I sit at my desk this morning reflecting on a very strange weekend.
We totally outplayed the Barcodes, triumphed 3-0 and yet my thoughts all weekend have been over-run with concerns about my beloved club. What concerns me most is the precedent that this establishes.
Liverpool never sack managers. In two occasions in the past, they have quietly sat down with the failing candidates and persuaded them it is time to go. The last such occasion was Houllier and both he and his staff were handsomely paid off. I have read 11 million quid.
For years we called out for investment and the holy grail, a bigger stadium. Whilst Old Trafford expanded ever upwards, even teams like Man City were able to boast a bigger capacity. Arsenal have their new ground as well, and we needed a new owner with plans as big as the fans.
And this, I feel is where the problems started. Of course, we will never know what went on behind the scenes, but having employed an agency to find us investment, time and time again it seemed that as quickly as a potential suitor was found, they were turned away.
I was gutted when Kraft was not taken up on his offer as it seemed to encompass all that I could have hoped for. But alas, no. Mr Parry and Mr Moores were not smitten. Brave decison, boys. We were then treated to watching the club I love court and reject many others. Thaksin, Morgan and spurious others were linked to us but none was good enough.
Then DIC pooped up and all looked rosy. But halfway down the aisle Messers Parry and Moores turned tail and ran into the arms of Mr Gillett, who now had a partner, Mr Hicks. All would be good we were told. They have the clout and the money. Successful with sports in the US. Perfect.
Fast forward to Dec 2007. Less than 9 months later. And look at the mess we're in.
Our stadium cost has doubled. And during that time a world wide credit squeeze has made it far more difficult to raise money. How we laughed when Old Trafford was mortgaged to be bought out by the Glazers. That would never happen with us, or so we were told.
Our manager is under serious threat. Of course, he never should have gone public, his outburst after the CL final was not appreciated for sure, but surely it can only have been precipitated by people not keeping their word? 'Roffa" we kept being told, would get all he wanted and more.
Despite spending a lot this summer our net spend was roughly on par with Pompey and Man City, I think. It was the first time Rafa has been able to go after the players that he really wanted without having to worry about cash.
And now he finds himself facing redundancy within the next 9 months. Because unless he does a remarkable treble, I feel the Yanks will get rid, probably next summer.
And worst of all, it's being played out in the press. Rafa shouldn't be making statements like he does nor turning up in his tracksuit for the game to prove a point, but he shouldn't have to. And George and Tom should shut up and conduct any bollockings behind the scenes, not through the press.
I am totally hacked off. And worse still, something has changed for ever.
We no longer act with dignity and class. We are just another football club.
We totally outplayed the Barcodes, triumphed 3-0 and yet my thoughts all weekend have been over-run with concerns about my beloved club. What concerns me most is the precedent that this establishes.
Liverpool never sack managers. In two occasions in the past, they have quietly sat down with the failing candidates and persuaded them it is time to go. The last such occasion was Houllier and both he and his staff were handsomely paid off. I have read 11 million quid.
For years we called out for investment and the holy grail, a bigger stadium. Whilst Old Trafford expanded ever upwards, even teams like Man City were able to boast a bigger capacity. Arsenal have their new ground as well, and we needed a new owner with plans as big as the fans.
And this, I feel is where the problems started. Of course, we will never know what went on behind the scenes, but having employed an agency to find us investment, time and time again it seemed that as quickly as a potential suitor was found, they were turned away.
I was gutted when Kraft was not taken up on his offer as it seemed to encompass all that I could have hoped for. But alas, no. Mr Parry and Mr Moores were not smitten. Brave decison, boys. We were then treated to watching the club I love court and reject many others. Thaksin, Morgan and spurious others were linked to us but none was good enough.
Then DIC pooped up and all looked rosy. But halfway down the aisle Messers Parry and Moores turned tail and ran into the arms of Mr Gillett, who now had a partner, Mr Hicks. All would be good we were told. They have the clout and the money. Successful with sports in the US. Perfect.
Fast forward to Dec 2007. Less than 9 months later. And look at the mess we're in.
Our stadium cost has doubled. And during that time a world wide credit squeeze has made it far more difficult to raise money. How we laughed when Old Trafford was mortgaged to be bought out by the Glazers. That would never happen with us, or so we were told.
Our manager is under serious threat. Of course, he never should have gone public, his outburst after the CL final was not appreciated for sure, but surely it can only have been precipitated by people not keeping their word? 'Roffa" we kept being told, would get all he wanted and more.
Despite spending a lot this summer our net spend was roughly on par with Pompey and Man City, I think. It was the first time Rafa has been able to go after the players that he really wanted without having to worry about cash.
And now he finds himself facing redundancy within the next 9 months. Because unless he does a remarkable treble, I feel the Yanks will get rid, probably next summer.
And worst of all, it's being played out in the press. Rafa shouldn't be making statements like he does nor turning up in his tracksuit for the game to prove a point, but he shouldn't have to. And George and Tom should shut up and conduct any bollockings behind the scenes, not through the press.
I am totally hacked off. And worse still, something has changed for ever.
We no longer act with dignity and class. We are just another football club.
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