Are Things Really That Bad???

[RedReet]

Reading these Liverpool forums of late, you’d think us Pool fans have as much to look forward to in the future as Garry Neville’s new missus. I think people are forgetting just how promising things are at the minute.

Let’s look at last season first. People are constantly going on about finishing over 20 points behind the scum, so there is no chance of making that up unless we spend £100m. But lets put that in context. We have to remember that they had Chelsea pushing them to the wire, fighting for every point (how many of them points were picked up against the run of play in the last few minutes), whereas we had given up shortly after Christmas. At Anfield we should have beaten them comfortably and they weren’t particularly great at Old Trafford either. If we add just that extra bit of quality, even just a goal scorer we could easily turn them results around. That twelve points gained would cut the difference down to nine. If we still had something to play for, I definitely think we would have beat Portsmouth and Fulham at the end of the season, cutting the difference to three. People may argue that they’ve spent near £50 million so are much stronger this year. Are they really? Can anyone honestly say that in the games they play, Anderson and Nani will contribute more than Giggs and Scholes. And is Hargreaves actually that much better than Carrick? Depending on who they buy, their forward line at the minute is severely weekend. No Larsson, Saha injured for most of the season, as is Solskjaer (I think), and Smith is to go. That only leaves fat boy, and how many games did he go last season without scoring? Oh, and lets not forget about the keeping situation, they’ve lost faith in the aging Van Der Sarr, but then Forester his replacement got injured. God I could go on all day, but I’ll stop. The point I’m trying to make is the grass isn’t always greener, by just concentrating on all this negative media attention we are overlooking all the positives, and we ARE in a very strong position.

Who can honestly say that approaching every new season, any proper supporter hasn’t got themselves convinced that with a bit of luck, we could win the league? Before the Americans took over we always had ourselves believing that we were just a player or two short from making the grade. Of recent times I remember thinking Ziege would fill our only weak link and it would be happy days, Kewell, when all we needed was a left winger, then Kuyt because all that was missing was a goal scorer. Last year everyone was convinced that this would be the year, even a lot of the press and media. Fair enough, we didn’t perform as expected (although things could have been a bit different as explained above), but why are things drastic now? We’ve got the same squad that was expected to win last year (minus the deadwood hopefully), we’ve a much better player in Agger than most people expected, Pennant started to show a bit of form towards the end of season, Kuyt has had his year to settle and should get a lot more goals now, and most importantly, we’ve added one of the best midfielders in the world today to what was already arguably the strongest midfield in the EPL.

I think that if the American’s hadn’t taken over, if it was just another normal season, then people would be content with a few decent/good signings and honestly believe we could challenge for the title. Now all of a sudden we’re being ‘linked’ to the Eto’o’s, Villa’s of this world, no one else is good enough. Are we the new Madrid? Just because of a few paper articles, only the biggest names in world football are fit to wear the red shirt, and have to cost a minimum of £20m. If not, Parry must go.

I honestly do believe that Gillett and Hicks will keep their word and provide Rafa with the necessary funds. As people have pointed out, the relatively large amount spent on Leiva and the contract renewals etc, doesn’t really portray an image of a skint club with no ambition. For that I am extremely optimistic, but even if we don’t go out and spend £50m+, if we keep to our usual £10m - £20m budget and get the right players, I still feel we’ll be a strong enough force to push the top two.

So stop whinging and feeling sorry for yourselves, get back to telling anyone who’ll listen that this will definitely be the year for the Reds, take the usual bets with anyone who dares challenge you, and if all else fails, just slap the closest United supporter to you to feel good.

Adios!

[redblood]

Reading these Liverpool forums of late, you’d think us Pool fans have as much to look forward to in the future as Garry Neville’s new missus. I think people are forgetting just how promising things are at the minute.

Let’s look at last season first. People are constantly going on about finishing over 20 points behind the scum, so there is no chance of making that up unless we spend £100m. But lets put that in context. We have to remember that they had Chelsea pushing them to the wire, fighting for every point (how many of them points were picked up against the run of play in the last few minutes), whereas we had given up shortly after Christmas. At Anfield we should have beaten them comfortably and they weren’t particularly great at Old Trafford either. If we add just that extra bit of quality, even just a goal scorer we could easily turn them results around. That twelve points gained would cut the difference down to nine. If we still had something to play for, I definitely think we would have beat Portsmouth and Fulham at the end of the season, cutting the difference to three. People may argue that they’ve spent near £50 million so are much stronger this year. Are they really? Can anyone honestly say that in the games they play, Anderson and Nani will contribute more than Giggs and Scholes. And is Hargreaves actually that much better than Carrick? Depending on who they buy, their forward line at the minute is severely weekend. No Larsson, Saha injured for most of the season, as is Solskjaer (I think), and Smith is to go. That only leaves fat boy, and how many games did he go last season without scoring? Oh, and lets not forget about the keeping situation, they’ve lost faith in the aging Van Der Sarr, but then Forester his replacement got injured. God I could go on all day, but I’ll stop. The point I’m trying to make is the grass isn’t always greener, by just concentrating on all this negative media attention we are overlooking all the positives, and we ARE in a very strong position.

Who can honestly say that approaching every new season, any proper supporter hasn’t got themselves convinced that with a bit of luck, we could win the league? Before the Americans took over we always had ourselves believing that we were just a player or two short from making the grade. Of recent times I remember thinking Ziege would fill our only weak link and it would be happy days, Kewell, when all we needed was a left winger, then Kuyt because all that was missing was a goal scorer. Last year everyone was convinced that this would be the year, even a lot of the press and media. Fair enough, we didn’t perform as expected (although things could have been a bit different as explained above), but why are things drastic now? We’ve got the same squad that was expected to win last year (minus the deadwood hopefully), we’ve a much better player in Agger than most people expected, Pennant started to show a bit of form towards the end of season, Kuyt has had his year to settle and should get a lot more goals now, and most importantly, we’ve added one of the best midfielders in the world today to what was already arguably the strongest midfield in the EPL.

I think that if the American’s hadn’t taken over, if it was just another normal season, then people would be content with a few decent/good signings and honestly believe we could challenge for the title. Now all of a sudden we’re being ‘linked’ to the Eto’o’s, Villa’s of this world, no one else is good enough. Are we the new Madrid? Just because of a few paper articles, only the biggest names in world football are fit to wear the red shirt, and have to cost a minimum of £20m. If not, Parry must go.

I honestly do believe that Gillett and Hicks will keep their word and provide Rafa with the necessary funds. As people have pointed out, the relatively large amount spent on Leiva and the contract renewals etc, doesn’t really portray an image of a skint club with no ambition. For that I am extremely optimistic, but even if we don’t go out and spend £50m+, if we keep to our usual £10m - £20m budget and get the right players, I still feel we’ll be a strong enough force to push the top two.

So stop whinging and feeling sorry for yourselves, get back to telling anyone who’ll listen that this will definitely be the year for the Reds, take the usual bets with anyone who dares challenge you, and if all else fails, just slap the closest United supporter to you to feel good.

Adios!

Great post mate most people forget that last year in most of the games we lost we were actually the better team, created a load of chances and should,ve been clear of most teams by half time let alone in the 90.
When these very possible (with a bit of luck) wins turned into 8 (I think) away games lost we lost confidence and I feel we thought it was over then.
The final 2 nails for me were Blackburn on Boxing Day and the Bitters had we won those games we were in touch with the scum and would've beat them at
Anfield putting us right back up there even after losing those games away from home before Christmas.

[Reds08]

Reading these Liverpool forums of late, you’d think us Pool fans have as much to look forward to in the future as Garry Neville’s new missus. I think people are forgetting just how promising things are at the minute.

Let’s look at last season first. People are constantly going on about finishing over 20 points behind the scum, so there is no chance of making that up unless we spend £100m. But lets put that in context. We have to remember that they had Chelsea pushing them to the wire, fighting for every point (how many of them points were picked up against the run of play in the last few minutes), whereas we had given up shortly after Christmas. At Anfield we should have beaten them comfortably and they weren’t particularly great at Old Trafford either. If we add just that extra bit of quality, even just a goal scorer we could easily turn them results around. That twelve points gained would cut the difference down to nine. If we still had something to play for, I definitely think we would have beat Portsmouth and Fulham at the end of the season, cutting the difference to three. People may argue that they’ve spent near £50 million so are much stronger this year. Are they really? 1.Can anyone honestly say that in the games they play, Anderson and Nani will contribute more than Giggs and Scholes. And is Hargreaves actually that much better than Carrick? Depending on who they buy, their forward line at the minute is severely weekend. No Larsson, Saha injured for most of the season, as is Solskjaer (I think), and Smith is to go. That only leaves fat boy, and how many games did he go last season without scoring? Oh, and lets not forget about the keeping situation, they’ve lost faith in the aging Van Der Sarr, but then Forester his replacement got injured. God I could go on all day, but I’ll stop. The point I’m trying to make is the grass isn’t always greener, by just concentrating on all this negative media attention we are overlooking all the positives, and we ARE in a very strong position.

Who can honestly say that approaching every new season, any proper supporter hasn’t got themselves convinced that with a bit of luck, we could win the league? Before the Americans took over we always had ourselves believing that we were just a player or two short from making the grade. Of recent times I remember thinking Ziege would fill our only weak link and it would be happy days, Kewell, when all we needed was a left winger, then Kuyt because all that was missing was a goal scorer. Last year everyone was convinced that this would be the year, even a lot of the press and media. Fair enough, we didn’t perform as expected (although things could have been a bit different as explained above), but why are things drastic now? We’ve got the same squad that was expected to win last year (minus the deadwood hopefully), we’ve a much better player in Agger than most people expected, Pennant started to show a bit of form towards the end of season, Kuyt has had his year to settle and should get a lot more goals now, and most importantly,2. we’ve added one of the best midfielders in the world today to what was already arguably the strongest midfield in the EPL.

I think that if the American’s hadn’t taken over, if it was just another normal season, then people would be content with a few decent/good signings and honestly believe we could challenge for the title. Now all of a sudden we’re being ‘linked’ to the Eto’o’s, Villa’s of this world, no one else is good enough. Are we the new Madrid? 3.Just because of a few paper articles, only the biggest names in world football are fit to wear the red shirt, and have to cost a minimum of £20m. If not, Parry must go.

I honestly do believe that Gillett and Hicks will keep their word and provide Rafa with the necessary funds. As people have pointed out, the relatively large amount spent on Leiva and the contract renewals etc, doesn’t really portray an image of a skint club with no ambition. 4.For that I am extremely optimistic, but even if we don’t go out and spend £50m+, if we keep to our usual £10m - £20m budget and get the right players, I still feel we’ll be a strong enough force to push the top two.
5. So stop whinging and feeling sorry for yourselves, get back to telling anyone who’ll listen that this will definitely be the year for the Reds, take the usual bets with anyone who dares challenge you, and if all else fails, just slap the closest United supporter to you to feel good.
Adios!

Ok, where shall we start with this. Lets go point by point.

1. That is, yet again, an example of clutching at straws. The Scum haven't got any weaker, of course they havent, they have bought young players that I doubt will play for them much next year, and I would expect them to buy a striker. So they have got stronger. Chelsea likewise, without injuries, players to fill the squad that they didnt have last year, Ballack and Shev had a year to settle in. They will both be stronger next season.

2. If we have arguably the strongest midfield in the league why do we all agree we need two top class wide men? Alonso was below his best last year and he should improve. I think what you mean is that we had/have the best midfielder in the Prem, certainly one of the top three.

3. good point

4. I don't think many would agree with that.

5 and conclusion. Things may not be as bad as i have made myself believe, granted. BUT, by the same token, they are nowhere near as positive as you are making them out to be.

[Farside]

1, The mancs will be stronger this year and expect them to but a top striker.

2, At times our midfield struggled last year but that was prior to "The Chief" arriving. Nobody seems to know if Momo has signed a new deal or not so maybe he will go before the new season.

3, To compete on the field we have to compete in the transfer market. Lesser clubs are strengthening their squads and closing the gap on us. We have to get proven quality.

4, Rafa has problems getting the right players in the £10-£20m bracket. He still has problems buying wingers and strikers.

5, YNWA

[Reds08]

1, The mancs will be stronger this year and expect them to but a top striker.

2, At times our midfield struggled last year but that was prior to "The Chief" arriving. Nobody seems to know if Momo has signed a new deal or not so maybe he will go before the new season.

3, To compete on the field we have to compete in the transfer market. Lesser clubs are strengthening their squads and closing the gap on us. We have to get proven quality.

4, Rafa has problems getting the right players in the £10-£20m bracket. He still has problems buying wingers and strikers.

5, YNWA

Exactly. Why do I get such abuse for making such points?

[RedReet]

Ok, where shall we start with this. Lets go point by point.

1. That is, yet again, an example of clutching at straws. The Scum haven't got any weaker, of course they havent, they have bought young players that I doubt will play for them much next year, and I would expect them to buy a striker. So they have got stronger. Chelsea likewise, without injuries, players to fill the squad that they didnt have last year, Ballack and Shev had a year to settle in. They will both be stronger next season.

2. If we have arguably the strongest midfield in the league why do we all agree we need two top class wide men? Alonso was below his best last year and he should improve. I think what you mean is that we had/have the best midfielder in the Prem, certainly one of the top three.

3. good point

4. I don't think many would agree with that.

5 and conclusion. Things may not be as bad as i have made myself believe, granted. BUT, by the same token, they are nowhere near as positive as you are making them out to be.

1. I’m not clutching at straws mate. I’ve no doubt that Nani and Anderson are great players, but what I’m saying is I’ll be very surprised if they prove to be half as good as Giggs and Scholes. And I agree that their gametime will be quite limited this year, so I’m confident that there is no way Scholes and Giggs can perform to that same level as last year (both were excellent, especially Scholes). That was arguably both their greatest seasons for a long time and as human nature goes, they wont have that same hunger and desire next year now that their point is proven and they’ve stopped Chelsea (plus they’re a year older). Chelsea I agree will be stronger too, but then again so will most clubs, including us. And of course with Chelsea there is always a chance they can blow up at any time, one wrong word from Jose, any unwelcome input from Arnesen or Abramovic, and things could turn sour very quickly again.

2. By strongest midfield, I refer to CM. I wouldn’t swap Xabi, Stevie or Momo for any midfield in the world, and before this season, neither would anyone. Xabi wasn’t at his best and Momo struggled with injury this year, but all that potential doesn’t go out the window in one season.

4. I know Rafa needs that extra bit of quality to make that last push, but if he got another Agger, Pepe, Xabi, Momo or even Crouch, in the position he needs, I wouldn’t complain. Easier said than done I know.

[Redspin]

1. I’m not clutching at straws mate. I’ve no doubt that Nani and Anderson are great players, but what I’m saying is I’ll be very surprised if they prove to be half as good as Giggs and Scholes. And I agree that their gametime will be quite limited this year, so I’m confident that there is no way Scholes and Giggs can perform to that same level as last year (both were excellent, especially Scholes). That was arguably both their greatest seasons for a long time and as human nature goes, they wont have that same hunger and desire next year now that their point is proven and they’ve stopped Chelsea (plus they’re a year older). Chelsea I agree will be stronger too, but then again so will most clubs, including us. And of course with Chelsea there is always a chance they can blow up at any time, one wrong word from Jose, any unwelcome input from Arnesen or Abramovic, and things could turn sour very quickly again.

2. By strongest midfield, I refer to CM. I wouldn’t swap Xabi, Stevie or Momo for any midfield in the world, and before this season, neither would anyone. Xabi wasn’t at his best and Momo struggled with injury this year, but all that potential doesn’t go out the window in one season.

4. I know Rafa needs that extra bit of quality to make that last push, but if he got another Agger, Pepe, Xabi, Momo or even Crouch, in the position he needs, I wouldn’t complain. Easier said than done I know.

I agree with you mate and youe post makes far more sense than the replies to it.

I had to laugh when I read Man U had signed two new players that my paper immediately described as "superkids" (Nani and Anderson) before they've as much as kicked a ball for them. I wasn't aware of either being pursued by other top European clubs, but our media have already decided they're world-beaters. It turns out that Anderson is such a great player he hasn't yet played for his national side - Brazil - so a work permit for him is a potential problem. Rooney was very average last season and there's nothing to say he'll be any better this season. They need at the very least another striker so how are they somehow going to be stronger as some have said?

I'm confident that we'll make a better fist of it next season and there's no reason to suppose that we aren't actually involved behind the scenes with significant signings

Please keep posting. It's hardly worth looking on here most days with all the rubbish that's spouted, so sensible, reasoned, well thought out posts like yours are rare indeed. I'm going through the posts now having been on holiday for a few weeks and it's a pound to a penny there'll be somebody extolling the virtues of the hopeless Shaun Wright Phillips as our saviour on the wing. That's the normal level of insight on here - alas.

[Phil Eel]

Ok, where shall we start with this. Lets go point by point.

1. That is, yet again, an example of clutching at straws. The Scum haven't got any weaker, of course they havent, they have bought young players that I doubt will play for them much next year, and I would expect them to buy a striker. So they have got stronger. Chelsea likewise, without injuries, players to fill the squad that they didnt have last year, Ballack and Shev had a year to settle in. They will both be stronger next season.

2. If we have arguably the strongest midfield in the league why do we all agree we need two top class wide men? Alonso was below his best last year and he should improve. I think what you mean is that we had/have the best midfielder in the Prem, certainly one of the top three.

3. good point

4. I don't think many would agree with that.

5 and conclusion. Things may not be as bad as i have made myself believe, granted. BUT, by the same token, they are nowhere near as positive as you are making them out to be.

I agree. Even if we sign three top players we will still struggle to challenge because frankly, United can make 3-4 changes match to match and still look as strong. We cannot. Ergo, we are not going to achieve the consistency we need to challenge

[Phil Eel]

I agree with you mate and youe post makes far more sense than the replies to it.

I had to laugh when I read Man U had signed two new players that my paper immediately described as "superkids" (Nani and Anderson) before they've as much as kicked a ball for them. I wasn't aware of either being pursued by other top European clubs, but our media have already decided they're world-beaters. It turns out that Anderson is such a great player he hasn't yet played for his national side - Brazil - so a work permit for him is a potential problem. Rooney was very average last season and there's nothing to say he'll be any better this season. They need at the very least another striker so how are they somehow going to be stronger as some have said?

I'm confident that we'll make a better fist of it next season and there's no reason to suppose that we aren't actually involved behind the scenes with significant signings

Please keep posting. It's hardly worth looking on here most days with all the rubbish that's spouted, so sensible, reasoned, well thought out posts like yours are rare indeed. I'm going through the posts now having been on holiday for a few weeks and it's a pound to a penny there'll be somebody extolling the virtues of the hopeless Shaun Wright Phillips as our saviour on the wing. That's the normal level of insight on here - alas.

I agree with your sentiment here. I am getting fed up of threads degenerating into slanging matches. I feel so sorry for Johnny H who frankly, I wouldn't blame if he never posted again because of the unfair stick he took. He only posted things he'd heard to perhaps spark debate. He didn't deserve the stick he got.

[keniget]

4, Rafa has problems getting the right players in the £10-£20m bracket. He still has problems buying wingers and strikers.

I'm certainly not part of the RCDNW brigade, but I find that statement a tad odd. Did you mean that he has problems actually going after players in that price bracket or that when he does, he struggles to get it right?

The only players we've bought that fit into that bracket are Alonso and Kuyt. I think both have been good acquisitions thus far.

[RedReet]

Please keep posting. It's hardly worth looking on here most days with all the rubbish that's spouted, so sensible, reasoned, well thought out posts like yours are rare indeed. I'm going through the posts now having been on holiday for a few weeks and it's a pound to a penny there'll be somebody extolling the virtues of the hopeless Shaun Wright Phillips as our saviour on the wing. That's the normal level of insight on here - alas.

Cheers mate, I know what you mean. Most posts since the season has ended have been extremely tedious and very juvenile. Inside information has been very limited, but even those who have posted in good faith have got dogs abuse for it. Let’s just hope when the signings start flooding in, the mood lightens up a bit.

[Morph]

I'm certainly not part of the RCDNW brigade, but I find that statement a tad odd. Did you mean that he has problems actually going after players in that price bracket or that when he does, he struggles to get it right?

The only players we've bought that fit into that bracket are Alonso and Kuyt. I think both have been good acquisitions thus far.

and even then kuyt was only 9 mil, alonso is the only 10mil plus signing, i really am interested to see what he can do if he's got a decent kitty

[redwien]

I hear that next year the Prem league will award the team that deserved to win 4 pts, things are looking up!

[Dero]

I just stubbed my toe, puts things into perspective doesn't it?

[bobbyfallon]

well written article, was gettin bored til the end when you said slap a manc, i work with one the smelly ******* so i looked at him took your advice a gave the **** a good dig!!! he asked me why i did it, what a stupid ****