17 Apr 2015

Fantastic News: 'Outstanding' £125k-a-week attacker wanted by LFC decides to sign for Arsenal. Bullet-dodged!

Rejoice! After months of having nightmares about James Milner signing for Liverpool, and jolting awake in the dead of night with a skin-crawling cold sweat at the prospect of such a heinous transfer, it appears that salvation is finally on the horizon.

Liverpool have been constantly linked with Milner this year, and in March, The Mirror delivered the following distressing news:

* Milner will 'quit Manchester City this summer' and 'sign for Liverpool'

* Liverpool will pay Milner £125k a week.

* Milner has allegedly been 'assured by Liverpool' he will play in Gerrard's soon to be vacated central midfield role.

Intensely disturbing stuff, but according to The Independent today:

* Arsenal is Milner's preferred destination this summer.
* Milner has 'made up his mind' to sign for Arsenal.
* The Gunners are set to offer him a 4-year deal.

Phew (!) Arsene Wenger rides in to save the day at the eleventh-hour. Bravo, my son. Bravo.

I hope this is true as I simply cannot conceive of a world where Liverpool pays James Milner £125K+ per-week. The idea is nauseating, and it's anyone's guess why an average British footballer nearing the end of his career is worth that much.

Plus, the idea that Milner is capable of filling the Gerrard void is laughable, and it's arguably even more ludicrous than this infamous pearl of wisdom from Gerrard himself:

"[Lionel] Messi can do some amazing things, but anything he can do Joe [Cole] can do as well, if not better"

I loathe the growing idea that Liverpool will somehow be 'missing out' if the club fails to sign Milner. That's certainly the feeling I get from (some) fans, but if that's genuinely the case, then's it's depressingly indicative of how far standards have fallen at Anfield.

I appreciate that Milner has his supporters amongst the Reds fanbase, but if the apex of Liverpool's post-Gerrard ambition is an average, 29-year old bit-part player at Man City, then serious questions need to be asked.

Liverpool will not progress with a player like Milner. Did similarly over-valued British players like Downing, Carroll, and Lallana help the club move to the next level? Not in the slightest. He may be free, but Milner will expect to play regularly, and the Reds can do infinitely better in his position.

Author:


116 comments:

  1. No more half assed shyte... we need to show some ambition... James Milner pff

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  2. Joe Cole is probably the best player to have ever graced a football pitch. His skills are clearly unmatched.

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  3. No, you have him. We don't want him.

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  4. what a legend... how did we ever not sign that guy?
    BEST!

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  5. Yeah.. too many good ones left..

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  6. Simon Brauner Cave2:19 pm, April 17, 2015

    We couldn't, it would be rude. No, really, you have him.

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  7. I don't know. It would be a steal at £125 per week.Sure you won't reconsider?

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  8. Where's Original Chan?

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  9. You just feel like punching him in the face but then you realise it's not really his fault...

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  10. ---------Can--Skrtel--Lovren
    Sterling-------------------------Moreno
    -----------Lucas-----Henderson
    ---------Gerrard----Coutinho
    --------------Balotelli

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  11. Never made sense for Milner to be here from a wage standpoint.


    A good player, but he's not someone to whom we should allocate a large chunk of our budget for next year.


    In my opinion, we need to go all out for one or two stud players in the transfer market, and start bringing the younger academy players through. It's risky and most likely unrealistic.


    That's not to say the Jordan Rossiter's of the world will be playing every week, but I'd rather see us give the kids a shot more frequently.

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  12. Anteater and many others..

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  13. Messi is the Argentinian Joe Cole

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  14. JK, I appreciate the sarcasm in this one.

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  15. Where'd they all go?

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  16. By far the oldest joke ever

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  17. I heard the sunshine got in his eyes

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  18. Not as old as your mum *mic drop*.
    Sorry...

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  19. I suspect that this site wasn't working for them and wasn't easy finding one that would. Though maybe Anteater could be ngctc.. Sorry Anteater, just kidding..

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  20. I don't think it's a need to stay positive as much as it's a need to stay realistic.


    I don't have a problem with someone having a negative opinion. Admittedly, I think Logan can be a bit too negative at times, but that's his opinion and he's certainly entitled to it.


    The real question that Logan's point brings up is:


    How can FSG justify giving Rodgers (or the transfer committe or whoever is making these transfer decisions) another pot of gold to spend? Our transfer record since Rodgers has been here has been downright abysmal.

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  21. I accept It for this time, but you should take care making such jokes. They could hit the wrong person

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  22. I'll see myself out.

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  23. Nevermind :-)

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  24. I agree, though perhaps Flanno instead of Manquillo at RB.

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  25. Give or take a few mistakes, Rogers is doing pretty good with the players we have. If Rodgers goes, are we guaranteed to get a manager who can attract quality/better players? A lot of the top managers need a full team of top quality players and are afraid to ruin their reputations with a project that may be to big of a challenge.

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  26. You said "Rodgers is buying young players but overlooking the academy". My point is that the 12 players he has brought through/used from the academy are not his players so how does your comment make sense?

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  27. That's the point I made yesterday.


    There simply aren't any better realistic alternatives at this point.

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  28. Ask if Balo was a better signing that Welbeck.


    Milner is another astute signing by Wenger, one that strengthens his team in various positions and will allow him to have rotation or injuries and not be too affected. We on the other hand will likely pay twenty million for a player that won't perform as well. Yes bullet dodged indeed.

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  29. The "stud player" is a pipe dream. Unfortunate but true.

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  30. Yes that is what I said. Why did we have to sign Markovic when we had Ibe and Suso? Ryan McLaughlin, Wisdom and Kelly but brings in Manquillo? Moreno when we had Brad Smith?


    How many minutes have Branagan, Williams and Rossiter played this season in the EPL or other competitions? Please give me a break.


    What does not make sense?

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  31. There you go again: popping balloons.

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  32. Mr. Point Of View3:50 pm, April 17, 2015

    Wenger try to fill void of aging rosicky and english player quota. Wise move for wenger.

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  33. Well, here's the way I look at it:


    In order to convince a "stud player" to come here, we're going to need to offer more money than anyone else. We are most likely not going to be a title contender or in Champions League.


    And in order to maintain some sort of financial stability, we can't go out and buy 8 players including a stud. So my idea is to go out and buy one or two studs, and invest our money in two "stud players" instead of 8 good players.


    If we offer enough money, we'll get the player.


    Of course, that's putting all our eggs in one basket, but with the way things have gone in terms of our transfer market success (or in this case, lack thereof), we're better off going all in on someone like a Higuain or Reus (merely examples), instead of trying to find the next up and coming Slovakian teenager.

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  34. Mate, FSG will do what they feel is necessary and I doubt Rodgers job is safe especially after all the money he has spent.


    They would have has since December to do their homework when Rodgers said back then that his head was on the chopping block.


    It will be very naive to believe FSG are just taking this season with a pinch of salt when CL football is of vital importance to a club like LFC, especially when it has to keep up revenue wise with the teams ahead of us.


    Is Rodgers going to get us into the top four next season or challenge for the title next season? Do you see FSG already being rewarded of more 'transition excuses'?

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  35. yes... from 30,000 feet above.


    The ground hurts

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  36. You've been great. Don't forget to tip you waitress!

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  37. You see, the question FSG would have been asking themselves from December last year is if Rodgers possibly will fail to get a CL spot this season after spending almost £120m then how on earth is he going to get top 4 next season when he ain't going to have that much to spend again.


    The teams ahead of us will all strengthen and we will have Rodgers next seasson still trying to figure out what style of football he wants to go with after selling his 180 page Dossier to FSG about a style of football that has failed miserably from day one.


    Good salesman Rodgers is, that I tell you ;-)

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  38. Who starts these rumours? Liverpool have been linked with just about every player going. All just speculation by people that don't know anything.
    My opinion is FSG will decide if they're going sack Rodgers (hopefully) or not (worst case) before deciding on who to bring in. Funny how Klopp has announced his desire to manage in the prem, bet FSG are thinking about it.

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  39. The point is any manager can spend millions of dollars but if no quality players want to come here, it is going to be hard to compete.

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  40. Ah yes so the solution is just to stick with Rodgers then?


    Like I said, FSG would have done their homework by now and will do what they feel necessary so let's see how it all pans out by the end of the season.

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  41. Milner is a good solid player who does his job well, and without moaning ... He's a CM being forced to play out wide and on occassion RB.... He does it all to a decent level.... He is just not flashy or fashionable.... Much like MaCallister was.....but look how much he brought to the team....People need to realise we need good solid dependable players in the team, not a team full of glitzy error prone soon to be stars....Milner is a good player and LFC would do well to sign him....

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  42. We could offer £125 +£1 per week

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  43. I disagree with DerBaumMann, that was a classic and will never get old..... Bravo..

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  44. I can tell you're undecided

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  45. This the line up for Balotelli LFC testamonial....

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  46. The sarcasm is strong with this one.

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  47. agreed, but not for 125k a week

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  48. Milner is so bad that City want him to stay and Arsenal want him...

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  49. Could be difficult though to bring someone in if they have already decided to Keep BR.......

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  50. sterling at rwb doesn't work and he won't like it

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  51. We could sign John Terry for that....

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  52. It's one of my favourites. Like an old friend who keeps coming round again and again and ,,,,,

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  53. I think we should stand back and offer to hold their coats,


    No seriously for the right money he would be a good buy I agree with Stan and you on this one.

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  54. Echoes my thoughts on the matter

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  55. We must not get too excited anyway - F S G will not be spending much this year - Stadium too expensive - we will be great again but not for 3 seasons

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  56. Taking a bit of a risk leaving Mig on the bench but what the hell it could confuse villa.

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  57. The stdium money is all taken care of, and doesn't affect what the club can spend on transfers, Ian Arye's words... Maybe Sponsorship deals etc......

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  58. As long as that's not Autumn Winter and Spring

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  59. How did I miss that one.... ?

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  60. He'll be so high he won't even know he's at Wembley let alone what position he's playing.

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  61. Well, the easy counter is that he'll claim that he needs another year because of all the new faces.


    I personally don't buy that.


    I also don't think Rodgers goes. But considering we spent so much, there has to be some level of change to the organizational structure. I'm just not sure what that will be.

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  62. I'm sure FSG will have done their homework.


    And that homework will show that there really isn't a better realistic option at this point to replace him.


    In my opinion.

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  63. Liverpool wanted Carroll and Downing; doesn't make them world-beaters.

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  64. Agreed. Agreedy fcuk

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  65. Told you I wasn't. What's on 2 May?

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  66. It is both good and frightening to know I've set such high standards for myself. I shan't let you down again, Mann.

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  67. In the big scheme of things the guy is just so reliable; week in, week out he would give you what you expect.


    I saw the champs league games this week and granted the level of those players is very good, skill wise, the real thing that seperates is the ability to produce continuously and under pressure....


    Though I hate to admit it Wenger did it with sanchez and now with Milner.... he is built for the champs league and any kind of tough end of season run in......coool head, composure and work ethic; we practically have one maybe two players at the very most in our team who give us that......


    So yeah, JayJay bullet dodged indeed..........

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  68. ...beats Johnson, I suppose.

    (forgive the unfortunate choice of words).

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  69. That's the point mate we are not going to United the situation as we are not in a United type financial situation.


    I get your idea and agree on the whole but I just don't see it happening.

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  70. May I echo that too......


    ....and add that its about time our team had more role models like Milner for the young guys to follow; he finds fitness, enjoying the freedom all that dosh brings and football success enough to give him the highs he needs.......

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  71. Milner would have been a great addition. Goddamn Ayre!!

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  72. Has the 'elephant in the room' already been discussed elsewhere on this site or have I missed something.....?


    I love Brendan Rodgers and his vision for us ......but....Jurgen Klopp just said he's leaving Germany for his preference England......?!?!


    Just asking but how come jaimie hasn't jumped on this and got a full-throated discussion going on the topic.....?


    Has anyone any views bearing in mind that Klopp took a half-arsed team to two bundesliga championships and umpteen champs league games .....and gave everyone a run for their money......


    Do FSG want that kind of man at the helm now ? are they cut and chop merchants like at city or chelsea...?


    Anyone got any words of wisdom......?

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  73. Careful. You are summoning Logan.

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  74. You say that in a way that makes me think of ouija boards and weird looking floor symbols...... :-)

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  75. Not far off track.

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  76. I agree on your point with Manquillo (especially as he is on loan!)
    I did see more in Suso than Markovic but BR obviously doesn't.
    A new left back was needed so I'm ok with More signing.

    I still think you've missed the point though, these players are proof of Liverpool's improving route from the academy to first team. They might not be all massive success stories but more are getting chances.

    I said that this was one area of our club that I thought was performing better than Chelsea. You argued that it wasn't better but have still failed to compile a similar list to back up your argument.

    If you do compile a similar list I will hold my hands up and say fair play to you. I may be incorrect about Chelsea as I've not researched them but there are not many names that spring to mind with them

    Terry and Carton Cole were both in Gerrard and Carragher's era. Patrick Bamford is comparable to Sinclair I suppose. Josh McEachran is similar (ish) to Rossiter but Rossiter has still got a chance to break through.

    There you go I've started it for you :)

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  77. Oh dear...,


    Mmmmm, I'm starting now to get an idea of the dynamics of this place......


    Although sometimes it seems as though some posters are.....how do I say this......mmmm.....singular entity with multiple personalities.....


    but then I am not Sherlock.....

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  78. Was only joking. I like Logan, but I tend to disagree with his stance on Rodgers.
    On the topic of multiple personalities: We're all mad here. Particularly one. I won't mention his name, but you seem clever enough to crack the code without assistance.

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  79. You are too kind Bob, Too kind....;-)


    If madness is a kind of prerequisite, I feel I could fit right in then......

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  80. In that case, pull up a chair and stay a while.
    As to your original post, I believe a thread concerning such exploded in one of the articles that was released the day Klopp announced he would leave BVB. Was that yesterday...?

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  81. Ps. What do you think then?


    Is there anything we should be worried about, behind the scenes I mean....Jurgen Klopps refusal to take a sabbatical and preference for England....is Brendan in trouble..?


    Personally I wouldn't have thought so but I'm not as clued up or well versed as you guys so assistance is necessary.....

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  82. Oh, cool thanks Bob...


    I'll check it out.....

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  83. I personally don't believe Rodgers is going anywhere. I think he's in it for the long haul. I've no evidence to back this up. Just a gut feeling.
    I would like to see Klopp as manager of Liverpool someday, but not at the expense of BR.

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  84. I admire rabble rousers. The status quo needs shaking up sometimes. Also, Arnie was cool.

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  85. He said City and Arsenal, not Liverpool.

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  86. I think it would have been so much easier if BR was rubbish or had let us all down somehow...


    But his philosophy, style, the way he stands up for the club; the way he refuses to be broken or give up is reminiscent of halcyon days gone by...


    So yeah, I must admit Klopp is someone I very much admire but its certainly not a decision I would make right now; if not for a totally non-producing front-line we would be resting easy in second or third by this time...


    I heard somewhere that we buy players by committee and they have a distinct preference for buying youth to sell on ie. not anywhere near finished article - if so then even more reason to keep BR cos he's one of the absolute best at bringing, educating and nurturing young players...

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  87. We weren't fending off city and Arsensl for their signatures though

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  88. Moreno would not be in my 11 . We conceded half the goals from his mistakea or poor defending

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  89. He he. Floyd Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao. The biggest fight between two has beens since the, ahem, Gerrard testimonial.

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  90. Agreed on all points. The policy of solely buying potential is a little frustrating. With Gerrard leaving, we need to bring in mature, experienced players with leadership quality. Hope we're able to do that over the summer.

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  91. ......And we come full circle......


    .....Milner....

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  92. Things I hear our fans saying about Milner are things opposition fans say about Henderson. Both are far better than those fans give them credit for, and like you say, they are dependable and give a team stability.

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  93. But Liverpool Is bigger than both, City and Arsenal together

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  94. Cheers, I believe in you

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  95. That was fast. Ask and ye shall receive, DinMan.

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  96. Pipes and balloons its either Hogmanay or an average might round at Raheem's

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  97. I even looked it up saw the fight and STILL didn't make the connection, Doh!

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  98. Boy oh boy,


    I knew there was magic in me......


    ...or was that a song....?

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  99. Hey thanks for the news Gene..

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  100. A storm is a brewin

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  101. The point is on the good judgement on players transfers. And of course we are.

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  102. Simon Brauner Cave11:18 pm, April 17, 2015

    Bob, I'd love to take him off your hands but you know I think he's special and you should have him. He's just adorable.

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  103. I think that clause is only applicable to players over a certain age (I think it's 28 yrs) so that's not an option for Sterling

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  104. Simon Brauner Cave11:22 pm, April 17, 2015

    You sneaky guy with your silver tongue. I say Satan get behind me! Milner must buy a house in Liverpool, no in a village in Cheshire just to one side of Liverpool so he can commute easily back and forth from games making no difference to the result. Please take him.

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  105. Simon Brauner Cave11:22 pm, April 17, 2015

    No, no, really you first. He's all yours.

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  106. Too old and a down grad on any player.... milner should go to southampton ant least he would have regular game time....

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  107. Anteater was banned I think...

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  108. Oh and by the by, I went back to that conversation we had and nowhere did I "argue Liverpool's route from academy to first team was no better than Chelsea"



    The argument was that we have not brought many of our OWN players through the academy since Carra and Gerrard and those who have been given a few minutes here and there look far from establishing themselves as 1st team players.


    Just because a player from our academy gets let's say 15 minutes on the pitch and then is not seen again does not mean he has broken into the first team.

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  109. Haha sounds like you're back-tracking!

    What actually counts as one of our own? These days kids are bought even younger, rarely does a player come up through all age groups.

    Is John Terry classed as 'one of their own' with Chelsea? He was bought from West Ham's academy.

    You say "Just because a player from our academy gets let's say 15 minutes on the pitch and then is not seen again does not mean he has broken into the first team"......well technically it does! However I did make that point to you but argued that Chelsea youngsters don't even get that chance.

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  110. Happens to best of us Stu, so I wouldn't know what it feels like!

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  111. Wasn't he a real sniper and pain in the a r s e..

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