An open letter to John W Henry

Dear Mr Henry,

Firstly I would like to go on record and thank you with the utmost sincerity for rescuing the club from administration at the 11th hour a couple of years ago. I think I speak for Liverpool supporters from Breck Rd to Boston when I say we suffered greatly under the previous regime of Hicks and Gillett. They arrived with lots of big promises and failed to deliver the vast majority of them. This has taught us to be very wary of statements from owners and managers alike.
Kenny Dalglish is a Liverpool legend and although the performances in the league last season were not what anyone connected with Liverpool would have hoped for, he did steer the club to both the FA and Carling Cup finals, winning the latter. There were also signs that, in time, the league form would have improved as the team took on an attacking style of play and they dominated possession in many games. If we had added a proven, top class goal scorer we would probably have finished a lot higher up the table. The fact that the club still hasn’t added that player to the squad is obviously disappointing. If there is one type of player we need it is a natural goal scorer. You will therefore understand we are disappointed that this kind of player was not acquired in the transfer window before other players were allowed to leave.

It was a massive call to replace Kenny and an incredibly brave one. In Brendan Rodgers there’s no doubt that the club has a talented young manager. But the team has been dealt a tricky opening set of fixtures and the next two games against Sunderland (away) and Man Utd (at home) are extremely difficult. Supporters will recognise this but should we lose badly to United at home we will be incredibly unhappy. Losing to them at all is horrible for us fans but if we were humiliated it would be sickening.

The manager will inevitably need time to instil his beliefs and get the players to adapt to his style of play. And while there have been some encouraging signs already, it’s fair to say that yesterday’s performance against Arsenal was awful and, with all due respect to West Brom, a 3-0 defeat to a team of their stature is not good.

What’s worrying is that many of the problems at the club under previous managers, both on and off the field, are sill evident. Specifically we need iron out the following problems:

1. Transfers. I understand form a business point of view there are limits to what we can afford to pay when buying players. But in addition to not overpaying for players, we need to stop allowing players to leave for less money than they are worth. Allowing Charlie Adam to leave for almost half what we paid for him a year earlier is madness. Over the years we have repeatedly lost money when selling players including McMananman, Owen, Keane and Aquilani, to name a few.

2. A goal scorer. It’s fair to say that since Torres left we have failed to replace him with someone who will score 20 or 30 goals a season. Liverpool have been lucky enough to have some great natural goal scorers over the years such as Rush, Aldridge and Fowler. Whilst Borini looks like he has the potential to score lots of goals, he isn’t proven and the fact that we haven’t added this type of player when we have been desperately lacking one for the last two seasons doesn’t offer much encouragement.

3. Players getting in the box. This point is linked to the previous one. A natural goal scorer like Robbie Fowler would get into the positions that other players wouldn’t. These types of players have a knack of being in the right place at the right time. But scoring goals isn’t about one player getting into the box. When you watch successful teams attacking they have several players in there, looking to get on the end of the ball. Too often we only have one player in there which means any pass has to be perfect and it’s a lot easier for teams to defend against. This has been a weakness of ours for too long.

4. Closing players down. Again this is a problem that has existed for a while now. Our defenders don’t seem to close players down. Often they allow the opposition to run 20 yards from the half way line with the ball. It happened several times in yesterday’s match against Arsenal where players, notably Diaby, were invited to run at our defenders. This is surprising because Brendan Rodgers likes his players to press when they don’t have possession but our defenders are still doing it. This gives players the chance to shoot from inside the box, and even if they don’t score it often leads to penalties or corners. We shouldn’t be allowing the opposition to run at goal with the ball. It’s better to make a challenge further up the pitch rather than wait until players are inside our penalty area.

I hope this letter is taken in the manner with which it is meant. I believe both you and Tom Werner have the club’s best interests at heart and I don’t mean to insult you in any way. But when you bought Liverpool Football Club you said you wanted to hear what the fans were thinking and this is how I feel. I’m only writing this because I want the club be successful.

A life-long Liverpool supporter

Kenny, Comolli and the future.

Whilst the departure of Damien Comolli came as a shock, it was inevitable that there was going to be a reaction to our poor league form this season. Reports that the owners had flown in early ahead of the semi-final against Everton should have given us a hint that something was about to happen. They took the decision that he wasn’t the right man for the job and it’s hard to argue. Whether you think the likes of Carroll, Downing, Henderson and Adam will come good or not, it’s fair to say none of those players have consistently played at a level required at a club like Liverpool. Even the form of Enrique and Suarez could be called into question. This may sound harsh but if we have ambitions of getting back into the top four and challenging for trophies that’s the pressure that the players have to cope with. Unfortunately too many of the players I’ve mentioned have struggled with this pressure and haven’t stepped up to the plate since leaving so called smaller clubs.

I know Kenny took responsibility for bringing in the players, but this is just a sign of the man and his loyalty to those around him. He wasn’t even hired when Suarez and Carroll were bought There’s no way the owners would have entrusted £57m to a temporary manager.

For the owners, getting rid of Kenny is an impossible task. Although some supporters have questioned his position, many still remember all he has done for the club in the past and have faith that he is the right man to lead us to more glory in the future. John W Henry and Tom Werner are no fools. They know if they were to get rid of Kenny and appoint someone else only for it to not work out they would alienate the fans. Furthermore, they have rejuvenated a massive club in America and understand the importance of stability. Replacing a manager every twelve months doesn’t lead to success.

That said, the sacking of Comolli demonstrates the owners are prepared to make big decisions if they feel it’s the right time. The pressure is now on Kenny. What I like about Werner’s interview is that he was very emphatic when he said we will be better next season and we can compete with other clubs for the top players. Another season of underachievement in the league won’t be tolerated. We can expect a busy summer in the transfer window where first and foremost we will undoubtedly look to add a quality goal scorer. Despite our poor results in the league, we have played some great football this season and if we had someone like a young Robbie Fowler who gets in the right positions and puts the ball in the net we would surely be looking forward to playing in the Champions League next year.

For us, this season is now all about adding the FA Cup to the Carling Cup. Two trophies and European football would be an impressive start to Kenny’s second coming. First we have to overcome an in-form Everton. I think we will and I’m heading to Wembley with confidence.

Come on Red Men!

The Daily LFC: 14th December 2011 – Liverpool F.C. News update

We will face Oldham in the FA Cup 3rd round
(They beat Southend yesterday)

It will not be Christmas if the Reds didn’t visit Alder Hey pics here
(I just love these pics)

Some of the players will be at the club’s stores for the season more…
(Great stuff)

John W Henry was named as one of the top 25 most influential people in American sports more…
(YNWA)

Glen Johnson believes that we will soon give someone a good beating more…
(Can’t wait)

Spearo is up for the fight for the first team spot more…
(YNWA) 

Dirk Kuyt is unfazed by his lack of goals more…
(They will come)

Aldo believes that referees should be punished if they get it wrong more…
(Now that would be something)

The LFC legend also believes that the FA should punish abusive fans not Suarez more…
(Yep) 

The former striker talks on how the Reds look strong defensively more…
(Yes we do) 

He (Aldo) also believes that LFC need Carroll to start delivering more…
(Yes, it is due now) 

And he also talks about Downing and his opportunity when we return to Villa Park more…
(Against his old club)

The other Lucas is afraid to leave Brazil more…
:-( 

On Twitter @empireofthekop

The Daily LFC: 11th November 2011 – Liverpool F.C. News update

James Murdoch has appologised for the S*n’s Hillsborough lies more…
(Too little, too late. SHUT THE RAG DOWN)

Suarez eyes to stay at LFC for “a long time” more…
(Excellent news)

Kenny has criticised the cup tie date more…
(It is insane) 

Carra is on track to start full training more…
(Excellent news)

Goalkeeping coach John Achterberg has called Pepe Reina is the best stopper in English Football more…
(Agree) 

Henry “Comolli has been terrific for LFC ” more…
(YNWA)

And finally St. James Park is changing its name more…
(Another iconic stadium losing its name)

According to Riise Gareth Bale is the best in world more…
(Craig Belamy is a great golfer) 

On Twitter @empireofthekop

The Daily LFC: 15th October 2011 – Liverpool F.C. News update

Kick off today is at 12:45PM, come on REDS

Ian Ayre has explained the TV comments more…
(Makes sense)

Ayre has also rubbished media reports that claimed that John Henry said that we had paid too much for certain players more…
(The news-media twisting stories? I am shocked) 

The U18s beat Man Utd 2-1 yesterday more…
(Nice)

Some pictures from yesterday’s training session more…
(YNWA) 

LeBron will be attending today’s game more…
(YNWA) 

Today is Kenny’s 250th top flight game more…
(Let us win it for the King)

Fergie wants an end to vile chants more…
(Don’t forget the “murderers” chant that 99% of your fans sing)

Ferdinand is cleared to play today more…
(Good, Suarez is going to have a ball)

John W Henry was going to appoint a younger manager than Kenny more…
(Happy to see that he listened to the fans)

Martin Kelly is fit and is ready more…
(With Glen back too I think Kenny will chose the fitter of the two)

Charlie Adam believes the midfield will be key in beating United more…
(YNWA)

Kenny believes that Stevie G will provide inspiration at Anfield for years to come more…
(Agree) 

Souness believes that Stevie is ready for today’s test more…
(Oh yeah he is)

Danny Wilson will not be going to Bolton more…
(Pity, it would have been some good first team action for him) 

Ian Ayre is getting more heat for his TV plan more…
(Shut up Bolton)

And finally Joe Cole is loving life in France more…
(Tell Lille to write us a cheque, Euros will work too) 

On Twitter @empireofthekop

The Daily LFC: 14th October 2011 – Liverpool F.C. News update

Happy Birthday to my son Paul, he is 17 today.

The entire squad is fit for the Man Utd game more…
(WOW, I don’t remember the last time that happened)

LeBron James will be watching his first EPL game on Saturday more…
(Now you get to see a real sport LeBron)

Spirit of Shankly is opposed to Ian Ayre’s proposal of going alone on the TV deals more…
(While I support S.O.S. and am a member of the Union (and will remain) I do have to disagree with them on this one) 

John W Henry admits that we might have overpaid for some players more…
(Greedy small club owners have put huge price tags)

Henry does say it could take years to catch up to United more…
(Well they got a 25 year head start) 

The King compares the owners to his old bosses more…
(YNWA) 

Rafa wants Kenny to retore the glory days more…
(Kwality)

Kenny has played down the United game more…
(LOL)

Alan Hansen believes that the fans can make the difference more…
(United are scared of Anfield)

In the meantime Marsh is ready to unleash his youngsters more…
(Go get ‘em)

Martin Kelly believes that Jamie Carragher will make a great boss in the future more…
(Agree)

Tom Werner is eager to maximise the club’s earning potential more…
(Agree)

Jerzy Dudek revealed that he almost joined Arsenal more…
(Wow)

And we are being linked with Torino defender Ogbonna more…
(Humm)

On Twitter @empireofthekop