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Fans, managers, press, weirdo’s, players and all the others who talk about football always point to this as a major way of assessing whether a player has done well for his team or not. My question is if it really does paint a good picture or not? There are of course plenty of examples of great assists where players deserve huge credit. I think of course to Suarez’s wonderful mazy run against the Mancs which left Kuyt with a 6 inch tap in. Suarez again for Sahins goal against Norwich. Going back a bit, Alonso’s amazing left foot half volley through ball for Gerrard against Sunderland; Beardsley’s ball for Aldridge against Forest. For goals against, Kaka’s ball to Crespo for 3-0 in the European Cup final in 2005 was one of the best turns and passes I’ve ever seen. Peter Reids pass for Linekar to make it 1-0 to the shite in the 1986 Cup Final was a genuine thing of beauty (I can say that because we won). However, there are also so many cases where the assist was nothing more but a standard pass to someone who created magic. Look at Suarez’s hat-trick goal against Norwich in which Sahin got an assist. A square pass of about 7 yards outside the area. A pass any fella kicking about in the park could have made. Glen Johnson the year before at Norwich just plays a standard ball in to Suarez in his own half, only for Suarez to go past a player and then lob the ‘keeper from 50 yards. Who even remembers who got the assist for Maradonas amazing solo goal against England in 1986? Worse again is assists by accident. Wasn’t Gomez about to get the Golden boot at Euro 2012 because of an assist where he went to take a shot with his right foot, missed the ball completely, it bounced off his left leg and into the path of another German player who scored? Until Torres made the assist at the end of the final, that would have been enough for Gomez to take home such an honour ahead of the others. I then think back to the all the laughs we, and the fans of other clubs had with Downings 0 assist rate last year. However, any honest Liverpool fan will know that while Downing has been shit, he did put in many excellent balls from out wide that had we had a proper striker would and should have resulted in many many more goals. He pretty much ended up with a horribly unwanted stat because we didn’t have anyone capable of converting a cross. Stick a player with the heading ability of a Duncan Ferguson type into our team last year and we’d probably have been challenging for top 4 and Downing would have had 10 or more assists to his name. So my question is, how relevant are assists, and do they paint an honest picture?

Human cannonball stuntman dies after safety net failure | UK news | The Guardian They'll struggle to find another man of his caliber.

Has to be good and one thats under 60 quid. Please help. Its the knife we use most and mine strugles getting through Bacon also info on a decent sharpener would be good.

I`m thinking about buying a new car and so far I think I will end up with an Audi TT. I like the design and I`m familiar with Audi`s as I drive an Audi A3 now. But then there are some question, what kind of transmission should I go for and what about the engine? Anyone tried the diesel engine? If I end up buying this car I think will go for a coupe as I need some more space than what the roadster will give me and I also like the design better. All comments and suggestions will be appreciated.

No arguments, just post your favourite LFC videos in here. Somewhere people can come when the whole world is getting you down. [YOUTUBE]8smO4VS9134[/YOUTUBE]

Afternoon you helpful nerds. Can someone please help out a wi-fi, internet novice here? I've come to my upgrade time on my phone contract and I'm looking to upgrade to an iphone. I was thinking of moving from Orange to o2 as they have a bigger allowance on their wi-fi and mobile browsing, which to be fair I would hammer. Orange have 750 meg, o2 says unlimited but I've heard somewhere that it's 1 gig. Just got off the phone to Orange who say that I won't use 750 meg, the usual stuff to get me to upgrade with them. The bird said that if I use BT Openzone or any other wi-fi hotspot this doesn't go towards my totals (when it clearly says Separate Fair Usage policies of 750MB / Month apply to both BT Openzone Wi-Fi and Mobile Internet Browsing) so I'm not sure if she's telling me the truth or porkie pies. I would only use my iphone on wi-fi I imagine, as I have internet access at home and work on PC's, and I spend most of my time at either one of those places, and have wi-fi at home. The mobile browsing I will use if I'm bored out and about or sitting on a train. So I ask, should I give in to temptation today and upgrade at the Orange shop in town and probably get a huge bill at the end of each month, or should I wait for o2 when my contract expires in May? and I spend most of my time either at work or home, and have wi-fi at home

Well, we haven't quite seen the end of the transfer window, but I suspect we aren't going to see any more significant arrivals. So Benitez has spent, and spent big, with £40m splashed out on two key players, Purple Aqui and Glenjo. And we've lost one of our finest midfielders, albeit for a very decent fee. Last season we came second, a great performance, but still four points short of the Champions United. And that meant we haven't won a trophy under Benitez since the FA cup in 2006. So what is the requirement this year? A trophy? The Premiership? What are you expecting? I'm usually pretty optimistic, but while I do really like Johnson and think he is a big improvement at RB, Aquilani's injury worries are a concern, and I am properly dreading the Spurs line-up. I have a nasty feeling that we are going to have a quite terrible start to the season. Don't know quite why I'm so pessimistic, just a gut-feel. And Lucas.

Anyone here know how to work it out if you were on a temp contract for 13 weeks?

Urges John Aldridge Liverpool's under-fire board were last night urged to sack Rafa Benitez. The call came from the normally supportive Reds legend John Aldridge, who has blasted Benitez’s tactics and transfer policy. The former striker said: “'This is the lowest point in my lifetime as a Liverpool fan. “Rafa's departure would be an upheaval but he would've lost his job by now if he was at another top club. The question is - do Liverpool have the money to pay off the remainder of his contract?” Benitez has four years remaining on his current deal, signed only last February. Liverpool sit eighth in the Premier League, 12 points off leaders Chelsea and four points off a Champions League place. Aldridge, speaking to Nuts magazine, added: “'Liverpool must finish in the top four, whatever it takes. “Anything else would be a disaster for the club already weighed down in debt. Sadly, I can't see any way they'll claim that final Champions League spot - unless they get back on track soon' “Benltez can't claim injuries are the problem, as both [Fernando] Torres and [steven] Gerrard are now fit and playing. “However, he’s still employing baffling tactics - such as sending out a defensive team against the Premier League's bottom club and getting beaten.” Aldridge played 104 times for his boyhood favourites scoring 63 goals. He also lifted the title with Liverpool in 1988, in between two second-placed finishes. These days the once mighty outfit are a very different club. Indeed Liverpool were beaten 2-0 by another crisis club, Portsmouth, on December 19. Aldridge now believes Benitez must find a way to bring in a new striker to provide support for Torres on whom the club have been heavily reliant. Benitez has already freed up striker Dirk Kuyt to move into a more central position from the right by snapping up Atletico Madrid winger Maxi Rodriguez. Aldridge believes even more reinforcements are needed. He went on: “Torres and Gerrard need support! Apparently, Real Madrid's Ruud van Nistelrooy fancies coming to Liverpool and I reckon he'd be an excellent short-term option. “ I'd also try to bring in the Celtic's Aiden McGeady and even Bolton's Kevin Davies. “Robbie Keane, Peter Crouch, Craig Bellamy and Michael Owen could all be wearing Liverpool colours today, yet Rafa relies on an untested kid in David Ngog to start in big games? Now he's reaping the rewards of letting his best players leave.” What a fucking tit.

Official site for dinamo annouces veronin signed 3 years with them Îôèöèàëüíûé ñàéò Ôóòáîëüíîãî Êëóáà "Äèíàìî Ìîñêâà" translation : Arrival in Domodedovo airport about 16 hours, Andriy Voronin went to the base in Novogorsk, where his signature to the contract and talked to the head coach of "Dynamo" Andrei Kobeleva. The deal has commented sporting director "Dinamo" Konstantin Sarsania: - Transition Andriy Voronin could be considered accomplished: clubs reached an agreement with the player signed a contract for three years. We are delighted that such a strong player was in "Dinamo", hope for his help in solving team problems. Immediately after the conclusion of the agreement beginner Dynamo Club, moved from for Liverpool, gave an interview to the official website "Dynamo". Andriy Voronin: HOPE FOR THE FIRST TIME Dynamo Wear T-SHIRTS ARE IN TURKISH COMPLETE From Novogorsk 30-year-old striker went to choose their own accommodation, but before that answered the questions of the press service of "Dinamo". - I had options for continuing a career in Germany, and several in Russia, but eventually opted for the "Dynamo", - has told Andriy Voronin. - I bribed the professional approach of the leaders of the Moscow club during the negotiations, also liked the conversation with the head coach Andrei Kobeleva. Our views come together. Before the Dynamo put high goals, I'm interested. I believe that Russia's championship very good level. - You could follow him? - Wherever I lived, our home taken Russia and Ukrainian TV channels. So on Sunday afternoon had the opportunity to observe the First Channel matches Russia's Premier League, received a good general idea. - Not worrying some old stadium? - A little unusual, of course, will be, especially at first. Still, I played the last 15 years in Germany and England, played the classrooms overcrowded arenas, which create an incredible atmosphere. See what will now experience. I hope that the transition to be painless: I talked with many friends, nothing bad about the championship of Russia did not. - Who are these friends? - He spoke with Rebrov, goose, Tymoschuk, Kormiltsev, Pimenov, Bilyaletdinov. None of them from moving to Russia is not dissuaded. - Motivation problems will not arise? - I have never had difficulties with motivation, on this occasion I do not worry. Instead, a new challenge will only be configured to the maximum. - Do you share his career on a successful German stage and less good English? - I'll say this: even one of their hits, I do not regret. Yes, in Germany, many received and to Liverpool only irritating moments, but nobody knows what would have been my fate, if ever, decide otherwise. I have all the clubs were warm memories and maintain good relations with both the boys and leaders. It now it's all in the past, I open a new page. - It's nice that the first time in your club will all speak in Russian? - Yes, it is a positive moment. True, I was still playing in the Ukrainian national team, where all communicate in Russian. But in the club this experience will really be the first time. While in Germany, difficulties with language are not experienced - German I know perfectly. In England, as initially it was hard for, but before his departure with all the guys already have good friendly relations. The vocabulary of first necessity is not so wide. While in Russian to me, of course, explained it will be easier than in English. - Someone from the current players "Dinamo" I know you? - Personally - no, but we are the space quickly filled. A correspondence course and I was sure many of you know, and I - many. - 'Goals for the season? - God grant that there were no injuries, and season emerged successfully, and for me, and for the team. The problem is serious - to fight for the championship. - Family transport in Russia? - Yes. In this case we will have many new things. Wife, for example, wondered: how is it - three collection for two weeks? Unusually. But obosnuemsya, everything will be fine. The main thing now - hurry to finish all the paperwork in England and find a house in the new location. In Moscow, my wife and I visited a couple of times, people here are new, the Dynamo also promised help in finding accommodation. Located near the base, apparently in Novogorsk, it is important to close a children's garden: our son is now two years and one year old daughter. - In Turkey, the group sent the Dynamo fans. They see you there in? - I hope that the 17-th, or at least, on 20 January for the first time an example of the Dynamo t-shirt in a test match.

Manchester United back out of deal for Serbia's 'little Kaká' | Football | The Guardian Manchester United's American owners have terminated an agreement to sign Adem Ljajic, the Serbia Under-21 international, in the January transfer window, after deciding that he is too expensive a gamble, 11 months after publicly announcing that a deal had been put in place to sign the player dubbed the "little Kaká" in his own country. Ljajic, 18, was part of the £16.5m deal that also saw his Partizan Belgrade team-mate Zoran Tosic move to Old Trafford last January. The teenager had been on trial at United the previous October and was regarded at the time as the more promising of the two players but United also decided that he should remain in Belgrade to get some more first-team experience before moving to England. What was not revealed at the time was that the club also stipulated that a get-out clause was written into the contract to cover themselves before Ljajic moved to Manchester long term, and the club have now confirmed they have used that agreement to pull out of the arrangement. The official reason is that Ljajic has failed to live up to the hype since he broke into the Partizan team at the start of the 2008-09 season and has not impressed United's coaching staff on his regular trips to Manchester to train with the rest of Sir Alex Ferguson's players. Tosic has also struggled to make a favourable impact, making only five substitute appearances despite being a regular in the Serbia national side. A United spokesperson said: "We had an option to buy the player but, having closely monitored his development over the past 12 months, and taken into consideration the young players emerging through the ranks at the club, we have not chosen to pursue the transfer." The decision will, however, raise inevitable questions about whether the club's owners, Malcolm Glazer and his family, have involved themselves in Ferguson's planning for the future at a time when they are making substantial cuts at Old Trafford. United have accrued debts in excess of £600m and Ferguson has been informed he will be operating under tight restraints in the January transfer window, regardless of the club receiving £80m in one single payment from Real Madrid for the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer. The Glazers have implemented wide-ranging cuts and, though it has yet to be confirmed, there is a sense that in their current financial position they might have misgivings about paying such a substantial figure for a largely unproven teenager. This turnaround, however, is extraordinary given that Manchester United's official website described Ljajic as "Serbia's brightest young talent" when the signing was announced, hailing him as an "attacking midfielder blessed with vision and intelligence". The player, then 17, spoke of his excitement about moving to England, saying: "I first heard they were interested in me about a year and a half ago and spent a week at Carrington training with the first team, which I really enjoyed. I feel very happy to be a Manchester United player. Everyone at the club has made me feel very welcome and I'm looking forward to joining in January." Tosic has his own problems but has been encouraged by scoring four goals in the last four reserve fixtures, and the 22-year-old was a second-half substitute in the 2-0 Carling Cup defeat of Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday. "I'm still trying to get used to English football and adapt to the style of the game here," he said. "It's still new for me but I'm getting used to it." Unfortunately for Ljajic, he will not get that chance. Rumours are, the Glazers had tonnes of cash sat with Bernie 'the wizard of oz' Madoff.

So how many of you think this is acceptable behaviour by our manager even if he is 100% right Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez in stunning blast at Graeme Souness and Jurgen Klinsmann | Mail Online Rafa Benitez rounded on his arch-critics Graeme Souness and Jurgen Klinsmann yesterday and derided them as managerial flops who had no right to question his record as Liverpool manager. After crashing out of the Champions League with their lowest-ever points tally in a group stage, Benitez had to contend with Souness warning of ‘meltdown’ at Anfield and one-time Liverpool target Klinsmann pointing an accusing finger over an apparent lack of progress. It prompted an appraisal of the pair’s managerial careers, laced with heavy sarcasm, as Benitez reflected on Souness being sacked by a string of clubs, including Torino, Benfica and Newcastle, and Klinsmann given his marching orders by Bayern Munich after less than a year in charge. Contempt: Benitez laughed off flak that has been aimed at him, vowing not to sell Torres ‘They have both got fantastic records as managers, haven’t they?’ he said. ‘The volume control on my Sky handset is a very good thing, because it meant I was able to switch it right down when they came on. VIDEO: Rafa Benitez rejects Jurgen Klinsmann criticism but admits he is under pressure‘If someone chooses to talk too much, that is their problem. Just look at what they did as managers. Fantastic. People will look at that and know how to treat what they say. I honestly don’t bother to listen to comments like that. I will just concentrate on what I know and what I have done and let people make their own judgments. ‘I don’t know if there is any hidden agenda in Klinsmann being on Sky twice and us playing each time. Is he after my job? I really do not know. All I can be sure of is that these sort of things will still be coming out in four or five years and I still won’t be taking any notice.’ Benitez bluntly admitted that reducing debt had been Liverpool’s overriding concern during the summer and that his faltering side were suffering as a consequence. As he prepared for a crucial Anfield showdown with Arsenal, the Liverpool manager spoke for the first time about his club’s financial plight and conceded it had taken precedence over spending plans. He had to shelve plans to bid for West Ham centre-back Matthew Upson, as owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett concentrated their efforts on trimming a deficit of around £300million to its current figure of £240m. Even so, he was adamant Manchester City would not be allowed to prise Fernando Torres away in the January window and just as insistent there was no danger of Liverpool suffering the same fate as Leeds United. ‘It is true there was no net spending on players in the summer, but we have to accept our situation and try to do the best we can under the conditions that prevail,’ he said. ‘Can we improve with these conditions? I think so but it is a question of time. Debt reduction had to be the priority in the summer. ‘It was one of the most important things that we had to manage. Along with football issues, we had to manage them together. Going nowhere: Torres is an Anfield fixture, says Benitez ‘When I signed my five-year contract, we knew that we had to work together so we will try to do the best for the club. Sometimes you can do it and still perform on the pitch and sometimes you have to wait a bit. ‘I think the people inside the club know what the situation is, when it comes to expectations. It is difficult to explain every single issue to the media and the fans, but we have to keep working inside and trying to do the best for the club. ‘Because we won the Champions League and the FA Cup, everyone assumed we would win trophies every single year. We got 86 points last season and people were expecting us to stay at the same level. ‘Sometimes it is difficult to keep this level and we are disappointed because we are in a bad position in the table. But it is still early in the season and we have time to improve. With Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres fit and available, we will do. Time to improve: The fitness of Torres and Gerrard is integral to Liverpool's season ‘Certainly, there is no chance, absolutely no chance of us being vulnerable to City in the January window. We will continue doing our job and keeping our players because we want to stay in the top four. The players know that too. ‘Also, I don’t see Liverpool in the same way as Leeds. One of the priorities this year was to reduce the debt and the club is working very hard to do this.’

Can't believe I actually want Everton to win. Back to the horrible days of sweating on a Champions League place.

Benítez has bought four players in the 15-20 million bracket: Glen Johnson, Javier Mascherano, Alberto Aquilani and Fernando Torres. The three of them who have actually played a whole game for us are probably the best in the world at what they do. Definitely top three anyway. I can´t help but think that if Rafa had money to spend we would have a great team. Or has he just been lucky with these transfers?

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | P | Portsmouth | Portsmouth hit with transfer ban Portsmouth have been banned from making new signings until they settle transfer debts owed to other English clubs. The Premier League blocked Pompey manager Paul Hart's attempt to sign midfielder Eugen Bopp on Monday. And they will not lift the ban until the club, who are bottom of the Premier League, have settled their debts. Portsmouth spokesman Gary Double said the problem "should be resolved quickly" but the ban will raise fresh questions about the club's finances. "This is in the process of being sorted and we are confident the situation will be sorted by the end of the week," Double said. Saudi businessman Ali Al Faraj took over at Portsmouth three weeks ago, buying a 90% stake from previous owner Sulaiman Al Fahim. Last week, Al Faraj was quoted in the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat as saying he was "no billionaire", knew nothing about sport and wanted to sell the club quickly. Israeli mogul Levi Kushnir and Hong Kong-based Balram Chainrai have subsequently emerged as potential investors in the club and have attended Pompey's last two matches, Tuesday's 4-0 Carling Cup win over Stoke and Saturday's 0-0 league draw at Hull. Another short transfer ban was imposed on the club at the end of August because of debts they owed, BBC Sport understands. With seven players unavailable for the Stoke game, Hart was eager to sign Bopp, who he had managed at Nottingham Forest. The 26-year-old, who was a free agent after being released by Crewe in the summer, had been training with Portsmouth for the last few weeks. However, the Premier League refused to register the player because of Portsmouth's debts. The transfer ban is the latest in a long line of off-the-field problems for manager Hart. There was a delay in the players' wages being paid in September, while the club was on the brink of administration in August. "A club needs to know where it is going and have a long-term plan," stated Hart ahead of the game with Stoke. "I wouldn't like to go any further with that because I haven't had these conversations with the new owners. I would anticipate this would be in the next month." I know we're in a mess but some of this is almost frightening.

were to go from here, because as rafas biggest fans he's lost the players; but 5-8 of them need to look at themselves because it was not so long ago the same side more or less was steamrollering teans, and the Alonso excuse is well cried out. It dosent matter if it's across between bob paisley and bill shankly were going to get no where while those to cunts are owners, so who in their right mind would take over thats better

If we don't get him one of our rivals will, time to start negotiations: Special delivery: why José Mourinho wants to go ‘home’ to England | Chelsea - Times Online

Nah, surely not… Viana needed an 11 goal win over Chapadinha to secure promotion. 0 - 0 at halftime, 2 - 0 to Viana with 9 minutes to go and then suddenly they get 9 goals in 9 minutes. The president for Moto Club, who would get promoted if Chapadina won by 10 or less goals called the game scandalous, the president for Chapadinha said the players stopped playing after the goal to 3 - 0 went in and the manager for Viana can't understand what all the fuss is about. "We did what we had to do, are you going to punish us for winning a game?" said coach Braide Ribeiro. Vídeo gols de Viana 11 x 0 Chapadinha com 9 gols em 9 minutos - Assuntos Gerais - Blogs Abril

George Gillett visiting Anfield; Spirit Of Shankly; Liverpool Supporters' Union

Things have got to me,I can't understand all this labeling. Im taking a fucking break from life It's went to my fucking head I promised it wouldn't bu it has...

REVEALED: Liverpool handed Glen Johnson £139,000-a-week deal to beat off competition from Chelsea | Mail Online Probably bollocks, but does anyone really know how much Johnson is on? I doubt we can afford to pay any current player that sort of cash, except Gerrard and maybe Torres.

to do with the club we can all agree on? Some people need to calm down. Some of the shit on that Benitez/Yank 50-50 thread (which Juan later withdrew the statement) is unbelievable.