Showing posts with label Liverpool FC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Liverpool FC. Show all posts

Thursday, April 15, 2010

YNWA - Justice for the 96

21 years on after the Hillsborough Tragedy Liverpool Football Club pays tribute to the 96 fans who lost their lives in the tragedy.




April 15 is never about football at Liverpool FC. It's about remembering each of the supporters named below. They'll never walk alone.

John Alfred Anderson (62)

Colin Mark Ashcroft (19)

James Gary Aspinall (18)

Kester Roger Marcus Ball (16)

Gerard Bernard Patrick Baron (67)

Simon Bell (17)

Barry Sidney Bennett (26)

David John Benson (22)

David William Birtle (22)

Tony Bland (22)

Paul David Brady (21)

Andrew Mark Brookes (26)

Carl Brown (18)

David Steven Brown (25)

Henry Thomas Burke (47)

Peter Andrew Burkett (24)

Paul William Carlile (19)

Raymond Thomas Chapman (50)

Gary Christopher Church (19)

Joseph Clark (29)

Paul Clark (18)

Gary Collins (22)

Stephen Paul Copoc (20)

Tracey Elizabeth Cox (23)

James Philip Delaney (19)

Christopher Barry Devonside (18)

Christopher Edwards (29)

Vincent Michael Fitzsimmons (34)

Thomas Steven Fox (21)

Jon-Paul Gilhooley (10)

Barry Glover (27)

Ian Thomas Glover (20)

Derrick George Godwin (24)

Roy Harry Hamilton (34)

Philip Hammond (14)

Eric Hankin (33)

Gary Harrison (27)

Stephen Francis Harrison (31)

Peter Andrew Harrison (15)

David Hawley (39)

James Robert Hennessy (29)

Paul Anthony Hewitson (26)

Carl Darren Hewitt (17)

Nicholas Michael Hewitt (16)

Sarah Louise Hicks (19)

Victoria Jane Hicks (15)

Gordon Rodney Horn (20)

Arthur Horrocks (41)

Thomas Howard (39)

Thomas Anthony Howard (14)

Eric George Hughes (42)

Alan Johnston (29)

Christine Anne Jones (27)

Gary Philip Jones (18)

Richard Jones (25)

Nicholas Peter Joynes (27)

Anthony Peter Kelly (29)

Michael David Kelly (38)

Carl David Lewis (18)

David William Mather (19)

Brian Christopher Mathews (38)

Francis Joseph McAllister (27)

John McBrien (18)

Marion Hazel McCabe (21)

Joseph Daniel McCarthy (21)

Peter McDonnell (21)

Alan McGlone (28)

Keith McGrath (17)

Paul Brian Murray (14)

Lee Nicol (14)

Stephen Francis O'Neill (17)

Jonathon Owens (18)

William Roy Pemberton (23)

Carl William Rimmer (21)

David George Rimmer (38)

Graham John Roberts (24)

Steven Joseph Robinson (17)

Henry Charles Rogers (17)

Colin Andrew Hugh William Sefton (23)

Inger Shah (38)

Paula Ann Smith (26)

Adam Edward Spearritt (14)

Philip John Steele (15)

David Leonard Thomas (23)

Patrik John Thompson (35)

Peter Reuben Thompson (30)

Stuart Paul William Thompson (17)

Peter Francis Tootle (21)

Christopher James Traynor (26)

Martin Kevin Traynor (16)

Kevin Tyrrell (15)

Colin Wafer (19)

Ian David Whelan (19)

Martin Kenneth Wild (29)

Kevin Daniel Williams (15)

Graham John Wright (17)

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Gracias Mate




The scousers are really colourful people - they are pure breed scousers and yet they pretend to be spanish because their no 9 is from Spain.


ALL DAY TAPAS - Classic, it normally reads ALL DAY BREAKFAST/FISH AND CHIPS.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

15 Minutes That Shook the World



ALEX FERGUSON has been jokingly portrayed as a whisky-swilling drunk in a film starring Liverpool aces Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.

And Gary Neville is labelled a rat who "hates Scousers" in the same mickey-taking movie.

The Manchester United legends come under fire in a comedy called Fifteen Minutes That Shook the World.

It is a fictional account of events that inspired Liverpool's fightback against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League Final and is sure to spark an Old Trafford backlash.

In one scene a Fergie "lookalike" called McTaggart phones a player, who resembles Neville, to celebrate Liverpool trailing Milan by three goals.

The Neville character is wearing a United No 2 shirt bearing the name 'Rat Boy' on the back and responds by singing about how he hates Scousers - a parody of the song United fans taunt at their bitter Anfield rivals.

When the news of Liverpool's stirring fightback - capped by their penalty shootout win - comes out, McTaggart is seen knocking back a bottle of scotch which has the words 'Manager of the Month but not as good as Bob Paisley' on it.

Kop skipper Gerrard, 29, and vice-captain Carragher, 31, have cameo roles in the film and they were joined by boss Rafa Benitez at the premiere on Monday night.

United declined to comment on Liverpool playwright Dave Kirby's 43-minute film last night - and the final cut may also have come as a shock to the Liverpool stars as well.

But Ferguson and his club captain Neville are likely to be unimpressed by the involvement of Gerrard, Carragher and others at Anfield.

Ferguson was angered the last time a club poked fun at United, slamming Manchester City as a "small club with a small mentality" over their Welcome to Manchester poster.

It was erected in the summer after Carlos Tevez's shock switch across the city.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

In My Life










There are places I remember
All my life, though some have changed,
Some forever, not for better,
Some have gone and some remain.
All these places had their moments,
With lovers and friends I still can recall,
Some are dead and some are living,
In my life I've loved them all.
But of all these friends and lovers,
There is no one compared with you,
And these mem'ries lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new.
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before,
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more.
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before,
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more.
In my life I love you more.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

BPL Fixtures 2009-10



August

15 Tottenham (A)

19 Stoke (H)

22 Aston Villa (H)

29 Bolton (A)

September

12 Burnley (H)

19 West Ham (A)

26 Hull (H)

October

3 Chelsea (A)

17 Sunderland (A)

24 Man Utd (H)

31 Fulham (A)

November

7 Birmingham (H)

21 Man City (H)

28 Everton (A)

December

5 Blackburn (A)

12 Arsenal (H)

16 Wigan (H)

19 Portsmouth (A)

26 Wolverhampton (H)

28 Aston Villa (A)

January

9 Tottenham (H)

16 Stoke (A)

26 Wolverhampton (A)

30 Bolton (H)

February

6 Everton (H)

9 Arsenal (A)

20 Man City (A)

27 Blackburn (H)

March

6 Wigan (A)

13 Portsmouth (H)

20 Man Utd (A)

27 Sunderland (H)

April

3 Birmingham (A)

10 Fulham (H)

17 West Ham (H)

24 Burnley (A)

May

1 Chelsea (H)

9 Hull (A)

Monday, June 1, 2009

Dirk Kuyt on LFC players


Ever wanted to know what Dirk Kuyt thinks of his teammates? Well wonder no more after the Dutchman revealed all about the Reds' squad in an exclusive chat with Match Magazine.

Who is the loudest in the squad?

I think that's Jamie Carragher! He's always shouting at people and telling them what to do on the pitch – it seems like you can hear him from everywhere. Sometimes he's so loud you just have to laugh about it.

Who has got the hardest shot?

When Riise was here it was definitely him, but now it must be Stevie Gerrard! Daniel Agger can really hit the ball hard and has scored some great goals for us, but I think Stevie just has more power.

Who is the best at FIFA 09?

Fernando Torres and Javier Mascherano play the FIFA games a lot on away trips, but I'm not sure who is the best! Hopefully they'll both let me get involved soon because I know I would be better than them!

Who's the cleverest?

Most people say footballers aren't very intelligent! It's hard to tell because we spend most of our time talking football, but I think Xabi Alonso is quite clever – at least he thinks he's clever anyway!

Who is the strongest?

The whole squad does weights a few times a week after training and Pepe Reina is the strongest. If there was a competition to see who could lift the most weights or do the most squats, Pepe would definitely win!

Who is your best mate?

I get on with all the lads, but I play golf with Pepe Reina and Albert Riera whenever I get the chance. Yossi Benayoun plays poker with us sometimes as well, so I probably spend the most time with them.

Who's the club DJ?

I don't want to big myself up but the lads always ask me to put my iPod on before games. It's probably because I'm the only one who has an iPod with me! I try to get a good mix of songs to keep everyone happy.

Who's the fastest?

We always do sprint tests at Liverpool so that's an easy one. We did the tests a couple of weeks ago and Ryan Babel was easily the fastest – even quicker than Fernando. I think he did athletics when he was younger.

Who is Mr Liverpool?

I think Carra knows everything – not only about Liverpool but about football in general. He eats and sleeps football and watches it every day, so he knows everything about the club. Steven Gerrard knows a lot about Liverpool too.

source LFC's webpage

Monday, May 25, 2009

It's Just Awesome









Sami Hyypia admitted he found it hard to hold back the tears during his emotional Anfield farewell on Sunday and thanked the Kop for their magnificent support.
The big number four was given the captain's armband when he came on for skipper Steven Gerrard in the 84th minute and the standing ovation he got told its own story.

Before kick-off a mosaic in the Kop paid tribute to a man who has given 10 years wonderful service to Liverpool Football Club.

Hyypia admitted it was a moment that moved him.

"It was fantastic and I would like to thank the fans for that and for their wonderful support to me during the 10 years I have been at the club," Hyypia told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"There were a few tears at the end and I was surprised I managed to keep them inside until then. That was a sad moment for me.

"I've always had a really good relationship with the fans. They have treated me as their own from day one and that will never change. I will miss them.

"Goodbyes are never easy but life goes on. Now I'm looking forward to a new challenge in Germany but I'm leaving Liverpool behind with great memories but sad feelings."

Hyypia almost made it the perfect send-off when he saw a stoppage time header saved by a combination of Gomes and Modric.

"It would have been the icing on the cake but it wasn't to be," he added. "It was a good ball in from Fabio but Tottenham scrambled the ball away."

The big Finn has also backed Rafael Benitez's side to sustain another title challenge next season and sees no reason why the Reds can’t win number 19.

"We just fell a little bit short this season but I'm sure next season the team will take a lot of confidence into it from the experience we had this year," he said.

"We had a lot of draws this season and United turned them into 1-0 wins, but hopefully it will be different next season."

*source:LFC's webpage

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Special Bond


"I know I've said it before but I've played for Barcelona and Villarreal and I've never known anything like it in my career," said Reina.

"It's the belief of the people, the city and the fans; they all drive you on. I've been at Liverpool four seasons now and once you understand how much Liverpool means to the people then as a player you know you have to give everything for them.

"People might think that every team must have that spirit, but it is not that easy.

"It is not something you can switch on, it is something that builds itself over a long time and we have it at Liverpool because of the people around us, the city and the way people are in the city.

"It is a city of workers and people who stick together and Liverpool have to represent the city in that respect. You cannot help but become involved in it."

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Hillsborough - 20 years on




As we approach the 20 year anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, club captain Steven Gerrard talks candidly about his memories of the time, the fight for justice and his own personal loss.

Liverpoolfc.tv: You were only young at the time, but what do you remember about the events of April 15, 1989?

Steven Gerrard: I was still a baby. I was only nine years old at the time so I only have small memories from back then. But I've learned more about the actual events as I've got older.

Your own family has a personal connection to the tragedy. Tell us about that...



Well, I was really shocked and deeply saddened when I watched the scenes live. I was completely and utterly shocked, whilst wondering if there was anyone we knew personally at the game. It was exactly the same for every Liverpool fan at the time because I'm sure everyone was wondering if they knew anyone who was at the game too. I remember going to bed that night, lying there praying, and keeping my fingers crossed that it didn't get any worse than what we had already heard. Unfortunately for myself and my family we got the dreaded knock the next morning to say that a member of our family was at the game and had been tragically killed.

Is it true that in terms of Jon-Paul's memory, he has always motivated you to become a Liverpool player?

Yes definitely. Obviously it was a difficult time to know that one of your cousins had been at the game and had been tragically crushed. Seeing the reaction of his Mum, Dad and family helped drive me on to become the player I have developed into today.

In terms of the importance of Hillsborough to Liverpool Football Club, could you clarify just how central this event is in our history?

It is central and very important to this club. The 96 will never ever be forgotten, and nor will the people that got hurt. But it is important these people get remembered individually and not just as the number 96. This club has fought for justice ever since and will continue to do so. We have stuck together since that day, like we always do here, and that shows what kind of football club we are, sticking by each other when times are tough. We are not just about what happens on the pitch but we are all one off it as well.

That commitment to the cause was epitomised with the Kop mosaic, 'The Truth' before the Arsenal match a couple of years ago, wasn't it?

Yes, of course. You can always rely on our fans to give proper support when times are hard and it's the same with Hillsborough. Time has gone by, but the scars will never ever be healed and the fans will never ever forget. So you can always rely on our supporters to be there for you when you need them.

When foreign players arrive at the club, is it important they learn about the tragedy?

I think it was such a big tragedy that the majority of the players are already aware of the event. They have probably seen the scenes on the news as it would have gone out worldwide on the television at the time. Straight away you learn the values of the club and what it's all about; not just the good times but the bad times as well. So the players are brought up to speed about what happened at Hillsborough and they pay their respects every year like all the staff of Liverpool Football Club do. We go to the memorial service every year and thousands of people still turn out to this day, so it goes to show that the Liverpool supporters will never forget about it and neither will the players.

In terms of the annual memorial service, it is obviously very difficult, but also a very important day for yourself too...

Yes of course, even when I stop playing for the first team I will continue to go to the service and show my respects every year. I do see Jon-Paul's family there as well so it's nice to go and share the memorial service with them, as well as all the other families that are there showing their support.

This year the families of the Hillsborough disaster have been given the freedom of the city. What can you say about the way they have conducted themselves throughout this period?

It's unbelievable really. They have shown great dignity. I think they should be proud of themselves. I know how horrific it has been for them so I think they have conducted themselves very well and should be proud.

Finally, as captain of the club, is there any sort of message you can give out to the families and survivors of Hillsborough 20 years on?

Just to continue to conduct themselves the way they have done so far. They have behaved impeccably and the club are very proud of them and the way they have handled this tragedy. The players will continue to be a support for them, I can guarantee that.



*taken from http://www.liverpoolfc.tv

Friday, April 10, 2009

Football Thoughts

LIVERPOOL FC vice-captain claims that this weekend's fixture against Blackburn Rovers will be his biggest EPL game of his career-
"I'm not just saying this because of what happened against Chelsea the other night but the league has always been the priority for everyone at the club," said the 31-year-old.

"In the 13 years I have been involved in the first team this will be the biggest league game I've played in – it really is that important.

"If we win we can go top of the league with just six games to go and if someone would have told us that we would be in this position when the season started we would have all been delighted.

"This is a massive chance for everyone at the club and I'm sure the fans will create a great atmosphere because they know what is at stake."


This was what Jamie Carragher had to say about the loss to Chelsea FC and the title race : "Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and say that the other team played well on the night, and this is one of those occasions.

"But it's important to remember that we've now played them and Man United five times this season and we've won four of those games.

"That's a record we can be proud of even though we are obviously disappointed about what happened the other night.

"We've played more than 40 games in the Premier League and the Champions League – the two biggest competitions – and we've only lost three times. One of the most important things is that when we have lost we've tended to respond in the right way by going on good runs.

"That's what we'll be looking to do again and no-one should be too downhearted about what happened against Chelsea because they are a good side who did well on the night. We've still got a hell of a lot to play for.

"The incentive is there for us to go back on top of the league. It may only be for a few hours until United play but you never know, it could even be for longer than that.

"That's how big this game is and that's why I honestly believe it's the biggest we've had in the league since I've been at the club - and maybe for even longer than that."

Most LIVERPOOL FC fans would love to see their team win the league as well as the Champions League. They still believe that it is not impossible, the players certainly believe so. But one thing for sure is that if LFC's quest for the trophies does not materialize, and should they end the season empty handed, the fans would still believe in them. This was clearly evident during the Chelsea game, even at 3-1 down, they stayed behind until the final whistle and kept singing for the team they love in good times as well in bad times. That is something money can never buy and that is something other clubs may never have possibly. Which is why LFC is special in that sense.

Other players from other teams could see that special relationship that LFC has with its fans and supporters. Thierry Henry felt that Anfield is the best away stadium he ever played in and he enjoys playing his football there. And seeing his current team destroyed the German Champions FC Bayern Munchen gave the bookies a clear indication that FC Barcelona will be the favourites to win the Champions League this year. We shall wait and see if they got that right.

Although I myself believe that LFC can still make it to the semis but my prediction for the semifinals would be:

Chelsea v Barcelona
Porto v Arsenal

Barcelona FC is almost certain to be in the semis at this stage now. Even Mark Van Bommel, previously of Barcelona FC himself and now captain for Bayern Munich had this to say about the 2nd leg in Allianz Arena, "we might have a chance if they show up with only 8 players".

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Fields Of Anfield Road










Outside the Shankly Gates
I heard a Kopite calling:
Oh "Shankly, they have taken you away
But you left a great eleven
Before you went to heaven
Now it's glory round the Fields of Anfield Road"


Chorus
All 'round the fields of Anfield Road,
Where once we watched the King Kenny play (and could he play!),
We had Heighway on the wing,
We had dreams and songs to sing,
Of the glory, 'round the fields, of Anfield Road


Outside the Paisley Gates
I heard a Kopite calling:
Oh "Paisley, they have taken you away
You led the great 11
Back in Rome in 77
And the redmen they are still playing the same way"

Monday, January 12, 2009

LFC - Jamie Carragher Interview



We asked the Bootle-born legend to name his player and young player of the year before moving on to more pressing matters - like who hogs the mirror at Melwood and who has been his nightmare roommate during the year that was.

Didi Hamann and Jermaine Pennant have both fallen victim to Carra's unique wit in the last few years - this time it's the turn of a certain Dutch international.

Look away now, Dirk...

Okay Jamie, who's your player of the year?

There are a few candidates for that in 2008. I mean, it has obviously got to be Torres with the impact he has made, and also what he did for Spain in the summer. It was a magnificent achievement. But there are probably another two or three players who are very close - obviously Stevie Gerrard is always there or thereabouts. He's scored a lot of goals and had that great relationship with Torres. I think Mascherano has come in well and also Skrtel.

Pick your five-a-side team of the year from the squad…

Reina, Gerrard, Torres...can you pick yourself?

Yes...

Okay, me. So how many is that? One more? Need a midfielder, don't I? Alonso.

Who's your unsung hero of 2008?

Arbeloa. He's someone who doesn't get talked about a lot as he's playing full-back and it's probably the least glamorous position on the pitch, but he's come in and displaced Steve Finnan, who was a great player for Liverpool. He's come in and done his job very quietly but effectively.

Best goal of 2008?

There's a few Torres and Gerrard ones, isn't there? The Torres one against Arsenal in the Champions League where he just turned and hit it was a very important goal. Being at Anfield, at the Kop end, on a great European night in the Champions League quarter finals - I'll have to go for that one.

Not your goal against Middlesbrough?

I always think mine are the best, so that doesn't count.

Okay, moving on slightly - who's the cleverest member of the Liverpool squad?

Well, Dossena reads a book and wears glasses. I think he's trying to make out he's quite clever but I don't think that counts - I think it's just a bluff. Probably someone like Hyypia.

We've had our fair share of 'Triggers' at Liverpool over the years - is there anyone who fills that role at the moment?

Oh yeah, Dirk. He's unbelievable. Every day in training the referee will give the rules out and he'll just continually break them throughout the session. They talk about these Dutch players knowing football, but Babel is pretty much the same as well. Dutch players are supposed to know different positions and total football, but that's a load of nonsense!

Who's the most Scouse foreigner?

Reina and Alonso are really good lads and they mix well with the Scousers. They really embrace being a part of Liverpool. They seem to know a lot about the history of the club and the people and they seem to have settled well. They've been here a little longer than a lot of the others but they are two who have really mixed in well and I think they get to know everything that's going on in Liverpool.

Who is the funniest member of the squad?

Pennant, he's a lively character. Pepe likes a laugh and a joke, and so do I. There's a few, actually. I've calmed down a little bit now because I'm a family man - I used to be mad years ago. Probably Pennant really, he's the one who's always got a story to tell.

Nicest member of the squad?

Benayoun, he seems to get on well with everyone. He speaks a few different languages and is always laughing and joking, and I don't think I've ever seen him lose his temper or anything on the training pitch or off it. He's a really nice fella.

Nightmare roommate?

My nightmare roommate would probably be Pennant, because I don't think he gets much sleep so he'd probably like to stay up a little bit later. Stay well clear of him.

And who's your ideal roommate?

The one I've got at the moment, actually: Stevie Gerrard. He puts my bags away, makes me cups of tea and makes my bed in the morning, so he's the ideal one.

Who's the biggest moaner?

Me.

Best trainer?

Probably Stevie. He's got the most ability in training. There's a few players who work very hard. Alonso does very well in training as well.

Most skilful?

Well, the three most technically gifted in our team are probably Torres, Gerrard and Alonso. All three have got different abilities, so you'll have to pick out of them, I'm not picking.

Okay, who has got the worst haircut?

Fellaini's isn't great at Everton, is it? But here at Liverpool? Well, Dirk's is bad, he puts this yellow gel on it, he takes it everywhere with him.

And who's the vainest player?

There'll be a few surprises in that, actually. Stevie spends a little bit too much time in front of the mirror for my liking, considering he's from Huyton. I'd probably say Stevie, he's just got to pull back on the reins on that type of thing.

Who's the worst dancer now Crouchie's gone?

He was the best dancer! We had our Christmas meal and Degen was up dancing and didn't do well. [Laughs] I'm surprised he never got injured! He was up dancing and it didn't go down too good.

Best dancer?

The best dancer is probably El Zhar, he's got a few moves.

Okay, who's the worst dresser, Jamie?

There's a few. Dirk is bad, Plessis is bad.

What do they wear?

Plessis comes in with these big, baggy, multi-coloured tracksuits - I don't even know what it is. Dirk is just Dirk, isn't he? He's just like Hamann; they just don't care - scruffs. I'd probably say Dirk.

And the best dresser?

Me.

Who's got the best and worst taste in music?

The best is...me and Stevie are pretty similar. The lads put their iPod on before a game, I'd never do that but his [Stevie's] is alright. Dirk's is okay, actually. I'm just trying to think about whose has been on - think Babel's was poor when he put it on. All that rap stuff.

Who has been your toughest opponent of the year?

There's a few who are always tough. Your Drogbas, Adebayors, Rooneys - people like that. I'd probably say all of them, really. When you play against that type of player, you know you've been in a really tough game. Sometimes you get the better of them and sometimes they get the better of you, but no matter when you play against them it's very tough.

Have you got a favourite away ground?

I love the Emirates now, I think that's a superb stadium. I hope we can have something like that in the future. Old Trafford is a magnificent stadium, it's got to be said. I always like playing at Goodison, me - the derby games. It's a typical, old-fashioned stadium in a way because the crowd are right on top of you, it's a great atmosphere and we tend to do quite well there, so I'd probably say Goodison Park.

What is the best chant, song or banner that you've seen all year?

There's been a few of them on the Kop, hasn't there? I think the Torres song is good, my son is always singing that one.

Does he do the bounce?

Well, I don't know because he's only been to a couple of away games. He was probably doing it at Man City when we got back to 3-2. I mean, we're probably the best supporters in the world for making up chants - I don't know how they come up with them.

Can you hear what they're singing when you're on the pitch?

I can hear most of it but I have to get it fully relayed to me, the full words off a few fans and all that. My son is teaching me a little bit of it as well, so yeah, someone has come up with a great song there.

taken from ; here.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Chelsea v LIVERPOOL FC



Here are all the pre-match stats and facts ahead of Sunday's trip to Chelsea:


# Head to head: (League only)

# Overall: Liverpool 58 wins, Chelsea 44 wins, 28 Draws.

# At Chelsea: Liverpool 15 wins, Chelsea 36 wins, 14 Draws.

# Should Liverpool win today it will be the 600th away victory in the top-flight in their history.

# Victory will give the Reds their best ever start to a Premier League season (outright). The current best is 21 points from the opening nine games set in 2002-03.

# Sami Hyypia could play the 450th game of his Liverpool career if selected.

# Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 15 league games - equalling their longest run under Rafa Benitez.

# The teams met three times at Stamford Bridge last season with Chelsea winning twice (in the League Cup and Champions League) with a goalless draw being played out in the league encounter.

# They clashed five times in total in 2007-08 with the two games at Anfield (in the league and Champions League) finishing in 1-1 draws after Liverpool had led in both.

# This is the 21st meeting between the sides since Rafa Benitez took over in 2004.

# Since the inception of the Premier League Liverpool have won 11 and lost 14 of the 32 meetings.

# Liverpool have won only once at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League. Bruno Cheyrou scored the only goal in January 2004. The only player still at Anfield who played that night is Sami Hyypia.

# Liverpool have lost ten of their last 12 league visits and won only one of the last 18.

# In the Premier League at Stamford Bridge, Liverpool have picked up just seven points out of a possible 48.

# Patrik Berger scored Liverpool's last hat-trick against Chelsea - at Anfield in October 1997.

# That is one of only four occasions when Reds players have scored three in a game against Chelsea - the others being James Stewart (1910), Fred Pagnam (1915) and Gordon Hodgson (1930). All were scored at Anfield.

# No player has ever scored a hat-trick for Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

# Liverpool have not scored more than once in a League game on this ground in their last 12 visits since a 2-2 draw in December 1995 when Steve McManaman scored both goals.

# The Reds biggest victory on this ground came in December 1989 when they won 5-2.

# Liverpool's heaviest ever defeat at Stamford Bridge came on the opening day of the 1937-38 season when they lost 6-1.

# Last season the Reds kept only their second clean sheet in the last 13 league visits.

# Liverpool have led in Premier League matches this season for just 56 minutes in total.

# Seven of Liverpool's 13 league goals this season have been scored from the 77th minute onwards.

# Dirk Kuyt has scored as many league goals this season (three) as he did in the whole of last.

# Rafa Benitez is hoping to preside over his first league win on a ground of one of the other big four clubs.

# Last season's 3-2 Champions League defeat is the only time in the last nine visits to Stamford Bridge that Liverpool have scored.

# Liverpool and Chelsea league clashes have never produced three draws in succession.

# The Reds are the last team to prevent Chelsea from scoring in the Premier League. Since that goalless draw back in February the Blues have scored in all of their last 20 league games.

# Pepe Reina was controversially dismissed in the league meeting on this ground in February 2006.

# Jermaine Pennant's first goal for Liverpool came against Chelsea at Anfield in January 2007.

# Chelsea have not lost in their last 29 Premier League games since going down 1-0 at Arsenal last December.

# Frank Lampard scored in three games against Liverpool last season - twice from the penalty spot.

# They are currently unbeaten at Stamford Bridge in their last 86 league games since Arsenal won 2-1 in February 2004.

# They have a 100 per cent record away from home this season in the league but have won two and drawn two of their four games at the Bridge. Tottenham and Manchester Untied have played out 1-1 draws while Portsmouth (4-0) and Aston Villa (2-0) have both lost.

# Chelsea's last hat-trick in the fixture was scored by George Mills in August 1937 at Stamford Bridge.

# Chelsea have only conceded three goals in their 12 games this season in all competitions and have kept six consecutive clean sheets since Ji-Sung Park scored for Manchester United at The Bridge last month. They have played 10 hours and 12 minutes since that goal.

# The last team to breach their defence twice was Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final on this ground back in April.

# They have conceded more than once in a Premier League game on only one occasion in the calendar year of 2008 and that was a 4-4 draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane with Robbie Keane scoring an 88th minute equaliser.

# Joe Cole could make his 150th league appearance for Chelsea.

# Current League Positions:

# Liverpool: Pld 8 Won 6 Drawn 2 Lost 0 Goals For 13 Against 6 Points: 20 Position: 2nd.

# Chelsea: Pld 8 Won 6 Drawn 2 Lost 0 Goals For 19 Against 3 Points: 20 Position: 1st.

# Leading scorers this season (League in brackets):

# Liverpool: Kuyt 5 (3), Torres 5 (5), Gerrard 4 (1), Keane 2 (0), Agger 1 (0), Babel 1 (1), Carragher 1 (1), Lucas 1 (0), Riera 1 (1), own goals 1 (1).

# Chelsea: Lampard 6 (3), Anelka 5 (4), Kalou 4 (3), J. Cole 3 (2), Malouda 3 (1), Belletti 2 (2), Deco 2 (2), Bosingwa 1 (1), Carvalho 1 (1), Terry 1 (0).


taken from LFC'S official website

Friday, September 26, 2008

Merseyside Derby episode 208

taken from LFC's Website....

Everton v Liverpool



# Liverpool completed a league 'double' over their city rivals last season.

# At Goodison last October Dirk Kuyt scored two penalties in a 2-1 win after Sami Hyypia scored an own goal to give the Blues a half-time lead.

# Hyypia became only the second Liverpool player ever to score an own goal in a Merseyside derby following Neil Ruddock in 1997.

# Dirk Kuyt is the only player to score two penalties in a derby. He is now one behind the leading scorer from the spot in the fixture-Phil Neal.

# In the return fixture at Anfield in March Fernando Torres scored seven minutes into his derby debut to give Liverpool a 1-0 victory.

# Liverpool have won 81 of the 207 meetings in all competitions with Everton winning 64 and 62 ending in stalemate.

# In League meetings today will see the 179th clash with the Reds leading 67-56.

# Liverpool have lost just two of the last ten ‘derbies' at Goodison winning six of the last eight.

# The Reds have lost just two of the last 17 meetings home and away.

# The last player to score a hat-trick in a ‘Derby' was Ian Rush. He scored four on this ground in a 5-0 win in November 1982. Dixie Dean is the last Everton player to achieve the feat scoring all his sides goals in a 3-1 win in September 1931.

# Ian Rush in that above game became the first and so far only Liverpool player to score a league hat-trick at Goodison.

# The Reds 'double' last season was their third in the Premiership over Everton having previously achieved the feat in 2000-01 and 2005-06.

# Only four of the players currently at these two clubs have scored in a Merseyside 'derby'. Steven Gerrard (three), Dirk Kuyt (two) and Fernando Torres (one) have scored for the Reds while the only Everton player to do so is Tim Cahill (three times).

# Steven Gerrard and Phil Neville are the only players in Derby history to be sent off twice.

# Only three penalties have been saved in the derby with the last being by Bruce Grobbelaar in March 1984 at Goodison from Graeme Sharp.

# Liverpool could have possibly four 'Derby' debutants in the game- Andrea Dossena, Robbie Keane, Albert Riera and Alvaro Arbeloa.

# The Reds have kept only one clean sheet in the last eight league visits to Goodison but in that time have scored 16 goals.

# Both sides biggest league win on this ground has been by a 5-0 scoreline. Everton recorded theirs in April 1909 and Liverpool in November 1982.

# Robbie Keane scored a hat-trick for Tottenham against Everton in January 2003 in his side's 4-3 win at White Hart Lane. He has scored six league goals in total against the Blues.

# Liverpool are the only team in the top-flight not to concede an away league goal this season.

# A win today would equal their best start to a Premier League campaign which they set in 1996-97 when took 14 points from their opening six games.

# The Reds are unbeaten in the last 12 league games since losing 3-0 at Manchester United in March.

# The last Liverpool player to score a first-half goal in a league game is Jermaine Pennant who opened the scoring in a 2-0 win at Fulham in April.

# Steven Gerrard's next goal will be his 100th for Liverpool. He will be the 16th player to achieve the feat and the first since Michael Owen in December 2001. Under Gerard Houllier he scored 28 goals in 240 games while he has played 206 times under Rafa Benitez scoring 71.

# Liverpool are three goals short of recording 1,000 in Premiership history.

# The Reds have scored five goals in their five league games this season. Only Fulham, Newcastle, Manchester United and Tottenham have netted fewer.

# All of Liverpool's six wins this season have been by a single goal.

# Four of the Reds five league goals this season have been scored in the last 15 minutes of games.

# Only Steven Gerrard has scored more than once this season – he has three to his name.

# The Reds have been drawing at half time in each of the last seven league games.

# Everton have only scored more than twice against Liverpool in one of the last 83 meetings. This came in the 3-0 win here two years ago.

# Everton have come from behind to win a Derby only once since the war-that came in 1992 when Peter Beardsley scored the winner at Goodison.

# David Moyes has managed a winning side against Liverpool only twice in 13 tussles.

# Everton have been awarded just seven penalties in post-war league derbies with five being scored and two missed. Liverpool during the same period have scored ten of their 13.

# Of the 32 Premier League meetings Everton have won eight and lost 13.

# Should Everton lose today it will be the first time since December 2005 that they have lost three in a row at home in the league. Then they were beaten by West Ham, Bolton and…Liverpool!

# 21 players have been sent off in total in Merseyside ‘derby' fixtures – seven Liverpool and 14 Everton with seven red cards being brandished in the last seven games and 16 in total in 32 Premier League meetings.

# Everton have conceded 11 goals this season in the Premiership – only Portsmouth (12) have let in more.

# The Blues have kept only one clean sheet in their last 16 games in all competitions. The last was against Derby in a 1-0 win last April.

# They have won more away points (7) than any other Premier League team but are the only side in England not to win a home point during this campaign.

# Mike Riley has been appointed as referee for this game. He was last in charge of a Merseyside ‘derby' in August 2003 when Liverpool won 3-0 at Goodison with Michael Owen scoring twice and new Reds number 7 Harry Kewell scoring his first goal for the club.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

An Open Letter From John Arne Riise

Dear fans of Liverpool FC,

After seven seasons at Anfield, it's time for me to "walk on". In many ways it feels inspiring and exciting to be familiar with the pressure of a new employer, meet new fans, meet a new culture and play a new kind of football. I look forward to this new adventure, but I travel with a loss.

Because, it's not easy for me to leave you - the world's best supporters! I've been thinking about this almost every day this summer. After seven wonderful seasons, and more than 340 matches for Liverpool, I never had the opportunity to make a real and proper goodbye with you - the world's most motivating fans. You have always supported me and the team and I want you all to know how important you've been to me and the other players.

I've been giving my "thank you" to the club, the staff and the players and they'll always have a special place in my heart. And this is my thank-you letter to all the fans out there that have been supporting me during these years. I will follow the team closely from Italy and will stay in touch with many of the players and many of my friends in Liverpool.

With respect to the many hundreds of great moments I have experienced in red, it will be unfair to draw up one highlight rather than another. There has always been the highlight of wearing the red shirt at Anfield. It's always been a privilege to have the initials LFC on the space closest to the heart. As you all know I was a player who always, no matter what, gave 110 per cent in every training session and every game. I always tried to give you the entertainment you deserved. Even in the bad moments you were there for me and the team.

To play in front of the red crowd, every minute has been a privilege. Even after my unfortunate own goal against Chelsea in the Champions League semi last April - where all our dreams were crushed - I felt the support and sympathies from you as real and important. When I signed seven years ago, I couldn't in my wildest dreams expect the journey you all gave me. I will always be grateful for that. A big thank-you to you all.

I'm 100 per cent sincere when I say that I will always remember all the great moments we've had and you - our fans - have such great importance for these great matches and great moments. Liverpool FC will have a lot more great moments like this in the future and I hope that I will experience great things with my new team - AS Roma. I hope you will continue to follow my career.

Therefore, I do not say goodbye, but so long. Arrivederci - Walk on!

Sincerely,
John Arne Riise
"The ginger"


*taken from LFC website
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