The summer of little cash

[Fowler_God]

I have to say that this summer is starting to feel a little like last year (the one that was supposdly never to be repeated).

While most are saying Rafa has a shed load of cash to spend, but is trying to send out the message we are skint, i believe we are actually skint (in trasnfer money terms)
If we did have a few bob then i believe he would have signed Alves by now as he appears his number 1 target for the right, but trying to call Sevilles bluff for so long now appears to mean we are skint.
In net spend Rafa has not spent mega since he has been here, and this is his 3rd summer here now and in that time he has brought in the extra revenue of 2 successful cup runs which would not have been budgeted for.

Obviously the more you spend on a player does not mean they will become a great player, but having the money there in the first place gives you 'more possiblites' as Rafa aould say. So if we are being pissed about like we are by sevilla then instead of only really having pennant as the other option we would have the money to make several others an option too.

The only real reason i can see that Rafa is having to piss around in the transfer market and allowing it, is because Moores and Parry are trying to make the club more attractive to investment, (kind of like the villa princable, but not as bad).
If the club accounts show a good couple of years of results, i.e good profit, reducing costs and reducing debts then Moores/parry have the upper hand in any potential investment deal. So for now Rafa knows he has to play the market, but with the promise of a pot of gold at the end of it.
Judging by Rafa signing his new contract then he must have been made assurances about something, which we all presumed was a bucket full of cash to play with this summer, but possible it was something more long term that he was promised, so the summer of frustration will continue.

[FaganK]

You know if this summer works out like last summer i will be very happy. the players rafa brought in last summer brought us an extra 20points in the league!

there is a common misconception that we must sign so called 'big names', but i think people forget that our side is alread full of big names,such as reina, gerrard, alonso, finnan, kewell, carragher. all of who'm we'd be wetting ourselves if were being linked with this summer.

we have signed bellamy who in reality is worth 12M so he is a big name striker.

i dont think we are as skint as people say. every summer we say it and we end uyp spedning a fair bit of cash. i dont want us to be like newcatle who throw silly money at big name players despite being 90M in debt and have nothing to show for it.

i still think we will sign alves and another striker and maybe even pennant aswell.

alves is not a 'big name' in my opinion, before we were linked with him, most of us knew little of him, its only cause of this drawn out saga that we have built him up.

im not worried, noone esle has signed anyone really, we still have over a month to get people in.

in rafa i trust

[Neuklon]

I'm not worried yet as I'm hopeful Rafa has about

[kurtangle01]

i think it's common that we as fans get concerned when we appear to be outspent by the likes of tottenham and newcastle but i don't neccesarily think that being outspent is a bad thing.

we have a shrewd manager in rafa who covers all bases when it comes to scouting and transfers and despite rick parrys flaws he will also back rafa where ever possible.

i like the idea of signing unknown players and watching them develop into top class ones whilst the likes of newcastle and tottenham try and sign anyone with a big reputation and ultimately fail in their quest for glory.

i think rafa signed his contract because he realised that he was in a job where he was given freedom, something that he wouldn't have got in spain, and that had he not signed the contract speculation about his future would still have been going on today.

[rcasemore]

I must admit this does feel like a long drawn out summer again on the transfer front but that being said getting the right man for the right price takes time and a lot of effort.

It is good to see that we don't just cave into the over the top demands of clubs for their players as we have done in previous managers era's.

By the end of the summer I am sure Rafa and us fans will be very happy with who has been bought in!!
:D

[MrMichael]

So far I think we have had a pretty successful summer, once again without spending silly money. We've brought in considerably more than both ManUre and Arsenal have at this point, and the point that last summer's frugal spending brought us a 20 point improvement is a good one.

We are unable to compete financially with Chelsea, so why should we even try? Everyone likes to see the club making big signings as a statement of intent, but would we all be pleased if we had spent

[Pacman]

I think Rafa treats the money he spends as if it's how dosh. He's careful not to pay over the odds for a player and if the right one isn't available he'll wait. When he was at Valencia he went one summer not buying anyone. He wanted to strengthan but the players he thought could improve the team weren't available so he waited until they were.

I don't think we are flush but I doubt we are skint as Bascombe is making out. I think the board will give Rafa the money if he really needs it. We have a great manager and I don't think Liverpool Football Club will allow him to leave because they didn't back him in the transfer market.

I'm sure we'll sign one, two or maybe 3 more players but I agree with Fagan in that they wont be big names or so called 'star players'. As our great manager states 'it's all about tables and legs'.

[rcasemore]

I couldn't agree more with what we have been doing on the transfer front, as you have said Speedy, Palleta, Bellamy and Aurelio for c.

[kopite]

I have to say that this summer is starting to feel a little like last year (the one that was supposdly never to be repeated).

While most are saying Rafa has a shed load of cash to spend, but is trying to send out the message we are skint, i believe we are actually skint (in trasnfer money terms)
If we did have a few bob then i believe he would have signed Alves by now as he appears his number 1 target for the right, but trying to call Sevilles bluff for so long now appears to mean we are skint.
In net spend Rafa has not spent mega since he has been here, and this is his 3rd summer here now and in that time he has brought in the extra revenue of 2 successful cup runs which would not have been budgeted for.

Obviously the more you spend on a player does not mean they will become a great player, but having the money there in the first place gives you 'more possiblites' as Rafa aould say. So if we are being pissed about like we are by sevilla then instead of only really having pennant as the other option we would have the money to make several others an option too.

The only real reason i can see that Rafa is having to piss around in the transfer market and allowing it, is because Moores and Parry are trying to make the club more attractive to investment, (kind of like the villa princable, but not as bad).
If the club accounts show a good couple of years of results, i.e good profit, reducing costs and reducing debts then Moores/parry have the upper hand in any potential investment deal. So for now Rafa knows he has to play the market, but with the promise of a pot of gold at the end of it.
Judging by Rafa signing his new contract then he must have been made assurances about something, which we all presumed was a bucket full of cash to play with this summer, but possible it was something more long term that he was promised, so the summer of frustration will continue.


Good post, I would agree with yourcomments as it best reflects the feelings of most fans,

But needless to say if money was that tight ,why go, for the likes of Kuyt and Alves, why not just go for season loan deals ?

Juventus and the like are looking quite good due to their situation

[LFCman]

Have Liverpool ever really been a big spending club though?

I know that we SHOULD be in a position to at least afford a 10 mill player for Rafa. But how do we know if it is that we are skint or if it is actually Rafa himself who doesn't like to be ripped off?

Other clubs haven't really been running hot in the transfer market so we have no reason to panic yet IMO. In fact it's probably us who have strengthened best considering the money we have spent.

[Kinell]

Possibly the board are a little hesitant about transfers funds at the moment because of the new stadium financial situation?

[JRG]

Have Liverpool ever really been a big spending club though?

I know that we SHOULD be in a position to at least afford a 10 mill player for Rafa. But how do we know if it is that we are skint or if it is actually Rafa himself who doesn't like to be ripped off?

Other clubs haven't really been running hot in the transfer market so we have no reason to panic yet IMO. In fact it's probably us who have strengthened best considering the money we have spent.

Well siad, I think his prudenec has been shown to be effective, and we've got real qaulity for relatively little outlay..Maureen on the other hand has gambled quite a bit - we'll see who is the most effcetive.:lfc:

[anfieldanfield]

So far I think we have had a pretty successful summer, once again without spending silly money. We've brought in considerably more than both ManUre and Arsenal have at this point, and the point that last summer's frugal spending brought us a 20 point improvement is a good one.

Strongly disagree.

Last summer we brought in Reina, Sissoko and Crouch, for a combined fee of around

[MrMichael]

Fair points, but I'm going to stick to my guns. We had considerably more work to do last summer, this year should really be more about fine tuning. Including purchases in January; Bellamy I think will offer far more options than Cisse ever could, Fowler will more than adequately replace Morientes, and the signing of Aurelio will see the departure of, god love him and thanks, Traore. Agger and Paletta will atleast provide significantly better cover for Hyppia and Carra than we had, while Gonzales may be an unknown quantity but has something we have been lacking in bag-fulls, pace down the wing.

Although we have yet to bring in the quality right winger we all crave, and could probably do with another striker and some centre-mid cover, I really don't think we are far off now at all. Given the almost total lack of expenditure I think that qualifies as atleast reasonably successful so far :D

[PLY]

I'm happy with the signings so far and there seems to be a distinct possibility that we're waiting to confirm Champions League qualification before spending further.

Gonzalez provides at least another option on the left wing , Bellamy is significantly better than Cisse IMO , Aurelio is far better competition for Riise than Traore and Paletta may just provide Carra with a much needed rest in a couple of games. That is improvement all over the pitch as far as I'm concerned and if we can add the elusive right midfielder to that list I'll be well happy.

[SouthAfricaRed]

Aurelio should prove to be a good signing, but to be honest, we've already got Riise, who's a top class left back and Warnock, who's decent cover, so in all honesty, it's not an area in which we deserately needed to recruit.

It's been a poor summer so far, very poor in fact.

I think this quote will come back to haunt you as much as your Fowler one in January. :haha:

Traore and Warnock were the weak Link in our defence last season. It obviously needed sorting out. Riise is a Good squad player but not a Top Class Left Back by any stretch of the imagination.

We'll discuss Aurelio and his impact after a few Months of this season. ok? The same Goes for Gonzalez

Aurelio and Gonzalez will provide the team with something that Only Garcia and Gerrard has consistently done thus far. Moments of Brilliance that changes a game. From what I've seen, they can be very frustrating, but have that special ability to produce something out of Nothing. They are also both very Good at set Pieces.

Of the 4 players bought so far, Aurelio, Gonzalez and Bellamy will be regular starters this season. Paletta is a youngster and will give Sami and Carra much needed Resting oppertunities. He's looked more than useful in the Two halves he's played in Friendlies so far. :cool:

[LFCman]

Possibly the board are a little hesitant about transfers funds at the moment because of the new stadium financial situation?

I think our stadium situation would have to definately have an impact on our transfer funds.

Still, at least we are building a team rather then doing a Chelski and going spend crazy. Even if we did get investment I'd still hope that we operated similar to how we do now.

[brendan]

We've made Everton look like Roman Fc so far.

[brendan]

Still, at least we are building a team rather then doing a Chelski and going spend crazy. Even if we did get investment I'd still hope that we operated similar to how we do now.

Yeah, I'm sure Roman Fc fans are fucking GUTTED with their twice-crowned tean of Premiership champions.

Ahboohoohoohoohoo

[FowlerLeftFoot]

yes, they won 2 titles but they have earned no respect

[anfieldanfield]

[/I][QUOTE=brendan]We've made Everton look like Roman Fc so far.

[SouthAfricaRed]

Yeah, I'm sure Roman Fc fans are fucking GUTTED with their twice-crowned tean of Premiership champions.

Ahboohoohoohoohoo

The Most important question is this.

Is Roman happy with winning the Premiership twice at the cost of 250 million?

I think not. :haha:

[SouthAfricaRed]

[/I]

Prepare to be gutted then,

We've been after a right winger and a 'goal scorer', ever since Rafa arrived and to be honest, we look as far away as ever to finding those two 'missing pieces of the jigsaw'.

As it stands, I can't see how we're much stronger than last season to be honest.

*sigh*

A Bold statement to make with 37 days remaining in the Window :confused:

[anfieldanfield]

The Most important question is this.

Is Roman happy with winning the Premiership twice at the cost of 250 million?

I think not. :haha:

Erm, are you aware that he's worth a tad more than a mere 250m ?

Surely it's bleedingly obvious by now the Russian doesn't care how much money has to be pumped into Chelsea, as long as it's ultimately successful, which so far, nobody can deny, it has been.

Dear me.

[SouthAfricaRed]

Erm, are you aware that he's worth a tad more than a mere 250m ?

Surely it's bleedingly obvious by now the Russian doesn't care how much money has to be pumped into Chelsea, as long as it's ultimately successful, which so far, nobody can deny, it has been.

Dear me.

Yes 250 million is nothing to Roman, but he wont be happy winning the League only. He wants European success. Untill he does, he wont be happy. If Jose fails to win the CL this season, he will be replaced, just wait and see. Already the transfers this season, shows that Roman is dictating the players bought.

[brendan]

[/I]

Prepare to be gutted then,

We've been after a right winger and a 'goal scorer', ever since Rafa arrived and to be honest, we look as far away as ever to finding those two 'missing pieces of the jigsaw'.

As it stands, I can't see how we're much stronger than last season to be honest.

*sigh*

Oh come on, that's shite.

Who have we lost? Cisse is a blow, but we have replaced his pace with Bello, who should surprise a few people, and hopefully mean that Lurch plays less.

Fcuking Spanish Erik is no loss.

We've brought in two defenders and a nippy winger in Gonzo.

The squad is FAR stronger.

[brendan]

A Bold statement to make with 37 days remaining in the Window :confused:

Perhaps he's just remembering what happened last year?

[SouthAfricaRed]

Perhaps he's just remembering what happened last year?

Perhaps, but Last year didn't turn out too bad, Did it?

[Infadel]

[/I]

Prepare to be gutted then,

We've been after a right winger and a 'goal scorer', ever since Rafa arrived and to be honest, we look as far away as ever to finding those two 'missing pieces of the jigsaw'.

As it stands, I can't see how we're much stronger than last season to be honest.

*sigh*

Of course we are stronger than last season, and we can only get stronger still with the addition of a "goal-scorer" and/or a genuine winger. :)

[dww]

Oh come on, that's shite.

Who have we lost? Cisse is a blow, but we have replaced his pace with Bello, who should surprise a few people, and hopefully mean that Lurch plays less.

Fcuking Spanish Erik is no loss.

We've brought in two defenders and a nippy winger in Gonzo.

The squad is FAR stronger.

Not sure why you are so desperate to see Crouch out of the side. I actually think it is the combination of Bellamy with Crouch which will make the difference for us this season.

[brendan]

Not sure why you are so desperate to see Crouch out of the side. I actually think it is the combination of Bellamy with Crouch which will make the difference for us this season.

Lurch is a fcuking dreadful player and his egregious goal-scoring record last year goes a long way towards proving that.

Slow, laborious, poor header of a ball, lacking in aggression, shopcking scoring technique, I could go on....

He should not be playing for Liverpool Football Club.

[SouthAfricaRed]

Lurch is a fcuking dreadful player and his egregious goal-scoring record last year goes a long way towards proving that.

Slow, laborious, poor header of a ball, lacking in aggression, shopcking scoring technique, I could go on....

He should not be playing for Liverpool Football Club.

Crouch will surprise you this season with quality balls from The wings and Bellamy and Fowler to feed off his knockdowns. He was signed to control the Balls and needs a predator Striker to feed off him. (Remember Toshack and Keegan?)

His heading of the ball can improve, and I'm sure Rafa will work on this. I'm happy with Crouch.

[anfieldanfield]

Oh come on, that's shite.

Who have we lost? Cisse is a blow, but we have replaced his pace with Bello, who should surprise a few people, and hopefully mean that Lurch plays less.

Fcuking Spanish Erik is no loss.

We've brought in two defenders and a nippy winger in Gonzo.

The squad is FAR stronger.

I can only repeat what I said earlier on in the thread...

"Last summer we brought in Reina, Sissoko and Crouch, for a combined fee of around

[Gavzie]

Lurch is a fcuking dreadful player and his egregious goal-scoring record last year goes a long way towards proving that.

Slow, laborious, poor header of a ball, lacking in aggression, shopcking scoring technique, I could go on....

He should not be playing for Liverpool Football Club.

Rubbish he is far better than your esteemed rant. Room for improivement yes, but was he ever bought as a goal scorer? No

Bellers and Lurch will come good with tuttilage from GOD

We willbe better up front this yeart than last thats for sure. Better supply, less pressure on SG, better width, more overall atracking options

GOD, Crouch, Bellers, Speedy, Fabio, Bolo, Xabi, Momo, HK, Probably Kuyt and Pennant.

Thats probalby the best Midfield / attacking group in the PL with exception of the Chavs. And even then we have spirit which the Chavs gladly do not have.

[brendan]

Rubbish he is far better than your esteemed rant. Room for improivement yes, but was he ever bought as a goal scorer? No

Bellers and Lurch will come good with tuttilage from GOD

We willbe better up front this yeart than last thats for sure. Better supply, less pressure on SG, better width, more overall atracking options

GOD, Crouch, Bellers, Speedy, Fabio, Bolo, Xabi, Momo, HK, Probably Kuyt and Pennant.

Thats probalby the best Midfield / attacking group in the PL with exception of the Chavs. And even then we have spirit which the Chavs gladly do not have.

They don't have spirit?


Oh, right. Phew. Maybe we can appeal to their better nature and they'll allow us to win a Title, instead of them getting three on the fucking bounce.

[brendan]

Crouch will surprise you this season with quality balls from The wings and Bellamy and Fowler to feed off his knockdowns. He was signed to control the Balls and needs a predator Striker to feed off him. (Remember Toshack and Keegan?)

His heading of the ball can improve, and I'm sure Rafa will work on this. I'm happy with Crouch.

He got quality balls from the wings last season.

We supplied more crosses and converted less cahnces than any other team in the Premiership.

Do you know why?

Because Lurch is a useless striker. BRENDANTRUFAX.

[murder_inc]

So far today Brendan you have twice done your ussual routine and are treating this like KT.
Its Peter FCUKING Crouch. Not lurch or whatever stupid idiotic names you decide to call him. And the other thing you did, as per you, is called someone the name or word "****". I cant be arsed looking for the post but again, as you did the other day when you called whoever a "****", you just cant help being a total and utter prick. There are people in here who have fcuking mentally handicapped family or frinds i am absolutley sure of that one.

I cant be fcuking ar$ed with this. Can someone please do something about htis tool please.

[murder_inc]

this is the quote from Brendan -
"the whole fcuking website would be full of ****s who work in IT"

[brendan]

So far today Brendan you have twice done your ussual routine and are treating this like KT.
Its Peter FCUKING Crouch. Not lurch or whatever stupid idiotic names you decide to call him. And the other thing you did, as per you, is called someone the name or word "****". I cant be arsed looking for the post but again, as you did the other day when you called whoever a "****", you just cant help being a total and utter prick. There are people in here who have fcuking mentally handicapped family or frinds i am absolutley sure of that one.

I cant be fcuking ar$ed with this. Can someone please do something about htis tool please.

"Peter FCUKING Crouch", eh?

I prefer to call him Lurch.

I don't think we'll ever see eye to eye "murder inc".

Gutted.

[Rich]

Lads, calm it please. Brendan, I'm fine with the whole Lurch tag you've given Crouchinho - who is a better player than I think you give him credit for.

But please refrain from using words like **** and ****s, you are far cleverer than that.


Cheers
Rich

[brendan]

Lads, calm it please. Brendan, I'm fine with the whole Lurch tag you've given Crouchinho - who is a better player than I think you give him credit for.

But please refrain from using words like **** and ****s, you are far cleverer than that.


Cheers
Rich

OK, fine.

Soz.

I just think that this murderinc dimwit is ALWAYS going to have a problem with me. If he winds his fcuking neck in and refrains from calling me a "prick" every other post, I'm sure we;ll get on famously.

[murder_inc]

no probs caco. I dont like him calling Crouchie Lurch, but i suppose each to their own and fair do's. What i REALLY take offence to though are the words "****" and "****". How horrible a human being are you Brendan when you can freely use these words at will when describing someone. Especially in web forum where there is bound to be people who have handicapped relatives or friends. You know and i know you wouldnt called a black man the "N" word or an Asian man the "P" word so can you please stop with these. Please Brendan, it is very offensive and hurtful on a personall level. Were not talking footie or wether Crouch is shit or Stevie G is the best fotballer in the world, we are talking about REAL issues.
Just think about it.

[murder_inc]

I wont have a prob with you Brendan if you dont use offensive words.
I may argue with you if i feel your wrong, but i will with anyone. If i think your right i dont mind saying it. I think your a great poster mate. I honestly do. But your mouth runs away with you. Thats all.

[brendan]

You know and i know you wouldnt called a black man the "N" word or an Asian man the "P" word so can you please stop with these.



Assuming that you've written the above and actually MEANT it, I think it's probably only fair that I cut you some slack.

*agog*

[Rich]

Come on lets have a great big group hug...... ;)

Shouldn't we be concentrating on who is going to partner Crouch upfront? :D

[brendan]

Come on lets have a great big group hug...... ;)

Shouldn't we be concentrating on who is going to partner Crouch upfront? :D

I can start a thread on it if you like:

I want a NEW striker to partner Bello, with God in reserve.

Lurch can be our Plan B. Or even C.

[murder_inc]

I did mean it mate.

[murder_inc]

Who would you pick Brendan if you had a spare

[murder_inc]

Personally i wouldnt mind seeing Treza or Villa.

[Rich]

I do think we are in the hunt for another striker - but I do think Crouch will get games, and hopefully he can up his goal threat.

Him, Bellamy and Fowler each bring something different to the party. I think Kuyt or somebody similar will provide something different also.

[murder_inc]

What about this new lad Lindfield. Im not going by the game yesterday agaisnt Crewe btw, although he supposed to have had a good game, but in the Youth side this year he has been very good apparantly. I know he is young but h could be an option if knowone comes in by 31 Aug imo.

[Rich]

It will be interesting to see if he can progress in the Rezzies this season. I don't think we will see him in the first team for a year or two at the earliest.

[murder_inc]

maybe see him in the league cup games d'ya think? Could be one for the future at lest.

[murder_inc]

*least

[LFCman]

Yeah, I'm sure Roman Fc fans are fucking GUTTED with their twice-crowned tean of Premiership champions.

Ahboohoohoohoohoo

They've bought two titles. The way they have done it is something we can't do and I hope we never do. Rafa is building a team and a new era at this Football Club.

As for your comments regarding Crouch. My only observation is that judging by your comments you don't watch much of our games or for some reason you personally don't like Crouch and will never have your opinion changed no matter what he does on the Football pitch.

He took a long time to score for us but after he got his first his goal scoring ratio for us was actually quite good.

[brendan]

[QUOTE=murder_inc]Who would you pick Brendan if you had a spare

[brendan]

They've bought two titles. The way they have done it is something we can't do and I hope we never do. Rafa is building a team and a new era at this Football Club.

As for your comments regarding Crouch. My only observation is that judging by your comments you don't watch much of our games or for some reason you personally don't like Crouch and will never have your opinion changed no matter what he does on the Football pitch.

He took a long time to score for us but after he got his first his goal scoring ratio for us was actually quite good.

Lurch scored six Premiership goals last season.

By any standards, that is appalling.

[Rich]

I mentioned on another post, I think Rafa will set each striker (+ Gerrard) with a 15 goal target. That's 75 goals coming from 5 players (IF we get that fourth striker in) I would be happy with that return.

Crouch started off very slowly (goal-scoring wise) last year, and that didn't help his final totals - however, I think he has proved that he has his uses and can be an effective weapon in our armoury.

As for this fourth striker, I'm really not sure who I'd have.

Kuyt - I haven't seen enough of him, he is obviously highly regarded but I just don't know

Defoe - Nope, we have Bellamy now, so I wouldn't go for Defoe.

Bent - maybe at

[Peter Delvechio]

I can't help thinking that if we signed fabulous...and I mean fabulous striker, then we could do it - we could win the EPL.

I also can't help thinking that if we don't sign a fabulous...and I mean fabulous striker, then we'll come third or fourth.

I'd love Torres or maybe Toni. After that, I'm really not sure. We need someone as prolific as Henry or Van Nistlerooy.

Crouch is often the most advanced Liverpool player but one of the worst finishers at the club.

[Resu]

One thing is that Rafa might set a 15 goals target for the players you mentioned, it`s another thing to actually get 15 goals.
I don`t think crouch will ever get 15 goals in a season, but he has other uses.
My hope is that Pongo will get a few from the bench. He`s a tricky little player, but doesn`t score enough. Hopefully he`ll pick up a few things from more natural goalscorers like Fowler and Bellamy.

[LFCman]

Crouch is never going to be a strike that rakes in the goals. He'll get his share but his job to the team is much more important. Make no mistake, his addition to the side was a contributing factor to our improvement last season.

[Peter Delvechio]

I'm not denying that but I think it's possible to have someone with Crouch's qualities who can also score more goals - even 1 in 3 would be great.

[brendan]

Hopefully he`ll pick up a few things from more natural goalscorers like Fowler and Bellamy.



Bellamy isn't really a "natural goalscorer", If he was, he'd have scored more goals.
Fowler is in a different galaxy.

[Rich]

Question: How long did Crouch take to open his account for LFC? and how many goals did he score in his debut season for us?

[Resu]

Bellamy isn't really a "natural goalscorer", If he was, he'd have scored more goals.
Fowler is in a different galaxy.

Bellamy isn`t a poacher like Fowler, but his style of play is more like Pongos. They tend to get in same sort of scoring positions, and if Pongo can learn from him to put those away I think he`ll be a real asset this year.

But it wouldn`t hurt he learnt a think or to from Fowler as well.

[LFCman]

19 games in all comps?

He actually scored 8 goals in the league.

He made 27 starts and 5 subs. So take away the games before his first goal and his ratio isn't that bad. It was clear to see that his first goal really took the pressure off.

[dww]

I like what Crouch brings to the team but we do need someone who is a more regular scorer. I think Bellamy along with Robbie Keane last year surprised me and seemed to add a more predatory streak to their games last year. If Bellamy continues the form he showed last season and stays fit then I think he is the answer to our problems.

However I fear that at least the second half of that is a big ask.

[LFCman]

Of course we do. Rafa is trying to address that now and he has done so a bit by bringing in Bellamy for Cisse. Say whatever you want but in terms of finishing Bellamy is much better then Cisse's hit it as hard as you can and hope style. Now to replace Morientes.

[Red_Polo]

Crouchy was integral to last season's success. Brendan you have some very pertinent points, but you undervalue him to a ridiculous extent.

[Red_Polo]

Crouch is never going to be a strike that rakes in the goals. He'll get his share but his job to the team is much more important. Make no mistake, his addition to the side was a contributing factor to our improvement last season.

Exactly. He may not have scored bucket loads last season, but he was key to our consistency. He was like the small (ironic choice of words yes) but vital cog in an altogether bigger, better, more powerful machine.

[Rich]

The English game is littered with examples of teams that have one prolific striker that do incredibly poorly. Rafa is all about the team ethic, to work hard for the team.

I believe Rafa's idea is to have the goals spread around the team, therefore if the strikers have all been given (fairly) modest targets of 15 each, then there is more chance for them to attain their target, and more chance of us doing well.

[univofchicago]

[QUOTE=rcasemore]I couldn't agree more with what we have been doing on the transfer front, as you have said Speedy, Palleta, Bellamy and Aurelio for c.

[REDSCOUSER]

Having watched his interview on SSN after the Crewe game I think he pretty much sealed a deal or two. He was purring like a Cheshire cat and had a smile as wide as the river Mersey.

[univofchicago]

Having watched his interview on SSN after the Crewe game I think he pretty much sealed a deal or two. He was purring like a Cheshire cat and had a smile as wide as the river Mersey.

Careful though. Rafa rarely gives away too much from his interviews. Always smiles...

[G_Man]

Just to ressurect this thread rather than starting a duplicate one :)

I think this summer's transfer business has been SUPERB!
At the end of the season we had a few weaknesses
1) Right Midfield- still being sorted but Gonzalez can play there, Gerrard can play there and Paul Anderson will come through I believe. I'm sure we'll sign either Alves or Pennant or both and the selling of Barragan confirmed this for me.
2) Left Back- WOOHOO! No more Champions League winner Djimi Traore as left back and we won't need to ask Warnock to play there. I have no bad feelings against Djimi or Warnock but at the end of the day, they were no players who were going to win us #19. Aurelio has a good pedigree and Riise will spend more time there as left midfield seems sorted
3) Striker- OUT= Nanado IN = Bellamy plus a rejuvenated Fowler. Plus the young lad from the ressies will hopefully come through, Linfield is it? Another striker would be the icing on the cake for me but not an absolute necessity. We've got 1 striker which was a necessity for me.
4) Left Midfield - Kewell showed his class last season. He still has his injury problems though. We've added Gonzalez who I think will soon become number 1 left midfielder.

Sad Loss: Didi Hamann will be missed. A legendary Red. Thankfully Momo should have settled in by now ;)

Bonus: Paletta. Lots of good reports about this lad, we could have paid another 5-7 million out for a centre back.

So in conclusion, I think we've had a great summer which could get better once a right midfielder is signed. We've done it all without spending extortionate prices or wages (Bellamy accepted less than Blackburn were offering). Fantastic work by Rafa and Parry in my opinion. The other bonus is the new stadium seems more on course than ever as rushscored_4 will confirm.

The summer of little cash could be the summer of massive improvement. :lfc:

[Rich]

Just to ressurect this thread rather than starting a duplicate one :)

I think this summer's transfer business has been SUPERB!
At the end of the season we had a few weaknesses
1) Right Midfield- still being sorted but Gonzalez can play there, Gerrard can play there and Paul Anderson will come through I believe. I'm sure we'll sign either Alves or Pennant or both and the selling of Barragan confirmed this for me.
2) Left Back- WOOHOO! No more Champions League winner Djimi Traore as left back and we won't need to ask Warnock to play there. I have no bad feelings against Djimi or Warnock but at the end of the day, they were no players who were going to win us #19. Aurelio has a good pedigree and Riise will spend more time there as left midfield seems sorted
3) Striker- OUT= Nanado IN = Bellamy plus a rejuvenated Fowler. Plus the young lad from the ressies will hopefully come through, Linfield is it? Another striker would be the icing on the cake for me but not an absolute necessity. We've got 1 striker which was a necessity for me.
4) Left Midfield - Kewell showed his class last season. He still has his injury problems though. We've added Gonzalez who I think will soon become number 1 left midfielder.

Sad Loss: Didi Hamann will be missed. A legendary Red. Thankfully Momo should have settled in by now ;)

Bonus: Paletta. Lots of good reports about this lad, we could have paid another 5-7 million out for a centre back.

So in conclusion, I think we've had a great summer which could get better once a right midfielder is signed. We've done it all without spending extortionate prices or wages (Bellamy accepted less than Blackburn were offering). Fantastic work by Rafa and Parry in my opinion. The other bonus is the new stadium seems more on course than ever as rushscored_4 will confirm.

The summer of little cash could be the summer of massive improvement. :lfc:

Great post - I agree I think we have a much improved squad this summer in comparison to last, and I do believe that we will sign a couple more players. We have much more strength indepth than before, feasibly we could cope with a Carra injury, whereas last year we'd have been fucked. Not that I wish anything to happen to our players!:rolleyes:

The bonus being that, we all had trouble last year in predicting a line-up, but that will be nothing in comparison to this year!:D

[El Jefecito]

Great post - I agree I think we have a much improved squad this summer in comparison to last, and I do believe that we will sign a couple more players. We have much more strength indepth than before, feasibly we could cope with a Carra injury, whereas last year we'd have been fucked. Not that I wish anything to happen to our players!:rolleyes:

The bonus being that, we all had trouble last year in predicting a line-up, but that will be nothing in comparison to this year!:D
I'm quiet pleased to although, as a bonus, I'd like to see:

1/ Obviously another striker (Lindfield I don't think is ready) and a RW (as you say JP/Alves)

2/ A more attacking Right Back. I love Finnan, but he doesn't have the kind of penetration that you need to play a real strong 352

3/ A young defensive midfielder, I'd like more depth in that role because if Xabi/Momo are out for any amount of time then we are very thin there. I haven't seen anyone in the ressies who is ready to make the step up.

I'm sure I'm being overly greedy, but hey there's no harm in aiming high.

[univofchicago]

1/ Obviously another striker (Lindfield I don't think is ready) and a RW (as you say JP/Alves)



I think I've said this before, I would love Rafa to bring in another striker, but the player being mooted around by the media and various posters is Dirk Kuyt. I don't know about you, but I just don't think it will be the worth bringing him in (especially at 10-13 million).

[El Jefecito]

I think I've said this before, I would love Rafa to bring in another striker, but the player being mooted around by the media and various posters is Dirk Kuyt. I don't know about you, but I just don't think it will be the worth bringing him in (especially at 10-13 million).
TBH I haven't seen enough of him to form an opinion.
Based on descriptions of his playing style and physique he certainly sounds like the kind of player Rafa wants. His goal record is certainly impressive. I think too many people are basing their opinion on his WC performances. Didn't he play for like 90mins or so and only 30mins in the middle?

I also think Rafa has the ability to get an extra 20% or so out of his players, so I wouldn't be that concerned.

Maybe he is not the best leg for the table, but just maybe the right leg :)

[Red_Polo]

Just to ressurect this thread rather than starting a duplicate one :)

I think this summer's transfer business has been SUPERB!
At the end of the season we had a few weaknesses
1) Right Midfield- still being sorted but Gonzalez can play there, Gerrard can play there and Paul Anderson will come through I believe. I'm sure we'll sign either Alves or Pennant or both and the selling of Barragan confirmed this for me.
2) Left Back- WOOHOO! No more Champions League winner Djimi Traore as left back and we won't need to ask Warnock to play there. I have no bad feelings against Djimi or Warnock but at the end of the day, they were no players who were going to win us #19. Aurelio has a good pedigree and Riise will spend more time there as left midfield seems sorted
3) Striker- OUT= Nanado IN = Bellamy plus a rejuvenated Fowler. Plus the young lad from the ressies will hopefully come through, Linfield is it? Another striker would be the icing on the cake for me but not an absolute necessity. We've got 1 striker which was a necessity for me.
4) Left Midfield - Kewell showed his class last season. He still has his injury problems though. We've added Gonzalez who I think will soon become number 1 left midfielder.

Sad Loss: Didi Hamann will be missed. A legendary Red. Thankfully Momo should have settled in by now ;)

Bonus: Paletta. Lots of good reports about this lad, we could have paid another 5-7 million out for a centre back.

So in conclusion, I think we've had a great summer which could get better once a right midfielder is signed. We've done it all without spending extortionate prices or wages (Bellamy accepted less than Blackburn were offering). Fantastic work by Rafa and Parry in my opinion. The other bonus is the new stadium seems more on course than ever as rushscored_4 will confirm.

The summer of little cash could be the summer of massive improvement. :lfc:

All very true. However we have been waiting for what seems like an eternity for a new right winger, centre back and striker. We're sorted for cover at the back which is great, still a bit short up front but Bellamy represents an improvement to the first XI. If I feel uncomfortable about anything it's this pesky right wing signing we're yet to make. It could prove so vital. Having SG back in the middle will make a big difference, not to mention whoever we sign at RM is likely to go straight into the first XI, so we need to get the right man in. We've definitely improved again this summer already, but until a new RM is sorted I'm a bit anxious, especially now that Alves is looking less likely and having seen us miss out in previous transfer windows (Figo last summer / Simao last summer and January). Luckily we still have plenty of time.