They had a famous FA Cup run in the early 1990s, eventually being knocked out by Crewe 3-1 in the 3rd round. Roly Howard was manager for a record 33 years (1972-2005), although he will always be remembered by some fans as Kenny Dalglish's window cleaner. TV presenter Ray Stubbs once asked: "How's business, Roly?" to which Roly replied "Oh you know - ups and downs."
Former players include Michael Ball (Everton and Rangers) and Stephen Wright (Liverpool and Sunderland). The club motto is 'To Enjoy, Not Destroy.'
2007/08 SEASON PREVIEW:
BEFORE you wonder. No, there's no money riding on this. And yes, I'll welcome any abusive comments next May when I'm looking like a silly ninny.
Send them now if you like. There's always an outside chance I won't be left with Premiership egg on my face.
Making predictions in sport is as frustrating as it is compulsive. At this time of year, everyone has a view on their team's fortunes for the season ahead, some blinded by wishful thinking, others chilled into retreat by the ghosts of seasons past.
Up front. Balls out. Here it goes. Liverpool will win the Premiership.
Fellow blogger Tony Barrett has another theory, but before you read his pessimistic tosh, hear me out.
Firepower has been a problem for a few seasons for the Reds. I don't have statistics to hand but I reckon Liverpool have created more chances over the last two seasons than Man Utd and Chelsea.
What the team has lacked is a finisher, a poacher, a tap-in wizard. Right place, right time. Someone to rag a goal off all four defenders' shins or glance one in off his boot laces. Doesn't have to be pretty. Every goal looks the same on the scoreboard, as the cliche goes.
When Liverpool had Fowler and Owen in their prime, we didn't have the midfield providers. Now, there's creativity oozing from every direction.
Kuyt in his second season (and his first was excellent) will bag more goals and in Fernando Torres, the Reds have a classic pacy poacher. If they can rack up 35 league goals between them, Liverpool will almost certainly be champions. Don't forget, Liverpool were only two wins away from the title just over 12 months ago with the modest talents of Morientes, Cisse, Pongolle & Co.
Of course, the home form will need to stay rock solid, the defence (Carragher, Agger and Finnan) will need to keep free of serious injury and the away form will have to improve, although last year Rafa gave the impression he wasn't taking some games seriously towards the end.
Over the last two seasons, Liverpool have lost an amazing 20 away games, including 11 in 2004/5, the same number as relegated Crystal Palace. Perhaps it should be pointed out that Liverpool did win the Champions League that year though. Palace didn't.
A more modest three or four away defeats will be required - and definitely not at Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge.
One big factor in Liverpool's favour is the generosity shown by the fixtures computer which has not been kind to the Reds in recent seasons - but there's no excuse this time round. Last year, Liverpool played Chelsea, Man Utd and Arsenal away from home early doors and didn't get the breaks. It effectively kiboshed the season almost before it had begun. This year each of those teams come to Anfield first where Liverpool will be favourites.
A strong start is crucial. If so, by Christmas the title rivals could be playing catch-up?
Don't get me wrong. It will be close. A mighty three-way tussle involving the Reds, Chelski and Man U. Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton or even Man City may threaten to cause an upset at some time during the season, but the trio will pull away to set up a thrilling finale.
I reckon Chelsea could crack first, especially given their injuries already to key players John Terry and Claude Makelele who have carried the team for several seasons along with Petr Cech and Frank Lampard prior to last season when Drogba was the crutch.
The Premiership will be given clear priority by Benitez this season, possibly at the expense of Europe if injuries shrink the squad, but the likely distraction of the Champions League for Manchester United could play into Liverpool's hands domestically. Rooney and Ronaldo will be desperate for success in Europe after their whimpering exit last season, as will Fergie. He will have hated Istanbul in 2005.
Cool heads and buckets of Kevin Keegan's famous 'bottle' will be needed in the run-in. But, after almost two decades, the Holy Grail could be heading home to Anfield.
Plenty of 'ifs' and 'buts,' I know. A fair whack of bias. But, as Captain Sensible said...you've got to have a dream.
Here's my lukewarm predictions for 2007/8 - let me know yours by filling in the comment box below (it's OK, you don't have to leave an email address and a pseudonym is fine by me).
Premier League:
1st: LIVERPOOL,
2nd: Man Utd,
3rd: Chelsea,
4th: Arsenal,
5th: Spurs,
6th: Manchester City,
7th: Everton,
8th: Sunderland,
9th: Aston Villa,
10th: Newcastle
Relegation: Fulham, Wigan and Derby
FA Cup:
Everton to rekindle the fighting spirit of '95?
League Cup:
Who cares?
Champions League:
Real Madrid or Liverpool
Originally posted by Touchline Dad on August 8, 2007
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The Scarey One wrote...
Not a cat in hells chance. If true I will run round the village naked.
Posted by: The Scarey One | August 7, 2007 11:40 PM