TUESDAY 6
	Kuyt helps Holland to World Cup Final Holland 3-2 Uruguay There was delight for Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt this evening as Holland beat Uruguay 3-2 in the World Cup Semi-Final at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town to book themselves a place in Sunday’s Final. (This is Anfield)  Torres sweating on semi place Fernando Torres believes that this Spain team will be talked about for years to come if they beat Germany - the only doubt is whether the Liverpool striker will start the match. Torres has been in the starting XI for all of Spain's games bar the opener against Switzerland where the European champions were shocked to be defeated 1-0. Torres said: "No player is assured of a place in the starting XI. A player has to give 100% in his fight for a place in the team. But if he isn't given the nod by the boss, then he has to cheer on the side from the sidelines. "If I score against Germany and it takes us to the final that would be unbelievable. "I hope history can be repeated but above all, that the team wins." (Press Association Sport)  Cruyff hails Liverpool man Dirk Kuyt was today praised by one of the greatest footballers ever to play the game. Dutch icon Johan Cruyff has been in awe of the Liverpool man's exploits in helping Holland reach their first World Cup semi-final in 32 years. Kuyt has played across the front line for Bert van Marwijk's men during the finals, making his mark with a group stage goal against Denmark and an assist for Wesley Sneijder's winner during a quarter-final victory over Brazil. Speaking ahead of tonight's clash with Uruguay, Cruyff said: "Look at what he did. He started on the right, then at forward and against Brazil on the left. "Not only did he keep Maicon out of the game, he also set up the winner. "Someone like that is worth his weight in gold." (LFC Official Website) More backing for Roy Former Blackburn assistant boss Tony Parkes has had his two cents worth in regard to Roy Hodgson’s appointment as new Liverpool manager, declaring his former boss the perfect man for the job. Parkes, who worked with Hodgson during his years at Blackburn Rovers between 1997 and 1998, says Hodgson is the perfect man to sheer the Liverpool ship. “I think with the players he’s got to coach and work with at Liverpool, I think he’ll be the ideal manager,” Parkes told BBC Radio Merseyside. (This is Anfield) Roy explains route to LFC Roy Hodgson believes his insatiable appetite for football may have kept him away from a job at one of Europe's elite clubs for so long. Hodgson has been a football manager for 34 years and his previous most high-profile job came when he coached Inter Milan in the 1990s. The new Anfield boss thinks his love for the game may have held back his career in the past. "I wouldn't say I've done things the hard way because there are all kinds of routes a person can take in football management that throw up contrasting challenges," Hodgson told LFC Weekly magazine. "It would be disrespectful to other managers to say that I've had it tougher. What I would say is that my route to Liverpool has been slightly different." (LFC Official Website) Gerrard: Capello can still call on me Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard insists he will not call time on his international career despite England's World Cup disappointment. The midfielder skippered Fabio Capello's side through their faltering Group C campaign followed by the 4-1 second-round loss to Germany. "I expect there to be a lot of changes to the squad and it is up to the manager whether I am selected, but I am going to continue to make myself available for my country." (TEAMtalk)   10 games moved for live TV LIVERPOOL v ARSENAL - Moves to Sunday, August 15 - Kick-Off 4pm. This game will be transmitted live on Sky Sports. MANCHESTER CITY v LIVERPOOL - Moves to Monday, August 23 - Kick-Off 8pm. This game will be transmitted live on Sky Sports. BIRMINGHAM CITY v LIVERPOOL - Moves to Sunday, September 12 - Kick-Off 4pm. This game will be transmitted live on Sky Sports. MANCHESTER UNITED v LIVERPOOL - Moves to Sunday, September 19 - Kick-Off 1.30 pm. This game will be transmitted live on Sky Sports. EVERTON v LIVERPOOL - Moves to Sunday, October 17 - Kick-Off 1.30 pm. This game will be transmitted live on Sky Sports. BOLTON WANDERERS v LIVERPOOL - Moves to Sunday, October 31 - Kick-Off 1.30 pm. This game will be transmitted live on Sky Sports. LIVERPOOL v CHELSEA - Moves to Sunday, November 7 - Kick-Off 4pm. This game will be transmitted live on Sky Sports. STOKE CITY v LIVERPOOL - Remains on Saturday, November 13 but kick-off is now 5.30 pm. This game will be transmitted live on ESPN. LIVERPOOL v WEST HAM UNITED - Remains on Saturday, November 20 but kick-off is now 5.30 pm. This game will be transmitted live on ESPN. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR v LIVERPOOL - Moves to Sunday, November 28 - kick-off 4pm. This game will be transmitted live on Sky Sports. Supporters should also note the following three changes: WIGAN ATHLETIC v LIVERPOOL - Due to our home game against Chelsea being moved to Sunday, November 7 our away game at Wigan Athletic has been put back 24 Hours and will now be played at the DW Stadium, Wigan on Wednesday, November 10 - kick-off 7.45 pm. LIVERPOOL v MANCHESTER CITY - This game scheduled to be played at Anfield Saturday, April 9 2011 has been moved on Police advice to the following day (Sunday, April 10) due to The Grand National being staged at Aintree on the Saturday. Kick-Off on Sunday, April 10 will be at 3.00 pm. LIVERPOOL v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR - This game scheduled to be played at Anfield on Saturday, May 14 2011 has been moved to the following day (Sunday, May 15) thereby avoiding a clash with the FA Cup Final which is being played at Wembley Stadium on the Saturday. Kick-Off on Sunday, May 15 will be at 3.00 pm. However, please note that it has been mutually agreed with Tottenham Hotspur that in the event of either club (or both) reaching the Europa League final in Dublin on Wednesday, May 18, then this fixture will revert back to Saturday, May 14, with the kick-off time to be announced. If either club (or both) reach the FA Cup final on Saturday, May 14, then this fixture will be rearranged again. Meanwhile, Liverpool FC have also confirmed our home games against Wolverhampton Wanderers (Tuesday, 28th December 2010) and Bolton Wanderers (Saturday, 1st January 2011) will both kick-off at 3pm. (LFC Official Website) Report: Liverpool set to snap up Twente attacker Bryan Ruiz Roy Hodgson is determined to kick off his Liverpool refurb with the capture of Twente hot shot Bryan Ruiz, according to the Daily Mail. (Goal.com)   Newcastle defender Taylor wants Liverpool move Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor is eager to see a move to Liverpool happen. The Daily Express says Taylor is set to quit Newcastle United for Liverpool after becoming frustrated by the club’s lack of ambition as they return to the Premier League. (tribalfootball.com)  Roman jets out for £55m Torres Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has flown to South Africa to try to complete the signing of Fernando Torres, with sources telling Soccernet he is willing to pay up to £55 million. (ESPN Soccernet) Liverpool eyeing Wigan defender Figueroa Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is believed to be keen on Wigan left-back Maynor Figueroa and reportedly plans to beat Sunderland to the punch. (tribalfootball)
	MONDAY 5
	Hodgson tells Babel and co. it’s time to shine New Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has given hope to Liverpool’s benchwarmers, saying that everyone in the squad will have a chance to impress and secure a first team place this coming season. The new Premier League campaign doesn’t begin for over a month, but the Reds’ busy pre-season campaign gets underway shortly and Hodgson has confirmed he is open to fringe players getting a look-in. He said, “Whenever a new manager comes in, players who have been on the periphery start to see it and maybe think, ‘This could be my chance, I’ll have a go.’ “You’d be foolish as a manager not to give them that chance.” (This is Anfield) Agent denies talk of Torres exit Fernando Torres' agent has denied making the comments published in the English press on Monday regarding the striker's future at Liverpool. Agent Jose Antonio Martin reportedly refused to commit the Spain forward's long-term future to Anfield and indicated he could move to another Premier League club. But Martin insists he did not make the remarks and is adamant 26-year-old Torres, who is contracted at Liverpool until 2013, will remain with the Reds. "For many months I have not spoken to the England press because their quotes are totally false," said Martin. "Now is not the moment to speak about this issue because Torres is focused completely on his work for Spain. "After the World Cup (player-agency company) Bahia Internacional will possibly meet with the player but the truth is that Fernando has signed a deal with Liverpool which is for the present and the future." It was also rumoured that Torres was set for a make-or-break meeting with Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson in the coming days to discuss his future, but Bahia Internacional sources have dismissed this claim as "simple speculation". (TEAMtalk) Report: Chelsea hope to land Torres with £50m bid Chelsea hope to do business with Liverpool for striker Fernando Torres to the tune of £50 million. The People says Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is primed to offer £50m for Torres, who looks ­destined to leave Liverpool after comments this morning from his agent. (tribalfootball.com)   Report: Barcelona will offer £24m for Mascherano Barcelona are set to make an opening bid for Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano. The Mirror says Barcelona are planning to tempt Liverpool with a £24million offer for Mascherano. (tribalfootball.com)  Liverpool FC commercial director heading to Singapore for major conference Ian Ayre, the commercial director of English soccer club Liverpool FC, has confirmed that he will be speaking at the Soccerex Asian Forum in Singapore later this month. Though Liverpool have suffered setbacks on the pitch in the last 12 months, and their ownership remains unresolved - the Anfield club is currently up for sale - the club's commercial team have secured a number of lucrative deals in recent months. The most notable of them is the club's new shirt sponsorship with Standard Chartered, worth well in excess of US$100 million and specifically aimed at targeting the Asian market, including Singapore, in which Liverpool are so popular. "It's great to be involved with the Soccerex Asian Forum," said Ayre. "Asia is a hugely important market for Liverpool FC and it is essential to recognise and respect its values when doing business there. I look forward to sharing my experiences at the Forum, and hopefully to catch up with old friends and meet new faces in the industry." (SportsPro Media)
	SUNDAY 4
	Torres puts Hodgson talks on hold Liverpool's Spanish international striker Fernando Torres will talk with the club's new manager Roy Hodgson about his future after the World Cup. Torres, 26, has been linked with moves to Manchester City and Chelsea. But having missed the final stages of the Premier League season after knee surgery, he has yet to score in South Africa and has looked off the pace. "I've an important week and after that I'll have time to talk with Hodgson and talk about my future," he said. "I was happy Hodgson got the job," added Torres. "I haven't had a chat with him yet but I will talk with him soon and we will see his ideas about the future. (BBC Sport Online) Ayala heading back to Spain Liverpool defender Dani Ayala is set for a season-long loan move to Spanish second division club Real Valladolid, with a view to a permanent move. The youngster joined the Anfield club from Sevilla back in September 2007 and Reds reserve team coach John McMahon claimed that the 19-year-old had all the attributes to succeed. However, the hot Spanish prospect only has one year left on his contract and, following Rafa Benitez's move to Spain, he is now excited to be possibly returning to his homeland with Valladolid, who were relegated from La Liga last season. "Right now I am waiting to see what my future is because I don't know what will happen now Benitez has left. I am happy at Liverpool but I would be very excited to play in Spain," he said in The People. Ayala made five appearances for Liverpool last season, starting two games, against Stoke and Burnley. (Sky Sports) Spirit of Shankly Independence Day rally attracts thousands of Liverpool FC fans to St George's Hall Organisers of a mass rally held today to demonstrate against the current American ownership of Liverpool FC said they were delighted with the turn-out. Around 2,000 people gathered at St George’s Plateau as part of the continuing campaign to remove Tom Hicks and George Gillett as owners. The date of July 4 was chosen by organisers the Spirit of Shankly because of its symbolic importance as American Independence Day, and to launch the group’s own plans for independence. The main focus of the event was the launch of a supporter ownership scheme through the setting up of a credit union. Among those attending the rally were Bill Shankly’s grand-daughter Karen Gill who replicated her grandfather's famous stance on the Hall steps, LFC legend John Aldridge and comedian John Bishop. There were also performances from Liverpool musicians, including Ian McNabb, John Power, Peter Hooton and Pete Wylie. (Liverpool Daily Post) Woy to splash that cash The headline from The News of the World looks pretty good for Liverpool fans. 'Hodgson in line for £40million kitty' promises the paper. Sounds smashing, especially given that the consensus earlier in the week seemed to be that his transfer budget will only be £15million. However, read the acutal story and the reality is slightly different. There's talk elsewhere about the players that Mr Hodgson might bring in to Liverpool. The Mail on Sunday reports that Ashley Young is top of his wish-list, partly because Hodgson fancies a few more Brits among his merry Scouse band. And on that theme, The Sunday Mirror reports that Newcastle's Steven Taylor is another target. However, going against that grain, the same paper reports that Hodgson is sniffing around a deal for Ivory Coast winger Gervinho, but only if his club Lille drop their £10million asking price, with Woy only prepared to bid £8million. (Football 365)  Hodgson: I hope I can stay pals with Sir Alex New Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson hopes he can maintain his friendship with Manchester United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson. At the end of last season, the Manchester United coach hailed the Cottagers’ progress to the Europa League final as one of the greatest ever achievements by a British club. But Hodgson’s arrival at ­Anfield could be the end of a beautiful friendship. The bitter rivalry between the two giants was stoked up during Rafa Benitez’s reign, when Rafa and Ferguson regularly traded verbal blows. “I know Sir Alex is not really a Liverpool man,” said ­Hodgson, “so I’m a bit ­concerned about my excellent relationship with him. “I sincerely hope he forgives me for moving north and hopefully we can have a glass of wine together, maybe in secret. “I hope that’s how he is going to see it – but he is one of the people I intend to ring to find out. “I rang the Fulham chairman (Mohamed Al Fayed). That was one phone call I had to get out of the way. Alex might be the next one.” (tribalfootball.com) Hodgson wants to bring more British talent through New Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson wants to bring more British talent to Anfield. Hodgson signalled there would be a change in direction from Benitez’s fondness for buying Spanish players – and vowed Liverpool would be going for more home-grown talent. He said: “We have to fall back on English players with the way UEFA and Premier League rules are going. “We’ve got to get more homegrown players because otherwise we’re going to struggle to get our squad numbers together. “Kenny Dalglish (the youth academy ambassador) can play a very important role in this.” (tribalfootball.com) Thor Zakariassen ©