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.'
SOMETIMES during a match I find myself watching one player for ages, following their every step on and off the ball.
You can learn so much about their ability and their commitment. At Anfield on Sunday, it was Harry Kewell who was being tracked by me like a sniper ready to fire.
Two things baffled me - how poor Kewell was and how loyal Benitez is to the Aussie.
Surely the love affair must now be over?
Wes Brown was there for the taking on Sunday. Playing out of position and hardly the Wes Brown of old (not that that's saying much). Kewell reminded me of Bolo Zenden. A bit of huff and puff. Even a swish of the hips. But no real pace and certainly no end product.
Kewell was directly to blame for the Man Utd goal and in turn for Liverpool's defeat. He surrendered the ball in midfield (which led to United's crucial corner) so easily it was laughable.
Liverpool needed width and pace. Instead, Kewell's teammates bypassed him through frustration and tried shelling Vidic and Ferdinand with light artillery fire.
Of course, there's a long history of appreciation by Benitez for Kewell. Despite injury, Rafa picked him for the starting line-up in the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul. Fans were bemused...but relieved a few minutes later when Kewell hobbled off (injured again).
There is no doubt that Ryan Babel is the better and more versatile left winger. But whisper it. I wouldn't want Rafa getting his knickers twisted again.
P.S. Great to see Rooney losing the plot, again. As he kissed his Man Utd badge and taunted the Liverpool fans, I wondered why he's despised in every quarter of his home city.
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csb wrote...
Yes!!
I Had to endure another 80 minutes of an awful display against Wigan.
Adios Senor Kewell!
Posted by: csb | January 7, 2008 1:12 PM