Liverpool Music - Ok Of Topic but WTF

Like music? You might enjoy these videos of a Liverpool band called Juke ( they used to play a lot on the continent) Includes videos of them at a jazz festival and playing with screaming jay hawkins.

Juke-videos

Liverpools owners may let Rafa and fans down

The have been reports tonight that Rafael Benítez now has details of his budget and suggestions that the budget is disappointing.
After the Champions League final Rafa complained about a lack of urgency over signing new players and getting his core squad players to commit to new contracts. It sounds as if we might be in for another Rafa explosion.

It seems he was told by the new owners that they won't add extra funds of their own to the transfer kitty. Rafa's budget will need to come from selling players, money from the Champions League, from ticket sales and the standard budget sources.

Last week Carragher, Gerrard, Alonso and Reina signed four and five year deals, and they all spoke positively spoke of their belief that the club was moving forward.

Rafa wants action on the budget front though and he has always made this clear. Now it looks as if Rafa will have to sell before he can buy.

The new owners appeared to have given very clear signals that more money would be available but now there are suggestions that the new owners are saying in private that Rafa is happy with the news he has no money to spend. That is very very hard to believe.

There are reports that Rafa has steam coming out of his ears and that all is not well inside Anfield. It will be interesting to see what excuse that the new owners will give if these stories are true.

The new owners have spoken about "teamwork and communication " but it sounds as if communication is exactly what is not happening.

Liverpool fans expect that there will be investment in the squad during each transfer window to ensure we keep up with our rivals. To start with this needs an extra injection of cash, but it sounds as if this is exactly what will not now happen. It really is time for the new owners to put up or shut up.

Hicks hits out at Uefa

Uefa president Michel Platini will present a report today to UK Sports Minister Richard Caborn in Brussels. It seems that the report will be critical of Liverpool fans and refer to 25 "incidents" involving Liverpool supporters over the last four years.

But Liverpool's new owner Tom Hicks has said that Uefa spokesman William Gaillard "doesn't know what he's talking about" and refutes any suggestion that Liverpool's fans are the worst-behaved in Europe.

Criticism has been levelled at the behaviour of Liverpool fans in Athens during the Champions League final in May. Fans who had forged tickets or no tickets were able to gain access to the stadium at the expense of fans with genuine tickets.

But Hicks claims this problem should sit at Uefa's door.

Hicks told Sky Sports News: "I thought the guy from Uefa was a clown for saying that. Uefa did not handle this right at all. To give 17,000 tickets to the two teams, particularly knowing Liverpool are going to bring 40,000 fans, is insane. It's a classic case of a bureaucrat trying to take the pressure off himself. They didn't handle it right, they didn't have proper ticketing procedures and unfortunately there were counterfeit tickets. There were fans who paid their hard-earned money to get their tickets and they get to the stadium and are told there is no more room. Are they [the fans] mad [angry]? Sure they're mad."

Hicks has also spoken about the finished design for Liverpool's new stadium.

"The design is now final, it's spectacular and I can't wait for everybody to see it, I think our fans will love it, it's very creative architecture, very contemporary but also unique to Liverpool.
It is all centred around the Kop. It will be the symphony stage that plays to the symphony hall."

How to make Liverpool FC better?

I was juts browsing about the internet ( as you do) and came across just the thing to make sure that we perform better next year. I think that Rafa Benitez could do with buying this football training manual for the team!

Our D says...

"Ended up being the second best team in Europe. Going to rally the troops for Moscow 2008! "



Of course by rallying the troops what he really means is that he and bigger little brother A are going to the nearest pub to have a jar or two or three. Some things never change.

Champions League result Liverpool 1 AC Milan 2

So near but so far. Great play in the first half but we just didn't finish and get the goal in the back of the net. Still they fought a great game and all Liverpool fans should be proud of the team. As usual the fans showed great support for the team even in defeat.

No reason to hang our heads. It was a good final and the Liverpool team did us credit. Next season and beyond? Onward and upward!

Congratulations to AC Milan.

In the ground Kickoff Liverpool v AC Milan

"get in there! Some milan fans near us but there keeping quiet. Thousands in without tickets claiming in. Fucking briliant."

And they are in the ground and its kickoff! yeee!

At the ground Liverpool v AC Milan

"4 ticket checks and 1 near riot but nearly in."

And the brothers are nearly in the ground.

To the Ground Liverpool v AC Milan

"now i now what a sardine feels like! On our way to the ground. One of the 40 thousand believers?"

jees that looks like a bit of a squash lads!

Ticketless fans Liverpool v AC Milan

"25 thousand without tickets. Not one milan fan in sight. Thank god i've got one. Luxemburg was worth it."

Athens at 6am liverpool v AC milan

"athens at 6 in the morning!"

Our A. in Athens after the ferry journey from Crete. Still waiting for a piicture of D.

Brothers to Athens - 2nd leg - be afraid Ac Milan

"stage 2. Crete to athens by ferry. Bit better than the mersey ferry, its got a swimming pool and disco. Just met paok thessalonika fans cheering for liverpool. Seems their all liverpool fans this week."

Second leg of the brothers trip to Athens to the Champions League final - photos and comments being posted as they travel.

This is our A. looking cool in his shades. Not sure about that orange T Shirt. By the way anything is better than the Mersey Ferry (only kidding).

Clearly my other brother is shy and doesnt want his photo taken. Will remonstrate with him about this. Note also that I have been talking out of a hole in my head - its Crete they are staying at not Cyprus. Note to self- must look at Atlas. This is them after booking in and then getting ferry to Athens.

Little brother D. suggests that I write about his trip to Brussels to get the tickets. Told him I already had but that I thought it had been a sex trip that he had been on and so that is what I had written about and I didnt realise he had been going for tickets. I texted him that I would get round to editing the post when I found the time. He he that will get him sweating. Maybe I'll text him later and tell him his missus has been on the blog and is after his blood.

Brothers on the way to Athens part 1

"The first leg of homer's (simpsons) odyssey to ancient greece via bristol airport at 0230tuesday morning."

Posted to me by A. and D. on their way to Athens. This is A. kidding on he has pulled. More soon.

Brothers away to Athens for Liverpool V A C Milan

Well they got tickets. Our D had to get a train to pick up a couple of tickets from some geezer in Belgium but at least they got them. Our A got wind that Liverpool had extra tickets going at Anfield and ended up queuing for four hours. He was about 15 from the head of the queue when they announced that they had run out! Still D got some so it didn't matter.

Tonight their away over to Corfu and then from there to Athens Wednesday. Jammie dogs. D has promised to try to send some pics while they are away and I've given him an email to post direct here so if he gets round to it that should be interesting.

Maybe I should've just jacked my job in.

A reminder from RAFA - what its all about

This is what RAFA said during half time at Istanbul before Liverpool came back out and won what had seemed like a lost match.

"Don't let your heads drop.
All the players who go on the pitch after half-time have to keep their heads held high.
We are Liverpool.
You are playing for Liverpool.
Do not forget that.
You have to hold your heads high for the supporters.
You have to do it for them.
You cannot call yourselves Liverpool players if you have your heads down.
If we create a few chances we have the possibility of getting back into this.
Believe you can do it and you will.
Give yourself the chance to be heroes."

Rafa Benitez, half time, Istanbul

No Champions League Final Tickets

Well my brother confirms that he didnt get any ticket allocation for the Champions Leage Final from the draw. He and "littler brother" are still on planning on going to Athens for the final though - along with about half of Liverpool - and are hoping to pick up tickets either there or before they go through e-bay.

No way that I am able to go as I have major work commitments and would end up either getting sacked or demoted if I took time of just now - so I guess it will be the TV for me.

Still if my two brothers do get tickets I can kinda feel as though I am almost there can't I?

There will be the usual problems with flights out so they have been nifty and booked themselves a holiday on a nearby well known island. One ferry ride and they'll be there. And they get a holiday out of it as well. Bastards.

Liverpool Champions League Final Tickets woe

There is a lot of unhappiness about the ticket allocation arrangements for the Champions League final in Athens and there is talk of ticketless Liverpool fans organising a protest against the allocation.

Yesterday thousands of Liverpool supporters learned the result of the club’s ballot - only season ticket holders and Fan Card holders who had attended six European ties this season were entered into the draw.

But there has been a lot of criticism of the system from fans who claim it rewards people who have only attended European fixtures, rather than the loyal season tickets holders. I have a lot of sympathy for this view because it is the loyal week in weekout fans who keep the team going.

There is talk that some fans are thinking about a protest at Anfield to show their unhappiness before, or during, the final home game of the season on Sunday against Charlton.

One fan was reported as saying “In every round before the final, season ticket holders were given priority before Fan Card holders. Why did this change just for the final? I paid £610 for my season ticket and someone who buys a Fan Card for £3 is put in the ballot at the same time. Words fail me.”

But it seems that the club aren't happy either as Liverpool FC criticised Uefa for a “totally inadequate” ticket allocation and a club spokesman has sympathised with fans.
“Just 17,000 won’t satisfy our extraordinary fanbase.”

I'll need to check with my brother later to see if he got a ticket. He will not be a happy bunny at all if he didnt.

Man U - zilch AC Milan - a shedload

Well I eventually calmed down after the Chelsea game only to be faced with the prospect of the Man Utd semi. Surely it couldnt be my birthday two days on the run? But yes it was. Not only did they lose but they got an almighty drubbing. Now a bit of me would have liked to have seen a Man U liverpool final. A tiny tiny bit.

Neither Man U or AC Milan would have been an easy prospect for us in the final. But my brother is likley to be going to Athens and as he said " If we had been plauying Man U it would have been murder trying to get a flight out". So from a practical view I am glad Man U got beat and its AC Milan. I have no other reason for being glad Man U got beat. HONEST.

Well I am off now. I was reading a blog earlier from someone who was talking about renewing their car insurance online and it reminded me that my car insurance is coming up for renewal so I need to go and check out some car insurance quotes.

Liverpool beat Chelsea on penalties !!!!!!!

Listening to this one on the radio and its six minutes to to go at the end of extra time and I am writing this trying to calm my nerves while listening. Chelsea just came close. Liverpool fans singing their hearts out - as always. Come on lads. Looks like it might be going to penalties.

Chelsea on attack - free kick to Chelsea. Lampard cross goes behind. Goal kick Liverpool. Chesea substitute. Fowler getting instructions on line? Fowler on for the argentinian Mascherano. Benitez is anticipating penalties with this move I think.
Gerard passes , Liverpool shot, saved. Shit Shit.

1 min extra time remaining. Chelsea free kick their half. Commentators reckon neither side deserves to lose. Bollocks. Chelsea always deserve to lose to Liverpool! Gerard shot. Nothing.

Whistle gone - we are on penalties. Hard game.
Liverpool fans are up and singing.
Penalties.
Come on Liverpool! Be confident - we can do this. (glad its not me taking penalties - immense pressure)
Anfield roaring with noise again.

Zenden - Goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Roben - saved saved saved saved saved ye ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yess!!!!!!!
Alonso - Goal !!!!!!!! 2 - 0 !!!!!
Lampard - Goal Ok well taken. 2-1
Gerard - Goal !!!!!!!!!!!! 3-1 3-1
Geremi - pressure pressure >>>>>>>> Saved saved saved saved saaved !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3-1 3-1
Kuyt - Goal !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
4-1
ATHENS HERE WE COME! MAN U ARE U WATCHING!!!!!!!!!!

Liverpool 0 Chelsea 1

This will be a short post because I'm fed up after our loss to Chelsea. It was obvious it was going to be a tight game and likely to go one goal either way. I guess I had convinced myself that we would be the ones to take that one goal and go into the second leg with an away goal in the bag. It wasn't to be. Ah well you can't win them all I guess. Still they still have to come to us and one goal difference is by no means insurmountable. Just can't afford to let them get any in the second leg.

Bill Shankly Memorial

I had the privilege to visit the Bill Shankly memorial in Glenbuck Ayrshire Scotland the other day and took this photo of the memorial to the great man Bill Shankly who did so much for Liverpool football club. I am happy for you to take a copy of this photo. If you do then please put a link back to this site from your site and I will find you and link to you.

Click on the photo to bring up a full size version.

Liverpool 2 wigan 0

I had been getting my annual car insurance quotes today and paying out money doesnt usually get me in a good mood even if I manage to get a good deal ( usually online). However I was soon cheered up!
Liverpool have nailed down their Champions League qualification for next season. Dirk Kuyt scored both goals in a comfortable 2-0 win over Wigan at Anfield today. This ensures a top four Premiership finish for the mighty Reds.

Kuyt gained his 11th and 12th goals in the Premiership for Liverpool and although Wigan played most of the second half with three strikers on the pitch they had no answer.

The big issue now is the coming Semi Final against Chelsea - that should be a hell of a game.

Liverpool -PSV tonight- soon.

Pre -Match
Well here we go - second leg of the Chamions League Quarter final tonight. The beers in and cooling. Cushions all plumped up in the armchair and we have 3-0 advantage from the first leg. Going to be a great night. PSV are going to have to come all out at us if they want to salvage anything from these games and that should in turn give us plenty of chances at them so it could be a great game. However I doubt it judging by their last performance and its more likely this will be a fairly dull game.

It's hard to see them overturning our lead - I mean whenever has a team over turned such a lead in the Champions league - re...well...

No dont think about it. Rafa says "There have been comebacks from 3-0 down in the Champions League - we did it in the 2005 final in Istanbul. These kinds of games are difficult. Sometimes teams say 'OK, the job is done'. But we have to be careful."

So thats ok then. I hope. nah it will be - well stick another couple in for good measure I think and the Anfield crowd will be roaring.

Post Match
And so the game ends and its 1-0 for Liverpool. \Crouch gets one. Not exactly a match to set the stands on fire but the job is done. PSV never looked dangerous but to be honest neither did we most of the time. Chelsea next then Man U!

Liverpool FC ground share? Its a dead parrot.

LIVERPOOL Council has now accepted that its aim of building a shared stadium for Liverpool's two football clubs is a "dead parrot".

Last weekend there were top-level talks between the new American owners of Liverpool Football Club and city council officials and this resulted in the council giving the go-ahead for the new Anfield stadium in Stanley Park.

Everton will now need to forge ahead with their plans to move to Kirkby - ah diddums. No one really was very enthusiastic about the ground share plan anyway so its good to see it killed off.

Liverpool 3 PSV Eindhoven 0

Unless Liverpool decide to throw it away in the next leg it looks as though they have more or less booked their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League after their crushing win over PSV Eindhoven.

Stevie Gerrard crashed in a blinding header from Steve Finnan's cross to put the Reds ahead in the first half and took the crown as Liverpool's leading scorer in European Cup competitions.

It seemed PSV were waiting for a thrashing and the Reds John Arne Riise blasted in a long-range goal. Peter Crouch finished of PSV when he nodded down another Finnan cross.

Liverpool opened slowly at the start of the first leg of the quarter-final and began probing while PSV seemed somewhat passive given they were at home.

Losing 5-1 in their last league fixture at the Philips Stadion, and a poor run which has seen them fail to win in their last four outings may be a partial explanation.

The Reds were allowed to dominate possession until PSV sprang a rare attack to surprise Liverpool and Mika Varynen at the far post had his angled volley deflected over.

Liverpool saw the omens if they didnt score and Finnan made a bursting run on the right, before crossed, and Gerrard thundered a header low into the corner of the net.

It was Gerrard's 15th in the European Cup and he overtakes Ian Rush as the club's record goalscorer in the competition.

PSV then had to attempt a more attacking game but Liverpool kept them at arm's length and Xabi Alonso nearly gained a second after the break.

PSV were shaky in defence and a wild backpass gave Riise the chance for a trademark left-foot blaster into the top corner.

Striker Patrick Kluivert came on for PSV but Crouch headed in from eight yards from Finnan's pin-point delivery.

The only setback for Liverpool was a serious-looking injury to left midfielder Fabio Aurelio. Kluyt got himslef a booking but a number of pundits suggested this may have been deliberate.

PSV: Gomes, Kromkamp (Feher 68), Da Costa, Simons, Salcido, Mendez (Kluivert 51), Vayrynen, Cocu, Culina, Farfan (Sun 46), Tardelli.Subs Not Used: Moens, Addo, Marcellis.
Booked: Kluivert, Feher.

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Riise (Zenden 65), Gerrard, Mascherano, Alonso, Aurelio (Gonzalez 75), Crouch (Pennant 85), Kuyt.Subs Not Used: Dudek, Arbeloa, Hyypia, Bellamy.
Booked: Mascherano, Kuyt.
Goals: Gerrard 27, Riise 49, Crouch 63.
Att: 36,500.

Liverpool 4 Arsenal 1 - Liverpool go third

Peter Crouch got his first Liverpool hat-trick today and Liverpool jumped past Arsenal to go third in the Premiership.

Crouch put in an Alvaro Arbeloa cross after four minutes then headed in from a Fabio Aurelio delivery in the 34th minute.

Agger glanced in another Aurelio cross on the hour before Gallas got one from almost on the line for Arsenal.
Crouch then made his hat-trick after 80 minutes.

Crouch was the main man in a first 45 minutes that saw Liverpool cruise into the lead. He made the perfect finish at the near post to a great Liverpool build-up in the fourth minute, after Jermaine Pennant's neat flick had set up Arbeloa for the cross.
Arsenal seemed lethargic, but Adebayor headed just over. Crouch was rampant and made an ambitious shot across goal after 26 minutes.
Baptista should have drawn Arsenal level but he side-footed tamely wide.
Liverpool then doubled their advantage 11 minutes before half-time.
Xabi Alonso made a quick free-kick to find Aurelio then Crouch leapt to meet a cross and a brilliant header went high past diving Jens Lehmann.
After 53 minutes Arsenals Adebayor's low left-foot shot rebounded to safety off the post.
Liverpool captain Gerrard went off two minutes later for an ice-pack to a thigh injury. The hope for Benitez and fans is that he will recover for Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg against PSV Eindhoven.
Just on the hour a free-kick from Aurelio was glanced past Lehmann by Agger.
Adebayor kept battling, but after 63 minutes his header was turned by Liverpool keeper Reina.
Arsenal pulled a goal back with 18 minutes left.
Any hopes of a Gunners comeback were snuffed out after 80 minutes when Crouch turned Toure expertly before firing past Lehmann.
Crouch said :
"It was pleasing for us to get four goals and beat a class side. The manager let us know beforehand we've had some disappointing results against Arsenal this season. You don't care how they come but it was a nice hat-trick, I'm pleased with it. It is a special moment."

Teams
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Pennant, Alonso, Mascherano (Riise 82), Gonzalez (Zenden 69), Gerrard (Kuyt 56), Crouch.Subs Not Used: Dudek, Fowler.
Booked: Alonso.
Goals: Crouch 4, 35, Agger 60, Crouch 81.
Arsenal: Lehmann, Eboue (Hoyte 82), Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Diaby (Rosicky 65), Denilson, Julio Baptista (Ljungberg 65), Adebayor.Subs Not Used: Almunia, Senderos.
Booked: Diaby, Lehmann, Fabregas.
Goals: Gallas 73.
Att: 43,958.

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