GWistooshort

A few snippets in the articles from today's Echo that have been posted on the paper's website "Both Jermaine Pennant and Andriy Voronin were left out of the squad on Saturday as Benitez looks to tie up deals that could see the pair depart Anfield this week. http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-f...252-21552835/2/ Tony Barrett says Rafa "remains furious that Barry has not been signed". http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-f...00252-21552761/

Latest from Balague on Rafa, for what it's worth.................. 17/8/08 Time to bury the hatchet at Liverpool As expected, Rafa Benitez has issued a form of denial to the story we published here last Friday. He began by telling me yesterday that: 'I am not thinking of leaving' - which is different from denying that he had thought about it a week ago - and later, in the press conference post Sunderland, he used similar language to publically affirm his current commitment to the club. However, Rafa DID think about leaving the club - probably in a rush of blood - but subsequently decided against it. Whatever the case, it is time to move on and consider the bigger picture: there is a situation at Anfield involving differences between key figures at the club and it is a situation that needs to be resolved. Sources at the club suggest that the manager should not feel the need to participate in transfer negotiations and that this is one of the root causes of the problem: because Benitez' believes his position to be the opposite, and sees it as an integral part of his job, particularly if he is able to help the club reduce the fee and to eventually get the player he wants. Meanwhile, key players at Liverpool feel disappointed that the beginning of the season has been marred by new conflicts within the club. Yet they should understand that this mini civil war was inevitable: the board again wants to consign Rafa Benitez to his place as a coach, while Rafa feels he is being undermined in his wish to sign the players that he believes can improve the side. I have the impression that Rafa sees this conflict as a personal thing, while, on the other hand, Rick Parry thinks he is doing a fine job as go-between between the owners and the manager. Although the tensions have been present for many months, as has been publicised in the past, the failed transfer of Xabi Alonso and the Gareth Barry saga has made the situation worse. Some sources at Liverpool say there was never a bid from Juventus for Xabi Alonso - others would tell you that there was a meeting, at Melwood, where Juve offered around £12 million for the player. Arsenal also offered £12 million. The player was told, by the board that, for that figure, he could go. However, Rafa then decided that this was not enough money: after all, if Barry costs £18 million, then who was going to understand Xabi being sold for just £12 million. Needless to say, for £18 million, Xabi Alonso could go to the London club. Arsenal have not since returned with an improved, solid, offer for Alonso. However, Xabi knows that the manager wants to sell him and that if he stays he will have to spend time watching games from the stands: not an ideal situation for a player of Xabi Alonso's pedigree, and a last minute offer from a big club (neither Barcelona or Real Madrid have asked about him) would at least offer him a satisfactory way out. And what about Gareth Barry? Many feel the delay in sorting this transfer out is a sign that Rick Parry is blocking it. What is true is that it was both of the club's owners who decided against the signing. Parry may then argue that their decision has nothing to do with him, but Benitez would probably think that the coach should be the only one taking football decisions, and therefore the one explaining to the owners directly what he wants, not through somebody else Some people say that the situation at Anfield has reached a point of no return. I predict something else: football is a results based business after all, and if Liverpool can manage to get four or five early season victories under their belt, then the tensions will be swept under the carpet. Everybody can then focus their energies upon what can become a very good season at Anfield: with the realistic aim of achieving a top two Premiership finish. http://www.guillembalague.com/blog_desp.php?id=58

Transfer news/speculation from this morning's papers................... "It is all too plausible that Benitez or Parry might not be at Liverpool...or Barry at Villa" by the end of the transfer window, "while the whereabouts of Xabi Alonso is uncertain". Rafa said yesterday "I talked about what I wanted in April. I had a player in mind [barry] and an idea [Alonso out]. I told them they have to buy top-class players with the money we are bringing in. All the owners should be really pleased. The question is why we cannot do it." When Rafa was asked if Rick Parry is the blockage, he said "They did not say no before. They said no after four months. After four months they said the player is expensive." http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...ove-900732.html Rick Parry "will stand firm against" Rafa "in the belief that he has the support of Hicks & Gillett over the Gareth Barry saga". Rafa’s suggestion "that Hicks would support the £18m purchase of Barry will surely have been met with bewilderment by Parry" because Liverpool's statement last week saying that Villa’s valuation as too high "was sanctioned by both Hicks & Gillett". Parry "believes he has been acting in line with the owners’ wishes over the Barry saga". http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html Rafa "still hopes to sell Alonso & to recruit Barry, but continuing tensions behind the scenes at Anfield have led him to bypass Rick Parry...& go directly to Hicks...in the hope of finding a breakthrough" even though "Hicks & Gillett vetoed an earlier agreement with Villa over an £18m deal for Barry". Hicks & Gillett "now appear to be united on this & certain other matters – a development that some at the club believe to be a short-term marriage of convenience as they look to secure their asset before resurrecting plans to sell". Rafa is "prepared to sell Steve Finnan, Jermaine Pennant, who is attracting strong interest from Blackburn Rovers, & Andriy Voronin". Rafa also "still plans to sell" Alonso, although neither Arsenal nor Juventus are willing to match Liverpool’s £16m valuation. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4553751.ece "Alonso, Benitez conceded, has shown no particular desire to leave Anfield". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...sions-made.html Alonso "is still expected to leave". http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4553282.ece Rafa "admitted that the prospect of Alonso being sold had been discussed but that was when he had to generate his own funds but he no longer needs to bolster his transfer kitty & wants to retain [Alonso]". http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21551624/ Rafa said over the weekend "In my opinion we aren't doing all the things we need to do in terms of signing players". http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/au...ague.sunderland David Villa "will sign a new five-year contract" with Valencia shortly. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...15875-20701711/

Transfer news/speculation from today's papers............... Rafa was asked directly "Has Alonso asked to leave?" & he said "Xabi is our player and he's playing well. It doesn't matter if you have a player and you want another one, you need to keep a balance in the team. I was in contact with Tom Hicks and he told me we had enough money. If we sell one or two players we'll have enough money for signing another good player. I will not say which player but I have the support of at least one of the owners." Rafa also said "It's a question of whether we have done things in the right order or not" in relation to the Gareth Barry transfer. The article says that according to Rafa "the Barry transfer is still on", although the quote is from the article not from Rafa directly. The article also says that Barry could "possibly" still join Liverpool. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...tez-899688.html According to the Telegraph Rafa has "made the position of Rick Parry untenable" after he "made it abundantly clear that he blamed Parry for the club’s failure to sign Barry, the player he had identified as his prime target back in April" & "revealed he had gone straight to [Tom Hicks] to ensure there was a resolution of the issue". Rafa said Hicks told him "we have the money because we were selling players for more than £20m, so we had enough & we have enough" & that "He was clear that we had some money, he told me if I sell players, you can buy these players. So it isn’t a question of money. We have problems because we are not doing things that, in my opinion, we have to do in terms of signing players". When "asked directly if the problem was with the Chief Executive" Rafa said "The question is that we have to be quicker & I told them these things 4 years ago & I continue thinking the same. That way we can save more money & be able to sign the targets we have." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html Rafa "still hopes Barry can be signed" although "it is understood Barry has become so exasperated he is ready to announce he is no longer interested in leaving Villa this season". http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4534359.ece Barry's "dwindling chances of playing for Liverpool seemed to recede further when he played for Villa in the Uefa Cup". http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html It is "unclear" whether Barry will still be at Villa at the close of the transfer window, although that prospect "must have improved" following his appearance in the Uefa Cup. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/au....manchestercity Xabi Alonso is "agitating" for a move away from Anfield & could "possibly" join Arsenal. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html Aston Villa will offer £10m for Joe Cole, who has been linked to Liverpool in previous articles, this week. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/g...ers/7566225.stm

From today's Mirror.............. Rafa Benitez in threat to walk out on Liverpool By David Maddock 16/08/2008 Rafa Benitez came close to quitting Liverpool after the collapse of the Gareth Barry transfer. The Liverpool manager had to be talked out of resigning on the spot by friends, over what he saw as a lack of respect and a lack of faith in his judgment from the club's owners and chief executive Rick Parry. Benitez was incensed the owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett - on Parry's advice - decided the Aston Villa skipper was not worth the money the manager had recommended the club pay for him. After an £18million fee had been agreed, the rug was pulled from beneath him within 48 hours. Benitez told close friends he was ready to quit at the end of last week, and is still far from happy. If he does not get his man by August 31 he may reconsider his position again. Arsenal and Liverpool have opened talks about Xabi Alonso's cut-price move to the Emirates. But the Gunners are refusing to lower the £12m asking price because Alonso is cup-tied for the Champions League until February after playing in a qualifier on Wednesday night. http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...15875-20699403/

Nothing at all on Alonso's future & nothing really new on Rafa considering resigning in today's articles on the Echo's website Only snippet is that Barrett confirms, as is fairly obvious anyway, "The Reds boss is hugely disappointed that Barry is not already a Liverpool player and is desperate for the England man to be signed" http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-f...00252-21542929/

Carlsberg's Sun promotion: Probably worst idea in the world Aug 16 2008 by Luke Traynor, Liverpool Echo RED-FACED Carlsberg bosses have apologised to outraged Liverpool fans for their aborted beer promotion with The Sun. The Danish brewer yesterday axed a deal with the tabloid newspaper to give readers a free pint over the August bank holiday weekend. Senior figures at the firm, which is the Anfield club’s shirt sponsor, contacted the ECHO and admitted their decision was “naive”. They said they were bombarded with complaints from upset Reds as far afield as Norway, Malaysia and Singapore. Keld Strudahl, marketing director of Carlsberg International, said the company hugely regretted the move. Vouchers were to be printed in The Sun, still boycotted by football fans in Merseyside over its coverage of the Hillsborough disaster, and then exchanged for a free pint in 13,000 pubs. Mr Strudahl, part of the team which sealed the Anfield sponsorship deal in 1992, confirmed hundreds of strongly-worded letters and emails were sent to their Scandinavian headquarters from all corners of the world. He said: “It is difficult to explain – there is a lot of emotion in this. We have run other promotions, but they have not got a reaction like this one. “This was not directed towards Liverpool FC. There was some kind of naivety. When the complaints first came in, we waited to see if it was a spontaneous thing but, as it went on, we realised it was not just a couple of fans. “Because of the global reaction, we realised it was a step too far. “It was very unfortunate and we apologise. We have a lot of respect for Liverpool fans. We have been with the club for 16 years. “We signed a deal with the club in 1992 and it is one of the longest-standing sponsorship deals in English football. “We are aware of the tragic incident (Hillsborough) and we were not trying to offend anyone. “Once we had discussions, it was an easy decision to stop this promotion. We really want to maintain a good relationship with Liverpool FC. “I understand the anger. The reaction was huge. A lot of the arguments were well-thought out, it had a big effect on us. “I received 250 emails and so did many of the shareholders. We received over 200 letters at our headquarters in Denmark.” Carlsberg’s decision was today welcomed. Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry said: “We are delighted Carlsberg responded in the right way and so promptly.” A Spirit of Shankly spokesman said: “We are pleased they have seen sense and pulled the plug on the promotion. “It should never have been considered in the first place but it is good they listened to the fans.” http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-f...00252-21543799/

From today's Echo............. MUCH hilarity at Melwood this week when a Spanish member of Liverpool’s backroom staff charged into the canteen shouting “We’ve got Silver, we’ve got Silver” at the top of his voice. Those gathered for lunch were startled by the announcement, believing the Reds had signed Valencia’s slightly differently spelled but identical sounding David Silva. Unfortunately, there was no Silva lining on this occasion as the celebrations were down to the fact that a Spanish cyclist had finished runner up in an Olympic final. God only knows how he celebrated when Spain triumphed at Euro 2008. http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-f...00252-21542173/

Some more transfer/news speculation.............. Arsenal have opened talks with Liverpool on signing Xabi Alonso. Everton want to sign Man City midfielder Michael Johnson, who has been linked to Liverpool in previous articles. Newcastle have turned down Aston Villa's £9m bid for James Milner, who has been linked to Liverpool in previous articles. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/g...ers/7564830.stm

The Liverpool Daily Post this morning on Alonso's future.................... Alonso leaving – but not for Arsenal Aug 16 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post XABI ALONSO has told Liverpool he wants to leave Anfield – but is likely to be priced out of a move to Arsenal. The Spanish midfielder’s future has been the subject of debate throughout the summer, particularly with Rafael Benitez intent on signing Gareth Barry. Alonso was on the verge of a £16million move to Juventus until the deal collapsed with the Italian side signing Sevilla’s Christian Poulsen instead. The Spain international has since been linked with interest from Arsenal, and Liverpool manager Benitez revealed yesterday that talks had taken place between officials from Anfield and the Emirates. But it is thought Arsene Wenger is unwilling to meet Liverpool’s asking price for the 26-year-old. Alonso is cup-tied in Europe until the new year after appearing in Liverpool’s Champions League qualifier in Belgium against Standard Liege on Wednesday. Alonso, who was signed for £10.7m from Real Sociedad in August 2004, was loudly cheered by home supporters during the friendly against Lazio last week. However, the Spaniard has now informed Benitez he wants a fresh challenge. http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21543923/

The Liverpool Daily Post this morning on Rafa considering resigning.......... Benitez ‘talked out’ of decision to quit Aug 16 2008 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post RAFAEL BENITEZ had to be talked out of quitting as Liverpool manager last week over the protracted Gareth Barry transfer that is causing a fresh rift with the Anfield hierarchy. It has emerged the Spaniard decided to resign after being told the club’s American owners would not stump up the £18million to sign Barry from Aston Villa. After conversation with close friends, Benitez ultimately stepped back from the brink and vowed to continue in his post. But the Liverpool manager remains far from happy with what he regards as interference from Tom Hicks and George Gillett over his prolonged pursuit of Barry. The midfielder was close to finally completing his transfer last week when Liverpool’s owners put the block on the deal after Villa changed their demands over methods of payment. Chief executive Rick Parry then released a statement over the weekend stating the club considered the asking price as being “too high”, with the Anfield chiefs privately believing there would be little sell-on value for 28-year-old Barry at the end of his proposed four-year contract. And the Anfield manager, frustrated at being singled out as the reason Barry is not yet at Liverpool, yesterday insisted he was not to blame for a transfer saga that has overshadowed preparations for this evening’s Premier League opener at Sunderland. “Everybody has been talking and it is clear that I am being blamed for everything: global warming; rises in petrol prices; everything,” said Benitez. “In this case, I want to be clear: since I talked with Martin O’Neill in April, I haven’t talked with anyone else at Aston Villa. All the talks have been between Rick Parry and the owner and chief executive of Aston Villa – and they have been pretty good. “If someone wants to talk about Barry in the future, they will have to talk to the owner or chief executive of Aston Villa, or Rick Parry. I was not involved in the talks about Barry; I was not involved in the talks about Xabi Alonso and Arsenal. “I just want to clarify because every time people say ‘oh you were doing this’. I talked to Martin O’Neill in April and after this I was not in charge. “I talked just with Martin O’Neill. I haven’t had any contact with the owner or the chief executive of Aston Villa. I haven’t talked with Martin O’Neill since April. “If you want to talk about players, talk to Rick Parry. If you want to talk about football, then talk to me.” Benitez is still keen to sign Barry, despite his appearance for Villa in the UEFA Cup on Thursday night that means he would be cup-tied from European competition until the new year. The Anfield manager acknowledges the need to strengthen the left side of midfield and has been told sufficient funds will be made available – although whether they will be released to sign Barry remains open to question. “We do have some problems on the left because we have lost John Arne Riise, Harry Kewell and Sebastian Leto,” said Benitez. “I think we need something on the left but anyway, I will continue to try and improve and progress with the players that I have. I want to be clear. “I don’t have any problem – any problem – with the owners. So I am not talking about anything like this. It’s just that I will try to improve the squad.” While Barry remains the first-choice target, Benitez admits Liverpool are now considering alternatives. “We have time so we will continue working,” he added. “We have players in mind. I don’t think it will be a problem to find players. The question is to find the right players for us, the right left-footed players for us. “I was in contact with the owners and they told me that we had some money, I think enough to get the player we want. It’s not a problem. I feel we can progress.” http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21543792/

Normal service resumes! Transfer news/speculation from this morning's papers................ The Daily Mail, the Daily Telegraph & the Times all have stories this morning reporting that Rafa considered resigning over the Gareth Barry saga. The Telegraph's & Times' articles are obviously based on Guillem Balague's post on his website yesterday & the Mail's most likely is. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...bid-fiasco.html http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4543462.ece Rafa "has not given up hope of signing Barry, even though the apparent unwillingness of the Liverpool board to meet Aston Villa's £18m valuation & the fact [barry] is ineligible for the group phase of the Champions League...would suggest that a deal is unlikely". http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4543115.ece The deal for Barry "looks to be dead" now he is cup-tied him in Europe. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-bir...65233-21543559/ Barry's future "now looks increasingly likely to be at Villa". http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-bir...65233-21541757/ Rafa "remains determined to sign Barry...& is willing to finance the deal by selling Xabi Alonso, with whom he has not seen eye to eye since the middle of last season...with the player seemingly prepared to consider his own future at Anfield". http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4543462.ece Xabi Alonso has "asked to leave Anfield....having become disillusioned with the manager's attempts to finance the Barry deal by off-loading [him]" & "amid concerns that his first team chances will be reduced this season". Alonso "has not submitted a transfer request, but has asked the club to renew its efforts to sell him in the coming weeks - a stance that will alert Arsenal", who "are the only club to have made an official inquiry about Alonso since his proposed transfer to Juventus collapsed". Arsenal believe Liverpool's price-tag is "excessive" & "are only prepared to pay around £12m". Rafa "remains intent on signing Barry" & "is prepared to sell [Alonso] &/or Jermaine Pennant & Andriy Voronin to fund the transfer of his own accord". Rafa has had e-mail conversations with Hicks & Gillett since Rick Parry's statement that Villa's asking price for Barry was too high & "has been told money is available for other transfers". Rafa said yesterday "We continue working [on new signings] & we have time. I have some players in mind". http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/au...eague.liverpool Rafa has "been informed that Xabi Alonso is considering his future after being made available to Juventus & Arsenal". Alonso "is unhappy at attempts to squeeze him out to make way for Barry". Rafa said yesterday "The owners have told me there is some money available,so I think we can progress". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...bid-fiasco.html

The 2nd part of the quote above is wrong. He actually said "If someone wants to talk about Barry in the future, they will have to talk to the owner or chief executive of Aston Villa, or Rick Parry". http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N...080815-1455.htm His wording was consistent throughout the press conference - he only time he mentioned the word owner was when he said the owner and/or chief executive of Aston Villa.

Also omitted from the official site's text of Rafa's press conference which it says is his words "in full". http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N...080815-1455.htm Where did you see it?

I've already been fired several times already & yet I still keep coming back for more Why is it that everyone feels the need to post a picture of someone famous when they fire me?

Watching the video of Rafa's comments I think it's quite clear that he's pretty pissed off. His final "If you want to talk about players etc" comment reminds me very much of his previous "I am concentrating on coaching & training my players" remark. It appears to me that Rafa has been told that there won't be any change to the current situation (where he has less control over transfers than he would like & Rick has more than Rafa would like) & this is Rafa's response.

From Barrett in today's Echo.............. Days of destiny on Anfield horizon Aug 15 2008 by Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo AS the Reds travel to Sunderland for tomorrow's season opener, Liverpool writer Tony Barrett takes a close look at their chances of mounting a title challenge, and examines the key issues off the pitch as well as on it which must yet be overcome. AT the start of every season, football fans up and down the country check their fixture lists for the most important dates of the coming season. For Liverpool supporters this has usually meant looking out for games against Everton and Man United and whichever club has assumed rival status over the previous 12 months. But as important as meetings with David Moyes’ and Alex Ferguson’s men undoubtedly are, it is arguable the most important dates for Liverpool in the 2008/09 season have nothing at all to do with what is happening on the pitch. The most significant of all is January 31, the deadline by which Tom Hicks and George Gillett must refinance the loans taken out in the £350m refinancing package they secured earlier this year. That’s in the highly unlikely event of the pair having put their massive differences behind them for the good of the club and come to a working arrangement by then. The second comes in “late October/early November, the time by which Hicks vowed to see work begin on the construction of Liverpool’s new ground in Stanley Park, after the initial commitment to see “a spade in the ground” within 60 days of takeover was consigned to the dustbin of history. Throw in the opening of the new transfer window on January 1 – a time when Rafa Benitez must attempt to prove to the board that the players he is pursuing provide the kind of value they are looking for – and Liverpool’s season is already set up to have the same level of political intrigue as the last. In the campaign which finished in May, Liverpool’s propensity for self harm was enough to make Max Mosley flinch, with endemic in-fighting threatening to rip the club apart and causing untold damage. Sadly and unforgivably, the potential remains for similar to happen this season. The cracks which have emerged since Hicks and Gillett took control are still to be sealed and, if anything, they are actually worsening. The two Americans only resumed communications recently and that was only to refuse Benitez permission to sign Gareth Barry for £18m. The relationship between Hicks and chief executive Rick Parry remains fraught. Parry himself has had few dealings with recently appointed commercial director Ian Ayre. While all this is going on in the background, Benitez has to somehow manage a football team – and do so without any sort of coherent strategy or lucid communications being established by those in the boardroom. That is why the deal to sign Barry broke down so spectacularly last week, although at least then there was some consensus between those who hold the purse strings and those who do the paperwork. Benitez saw the Aston Villa man as a vital signing, believing £18m was not too high a price to pay given Barry is ahead of Man United duo Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick in the England pecking order and they were both bought for a similar fee. Unfortunately, Hicks, Gillett and Parry felt £18m was too much for a player who will be 31 when the four year contract he was to be offered would have expired and the plug was duly pulled. What Hicks and Gillett’s expertise is on the vagaries of the English transfer market is difficult to establish given the fact that they have seen hardly any Premiership football, let alone seen Barry play. But, rightly or wrongly, the decision was taken and Benitez now has to ensure he is not deflected from the path towards building a title challenging squad by any disappointment, however understandable it would be, or any lingering resentment. The man who famously walked out on Valencia for being offered a lampshade when he’d asked for a table has a responsibility to the squad he has put together not to be distracted by the kind of politicking which made last season such a sorry affair. Should the Reds boss manage to steer clear of boardroom bickering then Liverpool’s chances of entering the title race will be boosted immeasurably. There is no doubt the current squad is the strongest Anfield has seen for quite some time, even if there are still shortcomings in certain areas. The spine of the team is good enough to hold its own against any other in the Premiership and the addition of £20m man Robbie Keane will make it the best around should the Irishman prove a hit. The likes of Pepe Reina, Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger, Martin Sktrel, Sami Hyypia, Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso, Steven Gerrard, Keane and Fenrnado Torres inspire great confidence and, in the eyes of more positive fans, maybe even a belief that this could finally be Liverpool’s year after a wait dating back to 1990. The questions about the flanks that have existed throughout Benitez’s reign are still to be answered however and it remains to be seen whether or not summer signings Andrea Dossena and Philipp Degen will provide the kind of kind of quality needed at full back if a title challenge is to be anything more than a forlorn hope. Ryan Babel must also show that he can fulfil the potential he showed last season and Dirk Kuyt must prove his shift from central striker to wide midfield can be as successful in the Premiership as it has been in the Champions League. Significantly, Reina at last seems to have some decent back-up and if Diego Cavalieri’s pre-season performances are anything to go by Charles Itandje will be forgotten.. Equally importantly, much of the deadwood has been cleared out with John Arne Riise taking his unused right boot to Rome and Harry Kewell now on Galatasaray’s treatment table. So a couple of problems have been solved but there are others which still need fixing, particularly the defending at set pieces which cost Liverpool far too many goals last term. But such tactical issues are rendered almost trivial in comparison to the boardroom goings on which could totally undermine Liverpool’s season once again unless resolutions – or, better still a revolution – are put into action. Depending on which camp you listen to, Hicks is about to buy Gillett out, Gillett is about to buy Hicks out, or Dubai are about to buy out both. Money and profits are the bottom line for all concerned and that means progress will be slow and painstaking and there will be plenty of ups and downs, not to mention rumour and speculation, before a deal is finally done which will put the ongoing ownership battle to bed. It is somewhat optimistically hoped that all involved will put the club first because a return to last season’s open warfare would be too much to endure. Winning the title may prove just beyond Liverpool but they do have a chance of going close and their hopes will not be helped if the fissures in the boardroom open up again. Benitez makes no secret of his belief that Liverpool need to be “perfect” to compete with United and Chelsea at the top of the league. That philosophy must be embraced by everyone at the club or another season of shadow chasing awaits. Should it be, then the dates on the fixture list will assume the level of importance they deserve. http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-f...00252-21539554/

I think you're spot on. He's probably very pleased with how sophisticated he is.

Sorry that it's much later than normal, but I've been out all day. Transfer news/speculation from today's papers......................... Gareth Barry "now looks certain to stay at his current club after playing in Uefa Cup qualifying last night". http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html "Barring a last-minute change of heart, it would appear that he [barry] is staying [with Villa]" & any move to Liverpool "seems dead". http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4535789.ece Barry gave "the strongest indication yet" that he is staying at Villa by playing last night. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html Rafa "privately dismissed as unimportant the fact that Barry is now cup-tied for the first phase of the Champions League". "It seems possible now that a lower fee will be offered to take into account the issue of [barry] being initially cup-tied in Europe". http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...aga-898505.html Liverpool are "still desperate" to sign Barry despite the fact he is now cup-tied. Rafa "is refusing to give up his four-month pursuit & has told Rick Parry to get [barry] regardless". Liverpool "will demand a discount from Villa because of his unavailability in Europe until next year". Villa "know there remains a danger Barry could end up on Merseyside even though Liverpool are struggling to raise the funds. In the meantime Barry wants to play for Villa in case he is forced to remain with Martin O'Neill's side. Barry needs to win back the Villa fans if Liverpool fail to make good on their pledges to make a fifth bid before the transfer window shuts." Barry "is even willing to discuss" a new £75,000-a-week deal with Villa "but Barry will not be pressurised into signing until the window has shut". "Arsenal continue to monitor Barry's situation, yet Barry's preference for a move to Anfield means the Gunners will not enter the bidding until they know for sure Liverpool do not have the cash". http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/ast...15875-20697491/ Barry's start for Villa last night will "almost certainly" end Liverpool’s interest in him, although Villa boss Martin O'Neill "is taking nothing for granted". O'Neill said after the match “I spoke to him [barry] beforehand and he wanted to play. He knew the consequences of playing, just in case anything might happen in the next couple of weeks. I think he wants to get mentally focused now about the season. It’s a big, big season for him. He did fantastically well last year and got himself into the England squad and played exceptionally well. He doesn’t want to throw that away by not being fit for the start of the season.” http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-s...97319-21540708/ O'Neill also said "He was in the right frame of mind and wanted to play. Nothing would have stopped him so that is pleasing. I have no idea what will happen between now and the end of August. He knew the consequences of playing tonight so the decision was very much his." http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-bir...65233-21537625/ Barry's proposed move to Liverpool "edged nearer to collapse" after he played last night, although "O’Neill insists the latest development does not necessarily rule out a move to Liverpool for Barry". However, "last night’s developments further threaten Liverpool’s current interest in the player". http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21537739/ Blackburn "may now try & press ahead with a deal for Jermaine Pennant" after Charlton winger Jerome Thomas, in whom they had expressed an interest, joined Portsmouth on loan. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...ger-Mendes.html Liverpool are interested in Real Mallorca midfielder Borja Valero, who has been strongly lined with West Brom in recent days. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...lorca-trio.html

Barry starts for Villa http://www.avfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsD...1366483,00.html

only 1?

Most of the comments from Blackburn fans reckon it's Pennant, whom the same paper did link with Blackburn just after Ince took over as have several others Lancashire Telegraph Blackburn Rovers close on fifth signing 2:30pm Thursday 14th August 2008 By Gary York PAUL Ince is hopeful of clinching his fifth summer signing ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener at Everton. The Rovers manager has already brought Paul Robinson, Carlos Villanueva, Danny Simpson and Julio Santa Cruz to Ewood Park this summer. And the Lancashire Telegraph understands that Ince is now close to capturing one of his long-standing summer targets. The player in question is unlikely to be Serbian Nikola Zigic, although the Valencia striker is among those being watched by Rovers. Reports in Spain have suggested that Rovers, along with Premier League new-boys Stoke City, have made an official approach for the 27-year-old. However, despite despatching scouts to watch Zigic in action, Blackburn have not submitted a concrete offer to Valencia. http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/sport..._fifth_signing/

Benitez said last night: “I don’t know if we will have new players, I’ll just try to keep improving the players I have at the moment.” http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverp...64375-21530252/ Aston Villa will "sell Gareth Barry to Liverpool later this week". http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/200...15875-20696786/

Transfer news/speculation from this morning's papers............... If Gareth Barry plays for Aston Villa in the Uefa Cup tonight it would "almost certainty deliver the final blow" to any hopes of a move to Liverpool. Barry doesn't need to play, with Nigel Reo-Coker, Stiliyan Petrov, Wayne Routledge & Shaun Maloney all available. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/footbal...ust-894181.html Barry's proposed move to Liverpool "finally appears to have fallen through" with his willingness to play for Villa in tonight's UEFA Cup tie "giving the clearest indication yet that he will remain at Villa Park". It "seems certain" that Barry "will play a part...this evening". http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...p-campaign.html Barry playing tonight will "block his £18m move to Liverpool" by cup-tying him in Europe. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html Barry is "expected" to play tonight meaning his possible move to Liverpool "is likely to be off". It anyway "appeared last night that Barry had decided to stay with Villa" - he "wants to play this evening & seems to have pledged his immediate future to the club". http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/foo...icle4526556.ece There has been no new offer from Liverpool for Barry. http://www.birminghampost.net/midlands-bir...65233-21529879/ Liverpool's pursuit of Barry "will finally be over" if Barry plays tonight. It is "virtually ensured" that Xabi Alonso will be staying at Liverpool since he is now ineligible to play in the Champions League group stages for any other club. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/...--Football.html Liverpool’s pursuit of Barry "will most likely take a decisive turn this evening" should he be cup-tied in Europe until next year by playing tonight. Rafa has "effectively settled the issue of Alonso’s immediate future" by including him in the starting line-up last night, "at a stroke making him far less appealing to prospective buyers in this transfer window". http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/src/we...00252-21529916/ Spanish central defender Carlos Cuellar "ignored interest from Liverpool & Spurs" to sign for Aston Villa. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...boy-Carlos.html David Silva, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles, is to stay with Valencia after they agreed a salary increase on his contract, which has five years to run. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/au...ottenhamhotspur Aston Villa have made a £9m offer for James Milner, who has been linked with Liverpool in previous articles. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...sh-players.html

I don't want to think about you being excited