Pawlu

Did a bit of research and they took part in the Torneo di Renate. Mailed their press officer to get the line-ups because apparently there were two kids from Stockport on trial with the U20s. Cheers

Yep great game and, thankfully, the away goals rule doesn't apply as it would have been too harsh on Derby. Guthrie has been decent but you can see the potential and the other players really seem to believe in him. Another one to watch out for is Giles Barnes. He's half-fit today but, in my opinion, a real talent. Finally, a good number of this Southampton side was spotted by Malcolm Elias when he was at their academy.

He's the new Sebastian Leto...

Literally, puerta means door but is used to refer to the goal. The same goes in Italy with porta.

Obviously not. But if you take a look at the coach of Milan's Primavera (that's their U18s ) you'll find that it is Filippo Galli, their former defender who got the job as soon as he quit playing. As did Franco Baresi (coach of the Beretti / U16s) and practically everyone on the coaching staff at their academy. The same applies to other clubs such as Roma who, despite their trashing by United, have got some talented young players coming through. Their academy is headed by Bruno Conti, their former midfielder who got the job once he stopped playing. Looking at Arsenal, Liam Brady got the job at the head of their academy after he had failed as manager at both Celtic and Brighton. He had no previous experience of managing in the youth set-up. It doesn't mean that it is the ideal scenario but rather that many clubs do it. As for Alex Miller, I believe that he was the coach of their U21 side when Craig Brown was boss. Cheers Paul

The article on the Maltese paper in which Malcolm Elias said that there's a German kid coming (and that an Australian has been taken on loan) can be found here Cheers Paul

That's not necessarily the case given that he's already made his debut for the first team. Cheers

I take it that you mean Mattias Sammer. Many high profile East German players turned out to be Stasi informers. They had, how shall I put it, very persuasive means to make you join. On this topic, there's a book out at the moment called Behind the Curtain that deals with football in Eastern Europe. Great read. As for the BBC programme, anyone know if it is available on the internet? Cheers Paul

I think that the likes of Dave U and Andy from Liverweb are better placed to give an overview about Potter, but I do know that he is highly thought of by the staff at the academy. In fact, Frank Skelly told me that he is the best prospect to come out of the academy since Steven Gerrard. Although he did stop short of saying that he is magic.... In the meantime, Michael Foley-Sheridan looks set for a trial in Scotland: Former Liverpool midfielder Michael Foley-Sheridan is trying his luck in Scotland by attending a trial with SPL side Dundee. The 21-year-old was released by The Reds at the end of last season after failing to make the grade at Anfield. He was tipped for a bright future during his time with the youth side and in reserve appearances, but he did not quite measure up. After returning to Ireland, a transfer to St Patrick's Athletic looked on the cards, but he is now trying to earn a move to Dundee. Dark Blues boss Jim Duffy (pictured) will run the rule over the left sided midfielder for the next week to determine if he will offer him a contract at Dens Park.

Taken from a Times article yesterday: "In informal talks, the Spaniard astounded Liverpool representatives with his detailed knowledge, not just of the club's senior players but of those in its reserve and youth ranks, and has so far come across more impressively than Alan Curbishley, the leading British candidate" Sounds promising...

Actually, World Soccer said that Blatter has 50 ideas a day, 51 of them being bad.

I'm writing a piece about Hillsborough for a local Maltese paper. Unfortunately, over here most people still think that was due to 'hooligans' so I'll be doing my best to show the true picture. In any case, I'm looking for some good images to go along the piece but, after trawling throught the internet I can't seem to find anything. If anyone can help me out in this regard, I would really appreciate it. Cheers Paul G

Spot on Paul - excellent summary of the situation. Recently someone asked me whether I was willing to accept 4th place with Houllier remaining or if it is better to finish 5th if it meant him resigning. I've been thinking a lot about this and I've come to the conclusion that my biggest fear is that everything remains as it is. For me, it isn't down to whether Houllier stays or he goes, it is that I'm afraid of seeing the mediocrity that we have being excused week in week out. Today's game confirmed just how far behind we are and we need at least four players brought in. That is my second worst fear. Already, there has been mention of 14million being spent on Cisse with a further 5 million on a defender. My question is: can we really afford to spend that much? Much as I want to see Liverpool compete, I don't want to see us going the same road as Leeds Utd.

This appeared in yesterday's Times of Malta: Hyypia willing to commit his future to Liverpool Sami Hyypia is ready to commit himself to Liverpool beyond his current contract which runs out in two years' time. Speaking to The Times yesterday, the towering Finn said: "I have two years remaining on my contract with Liverpool. In football, you never know what's going to happen but I'm very happy at Liverpool. It's a great club, I have an excellent rapport with the fans and if they want me to stay, I would have no problem in signing another contract." Like Malta, Finland consider today's match as a useful test in their build-up for the World Cup qualifiers. Finland are in the company of two of Europe's heavyweights, Holland and the Czech Republic, in Group One which also features Romania, Macedonia, Armenia and Andorra. "It's a tough group," Hyypia said. "Friendlies are always important. After playing Malta, we face Bosnia next month. These warm-ups should aid our preparations for the clashes with Macedonia." A clash against tiny Malta is unlikely to thrill established professionals like Hyypia but the Liverpool defender insists that their preparation for this match is the same as for any other. "Malta may not be regarded very highly but I don't think that will influence our approach. As professionals, we always have the same preparation for an international match be it against Malta or the Czech Republic." Finland's rise through the rungs of international football has been attributed to their export of players to better European leagues. "That's one positive thing that has been happening in Finnish football," Hyypia said. "More players are going abroad but the most important thing is that they are playing regularly. Having more of our players turning out for overseas clubs inevitably had a positive effect on the national team. "I also believe that Maltese football will flourish if one or two players establish themselves at prominent European clubs." Liverpool is one of the most famous football names on the continent but their teams of late have failed to live up to the club's glorious history. This season, Liverpool again flattered to deceive, slipping out of the title race. "It's not been a very positive season for Liverpool but I'm confident that we will reach our Champions League target as we have eight games left before the end of league. "A fourth place in the league will not save our season but it will provide some consolation because playing in Europe's top competition is becoming ever so important for clubs," the 30-year-old remarked. ------------------------ Some time later on the Official Site: 31 March 2004 : by Steve Hunter Hyypia wants to extend his stay at Anfield Sami Hyypia has given Liverpool a major boost by declaring he wants to sign a new contract and extend his current two-year deal at Anfield. Hyypia says he loves the club and believes there is a bright future at Liverpool despite a season of underachievement. He is action on Wednesday night for Finaland against Malta in an international friendly. Hyypia said: "If they want me to stay, I would have no problem in signing another contract. "Liverpool are a great club, I have an excellent rapport with the fans. I am very happy where I am now." The Finn believes Liverpool will reach that coveted fourth spot and secure Champions League football at Anfield next season, but also added that it wouldn't save Liverpool's season. Hyypia said: "It has not been a very positive season for Liverpool but I am confident that we will reach our Champions League target. "Qualifying for the Champions League will not save our season but it will provide some consolation." ------------------------------- Notice the uncanny similarities (along with the lack of acknowledgements)

I've never thought very highly of Martin O'Neill but the way that Celtic disposed of a very-much in form Barcellona team (nine wins on the trot in the Liga, I think) is winning me over. Okay, the second leg was backs-to-the-wall stuff, but this is the second year on the trot that they're punching above their weight in Europe and all this with a squad made up largely of rejects. Whilst a couple of months back, I wouldn't have given him a second thought, if O'Neill were to be made manager I wouldn't be disappointed. Obviously, I'm aware of his predilection to play long-ball, but I just think that he plays in the manner that best suits his players. As for Houllier crying about tonight's reffing, the truth is that we've been dumped out of the cup by the first slightly-better-than-average side we've met. Let's not forget that Marseille have conceded 8 goals in their last to French League games. We should have closed the tie in the first leg, where we played the usual drab style we've become so used to over the past two years. What next for Liverpool? I suspect that we limp our way to the last day of the season where it will be make or break against Newcastle. I'm actually caught in two minds about Champions League qualification. On the one hand, there is the obvious need to be among the big boys, not only for the status but more importantly for the money. Then again, if we do make it, I fear that Houllier will try to turn it into a heroic achievement against the odds and get himself another year at the job. I'm not attacking the man himself, who did a brilliant job in his first years in charge and will leave us with some great memories. But the truth is that most fans can't stand the mediocrity that we're being served with week in, week out and sad as it might be, the buck has to stop with Houllier. We're going backward with every month, occasionally playing well but in general not seeming to be bothered. I've spoken to countless fans and none of them were confident that' we'd manage to beat Wolves at home which says it all really. Even worse, the scrappy win that we eventually did manage confirmed most people's thoughts. At this point a change is vital for Liverpool's future. Cheers Paul

Is it only me or has the one that cannot be named been playing a lot better since the news that Cisse is about to join in the sommer came out?

I think Jon Pearman made a very good point in that the problem isn't simply with the first team. I remember that in Houllier's first season, the reserves were given a great deal of importance and managed to win the league. At the time everyone saw it as a good sign because it meant that there was a hunger to win at every level. Now it seems that everything has died off - there doesn't seem to be any passion or any real motivation to do well. The same was the case when Evans was there.

Spot on Evo. I was thinking how much like Tottenham in the Eighties we have become. At the time they had quality players like Gary Lineker, Paul Gascoigne and Chris Waddle with the fans thinking they were still a great team but in the end they never managed to rise above mid-table. I think Tommy Smith said the right things this weekend when he pointed out that we have some very good players but the rest are average at best. Igor Biscan, E**** H*****, El Hadj, Vladimir Smicer are the kind of players you would expect to see at the likes of Blackburn whilst Danny Murphy and even JAR are good squad players. That Salif Diao can't even get into the team says it all about his quality. Like Evo, before Saturday I was still reluctant to say that Houllier should go now. My view was that he should be given till the end of the season and that changing mid-way through the season would only harm the team. However, looking at what Eddie Gray is doing at Leeds and what has happened at Inter perhaps it wouldn't be too bad to change now. As for finding a suitable replacement and how difficult that would be, Liverpool is still one of the few big teams around in world football and I'm sure that there are plenty of coaches who would be more than eager to take over. I really can't understand those who say that it would be difficult to find the right man. Looking at the Premier league, Alan Curbishley has proven to be an excellent manager whilst abroad there are the likes of Ronald Koeman.

Have to admit that I haven't seen him play often enough to judge him. However, he is deadly on set pieces and certainly looks interesting. Then again, how would he fit into the English game? Given this summer's experiences, I think the best option would be to go for players who already play in England.

Just picked up this story about Gary Mac. So sad to hear that his wife is once again seriously ill. Any ideas on how we can show our support to a player who, in his own way, is a Liverpool legend? McAllister to step down temporarily Thursday, 11 December 2003 Coventry City player-manager Gary McAllister has asked to be temporarily released from all club duties in the near future for personal reasons. McAllister has informed club chairman Mike McGinnity of the news so can spend more time with wife Denise, who has a serious illness. Former Liverpool midfielder McAllister said: "I believe that I have a responsibility to be with my family at this time. "I am very grateful for all the support we have received from the club and the fans and I hope to return to the club in the future." Chairman McGinnity told Coventry's official website: "Myself and the whole board totally respect Gary's wishes to be with his family at this difficult time." McAllister has already spent some time away from the club this season due to his obvious concern for his wife. However, he played, and scored a penalty, in City's last game - a 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Monday. Assistant manager Eric Black is in charge of team affairs until further notice and will take control of The Sky Blues' clash at Burnley on Saturday.

I think that the crucial element wasn't the board's faith - or lack of it - in Houllier but rather how much Boumsong was asking for. I'd think that the board would be more than willing to pay reasonable wages for a French international defender because, even if Houllier were to go an the next manager didn't like Boumsong, they would still be able to sell him at a tidy profit. What is slightly puzzling is why Houllier didn't buy him last summer. He probably knew Henchoz wasn't fully fit and that the squad needed a central defender and I'd think Auxerre would have been willing to sell him at a reasonable price given that he would be leaving on a free a year later. Meanting that, had Houllier really wanted Boumsong, he could have got him in the summer. Could it be that he wasn't that sure about Boumsong's abilities in the first place? Irrespectively, his decision to join Rangers rather than waiting what Liverpool, Arsenal or Inter were going to do show how ambitious he really is and that Liverpool are better off without him.

Good game by the lad. Looks more confident going forward but he made his debut against Laurent Robert who isn't exactly easy to mark and I think he did OK. Semmy will definetely get better with time and there's obviously no need to mention that he was way better than Diao. Now, who was it that posted on here earlier this week and criticised Houllier because he wouldn't be playing Otsemobor against Newcy?

Didn't see the game so can't comment on how the team played. However, I don't think anyone can blame Houllier for the team he played tonight. We've already got too many players injured should he have risked loosing Gerrard by playing him from the start? What would you have said if that had happened? I don't think there would have been many eager to praise him for trying to win the game. Look at the post-match conference. Houllier was pretty pissed off with his players which, by all accounts he should be. As he said himself, a lot of the players have let him down. Remember that last year, the team that played against Southampton in the League Cup wasn't exactly brimming with first team regulars but they won convincingly. Its not as if he put out a bunch of players who had never played first team football before. Fair enough if you slag him for buying the likes of Diao and Biscan in the first place, but I can't see anything wrong with the team tonight.

That is the most depressing and sad thing I've ever read

Agreed on Diao, but Traore was quite good yesterday. Excellently timed tackles and even a couple of decent attempts to go forward. Let's not criticise for criticism's sake.