Liverpool F.c.

[scousemouse]

GERRARD HAILS 'FRIGHTENING' TORRES

Steven Gerrard today reflected on Fernando Torres' second hat-trick in successive Anfield games and declared: "He's frightening." The Spanish star took his tally for the campaign to 24 with his third hat-trick of the season last night as Liverpool took full advantage of their game in hand to beat West Ham 4-0 and move into fourth place in the Premier League table.

"Fernando is frightening. From the opening home game of the season to Chelsea when he scored a cracker, he has been consistent all the way," said the skipper.

"He got off to a good start then and now he has hit 18 Premier League goals, the first person to do that here since Michael Owen. So far so good and hopefully he can continue like this right to the end of the season.

"He has pace, power and is very direct but the most important thing for us is his work rate. He hasn't come here as a star, he is chipping in with his work as well and when you get that from a player as well you cannot ask for much more."

Gerrard, who took his own tally for the season to 18 with the fourth goal of the game last night, was delighted to see the Reds move back above Everton in the table.

"I know I called for an improvement recently and the way the performances have gone I am obviously pleased," he added.

"We were all disappointed with the inconsistency at home but against West Ham we started to put that right.

"It was a good team performance, I said well done to all of them. But we have another big game on Saturday and we must keep doing this right to the end of the season.

"There is still a lot of pressure on us to get fourth place. This is now a massive month for us, it will be tough all the way now.

"It is important for us to continue our league form. We have won the last three and if we can beat Newcastle on Saturday we will be able to focus on a huge game away to Inter Milan on Tuesday. That's so important for us now."

[scousemouse]

LFC V NEWCASTLE: STAT ATTACK

Earlier this season Liverpool won 3-0 at St James' Park. Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel scored the goals.

<LI>Ryan Babel scored his first Liverpool goal away from Anfield in that meeting between the sides.

<LI>Dirk Kuyt scored his 150th career goal and his first in a Liverpool shirt against Newcastle in the fixture at Anfield last season.

<LI>Liverpool have won 16 and lost seven of the 29 Premier League meetings between the sides.

<LI>There has been only one goalless draw at Anfield between the sides in the last 78 years. That came in February 1970. In all meetings home and away there hasn't been one since February 1974-a run of 47 games.

<LI>Liverpool have won 11 and drawn two of the last 13 Anfield league meetings.

<LI>Liverpool have scored 31 goals in the last 12 League meetings with Newcastle at Anfield.

<LI>Should the Reds score twice today they will record their 250th league goal against Newcastle.

<LI>Liverpool's biggest League win here over Newcastle came in August 1967-the Reds winning 6-0. Their heaviest defeat by Newcastle on this ground was by a 5-1 margin in December 1907.

<LI>Should the Reds win it will be their 300th in the Premier League in their 611th game.

<LI>Fernando Torres has scored 12 goals in his last 11 league starts and 16 in his last 18 starts in all competitions.

<LI>The Spanish striker is now two goals short of becoming the first Liverpool player since Robbie Fowler in 1995-96 to score 20 league goals in a season.

<LI>Following his three goals in midweek he is aiming to become the first Liverpool player since Ian Rush in November 1982 to score a hat-trick in successive games.

<LI>No Liverpool player has ever scored a hat-trick in three consecutive home games, or indeed in league games at Anfield.

<LI>Torres became the first player to score three hat-tricks in a season for the Reds since Michael Owen in 2002-03. The last man to achieve more than three was Roger Hunt in 1961-62 who scored five.

<LI>Ian Rush is the last Liverpool player to score three hat-tricks in a league season, doing so in 1983-84. It is a feat Torres is one short of achieving.

<LI>The Reds have now scored six hat-tricks this season, for the first time since 1986-87. If they achieve one more it will be their best since 1946-47 when they notched seven.

<LI>Liverpool, along with Arsenal, have scored more goals than any other Premier League team in all competitions this season. Both have scored 93 with Liverpool's coming in 44 games, two fewer than the Gunners.

[scousemouse]

A good read :

FINE LINE BETWEEN SUCCESS AND FAILURE

Despite a season of intermittent struggles at Anfield, Liverpool have scored the most home goals in the Premier League, along with Spurs, and conceded the fewest away from home, along with Chelsea.

The Reds overall away form is more-or-less identical to leaders Arsenal, and have lost fewer league games than Manchester United. And the clean sheet quota is still very high.

Then there's the Champions League, where the Reds have plundered 18 goals at Anfield in just five games. By my calculations the four goals against West Ham takes the tally for the season to 92 in all competitions, and so clearly the attacking side of the Reds' game has improved this season.

The addition of the sublime Torres, with 24 goals from open play, has obviously been a key factor, but also important is that other new players like Babel and Benayoun, who have been used more sporadically, have weighed in, too. That pair have 18 goals between them, and if you combine their time on the pitch it'd probably equal something close to Steven Gerrard's - who also has 18 goals.

Teams are being routed on a fairly regular basis, but contrary to what Benítez's critics see as his style, there hasn't been enough scrappy one-goal wins; the kind where one point is turned into three, often in the 98th minute. On some days the draws were deserved, as the team lost its way and its confidence, but many have been down to the failure to kill off the opposition and, at times, an absence of the luck that every successful team needs.

But I'm always encouraged by the team creating chances, whatever the result; I felt that the 0-0 draw at Manchester City, for example, was a good sign in terms of this team developing the attacking side of its game, as the home team were pegged back for 90 minutes. But had Liverpool been totally ready to make a championship challenge this term, one or two of those myriad chances would have crept in. Those are the fine lines.

As well as scoring more goals, Liverpool are clearly harder to beat, too. Again, that's another positive. Losing fewer league games than Manchester United definitely signals an improvement of sorts; but of course it's not how many games you lose, but how many points you win. But it's a start, something to build on.

Liverpool –– labelled the 'draw specialists' this season –– have only drawn three more games than leaders Arsenal, but nicking just one extra goal (or keeping late ones out, such as at home to Wigan) in those three extra draws would put the Reds above Chelsea and very much in the title race. You can't live on 'what ifs', but again, it shows the fine line between success and failure.

Several weeks back I wrote that every time Liverpool win, it is put down to the opposition being poor. This was again trotted out after the West Ham victory, such as one paper saying: "Rafa Benítez knows his players are unlikely to come up against such inferior opposition again this season as West Ham proved to be at Anfield."

West Ham were not at their best, clearly. But the success of this Liverpool team comes from frenetic closing down (as seen with the Valencia 'crushing machine'), and wringing the life out of the opposition. There were points in the game against the Hammers where the closing down of their defence by Kuyt, Mascherano, Gerrard, Alonso and Torres looked almost cruel.

Let me be clear: I don't think Dirk Kuyt is one of the greatest players in the world. But I love his attitude, and choose to focus on what he gives the team, not that which he cannot.

And something his detractors will never acknowledge is just how many attacks he helps start in the final third by either winning the ball or by hurrying defenders into mistakes. It's one thing your defenders winning the ball in their own half; but if your forwards do so in their area of the pitch, a chance is rarely far away. It's a form of destructive construction!

And as I said earlier in the week, which was backed up against West Ham, Kuyt knows how to feed a fellow striker from the wing, even if he's not going to cross like David Beckham or dance round players like Cristiano Ronaldo.

Perhaps part of the problem is fans comparing Kuyt unfavourably with players like Ronaldo, but how many wingers of that calibre exist? It's rare to find a skilful wide-man who, as Ronaldo has come to do, also puts the team winning ahead of achieving his own stepover quotient.

There are better individual footballers than Kuyt, and indeed several of them are in the Liverpool side, but he gives the team balance and, even more crucially, his perpetual motion drives the rest of the team on. It helps to keep the tempo high, and that's when the Reds are at their best.

All of the above observations confirm to me that Liverpool are on the right lines, even if those lines won't necessarily lead to glory; there are no guarantees, after all.

For a period this season, Liverpool simply weren't good enough, and the form was distinctly mid-table. But I always maintained that this particular cream will rise, and now the Reds sit in 4th place and go to Milan next week with a 2-0 lead.

I've been saying for a good while now that this league has got stronger and stronger –– not just the top four, but the teams who reach the Uefa Cup and further down. Everton are now a very good side, as much as it irks me to say it, and Aston Villa have improved under Martin O'Neill. Spurs now have a top-class manager, and yet are one of two very expensively-assembled teams in the bottom half of the table, with Saturday's opponents Newcastle slipping perilously close to the drop zone.

English teams having a good year in Europe doesn't say too much; but it's now been four or five impressive seasons in a row, and is growing increasingly so. England could have four of the best eight teams in the Champions League; last year it had three of the last four teams standing. And it's 2004 since an English team failed to contest the final, and 2003 since one failed to make the semi-final. Does this not suggest that the league has improved?

But for me, this has masked the improvements Liverpool have made on the whole under Benítez. That doesn't mean there isn't more room for improvement; clearly there is (although having said that, the addition of Martin Skrtel, with his pace, aggression and calm distribution, already looks to have improved the defensive options).

But the current top three, who were well ahead in their building –– either from financial investment or from the youth set-up dating back to the turn of the millennium –– have continued to strengthen too. Even the joint-best driver in the joint-best car couldn't make up too big a gap in at Silverstone after a pit stop to change many of the key components.

Perhaps the bottom few clubs tend to be worse these days –– Derby are pretty woeful –– and there's no doubt that it's far harder to bridge the gap from the second tier to the top division. But part of that is the increasing strength of the best teams; not only do the top four continue to rank amongst the continent's elite, but they have increasingly pulled away from the lower division and the base of the top league.

You can still get a freak result –– a 'Barnsley' –– but that's football. By contrast, teams who have established themselves in the Premier League for a few years can now afford to grow increasingly stronger.

To conclude, it's been a season of tweaks and alterations for the Reds: many new players who are now delivering the goods (half of last night's outfield players only joined the club since the turn of last year), a change of system, and an increased attacking threat. Players like Torres and Babel are getting better and better as the season progresses.

Your guess is as good as mine as to whether this form and vivacity will be taken into next season, and whether or not the one or two of the key defects can be eradicated. But it's possible that both could prove true.

Of course, new defects can always crop up –– that's football. You change one thing for the better and often something else is adversely affected.

But equally, you can suddenly get the balance just right. Here's hoping that's the case from now until May, and then much further beyond.

[kopite]

great read. thanks for that mate

[scousemouse]

One of many player of the month awards for Torres :

Torres wins monthly award

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres winning the player of the month award for February.[/b]

Torres scored a hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Middlesbrough in a February which yielded four goals in two league games.

The Spaniard's triple was his first in the Premier League and he added to the one he scored against Reading in the Carling Cup earlier on this season. He is currently on 18 goals in the top-flight scoring charts, with Emmanuel Adebayor, who is on 19, and 21-goal Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of him.

[/size]

Edited March 7, 2008 by scousemouse

[kopite]

George Gillett agrees to sell his Liverpool FC share to DIC

Mar 8 2008

LIVERPOOL FC co-owner George Gillett last night agreed to sell his share in the club to Dubai International Capital.

The breakthrough came after DIC agreed to top up Gillett’s profit on his LFC investment from an instant £40m to a potential £80m, depending on future club success.

Crucially the terms of the deal would see 1% of Gillett’s holding in the club go to his American co-owner Tom Hicks for around £500,000, making the Texan the club’s majority shareholder.

DIC, owned by Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, would agree to take on the £350m debt arranged by the Americans in a controversial re-financing deal earlier this year.

Last night’s agreement would value Liverpool FC at £430m, rising to a maximum £510m if the future profit sharing clauses were triggered.

The potential additional £40m Gillett could look forward to is contingent on Liverpool’s success both on the field and in financial terms – agreed targets would have to be hit. Lawyers are yet to thrash out the finer details of the deal which will now become dependent on the agreement of Tom Hicks.

Last night Amanda Staveley, of private equity group PCP who is representing DIC, said the company was willing to accept the minority holding at Anfield subject to certain conditions.

She said: “Subject to re-negotiation of a partnership agreement and subject to the usual stringent minority shareholder protection rights, we would be prepared to accept a 49% shareholding in Liverpool Football Club.

“We have decided this arrangement provides the best possible solution to the situation and would be in the interests of the club and their loyal fans.”

Gillett’s willingness to sell is a major step forward in concluding the power struggle which has so unsettled the Anfield club.

But fans will no doubt be concerned that Hicks, the leading target for their anger, would actually appear to be about to strengthen his hold at Anfield.

Last night George Gillett declined to comment on any agreement with DIC.

But one source stressed that the deal was “far from done” as Hicks will have to be convinced he can work with the Dubai consortium.

It is understood representatives of Hicks, stationed in Dubai, will meet with DIC next week for talks.

The valuation of the club has been the main sticking point in the potential sale, with the Americans previously insisting the club was worth up to £1bn.

The ability of the Americans to invest in the club, especially the new 71,000 seater stadium on Stanley Park, has been questioned following the £350m re-finacing of debt on the club.

The new stadium is an essential part of future profit projections, and the Americans have already had to order one re-design because of rising costs.

Allowing Gillett to have a slice of profits in future was seen as a way of wrestling his stake from his hands while allowing him share proceeds in years to come.

DIC are understood to be keen to get a “foot in the door”, opening up the possibility of buying out Hicks later.

However, sources close to the Texan last night said he had ”other options and other partners” to take a minority stake in the club if agreement could not be reached with DIC.

Hicks believes he and Gillett effectively have a veto over the other should either decide to sell their stake and has made it clear he is prepared to use his veto.

The relationship between the pair has soured in recent months, to such an extent whereby the pair hardly talk now.

Gillett was originally seen as the senior partner in the relationship, bringing in Hicks with his financial muscle in order to outbid DIC for ownership last year.

However, Gillett was angered by Hicks’s public admission that Jurgen Klinsmann had been lined up as a potential replacement for manager Rafael Benitez.

When Hicks announced the controversial £350m refinancing deal in January, Gillett was so annoyed that he refused to put his name to the statement.

The pair bought LFC through their Kop Holdings Group in February last year but their “dream ticket” became a nightmare for fans when they loaded the club with debt.

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-20581441/

Edited March 8, 2008 by kopite

[scousemouse]

And rightly so :

RAFA: WHY I SIGNED TORRES AND NOT OWEN

Rafael Benitez today revealed Michael Owen was one of his potential new recruits last summer - but that Fernando Torres was always top of his wish list. Torres takes on Owen's Newcastle at Anfield this afternoon looking to become the first player in Liverpool history to net hat-tricks in three successive home games.

And despite being urged by senior players to bring Owen back to Merseyside in the summer, Benitez is delighted to have instead signed a player who is now just two goals short of 20 in the league for the Reds during his debut season.

"In the summer, Michael was one of the names on the list of strikers we were pursuing, but Fernando was always top of that list, and the one we wanted above all others," Benitez said.

"When you talk to Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher they say what a great player Michael is, and they wanted him, because he is a great finisher and a good striker.

"But Torres was our top choice because he was young, because he is very quick and he has such potential. He had all the conditions we wanted, and we are very, very happy with our decision.

"When Michael is fit he is one of the best forwards in the world. But we thought that maybe Nando was younger, quicker and could do what we wanted, which was to run behind defenders from deeper, and play for the team. It was not just my decision to buy Fernando, the scouting department were looking at a lot of strikers.

"They saw the pace and ability and hunger of Torres. Michael is great but we are happy that Torres is here.

"He has so much potential, and he is still learning. He knows he can improve, he knows he must get better, but the good thing is he is such a nice lad, so down to earth and he wants to improve and get better.

"He was the main player at Atletico, but he doesn't want to be the superstar. He is humble and he has a lot of good people around him, his family, his girlfriend who all have good ideas about his future."

[spot]

Top night all round!

Gerrard and Torres on fire together. Second two goals were great to watch.

[scousemouse]

Top night all round!

Gerrard and Torres on fire together. Second two goals were great to watch.

.

Newcastle were very lucky that we are playing Inter on Tuesday and took Gerrard and Torres of early as it could have been a massacre .

Gerrard and Torres were fantastic again.

Martins was very unlucky his cracker of an effort hit the bar , it would have been goal of the season.

[mrtoad]

Top night all round!

Gerrard and Torres on fire together. Second two goals were great to watch.

.

Newcastle were very lucky that we are playing Inter on Tuesday and took Gerrard and Torres of early as it could have been a massacre .

Gerrard and Torres were fantastic again.

Martins was very unlucky his cracker of an effort hit the bar , it would have been goal of the season.

Newcastle look like they have had it, once they conceded they were awful. No fight, spirit, tactics or penetration. I reckon they are going to go down.

[spot]

Top night all round!

Gerrard and Torres on fire together. Second two goals were great to watch.

.

Newcastle were very lucky that we are playing Inter on Tuesday and took Gerrard and Torres of early as it could have been a massacre .

Gerrard and Torres were fantastic again.

Martins was very unlucky his cracker of an effort hit the bar , it would have been goal of the season.

I think we had some overdue luck with the first goal. After that the team played with a bit more confidence. Would've enjoyed a massacre, but Tues night is far more important.

I agree that Martin's effort would have been one of the goals of the season. I think Newcastle will hang on this season though.

[kopite]

Carragher: European rivals 'fear' Liverpool

By Derick Allsop

Jamie Carragher believes the ''mystique" of Europe that surrounds Liverpool makes them the team every club want to avoid.

The defender, who will become the first Liverpool player to reach 100 appearances in Europe in the away leg of their Champions League tie against Inter Milan on Tuesday, believes they can win the trophy for a sixth time.

Liverpool take a 2-0 lead to the San Siro with Carragher arguing that Rafael Benitez's strategy is more suited to European competition. "It's a totally different game and we're more suited to it than the Premier League, which is more about power and pace - and we don't have huge pace. It's something that we can improve on. What we do have is as lot of good thinkers - players who know the game. Because it's a bit slower in Europe, it suits us.

''If we get through against Inter, nobody will want us in the draw because of our record. There's a bit of mystique about us almost because people see us not doing so well in the league and yet doing well in Europe.

"The home crowd's a big thing. Playing at Anfield makes other teams apprehensive. I've never played at the San Siro and I am made up about it - it may be my only chance. We have to look for an away goal to kill them off. Then it would take a nightmare defensive performance to let them back in and I don't want to be part of that!"

[scousemouse]

Match report from last night's rgeat performance against a not so great team :

LIVERPOOL 3 - 0 NEWCASTLE UNITED

TORRES INSPIRES REDS TO FIFTH STRAIGHT WIN

Liverpool will head to the San Siro in fourth spot after Fernando Torres helped pile more pressure on Anfield legend Kevin Keegan.

The club's record signing scored one and had a hand in two more as the Reds cruised to a fifth straight win. It's now 25 for Torres this season, just three fewer than the returning Michael Owen's best tally.

Jermaine Pennant and Steven Gerrard were the other scorers as Liverpool recorded a 300th Premier League win.

The manner of the result, which leaves Newcastle without a victory in eight since Keegan's much-publicised return, meant Torres and Gerrard could watch the final 20 minutes from the bench ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash.

It was perhaps with Inter in mind that Rafa Benitez made three changes from Wednesday night's victory over West Ham: Jermaine Pennant, Lucas Leiva and Yossi Benayoun in for Ryan Babel, Javier Mascherano and Dirk Kuyt.

There was no tinkering with the system, however, with Torres up front alone in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The Spanish ace, who was presented with his player of the month trophy prior to kick off, was just 8-1 to score a third successive home hat-trick.

He had to wait just 11 minutes for a first opportunity after getting a run on Abdoulaye Faye inside the 18-yard box. There was only ever one winner there but it was Steve Harper to the rescue for Newcastle.

Despite this, the personnel changes seemed to affect Liverpool's fluidity until the breakthrough came on the stroke of half time. Or maybe it was the teeming rain.

Either way, the home side suffered a scare early on when Charles N'Zogbia floated a corner to the near post, where Faye was waiting to test Pepe Reina with a glancing header.

At the other end, Gerrard called Harper into action after a quickly taken free-kick, then had a penalty shout denied following a mis-timed challenge from Jose Enrique.

Just as it looked like the half was going to end in frustration, however, two goals in two minutes silenced the previously rowdy Toon Army.

The first was a freak. It came when Enrique went to clear a mis-placed throughball from Torres, but instead of going into the stands the ball hit the unknowing Pennant and ricocheted into the back of the net.

Before Anfield had time to catch its breath that man Torres made it two after latching on to a defence-splitting pass from Gerrard.

What came next was poetry in motion as the striker sold Harper a beautiful dummy before tucking into an empty net.

Benitez revealed in this morning's newspapers that Owen could have been a target had Torres not signed last summer. If you'd asked the Kop to choose back then, it'd have been no contest. Bring on the second second-coming, they'd have said - but not now.

For here, on the turf where the Newcastle captain used to terrorise Premier League defences, a new star has been born - one arguably capable of shinning even brighter than Owen in his pomp.

It was now 13 goals in 12 starts for Torres - and there was still 45 minutes to go. But it's not all about goals where the former Atletico man is concerned.

For his next trick he turned provider, picking the ball up on the half-way line on 51 minutes before picking out Gerrard's well-timed run.

One-on-one, the skipper stayed as cool as a fridge, lobbing the 'keeper with an swagger that goes hand-in-hand with brilliance.

Now it was a case of how many. Lucas tried to get in on the act with a 30-yard hit before Gerrard and Torres once again combined to force the best out of Harper.

Kuyt, Benayoun and Riise all came close in the final 10 minutes but, for today at least, Liverpool were done.

The travelling fans did at least have one thing to smile about following Obafemi Martins' unbelievable chest and volley which hit the bar from 45 yards. Not that it was any comfort to the increasingly bewildered Keegan.

[kopite]

good site here for all Libpool RSS feeds

http://www.lfclive.net/

[scousemouse]

good site here for all Libpool RSS feeds

http://www.lfclive.net/

Nice site Kopite .

[scousemouse]

RAFA: IT WAS A PERFECT DAY

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was happy after his side's 3-0 win over Newcastle at Anfield maintained their winning run ahead of Tuesday's crucial Champions League second leg with Inter Milan. Goals from Jermaine Pennant, Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard helped make it five wins on the bounce for the Reds and Rafa felt it was the ideal preparation before they set off for Italy.

"You must be happy," said Rafa. "We needed to win and we scored three goals and kept another clean sheet. We were also able to rest some players as well so it was perfect."

Torres and Gerrard were both withdrawn midway through the second half, obviously with Inter in mind, but they had already done the damage. Torres scored his 25th of the season to make it 2-0 in the 45th minute and then he turned provider for his skipper just after the break, and Rafa was full of praise for the pair.

"Both Torres and Gerrard are playing well and that is important for us," said Rafa. "If they have the space, with the quality and pace they have, they can kill defenders.

"Torres' goal was really good, Gerrard and Torres have a really good understanding and the goal came at a crucial time because it almost killed the game off. That helped us play with more confidence in the second half.

"The first goal was lucky, but the team was controlling the game. We were passing the ball well, but they were defending well and it was difficult to create clear chances. Sometimes you need the first goal and then after that it's easier."

The Reds will fly to Italy on Monday and Rafa was happy to report there were no new injury concerns after this game.

He said, "Lucas finished the game a bit tired, but the team should be ok. I have confidence that Mascherano will be ok, but it is too soon to say."

[kopite]

Hopefully we will line up something like this on tuesday;

Reina

Arbeloa Carragher Hyypia Aurelio

Alonso Mascherano

Kuyt Gerrard Babel

Torres

i just cant see us not scoring in this game. if they go for it (which they have to) then its only going to leave room for torres to get behind them.

kopite predicts - 1-1

[kopite]

for f***s sake

STATEMENT FROM TOM HICKS

Paul Eaton 10 March 2008

Tom Hicks, co-owner of Kop Football (Holdings) Limited and, through it, of Liverpool Football Club, today issued the following statement.

"Based on a meeting held earlier today in Dubai between my representatives and officials of Dubai International Capital LLC, as well as other recent contacts between us and them, I have decided to terminate any further discussions with DIC regarding their possible purchase of a minority stake in Kop and, in turn, in the Club.

"DIC made it clear that if they invested in the Club, they would want it to be managed by committee. Based on my thirteen years of successful experience as an owner of professional sports teams, and based in particular on the situation at Liverpool Football Club over the past year, it is clear to me that such a committee approach would not be in the best interest of Kop, of the Club or of the Club's loyal and passionate supporters.

"Accordingly, I have decided to exercise my right under the Kop Football (Holdings) Limited partnership agreement to veto any sale of any portion of Kop and the Club to DIC.

"I and my colleagues and representatives will continue to explore a number of other options with regard to the ownership of Kop and the Club aimed at achieving an appropriate ownership, financial and organizational structure for Kop and the Club over the long term.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N...080310-1724.htm

[spot]

for f***s sake

STATEMENT FROM TOM HICKS

Paul Eaton 10 March 2008

Tom Hicks, co-owner of Kop Football (Holdings) Limited and, through it, of Liverpool Football Club, today issued the following statement.

"Based on a meeting held earlier today in Dubai between my representatives and officials of Dubai International Capital LLC, as well as other recent contacts between us and them, I have decided to terminate any further discussions with DIC regarding their possible purchase of a minority stake in Kop and, in turn, in the Club.

"DIC made it clear that if they invested in the Club, they would want it to be managed by committee. Based on my thirteen years of successful experience as an owner of professional sports teams, and based in particular on the situation at Liverpool Football Club over the past year, it is clear to me that such a committee approach would not be in the best interest of Kop, of the Club or of the Club's loyal and passionate supporters.

"Accordingly, I have decided to exercise my right under the Kop Football (Holdings) Limited partnership agreement to veto any sale of any portion of Kop and the Club to DIC.

"I and my colleagues and representatives will continue to explore a number of other options with regard to the ownership of Kop and the Club aimed at achieving an appropriate ownership, financial and organizational structure for Kop and the Club over the long term.

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N...080310-1724.htm

So Hick's is worried about the 'loyal and passionate' supporters now...?

Pop in to the Sandon for a pint like dumb junior mate, I'm sure you'll find out how passionate they can be!

I personally don't want Hicks/Gillette or DIC anywhere near the club.

All of em are dodgy.

[scousemouse]

This must be a real pain in the hoop for the players .

Either keep what happens at board level in the boardroom or hurry up and get it sorted .

Hicks , Gillet , DIC ......... there all only in in it for the money. It's a case of choosing the lesser of the evils IMO .

[scousemouse]

Hopefully we will line up something like this on tuesday;

Reina

Arbeloa Carragher Hyypia Aurelio

Alonso Mascherano

Kuyt Gerrard Babel

Torres

i just cant see us not scoring in this game. if they go for it (which they have to) then its only going to leave room for torres to get behind them.

kopite predicts - 1-1

Like the team Kopite. My only change would be Riise for Aurelio.

[scousemouse]

Hopefully we will line up something like this on tuesday;

Reina

Arbeloa Carragher Hyypia Aurelio

Alonso Mascherano

Kuyt Gerrard Babel

Torres

i just cant see us not scoring in this game. if they go for it (which they have to) then its only going to leave room for torres to get behind them.

kopite predicts - 1-1

Like the team Kopite. My only change would be Riise for Aurelio.

Unfortunatley this team won't happen :

Ahead of the game the Reds boss has been boosted by the news that Javier Mascherano will be fit after he recovered form the dead leg he suffered against West Ham - but he has also revealed his side will have to cope without the influence of Spanish playmaker Xabi Alonso.

"Mascherano is okay and is fit. He will be here." said Benitez.

"But Alonso's girlfriend is having a baby so he will not be here. Maybe we will try to change without Xabi. We have the training session tonight (Monday) and then we will decide.

"We were talking but he had a clear idea of what he wanted to do. He wanted to come if everything was okay, but we couldn't wait and in the end we needed to decide.

"I cannot wait for one player. You cannot wait and so I had to make use of my squad."

[Ground Engineer]

Hopefully we will line up something like this on tuesday;

Reina

Arbeloa Carragher Hyypia Aurelio

Alonso Mascherano

Kuyt Gerrard Babel

Torres

i just cant see us not scoring in this game. if they go for it (which they have to) then its only going to leave room for torres to get behind them.

kopite predicts - 1-1

Like the team Kopite. My only change would be Riise for Aurelio.

Unfortunatley this team won't happen :

Ahead of the game the Reds boss has been boosted by the news that Javier Mascherano will be fit after he recovered form the dead leg he suffered against West Ham - but he has also revealed his side will have to cope without the influence of Spanish playmaker Xabi Alonso.

"Mascherano is okay and is fit. He will be here." said Benitez.

"But Alonso's girlfriend is having a baby so he will not be here. Maybe we will try to change without Xabi. We have the training session tonight (Monday) and then we will decide.

"We were talking but he had a clear idea of what he wanted to do. He wanted to come if everything was okay, but we couldn't wait and in the end we needed to decide.

"I cannot wait for one player. You cannot wait and so I had to make use of my squad."

Cant believe Alonso is so selfish, missing a crucial European match just because his bird is due. Wheres his commitment to the club. No wonder Rafa sounded pissed off. Especially when hes playing in very good form at the moment.

BTW does anyone know any bars in Pattaya that will be showing the match 3:00am

L13

[scousemouse]

Hopefully we will line up something like this on tuesday;

Reina

Arbeloa Carragher Hyypia Aurelio

Alonso Mascherano

Kuyt Gerrard Babel

Torres

i just cant see us not scoring in this game. if they go for it (which they have to) then its only going to leave room for torres to get behind them.

kopite predicts - 1-1

Like the team Kopite. My only change would be Riise for Aurelio.

Unfortunatley this team won't happen :

"But Alonso's girlfriend is having a baby so he will not be here. Maybe we will try to change without Xabi. We have the training session tonight (Monday) and then we will decide.

"We were talking but he had a clear idea of what he wanted to do. He wanted to come if everything was okay, but we couldn't wait and in the end we needed to decide.

"I cannot wait for one player. You cannot wait and so I had to make use of my squad."

I can see this story having a few more developments .

Apparantley Alonso was willing to fly out today in time for the match but Rafa told him if he didnt fly out with the team on Monday then we don't need him as we have a big enough squad.

Is Rafa cutting of his nose to spite his face or is he just doing what a manager should do ??.

[kopite]

Tom Hicks rejects idea of Liverpool FC fans on board

Mar 11 2008 Exclusive by Dave Prentice, Liverpool Echo

TALKS between Liverpool’s American co-owner Tom Hicks and Dubai International Capital collapsed after the Dubains proposed putting a fans representative on the Anfield board, the Echo can reveal.

It is understood that DIC wanted a supporter representative in the boardroom, with full voting rights.

The plan to give fans a real stake in the club’s running followed a trip to Liverpool by a representative of DIC, who met members of supporters’ groups campaigning for the Americans to sell to DIC.

American billionaire Hicks last night swiftly pulled the plug on discussions held yesterday with DIC, saying: “Based on a meeting held earlier today in Dubai between my representatives and officials of Dubai International Capital LLC, as well as other recent contacts between us and them, I have decided to terminate any further discussions with DIC regarding their possible purchase of a minority stake in Kop and, in turn, in the Club.

“DIC made it clear that if they invested in the Club, they would want it to be managed by committee.

“Based on my thirteen years of successful experience as an owner of professional sports teams, and based in particular on the situation at Liverpool Football Club over the past year, it is clear to me that such a committee approach would not be in the best interest of Kop, of the Club or of the Club's loyal and passionate supporters.

“Accordingly, I have decided to exercise my right under the Kop Football (Holdings) Limited partnership agreement to veto any sale of any portion of Kop and the Club to DIC.

“I and my colleagues and representatives will continue to explore a number of other options with regard to the ownership of Kop and the Club aimed at achieving an appropriate ownership, financial and organisational structure for Kop and the Club over the long term.”

DIC have made no official comment since, but significantly have not said they are no longer interested in purchasing the club - or a significant stake in it.

It is understood their interest has not waned despite Hicks calling off any deal. It has also been suggested Hicksd wanted the ubaiins to ;pay for the building of the new stadium and for future transfer fees, but without any real say over big decision regarding the club’s future.

There has also been no comment from American co-owner George Gillett, who has fallen out with Hicks and has made no comment for many weeks and whose name has been missing from all recent statements issued from America.

Gillett is understood to have agreed in principle to sell 49% of his 50% stake to DIC, and the other 1% to Hicks to give the Texan a controlling interest.

DIC have accepted that Hicks will not sell his share in Liverpool in the near future, but would insist on a clause giving them first refusal to buy his stake.

As far as Liverpool are concerned now, it is back to square one with Hicks and Gillett at loggerheads – even more so now the Texan has vetoed the sale – and there are only 17 months until the £350million loan the Americans took out in January has to be refinanced again.

Furthermore, another loan of around £300million will have to be taken out to finance the building of the new stadium at Stanley Park.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

[kopite]

DIC to continue talks about Liverpool purchase

By Elena Moya

LONDON, March 11 (Reuters) - Talks between Dubai International Capital (DIC) and Liverpool co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks are set to continue on Tuesday and over the next few days, despite Hicks' announcement on Monday that talks had broken down, a source familiar with the situation said on Tuesday.

Negotiations over the future of the British soccer club will carry on in Dubai.DIC is attracted by soaring media and merchandising revenues in the world's richest soccer league.Texan billionaire and Liverpool co-owner Hicks said on Monday night that he had terminated talks over disagreement about who would run the club.

Hicks wants to remain in control, while DIC also wants a hand in the day-to-day functioning of Liverpool.

The Liverpool sale saga started earlier this year as the partnership between the two U.S. billionaires hit the rocks amid disagreement over the figure of club manager Rafa Benitez.

DIC, which was outbid by Hicks and Gillett when the Moores family sold the club, offered 400 million pounds for the club, almost doubling the 219 million that the two U.S. tycoons paid one year ago.DIC reiterated on Monday that takeover talks had reached an "advanced" stage but a price and shareholding details still had to be thrashed out.

DIC, which initially wanted a controlling stake, agreed to buy 49 percent - from Gillett- leaving Hicks with 51 percent. However, DIC insisted they wanted to be included in the running of Liverpool. (Reporting by Elena Moya; Editing by David Cowell)

http://football.guardian.co.uk/breakingnew...7375061,00.html

still looks on imho

[scousemouse]

Hopefully we will line up something like this on tuesday;

Reina

Arbeloa Carragher Hyypia Aurelio

Alonso Mascherano

Kuyt Gerrard Babel

Torres

i just cant see us not scoring in this game. if they go for it (which they have to) then its only going to leave room for torres to get behind them.

kopite predicts - 1-1

Like the team Kopite. My only change would be Riise for Aurelio.

Unfortunatley this team won't happen :

Ahead of the game the Reds boss has been boosted by the news that Javier Mascherano will be fit after he recovered form the dead leg he suffered against West Ham - but he has also revealed his side will have to cope without the influence of Spanish playmaker Xabi Alonso.

"Mascherano is okay and is fit. He will be here." said Benitez.

"But Alonso's girlfriend is having a baby so he will not be here. Maybe we will try to change without Xabi. We have the training session tonight (Monday) and then we will decide.

"We were talking but he had a clear idea of what he wanted to do. He wanted to come if everything was okay, but we couldn't wait and in the end we needed to decide.

"I cannot wait for one player. You cannot wait and so I had to make use of my squad."

Cant believe Alonso is so selfish, missing a crucial European match just because his bird is due. Wheres his commitment to the club. No wonder Rafa sounded pissed off. Especially when hes playing in very good form at the moment.

BTW does anyone know any bars in Pattaya that will be showing the match 3:00am

L13

I do believe Alonso has a point.

When my missus was due my boss gave me a bit of time of work. All Alonso was asking was could he travel a day later , he was still willing to play. But Rafa said no and that's that.

I told my missus about this story and she asked me what would I do in the same situation ......... I told her make sure your mums about , tell the doc to give you loads of morphine , call the kid Gerrard and I'll see you Wednesday .

[mrbojangles]

I told my missus about this story and she asked me what would I do in the same situation ......... I told her make sure your mums about , tell the doc to give you loads of morphine , call the kid Gerrard and I'll see you Wednesday .

[Ground Engineer]

Hopefully we will line up something like this on tuesday;

Reina

Arbeloa Carragher Hyypia Aurelio

Alonso Mascherano

Kuyt Gerrard Babel

Torres

i just cant see us not scoring in this game. if they go for it (which they have to) then its only going to leave room for torres to get behind them.

kopite predicts - 1-1

Like the team Kopite. My only change would be Riise for Aurelio.

Unfortunatley this team won't happen :

Ahead of the game the Reds boss has been boosted by the news that Javier Mascherano will be fit after he recovered form the dead leg he suffered against West Ham - but he has also revealed his side will have to cope without the influence of Spanish playmaker Xabi Alonso.

"Mascherano is okay and is fit. He will be here." said Benitez.

"But Alonso's girlfriend is having a baby so he will not be here. Maybe we will try to change without Xabi. We have the training session tonight (Monday) and then we will decide.

"We were talking but he had a clear idea of what he wanted to do. He wanted to come if everything was okay, but we couldn't wait and in the end we needed to decide.

"I cannot wait for one player. You cannot wait and so I had to make use of my squad."

Cant believe Alonso is so selfish, missing a crucial European match just because his bird is due. Wheres his commitment to the club. No wonder Rafa sounded pissed off. Especially when hes playing in very good form at the moment.

BTW does anyone know any bars in Pattaya that will be showing the match 3:00am

L13

I do believe Alonso has a point.

When my missus was due my boss gave me a bit of time of work. All Alonso was asking was could he travel a day later , he was still willing to play. But Rafa said no and that's that.

I told my missus about this story and she asked me what would I do in the same situation ......... I told her make sure your mums about , tell the doc to give you loads of morphine , call the kid Gerrard and I'll see you Wednesday .

Now theres commitment

[Ground Engineer]

QUOTE (scousemouse @ 2008-03-11 14:30:59)

"Like the team Kopite. My only change would be Riise for Aurelio."

Should have sold Riise last season while we could have got some money for him. No one is going to buy at the end of this season base on his performance so far. Do hope he is not playing.