I know he's a blue nose but.....

[Pacman]

I good article by Prentice.

Not so friendly fire as owners Kop it big styleJan 16 2008

by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

LIKE it or loathe it, football is a business. So let’s use a little retail speak which should be recognisable on both sides of the Atlantic.

The customer is king: And for the second time in barely seven weeks last night, the customers expected to turn Tom Hicks and George Gillett’s investment into big bucks at Liverpool Football Club spoke loudly and clearly.

When Porto came to Anfield in November, Rafael Benitez received a strident and stirring endorsement of his managerial skills.

His position had been threatened, and the fans made their point eloquently.

But last night the mood had shifted.

When Hicks and Gillett arrived at Anfield in a flurry of smiles, handshakes and Liverpool-crested cowboy boots, George said he liked to sit among the supporters to gauge the fan experience – and not to be surprised if he popped up on the Kop.


He’d be advised to abandon such experiments for now.


The Kop is a usually reliable barometer of public opinion among Liverpool fans.


And while the chant was by no means universal, it was loud enough, frequent enough and widespread enough to be clearly heard: “You’re not Liverpool fans. Liverpool Football Club . . . It’s in the wrong hands.”


There was another, less vocal chant, which cannot be repeated because of sensitive readers and an even more sensitive lawyer. But let’s just say Tom and George were accused of being economical with the truth.


Then there were the banners.


“Thanks Yanks. No More Friendly Fire” and “Dubai SOS – Yanks Out” were just two.


The natives are restless – and it’s easy to understand why.


Liverpool has never washed its dirty linen in public.


Liverpool managers aren’t sacked, they always graciously step down in acknowledgement that it’s for the greater good. Cheesy, maybe, but that’s the way they do it. Heck, Gerard Houllier even staged a press conference to say his thank yous and goodbyes.


It’s indicative of a football club which has always done things the right and proper way.


But this week’s events go a little deeper than the possibility of a very popular manager being sacked.


It’s a matter of common decency.


And the Kop, rightly or wrongly, holds itself up as an arbiter of fair play.

Not so friendly fire as owners Kop it big style Previous 1 2

If Benfica come to Anfield and deservedly knock Liverpool out of the European Cup, they’re warmly applauded.

A tradition for applauding visiting goalkeepers originated here on Merseyside, while last night a tribute was paid to the magnificent support Luton received from their travelling fans.

So when absentee landlords offer another man the manager’s job – insurance policy or not – it offends their sense of fair play.

Whether you believe Benitez is the man to deliver the League title to Anfield or not, you don’t treat him the way big, vulgar city institutions like Tottenham treat their managers.

And, if the co-owners are being so cavalier with the future of a trusted and admired club servant, it adds to the growing sense of unease at reports of a colossal debt being saddled on the club some time soon.

Hicks and Gillett need a charm offensive some time soon.




Story continues

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Fans often disagree with events in the boardroom, but this is the first time in living memory that fans have openly mutinied with club custodians.


And a divided club is not a strong football club.


The events off the pitch threatened to overshadow Jamie Carragher’s big night.


Liverpool’s legend of 500 matches was granted a guard of honour as he stepped onto the turf with son James, but the resounding chant which reverberated around Anfield was “Ra-fa Benitez.”


As Luton defended doggedly and desperately, however, attention switched to matters on the pitch.


And while Carragher produced his usual array of blocks, interceptions and clearances – not to mention one better Ryan Babel pass away from a clear run on goal – Carra’s best pal did his best to grab the limelight.


What Steven Gerrard offered with one hand – he took away with the other.


Gerrard handed over the captain’s armband for the night, then demanded the spotlight with a hat-trick.


Results of football matches will always dictate the mood of football fans, but last night there was an animated sub-plot.


The customer is king – and it’s time the co-owners started listening.

[Dhav]

Spot on. What he says is absolutely right about how Liverpool traditional conducted business, and how these two cunts are so out of touch with the Liverpool Way. What especially rung true to me was Ged's departure. No ignominy, no vitriol, just a dignified goodbye. Contrast with the Rafa situation and you see that all these two clowns have sought to do is belittle and humiliate our manager, tarnishing the club's reputation and image in the process. As far as I'm concerned the trust can never be regained after what these two have done. They need to get the **** out of our club before they do it any more damamge.

[Parm]

Spot on. What he says is absolutely right about how Liverpool traditional conducted business, and how these two cunts are so out of touch with the Liverpool Way. What especially rung true to me was Ged's departure. No ignominy, no vitriol, just a dignified goodbye. Contrast with the Rafa situation and you see that all these two clowns have sought to do is belittle and humiliate our manager, tarnishing the club's reputation and image in the process. As far as I'm concerned the trust can never be regained after what these two have done. They need to get the **** out of our club before they do it any more damamge.

preach bro, all very cogent points.

[Dhav]

preach bro, all very cogent points.

Alright mate, where have you been? Not seen you in these parts for a good couple of weeks

[Skillz]

Just finished reading it myself and was going to post it. That is a great, great piece that reads so true.

How the **** did he write that the bitter cu....*whoops*....person.

[The Erectile Banana]

Great piece.

Fair play to Prentice.

He really summed it up well there.

[enema of the state]

Spot on. What he says is absolutely right about how Liverpool traditional conducted business, and how these two cunts are so out of touch with the Liverpool Way. What especially rung true to me was Ged's departure. No ignominy, no vitriol, just a dignified goodbye. Contrast with the Rafa situation and you see that all these two clowns have sought to do is belittle and humiliate our manager, tarnishing the club's reputation and image in the process. As far as I'm concerned the trust can never be regained after what these two have done. They need to get the **** out of our club before they do it any more damamge.

I think "the liverpool way" would cover how rafa conducted himself at the post match press conference.

i still think hell go ultimately but i think its a sign things are back on track in terms of the clubs dealing with the media

[Revo]

I good article by Prentice.

Not so friendly fire as owners Kop it big styleJan 16 2008

by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

LIKE it or loathe it, football is a business. So let’s use a little retail speak which should be recognisable on both sides of the Atlantic.

The customer is king: And for the second time in barely seven weeks last night, the customers expected to turn Tom Hicks and George Gillett’s investment into big bucks at Liverpool Football Club spoke loudly and clearly.

When Porto came to Anfield in November, Rafael Benitez received a strident and stirring endorsement of his managerial skills.

His position had been threatened, and the fans made their point eloquently.

But last night the mood had shifted.

When Hicks and Gillett arrived at Anfield in a flurry of smiles, handshakes and Liverpool-crested cowboy boots, George said he liked to sit among the supporters to gauge the fan experience – and not to be surprised if he popped up on the Kop.


He’d be advised to abandon such experiments for now.


The Kop is a usually reliable barometer of public opinion among Liverpool fans.


And while the chant was by no means universal, it was loud enough, frequent enough and widespread enough to be clearly heard: “You’re not Liverpool fans. Liverpool Football Club . . . It’s in the wrong hands.”


There was another, less vocal chant, which cannot be repeated because of sensitive readers and an even more sensitive lawyer. But let’s just say Tom and George were accused of being economical with the truth.


Then there were the banners.


“Thanks Yanks. No More Friendly Fire” and “Dubai SOS – Yanks Out” were just two.


The natives are restless – and it’s easy to understand why.


Liverpool has never washed its dirty linen in public.


Liverpool managers aren’t sacked, they always graciously step down in acknowledgement that it’s for the greater good. Cheesy, maybe, but that’s the way they do it. Heck, Gerard Houllier even staged a press conference to say his thank yous and goodbyes.


It’s indicative of a football club which has always done things the right and proper way.


But this week’s events go a little deeper than the possibility of a very popular manager being sacked.


It’s a matter of common decency.


And the Kop, rightly or wrongly, holds itself up as an arbiter of fair play.

Not so friendly fire as owners Kop it big style Previous 1 2

If Benfica come to Anfield and deservedly knock Liverpool out of the European Cup, they’re warmly applauded.

A tradition for applauding visiting goalkeepers originated here on Merseyside, while last night a tribute was paid to the magnificent support Luton received from their travelling fans.

So when absentee landlords offer another man the manager’s job – insurance policy or not – it offends their sense of fair play.

Whether you believe Benitez is the man to deliver the League title to Anfield or not, you don’t treat him the way big, vulgar city institutions like Tottenham treat their managers.

And, if the co-owners are being so cavalier with the future of a trusted and admired club servant, it adds to the growing sense of unease at reports of a colossal debt being saddled on the club some time soon.

Hicks and Gillett need a charm offensive some time soon.



Story continues

ADVERTISEMENT

Fans often disagree with events in the boardroom, but this is the first time in living memory that fans have openly mutinied with club custodians.


And a divided club is not a strong football club.


The events off the pitch threatened to overshadow Jamie Carragher’s big night.


Liverpool’s legend of 500 matches was granted a guard of honour as he stepped onto the turf with son James, but the resounding chant which reverberated around Anfield was “Ra-fa Benitez.”


As Luton defended doggedly and desperately, however, attention switched to matters on the pitch.


And while Carragher produced his usual array of blocks, interceptions and clearances – not to mention one better Ryan Babel pass away from a clear run on goal – Carra’s best pal did his best to grab the limelight.


What Steven Gerrard offered with one hand – he took away with the other.


Gerrard handed over the captain’s armband for the night, then demanded the spotlight with a hat-trick.


Results of football matches will always dictate the mood of football fans, but last night there was an animated sub-plot.


The customer is king – and it’s time the co-owners started listening.

For all the gob****es that would like the manager gone today. This is how things should be done at this institute. stop putting your selfish ****ing mean ways out in front of everything else.
very very good article

[NICKZS]

For all the gob****es that would like the manager gone today. This is how things should be done at this institute. stop putting your selfish ****ing mean ways out in front of everything else.
very very good article

This is why I can't understand the spartan approach of some of our fans asking for "The Special One" to be employed. Whether we won every trophy under the sun or not, the last remnants of the clubs soul and ethos would be up-rooted.

I would hate to see that **** as a Liverpool manager regardless of his professional acumen. Liverpool is about more than just winning stuff; success is what makes us great, but our demeanor is what truly makes us special and differentiates us from the rabble.

[Revo]

This is why I can't understand the spartan approach of some of our fans asking for "The Special One" to be employed. Whether we won every trophy under the sun or not, the last remnants of the clubs soul and ethos would be up-rooted.

I would hate to see that **** as a Liverpool manager regardless of his professional acumen. Liverpool is about more than just winning stuff; success is what makes us great, but our demeanor is what truly makes us special and differentiates us from the rabble.

i think mate that we are totally about winning stuff but we also have great respect for the people who pay at the gate every week. we also have or had great respect for the corridors and hallways of our history and the americanos dont seem to grasp that. they have deluded themselves and played a PR game into thinking that they are
the custodians. Bull****, we, the fans are the true custodians of this club and we expect any owner to become the civic leaders of this club. conduct your buisness in a very appropiate way and keep the principles of this institute intact.

[NICKZS]

i think mate that we are totally about winning stuff but we also have great respect for the people who pay at the gate every week. we also have or had great respect for the corridors and hallways of our history and the americanos dont seem to grasp that. they have deluded themselves and played a PR game into thinking that they are
the custodians. Bull****, we, the fans are the true custodians of this club and we expect any owner to become the civic leaders of this club. conduct your buisness in a very appropiate way and keep the principles of this institute intact.

What I mean to say is that I have no desire to win, namely, the Premiership at any cost. To see some classless mercenary lifting the trophy would completely sully the entire event for me and, similarly, the owners are handling the operation of the club incredibly poorly.

I think the reaction from the fans has served to illustrate the sense of collective guardianship that you are talking about and I only hope that it has irked the Americans effectively enough to persuade them to call it a day. I simply cannot foresee any kind of benefit being drawn from their ownership of the club.

[Pacman]

i think mate that we are totally about winning stuff but we also have great respect for the people who pay at the gate every week. we also have or had great respect for the corridors and hallways of our history and the americanos dont seem to grasp that. they have deluded themselves and played a PR game into thinking that they are
the custodians. Bull****, we, the fans are the true custodians of this club and we expect any owner to become the civic leaders of this club. conduct your buisness in a very appropiate way and keep the principles of this institute intact.

Revo as per normal you say it exactly how it is.

You just need to look at Moores for example by all accounts certain posters who claim to know a bit of info have come out and said Moores is fuming by this whole mess however he will never ever ever come out publicly and say anything he'll do it behind closed doors. That is the Liverpool way always has been and always should be.

Rafa is the man who has won a CL and an FA cup and got us to a Carling Cup final, another CL final and managed to get us our biggest points total in the league. He respects us, loves our club and loves the city. He is a gentleman always willing to speak to fans, always willing to sign autographs, always heaping praise on us. He respects our traditions and desperately wants to bring us success. He deserves respect from everyone associated with the club from the fan in China who watches from a far to the Chairman. He's a fantastic manager to boot however I know some people think he wont win us the league (I'm not one of those people). It goes beyond that with Rafa though this isn't about if you think he's the man for the job this is about standing up for what Liverpool Football Club stand for.

No-one should be treated like he has it's a disgrace.

[Dhav]

Revo as per normal you say it exactly how it is.

You just need to look at Moores for example by all accounts certain posters who claim to know a bit of info have come out and said Moores is fuming by this whole mess however he will never ever ever come out publicly and say anything he'll do it behind closed doors. That is the Liverpool way always has been and always should be.

Rafa is the man who has won a CL and an FA cup and got us to a Carling Cup final, another CL final and managed to get us our biggest points total in the league. He respects us, loves our club and loves the city. He is a gentleman always willing to speak to fans, always willing to sign autographs, always heaping praise on us. He respects our traditions and desperately wants to bring us success. He deserves respect from everyone associated with the club from the fan in China who watches from a far to the Chairman. He's a fantastic manager to boot however I know some people think he wont win us the league (I'm not one of those people). It goes beyond that with Rafa though this isn't about if you think he's the man for the job this is about standing up for what Liverpool Football Club stand for.

No-one should be treated like he has it's a disgrace.

Hansen said last night that Rafa is the right man for Liverpool going forward, that he has done a good job, although not an outstanding one. I'd like to clarify that, Rafa has done a good job domestically, he has done an outstanding job in Europe. IMO, with the right financial backing he can win us the league, he ahs already built up one of the best squads we've had in many a long year.

Right now, any debates about whether Rafa can or cannot win us the league should be moot. There are bigger issues to deal with, namely the fact that a man who has sacrificed a lot for us, who has achieved so much for us, has been betrayed and stabbed in the back, and we need to stand behind him and show him our support. We need to fight to ensure he gets the time and money he deserves to realise his ambitions and plans for the club.

[Revo]

Hansen said last night that Rafa is the right man for Liverpool going forward, that he has done a good job, although not an outstanding one. I'd like to clarify that, Rafa has done a good job domestically, he has done an outstanding job in Europe. IMO, with the right financial backing he can win us the league, he ahs already built up one of the best squads we've had in many a long year.

Right now, any debates about whether Rafa can or cannot win us the league should be moot. There are bigger issues to deal with, namely the fact that a man who has sacrificed a lot for us, who has achieved so much for us, has been betrayed and stabbed in the back, and we need to stand behind him and show him our support. We need to fight to ensure he gets the time and money he deserves to realise his ambitions and plans for the club.

wanna get married

[Dhav]

wanna get married

Yep. Not sure if Rafa is willing to give it a try though.