Rodgers extension continues LFC rebirth (ESPN article)

by Dave Usher for ESPN

Brendan Rodgers putting pen to paper on a new four-year contract at Liverpool will not go down as one of the most surprising moves of the summer, but for the club's supporters it was certainly most welcome news.

The Northern Irishman fully deserves this new contract as what he did with Liverpool last season was nothing short of incredible. The Reds were just one win away from what would have arguably been the greatest accomplishment in the club's entire history. When you consider what an illustrious history that is, it shows just how close Liverpool were to what would have been a monumental -- and most unexpected -- achievement.

Former Liverpool manager Bill Shankly once famously said: "If you are first you are first. If you are second you are nothing." For a long time that was Liverpool's mantra, but times change and "Shanks" wasn't up against the unlimited wealth of Manchester City and Chelsea. Furthermore, back then, second didn't get you in the European Cup or bring tens of millions of pounds into the club's coffers. Relatively speaking, though, for many years second was "nothing," and had Liverpool been regularly winning titles in recent years, then it still would be.

It's all about context, though, isn't it? Liverpool have not been winning titles; they've rarely even been in position to challenge for them. In the four seasons prior to the last one the Reds had finished no higher than sixth. In 2012-13 they were seventh, so from that lowly position to second place is most certainly not "nothing," especially as it guaranteed a return to the Champions League. Finishing second may not constitute "success" as such, but it was still an accomplishment of great note given the starting point.

Read the full article here.