THURSDAY 9
	RBS move Reds' debt to toxic list Royal Bank of Scotland have switched the debt used to acquire Liverpool Football Club to its restructuring team. Many observers believe is a clear indication that George Gillett and Tom Hicks will not find it easy to restructure their finances and retain ownership of the Reds. Their hopes of engineering another deal may well now be impossible as the debt is effectively considered a toxic one. The extended £237 million loan facility inituially granted in February 2007 is set to expire on 6 October 2010. If the bank does not take direct control of the club it perhaps suggests they will play a huge part in finding a buyer. Effectively becoming a sixth board member. (Shankly Gates) John Toshack resigns as Wales manager after six years Wales manager John Toshack has quit his post with immediate effect. The 61-year-old's future had been unclear since Wales were beaten in their opening Euro 2012 qualifier in Montenegro last Friday. Toshack held meetings with the Football Association of Wales this morning before announcing his decision to call time on his six years in charge. Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs is one of the names mentioned as a possible successor. Toshack said he hoped his decision to leave his post as early will help keep alive Wales' hopes of qualifying for Euro 2012. 'Wales are still very much in this group, and now the decision has been made hopefully they'll be able to get some positive results in the next two games,' Toshack said. 'If the results do go against us, I think I would have preferred that to happen with me still in charge.I thought after three matches of this group we would review everything. Even after the disappointment of the game in Montenegro that was still the way I felt. But we have come to the agreement that this might be better for everyone concerned.' (Daily Mail) Thompson turns down Villa role Former Liverpool assistant Phil Thompson has turned down the chance to become a member of Gerard Houllier's backroom staff at Aston Villa. Anfield legend Thompson was Houllier's number two during his six-year stint as Reds' boss and the Frenchman was keen on rekindling the partnership in his new role as Martin O'Neill's successor at Villa Park. But Thompson has decided to reject the "flattering" offer and will remain in his role as a Sky Sports pundit. "Had circumstances been different, I would have been delighted to accept the chance to work with Gerard Houllier once again at Aston Villa," he said. "But I had to weigh up the pros and cons and while it was hugely flattering and enticing to be asked, I had no choice but to turn the offer down. "With Gerard, you are signing up to 12-hour days, you have to be totally committed. "I would throw myself at such a challenge but at the same time I do not want to uproot my wife and two boys and I'm not someone who could live away from them through the week." Houllier, 63, has been out of work since leaving Lyon in 2007 and returns to English football six years after his Anfield exit. He will be unveiled to the media on Friday and will take charge of his first game on Monday against Stoke. (TEAMtalk) Roy pleased with transfers Roy Hodgson is happy with his dealings in the transfer market this Summer. The boss has declared himself happy with the comings and goings in his first transfer window as Liverpool manager. (LFC Online) Babel determined to grab new chance at Liverpool Ryan Babel is determined to make the most of his new chance at Liverpool. Babel was reportedly used as a makeweight for West Ham frontman Carlton Cole on transfer deadline day, however a deal failed to materialise. And the Dutchman is determined to repay Hodgson by showcasing his talents to the Anfield faithful on a regular basis. "It's clear when a new manager comes in, everyone's chances are equal again with others," Babel told the club's official website. "It is positive for me and maybe everybody who was in a difficult situation. "I hope this is a chance for me to establish myself, but the first test for me is to work hard in every training session and try to show what I can do. In the end, it is the manager's decision if he uses me or not. "I am very confident and positive - I feel well and have been training well. Hopefully it is just a matter of time before I can get some confidence back to finally show everybody what I can do." (tribalfootball.com) Reds hopeful on Ngog injury Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson is hopeful striker David Ngog will be fit to face Birmingham City in the Premier League this Sunday. The Reds travel to St Andrews hoping to claim their second league victory of the season, but Ngog is struggling with a hamstring injury. (This is Anfield) Capello hails 'fantastic' Gerrard England manager Fabio Capello is happy to see Steven Gerrard loving life back in central midfield. The Liverpool skipper has in recent years been shunted around the field as a succession of managers sought to work around reservations about his defensive strength. Capello has followed Hodgson's lead in handing Gerrard the job he prefers in the middle of the park, at the same time maintaining the link-up with Rooney by dropping the Manchester United man deeper. "For a long time Steven Gerrard played for Liverpool like a second forward. This year he is playing like a midfielder," said Capello. "He has started to play fantastic. He wins back the ball and then makes really important passes." (PA Sport) Liverpool coach McMahon: Suso excites people Liverpool reserves coach John McMahon was delighted to see Suso score on debut in their 2-2 draw with Newcastle United. Reds management are excited by the potential of the 16 year-old Spaniard. McMahon told liverpoolfc.tv: "It was a great goal from Suso. He excites people and had a good first half but was disappointing in the second half when Newcastle got tighter to him. "We showed a good attitude and application and worked hard. I'm disappointed for the lads because for their effort and the amount of chances we created they deserved the three points." (tribalfootball.com)
	WEDNESDAY 8
	Agent links Inler with Reds move Gokhan Inler's agent claims Liverpool could make a move to sign the Udinese midfielder when the transfer window opens in January. Inler appeared in Switzerland's 3-1 defeat to England on Tuesday in their Euro 2012 qualifier and is regarded as one of his country's most talented players after moving to Italy three years ago. The 26-year-old has been linked with moves to Arsenal, Napoli and Inter Milan in the past, but so far there has been no concrete offers made for the midfielder, who decided to stay at Udinese. "I have not had direct contacts with Napoli for Inler. I know that the clubs have spoken, however, they showed no great interest to negotiate," the player's agent Dino Lamberti told Radio Quinta Rete. "With Inter Milan there were contacts in the last days of market but the agreement was not found. "Staying in Udine was also a decision of the boy, because the (Udinese's owners) Pozzo family wants to do a good championship and for Inler it's good to grow again, before taking a step in a great team. "When you go to a top team you must be able to play, otherwise after just two weeks you are forgotten. "Away in January? Never say never. Liverpool are also interested in Inler and already with Benitez they followed him." (TEAMtalk) Hodgson fears lengthy Kuyt absence Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson is concerned that forward Dirk Kuyt could be sidelined for far more than a month by a shoulder injury suffered while on international duty. The 30-year-old damaged shoulder ligaments while with the Netherlands squad and medical reports have suggested that he could be back in action in around four weeks. However, Hodgson believes that there is a chance that Kuyt could be sidelined for longer. He told the club's official website: "It could be more than four weeks. It's one of those injuries where it's very difficult for the doctor to say and I think four weeks is a very conservative estimate. "If we're lucky it could be earlier, but it could be longer. We have to be very careful because it's the type of injury that has to be treated with a lot of respect. "It's a great blow for us because Dirk is an important member of our first team. He does a job which is not easy to replace because he has all the qualities required for that role on the field. "I was very sad to see such a thing happen, especially in a training session. "He's a quick mender and he has a great mentality and attitude towards recovery, so he will be back as quick as is humanly possible." (Sport.co.uk) Kuyt injury latest Dirk Kuyt is hopeful he can be fit for Liverpool's Europa League trip to former club Utrecht later this month. The Dutchman was ruled out of action for up to four weeks after sustaining a shoulder injury while training with Holland earlier this week. Kuyt is now likely to miss upcoming clashes with Birmingham, Steaua Bucharest, Manchester United, Northampton and Sunderland - but he isn't ruling out an emotional return to the Stadion Galgenwaard on September 30. "I hope I will make it (for Utrecht) but it all depends on how the injury heals in the first few days," he said. "I have made a thousand of these moves before without any problems." (LFC Official Website) Swiss joy for Reds pair Steven Gerrard captained England as the Three Lions maintained their 100 per cent start to Euro 2012 qualification with a 3-1 win over Switzerland in Basel on Tuesday night. Gerrard and Liverpool teammate Glen Johnson played the entire 90 minutes at St Jakob Park - claiming an assist each as Fabio Capello's men secured a comprehensive victory. Elsewhere in European Championship qualifying, Martin Skrtel helped Slovakia to an impressive 1-0 success in Russia while Milan Jovanovic played for 64 minutes in Serbia's 1-1 home draw with Slovenia. Daniel Agger and Christian Poulsen went the distance for Denmark in a 1-0 triumph over Iceland in Copenhagen. However, there was disappointment for Raul Meireles, who played for 90 minutes as Portugal crashed to a 1-0 loss in Norway and also received a yellow card. Meanwhile, Pepe Reina endured a night to forget as Spain crashed to a 4-1 defeat in the glamour friendly with Argentina in Buenos Aires. The Liverpool custodian conceded three first-half goals before being replaced at half-time. Fernando Torres was an unused substitute for the World Cup winners. In U21 qualifying, Danny Wilson helped Scotland into the play-offs, figuring in every minute of a 2-1 win against Austria at Pittodrie. Martin Kelly was an unused substitute as England U21s sealed a spot in the finals courtesy of a 3-0 triumph over Lithuania. Peter Gulacsi kept a clean sheet as he skippered Hungary to a goalless draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina. (LFC Official Website)
	TUESDAY 7
	Amoo secures Newcastle draw Liverpool Reserves claimed their second point of the 2010-11 season as they came from behind twice in an enthralling 2-2 draw with Newcastle United in the North East on Tuesday evening. Philip Airey put Newcastle ahead on eight minutes when he converted a penalty after being tripped inside the box by Chris Mavinga. Suso netted an equaliser on his Barclays Premier Reserve League North debut with a thumping drive midway through the first period to spark a spell of real dominance for the Reds. Samuel Ameobi restored Newcastle's lead near the hour as he prodded the ball over the line following a goalmouth scramble. However, David Amoo found the net via a deflection with just over 10 minutes remaining to secure a well-deserved point for Liverpool. Liverpool Reserves: Hansen, Darby, Robinson, Irwin, Mavinga, Wisdom, Amoo, Roberts, Ngoo (Bruna 63), Suso, Ince. Subs: Flanagan, Chamberlain, Mendy, Cooper. (LFC Official Website) Hull maintain Liverpool contact for Ayala Hull City remain in contact with Liverpool for defender Daniel Ayala. The People says Hull want to take the Reds’ 18-year-old defender Ayala on a temporary deal for the rest of the season. The English loan market opens today. (tribalfootball.com) Houllier set for Prem return Gerard Houllier is set for a return to the Premiership. The former Liverpool boss will make a return to English football when he is appointed Aston Villa boss. Houllier will get the job tomorrow according to the BBC. Phil Thompson is being touted as a possible assistant manager as is current caretaker boss and another ex-Red Kevin McDonald. (LFC Online) Kuyt will be out injured for a month, Liverpool FC reveal Roy Hodgson was today coming to terms with the sickening blow of losing the services of Dirk Kuyt for a month. The Liverpool forward has ruptured ligaments in his shoulder after he landed awkwardly in Holland’s final training session at the ADO Den Haag stadium yesterday ahead of tonight’s Euro 2012 qualifier with Finland. Kuyt had helped the World Cup finalists kick-off their bid to reach Ukraine and Poland by opening the scoring in last Friday’s 5-0 win over San Marino. He returned to Merseyside immediately and will be assessed by Peter Brukner, the club’s Head Of Sports Science and Sports Medicince, at Melwood today. But he is now coming to terms with the fact this will be the longest lay-off of his four-year Liverpool career and his absence will be keenly felt in what will be a busy month for Hodgson. Aside from Sunday’s trip to Birmingham, Kuyt will miss Premier League games against Manchester United and Sunderland, a Carling Cup tie with Northampton, plus the start of Liverpool’s Europa League group campaign. That takes in an Anfield date with Steaua Bucharest and, more significantly, the trip to FC Utrecht on September 30 – they were Kuyt’s first professional club and provided him with the only winners’ medal of his career. Holland coach Bert Van Marwijk said: “He tries that manoeuvre a lot but this time it went wrong. He pulled some ligaments in his shoulder and maybe some are torn.” (Liverpool Echo) Ex-Red Hamann wants Anfield hot seat Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has revealed how he one day wishes to be in charge of the Reds, sitting in the Anfield hot seat. Now in a player-coach role at MK Dons, the German midfielder has always kept Liverpool close to his heart since his departure in 2006. “I can gain invaluable experience and learn things from my colleagues at MK Dons every day while I am doing my coaching badges,” said Hamann. “I want to play this year and then see. When I have my Pro licence, I will see where I am wanted. I would like to stay in this country but you never know. “And it would be nice to go back to Liverpool one day and to work in some capacity, play some part. Obviously to manage them would be a dream come true.” (This is Anfield) Thor Zakariassen ©