Firstly I’d like to introduce what is HOPEFULLY going to be
a regular column in RAOTL. Some of you may or may not remember ‘The Anfield
Shrine’ a little fan site I ran during the emerging years of t’internet and LFC
forums, probably well over 10 years ago now, how time flies! I was known as
‘Curly’ back then… but very few would know me by that name now.
Anyway, to cut a long story short I’m looking to reignite
The Anfield Shrine as a new LFC blog, offering opinion, news and guest
columnists. I’m just getting it stared again, but I’m keen for anyone who is
interested in helping to get in touch… any contributors / designers /
supporters are most welcome! I’m also very keen to continue to support this wonderful
fanzine that I’ve enjoyed over the years, so I intend this column to be a
regular and print only affair!
We’ve just opened a Twitter account, so please follow us
@anfieldshrine – we’re not really tweeting much yet, but follow us and we will!
So anyway… onto some musings…
In Simple Praise of Brendan Rodgers
It is late on Red All Over The Land’s very own deadline day
and I am determined to pen a piece after a final plea for contributions from
the big man JJP. I was struggling to think about what to write about. Strange I
know considering I’m sat here watching ‘Ingerlund’ safe in the knowledge that
Liverpool FC are currently sitting pretty at the top of the Barclays Premier
League © (for all you SKY fans) and with I think we would all agree a pretty
successful transfer window behind us AND all without the enigma that is Luis
Suarez. So I thought, considering my initial reticence and to be honest, just
general ambivalence towards Rodgers as a Liverpool manager I thought it was
about time I reflected and expressed my change in opinion.
It was not so much Rodgers ability as a manager that I
doubted; it was more just something about him as a man that I found a little
‘cringe worthy’ for want of a better word. I don’t think that God awful ‘being
Liverpool’ helped him in my eyes, but to be fair to the man that wasn’t his
fault. I will fully admit to be a fully-fledged RAFA obsessive, I still am, I
love the man and I wanted him back in a flash… but I’m starting to get over
that. I think I’ve found closure!
And who can argue with Rodgers progress so far? Several
things stand out for me…
The purchase of
Sturridge – what an absolutely inspired move!
Coutinho – see
above, what an absolute find… he is simply a magician and I just hope we can
keep hold of him. I’m more worried about losing him than I am about Suarez now!
How he handled Suarez
- the way both Rodgers and Henry handled the Suarez situation over the summer
impressed me. We set our stall out that we’re not a selling club and didn’t let
Suarez and his big mouth dictate things. We have ambitions worthy of keeping a
player like Suarez, and so we should!
This transfer window
– I think we have probably had one of the most successful windows out of any
club. We haven’t lost anyone that we didn’t want rid of anyway. We have
strengthened in defence which was essential, and with what looks like some real
quality. Toure has looked another inspired buy and the other new lads all look
to have a lot of potential.
We’re top of the
league – ok no one is getting carried away, but we can’t fault that can we?
And what is more, we’ve done it without Suarez and with a slight change in
style. We haven’t been as obsessed about ‘knocking it about’ but have passed it
well, kept possession but in a more meaningful fashion. The display against Utd
was fantastic, I thought Lucas was outstanding and everyone played their part.
So I apologise Rodgers, I’m sorry for my initial coldness
towards you… carry on like this and who knows where you will end up in my
affections!
Finally… support RAOTL
Finally, just a little humble rallying cry to you all… to
make sure you support this wonderful publication. If you’re reading this, it
means you’ve bought a copy. If you’re never bought it before, I hope you’re
enjoying it and if you buy it regularly: don’t stop! Buy a 2nd copy
and give it to a mate… and if you fancy putting pen to paper get in touch about
contributing!
I love this fanzine and I’m so glad to be involved in it
again, it was the first independent voice I came across as a young Liverpool
fan and it gave me the chance to express my opinion and develop as a writer…
albeit an amateur one! We all know our gripes with modern football, but fanzines
like this are the absolute cornerstone of what being a football supporter is
all about. Forget your replica kits, hospitality, 3rd kits, training
kits and LFC branded egg cups, just buy yourself a copy of RAOTL, put your
Adidas trabs up and enjoy.
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