8 Nov 2010

It's time to put an end to the traitorous BETRAYAL of Roy Hodgson...

The treatment of Roy Hodgson by some of Liverpool's fans has been a disgrace this season. It's been catalogue of personal ridicule, character assassination and professional denigration, combined with repeated calls for the man to be sacked. This site is the *only* Liverpool site that has supported Hodgson 100% since day one, and actively challenged people calling for his head. That support has been vindicated by the club's recent resurgence, which has culminated in today's superb victory over Chelsea.

People may think it's harsh to call the treatment of Hodgson a 'betrayal', but after witnessing the abuse hurled his way by people (both on and offline), I believe the description is more than fair. He HAS been betrayed by some fans, and calling for him to be sacked after 2, 3 and 4 months in the job is evidence of that.

I've also been ridiculed by people for supporting Hodgson but I honestly couldn't understand why. If you consider Hodgson's reign in the proper context, it's easy to see why things have been patchy at times. When considering the context, there are also a few small things that people may not considered:

* Liverpool had only 3 (barely competitive) pre-season games this year (!). Typically, the club will have 5-7 games to prepare for a new season. Combine that with lots of players returning from the World Cup and you can see how this could have an impact on preparation.

* Hodgson took over on 1 July 2010; Liverpool's season kicked off on August 5th, which gave him just over a month of preparation time. That's not much time at all, is it?

* To add insult to injury, Hodgson's momentum and time with the team has been disrupted by TWO International breaks since the season began. Ordinarily, that wouldn't be a problem, but in a World Cup year, with limited preparation time and a non-competitive pre-season campaign, time with the team to get ideas across is essential.

Then there's everything else on top of that to consider, including (amongst other things), the Ownership saga; Boardroom civil war; distracting court cases; demotivated team; confidence crisis after last year; new owners; bedding in new players; Torres recovering from injury etc.

A disjointed start to the season was inevitable, and you can't just expect a manager to walk into a club in crisis and turn things around in a few months.

I think Hodgson has more than earned the right to be given time and understanding by Liverpool fans. He needs to be left to get on with his job without misguided, unwarranted abuse dragging him down. And it IS unwarranted - Hodgson compares favourably to both Gerard Houllier and Rafa Benitez when it comes to results in his first 20 competitive games:


After all is said and done, there are plenty of reasons to be positive:

* 5 points away from 4th place, with Man City and Spurs looking far from convincing.

* 4 wins in a row.

* Unbeaten in 15 out of 20 games.

* Unbeaten in 8 European games in a row. Rafa Benitez's record is 13 in a row, and I wouldn't bet against Hodgson achieving that, or even beating it.

* Only 2 goals conceded in the last 5 games.

Mistakes will still be made as the season progresses; games will be lost, and some performances will be poor, but that's football! Hodgson deserves support from the fans, and IMO, it is our duty to provide it, especially so early in his his reign.

I've maintained from the start of the season that Liverpool will finish in the top 4, and I still believe it will happen.

Well done, Roy. Now keep the momentum going!

Timeline of this site's support for Roy Hodgson this season.

SEP 29: LFC First 6 games Comparison

SEP 30: History could be repeating itself at Liverpool FC, but that's not necessarily a bad thing...

OCT 03: So, it’s Hodgson, Hicks, Gillett, Purslow, Broughton + Ayres OUT. How about FANS OUT instead?

OCT 04: Sorry, but still I’m not jumping on the Liverpool FC 'apocalypse' bandwagon

Oct 05: Liverpool FC in the relegation zone? Big deal. It means absolutely nothing

OCT 31: PANIC STATIONS! Sack Roy Hodgson! Liverpool will be relegated! It's the end of the world as we know it!

NOV 03: Liverpool fans and the *Herculean Hypocrisy* over Roy Hodgson

NOV 04: DAMN! How dare Liverpool win again? It's not allowed, remember? Sack Hodgson!

Jaimie Kanwar


104 comments:

  1. Ignore him. Kanwar is just an attention seeker and a bombastic one at that!

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  2. My sentiments exactly.  Some of the Benitez cult make me sick.  Fed up with hearing the negativity over Roy.  I much prefer Roy over the dictator from Spain.  well done on an excellent article!

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  3. I am still a sceptic, but Roy is more than welcome to prove me wrong. I don´t feel like a traitor, tho´. Beeing overly optimistic/pessimistic/sceptic is also very much a part of football. It´s all about emotions, and Liverpool-fans has been through a hard time. No wonder people react and speak before they think. Roy knows that, that´s why he hasn´t left his job.

    Football-fans will always act like this, and in many ways it´s part of what makes it so interesting.

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  4. Well said Jamie, although there were a few scares in the second half, but as you say thats football and sometimes you just need that little bit of luck.

    Calls for Hodgson should wait until at least the summer and if it proves to be deserved. If we get a few good signings in January, have a strong second half to the season and get a top four finish then he may even earn another year at the helm. After all is that not the Liverpool way?!

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  5. Well put. Another good article and analysis. I was one of the people who though not 100% convinced of the appointment yet supported Hodgy from day 1 and had a good feeling before the season began. With a lot of injuries, tiredness and the boardroom shenanigans, it was inevitable that there would be a shaky start. A very misfortunate own goal by Reina on day one did nothing to help or we'd be even in a better position, but all in all I am more than satisfied with Hodgy and would be happy to see him go and prove all the haters wrong. These people are just Benitez supporters who would rather see the club destroyed so they can be proven right instead of accepting they were mistaken. Supporters like that can follow Benitez to Italy and oblivion.

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  6. hey, burt. you just failed at ignoring him.

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  7. Well put. Another good article and analysis. I was one of the people who though not 100% convinced of the appointment yet supported Hodgy from day 1 and had a good feeling before the season began. With a lot of injuries, tiredness and the boardroom shenanigans, it was inevitable that there would be a shaky start. A very misfortunate own goal by Reina on day one did nothing to help or we'd be even in a better position, but all in all I am more than satisfied with Hodgy and would be happy to see him go and prove all the haters wrong. These people are just Benitez supporters who would rather see the club destroyed so they can be proven right instead of accepting they were mistaken. Supporters like that can follow Benitez to Italy and oblivion.

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  8. Roy Hodgson is fighting for his life and has been saved by Gerrard and Torres.  Irrespective of the records, he does not appear in charge of the team and it appears good fortune when things go well.  Tactically, he seems naive and I believe the team are playing well on the back of the confidence of the new owners.   Anyway I hope I am wrong.

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  9. Burt can go and follow his boyfriend Benitez in Italy along with the Italian hooligans. No place for chavs here.

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  10. Every manager should be given at least a season to prove himself, hodgson is no exception and after todays result i cant see the owners bringing in anyone new for xmas as many may have predicted 2 weeks ago.

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  11. Calling for Hodgson to be sacked has been premature but it has to be viewed in context also. Rafa Benitez, for better or worse, was sacked at the end of a very disappointing campaign. However, he was still are largely popular figure. After all he did win the Champion's League, enhanced our European reputation, challenged for the title and won the FA Cup as well as signing some great players who really caught the Anfield imagination.

    When Rafa came in confidence in Houllier had largely dissapated. Most fans wanted a change. That wasn't the case this season. There was a fairly vocal section of supporters who wanted Rafa to stay, a less vocal section of supporters who wanted him to go and a section who weren't really bothered either way.

    What fans wanted from the new manager was someone who would either a) improve the performance of the team on the pitch or b) improve the style of football even if it meant results were only marginally better than last season.

    It's fair to say that Hodgson has not done that. The win over Chelsea today was fantastic but largley the football being played has been unimaginative and results have not improved.

    Comparing the opening games of Houllier, Benitez and Hodgson in terms over fan confidence is not the same. When Houllier and Benitez came in fans expected a long term building job. Hodgson was expected to put us back in the hunt and attain Champions League qualification comfortably. The starting results have not demonstrated that. They have suggested that we will finish about the same as we did last year.

    I think the genuine feeling of fans was that whoever came in would have to do better than we expected Rafa to do THIS season and we expected Rafa to deliver top 4.

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  12. I don´t see why this needs to be about Benitez. I like Benitez, but his time was up. Please move on.

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  13. Mr High and Mighty is at it again.  yawn

    Fact is Jamie, 99.9% of fans support Hodgson.  We may not sing his name on the Kop (yet) but we're not calling for his head on a block during the game either. 

    There is a section who have not been impressed by his start.  and they have had good reason.   their opinions are just as equal as everyone's too.

    however you seem to be on a mish to try and get everyone to agree with you.  

    This is a very one sided article.  you try and justify the reasons why, at times this season, we have been dreadful.  

    Results lie firmly at the managers door.  Performances lie even closer.  

    the performances against Blackpool, Utd, City and Everton were dreadful.  

    Were none of those Roy's fault?

    In any way?

    Your article seems to suggest that is wasn't which makes it a laughable one sided ego stroke.

    You failed (again) to try and be objective (as you always claim to be).

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  14. i don´t think everyone that are against Roy are pro-Rafa.

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  15. Glen Johnson is the number one guy that has to be got rid of in January. Before he arrived we had finished a very close second and then last season with him in the team we lost 19 games in all competitions which was our highest total for years. So all you Liverpool fans get your head straight and focus on this fact. Getting rid of this clown in January would release funds to buy a big targetman in January. We need to get over this mentality that fourth place is acceptable, instead this season liverpool should push on and win the Premiership. Chelsea are only 10 points ahead with 81 points still to play for. Man Utd are still unbeaten but they were lucky against Stoke and Wolves and they will drop more points. Arsenal can be physically overpowered and Man City and Tottenham are vulnerable  as well.

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  16. Can betrayal ever be non-traitorous? Otherwise a decent article, although I don't agree that the stats make him look favourable compared to Benitez. I am still a sceptic, and can't say the team oozes confidence. However, the team does seem to be trending, and beating Chelsea is a good feat any day. It was definitely time for Benitez to go when he did, and I am all for giving Hodgson a season to prove himself, so yes - let's hope the trend continues.

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  17. Some good points, but it will be interesting to see what you think/say at the end of the season! You may be right (I hope so), but you may well be very wrong! As for me I just don't like Roy's sit off tactics, although I am pleased with the formation he played against chelsea. Also how can you compare Rafa's Liverpool European record with Roy's? I was one who DID want Rafa to go when he did, but his European record was in the Champions League, whereas Roy's is in the Europa cup! Not comparable!!!!!!!

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  18. Well done to Roy! Seems to have turned a corner. With the reports of the 28 day break clause in Roy's contract if reports are to believed.  Roy had 4 games to turn things around. He has truly exceeded this and his job is safe. I still feel that the fans should have given him at least until Christmas to judge him. Despite the frustration he's been unfairly branded.  If he is or was over 6points away from fourth at Christmas this would have been the stage for the fans to have vent their fury. Often in management when a new person takes over there is almost always a transitional stage where its difficult and sometimes your team has the look like it's going backwards and their is lots of resistance and negativity to the need to change existing methods attitudes and procedures.  It takes time for people adapt to new ideas and strategies. Slowly we are seeing some of the benefits. I do feel that like the English Rugby team of the last world cup there is a fusion of player power shaping Liverpool's tactics. As in the first half we were like the team of old really pressing CFC and in the 2nd half we saw Roy's insistence on team shape and discipline. Not pretty but we got an excellent result. 

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  19. Pointless uefa cup qualifiers/games should not be used as a barometer of how good a manager is. 'Unbeaten in 8 games in Europe' - dont make me laugh. Hodgsons tactics have been found wanting on several occasions this season, and against teams that wont come at us like Chelsea, i fear that we will become unstuck. He has repeatedly embarrased himself and the club with his press conferences, each one more bizare than the last. Comolli arriving at anfield is a blessing, as i wouldnt want Hodgson spending any more money if he's drafting in the likes of Konchesky and Poulsen.     

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  20. It's about time people started speaking up for Roy iv been saying people need to start supporting him rather than stabbing him in the back since day1 he is a decent manager and given time I'm sure he can bring stability and success back to our once great club. YNWA

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  21. Gee, don't exaggerate or anything.

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  22. Europe is Europe.  I am not comparing the relative strength of each competition.  Hodgson has played 8 competitive games in European competition and is unbeaten. That is a fact.

    You could argue that the quaity of the today's Premier League is greater than it was in 2004; does that mean we can't compare leage records too?  No, and the same applies to Euro competitions.

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  23. I compare this situation with Hodgson the way I compared it with Benitez, because after the CL win in 05 and the FA-Cup 06 - Benitez still hadn't challenged for the title, we were always 7-11p behind the leaders every October/November, and Benitez always tried to install belief into fans that we'll catch up, but the problem is that these major teams like Chelsea, United have also a runway before they get into gear and start winning games. So when we lost points and these titleleaders didn't we could never catch up - that was my number one frustration with Benitez and in February all we could look forward to was CL.
    That is not bad, and I can't say how much I miss it nowdays - when we are out of it. I want to get back into it. I miss the tuesday and wednesday games.

    However my support for Benitez died in 06/07 when we failed to put any pressure on the raceleaders, and we were still rotating players back and forth and nobody knew anything except Benitez. Now Benitez bought time with his CL run and made it to the final for a round 2 with A.C Milan, but in that game it was apperent that we would lose - Benitez was handstruck - he didn't know what to do? and no changes back from the bench to counter - I was fuming, so after that season I wanted Benitez out even tough he had got us to the final - I was arguing for my life on these boards. Then in 08/09 Benitez not only bought himself time, but also a 5year contract and I was devasted - I was going about - what has he proved to be earning a new 5year contract that would almost cripple the club if fired???

    and again I was arguing that Benitez should be fired - along came the season of 09/10 and a 7th place finish.

    Benitez was removed - Happy days I tought finally we can get a new manager that can take us forward - unfortunately for me it was Roy Hodgson.
    At first I was at best - sceptical and my joy for removing Benitez was clouding my better judgement, so I hoped for a miracle.
    Unfortunately the team have played terrible until today! The Napoli game wasn't either a superb performance and we got lucky on that one. But today against Chelsea we played like never before. It was a diamond solid performance!

    Hodgson for me is still a transitional manager and not in it for the long haul - so from that perspective I'll cheer for him, but I must admit I want another more tactical manager - like Joachim Löw (won't happen) or Manuel Pellegrino or maybe even F.Rikjaard - with an offensive touch of football.

    But until that happens i will still scream all my breath out for this team and cheer them on.

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  24. Jamie you just don't seem to understand.
    He's a small fish in a big pond. He is way out of his depth with his small club mentality. And his comments in the press shows it. Most recently today
    "I'm happy with 9th place..."
    Hodgson will have to work until the summer when we should bring in a bigger name who plays a more attacking minded game.

    Also

    I can't understand why he refuses to start Ngog next to Torres ? Doesn't he see what everyone else does? That everytime we've played 4-4-2 we really look a threat.
    And why wasn't Kelly or Pachecho on the bench for the Napoli game? When are they supposed to get a run in, when everyone else is injured?
    Did you realise that we played without a striker when Ngog came off? Eccleston? give me a break!

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  25. Wouldnt it be nice if the same understanding is also accorded to the much derided Lucas for his contributions in the last few games we have won. He also needs people to stand up for him.

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  26. Mate, you usually talk sense, but this time you are missing the point.

    Its not about the results. Its about the way he talks about the press, its about the philosophy, the lack of connection with the club, acceptance of poor performance and his approach to signings.

    He talks about Torres going to United (Why not just laugh it off, and say they can't afford him?)
    He said points at Everton would be Utopia (we are liverpool, surely we should be going there to win?)
    He has outed players un-necessary (saying the players can work their way up the pecking order following the northampton game, rather than encouraging the squad)
    He brought in a 68 year GK coach to change the best part of the team
    This summer, he bought Brad Jones (unnecessary), Poulsen (unnecessary), Konchesky (unnecessary) for serious money. all over 30, with no resale value and no value to the team.  He also let players like Insua and Dalla Valle go.

    The results are only the tip of the ice berg.

    Yes, he has shown he can change by acting a little better in press conferences and allowing the team to play a little more, but he still has a long way to go.

    Liverpool managers need to be special because the club is special.  We are always going to get shot at. Our manager needs to defend us, the club, the players and himself.

    I hope he turns it around and gets us into the top 4, I would be grateful. However, I still would like a 'liverpool' manager. Not necessarily a big name, but a young manager, creative and can grow and understand the club and relate to the fans.

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  27. Jamie you cannot jsut ignore the fact that Hodgsons european games have been in an inferior competition, to do so is not fair.

    Take away his European record agaisnt sub- standard European tames and it doesnt look so great

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  28. Nobody is being a traitor by being critical of Roy. Given some of the performances, our league position and the negative comments from the manager it should only be expected- it hasn't been good enough. Hopefully things will get better but I'm still not convinced- I'd be more than happy if I end up being proved wrong though!

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  29. I agree. I'm less than convinced by him but it has nothing to do with Rafa. It would be nice if we could have an article that wasn't followed by 200 comments about how much everyone loves/hates Rafa.

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  30. Sorry but I STILL do not rate Hodgson. Not the right man for the job FULL STOP. I have been going to Liverpool matches for over 25 years so I think I am entitled to my opinion. I have always thought the guy was never up to the job, I will not ever slag the guy off, but I do want him out.

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  31. It's not about being critical - I've never stated that people shouldn't criticise Hodgson.  in fact, it's just the opposite.  Criticism is one thing; calling for him to be sacked after 4 months is something else entirely.  All managers should be pulled up on their mistakes, including Hodgson.

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  32. And you don't think that Hodgson deserves more than 4 months to get all the things you mention right?  After 5 years in charge, Benitez was ranting against managers; starring in petulant press conferences ('I only want to talk about my team'); arguing with the Owners in public, criticising players in public etc.  Benitez was far worse - why does he get away with it?

    Your points about Torres and Everton are, IMO, tenuous issues you're using just so you have something to hold against Hodgson.

    Re the GK coach - what poassible difference does his age make?  Why do you focus on that?  Again, you;re clutching at straws to find stuff to hold against the manager.  Reina produced a masterclass today against Chelsea - the GK coach must be doing something right, no?

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  33. If the next 3 games produce maximum points against the lesser sides of WIGAN , STOKE and WEST HAM (All easily winable) and there is a big improvement in the manner of the wins then maybe he will start to win over the fans. But just as you did not get over excited by a few poor results and shocking performances , i like a lot of fans will not be going overboard by a few good ones.
    The fact we've beat the current champions with a decent performance will just add to the pressure on the manager if we do slip up again against another poor team . The questions will be asked again of his tactics and motivational skills (why can we do it against chelski and not the weaker teams ? ). So maybe you should hold your  ' I told you so ' till then. And if we get 25 points between now and new years day , again acheivable by a top 4 team you may start to get a good few more followers in your 'CULT OF WOY'
    These are realistic targets but i can't see them happening I DO HOPE I AM PROVED WRONG

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  34. we should finish top 4 minimum,,, just as last year we should finish top 4 minimum,,,    but we should be fighting for the title, cant see  that happenin with roy... chelsea game was 1st game i saw where we looked half decent team... and i think that was mostly due to the improvement of torres and the work of kuyt.. and poor team chelsea put out..  hodgsons managerial input is what a dozen other managers can do... he is nothin special...

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  35. Explain what you mean by tactically naive,

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  36. I'm delighted with win, and that new owner was there to see our 2 best players really perform this week, he seems to be actually interested in sport

    First half we were good today, lucky to escape with win after inviting Chelsea on for full 2nd half. If they score any time up to 90th minute anything could have happened

    Hopefully we learn to close out games like this in a manner that leaves my finger nails intact in future

    Team is buzzing now, Roy signed some older players alright, but let's not forget Meireles, he will be immense for us

    Jaimie, you didn't exactly back Roy, you just reserved judgement

    Anfield has found it's mojo again, let's make it a fortress now

    With City struggling and Tottenham juggling 2 big competitions we can really solidify top 4 spot in coming months, I do remember Jaimie predicting a top four finish to be fair

    Belief is returning, YNWA!!!

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  37. The biggest issue is that he doesn't have Liverpool in his blood and shows no sign that he will get it.  He thinks that its ok to just get along, but we want to get back to dominating.  Either you understand that or you don't.  Before the Blackpool game he said that he hadn't had a chance to look at them on DVD, it showed.  No major manager would have let that happen, let alone admit it.  He is in over his head and a few wins is not going to make him into an overnight supercoach.

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  38. You will find if Roy had Liverpool playing more like this, there would be fewer complaints.. You can see that Lucas who is often derided is suited to this type of game. Just watch him being the focal point of all the pass and move football http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ33G8r60PY . With more of this, Roy can win me over coupled with someone else doing the buying so we dont end up with the likes of Carlton Cole and other Poulsens.

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  39. Roy started so bad that by winning this few games in the premiership actually makes us look good. It's because of all the pressure (which is totally justified) he got that brought about a change in his approach and philosophie. I am still sceptical because i am of the opinion that's it's more a team effort then the brilliance (ie. managing abilities) of Mr. Hodgson. I personally will give him more time and hope he gets reborn like Fergie all those years ago. Please Jamie if everybody else was not pleased with the Liverpool team and Mr. Hogdson then surely they did something wrong and that's why they're responding. 

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  40. majestic post mate.
    totally agree.

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  41. majestic post mate.
    totally agree.

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  42. <span><span></span></span>TacklesWonLost Lucas1495 Gerrard312 Meireles422 Maxi211

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  43. Tackles stats @ the midfield.

    Lucas : made 14 tackles won 9, lost 5.
    Gerrard: made 3 tackles won 1, lost 2
    Maxi : made 2 tackles won 1, lost 1
    Merilles made 4 tackles won 2 lost 2.

    Roy played Kuyt in the middle very good decision, Kelly at right back seem to be excellent. suddenly we didnt look like a squad with no depth. left back is still suspect. Poulsen should NEVER play ahead of Lucas again. J.Cole is a luxurious player, personally I ll never start him, games like yesterday there are room for little error. Lucas and Reina put in a MOTM performance, though it went to Torres.

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  44. 1) Time to Roy to define transfer targets in January
    2) Some fans too often forget that Liverpool is founded on silverwares and league titles, and not in a fourth <<place>>.
    Oh Yes, for sure, We'll try anything to push up in the table, but "the fourth place" can't be on the earth a <<criteria>> to judge a transition reign of rebuiliding.
    If I comprend & know very well our new ownership, of course Carl Henry & New Chairman will assess Hodgson first yrs in charge according to these standards:

    - Youngsters Who breaks in the senior team
    - Signs in transfer market, and value for the CLub generated by the signs
    - Team spirit & football

    Some Who argues that Roy's position is linked to an useless "fourth place" (totally useless in a transitional campaign), They are disillusioned cultist of Rafa Benitez.

    3) "Stay Cool" with Europa, because from what I can see, We have the side, the motivations, the team spirit, and We're closing in on fundamental next stage.
    Stay Cool with Europa, because this campaign could be seriously the campaign which historically breaks the lack of silverwares and if We won the Europa League, many Rafa cultist whould become Inter's ticket holders....

    4) look at in objective way, of how Roy is getting out the best from any single player: Lucas yesterday was simply majestic, simply majestic, and I've never seen Lucas plays in a so - great style.
    Team organisation was excellent, the spirit was good, the team balance was good, nad Roy is getting out the best from any player and this is what He must do as a Manager.
    The Roy's decision to bring back Kuyt up front, has provided quality to our attacks, and an adeguate back up to Fernando.
    Some Fans are always ready to slate & blame & blast manager in an individual manner, but They are not able of admitting only one good things from Roy.
    I'm a Liverpool's Fan, I'm Pro - Liverpool, and in any times in the past We did well under Rafa's, I never had only one problem, only one problem to recognise and admit when Rafa did well, when Rafa made good decisions, when Rafa did good things.
    Any Manager should give time, respect, and He should give critics when He wrongs, and He should give awards & good opinions when He did well but some "so - called" fans are only Rafa's supporters and not Liverpool's supporters, because They are only able to splat our manager, They are not able to admit when The manager did good thing, ant They are only able to describe Rafa as "The Divinity" Who never makes an error.
    The Club comes first, and I'm disgusted and sick from the new breed of Liverpool's fans ( often They are younger than me) Who can't give respect for a self made man of english football Who deserves respect, respect in a context of respectful critics, when the critics are needed.
    Roy is only a good old self made man of football, Who never had the relations, and reccomendations of Don Fabio Capello, Rjkaard, Benitez (one job offer from Valencia FC, after He fallen out with Extremadura), Mourinho (first job was the best Porto Fc of all times).
    He's a respectful manager, with an outstanding reputation, and He doens't deserves time to prove his value, BECAUSE HE'S JUST PROVED HIS VALUE figting well in his career to establish himself as a respectful manager in any country of Europe, sorting out THE BEST from any unknown Club of these Club, working only in desperate ways, with limited resources.
    He don't needs time to prove his value, He needs time to build a future for this might Club.
    Look at the youngster Who breaks in the seniors: look at the facts.
    Spearo, Jonjio, Martin Kelly (I'm so proud of this young lad), Ecclestone: Roy is doing an outstanding work with these Youngster, He's like a father for these [...]

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  45. and What about the good assists & ball provided by Joe Cole's crosses in the near post?
    I think that, correctly, Roy aims to deliver by the quality of Joe Cole.

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  46. Europe competitions are not the same, we all know that, so you can not compare them, equally i don't think you can compare 2004 league to 2010, it is much stronger now than it was then. Back then you had 3 other top teams, now you have at least 5 and arguably 7.

    I want Roy to prove me and all the other doubters wrong coz if they do that means we are in the top 4 and things are looking up. But it will only be a better season than last if they finish 6th or higher. Also all the problems Roy had to deal with, Rafa had to deal with them, the only advantage Roy has now, is that we have new and "better" owners. Come on LFC, come on Roy! (BTW i never said Roy should be sacked, I to wanted to give the man at least till xmas and preferably the season)

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  47. A bit over the top 1990, out of the 5 buys Roy has made, Miereles looks good, Cole should be good, Konchesky is starting to step up, but i think he should only be a squad player, Poulsen is just very poor and Jones by Jaimie's standards is a poor buy (please see your list of poor Rafa buys and see Cavaleri and Carston). So i would give Roy a 2.5 out 50.

    Also Jaimie will you finally agree that Lucas isn't a bad buy?

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  48. Personally, I think J.Cole is a downgrade to Yossi Benayoun... Look at their goals, assist and holding the ball... You do not replace a player with a less productive player and expect the team to improve. Chelsea are not stupid to let J.Cole leave and replace him with Benayoun.

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  49. Jk
    Hodgson has been uninspiring thus far in his Liverpool career. Even with the win yesterday he didnt really pick the team as he had 2 late forced withdrawals in Soto and Johnson. Both of these players would probably have featured in the starting 11 if not for injury and illness.
    His summer transfer dealings are suspect i.e Konchesky and the awful Poulsen. I was against Hodgson being appointed and from what I have read in the press others where offered the job ahead of him. That said lets see how this season unfolds, maybe he can get us playing attractive football again and he does deserve time to get it right.
    PS just because I have a different opinion to you does not make my thoughts any less valid than yours

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  50. I think we are all entitle to our opinions, Some of us love Rafa but still see his faults, some of you like Roy... It is not a case of your way or my way, Anyone with a season ticket has the right to voice his/her opinion.

    My problem with Roy is as follows (And I do not expect you to agree with me as I hardly agree with you)

    1) Ferguson criticise Torres, Roy didnt say anything until after a week.
    2) Rooney had issues, Roy was talking Man U ll be interested in Torres.
    3) Not giving Insua and Aquilani a chance but buying Konchesky and Poulsen.
    4) Consistently criticising Rafa about weak squad, wastage of money etc instead of focusing on his job. (Have you heard Rafa say anything about Jose at inter?)
    In my view I think Poulsen and Konchesky are wastage of £10M. Your view is give them time, my view is this guys are 30 yrs old... You  dont suddenly start hitting form in your 30s in football, this aint accounting or law....

    Also, I have always agreed that Rafa wasted a LOT of money on buying diamonds in thr rough, but I am of the view he had too as there werent money available for the Rooneys, Essien, Valencia, Villa, Silva, of these worlds. He gambled on average players and unfortunately most didnt go well. If you look at his record buying players over £15 (Johnson, Keane, Mesharano Aquilani and Torres). for the expection of Keane the rest are good or the jury is still out. (Aquilani is doing well @ Juve, Johnson I think is decent)

    Hargraves played 4 mins and did a Michael Owen :-D :-D . Anderson and Lucas were in the same brasil under 19 team, where Lucas was the brasilian player of the tornament, Rafa just happen to pay £6M for Lucas where the Genius of old trafford paid £17M.  My points is all manager makes mistakes, Rafa's mistake are much more magnified simple because he doesnt have money to rectify the mistake immediately and the fact he is not English is also a big factor.

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  51. Yes but when those mistakes are numerous surely it's only expected that people talk about a change of manager? That sort of pressure comes with the Liverpool job. It's new territory to see so many people haver such a lack of faith in a new manager but I just see it as people weren't overly keen to start with and he hasn't really done enough to suggest that they were wrong to think that way.

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  52. I think people should be allowed to voice their opinion. I do not like Liverpool Managers that do not fully support our players. Nani was diving more than anyone else and Ferguson accused Torres. One thing for sure is Rafa wouldnt have let that go. Roy did. This is not a function of time. It is more personality, A lot of managers in the EPL are afraid of Sir Ferguson, Rafa isnt afraid of Mr Ferguson as he normally refered to him :(

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  53. Hi Jaimie

    Once again I m here trying to be voice of reason. Jamie you pick on the minority and make it seem all liverpool fans or a high number of them are like this.

    Firstly Jamie all the people that turned on hodgson were not all rafa fans. Plus after 9 games being in the bottom three for livepool were not acceptable and I believe you wrote an article at that time saying the board will only act if the team was still there in january? you would have not said that if you didnt think it was a possibility.

    Secondly you get fickle fans all over the place even at d mancs and arsenal. Wenger and Fergusons head have been called for over the year or so and these are proven managers.

    Jamie once again I appeal to you as a liverpool fan you claim to be stop driving a wedge through liverpool fans but try to reason with them. Understand thier points and counter attack them in a normal way not the harsh route which you tend to take.

    The ultimate goal is liverpool fc which you keep saying not what one jamie kanwar thinks!!!!!

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  54. <span>

    So being annoyed at a manager's start which has us in our worst league position for 50+ years is 'traitorous betrayal' and writing off players who hadn't kicked a ball for us yet is ok?
    In addition, these cult members you talk of were lambasted for stating that the team was suffering due to off the field uncertainty last year, a claim which you strenuosly denied claiming players should act professionally etc. Now, since it suits your agenda the off the field distractions have to be taken into account - in direct contradiction to what you previously said. I forgot, it is the other side who are the 'hypocrites'.
    You might want to get your compass looked at JK, would appear it is inverted.
    </span>

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  55. <span>

    So being annoyed at a manager's start which has us in our worst league position for 50+ years is 'traitorous betrayal' and writing off players who hadn't kicked a ball for us yet is ok?
    In addition, these cult members you talk of were lambasted for stating that the team was suffering due to off the field uncertainty last year, a claim which you strenuosly denied claiming players should act professionally etc. Now, since it suits your agenda the off the field distractions have to be taken into account - in direct contradiction to what you previously said. I forgot, it is the other side who are the 'hypocrites'.
    You might want to get your compass looked at JK, would appear it is inverted.
    </span>

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  56. <span>

    So being annoyed at a manager's start which has us in our worst league position for 50+ years is 'traitorous betrayal' and writing off players who hadn't kicked a ball for us yet is ok?
    In addition, these cult members you talk of were lambasted for stating that the team was suffering due to off the field uncertainty last year, a claim which you strenuosly denied claiming players should act professionally etc. Now, since it suits your agenda the off the field distractions have to be taken into account - in direct contradiction to what you previously said. I forgot, it is the other side who are the 'hypocrites'.
    You might want to get your compass looked at JK, would appear it is inverted.
    </span>

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  57. The Roy Hodgson Brigade1:22 pm, November 08, 2010

    Roy and the team have finally turned the corner, they now need to build on this run and get into the CL places. Torres, Gerrard and the rest of the players are back and firing, Lucas is playing better now under Roy than what he did under Rafa and we are seeing youngsters finally being given a chance which Rafa failed to do. Mereiles is a fantastic buy, he is going to be a great player for us, Cole will come good too. Overall the players seem to be much happier under our new management and I am greatful that we don't have to watch Rafa do anymore damage, I can guarantee that Rafa will fail at INTER. We can thank our lucky souls that Rafa will never be our manager again!!! 

    I SUPPORT LFC, NOT RAFAEL BENITEZ!!! YNWA, BUT IN RAFA'S CASE HE WILL...

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  58. Mr Kanwar. You seem to bring up Benitez name all the time. There is no correlation with Roys ability and Benitez. What Benitez did for 5 yrs is irrelevant to Roys Ability... Can you have a discussion without Benitez been part of the discussion? We do not like Roy has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with Benitez. If I remember correctly Benitez never slank off Houllier, INFACT HE INVITED HOULIER INTO THE DRESSING ROOM AT INSTABUL.  You seem to relate everythinng in the world to Benitez, I am pretty sure the Iraq war, the deficit, the Labour lose are all Rafa's fault.... 8-)

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  59. <span>Comolli, the former sporting director at Tottenham, believes Poulsen is a symptom of the old regime at Anfield in which older players with limited ability were signed instead of potential stars.

    Liverpool are yet to receive any interest in the Denmark international but expect to recoup most of their €5.2m outlay should he leave Anfield.

    Poulsen was signed as a replacement for Javier Mascherano in central midfield following the Argentina captain's €24.3m summer switch to Barcelona.

    The feeling at Anfield is that he was signed as a 'stop gap' when the club lacked the finances to invest heavily in a genuine replacement for Mascherano.
    </span>

    Thought you said we always had money Mr Kanwar !!!! We got money from Mesharano's sale but we couldnt afford to invest the money. So what is it? I am pretty sure you have an explanation for this... Cant wait to hear it... read it rather

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  60. Oh sorry... Rafa spent all the money and took the rest with him to Inter... hahaha

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  61. Got an interesting question..When we were losing it was all Rafa's fault and his weak players, now we are winning with the same players except Poulsen who has been relegated to Europa squad. Does the credit go to Rafa since its essentially still the same players he was blamed for are now winning and all the goals scored have come from players he signed except for Gerrard.
    My point is not to cause controversy but trying to stop the notion of apportioning blame to previous manager or take away success from current manager.. for example it was Houlier's team that won the champions league but its also claimed it was Rafa's fault liverpool finished 5th in the league with that same champions league winning squad.
    In reality achievements under a manager should be attributed to him i.e should we win Europa under Roy, its his success not Rafa's as well as the early season struggles being of Roy's making in much the same way Rafa took over a a team that had finished 4th and dropped one place to 5th.
    seems as if have answered myself.. :-D

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  62. I can't speak in the name of others, but last season when We're struggling I said, in many occasions, that pumpered primedonnas on the pitch, They should have share the blames with Rafa & The Owners and when Rafa, in my view, did good things, and when Rafa, in my view, had a good days at the office, I never hid to reward him.
    I never said it's only Rafa's faulth: When We lost at Wigan & Portsmouth, I was furiorus against the players.

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  63. Hmmmm, interesting, effectively Rafa left the Club with a band-wagon of pounds in his pockets..
    Approximately $6ml of pounds which could add to transfer budget of the CLub...

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  64. Roy ability has nothing to do with Rafa. We are not upset Rafa fot sacked, what we are concerned about is Roys ability. Like I have said before,

    Roy didnt respond to Ferguson accusation of Torres.
    Roy was talking up bids from Man U for Torres
    Roy bought Konchesky and Poulsen.

    These fact has nothing to do with Rafa but the man Roy himself. If you chose to make a life hating Rafa, that is your choice, we dont hate Rafa or Roy, we only want to see good players and good football... Poulsen and Konchesky aint gonna give you those at the age of 30. (Lucas was my MOTM yesterday.. another one of Rafa's flops.) 8-)

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  65. <span>whats with the intolerant blind faith in hodgson</span>

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  66. Oaky - please get over it. I have been very clear at every step of the way that those I perceive as traitors are those who actively called for Hogson to be sacked.  Criticising him is a totally different thing; that's normal.  There is, however, a difference between criticising and calling for him to be sacked 4 months into his reign. In my view, anyone who called for him to be sacked is fickle, and betrayed Hodgson. 

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  67. 1) Ferguson criticise Torres, Roy didnt say anything until after a week.  
    2) Rooney had issues, Roy was talking Man U ll be interested in Torres.  
    3) Not giving Insua and Aquilani a chance but buying Konchesky and Poulsen.  
    4) Consistently criticising Rafa about weak squad, wastage of money etc instead of focusing on his job. (Have you heard Rafa say anything about Jose at inter?)  
    In my view I think Poulsen and Konchesky are wastage of £10M. Your view is give them time, my view is this guys are 30 yrs old... You  dont suddenly start hitting form in your 30s in football, this aint accounting or law....  
    <span></span>
    You are just scraping the barrell trying to find reasons to hold against Hodgson.  None of the above warrant people calling for his head.  It's hypocrisy, pure and simple. Other Liverpool managers have done similar things but no one called for them to be sacked.
    The reasons about are not *real* reasons to be against Hodgson.  he didn't defend Torres?  Oph wait, he DID defend Torres but a week later.  How outrageous.  Sack him!
    And you're criticising Konchesky and Poulsen?!  What about all the bad buys under Houllier and Benitez?!  What about Josemi, Nunez and Pellegrino in Benitez's first season?  They were atrociuous signings - should we have been calling for his head too?
    I'm not even going to address the points - they're non-points.  It's like arguing that water is to wet, or air is dry.  Basically, focusing on the most pedantic points just to have something to complain about.

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  68. Stop telling me stop bringing up Benitez.  He is absolutely relevant to discussions abotu LFC at this moment.  Just because you don't want him discussed doesn't mean it's wrong.  It is NORMAL to compare managers, and the ultimate hypocrisy here is that the Pro-Benitez fans will bring him up at every opportunity, but when those of us who don't worship at his altar do so, you can't handle it.

    Benitez is part of LFC history; his legacy is still at the club; obviously he is going to be discussed, and if you can't handled that then that's YOUR problem.

    If everything people were saying about Benitez was positive you would no problem whatsoever with him being discussed, and this is proved on various comment threads on this site.

    And Benitez himself has continually attacked the club since he left (Owners; Purslow; Hodgson etc), so HE is leeping his name fresh in the minds of fans.

    I don't even know why I'm bothering to debate this point again - it is completely normal to discuss managers after they have left, and do various comparisons.  That is the nature of football.  Deal with it.

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  69. Who said anyone was not allowed to voice their opinion?  They are,  but then I am entitled to give my opinion too. And John, you really are quite hypocritical - a couple of posts above you were lambasting me for bringing up Benitez, and what do you in the post above? BRING UP BENITEZ.  It's okay thought, right, as it's something positive your're saying.  That's allowed.

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  70. KB - You twist my words more than anyone else on this site.

    First, there is a difference between being 'annoyed' and actively calling for the manager to be sacked.  People can be annoyed and criticise the manager till the cows come home; that's fine; it should be expected.  However, calling for him to be sacked, and personally denigrating him as part of that, is a betrayal on so many levels, not least it conflicts with a core philisophy of LFC, i.e. 'You'll Never Walk Alone'.  What happened to that kind of support Hodgson after a mere 3-4 months in the job?!  Utterly hypocritical, and as I said, a traitourous betrayal.

    Re on field performance. It's my OPINION that players should get on with the job when there's off0field turmoil.  However, my opinion doesn't mean players won't be affected; some players admitted publicly it was having an impact.  I still feel it shouldn't affect them but if it is, who am I to argue? 

    Anyway, I haven't mentioned anything about players; I mentioned the pressure HODGSON was under, and how that should be taken into account.  That is a completely different issue.

    So stop deliberately twisting my words please.

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  71.  <span>

    Liverpool-Kop, rejecting blind faith and fandom until July 2010.*
    *Although previously had certain credibility issues around coverage of Messrs Hicks and Gillette where untruths of theirs would be cited as 'mis-remembering' etc.
    </span>

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  72.  <span>

    Liverpool-Kop, rejecting blind faith and fandom until July 2010.*
    *Although previously had certain credibility issues around coverage of Messrs Hicks and Gillette where untruths of theirs would be cited as 'mis-remembering' etc.
    </span>

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  73.  <span>

    Liverpool-Kop, rejecting blind faith and fandom until July 2010.*
    *Although previously had certain credibility issues around coverage of Messrs Hicks and Gillette where untruths of theirs would be cited as 'mis-remembering' etc.
    </span>

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  74. You are entitle to you opinion. Just like I am entitled to mine.

    He didnt defend Torres, He went on criticising the ex manager (wastage) and lack of quality (Well Torres, Lucas are saving his ass not Konchesky, J.Cole and Poulsen).

    I did criticise Igor Biscan, Josemi, Nunez and Pellegrino amongst others, You cant argue as you are so Rafa Benitez focus, that seem the focus of your discussion,

    This is why the hyprocrazy really lies, You are winning to give Roy time, but you are quick to label Aquilani and Keane a failure. Well I have news for you, I never thought Keane was EVER good enough for Liverpool, so no amount of time ll convince me, I feel the same with Roy.

    The new owners were able to checkmate Roy by employing comolli, It tell you and I what they thought of Roy in the transfer market. (a word is enough for the wise). Frankly they do not respect his judgment when it comes to buying players and that decision was made IMMEDIATELY. Not need to give him like to buy crappy players like Rafa and Houllier did.

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  75. Rafa is, but Me not liking Roy has NOTHING to do with RAFA. I just do not have respect for the man as a manager based on what I have seen, you do not have to agree with me, just as I do not have to agree with you.

    J.Cole, Konchesky and Poulsen ARE NOT THE WAY FORWARD. Carra new deal at his age was also ill advised.

    I am sorry those are views, You do not have to like them.

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  76. Rafa is, but Me not liking Roy has NOTHING to do with RAFA. I just do not have respect for the man as a manager based on what I have seen, you do not have to agree with me, just as I do not have to agree with you.

    J.Cole, Konchesky and Poulsen ARE NOT THE WAY FORWARD. Carra new deal at his age was also ill advised.

    I am sorry those are views, You do not have to like them.

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  77. Rafa is, but me not liking Roy has NOTHING to do with RAFA. I just do not have respect for the man as a manager based on what I have seen, you do not have to agree with me, just as I do not have to agree with you.

    J.Cole, Konchesky and Poulsen ARE NOT THE WAY FORWARD. Carra new deal at his age was also ill advised.

    I am sorry those are views, You do not have to like them. Yup It is the nature of football, just like some fans not liking a manager for whatever reason... I ll advise you take a leaf from your own book.. DEAL WITH IT. I DO NOT LIKE ROY. 8-)

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  78. The basis of my discussion is NOT RAFA BENITEZ. It is whether I believe we have a manager capable of taking us to the next level. I just do not see it in Roy.

    I have listed some hard truth, It is up to you to see it.

    Poulsen was brought in to replace Masherano ( short or long term), Well Lucas a man you listed as a complete waste is keeping Poulsen out of the team.

    Konchesky was brought in for Insua. (if you look at most of the goals against us this season, they were crosses from the left).

    My view is if you are going to be a critic, better have a better solution, this man had a worst off solution. in those 2 players, I know you have been talking about time, You never heard criticise Merielles, He is doing his business, but you are constantly hiding behind the "time" thing, Konchesky have been in the EPL for years.. What time does he need? Time to settle in Liverpool? is the weather there different from London? I think those excuse are pitiful, HE IS SIMPLY NOT GOOD ENOUGH. Nothing to do with Rafa.

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  79. Sorry Roy wouldnt be given that luxury.. Just to let you know Comolli ll be doing most of the recruiting. The new owners have seen enough in Konchesky, J.cole and Poulsen.

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  80. Alonso probably the best distributor of passes in the EPL level, Albeola a solid right back also left. Torres was also injured. I think it is abit simplistic to blame Glenn Johnson, but you are surely entitled to your opinion.

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  81. Hahaha !!!! oh really The GK is doing something right indeed. I thought he won the best goalkeeper in the EPL a few times, I am sure his OWN ABILITY doesnt count much, Let attribute that fine safe to the NEW GK coach, afterall It is Roys mate...  How convenient.

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  82. Because of course, you don't exaggerate Jamie. "traitorous BETRAYAL" isn't an exaggeration.

    You often make some good points Jamie, but you do so in such an annoying 'told you so' 'gotcha', hyperbolic manner, that I just switch off. 

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  83. <span>

    I'm not twisting your words, am presenting them as you do and questioning them. As is my right. And I am going to do it again.
    I don't think that you stating we should all adhere to the core philosphy of YNWA is justified, given your previous in relation to past managers and current players of this football club. For you to then go on and say those who wanted rid of Hodgson are traitorous is supremely hypocritical. Do we really need to link your opinions on Johnson, Cole or Aquilani before they ever kicked a ball in anger for our club? They were certainly walking alone in your eyes. You like to call people out on their hypcorisy, you have just been called on your own.
    </span>

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  84. Jaimie I loved the way you use the word fickle there. Everyone that called for his head after 9 leagues is fickle but jamie you believing that hodgson has answered all his critics 3 leagues later is amazing.

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  85. yea... we really looked a thread in that man city away game...

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  86. What did you expect, that we would be top of the league in November?? Yes it was a bad start but now he's turning it around. We played well on Sunday and beat the champions who are currently top of the table. His signings have been mixed, Merieles has and will be good, Konchesky is getting better and is an improvement on Insua, Cole on the face of it looked like a great signing, hopefully he will come good and Poulsen is awful. Roy needs time to gel the team and get them signing off the same hymn sheet. Thats 4 wins on the trot and a steady improvement in the performances. Roy deserves a chance, just like GH and Rafa had, he's our manager, get behind him and you just never know, we might just go on a nice little run now.

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  87. I'm not really sure what all the posts on this site are supposed to prove.  Fodder for the conspiracy theorists?  A santuary for those that think they are being critical but real?  Ill advised and figure heavy articles telling people what to think?

    Who knows?

    All I know is guy, there are many better websites if you want to debate LFC and not be talked down to by the self appointed mighty editor of this site.

    And just to keep on topic, a minority of fans wanted Roy.  Many were underwhelmed by his appointment.  They wanted a top manager with a PROVEN record in the top leagues.  Unfortunately, Roy's tactical approach to matches has been appalling.  He surely must realise that when you attack you score, when you sit on your 18 yard line for whole halves or whole matches, that is how you stand a very good chance of conceding goals against inferior opposition.

    Those my friends, are facts.  Roy HAS to change his approach if we are to get anywhere.

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  88. What a pile of crap

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  89. I am puzzled that the Liverpool fan base is so divided on so many issues - some of which I find to be trivial. For example, we have given ourselves labels that mean really nothing. What is a pro-Benitez camp? If we are Liverpool fans, it is natural or even expected that we would hold Benitez in high regard. After all, he did win us the 5th European Cup.

    Hodgson is the Liverpool manager and it is natural that he may not be the choice for some Liverpool fans. We all have our opinions and some are more vocal than others. There will always be some who will articulate their views a little more assertively.

    Surely I can safely say that all Liverpool fans want the best for our beloved club. There is no right or wrong when it concerns having an opinion on a very important issue - and having the right manager for Liverpool FC is important to Liverpool fans.

    One of the things I did not like about Benitez was the way he had divided the club by playing out his differences with the management in public. That was naughty. What goes on the boardroom should remain there within the four walls.

    Hopefully with better results, Liverpool fans will put aside their differences and support the team.

    You'll Never Walk Alone...

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  90. I found over the years most Liverpool fans to be loyal to our managers loyalty is a great asset, as Liverpool fans are great fans.
    As a club the fans have been spoilt like a fat kid in a candy store as they have had some great managers.
    But blind faith in any manager is too much to ask any fan and the question i pose to you Jamie is, do you really think Roy is the man to attract the best young talent and develop it, and can he sustain a long tenure to take this team forward?
    If your answer to any of these is no then maybe we should be looking for another manager.

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  91. Jaimei you bang on about "Pro Rafa Cults" but what's the first thing you do when you attempt to defend Hodgson? You bring Benitez into the argument; don't you think that's just a tad hypocritical?

    How the heck can anyone "betray" someone they don't support in the first instance Jaimie? Please answer me that.

    Betrayal: "the breaking or violation of a presumptive contract, trust, or confidence."

    I admit I don't believe Hodgson is the future for us and I believe it's a matter of time before he leaves - once NESV have their house in order I suspect, but how you can accuse people of "betraying" Hodgson is ridiculous, If I didn't agree with his appointment in the first place it's impossible for me to have betrayed him - simples.

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  92. I was not sure about the appointment of Roy Hodgson, and I still not 100% convinced, however as each game comes and goes I am starting to think otherwise.

    I feel that his appointment was as a stop gap during the sale of the club, the last thing we needed was a manager who could not help himself running to the media every 5 minutes and we needed somebody to bring order to chaos so to speak.

    Even now Rafa is making a fool out of himself in the media, especially before the CL games against spurs. 

    However, as Roy is our manager, regardless of my concerns, I will always support him and give him time to make the team his own.

    I know many people have called to have him replaced but my argument is replace him with who?

    I have already pointed out in a previous post that some of the names being linked with the managers job at Liverpool is laughable.

    Its okay to criticise a manager, that is to be expected, but to actively shouting for him to be given the sack after only 3 - 4 months is just plain stupid. 

    For me it is down to Roy Hodgson to convince me that I was wrong about him and that he deserves to be Liverpool Manager and that will be at the end of the season.

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  93. I COULD NOT AGREE MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  94. Jamie, firstly, great site. I like the content and the somewhat debatable issues you raise. 

    Unfortunately I am not a Hodgson fan. I predicted that LFC would be way off where they should they day he was appointed. I don't believe that he is a tactically astute manager and IMO I think he employs "negative" tactics. That was how Fulham got where they were in the EL last year. They parked the bus, and took their chnaces against appositions that "underestimated them"

    What is negative tactics? Well, I think it's similar to what we were seeing in LFC prior to this refreshing resurgence in the league (and in the 2nd half vs Chelsea). Look where Torres had been attacking from for the majority of the game vs Blackpool. We were constantly being pushed back into our own half with the midfield acting as a 2nd bank of defense. That's negative tactics. Liverpool have traditionally "owned the midfield", players like Gerrard, Alonso and Masch were able to invoke a counter attack by pushing the opposition back into their half and then feed our attack with a something they could use. Invariably it would come off a bit of Torres brilliance in using his skills to bamboozle the defense and score. He can't do that from midfield.
    Our current attacking options are limited and I put that down to a manger who simply does not have the demeanor to take risks and do things differently or  creatively, like a Mourinho or a Guardiola might, to do something completely out of character, essentially, to take a risk looking for attacking options. I'll happily take whatever crit I get for this opinion, because if I'm wrong, so be it, but that's what I see. Her's an article that describes a bit of what I'm saying but seemingly places more emphasis on the lack of wingers, which is probably another perspective.

    http://tomkinstimes.com/2010/10/wheres-it-going-wrong/

    I really do hope LFC do well, and I hope Roy takes the team to achieve great things. Sadly, that's in my heart, but my mind is telling me something different....  

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  95. Why not use Johnson as a left wing?<span> </span>

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  96. Hi Ivardj - Betrayal can definitely be non-traitourous; it's all in the mindset.  You cna betray someone inadvertently, without malicious intent; you can betray someone for the greater good (needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one etc); Then there's Hodgson's betrayal, which has been conducted maliciously by some fans, and with complete unreasonableness (IMO).

    A 4 game winning streak is great but I agree that it's doesn't mean the problems are over.  The run needs to continue, and then we can really begin to feel confident.

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  97. Totally agree James; Johnson is a defensive liability.  Sell him, or keep him as a winger.

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  98. 'traitorous BETRAYAL' is an accurate description.  For a fanbase that preaches togetherness and 'you'll never walk alone' denigrating the manager to the extent of calling for him to be sacked is a betrayal. 

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  99. Can you add the performance of Roy Evans also? How did he do during the first 20 games?

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  100. Hi Alfred - I'll do that after tonight's game.

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  101. Jamie,

    "I'm not even going to address the points - they're non-points.  It's like arguing that water is to wet, or air is dry.  Basically, focusing on the most pedantic points just to have something to complain about."

    Which pretty much sums up your own arguments. All I will say is google your own name (you probably do this everyday anyway, being the narcissist you are), it's not very complimentary.

    You're not from Liverpool, you're not a Liverpool fan, you don't get Liverpool, just like Roy. The sad thing for you personally Jamie, is you can say whatever you like about Liverpool, its staff and its followers, but you will NEVER be in a position to betray Liverpool, because you are not, and never will be one of us. 

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  102. The opening paragraph of your post should actually go like this:

    The treatment of Liverpool by Roy Hodgson has been a disgrace this season. It's been catalogue of team ridicule, character assassination and professional denigration, combined with repeated attempts for the club to be relegated. This site is the *only* Liverpool site that has been disillusioned by Hodgson 100% since day one, and actively challenged people calling for clubs rescue. <span></span>

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  103. Ok, I am afraid, the time has come. Against stoke, no player looked like they wanted to play - we need the correct change, NESV have to appoint their own man. We need a change, and fast. One word - SPIRIT. The fans, the players and the management have none. Our club is a mess.

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