My Footballing Moments of 2012 - Part 2

Final part of my footballing moments for 2012 begins with my favourite moment.

It's hard to believe it took 23 years for it to happen but finally the REAL truth about what happened on that sunny day of the 15th of April 1989. When 95(almost 4 years later Tony Bland fight for life sadly ended and became the 96th) football supporters of my own club never came home from a football match in Sheffield. The subsequent blame apportioned to the fans by a local MP, South Yorkshire Police and the media ran with it. To this day the story than ran in a paper than shall remain nameless has been boycotted on Merseyside.


1,346 days since the disaster, the Hillsborough Independent Panel's work was published to the world. It was vindication for what the families and survivors had been saying for 23 years and a lift off many of their shoulders. A victory and an inspiration to all parents but also for the survivors who were there that day.

The biggest cover up in British legal history was unfurled before the world's eyes, the "self-pity" city they were called by outsiders. To me Scousers should be an inspiration to many people and showed the fortitude to battle for what was right. Liverpool and its people(including Evertonians who have stood shoulder to shoulder with Liverpool FC throughout these long years) should never be tarred with that moniker ever again. It is a city like most in the North of England but just has that something special. Never more so over these 23 years.


What was more poignant was the first home game at Anfield was non-other against our old foes Manchester United. Been at Anfield that day was the most emotional I have experienced as a Liverpool supporter as for all our triumphs as for what happened on the 12th September was the greatest moment in this history of our great club. The subsequent quashing of the original accidental deaths verdict by the coroner in 1989 at the High Court was the clincher.

The families await the new inquests, hopefully for the likes of Anne Williams, the mother of 15 year old Kevin who died. It cannot come soon enough, the woman is a hero and like all the families deserve their justice for their loved ones.

My next favourite moment of the year also relates to the Hillsborough disaster. A touching moment in the game at Goodison Park between Everton and Newcastle. The song chosen by Everton ended up been the Christmas Number 1 in the UK by the Justice Collective raised money for the families cause. But the below video will live long in the memory from that game and shows despite the rivalry those Blues are deep down salt of the earth.

In terms of on the pitch there has been a lot of highs and lows in 2012. Change of manager, inconsistency et al....Bellamy's performance against Manchester City enabled the Reds to progress to Wembley, Suarez's second hat-trick at Carrow Road are just a couple that missed out. Below are my footballing moments(in not any given order) on the pitch for Liverpool in 2012:

Gerrard scores the first hat-trick in a Derby since Rush scored 4 at Goodison over 20 years ago. In the process ruining David Moyes's tenth anniversary as Everton manager.

Obviously beating Everton is sweet, the Gerrard hat-trick was immense having been there at Anfield that night. But going into the semi-final at Wembley in April with Liverpool struggling in the League. Everton went in as favourites and despite taking the lead up popped Suarez and then the much maligned Andy Carroll to send a glancing header to send Liverpool into the final.

First trophy in six years, the drought ended in a dramatic League Cup final against Championship outfit Cardiff. As then manager and Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish completed the full set of domestic honours as a manager, as the Redmen captured the cup on penalties. Charlie Adam's miss will be remembered for obvious reasons because it was such a shit penalty(although Neymar would later in the year put that to shame with his miss).

The man is a genius, Luis Suarez. His first hat-trick at Carrow Road will live long in the memory especially the goal from the halfway line almost. To hit the ball on the run like that and get it over the keeper from that distance takes a lot skill.

Finally, the man again. This goal summed up what a special player Luis Suarez really is. An unbelievable pass to pick him by Jose Enrique against Newcastle earlier this season (2012/13 season) was the stuff of sheer brilliance. To take the ball coming from that distance on his chest despite the attention of Fabrizio Collocini  and to then deftly take it passed Tim Krul with one touch was just unreal. Relive it again.

My hopes for 2013 is progression and more consistency for the Redmen.

My Footballing Moments Of 2012 - Part 1

Another year draws to a close. A year that we have seen some brilliance in the world of football. Below is Part 1 of my moments in 2012:

In March, a little genius only further enhanced his reputation with an unbelievable 5-goal haul. The venue Camp Nou, Barcelona vs. Bayer Leverkusen. Lionel Messi did something no other player had done in the Champions League era. The goal that made more history for him, his 5th goal of the night:

The summer of 2012 will be remembered as a nadir for football supporters in the Republic of Ireland, when the national side headed to Euro 2012. In a difficult group, outclassed the side failed to perform to the required standard and headed home early. Their group rivals Italy and Spain would progress. Both sides would end up in the final. The final was the crowning moment for the Spanish side, a game they completely dominated and the scoreline reflected their dominance over the Italians. Below is a link to the longer version highlights of the final that for the football purists was a joy to watch and see the greatest International side in my lifetime make history:

http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/spain-4-italy-0-longer-highlights/

Another moment for me was from the much derided competition the Europa League. The final in Bucharest served notice to the rest of Europe if we didn't know already what a talent was on shown. Radamel Falcao light up the Romanian night to help Atletico Madrid win the Europa League for the second time in 3 seasons and dispatch fellow talented Basque's of Athletic Bilbao 4-0.

http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/atletico-madrid-3-athletic-bilbao-0/

Adding this next moment of the year sums up my love for the craziness and something different about some footballers. Back to Euro 2012 this moment comes from and from the enigma that is Mario Balotelli. Many despise him others like me like him, a talented player but a complete nutcase at the same time. Going into the semi-final against the much fancied Germans, Italy's moment of the tournament came. When a defence splitting pass from Montolivo sent Balotelli clean through and dispatch an unstoppable shot beyond Manuel Neuer. A rifled shot into the top corner for Balotelli's second and in the end the clinching goal that sent Italy to the final. The pose celebration summed up the brilliance and madness that can be Mario Balotelli.

http://www.101greatgoals.com/gvideos/20-italy-mario-balotelli-v-germany-2/

As title clincher's go like 1989 :( , this was literally down to the last kick of the season. Manchester rivals, City and United battling it out on a Sunday afternoon to be crowned the Champions of England. Moments of that afternoon come flooding back but probably two moments stand out for me. Of course Aguero's winner set up by the above aforementioned Mario Balotelli but along with that moment was Phil Jones's reaction(not going to be harsh on him with the weird photo) at the Stadium of Light. Knowing City had scored to deny his team-mates the title. 

The two moments capture the elation and joy, but also the shock of a professional footballers dream of the League title medal been snatched away from him at the death. The fine line between success and failure was never more apparent in those last moments of the 2011/12 league season.

Tomorrow Part 2, purely focused on my own club Liverpool. Should be interesting.

Transfer Window - When Will The Silliness End?

With the impending January transfer window 3 days away, one of those modern day football rules that was brought in a number of years ago. I wonder when all this silliness end?

The current transfer window set-up is a wet dream for the likes of Jim White and Sky Sports News. Unending narrative of the build-up from day one to the last day of the window, we see come August or January.

Does it serve a purpose to have Bryan "Swanno" Swanson each and every day on his big iPad version of a TV spouting the same old bullshit? Or David Craig standing outside Sunderland's training ground? And Harry Redknapp hanging out his car window on the way out of the training ground with his latest tale of bullshit?

What is the point of it all, in actual fact its pointless gimmicks that pander to an already saturated football landscape.

Like me if you can recall the old transfer window(there wasn't one). The days when clubs could sign players at any stage during the season, the impact that the signings could change a season from a good one to a great one. It was simple and served a purpose.

It's replacement for me it has made a manager and a football club's inner workings more complicated than it needs to be. The impact is hitting football supporters in the pocket because of over-inflated wages been paid to players who are signed in a panic.

Until the silliness ends, the cycle will continue and subjection to gimmicks which don't need to be associated with a transfer of a player.

Reds Bullied At Britannia

It was the same old story at the Britannia for Liverpool in the Premier League. Another disappointing result at the hands of Pulis's men, a bogey side for the Redmen since they got promoted. Brendan Rodgers selected the same starting 11 that featured in the 4-0 home win over Fulham last weekend. The Redmen got off to a fantastic start, when Suarez turned Shawcross only for the former Manchester United trainee to pull the jersey off the back of the Uruguayan. For the first time this season a penalty for Liverpool which been a long time coming so much so that the travelling supporters could be afforded to have a party in the away end referring to the chants "We'll have a party when Suarez gets a pen" in the past few months.

Liverpool legend and captain Steven Gerrard stepped up, dispatched the penalty to the left of Begovic thus sending the keeper the wrong way in the process. 1-0 Liverpool after 1 min. Rodgers couldn't have had a better start, but from there on a weak underbelly that has been shown on a number of occasions this season filtered through the heart of this Liverpool side. The presence of Kenywne Jones and Jonathan Walters caused Agger and Skrtel problems all night, so much so the ease of Stoke's 3 goals cannot be understated. Liverpool gifted Stoke 3 goals from 3 set-pieces, the players knew what to expect and disappointingly for Rodgers some of the players when into their shell once Stoke scored the equaliser. Only for Reina, who hasn't been at his best for a long time now kept the score level(before Stoke took the lead) with a few saves especially the save from Matthew Etherington's great effort.

Stoke have their critics, personally I don't like them but you have to give credit where credit is due. Stoke are effective, the Britannia is probably the hardest away day for any side. The win moved Stoke up to 8th vacating Liverpool in the process. Liverpool now lie 10th at the halfway mark of the season, 25 points and unless Rodgers wins against QPR come Sunday he will have the unenviable record of equal to Roy Hodgson's points tally after 20 games. Whilst the football this season has been decent, results are the currency.

Rodgers is learning as a manager, the naivety of the team selection yesterday is a sign of this. For Fenway Sports Group(FSG) they will have backed the manager to the tune of 50 million if the deals for Ince and Sturridge do go through. The worry for me as a Liverpool supporter is are the club pigeon holing themselves again to buying British talent at inflated prices. We have been burned in the past which is well documented for our sake and Rodgers they need to hit the ground running.

On Sunday we need to start getting consistency fast. Half term report is debatable on which side you're on, there are Rodgers apologists(which I would count myself in that group because sacking him will only further disillusion me what Liverpool FC is). Then there is the Rodgers haters - we have seen it before with popular managers(Rafa), once the bandwagon gets going and media hysteria is whipped up there is only going to be one outcome.

As we go in 2013, in February it will be 4 years since we beat Real Madrid home and away in the Champions League. It seems such a long time ago with the upheaval we have seen at the club in that time. From on the brink of administration/liquidation in October 2010 to where the club is now, patience is a virtue and unfortunately its going to take that virtue before we get back to where we were. Getting bullied at the Britannia like we did only gives a further indication the rebuilding the owners need take on board.

Off the pitch the inexperience is as much as it is on the pitch at times. 3 points on Sunday for the moment should be the main focus to bounce back from last night's defeat. Like we did after the defeat to what can only be described as the worst Villa side side since Brian Little's vintage.

Heaping more pressure on Harry Redknapp would be even sweeter.

Hillsborough: Justice Is Nearing

Today, 19th December 2012. 23 years after the inquests into the deaths at Hillsborough began in Sheffield, the families and people of Merseyside experienced the anguish of those resulting inquests. From the cut off point imposed by the coroner of 3.15 to the resulting verdict Accidental Deaths.

Since the Hillsborough Independent Panel's report in September, only did the world know what the people in the city of Liverpool knew all along had come to light. The disaster effected the families but also the people who had survived and suffered with the aftermath, some didn't cope.

The Attorney General's petition to the High Court to quash the inquest verdicts which the families had campaigned for years. Anne Williams, a hero to any parent has gone to lengths no parent should have to ever go to find out how her son died at the age of just 15. He was alive after the cut off point, like many of the families Anne never collected her son's death cert. The cause of death -  accidental death - was written on Kevin's like all the other people who died that.

Thankfully today another wrong has been righted, albeit too many years later when the likes of Anne has had to suffer unbelievably over that period. The Lord Justice quashed the verdicts and has ordered new inquests, for everyone now will come the new inquests. It's a pity that the new inquests are not going to take place in Liverpool, which it should of been. Despite that, justice is getting that bit closer. For all the groups, HFH, HJC and the HFSG, survivors 2012 has been a year of vindication.

Whenever the new inquests begins, the focus now should be on convictions of the people of the day. The FA, who criminally as the organisation of holding the match in a ground that was unsafe deserve to be in the dock alongside Bettison, Duckenfield et. al. For now, the Justice Collective single "He Ain't Heavy He Is My Brother" help it get to Number 1 for Christmas and help these extraordinary people complete their journey.

Homage to Messi

After his goalscoring feats last night he overtook Gerd Mueller for the most goals in a calendar for both club and country but what also went unnoticed was he passed Barcelona's legendary other goalscorer Cesar Rodriguez. Whose 190 goals in La Liga was broken as well last night as Messi took his tally to 192 goals.

But in homage to Messi, here are all his goals in 2012 so far (86 goals):

As Mundo Deportivo's football report said about Messi recently in its full column, "There are no words" .

At the age of 25, 314 goals in 428 senior appearances both at club and national level, those words above sum up this genius in a nutshell. Gerd Mueller's glowing words this morning are just another feather in hat but Messi takes it in his stride. What he said last night after record breaking goals shows how humble for one so great, Messi said:

"The record is great for what it means, but the most important thing is that the team won and that we maintained the distance with the teams behind us," 

"When the year starts the objective is to win it all with the team, personal records are secondary."

He did also add to the above, "I'll try to score more goals to make it more difficult for the next player that tries to break it."

Resident Spanish football writer Sid Lowe wrote: "There are no more superlatives to describe Messi.", for  further read check out Sid's article on the following link below.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/dec/10/lionel-messi-86-goals-record

Few have said he needs to win a World Cup to be considered the greatest, I don't why this is used as a negative to beat Messi with, not as if he can win the World Cup at 25 on his when there isn't a World Cup taken place this year. Which despite breaking Gerd Mueller's record because he hasn't won the League, Champions League and World Cup in the same takes away from his achievement is the biggest load of rubbish I have seen in a long time.

It's not many times you will see genuinely a genius like this in his element, when you have two of them as football lovers its great to watch them(Messi and Ronaldo) go ahead to ahead to be the greatest. Having never seen Maradona, Pele in his hey day but having seen Zidane. I thought Zidane would be the greatest I have seen watching football, but two have come along and surpassed them. In particular Lionel Messi, for breaking records this year which have stood for 40 years both by one of the greatest goalscorers in European football is unreal. Last season, finishing with a tally of 73 goals on top of 29 assists he broke Mueller's other record for most goals in a season in European football history. 

For all the above, I just want to pay homage to Lionel Messi. The little man who was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency who has already become one of the greats of a game long in history by the age of 25. Only more to come I hope. 

Jordan Henderson - A Case For The Underrated

Underrated. A word that is described as "Underestimate the extent, value, or importance of (someone or something)". 

In the past players can become synonymous with this word but others view the player as useless, shit or what a waste of money. It's not the players fault the club paid the fee but it can become a noose around the neck when your own fans become critical of the said player.  

Jordan Henderson is this one player, other than Lucas Leiva in his early Liverpool career and even since still criminally underrate the Brazilian. Like Lucas, Henderson came with a reputation "England's future". Since he made his debut for home town club Sunderland, his performances attracted interest from the big clubs in England, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City were among the chasing pack keeping a close eye on the talented youngster. 

When Damian Comolli and Liverpool came calling in the summer of 2011, Henderson left his home town club to join the Reds for £16 million pounds. A hefty fee for a young player to carry, which he did throughout his first season at the club. At 21 years of age, he was written off like Lucas before him by the majority of Reds. If I have learned anything from the Lucas scapegoat era, it is foolish to write someone so young, they need to be giving the time to adapt playing for a club like Liverpool. Players usually retrieve into their shell and never come out, if anything Henderson will have learned a lot from his fellow team mate on the art of redemption. 

His performances this season seem to suggest he is coping with the pressure, but what is a major thing for a player so young its confidence. Despite been used in a deal to get Clint Dempsey(which would have been a massive mistake on Rodgers and the club's part), he has come back from that and on current form is probably out of Allen, Gerrard and Sahin our in form midfielder. Jordan is becoming more positive going forward and using his energy, pace aligned now with his confidence which Rodgers has instilled in him. His performances in the last month have been major progression, his role in the win against Wigan a few weeks ago has now got some his detractors sitting up and taking notice that he does have some qualities. 

The last week have probably been the most eye catching for Reds everywhere. His performance and getting the winner in Udinese on Thursday night was his best performance in a Liverpool side without much European experience that progressed to the last 32 of the Europa League.  We come to yesterday, Liverpool 2-1 down away at one of the toughest away grounds in English football. Rodgers made the decision to bring off Lucas playing in his second game from return and gave Liverpool more energy which was badly needed considering Mohamed Diame's performance. Despite Diame, going off soon after with his unfortunate hamstring injury, once Henderson came on, his pace and positive forward thing play forced West Ham onto the back foot. 

Forcing West Ham to defend with a higher line, Liverpool were now continually finding space behind West Ham's full backs as Sterling began to exert as much pressure down the left as Henderson was on the right. Once the equaliser came down the left, when a free flowing move set up Joe Cole for the equaliser. There was only going to be one winner from here on in, with McCartney now drawn into Glen Johnson, a neat pass into the space allowed the runner(Henderson) move into space and deliver a clever ball into the box towards Shelvey. Whose presence, enabled a deflection off James Collins to loop over Jussi Jaaskelainen and into the West Ham net.

A massive win for Liverpool, and week for both the club and Rodgers. But from a personal point of view a even more massive week for Jordan Henderson who is showing for someone so young, that we should never write them off. For one thing, I hope he continues his form because his qualities are an asset to the style Rodgers wants to play. Could this week be a defining moment on both accounts. Lucas had his in December 2008 at Newcastle, could West Ham 2012 be Henderson's? Time will tell but it will be intriguing to see how the rest of the season goes for the north-east man to blossom into a player that is clearly there. 

Diving? - An art skill, sensible or a disease..The Media Protrayal!

As a writer or a journalist working for the broadsheets or tabloids you have to be impartial.  I know myself it can be hard especially when you are new to writing. Which makes what I seen this morning from the "Daily Fail"  brings it intriguingly into focus the way the English media portray the virtues of a particular issue to what they said in the past.

I mentioned in the last article about one particular journalist who with "little old England" mentality. A lot of football people are seeing(finally) that the Premier League isn't the best league in the world as heads turn to the Bundesliga. But what did the journalist instead of showing impartiality do, well have a look at the last article http://late-kick-off.blogspot.ie/2012/12/football-finance-fans-fighting-back.html. People will know I am referring too, but his colleague I am referring to today is the main guy on Sunday Supplement,  who branded Gareth Bale's diving as the following: "It’s not cheating, it’s sensible." 

Some Spurs fans might think I am having a go here at Gareth Bale, this couldn't be further from the truth. What we are at witness here as a good mate of mine said "Xenophobia" of the British media on a weekly basis when it comes to Football. While diving in Italy and Spain is viewed as an art skill, after the criticism of foreign players by the media this year alone are they now changing tact? If so hypocrisy is now taking over as much as the Xenophobia. The foreign disease they say, yet players home grown from the football system in England are diving if not as much but more than their foreign counterparts. But today it's described as not cheating but sensible. Would the same be said for example about Luis Suarez? Other than Bale he is the only other player that seems to get it in the neck on a consistent basis. This is not about loyalties here, this is about what I would view as institutional racism at the heart of the football world that the authorities have no control over. 

This was never more evident how the governing body of football viewed the racism cases of both Luis Suarez and John Terry. Everyone knows the headlines of both, similar cases but like the media have done over and over again their disdain for anyone foreign were shown up in the headlines that the Mirror produced for the resulting cases. Easily, and I don't know why but the Mirror could have been sued for defamation of character by Luis Suarez as the FA did not deem him a racist nor did Patrice Evra. But it doesn't suit the narrative much like today's piece.

Whichever way supporters look a diving on the football pitch, the one thing it will bring up is debate after debate. The defence of the indefensible as football supporters is a given right but can be viewed as blind loyality. I have been a victim of this regarding our own controversial pantomime villain Luis Suarez at times. But when Xenophobic virtues are targeted towards one person constantly there comes a time when blind loyalty doesn't matter its the principle of defending a fellow human being who is been victimised for the sake of profit. That should not be allowed in any free society, it's capitalism gone truly beyond the realms of social responsibility to the public. 

If anything the Leveson enquiry and resulting report only puts more into scope how bad the media is regulated in England. When it is regulated hopefully rubbish articles like today can be struck off by an editor on the grounds of stupidity. 

If you want to read more on the article written by the Chelsea supporter by all means go have a look because honestly it would be worthless to advertise a useless newspaper as that publication is on here. Have a look at the one I am referring to but also the doozy that is basically saying Joey Barton is a gay hero football needs...apparently. Award winning journalists ladies and gentlemen.

Football Finance: Fan's Fighting Back?

We have seen it over the last number of year's of club's fans fighting back against the way the club is being run. My own club Liverpool experienced this when the first supporters union in the British game was formed by a number of supporters in the Sandon(where LFC was founded) on a November night. Spirit of Shankly, set the precedent that we seen in Manchester, Portsmouth and recently as last weekend in North London.

The Black Scarf Movement, a group of Arsenal fans wondering "where has their Arsenal gone", its well documented since the move to the Emirates from Highbury that Arsenal have failed to win a trophy. For the majority of Arsenal supporters patience is wearing thin, but the circumstances surrounding this should bring it home how clubs view football supporters. In September just gone, an article written in the Guardian by Daniel Harris summed up how clubs view us: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/sep/27/arsenal-ticket-prices

Football clubs need to remember without football supporters, clubs would seize to exist. The amount of money pouring into the game you would think ticket prices would decrease on some level as was set out at the beginning of the Premier League's formation in the early 90's. Comparisons with the Bundesliga on this level are totally the opposite, whereas the German clubs encourage the passion of their supporters with ticket prices as much as getting into a League of Ireland game in here Ireland. A couple of week's ago, one particular journalist portrayed the report regarding arrests at German football games as a disease.

When in fact if he actually researched it further he would have noticed that the arrests are minimal compared to the arrests at Premier League games. Unfortunately this particular journalist trumpets "the little old England" myth that the Premier League is the best league in the world but for supporters paying to go to games this couldn't be further from the truth.

The Football Supporters' Federation has encouraged good things among supporters groups, the Black Scarf Movement at Arsenal much like their rivals at Liverpool and United have protested against the systematic "raping" of supporters. It was bound to come to a head especially when a club like Arsenal are now being run as a business and not a football club representing its supporters. Recently at the North-London derby, th cheapest ticket was £92(sterling), madness. The news that Portsmouth supporters could be about to take control of their club should be something that all supporters of all clubs should be aiming for. Until this happens the soul of football will be lost among players such as Liam Ridgewell wiping his arse with 20 pound notes on the toilet.

Football supporters money is been used to pay the likes of  fat cat jokers who clearly have no love for the game and in it for the money. Not all players are like the above mentioned but if I was a West Brom supporter and seen the likes of any Liverpool player doing that, I would questioning what is the future of football. Football supporters need to unite in a common cause as Arsenal supporters showed on Saturday: "kicking greed out of football". 

Future Star Series: Hachim Mastour

The next star of the beautiful game? Reportedly yes. A lot of players have being touted as the next so in so, going on what has being happen in recent days in Italy something about this kid has got his current club AC Milan in a frenzy. The Rossoneri signed the young Moroccan from Reggiana for the then 14 year old last summer, fighting off reported interest from rivals Inter, Barcelona, Juventus, Manchester City and Real Madrid for €500,000 euro's. The lack of funds at AC Milan is more than apparent after slimming down with the sales of Zlatan and Thiago Silva in the summer. According to Total Football Magazine, the kid could be their best signing yet.

Anyone familiar with Football Manager will be accustomed to the word Trequarista - what is it some will say? Well in the grand scheme of things it is a player who usually is a number 10, a playmaker. Legends of the past like Del Piero, Baggio, Bergkamp, Dalglish, Maradona and the great Zizou - Zinedine Zidane have performed this role in some shape or form throughout their careers. Hachim has being compared the great Frenchman amongst others, for someone so young it doesn't seem to be fazing him in the slightest. His rapid rise from a local "junior" side to AC Milan in just 5 years, he has clearly being scouted and something in him made the likes of AC Milan sign him. Why is he future star may you say? Well I take you to why I write about this young starlet.

His ball control and dribbling skills have being compared to two of the greatest players to play the game, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. A video released highlighted some of those skills with a ping pong ball and an orange(for someone who only noticed this lad during the summer, anyone who has played keepy uppies with a proper ball can't only appreciate the skill on show here):

More importantly, news that AC Milan are petitioning to have the lad playing in a Serie A despite not being eligible to play in Serie A. The rules legislate that players have to be at least 16 in the Italian game, so as it stands Hachim will have to wait till he turns sixteen next June. But Massimiliano Allegri as well as the board have recognised with Hachim's performances in the Italian equivalent of youth football under Milan legend Filippo Inzaghi has warranted such a petition.

If rumours are to be believed Allegri has wanted to add Mastour's creativity into a side lacking some at present. Despite the rules not allowing it to happen, owner Silvio Berlusconi and his CEO Adriano Gailiani are going to make a request to the F.I.G.C(Italian Football Federation) to be given special dispensation so that Hachim Mastour can included in their squad for the remainder of the season. Further empathises their belief was his impact debut for the AC Milan under-15's which will only serve more notice what a talent that the Rossoneri possess to not only F.I.G.C but the football world: Mastour's Milan Debut

As a football fan, it will be interesting to see are Berlusconi and co. get granted their request. This is one to keep an eye on over the weeks ahead.

Reds Crash To Defeat At Spurs

We have being here before many times in the last 18 months. Our play more deserving more than we get, refereeing decisions, poor decision making on the field etc... Last night we optimistically went to White Hart Lane in the hope of bringing back the 3 points to Anfield. Unfortunately for Liverpool much like our recent visits we were blown away by a fast start by the home side, like last season Spurs broke the deadlock after 7 minutes. 

A surging run from the ever dangerous Gareth Bale fired the ball across to the back post where Stewart Downing playing at left back fell asleep and let in Aaron Lennon for the opening goal of the night. Rodgers has taken some criticism for playing Downing at left back, wrongly or rightly having played a similar role at Middlesborough he should still have the basic awareness to defend somewhat to a professional football standard. 

Just before the quarter hour mark, a "challenge" by Henderson on Clint Dempsey just a few yards outside the box drew a free kick in a dangerous position. As Bale stepped up, Reina had set his wall up as it should be but you cannot legislate for deflections. Bale's free kick deflected off the wall sending Reina who was already committed going to his left looked on forlorn as the ball went to the right. 2-0 Spurs and deservedly so. 

Moments earlier Henderson had a great chance to equalise, but the fragile confidence at the moment the lad possesses is worrying. Similar situation to his chance in Moscow a couple of weeks ago when he squared the ball instead of going around a keeper that had already committed itself. He came in for a lot of criticism for missing the chance last night, I feel for the lad it isn't his fault we paid  the fee for him nor is it his fault he hasn't got more games this season and recently has showed there is a talented player in there. On the Daily Mirror's ratings, he was given a rating of 4 by John Cross, a bit harsh considering the impact the rest of the midfield had. Steven Gerrard was anonymous and the sooner Lucas is back the better for Joe Allen. 

Liverpool began to get some foothold in the game, controlling the ball for large majority of the rest of the game. Spurs defence was now being pushed back, especially down the left hand side of their defence where recently Arsenal and Manchester City targeted. The pressure was mounting, neat interplay between Suarez and Gerrard allowed Gerrard to run into the box only for to be manhandled by Moussa Dembele, to Liverpool's dismay Phil Dowd waved away the protests. It has being said this season by the Liverpool faithful "We're going to have a party, when Suarez gets a pen", at this rate they should be singing instead of Suarez when Liverpool get a pen. 

As the games wear on, Jose Enrique is getting more and more impressive. Attacking at every opportunity went close on a couple occasions but seeing one of his shots saved by Hugo Lloris and a shot that just flashed past the post in the second half. 27 minutes into the second half Liverpool finally make the breakthrough in comical circumstances, a corner from Jonjo Shelvey who had come on as sub for Henderson delivered the set piece. Daniel Agger rose to knock on the ball to Gerrard, who saw his header cleared off the line by Lennon. Lennon's clearance smashed straight into Gareth Bale's face and into the back of the net. Comical stuff indeed. 2-1 Liverpool were now in the ascendancy. Unfortunately for Liverpool, good fortune and good defending for Spurs thwarted Liverpool's attempts for an equaliser. While for Spurs it was back-to-back wins at home, for Liverpool their first defeat in 8 games. 


In both their post match interviews, Rodgers described the players performance as brilliant further adding:

"We're bitterly disappointed to have lost, but if we continue to play like that we will climb the league quickly.

"We started OK. The free-kick [that led to the second goal] should not have been given - Clint Dempsey [who was fouled by Jordan Henderson] was clever.

"It wasn't to be tonight - we go away empty handed. Their striker Jermain Defoe, who has been on fire, was quiet. And apart from the first 15 minutes, both wingers were quiet"

Villas Boas viewed the win as important but also said:

"Brendan feels a fair result would have been a draw - I have to agree.

"We did extremely well to hold on to the lead. We got the result we wanted. The players have shown great strength and character throughout the season."

From a Liverpool supporters point of view, on countless occasions the big decisions have gone against us. It would be easy for me to say that is why we are 12th in the table. In all honesty, the problem is some of the players mentally(I hate picking on Downing) but some just cannot cope with the pressure of playing the style and the demands Rodgers places on his sides. Until Rodgers gets the players he wants and needs we can expect more of the same for the rest of the season.

For Liverpool and Rodgers it is imperative that the next seven games bring more points than we have garnered in fourteen games so far. Four of the seven games are at home, all are must wins starting with the Saints on Saturday. No game will be easy, but the return of Lucas Leiva while not fully I would think for a few more weeks will be a massive boost for Rodgers. His ability to close down the space between the defence and midfield, in protecting the back four will give Liverpool more steel. What is more obvious is the need for more options up front, not essentially someone that can alone put the ball in the back of the net but someone to compliment the industry that Suarez supplies. If that man is Theo Walcott, or whoever FSG need to back their manager in January in getting those reinforcements.

As of now Rodgers has to use his squad, avoid injuries and suspensions to key players. If he can continue to do that over the next month aligned with getting better results which are needed to stave off the criticism which is starting to surface, going on LFC's match-day phone-in last night. What doesn't help is the supporters who campaigned for Benitez to be removed are resurfacing and we know how that ended. 

From me I say: I muinín Rodgers againn, ní mór dó níos mó ná am

Tottenham vs. Liverpool - 28/11/12 (K.O. 7.45) Preview

VS.

Liverpool head to White Hart Lane on a run of 8 games unbeaten(3 wins and 5 draws) in search of their first win at the Lane in 4 and half years. Not since Fernando Torres strike in May 2008 which broke the record for a foreign player in their first season in a 2-0 win.

Liverpool head into the game on the back of an away draw at Swansea last Sunday, a game they could have easily gone home with the three points but a draw was fair on what both sides contributed. In an unusual 0-0 draw there were a lot of entertainment, the football was good to watch unfortunately for Rodgers a disallowed goal snatched him of a win on his return to the Liberty.

Tottenham, also like Liverpool are a side in transition with a new manager. Andre Villas Boas appointment garnered a mixed reaction probably due to his reign at Stamford Bridge last season which lasted only till February when he was sacked. Should the sack at Chelsea deter a manager being viewed as a failure? The Chelsea manager's job is probably the poison chalice of club football this last decade. Another of the reasons I think AVB's appointment at Tottenham has being viewed by their supporters is more so down to the popularity of the previous incumbent, Harry Redknapp. Similar situation to when Roy Hodgson was appointed manager of Liverpool FC, he replaced Rafael Benitez a popular manager on the whole but who had his critics. When you had a manager who gave you the best days/nights in following you're club, it is hard to let go. I experienced it with Benitez and most likely some Spurs fan's feel the same towards Redknapp. 

Back to the game tonight, as I mentioned above Liverpool are looking to take their first win and in fact a point. Lost on each occasion in our visits to the Lane since 2008, last seasons 4-0 defeat summed up what the season ahead was to be like. A wonder goal from now former Spurs man, Luka Modric after 7 minutes set the tone. The two sendings off of Martin Skrtel and Charlie Adam all but killed any chance of Liverpool getting a result despite it only being 1 -0 deficit. But a brace from Adebayor and Defoe completed the rout for Spurs. If Liverpool can keep all the men on the pitch this time we have a chance of getting something.


As for the team news, Spurs welcome back Sandro and the introduction Dembele back from injury last weekend was a sight AVB and the Spurs faithful were delighted to see. In what I believe was a coup at £15 million he was snapped up from Fulham. A type of player I am surprised the likes of Manchester United didn't go for. What is United's loss will surely be Spurs and AVB's gain. Will he start tonight remains to be seen.

For Liverpool, Rodgers welcomes back Andre Wisdom back having picked up an injury against Young Boys last week forcing him to miss the Swansea game. Fortunately or unfortunately, the game comes to soon for the impending return of midfield general Lucas Leiva. I don't disguise my bias regarding this lad, who has come along way since the days of being ridiculed by supporters and former players alike. At the moment he isn't too far away having played 60 minutes last Friday in a Under-21 Premier League game at the Academy, even after all the injuries this last 12 months you just have to admire his mental attitude to get back to fitness. The sooner he is back, the more Rodgers will be welcome. 

As for predictions for tonight, I hate making them cause I usually get them wrong. But I anticipate two contrasting styles which should make for an intriguing encounter. 

Contributor Article: Pep Is Not The Man For United by Andy Kiely

Why Pep Guardiola shouldn’t be the next Manchester United Manager.

It’s been a great celebratory week for Manchester United and all of the clubs fans too. Sir Alex Ferguson's achievements have been memorized in bronze outside Old Trafford, and we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ultimate masterstroke signing in Premier League history (Thus Far) of "The King" Eric Cantona.


On the back of these celebrations are the continuing rumours of Pep Guardiola holding out for the Manchester United job when Sir Alex finally decides to retire. I took great solace in Roberto Di Matteo’s sacking at Chelsea earlier in the week. This could possibly mean that Roman Abramovich might finally get his man in Pep Guardiola. Only to find that he has appointed Rafa Benitez on a short term deal. This may leave a lot of people to believe that he is keeping the seat warm for Guardiola and I only hope this is the case. As a Manchester United fan I personally do not want to see Guardiola in that dugout in The Theatre of Dreams just yet.


I know a lot of people might disagree with me on this but I think at this point in time Guardiola is all wrong for Manchester United. Firstly, there is no denying that he is a talented young manager, but I feel he still has to prove himself somewhat. The fact is he inherited the best team in the world. It would almost be impossible to not win with that team as long as you keep them happy.


It was “Big” Sam Allardyce that once said give him Real Madrid or Inter Milan and he could be winning doubles every year. I firmly believe this is the case. You could have given Big Sam that job at Barcelona and he could have won all around him too.


I look to Guardiola’s lack of tactical awareness as a starting point. When something rarely goes wrong in a match for Barcelona he just can’t seem to cope with it and doesn’t know what changes he can make to resolve this issue. You look at the semi final of the Champions League last season against Chelsea. Chelsea who are by no means the best team at that time. They are an aging group and have problems with individuals off the field and a misfiring striker. They manage to win the home leg 1-0 against Barcelona.


Going into the second leg at the Camp Nou, you have home advantage in that glorious stadium. You couldn’t help think Chelsea didn’t have a chance. Thinking this you would imagine a tactical astute manager would be able to get the right players in the right frame of mind with the right formation, but instead lined out with a limp 3-4-3. Sure they went 2-0 up, but they showed not heart and no teeth in doing so. Soon after they got their second, Ramires popped up with a great goal and Guardiola was knocked back. Great men have been able to get their teams in at the half and instil confidence and change tactics where needed. Benitez against AC Milan case in point. They showed no desire. It was just pass pass pass, and no end product. Showing no way to penetrate that parked bus of Chelsea. The only thing he could thing to towards then end was push everyone defenders and all up front, leaving them exposed at the back for the misfiring Torres to score (Queue Gary Neville Scorgasm). It was that moment when an “Interim” manager bested the “Master” who had won everything.


I firmly believe this lack of tactical knowledge and inability to make changes that benefit the team in the middle of a match is what makes Guardiola the wrong choice for Manchester United at this time. He should not be given a free pass to work at the tops clubs in the world based on achievements at the best team in the world. He should have to earn his stripes at a lesser club before stepping into the Manchester United dugout or even the Chelsea one for that matter.


If placed in charge of Manchester United after Sir Alex goes I fear what could possibly be the outcome. Will I be proved wrong and will it be a success? Will I be proved right and Guardiola be the wrong man and in being the wrong man place the club firmly outside the running for a league title even possibly a Champions League spot? 

Be it Guardiola, Di Matteo, Moyes, Mourinho or Solskjaer, the list goes on, I fear for a time when Manchester United are AF (After Fergie). Who can possibly come straight into the club and live up to that reputation? Who would want to come straight in and live up to that reputation? Personally I would like Moyes or Di Matteo as I feel they have the head/knowhow/tactical awareness to handle a club of this size. One thing's for certain, I don’t want it to be Guardiola as he is just not the right fit for this club at this time.

Andy is a Manchester United supporter from Waterford, currently living in Galway. An I.T. support technician for EA Sports. You can follow Andy on twitter at: @ITheKTrainI 

Homage To The Gentle Giant Who Became A Liverpool Legend

Legend, a word often in fact very often overused in the world of football. Many foreign imports have come into the English game who haven't made an impact but that can't be said of the big Finn, Sami Hyypia. When Sami left Anfield in the summer of 2009 for pastures new in Germany, the effects it had on the side next season was to be seen. A disappointing season, Rafael Benitez's last season in charge it was to be. The presence of Hyypia with his experience was badly missed but taking it back to the day he arrived at the club.

Liverpool legend Ron Yeats was apart of the scouting department when Gerard Houllier was in charge and after Yeats scouted Sami, Houllier wasted no time in signing Sami from Willem 11 Tilburg. The fee was just £2.5 million pounds, in the age of multi-million pound deals the money invested was without a doubt the biggest bargain Liverpool FC have had in the Premier League era. It could have being all so different had Newcastle identified his talent when he was invited to train with their first team twice before moving to Holland.

On the 19th of May 1999, Sami Hyypia signed for Liverpool Football Club and together with Stephane Henchoz went on to have one of the greatest defensive partnerships at this great club. The change of style at Liverpool from Roy Evans to Gerard Houllier meant changes needed to be made.

The signing of both and especially Hyppia would be a master-stroke that can rival the best of transfers in the history of Liverpool Football Club. He became a leader on the pitch and quickly established himself as captain of the club in the absence of Jamie Redknapp and Robbie Fowler. Later in 2002, when both players had left the club Houllier gave the captaincy on a permanent basis to Sami.

Although, he later lost the captaincy to Steven Gerrard in late 2003. Sami Hyppia showed the class in accepting the decision and dignity despite the blow in losing the captaincy. The freedom of not having the captaincy allowed Hyypia to recapture his form and being back at his best. The defensive responsibility was Hyypia's main concern but his impact in the other box was also felt.

During his decade at Anfield Hyypia scored 35 goals for the club, for a centre back it is incredible. Even more impressive when you consider he scored almost 20 more goals than other Liverpool legends Alan Hansen, Phil Thompson and Ron Yeats. His first goal came from a header against Manchester United at Anfield in a 3-2 defeat in September 1999 to his last strike in a 5-1 victory at Newcastle in December 2008, as always that big smile would be accompanying his goal.

But 3 of the most important goals he would score occurred in 3 separate Champions League Quarter-Finals, against Arsenal, Juventus and the side he currently is manager of Bayer Leverkusen. While the goal against Bayer Leverkusen wasn't enough to get Liverpool into a Champions League Semi-Final, his two other strikes sent the Reds on the way to 2 Champions League Semi-Finals against Chelsea. His strike against Juventus will definitely go down as one of his greatest goals, a wonderful left foot volley from an out-swinging corner flicked on by Luis Garcia into the path of Sami. Not even Gianluigi Buffon, one of the greatest goalkeepers of the modern era hadn't a chance of saving it the strike was so sweetly struck and with power.

A member of the treble winning side of 2001 to the Champions League winning side of 2005, Hyypia was at the heart of Liverpool's greatest triumph's. A medal haul of 1 Champions League, 1 Uefa Cup, 2 FA Cups, 2 League Cups and 2 European Super Cups on top of 464 first team appearances(20th in the all-time Liverpool list) including 35 goals.

Sami Hyypia was and is justifiably a Liverpool legend, the infinity he had with the fans was never more so apparent when on his last appearance against Spurs in May 2009. Ten years after joining, he got a rapturous reception when the then manager Rafa Benitez brought on Sami from the bench. The emotion at the end with the whole of Anfield in unison singing his name brought the giant to tears. It's uncommon for foreign players to have such an infinity with a club and that bore out at the end of that game.

He was voted #38 in the list of the "100 Players That Shook The Kop"  by the fans in a poll run by the official Liverpool web site. His former team-mate Jamie Carragher said of Hyypia:

“I’ve been saying it for years, Sami will go down in history alongside the likes of Ron Yeats, Alan Hansen and Emlyn Hughes. When you think of the foreign players who have played in this country, for me Sami is up there with Dennis Bergkamp and Gianfranco Zola. Not many players have come to the Premiership from abroad and played for just one club for as long as Sami has and in all the time he’s been at Liverpool you could probably count his bad performances on the fingers of one hand."

Since he left Anfield, Hyypia moved to Leverkusen making 61 appearances netting 3 times before announcing his retirement from professional football in May 2011. A year later, Hyypia was named caretaker manager of Bayer alongside Sascha Lewandowski after the sacking of Robin Dutt. Such was the impression that Hyypia and Sascha Lewandowski made, on the 15th May 2012 they were confirmed as managers till the summer of 2015.

Their record reads 26 games and a win percentage of almost 62%, they currently sit in the Bundesliga standings at the moment 5th but only 1 point off 2nd. Although they are ten points behind the leaders Bayern, they ended Bayern's unbeaten league start by securing an impressive 2-1 win at the Allianz Arena at the end of October.

The potential of Hyypia as a future Liverpool manager is one to watch out for, his beginning at Leverkusen has gone smoothly so far. What the future holds for Hyypia is anyone's guess but his legacy as a Liverpool legend has being long secured. One more time "Oh Sami Sami Sami, Sami Sami Sami Hyypia". 

Viability of League Of Ireland: What is the Future?

The demise of Monaghan United this year just a few short months after promotion from the League of Ireland First Division was a shudder that went right to the core of senior football in the Republic. Questions were asked, Monaghan joined a list including Kildare County, Galway United, Kilkenny City and Sporting Fingal of clubs who financially fell by the wayside. How have the FAI, the governing body of the game in this country allowed them to happen. The introduction of stricter budgets since they took over the League was to prevent this kind of thing happening, making it a thing of the past. 

Just as some fans of LOI clubs thought it couldn't get any worse, on the 19th September 2012 the FAI held meetings with clubs to discuss the structure of the 2013 season. Having witnessed as a Wexford Youths supporter the farce that the First Division 2012 season, you would have thought action and positive action at that being taken. Our south-east neighbours Waterford United, a club with great history were leading for calls of a single tier division before the meetings in September. Pat Devlin, manager of Bray Wanderers was one of the men supporting that view, he said in August:

“Sponsorship, attendances, everything’s been really badly hit over the last couple of years and so we need change right across the board,” he said.

“I don’t think a lot of clubs can survive the way things are going and the top three or four can’t play on their own. They are going to have to take the views of the smaller clubs into account.” 

Which brings us to the decision made by the FAI, below was their held view after consultation with the clubs, it read:

"The Board of Management of the Football Association of Ireland today (September 19) confirmed the structure of the Airtricity League for 2013 season.

Prior to the decision, information meetings were held with clubs and the matter was also discussed by the National League Executive Committee.

The Board recommends a 12 club Airtricity League Premier Division for the 2013 season. The Board will also seek expressions of interest for First Division licences from clubs or new entities for the 2013 season. Interested clubs will be invited to contact the FAI in the first instance after which they will be forwarded a pack and a licensing manual to apply for an Airtricity League First Division license."

Repetition is common place in League football, my own club Wexford Youths have faced for example Limerick FC or 37 when they both joined the League in 2007 a total 21 times over that period in the League alone. Put that into context that is almost ten seasons of football played between the both clubs if they just played home and away once. This is similar in the whole League, it is no wonder some fans are turning away. No disrespect to the big clubs but how many Dublin Derbies can one take in one season, over 20 last season. Familiarity can breathe contempt, when you are playing the same side like as I mentioned regarding my own club so many times in a League format supporters can get fed up with that and stay away. 

What is the future? 

Seeing the likes of Sligo Rovers make the breakthrough this year in terms of winning the League was fantastic and as a club their recent shirt deal with Umbro is one to take solace in that financially good things like that can happen. Then again the independent report recommending their should be only 1 club side from Galway in senior football, released by Fran Gavin and the FAI in October will leave just 7 teams to play in the First Division next season as it stands. And Waterford United's concerns over their viability in next season's competition after their recent play-off defeat to Dundalk. The First Division could end up with just 6 teams and possibly the loss of one of its most historic clubs.

It remains to be seen what happens but facilities are essential along with ticket prices in this day and age in attracting supporters to the game. Its not the big clubs in the country that are at stake here, as Pat Devlin said the top 3 or 4 cannot play on their own. Will the FAI revisit and rethink their recommendations for the structure of the 2013 season remains to be seen. If they don't in my opinion, it would reinforce the point that they only care for the national side while the ranking of the domestic league in UEFA ranking terms descends into further obscurity. 

European League Rankings

As of November 23rd 2012, Republic of Ireland's domestic league ranks 36th in the list of 53. Next season the League of Ireland will lose its 2.500 ranking points from 2008/09, after a disappointing season in European action this season their position is unlikely to improve. 

Similar leagues to this country such as the Scandinavian leagues, fair far better than our own in terms of rankings. We marvelled at Shamrock Rovers run in the Europa League last season which was fantastic for the exposure of the League. Imagine if more clubs not just a once off consistently did well in Europe at the same time, it is possible but only if the FAI change the league structure which suits all clubs not just the few. 

For the good of the game, it has too happen.

Can Los Rojiblancos Upset La Liga's Applecart?

As I write this article, Barcelona have kicked off away to Levante in the knowledge that they could open an 11 point advantage on their fiercest rivals, Real Madrid. In Spain, not since 2003/2004 every title since has gone to the Bernabeu or the Camp Nou. Rafael Benitez's Valencia were the last side to to wrestle the title from the two giants with a brand of football that entertained, and attracted Liverpool into acquiring Benitez's services for the season after. That Valencia side secured their second title in 3 years, nearly a decade since could we now have probably the biggest upset in Spanish football history unfold before our very eyes.

Los Rojiblancos, for anyone not familiar is the nickname of the other side in Madrid, Atletico Madrid. Under the shrewd managerial-ship of Diego Simeone, Atletico have not seen these dizzy heights since they secured the double of League and Cup in 1995/96. In that famous season under another shrewd character, Radomir Antic which included the current manager and top striker Kiko among others they captured the League title 4 points of ahead of Valencia.

The current Atleti side also hold a top striker, which has propelled them at the moment to be level on points with Barcelona. The most sought after player outside two  of greatest players to have played the game in Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, that man Colombian goal machine Radamel Falcao.

Falcao joined Atletico from Porto for 40 million euros after Sergio Aguero left in a multi-million pound deal to Manchester City. His record of 36 goals in 47 league games(including tonight's penalty in a 4-0 win over Sevilla) is a testament to what he contributes to Simeone's side. In all competitions, his record of 51 goals in 64 games further empathises what will be a crucial upcoming transfer window for both player and club. Major interest from Chelsea has surfaced since he demolished their defence in the European Super Cup final last August.

The question is will Enrique Cerezo, the owner of Atleti risk the wrath of a passionate fan base and a manager like Simeone? Why sell, when the same fee would be discussed in the summer if not more € being added could Atletico win La Liga? His value to the club and to the Spanish League in general, could make for one of the most exciting title races in recent times.

Not to detract from the rest of the Atleti side which contains such talented players to compliment the majestic Falcao are, Chelsea loanee goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, the heir apparent to Chelsea legend Petr Cech. Turkish talent Arda Turan who has being linked with the likes Liverpool in the past, former Chelsea midfielder now Atletico general Tiago Mendes and cultured centre back Diego Godin to name a few. Simeone has assembled a side which so far has shown they are up for the challenge, a battling 1-0 at Granada last weekend whilst being down to ten men for the last 20 minutes showed they have the gut for the fight. Atletico sides in the past would have crumbled under similar circumstances.

Their title credentials will be severely tested next weekend when they head to the Bernabeu, a stadium where Atleti fans since their last victory there in 1999/2000 season have had to witness some excruciating nights. Simeone's men go into the game on the back of a good run of form and with Real's defeat last night against Real Betis. It will be the one game as a lover of football will want to watch and hoping that Atleti can continue to upset the applecart.