I'm Back for Updates! Sorry for the Delay!

Well things have been a little hectic around here so I've not had access to the internet but I'm finally back and with quite a bit to talk about.
A lot has happened in the past few weeks and I should really bring things up to speed.


So the latest and the latter lot of news.
As many of you may know now, Liverpool have had a clean out with staff and players and more change is to come including the website itself.


For the sources of information, Liverpoolfc.tv was the site a lot of it came from, but now they will be changing to Liverpoolfc.com within the next month or so. There will be changes to the website throughout making any comment posted on the site and purchases made may have difficulty however they will suspending purchases during the change over and ensuring minimal amount of problems occur during such times of change.


Onto the players and team News Review! 


Dalglish is out after Liverpool's higher-ups were convinced someone else was required to move the new team forward. Now there are a lot of mixed opinion on the matter, whether it was a good idea to sack Dalglish and personally I don't believe it was necessary however I can see some reasoning, whether it outweighed the cons of doing so is still unsure.
Considering the situation, 2 finals, 1 cup and the worse positioning ever in 50 odd years in the top-flight league, it does bring into question whether it was worth having him stay but saying that, this was a team that was under construction, it was being rebuilt, no-one in their right mind would think that a manager was going to be able to fix everything in a single season. No matter who came in as manager, it was going to be difficult and how it all turned out, I wasn't too disheartened as towards the end of the season, we saw a team that was finally fitting together. The players were finally understanding each other, Carroll was finally being utilised properly and the players were really coming together. However the higher-ups were not happy about the league positioning, and with teams such as Newcastle, Manchester City and Chelsea having a good season within the league, competition was going to be tough with a team that was still getting to know each other. Pressure was mounting over the success of the teams form, and with Merseyside rivals finishing above Liverpool by only a single place but with 4 points ahead, fans and the men upstairs were never going to be too happy.
Simply put, Liverpool had bad timing with having to build a new time while all other teams were further developing their teams. You cannot deny that all the teams above Liverpool at the end of the season, were having a decent season in the league, results speak for themselves. Are we willing to take that sitting down? Of course not! That wouldn't be the Reds Way.
This season what is needed, more than ever, is for the fans to get behind the team and usher in a new season, to put this season behind us, and to look forward. We have players of potential and players returning to Anfield and we'll be damned if we let this season be the beginning of our downfall.
With a solid set up front with Carroll, Suarez and Bellamy and our ever reliable skipper Stevie G at the Helm, this is one club that will not fall.
If anything, this season will see us rise to the occasion. With European football back on the plate and a tem that essentially consists of half the England squad, I really doubt there will be problems surviving the Europa League.
No matter what is said, the Europa league is still a league worth playing in, a perfect chance for those in the squad that are not use to playing European football to gain the experience and a chance to gauge what our capabilities are and our outlook for Champions League football.


Returning to our first story, Dalglish's departure sees a a new manager taking on the responsibility of moving Anfield back to Fortress status, that man is Brendan Rogers, Swansea City Manager has handed in his resignation letter and was officially made Liverpool's new manager.
He was happy to also release his letter that he had written to Swansea City of his exit, to read it click here.
Brendan Rogers was said to be first choice, however there was more talk of Martinez becoming the new manager than him. His acceptance was taken after a second attempt to bring him to Anfield.
The man that brought Swansea through promotion and made a huge impact in the Premier League as well as beating Liverpool in their last home game 1-0, I believe a lot of people may question his ability to manage a big team such as Liverpool but his pass ability has proven strong and is a man capable of holding a team that had very few known players to not only stay in top-flight football but also to hold a brilliant home record. Swansea was in the top 5 teams when it came to holding off alien teams on home soil, something Liverpool really need to bring back having lacked wins at home last season.
The man was capable of holding on with an unknown team, it can only be said, what is he capable with a team like Liverpool.
I for one am pleased to see a manager of his calibre come and take the reigns as his experience come more from recent football rather than the past and with the changing face of football, we need the experience of those who are are adaptable to the ever changing game.


Now with the departure of Dalglish, there were others that are leaving, Steve Clark left and is heading up West Bromwich Albion, Dirt Kuyt has expressed his wanting to leave Anfield and has done so. He moves to Fenerbahce.
Dirk Kuyt will be a player that will be missed, a man who I had strong game ethics, the man would literally chase the ball even if it was unreachable, he scored crutial goals constantly, people can question his scoring ability having scored many goals in the last two season with in the 6- yard box, but had he not been there, there would not be goals at all. He has been influential in many ways having set up his own charity to help teach football for those with disabilities, link here. A player brought in by Benitez and stayed for six-years but it was time for him to leave and join the Turkish team. From me, I hope him all the best at his new club.


More rumours are spreading of other players leaving however who, is still in the mist.
Joe Cole has returned after a season spell at Lille where he helped them into the top 3 in La Ligue, I'm sure he will be welcomed back with open arms.
Maxi has also reiterated his intentions on staying at Anfield which was a relief considering his lack of chances given last season.





Now for the England Squad news!


The players involve are Gerrard (Captain of England), Carroll, Downing, Henderson, Johnson and most recently, Martin Kelly.


With any manager, they will always look at players they have worked with and are familiar with and it is no surprise to see England consist of many Liverpool players after Hodgsons spell at Liverpool, although he didn't have the best time, he has seen potential and strength in the English boys at Anfield.


Gerrard was named Captain but I believe we all know why he is, the Skipper has done nothing but the thebest for Liverpool and for country and it was about time he took the armband.
Carroll's impressive performance at Newcastle and his development at Liverpool has shown strength. Downing admits his start at Anfield has not been great but neither was Skrtel's when he first came to Anfield and this season he was the most consistent. Henderson was a surprise as his season has not been great at all at Liverpool but his last appearance has shown promise in the England side. Johnson has always been ever reliable and with Martin Kelly as a back up it would be fitting.
I see this as a damn good opportunity for our players to spend more time on actual competition to work together and work even closer together than before. It would be brilliant warm up to the Europa league for European football and more opportunities to work out plays together.
If anything, I believe this will help strengthen Liverpool as a whole.
Each player has proven capabilities, though my doubts still fall on Henderson, however watching the last few games he has played, he has shown more resilience and focus in the game which is encouraging.


There is a lot of talk about Rio ferdinand not being picked and Martin Kelly being the replacement was a bad choice, but you can see the reasoning. Kelly has proven his ability having held off some of the strongest players in the Premier League at the beginning of the season when Johnson was still out and he has shown strength, and at the young age of 22, he still has many years to play for England. Starting them younger can only help develop them and I can see Kelly growing stronger still and taking over Johnson's position later on in time.
We shall see what England are capable of and with the results we will also be able to gauge Liverpool's squad too.




That's all for today, I'll try to keep it more up-to-date as the summer moves on.




This is Andy Lai, Signing off. YNWA.

Hodgson Haunts Anfield

A disappointing game see the Reds lose 1-0 against West Bromich Albion as Hodgson's returns to Anfield to lead the Albion into their first win at Anfield in a long long time!
A return for Reina after his 3 match ban welcomes him to a home as the Kops number one stopper. Kenny has kept Gerrard out of this game so this game sees Henderson filling in for the skipper. Starting XI start for Maxi and Kuyt while the usual back four and front two stay the same.




Liverpool Line-up: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique,Kuyt Henderson, Spearing, Rodriguez, Carroll, Suarez.
West Brom Line-up: Foster, Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell, Brunt, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Thomas, Odemwingie.


Hodgson returns after a poor start to the season last year as Manager and he faces up against his replacement.
From the beginning a brilliant bright start from Liverpool, but a lack of finishing was, more to the point, non-existent.
Brilliant few chances from Carroll, Henderson catching the crossbar (after winning Bet188's crossbar challenge I'm not surprised), Suarez tearing through the defence but unable to get the final touch. Shots from Spearing and Henderson throughout the game, lovely set-ups from Johnson and Kuyt but still unable to capitalise.
Towards the end of the match, desperation fell over Anfield's Army as long balls were just being chucked into the area. Frustration could be seen in all the Liverpool players as they become more aggressive towards the WBA players than the game.


West Brom Albion deserve a lot of credit for disrupting the offence of Liverpool, while the fault falls for Johnson as a poor clearance drops to Odemwingie who calmly gained control to pop the ball passed Reina who was off balance. Olsson kept on top of Suarez, and did well but Suarez flared up with many missed call from the referee.


Not too impressve from Liverpool as the ball just would not get in the back of the net even with Ben Foster spilling the ball every single time he made a save. The counter attacks were slow as they spent too much time trying to wait for the rest of the team for support. The midfielders were not moving ahead fast enough to support the strike force, give West Brom plenty of time to fall back and regroup and hold their defence line.
Suarez did well to get passed them but not enough communication between the players left the team unable to get their passes down dropping their passing success rate by approx. 15% within the last 15mins.


Finishing.


Liverpool's problem. A problem that is quite essential to winning a game wouldn't you say? Today's game saw exactly how Liverpool play in the final third as they take far too much time being hesitant and nervous with the ball. The players are getting some brilliant balls in, but they player in the box are too easily manipulated by oppositions defence. Carroll's not moving about to lose his player to gain an advantage, as much as he can hold his ground, he isn't so capable against two.
Suarez has had a shot with every single part of his body but not one single shot has hit the net.
West Brom's defence were tight and able to deal with a lot of the attacks as Liverpool were unable to gain cohesive momentum of attack. Crosses from Kuyt proved useful at many times but it really isn't the role he shows his full potential.
With the Skipper out, Kuyt should have been played in the centre playing support role to Suarez and Carroll. His ability to run through the pitch with great speed makes him ideal for attacking and providing down the centre. Henderson played well however having him in the centre does not suit how he has developed in the team. Thus a switch between Kuyt and Henderson would have been more advantageous.
Maxi's lack of games has him on unfamiliar grounds as he wasn't at his best but still showed strength when attacking and providing for the Uruguayan.
(ever noticed Maxi and Tevez has that bottom lip thing going on? :-p)
Suarez was able to start some great runs in some very tight spots but again the finish was never around. Time and time again, the players are too muddled to know what is going on in the final third.
Bellamy soon came on for Kuyt, instead of changing tactics, he simply replaced the player. Wise in a sense but also a folly of a plan. Bellamy did well to make plenty of crosses but with a worn out centre attack, it was hard to see anyone getting a touch of the ball.
Fouls began to creep in with Skrtel getting frustrated with Long.
At the moment Liverpool need to focus on keeping their heads up and moving forward, trying to attack with who they have and move about and create some space for themselves.
Hodgson's style has always been a defensive play, having all four defenders as far back as they can afford to be; The midfielder's fall back into defensive position rather than attacking the player with the ball keeping a solid defensive structure which worked well against Liverpool as they were far too slow with the counter attacks and general movement.
So really Liverpool needed more from Spearing and Henderson attacking and moving forward, pressing the defence to force them out of position, dragging them across to the sides and opening up some space in the centre for Carroll and Suarez. Instead, Suarez has had to do it all himself a lot of the time.
The crossings, as well placed as they were, they were far too slow allowing the defence to tighten back up.


Player missed was definitely Gerrard, without him in the centre giving accurate through-balls for Suarez and Kuyt, this became a difficult game. Spearing spoke recently of stepping up his game and he has done well in this game but still needs to focus his shots more as he is blasting them far over the bar each time but doing well.
Henderson, individually has ability but not in a team, too many times has he played a terrible pass into a player who was surrounded.


Disappointing finish for the Reds but a brilliant performance, as Kenny has been saying, it is a team in the making and the frame work can be seen, the structure is coming together but the finishing touches are still needed.
Next game Liverpool travel to Carrow Road to try and take back a win after a draw at Anfield earlier in the season. With this loss, a win is a necessity if they wish to stay in the top half of the table.
Liverpool come to an end of a season with an extremely difficult run of matches.
Fulham (H), Chelsea (FA Cup Final), Chelsea (PL) (H), Swansea (A).


Fulham have been in form with a lot of goals from Dempsey while the final for the FA Cup could see Liverpool playing European football despite their current position. Chelsea are in form after a win against the Mighty Spanish Barcelona and a final game against Swansea who have only lost to 3 teams at home.


With the Form the Red's are in, potential to a late outbreak of beauty that was seen last season is possible but a lot of work needs to be done.