. No problems."
(Kop Talk)   
  
Liverpool draw United in FA Cup

Liverpool have been drawn to face Manchester United at Anfield in the fifth round of the FA Cup, following this afternoon's draw.
It presents the European Champions with an opportunity for revenge after the harsh 1-0 reverse at Old Trafford in the Premiership last weekend.
The tie will take place on the weekend of February 18th after the Reds overcame Portsmouth 2-1 at Fratton Park last night whilst United beat
Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0.
(Shankly Gates)

Full draw:
Preston / Crystal Palace v Coventry / Middlesbrough
Newcastle United v Southampton
Aston Villa v Manchester City
Everton / Chelsea v Colchester United
Charlton Athletic v Brentford
Liverpool v Manchester United
Bolton Wanderers v West Ham United
Stoke City v Reading / Birmingham City

Neville denies charge
Manchester United captain Gary Neville has denied the Football Association charge of improper conduct relating to his goal celebrations during the 1-0 win over Liverpool.
Neville was accused of inciting the Liverpool supporters following Rio Ferdinand's injury-time winner at Old Trafford on January 22.
The England full-back has requested a personal hearing which will be scheduled in
due course.
(Sporting Life)

Victor transfer update
Liverpool's interest in Deportivo La Coruna winger Victor is still alive despite unfounded internet rumours suggesting the Reds had ended their interest in the player after he had supposedly failed a medical.

Those claims were rubbish as he hasn't even undergone a medical yet.

Anyway, the current state of play is that both clubs have agreed a transfer fee for the 29-year-old but the transfer hasn't gone through yet due to the fact that Deportivo are pressurising him to give up a percentage of his salary to complete the move.

Victor said: "What I won't have is them trying to take advantage of me with the settlement payment.

"What's more they are only small amounts, monthly payments of my image rights and other small things.

"I won't let them manipulate me, it's a question of principals."

Deportivo president Augusto Cesar Lendoiro will meet Victor and his agent this morning before flying to the north west to hopefully conclude his transfer.

Liverpool are confident of concluding a deal before the window slams shut.
(Kop Talk)

Sociedad confirm loan deals
Real Sociedad have confirmed the loan signings of Mark Gonzalez from Liverpool and John Viafara from Portsmouth until the end of the season.
Chile midfielder Gonzalez has yet to play for the European champions due to work permit problems while Viafara has struggled to make an impact at Pompey after joining from Once Caldas last summer.
A statement on www.realsociedad.com read: "Real Sociedad have reached an initial agreement with Liverpool and Portsmouth for the transfers until the end of the season of players Mark Gonzalez and John Viafara, respectively.
"Both players will undergo on Monday a medical before they sign the contracts."
(Sporting Life)
SUNDAY 29
Rafa ready to play Fowler
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has revealed that he may play Robbie Fowler in Wednesday's Premiership clash against Birmingham.
Fowler last week made a surprising return to the club he left in 2001, but was ineligible for the FA Cup game at Portsmouth on Saturday after playing in Manchester City's third round tie.
The Reds are currently enjoying a fine run of form, but are still lacking a front man who regularly finds the back of the net, something which Benitez is keen to change.
"He is a first-class finisher with so much passion for the club and now we just have to see how fit he is to decide whether he plays against Birmingham," he declared.
"Our scouts advised he was a good signing to make and I have seen him several times.
"I think he is going to be a big asset for us. I know he is glad to have signed as he has taught me a new English phrase about being over the moon."
(Sky Sports)  
  
Gerrard pleased with progress

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard hopes for a "kinder" draw for the fifth round of the FA Cup after his side beat Portsmouth 2-1 at Fratton Park.
"They played a lot of long balls and we knew until we scored it wasn't going to be comfortable."
"Portsmouth away is a very difficult game, we have done well getting through here - hopefully the draw will be a bit more kind in the next round."
(TEAMtalk)  

Benitez believed to beat Pompey
Rafael Benitez admitted he was relieved to see Liverpool progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup after the 2-1 win over Portsmouth and felt it was a difficult night for his team.
"It was a difficult match for us and Portsmouth put us under a lot of pressure in the second half but I am happy to go through to the next round," explained Benitez.
(LFC Official Website)  

Nervous Reds see off Pompey
Liverpool were pushed all the way by a dogged Portsmouth side before coming through 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth round.
Two goals at the end of the first half seemed to have killed the tie as a contest, but Harry Redknapp's side came out fighting and in the end were unlucky not to earn at least
a replay.
(Sky Sports)

Sociedad seal double Prem raid
Real Sociedad have agreed loan deals with Liverpool for Mark Gonzalez and Portsmouth for John Viafara.
Gonzalez has been widely tipped to move back to Spain after failing to secure a work permit in England.
He joined The Reds from Albacete during the summer, but has so far been unable to commence his Anfield career.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has now agreed to loan the Chile international to Sociedad until the end of the season in the hope he might be able to secure an EU passport in time to play for the Merseysiders next season.
(Sky Sports) 
 
Kromkamp makes debut at Pompey

Jan Kromkamp will make his Liverpool debut tonight as he replaces Steve Finnan for the FA Cup 4th Round clash with Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
Kromkamp has so far made just three substitute appearances for the Reds, but he gets the nod tonight. And Rafa Benitez has also recalled Fernando Morientes and Stephen Warnock to his side in place of Harry Kewell and Peter Crouch.
Liverpool - Reina, Warnock, Carragher, Hyypia, Kromkamp, Gerrard, Alonso, Sissoko, Riise, Morientes, Cisse. Subs - Carson, Finnan, Kewell, Crouch, Traore.
(LFC Official Website) 
 
Mrs Cisse: Djibril's a big softy

The wife of Djibril Cisse has spoken out to rubbish claims that he's some kind of
wife beater.
It was reported last week that Lord Fordsham has received a caution from police for common assault - the lowest form of assault which can be just a push or a shove - and the national media are tryinging to dig some dirt on him as a result.
Speaking after the alleged incident, Lady Frodsham AKA Jude said: "Djibril is just a big softy. He's not capable of hurting me or anyone else.
"We were together last night and this morning. We're always together."
(Kop Talk)

Danns wants Gerrard dust-up
Colchester goal-hero Neil Danns is in no doubt who he would like to meet in the FA Cup fifth round following the 3-1 demolition of Derby.
A double from free-scoring midfielder Neil Danns and Richard Garcia's strike put the League One high-flyers into a three-goal lead, and a late Tommy Smith penalty could not mask Derby's inadequacies at a blustery Layer Road.
Danns, a 23-year-old Scouser, said: "I'd love to get Liverpool. They're my boyhood club so that would be a dream come true. I'd like a bit of a dust-up with Steven Gerrard in midfield."
Manager Phil Parkinson was more guarded in his outlook ahead of Monday's fifth round draw.
"Brentford away would be nice," he said, before heaping praise on his dynamic midfielder who now has 13 goals for the season.
"It's a tremendous strike rate for a midfield player. You just know that, at some point in a game, Neil will get a chance and he takes them."
(TEAMtalk)

Fowler motivation impresses Parry
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry is hoping Robbie Fowler's return to Anfield after five years away will revive the striker's stalled career.
Fowler, 30, joined Liverpool until the end of the season on Friday, having left the club for Leeds in 2001 before moving to Manchester City in 2003.
"I've never known a transfer happen quite so quickly, it was all done within 24 hours.
"I had to persuade Robbie to look at the contract. I think I could have put a contract in front of him with no money on it and he'd have signed it!
"He really was that desperate to come back."
(BBC Sport Online)

Alonso up for the cup
Xabi Alonso says the Reds will go all out to try and win the FA Cup this season.
Liverpool were accused of disrespecting the FA Cup last season when a scratch side was beaten by Burnley in the third round. That defeat served to show the likes of Alonso just how important the FA Cup is in this country and now the Basque wants to bring the famous old trophy back to Anfield.
"That came as a real shock to me, not just losing but the reaction to it," admitted Alonso.
"When we lost, I did not fully appreciate how important the Cup was and how much it meant to people."
(LFC Online)    

Redknapp fears the big man
Harry Redknapp is wary of Peter Crouch's threat as Portsmouth take on Liverpool this evening.
"He will win headers, no doubt, but what we have to do is ensure he wins them 12 to 15 yards out rather than six," said the Portsmouth boss, who was in charge at Southampton when Crouch made his move from St Marys to Anfield in the summer.
"He will certainly be a threat. I have always rated him and it was no surprise at all for me when he broke into the England squad.
"He is a good professional, a good player and a smashing person. I hope he goes to the World Cup with England and I am sure he will.
"For me, he is the perfect substitute to put on as a foil for Wayne Rooney or Michael Owen because, big as he is, he has a great touch on the floor as well."
(LFC Online)
SATURDAY 28
Thompson sounds Fowler warning
Former Anfield coach Phil Thompson has warned Robbie Fowler's army of fans they are unlikely to see their hero back to the lethal best last seen when he wore a Liverpool shirt.
But Thompson, assistant to Gerard Houllier when Fowler was shown the Anfield door in an £11million move to Leeds in 2001, believes the 30 year-old has the hunger and desire to prove it was worth Rafael Benitez taking the risk of bringing the striker back to Merseyside.
Fowler's shock signing on Friday - on an initial six month deal on a free transfer from Manchester City - has sent the Kop faithful wild with delight that the scoring ace they call 'God' is back at his spiritual home.
But Thompson struck a warning note by saying: "I don't think we will see the Robbie Fowler of old.
"It's asking a lot for him to get back to what he was at the pinnacle of his career, and there are reasons for that, basically the injuries."
(TEAMtalk) 

Kewell reveals injury fears
Harry Kewell feared he would never be able to play again at the highest level as he battled back from a year of injury misery.
Two summer operations, on groin and muscle problems, have seen the Australian midfielder reclaim his place in the Liverpool side and at last show the Liverpool fans the form which made his name at Leeds.
And the 27-year-old has vowed to "never, ever" look back at the period when his depression and fitness levels threatened to wreck his Anfield career.
Kewell is expected to play in his ninth successive match when Liverpool face Portsmouth in the FA Cup fourth round at Fratton Park, by far his longest unbroken spell in the side in over a year.
"I knew I was always going to play again but I did wonder whether I was ever going to play at the level that I could play at. I did question myself," Kewell admitted.
"Halfway through the injury it was hard, it was very difficult for me. I kept thinking 'would this pain ever go away?'
"But I had my club medical staff and Australian medical staff who were helping me. They said I had to persist with what I was doing."
(PA Sport)     
  
Leeds continue to pay Fowler's wages

Leeds United have confirmed that they will continue to pay Robbie Fowler's wages even though he's now back at the club he originally left to sign for them.
The Elland Road outfit were so desperate to get Fowler off their wage bill when they were making huge cutbacks throughout the club that they agreed to pay a substantial percentage of his wages to push him in the direction of Manchester City.
Despite Fowler now having left City for Liverpool, Leeds have confirmed that the deal remains in place.
Leeds United's chief operating officer Shaun Harvey said. "Our agreement is with Robbie Fowler and as such there will be no change.
"Leeds are not going to be relieved of any financial burden, the deal was agreed that Leeds would continue to pay Robbie Fowler until the middle of 2006 and that deal stands no matter where he plays."
(Kop Talk)  
 
Rush hails return of prodigal son

Anfield legend Ian Rush claims the signing of Robbie Fowler could be worth an additional 10 points per season for Liverpool.
Thirty-year-old Fowler returned to the club last night on a free transfer from Manchester City, initially on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
But Rush is confident Fowler will make a success of his second spell at Liverpool, and is predicting Rafael Benitez will use him as an impact player off the bench.
"Of course, they say you should never go back. And, to be quite honest, the situation is not quite the same as when I returned after a year at Juventus," said Rush.
"I like to think I was still in my prime whereas Robbie is 30 and not exactly a 90-minute player these days."
(TEAMtalk) 

Cisse future under the spotlight
The shock return of Robbie Fowler to Liverpool casts further doubt on the Anfield future of striker Djibril Cisse.
On Friday, 30-year-old Kop idol Fowler completed a dream move back to his spiritual home after Manchester City allowed him to leave on a free transfer.
And with Cisse struggling for confidence and form, should Fowler quickly rediscover his eye for goal at a club where he previously scored 173 goals in 330 appearances the France forward could be staring at an ignominious exit.
Cisse missed a sitter in the 1-0 defeat against Manchester United last weekend and on Thursday evening he was cautioned for common assault after police received a call from his pregnant wife Jude asking for assistance.
But it is the arrival of the man affectionately called God at Anfield which is the biggest threat to £14million signing made by Gerard Houllier - ironically the man who oversaw Fowler's exit in 2001.
(TEAMtalk)

Fowler handed 11
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has been handed the number 11 squad number.
Neither 23 (Carragher) or 9 (Cisse) was available so he's taken the vacant number 11.
(Kop Talk)

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