RafaShanks

Another European cup in the bag me thinks then.

Posted my opinions on Neill in the transfer thread. Interesting snippet in the Guardian article though (if true of course): RAFA ANGER AT 'LUCASH' EXCLUSIVE By David Maddock & John Cross LIVERPOOL boss Rafa Benitez blasted Lucas Neill after he turned down Champions League football at Anfield to double his money at relegation-haunted West Ham. The Blackburn defender headed for a medical in London after Alan Curbishley offered him a £60,000- a-week deal. Benitez was stunned by the decision after Liverpool offered £25,000 a week, although the deal would have been reviewed once he was established. Neill indicated he was keen on a "dream" switch to Liverpool, and insisted then that he would ignore overtures from the likes of Tottenham and Newcastle. Benitez, who will now approach Valencia to take Roberto Ayala on loan, said: "If he thinks about the move too long, then maybe that tells us that he is not the sort of player we want." However, Neill, 28, could be left high and dry by his decision. Blackburn had agreed to swap Neill with Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock. With Liverpool almost certain to withdraw their offer of Warnock, it leaves Neill sweating on his future. West Ham's spending was set to continue last night with Spurs defender Calum Davenport poised to move in a £3m deal. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/tm_...-name_page.html Ayala also mentioned in the Mirror article. Love the headline btw.

Motives well and trully clear. Well done Rafa for taking the stance. Joining a Championship doomed side. What a stupid fecker!!! Salgado anyone (on loan)?

Don't forget Upson.

Can't think of a better player to sign than Neill to to be honest. Can provide cover for Finnan and also play for us at left back or central defence. We wouldn't be spending any money either.

We all dream of a team of Arg--ent--in--ians.

I don't know if this is accurate or not, but SSN reporting Neill's due for talks at the Hammers. Time to feck this one off me thinks.

Re Neill saga, can't understand what his problem is. If it's money, then he can feckin do one. Didn't he say in the summer, it'll be a dream move to us? If it's a question of playing regulary, then shouldn't he be confident enough in his own ability to oust whoever from the first team (e.g. Riise)? The problem is we really need cover for the full back positions (defensivley mind) and can't think of anyone this late in the day to go for that won't cost an arm and a leg.

I love it when other clubs fans accuse us of bending rules. Feckin jealous c**ts!!!

Typical Aussie.

Match report from Offal: GUTHRIE STEERS REDS TO CUP WIN Steve Hunter at Cantilever Park 16 January 2007 Danny Guthrie grabbed the winning goal as Liverpool Reserves made it through to the semi-finals of the Liverpool Senior Cup after a hard fought 2-1 win away at Warrington Town. The Reserves captain had an impressive game in the centre of midfield and also hit the post. Liverpool could now meet Everton in the semi-final if they win their match at Prescot Cables. Former Austrian youth player of the year Besian Idrizaj scored the Reds opening goal and Guthrie netted a second half winner after the non league side had equalised through an own goal from Miki Roque. The Liverpool Senior Cup has a good history and indeed back in 1961 a young Ian St John sprung to Liverpool fans attention with a debut hat-trick against Everton. Liverpool last won this competition in 2004 when they beat Everton in the final. Warrington Town are in the bottom half of the Unibond First Division and had a new manager in charge against the Reds in Ian Street after Glenn Walker resigned last week. The Unibond side gave a good account of themselves and gave Liverpool a good work out. Liverpool Reserve team manager Gary Ablett fielded a young side with Guthrie, Lee Peltier and Nabil El Zhar included in the line-up. Moroccan El Zhar had a good match and showed good pace and good trickery at times. The kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes because of a large crowd who turned out at Cantilever Park to watch the game and they saw Ablett's side start well. El Zhar, Idrizaj and the lively Ryan Flynn had all gone close before the Austrian gave Liverpool the lead courtesy of a gift after 16 minutes. The Warrington full back sliced a clearance which fell invitingly to Idrizaj who had all the time in the world to slot past keeper Richard Mottram. The home side then began to put pressure on Liverpool and David Martin made a fantastic save to keep out an effort from Philip Mitchell. However, the Reds keeper had no chance when Warrington equalised on 20 minutes when a shot took a wicked deflection off Roque and looped over Martin and into the net. Liverpool responded well in the second half and inspired by Guthrie began to dominate the game. The Reds skipper scored the winner after 56 minutes with a good finish from close range giving Mottram no chance. The Reds could have chalked up an even more resounding victory but Guthrie hit the post and Idrizaj and Paul Anderson saw efforts well saved by Mottram. Warrington Town: Mottram, Salt, Cushion, Robinson, Farrell, Halpin, Tickle, Otutu, G Mitchell, P Mitchell, Bluck. Liverpool Reserves: Martin, Darby, Threlfall, Roque, Antwi, Peltier, Flynn, Guthrie, Idrizaj, El Zhar, Anderson. Subs not used: Spearing, Hansen (GK), Barnett, Putterill, Burns. Referee: A Pownall. Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the match: Danny Guthrie. Controlled midfield and passed the ball superbly. http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N...070116-2305.htm

He was always a decent buy on CM.

Here's the customary YouTube clip 'ere

Oh how we have missed Gary Mac.

Harry pictured today:

I wonder if Pongo will return. I hope he does, but will he be happy being fourth choice again?

I'd rather have Malbranque to be honest. Watched the Spurs game yesterday and he was superb. Very direct player who scores and provides assists. Was linked with us for years.

Read this from the Times this morning: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,277-2547977,00.html

Seriously? I agree, we have a pretty decent squad even with a couple of injuries. Neill and Masherano (on loan) will make excellent signings and will make Rafa's job in the summer a lot easier.

And a sh1tload of assists as well.

Tight French feckers!!!

He's got 72 hours to sign apparently...

What take over?

Craig has been feckin superb (same goes for Dirk). I was really impressed with him on Tuesday as well. Never stopped working his ass off even though we were getting well and trully beaten. He never stops working/running and is a constant nuisance for defenders. We miss his pace when he's not in the side. I thought that was Craig's 7th league goal yesterday?