Sunday, November 15, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Alan Hansen has called on Ryan Babel to make the most of our injury troubles and stake a claim for a regular spot in Liverpool's starting XI
The former Reds defender was impressed with Babel's wondergoal in Lyon, but believes the Dutch international needs to show some consistency.
Hansen told LFC Weekly magazine: "Babel has got all the talent in the world. He's got the pace, the strength and the feet to be a top, top player, but he needs to make use of those attributes on a more consistent basis."
Recent injuries to Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera may see Babel enjoy more first-team action in the coming weeks and Hansen feels the winger does have the ability to become a major force for the Reds.
"I have to cite the fact that he's only 22 - it's not as if he's 26," Hansen added.
"As far as talent and ability are concerned, Babel should be a regular in the Liverpool side because we need a player with qualities on the flanks.
"That will not happen, though, unless Ryan performs to the best of his ability, and contributes more goals like his wonder-strike against Lyon on a more consistent basis."
Hansen told LFC Weekly magazine: "Babel has got all the talent in the world. He's got the pace, the strength and the feet to be a top, top player, but he needs to make use of those attributes on a more consistent basis."
Recent injuries to Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera may see Babel enjoy more first-team action in the coming weeks and Hansen feels the winger does have the ability to become a major force for the Reds.
"I have to cite the fact that he's only 22 - it's not as if he's 26," Hansen added.
"As far as talent and ability are concerned, Babel should be a regular in the Liverpool side because we need a player with qualities on the flanks.
"That will not happen, though, unless Ryan performs to the best of his ability, and contributes more goals like his wonder-strike against Lyon on a more consistent basis."
David Ngog has vowed to step up to the plate if called upon to replace Fernando Torres over the coming weeks.
The 20-year-old striker has impressed with a tally of four goals in nine largely-cameo appearances this term.
And while he accepts he is yet the finished article, Ngog believes he can continue to cause Barclays Premier League defences problems if selected by Rafa Benitez.
"Fernando is the best striker in the world, so any player would find it hard replacing him," he said.
"All I can do is play my own game and try and be myself because few players can do the things Fernando does.
"I feel tactically I can play as a lone striker, behind the striker or with another partner, so I am desperate to prove to the manager that I am ready to play in any situation.
"I believe that I have enough quality to be a good striker for the club and score many goals. But I understand that will come with time and experience.
"I am not 21 until next April so I have plenty of time to learn and I couldn't be learning from a better manager than Rafa Benitez or a better striker than Fernando."
Meanwhile, Ngog insists he and his clubmates have not become bad players overnight - and they can turn their season around following a dip in form.
"We need to remain confident in our own ability as individuals, as well as a team, because not much has changed from last season when we weren't far away from winning the league," said the France U21.
"The team is still very strong and we have to believe in ourselves.
"I know that Liverpool demands success and needs to win trophies, so losing games like we have isn't acceptable.
And while he accepts he is yet the finished article, Ngog believes he can continue to cause Barclays Premier League defences problems if selected by Rafa Benitez.
"Fernando is the best striker in the world, so any player would find it hard replacing him," he said.
"All I can do is play my own game and try and be myself because few players can do the things Fernando does.
"I feel tactically I can play as a lone striker, behind the striker or with another partner, so I am desperate to prove to the manager that I am ready to play in any situation.
"I believe that I have enough quality to be a good striker for the club and score many goals. But I understand that will come with time and experience.
"I am not 21 until next April so I have plenty of time to learn and I couldn't be learning from a better manager than Rafa Benitez or a better striker than Fernando."
Meanwhile, Ngog insists he and his clubmates have not become bad players overnight - and they can turn their season around following a dip in form.
"We need to remain confident in our own ability as individuals, as well as a team, because not much has changed from last season when we weren't far away from winning the league," said the France U21.
"The team is still very strong and we have to believe in ourselves.
"I know that Liverpool demands success and needs to win trophies, so losing games like we have isn't acceptable.
Rafa Benitez today praised the attitude his players are showing at Melwood as they prepare for a game which the manager believes could turn their seas
The Spaniard is delighted with the mood around Liverpool's training ground ahead of a sixth versus seventh clash with Manchester City after the international break.
Though he still has several injury concerns, Benitez is hopeful of having the likes of Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson available after they withdrew from international duty.
The boss believes their presence will be key as Liverpool look to turn positive performances into tangible results.
"We had a very good training session yesterday," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv. "The players were working so hard and we had a five-a-side competition. It was very good and the players are very positive.
"We have to look at the big picture. We know we've had some problems and we've made some mistakes, but still we are so close. If we start winning games, then everything will be different if we win two or three in a row. The confidence will be high and everything will be easier.
"Maybe we can start the season right now. Winning against City will be a big boost for everyone and if that happens I'm sure we'll see the best of the team.
"We have a better squad than people think. It's a question of getting some key players back. You could see the other day that with Glen Johnson and Steven Gerrard we were creating so many chances. The quality is there.
"I am 100 per cent sure everything will be totally different if we can win the game against City after this international break. The season can be good if we do well."
Benitez is working hard with his staff during the international break to implement some improvements he feels will improve results.
However, the Liverpool boss is confident that minor alterations only are needed.
He said: "I talk with my staff. We have to change some small things that we need to improve on. We talk about the positives and analyse the negatives.
"I was really pleased talking to some fans after the Birmingham game. The fans who were in the stadium could see the team did well. We have not had the luck with two late goals against Lyon and then on Monday against Birmingham.
"We deserved to win these games and the fans in the stadium know it's just a question of time.
"For me, if you're playing well and creating chances in every game, then it's just about getting a little bit of luck, scoring the second goal and finishing the game."
Though he still has several injury concerns, Benitez is hopeful of having the likes of Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson available after they withdrew from international duty.
The boss believes their presence will be key as Liverpool look to turn positive performances into tangible results.
"We had a very good training session yesterday," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv. "The players were working so hard and we had a five-a-side competition. It was very good and the players are very positive.
"We have to look at the big picture. We know we've had some problems and we've made some mistakes, but still we are so close. If we start winning games, then everything will be different if we win two or three in a row. The confidence will be high and everything will be easier.
"Maybe we can start the season right now. Winning against City will be a big boost for everyone and if that happens I'm sure we'll see the best of the team.
"We have a better squad than people think. It's a question of getting some key players back. You could see the other day that with Glen Johnson and Steven Gerrard we were creating so many chances. The quality is there.
"I am 100 per cent sure everything will be totally different if we can win the game against City after this international break. The season can be good if we do well."
Benitez is working hard with his staff during the international break to implement some improvements he feels will improve results.
However, the Liverpool boss is confident that minor alterations only are needed.
He said: "I talk with my staff. We have to change some small things that we need to improve on. We talk about the positives and analyse the negatives.
"I was really pleased talking to some fans after the Birmingham game. The fans who were in the stadium could see the team did well. We have not had the luck with two late goals against Lyon and then on Monday against Birmingham.
"We deserved to win these games and the fans in the stadium know it's just a question of time.
"For me, if you're playing well and creating chances in every game, then it's just about getting a little bit of luck, scoring the second goal and finishing the game."
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Youngster Emiliano Insua reckons Liverpool will benefit from the two-week international break by getting injured players back into action. The Reds have problems with the fitness of Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard, Daniel Agger, Glen Johnson, Albert Riera and Yossi Benayoun ahead of their next match on 21st November at home to Manchester City. Insua said: "It will give the players more time to recover before the next game and also give everyone time to think about City. The City game will be different because, like us, they are under pressure to try and win every match, so it could be a little more open. But we have to approach the game thinking about ourselves and what we want to try and do.
Riera: We must get our heads right
The Reds have picked up just one victory from the last nine matches and have slipped to seventh in the Barclays Premier League table.
They were fortunate to draw 2-2 at home to Birmingham City on Monday and are now 11 points off the top.
Rafa Benitez's men are also struggling in the Champions League and Riera believes the players are suffering from a 'mental block'.
Riera said: "In games like the one against Birmingham you could see we were trying to do everything.
"We played wide, between the lines, always going forward and only defending with two centre-backs. We were really unlucky, because they had one free-kick and one shot from a long way out.
"We are trying to play like we have always done but you can see it is not working. We have been really unlucky this year, because of all the injuries and because we have conceded a lot of goals from set-pieces. You did not see that last year and we are the same players, working in the same way.
"Now our problem could be mental, because we are being untidy, as much as I do not like to say that. We have plenty of possession, plenty of opportunities, and while it is clear we have to manage conceding goals from free-kicks, we should be winning games like the Birmingham match."
Emiliano Insua admits he would relish the opportunity to represent Argentina at next summer's World Cup finals - but retaining a place in the Liverpool first-team remains the defender's number one priority
The 20-year-old won his first cap for his country in the dramatic qualifying victory over Peru last month.
However, Insua is well aware he must keep performing consistently for the Reds before he can begin to think about the 2010 finals in South Africa.
"It was very special to play because it was a crucial time for my country," said the full-back.
"I will never forget that I helped them to qualify for the World Cup, but I know I have to keep working hard for Liverpool first, then my country.
"I want to play in South Africa next year, but Liverpool comes first and if I play well for my club, then I hope that more games for Argentina will follow."
Insua has enjoyed a regular role in Liverpool's first-team this campaign, making 16 appearances so far and scoring his first goal for the club in the recent Carling Cup tie with Arsenal.
"It's been a very good season for me but I want to play more," he added.
"I always want more but the only thing I can do is keep working hard and look to the future."
However, Insua is well aware he must keep performing consistently for the Reds before he can begin to think about the 2010 finals in South Africa.
"It was very special to play because it was a crucial time for my country," said the full-back.
"I will never forget that I helped them to qualify for the World Cup, but I know I have to keep working hard for Liverpool first, then my country.
"I want to play in South Africa next year, but Liverpool comes first and if I play well for my club, then I hope that more games for Argentina will follow."
Insua has enjoyed a regular role in Liverpool's first-team this campaign, making 16 appearances so far and scoring his first goal for the club in the recent Carling Cup tie with Arsenal.
"It's been a very good season for me but I want to play more," he added.
"I always want more but the only thing I can do is keep working hard and look to the future."
Daniel Ayala has signed an extension to his current Liverpool contract that will keep him at Anfield until 2012.
The 19-year-old centre-back made his Reds first-team debut as a substitute on the opening day of the season away to Tottenham Hotspur, and has since chalked up two further senior appearances.
Ayala was also on the bench for Liverpool's recent Champions League clash with Lyon in France and is a regular in John McMahon's reserve side.
Ayala was also on the bench for Liverpool's recent Champions League clash with Lyon in France and is a regular in John McMahon's reserve side.
Written by LFC TV producer Mark Platt and local sports historian Gary Shaw, At The End Of The Storm tells the story of Liverpool's remarkable First Division title success of 1946-47. It will be officially launched at the Static Gallery in Liverpool city centre on Friday, November 20. In a sneak preview for Liverpoolfc.tv, the two authors explain their reasons for writing the book and discuss why it is regarded as such an amazing campaign.
First of all, what inspired you to write a book about the 1946-47 title winning season?
GS: I'd heard lots of stories from older relatives about this season and given my interest in both local sporting history and wartime culture it seemed inevitable that one day I would look at it closely and carry out more detailed research. It was such a remarkable season and without doubt the most unexpected of the club's 18 title triumphs. No-one gave Liverpool a chance that season but they upset all the odds in true underdog style.
MP: It really is just a great football story of overcoming adversity and one we felt had to be told. The history of Liverpool Football Club did not begin with Bill Shankly's arrival in 1959, as we are led to believe in a lot of other LFC-related books. The club had an illustrious history before this and it's important people are made aware of it.
How difficult was it to access material such as photographs and player insight for the book?
MP: Not as difficult as originally thought to be honest although that is largely down to the kind help of various individuals, without whom we'd have struggled to source many of the great photographs that are in the book. In no particular order, the assistance of museum curator Stephen Done, Adrian Killen and Barry Devonside was invaluable.
GS: In total we ended up with about 140 photographs in the book, the majority of which originate from the players themselves and have not been published before. Interview-wise most of the players who played this season have now sadly passed away but there are a few still around and they were only too willing to share their memories. Luckily, between us, over the years we had interviewed quite a few of the other players, Albert Stubbins and Stan Palk for example, before they passed away and this is the first time a lot of these quotes have been published too. We also sourced additional quotes from the newspapers of the time in a bid to paint a truer picture of the era.
So how did the two of you come together to write it?
MP: We got to know each other a few years ago through our support for Liverpool and our mutual interest in the history of the club. One day we got talking about this particular season, both of us knew a fair bit about it and it was from there that the idea to write the book evolved.
When was the idea conceived and how long did it take to write?
GS: Probably sometime towards the end of 2007 was when we first agreed to go ahead and write it, and it slowly built up from there. As with most books, the majority of the writing took place in the last few months but altogether I'd say the whole project has taken us about two years.
Did you have to overcome many obstacles writing the book?
MP: The main obstacle was trying to find the time to do it! Both of us work full-time so getting involved in such a project when also working full-time is difficult. Initially, any days off were spent carrying out research in the library, while towards the end it was a case of coming home from work, having your tea, and then sitting down in front of the computer until the early hours. Thankfully, it's something we both enjoyed. It's a cliche but it really was a labour of love.
GS: Same here, writing a book of near 200,000 words is pretty time-consuming and trying to juggle a full-time job around it was hard at times. Tracing photographs of the lesser known squad players from that season also proved quite difficult, in particular one of Len Carney – an amateur who played only two games that season but scored the crucial winning goal on the opening day of the campaign. At first we had no idea of what he even looked like and we trawled through hundreds of old photographs and scrapbooks in search of one. Even then we were left stumped and it was only about a month ago that Dave Wotherspoon of Marine FC, one of Carney's former clubs, was able to verify who he was from a picture in a book he had written about the Mariners. As soon as we saw it we realised we had had a photograph of him all along!
The club's Museum curator Stephen Done has described it as the one of the very best of our 18 league titles. Why is it hailed as such an impressive triumph?
MP: Because it was so unexpected. Liverpool went into the 46-47 season with a track record to suggest they wouldn't even challenge for the title, let alone win it. It had been 20-odd years since they'd last won anything and it was thought the war had taken the best years off many of their players, the likes of Balmer and Fagan for example. They'd also lost their pre-war inspiration Matt Busby to Manchester United and the youngsters signed before the war, like Paisley and Liddell, were as yet untried in the top division. During the season, even after they'd enjoyed a good run of results, they were constantly being written off. Wolves were the long-time leaders of the division and no-one could see them being overhauled. But Liverpool never gave up and their resilience eventually paid off.
GS: It really was remarkable, the best-ever without doubt and that's because of the whole set of circumstances that surrounded it. In addition to what Mark has already said there was also the fact that they had to overcome such distractions as the constant threat of a players strike, the worst weather conditions ever recorded which, in turn, led to the longest-ever season. It didn't end until the middle of June and although our league campaign had finished we still had the small matter of beating Everton in the final of the Liverpool Senior Cup on the same afternoon that the championship was finally decided.
Tell us about the famous 'goal in the snow'...
MP: Older fans who witnessed it will tell you it was one of THE greatest Liverpool goals of all-time. A diving header by Albert Stubbins from a Billy Liddell free-kick. I think what made it so special was that he flew almost horizontally towards the ball just a few inches off the ground, like an exocet missile. It completed his hat-trick and a famous 4-1 victory. The fact it also came in such an important game - a FA Cup quarter-final against Birmingham - made it even more memorable for those lucky enough to be there. I know Albert rated it as one of the best goals he ever scored and from reading through the reports of the time the newspapers agreed. Some reporters wrote that there'd never be a better goal scored and while that is obviously open to debate, it must have been special because it has stood the test of time and people still talk about it today.
GS: It wouldn't have been scored in this day and age because the game would simply not have been played. Two inches of snow covered the pitch and that has just added to the legend of it. When Albert dived to head the ball home such were the slippery conditions that he ended up sliding head first into the goal himself! It's rightly hailed as one of the greatest goals of all-time but amazingly, he believed another goal he scored in that game was better. Why? Because it was more of a team goal. And that's the overall impression you get from that season – the team came first and everyone pulled together in the right direction for the good of the club.
The team were known as the 'crazy gang' long before the emergence of the Wimbledon teams of the 80s and 90s. Why was this?
MP: Basically because from one week to the next you just didn't know what to expect from them, an example being early in the season when they beat Chelsea 7-4 at Anfield, in what was arguably one of the greatest Liverpool matches of all-time. Then, just a few days later, they crashed to a 5-0 defeat away to Manchester United. It also refers to the great camaraderie and team spirit that existed between the players. Like Gary says, they were a team in every sense of the word and this, no doubt, played a massive part in winning them this title.
Squad rotation is seen as something that is very much part of the modern game, but you suggest it was implemented back in that season...
MP: I wouldn't say implemented in that season but it was very much in evidence, especially during the second half of the campaign when the team was involved in an exciting FA Cup run. Over the Easter period especially, when they had three games in four days sandwiched in between the two semi-finals against Burnley, wholesale changes were made. It's ironic that in the modern era managers are criticised for fielding under-strength teams in the cup but back then it was the opposite. Of course, Liverpool had yet to win the FA Cup at this point and such was the prestige of the competition back then that the club made no secret of the fact that cup glory was their number one priority.
GS: If Rafa does that now, everyone comments, but it was simply accepted back then. Liverpool used a total of 26 players that season, 17 of whom were debutants, so when you compare it to last season when Rafa called on 30 there's not that much difference.
What part of the book did you most enjoy writing?
GS: I'd say putting the season into perspective, both socially and culturally, and also the tour of North America because not a lot of people know about this as it hasn't been written about in much depth before.
MP: It was also good to unearth some new evidence about certain players the club tried to sign that season and people may be surprised at some of the names that almost joined. If they had there's no doubt the course of football history may have turned out differently.
GS: Although I obviously knew how the season ended, writing about the run-in was exciting and hopefully that comes across to the readers.
Who were these players that nearly signed that you speak of?
MP: That would be telling! You'll have to read the book to find out.
Okay. You've obviously gone into great detail in the book. What was the highlight of the season in your opinion?
MP: There are so many. The ground-breaking pre-season tour of North America, pipping Everton to the signing of Albert Stubbins, Balmer's hat-trick of hat-tricks – which is yet to be equalled, the thrilling but ultimately unsuccessful FA Cup run, victory at Wolves on the last day and the agonising two-week wait before the title was confirmed. It was a season that had everything but if I had to pick one highlight I'd have to go for the signing of Stubbins because this was a statement of intent that Liverpool meant business. The board had often been previously criticised for an apparent lack of ambition but this deal silenced those doubters and played a major part in them emerging from Everton's shadow.
GS: Chairman Bill McConnell must take a lot of credit for that for he was brave enough to smash the club's transfer record to sign Stubbins. 'Billy Mac' is a real unsung hero when it comes to the history of this club. He was the one who also came up with the idea of the inspirational tour of the USA and his support for the club throughout the 46-47 campaign was invaluable. Sadly, he fell ill towards the end and passed away just weeks after the title was clinched but at least he had the satisfaction of seeing his beloved Reds crowned champions before he died. I've also got to mention the last two league games of the season – away to Arsenal and Wolves. We had to win both to have any chance at all but with 14 minutes left at Highbury we trailed and all hope seemed lost. In typical Liverpool fashion though no-one gave up and it must have been great to be a supporter back then.
Are you planning any further collaborations on LFC?
GS: With a history as illustrious and interesting as Liverpool's there's plenty to write about and we do have a few ideas. For now we just hope everyone enjoys reading what we believe to be, in terms of both words and pictures, the definite story of this most amazing season
GS: I'd heard lots of stories from older relatives about this season and given my interest in both local sporting history and wartime culture it seemed inevitable that one day I would look at it closely and carry out more detailed research. It was such a remarkable season and without doubt the most unexpected of the club's 18 title triumphs. No-one gave Liverpool a chance that season but they upset all the odds in true underdog style.
MP: It really is just a great football story of overcoming adversity and one we felt had to be told. The history of Liverpool Football Club did not begin with Bill Shankly's arrival in 1959, as we are led to believe in a lot of other LFC-related books. The club had an illustrious history before this and it's important people are made aware of it.
How difficult was it to access material such as photographs and player insight for the book?
MP: Not as difficult as originally thought to be honest although that is largely down to the kind help of various individuals, without whom we'd have struggled to source many of the great photographs that are in the book. In no particular order, the assistance of museum curator Stephen Done, Adrian Killen and Barry Devonside was invaluable.
GS: In total we ended up with about 140 photographs in the book, the majority of which originate from the players themselves and have not been published before. Interview-wise most of the players who played this season have now sadly passed away but there are a few still around and they were only too willing to share their memories. Luckily, between us, over the years we had interviewed quite a few of the other players, Albert Stubbins and Stan Palk for example, before they passed away and this is the first time a lot of these quotes have been published too. We also sourced additional quotes from the newspapers of the time in a bid to paint a truer picture of the era.
So how did the two of you come together to write it?
MP: We got to know each other a few years ago through our support for Liverpool and our mutual interest in the history of the club. One day we got talking about this particular season, both of us knew a fair bit about it and it was from there that the idea to write the book evolved.
When was the idea conceived and how long did it take to write?
GS: Probably sometime towards the end of 2007 was when we first agreed to go ahead and write it, and it slowly built up from there. As with most books, the majority of the writing took place in the last few months but altogether I'd say the whole project has taken us about two years.
Did you have to overcome many obstacles writing the book?
MP: The main obstacle was trying to find the time to do it! Both of us work full-time so getting involved in such a project when also working full-time is difficult. Initially, any days off were spent carrying out research in the library, while towards the end it was a case of coming home from work, having your tea, and then sitting down in front of the computer until the early hours. Thankfully, it's something we both enjoyed. It's a cliche but it really was a labour of love.
GS: Same here, writing a book of near 200,000 words is pretty time-consuming and trying to juggle a full-time job around it was hard at times. Tracing photographs of the lesser known squad players from that season also proved quite difficult, in particular one of Len Carney – an amateur who played only two games that season but scored the crucial winning goal on the opening day of the campaign. At first we had no idea of what he even looked like and we trawled through hundreds of old photographs and scrapbooks in search of one. Even then we were left stumped and it was only about a month ago that Dave Wotherspoon of Marine FC, one of Carney's former clubs, was able to verify who he was from a picture in a book he had written about the Mariners. As soon as we saw it we realised we had had a photograph of him all along!
The club's Museum curator Stephen Done has described it as the one of the very best of our 18 league titles. Why is it hailed as such an impressive triumph?
MP: Because it was so unexpected. Liverpool went into the 46-47 season with a track record to suggest they wouldn't even challenge for the title, let alone win it. It had been 20-odd years since they'd last won anything and it was thought the war had taken the best years off many of their players, the likes of Balmer and Fagan for example. They'd also lost their pre-war inspiration Matt Busby to Manchester United and the youngsters signed before the war, like Paisley and Liddell, were as yet untried in the top division. During the season, even after they'd enjoyed a good run of results, they were constantly being written off. Wolves were the long-time leaders of the division and no-one could see them being overhauled. But Liverpool never gave up and their resilience eventually paid off.
GS: It really was remarkable, the best-ever without doubt and that's because of the whole set of circumstances that surrounded it. In addition to what Mark has already said there was also the fact that they had to overcome such distractions as the constant threat of a players strike, the worst weather conditions ever recorded which, in turn, led to the longest-ever season. It didn't end until the middle of June and although our league campaign had finished we still had the small matter of beating Everton in the final of the Liverpool Senior Cup on the same afternoon that the championship was finally decided.
Tell us about the famous 'goal in the snow'...
MP: Older fans who witnessed it will tell you it was one of THE greatest Liverpool goals of all-time. A diving header by Albert Stubbins from a Billy Liddell free-kick. I think what made it so special was that he flew almost horizontally towards the ball just a few inches off the ground, like an exocet missile. It completed his hat-trick and a famous 4-1 victory. The fact it also came in such an important game - a FA Cup quarter-final against Birmingham - made it even more memorable for those lucky enough to be there. I know Albert rated it as one of the best goals he ever scored and from reading through the reports of the time the newspapers agreed. Some reporters wrote that there'd never be a better goal scored and while that is obviously open to debate, it must have been special because it has stood the test of time and people still talk about it today.
GS: It wouldn't have been scored in this day and age because the game would simply not have been played. Two inches of snow covered the pitch and that has just added to the legend of it. When Albert dived to head the ball home such were the slippery conditions that he ended up sliding head first into the goal himself! It's rightly hailed as one of the greatest goals of all-time but amazingly, he believed another goal he scored in that game was better. Why? Because it was more of a team goal. And that's the overall impression you get from that season – the team came first and everyone pulled together in the right direction for the good of the club.
The team were known as the 'crazy gang' long before the emergence of the Wimbledon teams of the 80s and 90s. Why was this?
MP: Basically because from one week to the next you just didn't know what to expect from them, an example being early in the season when they beat Chelsea 7-4 at Anfield, in what was arguably one of the greatest Liverpool matches of all-time. Then, just a few days later, they crashed to a 5-0 defeat away to Manchester United. It also refers to the great camaraderie and team spirit that existed between the players. Like Gary says, they were a team in every sense of the word and this, no doubt, played a massive part in winning them this title.
Squad rotation is seen as something that is very much part of the modern game, but you suggest it was implemented back in that season...
MP: I wouldn't say implemented in that season but it was very much in evidence, especially during the second half of the campaign when the team was involved in an exciting FA Cup run. Over the Easter period especially, when they had three games in four days sandwiched in between the two semi-finals against Burnley, wholesale changes were made. It's ironic that in the modern era managers are criticised for fielding under-strength teams in the cup but back then it was the opposite. Of course, Liverpool had yet to win the FA Cup at this point and such was the prestige of the competition back then that the club made no secret of the fact that cup glory was their number one priority.
GS: If Rafa does that now, everyone comments, but it was simply accepted back then. Liverpool used a total of 26 players that season, 17 of whom were debutants, so when you compare it to last season when Rafa called on 30 there's not that much difference.
What part of the book did you most enjoy writing?
GS: I'd say putting the season into perspective, both socially and culturally, and also the tour of North America because not a lot of people know about this as it hasn't been written about in much depth before.
MP: It was also good to unearth some new evidence about certain players the club tried to sign that season and people may be surprised at some of the names that almost joined. If they had there's no doubt the course of football history may have turned out differently.
GS: Although I obviously knew how the season ended, writing about the run-in was exciting and hopefully that comes across to the readers.
Who were these players that nearly signed that you speak of?
MP: That would be telling! You'll have to read the book to find out.
Okay. You've obviously gone into great detail in the book. What was the highlight of the season in your opinion?
MP: There are so many. The ground-breaking pre-season tour of North America, pipping Everton to the signing of Albert Stubbins, Balmer's hat-trick of hat-tricks – which is yet to be equalled, the thrilling but ultimately unsuccessful FA Cup run, victory at Wolves on the last day and the agonising two-week wait before the title was confirmed. It was a season that had everything but if I had to pick one highlight I'd have to go for the signing of Stubbins because this was a statement of intent that Liverpool meant business. The board had often been previously criticised for an apparent lack of ambition but this deal silenced those doubters and played a major part in them emerging from Everton's shadow.
GS: Chairman Bill McConnell must take a lot of credit for that for he was brave enough to smash the club's transfer record to sign Stubbins. 'Billy Mac' is a real unsung hero when it comes to the history of this club. He was the one who also came up with the idea of the inspirational tour of the USA and his support for the club throughout the 46-47 campaign was invaluable. Sadly, he fell ill towards the end and passed away just weeks after the title was clinched but at least he had the satisfaction of seeing his beloved Reds crowned champions before he died. I've also got to mention the last two league games of the season – away to Arsenal and Wolves. We had to win both to have any chance at all but with 14 minutes left at Highbury we trailed and all hope seemed lost. In typical Liverpool fashion though no-one gave up and it must have been great to be a supporter back then.
Are you planning any further collaborations on LFC?
GS: With a history as illustrious and interesting as Liverpool's there's plenty to write about and we do have a few ideas. For now we just hope everyone enjoys reading what we believe to be, in terms of both words and pictures, the definite story of this most amazing season
Real Madrid star Kaka today spoke of his admiration for Steven Gerrard – claiming the Liverpool captain has the 'heart of a lion
The duo have gone head-to-head in two Champions League finals in recent years, and Kaka admits the Reds' No.8 has left a lasting impression.
"England have always had individually strong players and I am a huge fan of Stevie Gerrard," said the Brazil midfielder.
"He has the heart of a lion and is the icon of the modern footballer with his ability to attack and defend so well."
"England have always had individually strong players and I am a huge fan of Stevie Gerrard," said the Brazil midfielder.
"He has the heart of a lion and is the icon of the modern footballer with his ability to attack and defend so well."
Rafael Benitez has today brought us up to date with the very latest news from the treatment room at Melwood
With some players sustaining new injuries during Monday night's draw with Birmingham and with others on the road to recovery after earlier setbacks, the medical staff are among the busiest people at the club right now as they look to provide the boss with as many players as possible for our next game against Manchester City in ten days time.
Here's what Rafa told Liverpoolfc.tv earlier today.
"Both Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera have muscle problems and will be out for three to four weeks. It depends on each player, but for Riera this is the second time with this injury.
"We will have to wait and see how they progress but hopefully in three weeks they could be available.
"We are disappointed because there are too many things at the moment that we can't change. Both players are wingers as well and for them to be out at the same time is bad news for us.
"Daniel Agger felt something in his back after the Birmingham game and didn't go with Denmark after we spoke with their doctor and manager. I think he could be back training again in a few days.
"Glen Johnson's was a strange situation because he finished the game on Monday and then travelled to London to be with England. He felt something in his hamstring and came back to us for a scan. Hopefully it's not too serious and he could be available again in a week.
"With Fernando Torres we are talking about two or three weeks of treatment and working with the physios. I was talking with him this morning and he is doing well. Hopefully he can be running in a few days and we will see how he progresses.
"It was good to have Steven Gerrard back on Monday night. He is feeling okay and should be training fully with the other players we have here in a few days.
"Sometimes a break comes at a bad time because you don't like to see your players flying all over the world, but this time it gives us a chance to get some players back."
Here's what Rafa told Liverpoolfc.tv earlier today.
"Both Yossi Benayoun and Albert Riera have muscle problems and will be out for three to four weeks. It depends on each player, but for Riera this is the second time with this injury.
"We will have to wait and see how they progress but hopefully in three weeks they could be available.
"We are disappointed because there are too many things at the moment that we can't change. Both players are wingers as well and for them to be out at the same time is bad news for us.
"Daniel Agger felt something in his back after the Birmingham game and didn't go with Denmark after we spoke with their doctor and manager. I think he could be back training again in a few days.
"Glen Johnson's was a strange situation because he finished the game on Monday and then travelled to London to be with England. He felt something in his hamstring and came back to us for a scan. Hopefully it's not too serious and he could be available again in a week.
"With Fernando Torres we are talking about two or three weeks of treatment and working with the physios. I was talking with him this morning and he is doing well. Hopefully he can be running in a few days and we will see how he progresses.
"It was good to have Steven Gerrard back on Monday night. He is feeling okay and should be training fully with the other players we have here in a few days.
"Sometimes a break comes at a bad time because you don't like to see your players flying all over the world, but this time it gives us a chance to get some players back."
Kop legend Kenny Dalglish has revealed his excitement at Alberto Aquilani's return to fitness and backed the midfielder to be a 'great acquisition' fo
After missing the start of the season due to a knee injury, the Italy international has recently made two cameo appearances for the Reds - and was given his first run-out at Anfield in the 2-2 draw with Birmingham City on Monday night.
Dalglish admits he is encouraged by what he has seen so far, though the Scot is fully behind the decision of boss Rafael Benitez to err on the side of caution with the fitness of Aquilani.
"To me he looks a very good footballer who has good vision and is capable of seeing a pass," he told LFC Weekly.
"Because of our current injury situation it would have been easy to rush him back into action.
"But that wouldn't have been fair to the player and he could have ended up missing even more time. Instead he's had the rehabilitation he's needed and he should be a great acquisition."
Meanwhile, Dalglish feels the current international break could have come at the right time for Liverpool.
The Reds' season has been disrupted by a succession of injuries to several key players, but the legendary No.7 is hopeful the squad can use the two-week recess to recuperate.
He added: "I usually think the breaks arrive at a bad time but this one will give Rafa a chance to hopefully get all his squad fit again. That's got to be good news."
Dalglish admits he is encouraged by what he has seen so far, though the Scot is fully behind the decision of boss Rafael Benitez to err on the side of caution with the fitness of Aquilani.
"To me he looks a very good footballer who has good vision and is capable of seeing a pass," he told LFC Weekly.
"Because of our current injury situation it would have been easy to rush him back into action.
"But that wouldn't have been fair to the player and he could have ended up missing even more time. Instead he's had the rehabilitation he's needed and he should be a great acquisition."
Meanwhile, Dalglish feels the current international break could have come at the right time for Liverpool.
The Reds' season has been disrupted by a succession of injuries to several key players, but the legendary No.7 is hopeful the squad can use the two-week recess to recuperate.
He added: "I usually think the breaks arrive at a bad time but this one will give Rafa a chance to hopefully get all his squad fit again. That's got to be good news."
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