Stewart Downing - West Hahahaham player

[TheElephantMan]

That may or may not be the case. Either way he played well yesterday and helped us to win the game.

[Neil Young]

For those who think he's turned a corner and has some sort of a future here I'd say he's upping his game to generate interest from potential buyers. It's no coincidence IMO that his best performance for us yesterday came a few days after the club told him he can leave.

It was six weeks ago according to Rodgers. And maybe it was just a masterstroke of man management. You could certainly choose to see it that way if you wanted to.

That may or may not be the case. Either way he played well yesterday and helped us to win the game.

[~LFCHistory~]

It was six weeks ago according to Rodgers. And maybe it was just a masterstroke of man management. You could certainly choose to see it that way if you wanted to.

Telling a player he can leave the club just to motivate him ?? Bloody hell, I suppose with crazy Brendan anything's possible.

Don't you think Downing gesture to the Kop yesterday was that of a player who's on his way out ??

[saj]

Oh yeah, I vaguely remember now you mention it.

I don't mean to be argumentative but there is a difference being able to change the game as a sub and being MOTM from start to finish. That's not say the former isn't valuable of course.

He was good against Real Madrid at Anfield. He left the oustanding Sergio Ramos for dead with the assist for the Gerrard's second goal.

[Neil Young]

Telling a player he can leave the club just to motivate him ?? Bloody hell, I suppose with crazy Brendan anything's possible.

Don't you think Downing gesture to the Kop yesterday was that of a player who's on his way out ??

I think the gesture can be interpreted in different ways and the easiest to find usually tends to be the one you most want to look for.

Was it aimed at the fans? Or Rodgers? Or the papers? I don't know. In my opinion it was, at the very least, a gesture signalling a certain amount of frustration with someone somewhere.

The way Rodgers talked about the conversation with Downing after the match, I got the idea he wants us to believe it was part of a plan. Or maybe he wants potential buyers to believe he doesn't really want to sell him since he's now playing well so that, even though he does want to sell him, the bids will be higher. Or maybe he genuinely now wants him to stay. Or maybe he wants Downing to hear that he wants him to stay. Or maybe he wants other players to hear that he's willing to change his mind about a player based on his performances so if they want to stay at the club they have to play well.

From what Downing said, his interpretation of the conversation with Rodgers is rather different. I expect the truth lies somewhere between the two, but exactly where is difficult to say.

FWIW I'd be surprised if he stays at the club beyond the summer and wouldn't be remotely shocked if he want next month.

The trouble is, words are cheap and there's too much talking in and about professional football. Ultimately it doesn't matter what Rodgers said in a press conference and it doesn't matter what Downing's body language might have been. It's about what happens, not what's said. The why of what happens is interesting but unimportant.

[kemm1]

Wonder why he put his finger up to his lips after his goal. If it was a slight at his critics then he has a cheek. Still,the pass for sg was superb. Just goes to show you can succeed if u bother your ass.

It was a very good pass and he played very well, I still don't rate him though.

[Norbs]

He has been **** for us, which can't be disputed. Each time he's received more than his fair share of abuse, some of which has been classless. This week though he should be praised for a good performance, and some signs of improvement in more than one game. I'd be happy for him to stay on the wages he's on if yesterday's form can be maintained

[Tee]

He has been **** for us, which can't be disputed. Each time he's received more than his fair share of abuse, some of which has been classless. This week though he should be praised for a good performance, and some signs of improvement in more than one game. I'd be happy for him to stay on the wages he's on if yesterday's form can be maintained

If he puts in those kind of performances he looks the part but that was his first PL goal for us FFS. Let's not get ahead of ourselves if we get a decent offer he will still be gone. 1 Swallow doesn't make a summer.

[Bender]

If he puts in those kind of performances he looks the part but that was his first PL goal for us FFS. Let's not get ahead of ourselves if we get a decent offer he will still be gone. 1 Swallow doesn't make a summer.

1 goal doesn't make a superstar

[Leyton388]

If he can keep it up then he deserves his place in the team but how many times have we said this in the past?

[JohnDoe]

I'm glad to see him doing well, maybe now we'll be able to get rid of him more easily.

Ince and Sturridge are still coming in, don't think his status has changed.

[Lee]

He's had a good month and played well recently.

He's still ****ing wank though and I hope he leaves in January.

[Leyton388]

Rodgers: If he keeps playing like that he's going nowhere.

[McDermotX]

Rodgers: If he keeps playing like that he's going nowhere.

Can read that both ways to be fair...................

[Leyton388]

Can read that both ways to be fair...................

Maybe being told he can get lost has given him the kick up the arse he needed. Only time will tell.