5 Jun 2015

Revealed: Rodgers' view on 'wonderful' Milner, plus Carra/Lawro and 7 other ex-Reds (past and present)

It's over twelve hours since Liverpool publicly confirmed the signing of Manchester City star James Milner, and after checking the club's twitter feed, I'm dismayed to learn that it wasn't all a horrible nightmare; the deal is actually happening, and as of July 1st, Milner will officially be a Liverpool player.

I've offered reasons why this transfer is bad for Liverpool many times, so to add balance, here is a selection of opinions on Milner from Liverpool players past and present, and LFC boss Brendan Rodgers.

Twitter reaction:

Neil Mellor: "Excellent signing to start the summer business off at Liverpool with the arrival of in demand James Milner".

Phil Thompson: "Very happy the deal for Milner is completed,good player good pro and hopefully more quality signings to follow"

Luis Garcia: "Very good signing for LFC, summer transfers started well for the Reds".

Past views on Milner:

Brendan Rodgers: "James is a wonderful player. He's an outstanding footballer, and has been since I saw him at Leeds as a young player, but players are linked here regularly by Agents"

Jamie Redknapp: "He [Milner] is such a good all-rounder, as his stats show, and helps Man City’s homegrown quota. But he wants to play. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up at Liverpool in a high-energy midfield with Jordan Henderson".

Jamie Carragher: "Milner's main strength is his engine. His best position is tucked in from the right in a central role which is also Jordan Henderson's, so it'll be interesting how those two fit into next year's midfield set up".

Mark Lawrenson: "He [Milner] is a consummate pro. He’ll track back and help out, and he is just so dependable".

Graeme Souness: "I really like him [Milner]. He’d be one of the first on the team sheet for me — both at Man City and with England. He’s improved greatly in his time at City. Apart from being a workaholic, he’s now added quality to his game"

Gary Gillespie: "He [Milner] is a manager's dream. He doesn't upset the apple cart, and you know what you're going to get. He doesn't really catch the eye, but he works his socks off, and doesn't get the rewards he deserves".



Tony Evans, the football Editor of The Times (and Liverpool fan), is not impressed with the Milner transfer, and throughout the day, he tweeted the following:

"I like Milner. But could you imagine him being the highest paid player at any other club with CL ambitions? At any age, never mind 29? He's good player. But if he went to Arsenal, would he be top earner? Think what it says about LFC.

"And get over this 'he cost us nothing' bullshit. Like Joe Cole cost nothing on 140k a week. Oh, and another thought for the 'he's on a free' gang. What does Sterling think today? It makes you think about how resources are being used.

"The signing tells us number of things 1) 'philosophy' does not exist. Which is not a bad thing. But it is concern there is no coherent plan. 2) Short-termism is back. They [FSG] want to get into the CL asap. Probably to make the 'asset' more attractive to buyers. 3) There's a recognition that young teams struggle without leaders. Thought still think 150k per week is expensive for a babysitter.

"Recruitment process at LFC is flawed at its heart. The money has been spent badly, though. Too many short cuts. The thought process of owners has changed from a long to medium term plan to short to medium. Sale not imminent but now sooner than later.

"The concern is that Rodgers will start season with a squad he doesn't believe in. Is he pragmatic enough to make it work? He did for a spell last season but then it fell apart"


As I warned in my earlier article:


Author: Jaimie K


151 comments:

  1. Theycallmemrburt12:41 am, June 05, 2015

    when he moved into central midfield under Martin O'neil at Villa during the second half of the 2009/2010 season I though it was a master stroke. He was a throw back to old box to box midfielders who could actually finish AND most crucially never emptied the midfield to leave his midfield partner with all of the defensive work. If he can rekindle that Villa form we have a real player on our hands who will give us drive, thrust, goals and tactical discipline. Good signing for me. I just pray his legs don't suddenly go on him this year like it did with Morientes, Staunton, poulsen and Joe Cole at round about the same age.

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  2. The time for short termism was LAST year. pay a bundle and replace Suarez, get a new Masch, and a new Sami.
    Get CL football. Forget the CL, neither the team nor the manager had the knowledge to win it anyway. Focus should have been top 4 to deny Utd and give us equal terms against rival clubs when trying to sign players

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  3. What have you got against the owners? There is absolutely no indication that they want to sell.

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  4. Tony Evans' words, not Jaimie's...

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  5. Yes I like J.M He is a very good player, Like Shanks used to say GIVE ME A TEAM THAT CAN RUN FOR 90 mins AND WE WILL WIN ALL BEFOR US, Well we have 2 now with Hendo. Sorry 3 forgot Lallana

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  6. Tony Evans' disapproval actually makes me more confident in Milner as a signing. Evans a bitter windbag and, more simply, a twat.

    I think that Milner's transfer can be viewed in all kinds of deep ways, but I think we won't really be able to properly judge its significance until the summer's business has concluded (which still precludes having seen him play!). If indeed this is our big marquee signing, then I'm inclined to side with the doom-mongers, but I think there is certainly a place for Milner in the squad. We just need to compliment him with the right players and some players with a bit more craft and flair and above all, end-product.

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  7. Also The Fly is very good.

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  8. 4eva LFC, LFC 4eva1:17 am, June 05, 2015

    I give you a team that can run for 90min and then you and your team can chase my team around the pitch and pick the ball out of your goals all day.
    Goals win games in football not marathon runners. It might have been ok back in the day but i'm sorry times have changed and so has the game and we are not keeping up.

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  9. Even for all those anti-FSG arguers out there that say their profit driven, a sale in the next two years would make no sense. They've put a ton of $$ into the club, and their just starting to get it back. If the sell, they'd be in the hole, would they not?

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  10. A one litre bottle of the highest quality vodka:


    a) It's a brilliant night out...


    b) It's a fruity but dry oaky excellence, with a combination of flavours that one must try at least once in a lifetime even if it is £20 a shot - ie. all about the taste....


    OR
    c) It's an alcoholic's nightmare...


    It all depends how you look at it - and its the same with Milner...
    ...we acn say all the negatives we like and to be truthful lots of the points are valid in a certain set of circumstances and set of criteria..


    ..but right now we have played really sh*t for a whole season and the reality is we have been punching above our weight class for a while, when others have had major and I mean major investment...


    ...and even if we have spent commensurate with other similar placed or even slightly better placed teams isn't it about time we opened our eyes and accepted we need certain elements in our team to get back to punching above our weight again...


    ..personally i think milner fits that perfectly, we lacked consistency last year from a number of players, we lacked cool headedness for the last three years at least esp end of 2013/14...and against Man U this time...., we lacked someone with the discipline to hold the ball up-field while the defense had teh chance to gather themselves before onslaught after onslaught from cra**y teams below us making us look a joke...
    if milner can start the process of shoring up part of the lack of team cohesion witnessed from this year then so be it....
    ...further if we'd had bought milner for 26mill five years ago and then paid him 5mill a year everyone and their budgie would be going on about it - because according to Jaimie the stats don't lie yet we bag on about buying players in their prime - well he was 25 years old then - now at 29 he has experience and a clean lifestyle along with teh same work ethic that suarez and SG had for us...that can only be good for the team...
    .....sometimes the glory goes to the one with the most show....and the 'water-carrier' gets missed out or looked over...but we at LFC need that right now...
    ..notwithstanding we also need a class striker, but that shouldn't take away from this addition; I for one believe its needed...


    ...I don't really care about being proved wrong or right - that is something others bother about more from an ego point of view - I'm more concerned about our team getting the approval and support it needs as of now to start winning as soon as we hit the ground next season.......

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  11. According to BR we got top Brit striker Lambert and top Italian striker Mario...!!

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  12. Any team that whipped LFC 6-1 can't lack ambition!! ;)

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  13. With Milner and Henderson in the middle, does that mean the back 3 is back on again? Where does that leave Can? Will we play a 3-5-2?
    I don't see the problem with signing an experienced free transfer, versatile player but it depends who else is joining the party. If Milner and Ings are the only players coming in that tells you that Rodgers hasn't been trusted with any money and will be gone before Christmas.

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  14. 4eva LFC, LFC 4eva1:44 am, June 05, 2015

    I will say it I agree with you JK Milner is a bit part player, all though i would like to see him play consistantly from the start and all 90min i just fear that if this is all the ambition BR has for us then we are in serious trouble and Milner and Hendo can run all day and night but it won't make a difference.
    Sorry but Stan tried to compare James effort against Bayern to SG, as true LFC supporters can we not please insult arguable our greatest player.

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  15. 4eva LFC, LFC 4eva1:59 am, June 05, 2015

    I really can't get excited abou t Milner but i am happy he is willing to choose us over a new contract, i would like to know how much he will be payed though, because 150k is a slapp in the face for the likes of Skrtel who apparently does not like his new contract offer.

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  16. Excellent signing maybe but BR is likely to player him out of position in DM

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  17. Anyone that thinks James is a bad signing is a freaking idiot, just saying.

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  18. Jensen Huddleston2:28 am, June 05, 2015

    First of all, I wasn't comparing any strikers to a midfielder. I was stating who I feel should be our priority signings. Does he help us score more goals? No evidence to support that. Yes, worst decision ever is hyperbole but if 150k a week is normal as you claim, why isn't anybody else on LFC making this already, free or not. He is now our highest paid player and one who I feel will have little impact on our success so the wage is not justified. I agree he brings experience but not much else that we need and what he does bring shouldn't cost 150k a week. Competition or not, 150k a week should get you more especially with limited means to add to the squad.

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  19. You silly boy, Back in the day we Did win All and scored goals and we ran teams off the park, Back in the day we won the league with teams of runners, not anymore with all these premaddona's with no heart.

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  20. Jamie, I think you're totally wrong here;
    1. Milner is coming for free which justifies the higher compensation. (MC we're going to pay him 165K)
    2. Your stats don't take into account the importance of his goals/assists which happen to come at crucial times.
    3. He's a work horse
    4. He'll add steal and experience to a young team especially with Gerrard leaving
    5. With FFP rules we need to maintain a quota of English players. We're set to lose 3 of those this summer.
    Taking all of this into consideration and the fact he came on the free I think LFC did a shrewd piece of business here. Not saying this is the signing we all dream about, but a decent signing nevertheless. I also like the idea he took a pay cut in order to play more. Maybe there's another English player at LFC who can learn from this...

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  21. With Torrez and Suarez we could strike fear into many top European teams.... but let us not forget we're talking midfield here. That successful team that won the European Cup TEN years ago also included in midfield quality players like the 'inspirational' Igor Biscan, the 'amazing' Harry Kewell and lets not forget the 'dynamic' Nunez. Granted they were not first choice, but they could never be considered top players who would promote fear in an opposition player. And don't get me started on Djimi Traore!!


    The harsh reality, FSG are running the club like a business. They want the spending to be contained within earnings and they will not finance any lavish squad development. They will expand the stadium, demonstrate they have done a great job, with increases revenues, reduced debt and healthy EBITDA... and sell up for a nice profit. Does it matter if the club wins anything? No, they just need to remain competitive at the top end of the league, progress in a cup or two and keep the viewing public interested. As a fan, its sad to see this once mighty european powerhouse become relegated to the same sort of level as Spurs... But with the commitment to stick with Rogers and the transfer committee for another season demonstrates where the owners priorities lie...


    Are there any sheikhs or oligarchs left who want to buy a club, or shall we start to loo enviously at West Ham too?

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  22. Sorry, but I don't think I've ever heard of someone commenting on Messi or Ronaldo's running ability, unless they talk about their pace.


    World Class players are known for distinct abilities that set them apart from the rest. To me, every single footballer should be able to run quite some distance, unless you're above 30 (Pirlo is an exception). Finishing, dribbling, defending, are all considered much more important because they don't have a limit to how great they can be executed.

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  23. Last time we bought a player for 'big money' who was considered to be at the top of their game? Probably have to go back to Dean Saunders British transfer record of GBP3.2mil. We've always been about the team, not the star player, and have always managed to unearth a couple of gems. However, that as a policy was fine when there was not mega money in the game and most teams had a smattering of quality mixed in with utter tosh. Now we're getting teams like City, with 20+ quality full internationals, which means you can not compete.


    Of course FSG were pinning their hopes on FFP being implemented and this being able to level the playing field. As we've seen from Platini, that's not going to happen any time soon... and so the wait goes on (and on)

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  24. To me, Milner's signing speaks of what is to be expected next season. Milner is a pretty good player, but he is getting treatment as if he was a Ronaldo.


    I never expected anything above 100 000 a week, in fact, that was considered a stretch, but 150 000 belongs to world class players. Suarez had wages of 120 000 and he was our show stopper. he later climbed to 200 000 a week after his showings of top goal scorer in BPL.


    All I see here is that the rest of our signings here will be a level below Milner, a player who is already past his prime, and above average at best.


    In fact I would have loved to see Milner here, IF, and only IF, we signed a world class striker, DM and RB.


    The way it looks, we will not get Clyne, and our striker replacements will be Ings and Origi, maybe Benteke.


    I can't really look at that team with a smile on my face and a sense of excitement. These signings are those of midtable teams to be honest. I don't think Liverpool should stoop that low.

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  25. Yes I agree all players should have a certain amount of skill otherwise they are not footballers but they should be able to run off the ball to create space and to receive and be able to get back to help defend instead of just walking around waiting

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  26. LFC is a sinking ship but I'm not leaving it...

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  27. Let's re-sign Dirk Kyut. I bet even at 35 he will give these guys a good 'run' for their money.

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  28. Milner will show GREAT CHARACTER. for sure.

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  29. Charles Harding4:11 am, June 05, 2015

    J Wanker negative as usual! How's your support for hicks and gillett going!

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  30. He hasnt kicked a ball yet for lfc, why dont we wait to see him play first then start talking, every player transfer is different no one can predict the future.

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  31. 4eva LFC, LFC 4eva4:18 am, June 05, 2015

    First of all mate i am no boy and secondly i don't care how long you can run for if you can't get the ball and score you are as useless as tits on a bull. Back in the day we never had the likes of Messi Ronaldo Aguero Suarez etc to contend with their skill and ability will confuse and be maze the likes of Milner and Hendo, so you stay in the past and i will live in the present.

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  32. Oh come on... he could be our next Gary McAllister!!! Maaaaan... I haven't being looking this much forward to the start of a season since Woy took over.

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  33. Milner is.. meh. 150k a week? They're having a laugh. I often think Jamie goes too hard in on Rodgers and some of the talent - I for one think the likes of Markovic, Moreno, Lallana will come good - but this time he's spot in. What exactly will Milner add to the team? Why not go after Henrikh Mkhitaryan? Surely, now Klopp is gone an with that salary, it should be an option.

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  34. Glen Johnson on £110k a week, plus bonus's for goals, assists, and clean sheets, and so many criticising this deal already, some of you people really need a reality check.
    "CAN SOMEONE INFORM ME WHY THEY ARE 100% SURE THEY KNOW WHAT HIS SALARY WILL BE", AND PLEASE INCLUDE THE SOURCE"
    IF ITS RUMOURS, THEN DONT EVEN BOTHER WASTING MY TIME.

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  35. Listen Boy, the same skills applied then as now, and if I was you I would keep away from bulls with tit's

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  36. The positives for Milner are if we nuke Johnson and Enrique the wages are cancelled out. It does add steel to the midfield and will bring useful energy unlike the wasted useless directionless energy we get from ALLEN and Lallana. I think Lallana has been a biblical waste of money.

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  37. With those lucrative TV deals 150k is no longer what it was 5 years ago, so not surprised LFC are willing to pay that. And anyway, we got him for free. Problem now is we still don't have a a goal scorer, we need 2 threats plus coutinho in all our line-ups.

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  38. Exactly. Lallana and ALLEN are directionless and largely unImpactful as was Markcovic.

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  39. thexcuriousxwanderer6:13 am, June 05, 2015

    JK, I think the truth is he will prove whether he's going to be a squad playr or regular. You can't deny that he's an upgrade on what we have now. There's also no point saying that if Klopp, Ancelotti, De Boer, etc etc was here now ... because they are not. We might as well say, if Liverpool had the finances of Real Madrid ...

    I'm just trying to say that for the current circumstances he's a good buy. Not as good as Messi on a free, but a good buy. You can't take his wages and look at it from a vacuum; he's on a free. Thus the total outlay on him is significantly lower than getting any other player of his ability, so you can't say he's expensive at all, OBJECTIVELY speaking. That's what I don't like about your pieces sometimes, you pick and choose only the bad parts.

    Also, what would you rather have Rodgers say? That he is a so-so player (not that true - I think he's not bad, definitely above average) and we've brought him in because Liverpool now can only attract so-so- players? Come on, everyone makes their players feel good before they come in, psychologically it lifts them and is the right thing to do.

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  40. thexcuriousxwanderer6:14 am, June 05, 2015

    Yeah but that's not his fault.

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  41. You are completely correct. Last summer was the time to be bold not a mass employer of average overpriced children..... That said, we need to start rebuilding with quality starting with big boy clinical strikers....

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  42. thexcuriousxwanderer6:16 am, June 05, 2015

    He plays wherever the pitch is waterlogged

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  43. Very bitter rant their Jamie try and relax you'll give yourself a STROKE!

    Now I'd just like to address one of your points....
    Quote " Liverpools biggest problem during the recent train-wreck of a season was the inability to consistently score goals, with goals from midfield a particularly acute issue. To resolve that, Rodgers' genius solution is...to bring in a player who's never scored more than seven league goals in one season, AND, in 2010, went an entire league season without scoring a single goal (Stewart Downing, anyone?). Absolutely spiffing. "

    34 goals from midfield out of a total 51 scored I'd say the biggest problem is the strikers!

    The extensive list of players 'you knew' would fail is impressive! Can I request you contact Messrs Henry & Werner and join the recruitment panel? We'd never make a bad signing again!

    I for one am pleased with his signing as he will bring experience to a young squad and it shows a bending of the moneyball rules by virtue of his age which can only be a good thing. One swallow does not make a summer and this is only the first confirmed signing and the window isn't even open yet! It's a long (hopefully hot) summer so let's save judging the transfers until 6.01pm on September 1st can we?

    I await the backlash 😢

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  44. Apparently Mike Marsh has been sacked.

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  45. Miner is a central midfielder.
    We now use a structured bonus based contract system.
    Reasons for earning more doe.... (Right or wrong, 'is a fact') English, free transfer, came from highest wage spending club in the country.

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  46. I agree with JK, hard worker with little end product. I also remember that Sterling took his place in the England team. Right midfield. I think our scouting network is non existent with very little imagination. My concern is that if no creative quality is added then we can welcome midtable status with open arms.

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  47. Emre Can too slow?

    You fool!

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  48. Agree with Evans that our transfer and contract policy is flawed but that's about the only thing sensible about his comments. If he went to Arsenal he would be on a similar wage, who cares what RS thinks about it, and comparing his situation to Joe Cole is moot. All those opinions from ex players and respected experts and Jamie focuses his post with the opinion of one journalists who aligns Milner into the 'friggin' category.

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  49. Lfc tried to do things on the cheap. Last year we had CL football we could have used that but we didn't. This committee will bring down lfc. For the record Milner is not a DM, and we need one badly. I'm sick of this jack of all trades a d master of none!

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  50. 4eva LFC, LFC 4eva7:26 am, June 05, 2015

    Do you honestly believe that the skill level is the same then as now? your dreaming. The speed of today's game as well as the skill level has not only improved but if you blink you will miss it the likes of Ronaldo, Messi Neymar Surez, Figo, Zidane, Aguero, Hazard, Costa, Henry, Berkamp even our champion SG would make those guys look silly, but you keep watching LFC because i mean you think players like Milner are world class because he can run all day, maybe it's time for a new set of glasses.

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  51. Carroll, Downing, Cole, Lambert, Lallana, Adam, Konchesky, Pennant, Johnson etc.


    History suggests that it may not work out.

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  52. What Tony Evans hasn't commented on is whether he believes Milner will do a job for us or not. His points re pay structure etc are interesting but he won;t be privy to the detail of each player's contract so it is all guess work.

    I repeat, I'd be amazed if he is on 150k per week. His pay will be laden with targets and incentives as per FSG's usual approach.

    I still think we need a beast of a defensive mid as a priority signing along with some more athletic full backs. E.g. Clyne would be a great signing in my opinion. Moreno too lightweight on the other side.

    We also still need a busy striker that can press from the front and finish.


    Konplyanka also needs to be signed on a free. Would fit in with Rodger's playing style.

    I still think some of last season's signings will come good. Lallana, Markovic for example will do better in their second season. Lallana needs a run without injuries and MArkovic needs to regain his confidence. He's definitely capable.

    Finally, would like to see a great ex defender join our backroom staff. Where is Hyppia since he left Brighton? Is he still around?

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  53. 150K a week confirmed, it's a fact.


    Because it's convenient for the majority..

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  54. Ferguson was far from one also...

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  55. Milner brings leadership,courage and backbone to a midfield that is woefully short of it. He'll get stuck in, terrify his team mates to lift their game and hold the opposition to account - the qualities a Captain should possess (and which Hendo honestly lacks).


    It is worrying if he's viewed as an AM though. I'd have him alongside Hendo in a 4231 or 4222, at least in the upcoming friendlies, if he plays those.

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  56. Arbeloa - our former right back could be returning - only just 32 - SIGN HIM = Potential Captain ??

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  57. Like many I'm struggling to see the light ahead for us. We need a leader more than anything. Not Lovren.

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  58. Thats fine by me now to sell Allen Milners a great get even on those wages but i would hope the sign on fee wasnt too high.

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  59. I have a headache keep the noise down.

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  60. I really like Milner - its not all about skill boyos - its heart as well - Shanks said that and I noted the players mentioned as super skilled and fast today and agreed with list BUT amd there is a BUT Finney Mathews Pele Maradonna Cruft Best - they were not entirely useless either

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  61. When has a 'free transfer' ever worked out for us?

    The wages we will be spending on Milner could have been used to lure a quality striker like Higuain who does not have much going for him at Napoli. Offer the guy £200k a week and it sweetens the deal.



    Was Milner even needed? He is much better than Allen but it is not like he is going to get you 10 goals from midfield a season.

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  62. Yes Milner was needed he adds strength energy and versatility to the midfield something sorely lacking.
    Also if Hendo gets injured still have Milner yes a good get yes we will bring in strikers and yet another mid hopefully Kovacic or Illaremendi.
    The club will i think try to get the best first team striker they can not the best they can afford.

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  63. Gary McAllister to answer your first i wasnt trying to avoid it like some Loges.

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  64. No but there hasnt been hundreds.

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  65. Milner was playing in a team with top quality players. It was the same with Joe Cole when he came from Chelsea.


    Now Milner is coming to a team which is struggling defensively and lack of goals and identity. I really do not see how he is going to change things.

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  66. Cole couldnt get a game at Chelsea by this you are saying everyone on a free is the next Cole not so my friend next free Kono what would ya say about that.

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  67. Nicolas Chamberlain8:19 am, June 05, 2015

    If we had offeren him around 100k he wouldn't have signed for us. We lost our general so we desperately needed some experience and class. To be upset by his wages seems to be typical for the time we, LFC's fanbase, are living in. Maybe the critics can give some suggestions we should have signed... Our rivals are paying way more than we do so to keep up with them we need to follow. Milner is no Downing nor Allen; he is proven quality.

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  68. It makes no difference about how much playing time Cole got. He failed at Anfield and was being paid to be on holiday.


    It is highly unlikely that Kono will join us after the last debacle.

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  69. When its up or down is the question?

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  70. Nicolas Chamberlain8:26 am, June 05, 2015

    Lallana in the same category as Konchesky, Pennant, and Downing is beyond insanity... Some guys aren't critical anymore they are past that.

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  71. Who knows but Kono would be great there is a difference Milner was very good last season and is a fitness fanatic.
    Cole was poor his last 2 seasons at Chelsea no comparison Cole was simply finished.

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  72. Nicolas Chamberlain8:39 am, June 05, 2015

    One of the few highlights last season but you have something against him, Lallana, thats for sure.

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  73. Embarrassed myself no way. Milner is not worth the wages he is coming at and as his history suggests as he will not be scoring many goals.



    He has been signed as Stevie's replacement and there is no way he will be filling those boots.

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  74. I wish we could get another Jesus for the same price.

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  75. What wages what sign on fee what evidence didnt City offer more?
    This SG replacement is only words who really replaces the legend that was.

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  76. How about ability to work hard and score goals. Suarez anyone. Nothing is ever black and white in life. Plenty of shades of grey.


    Milner will work hard, press, track back but also is capable of beating a man 1 v 1, creating and scoring.


    I'm amazed at the negativity on here about this deal.


    Never 150k a week either. Be a lot less plus incentives, FSG style.

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  77. Any player coming from City would be on a very significant pay packet and there is now way Milner would have settled for less than what he was earning.


    I said in a previous post that Milner is a good player but will not improve us significantly. Let's see how it pans out.

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  78. Well it makes more sense than so many of our other recent transfers amen.

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  79. That doesn't make any sense. That's like saying Sanchez would join us over Arsenal after we beat them 5-1.


    We could continue with this comparison of course as living in and around Liverpool is miles better than that bin of a place Stoke.


    If we go after Konoplyanka we get him. Maybe he's going with Markovic and Lallana left side next year and that's why we aren;t after him.


    In my opinion Kono would be a great signing

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  80. NonEventHorizon9:02 am, June 05, 2015

    Agree. Plus Milner created almost the same amount of chances last season as Coutinho and scored more goals than him. There's a bit of grey area to add to it too:)

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  81. The view from some posters on here of Milner as a work horse and work horse alone is flawed anyway.


    If skill is Zidane turns and fancy flicks then he might not meet this definition of skill. If however skill is defined as the ability to beat a man using close control, dropping a shoulder, slowing the man down than powering past him then Milne is skilful.

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  82. JK, has the penny dropped, yet?
    There are no 'BIG names' coming to Anfield any time soon. This is as good as it gets.
    On the one hand, he IS better than ALL the current midfield at Anfield, so he is an improvement to the squad, but that isn't saying much. JM will prove to be the best signing we'll make this summer, but that's not to say he'll actually perform miracles.
    Would I have signed him? No, I wouldn't.
    Next up, Danny Ings. Get used to it. 'This Is Liverpool 2015.'

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  83. Where is he going to play though? Likely the holding role like Gerrard did and if that is the case he is likely to be doomed as he in not a defensive minded player.


    Based on our transfer business over the last three seasons only 2 signings have made sense. Coutinho and Sturridge.


    Let's just hope that changes as more bugger ups in the transfer market will costs us for years to come. The odds are stacked against us unfortunately.

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  84. Lallana has not shown that he was what it takes to make it at Anfield irrespective of his injuries. Very average debut season. He will have another season to prove himself though.

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  85. Was on a City site yesterday and most view Milner just as Jamie says here.A bit part player they won't really miss.

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  86. Lets face it. Rodgers can't attract big players.We've settled for mediocrity.It all started with Hendo's acceptance.Even with LFC's rich heritage, big players only know United, Chelsea, Arsenal and now City.We haven't been successful enough over the last 2 decades + to attract any big names.We're another Tottenham now.Wasteful in expenditure and a feeder to bigger clubs. Get used to it. We had our chance for change but we stuck.

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  87. As I said, completely different to what I've read on more than one site. I was also in Manchester on business Tuesday and Wednesday. Spoke to lots of city fans who are all gutted he's going.

    Shouldn't get carried away either way however until he's done a season. Just look at our signings last year. On paper they should have all done much better. Especially lovren.

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  88. Dont normally agree but this is spot on. Remember when the owners were complaining about inheriting joe cole and how we would never do that again?

    Man for man our team is considerably weeker than under hicks and gilette. Its an absolute tragedy.

    We are in serious, newcastle trouble next season if this is our transfer policy.

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  89. The problem is not the money paid to Milner. It's the money not paid to Coutinho, Henderson, Skrtel and even Sterling. These are players who at least had some positive impact last season. What must they be thinking today? There is no money for us but this new guy who hasn't kicked a ball for us yet gets 40, 50k more than we do? How is that fair? It would be fine had FSG renegotiated their contracts at a similar pay level but they haven't. If I were Coutinho, I'd be telling my agent to get me a one way ticket to Barcelona right now. Or even a smaller club in Spain if needed. This is complete and utter mismanagement. Plus, as much as I like Milner's energy and impact off the bench, he should not be a regular starter at a club that want's to play free flowing, attacking football like we did the season before last. So sure if there are a couple of really high quality signings to follow, Milner could be a useful addition but you can bet your bottom dollar that this is as good as it gets.

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  90. who actually cares what sterling thinks? i do not. the sooner we get rid of the kid the better. corrosive influence.

    Milner isnt my ideal signing, but he deserves to be paid atleast double that Sterling earns.

    i was reading yesterday that Man U wants Sterling, at 25 mil. please god make it happen, i dont ever want to see him miss a sitter in 2 meters and throwing hands in air when someone doesnt pass to him, nor i want to read anything he or his agent has to say in context of Liverpool FC. goodbye good riddance...

    oh and welcome Milner. i was a bit against his signing, but now he is here i am going to support him.

    who knows maybe Milner, Hendo, and hopefully fit Lallana will work wonders with tireless pressing in middle of park next season.

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  91. who ever wrote this is an ediot lol

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  92. I like Milner but the squad doesn't need him and can only imagine one way to play he and Henderson together. I don't want him playing holding midfield that's for sure. Allen is seemingly satisfied as a squad player. When you need him to step in, he does a fairly decent job.


    ------Lucas
    Milner----Henderson

    Milner and Hendo can act as two number 10's and constantly bomb forward with the protection and intelligence of Lucas. That's the only way I want to see Milner played, but I bet Rodgers hasn't even thought of it. I don't want to see Milner holding in a 4-2-3-1, which is silly. On top of that, Lucas will probably be sold. And there is far greater quality out wide in the squad already for Milner to play there.

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  93. I used to support them but they are going the same way as H+G just less publicly. They are stripping the club of all of its major assets, building only a load of corporate boxes in the expansion and rumoured to have have cancelled stage 2. They will lose money if they sell it seems but then they've probably only just worked out that making money and winning trophies are not compatible with their MIT maths philosophy. No other owners with real amibiton would have accepted a season like that, conducted a 2 hour review and found Mike Marsh the reason for all our problems. It's a farce right now buddy

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  94. Why we ignore Konoplyanka and Ayew for less salary then Milner and both younger and experienced? I thought we don't want to have any business with Dnyipro owner anymore. But now we have to agree only with Konoplyanka who was correct with us back in Jan 2014. Somenthing is really wrong at Liverpool FC. How can we be interested to pay 15mil for a player and don't want him for free. Jamie wrote in one article thet Brendan is a manager of Mark Hughes category. I think he's wrong, Hughes has much better transfer record, good and cheap buys like Arnautovic, Bojan Krkic, etc shows it.

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  95. Yes and he declared to be LFC supporter. But we all know the Lewy will be smarter than our transfer comittee. Until they eventually analyse a possibility he will be at Tottenham. Ayew and Konoplyanka situation makes me mental. What a joke our club became?

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  96. A- Milner is a good signing despite all the vitriol and false statistics you use which totally miss the point of him as a player
    B- Reports in media are rarely true so to believe them on the size of his contract is an exercise in futility
    And C- F@ck you for saying Keano is British

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  97. Another document filled with pointless opinionated rubbish

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  98. With Can taking over Lucas?

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  99. Not as captain, but I would take him back. To teach Flanno and Manquillo.

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  100. God I'm tired of hearing so much negativity😳Think we need a change in our media more than anything else! Giv the lad a chance. It's just depressing reading this negativity time after time. Ynwa LiverPaul Denmark

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  101. As I said depends on your definition of skilful......

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  102. It's infuriating. I'm not sure whether the problem is Rodgers, the transfer policy, the wage structure or some combination, but all I know is that the transfers we make and miss out on are supremely poor at times, even taking into account our lack of Champions League football. How we are missing out on Ayew and Konoplyanka is beyond me.

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  103. What nonsense. Anyone with eyes can see he's a terrific footballer and has had a good start to his Anfield career who created many of our best moments last season.

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  104. Milner gets more because he was on a free and is a senior international and multiple PL champion respected throughout the game who is going to be one of the squad's leaders on and off the pitch. It's not hard to understand and every footballer on earth would understand and accept it.

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  105. I am not Skrtel's biggest fan but does he deserve a performance based contract for being with the club since 2008?

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  106. Jamie, you are so wrong about James Milner. He is underrated because like Gerrard he can play several positions very well, but like Gerrard his best position is Attacking midfield. He has a tremendous shot, great vision, and can go past players, but because he is often played wide his abilities have not shone through in recent years. He is a much superior player to Henderson IMO and has more goals in him from Central, attacking midfield. At £150k pw on a free he is a great acquisition, and I see him in the central role of an attacking 3, behind a striker.....he's gonna be fabulous!

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  107. The fact that he is on a free doesn't make him more valuable and doesn't warrant higher wages. He is a PL champion who started 12 games in the last season they won the league. He's a PL champion as much as Demba Ba was a Europa League winner with Chelsea (he never played a game in the tournament because he was cup tied yet still got a winners medal).

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  108. Ther is a few spanners in the works yet mate the addition of Kovacic or Illaremendi might change your thoughts a little but i am so much a great believer in strong spines.

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  109. Before mentioning roles we really need to see deep into the window and what players and formations they may be looking at.

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  110. If either of those sign where will Milner play? All the reports are of Milner wanting to play a central role. Hendo + Milner is a great combo but they are (arguably) both out of position there.

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  111. I prefer Lucas. Not that convinced about Emre Can. The header and defensive error vs Stoke was comical, that's U15's stuff.


    He's also a big brute that struggles to get back after a venture forward. I think there's lots for him to improve on.

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  112. I have to say, I generally like all of your articles - Informative and well written. But this one is ridiculous. We signed James Milner on a free. And whatever your personal feelings towards him, how is that possibly worse than signing the likes of Aspas, Alberto, Illori, Balotelli, Lambert, and Borini; all of whom we payed transfer fees for?

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  113. Indeed it is but we didn't have to pay any up front cost and he's taken over Gerrard/jonsons wages so it is a free plus how much would we pay in transfers + wages to get someone with milners experience ?

    It would cost a lot more to buy someone rather than a free transfer of Milner. Saves us money to focus on a striker.

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  114. Milner is a fantastic free signing (hopefully) to replace the likes of joe allen. Stats don't always indicate a players importance. BTW robbie keane is irish not british!

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  115. You dont think the 4231 is coming and maybe Hendo into the mid 3 unlikely i know 1 way or another it will all fit together and Milner is a great addition can play wide too and if Hendo gets injured great replacement.

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  116. Can has age on his side i like the big brutes especially if they have a touch of nasty.

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  117. Talking about football here buddy not the ladies that tickle your fancy.

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  118. It not his fault he did not sign in Jan 2014. So i understand that we did not go back to Dnyipro after the treatment in Ukraine. But now we have to negotiate direct with him anf his agent.

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  119. This article seems like it is just an attempt to go against the general consensus for the sake of it in Adrian Durham style. The wage he is on is being reported at between 100k and 150k depending on which source you wish to believe. Players who join on free transfers generally get higher wages as the money saved in transfer fee is party payed back to the player either in a lump sum signing on fee or gradually via a increased basic wage so you cant compare the wages to other who were signed for big fees.

    Man City valued Milner enough to offer him 165k per to stay. This shows how highly rated he was at City.

    Assist and goal stats do not tell the whole story of a creative player, the pass before the assist is quite often the one that opens up the defense, to just base you opinion on those stats alone is being blind, actually watching games Milner plays in you can see the affect he has on the team. Also chance creation is a better metric is you have to use one as it doesn't rely on others to actually do their part after the pass. I could lay 20 balls into you 5 yards out with an open goal if you don't score i don't get the assist.

    He is taking a pay but to come to Liverpool which shows he has a desire to play football something which many have accused some Liverpool players of not having during the last season. He always puts in a shift on the field and will fight for the team surely something Liverpool have been crying out for? There have been many articles which have called for desire and fight, well here is a player who has that.

    Vincent Kompany in his parting gesture to Milner on Twitter said 'Your drive and passion were inspirational'. This is coming from one of the top defenders in the game and captain of the current number two ranked international side in world football. This again shows how highly regarded Milner is.



    Arsenal were also in for Milner and Pelligrini desperatly wanted to keep Milner so it shows other top managers did want Milner so i cannot buy into the whole a top manager would not want him argument.


    I for one am delighted with the signing and think its a bit of a coup to land him especially on a fee.

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  120. The transfer window is not even open yet and you presuming we will stop at Milner and Ings. Talk about negative.

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  121. One day you'll drop the obsession with goals and assists. And that day will be a good one. Milner is almost universally admired and has significant experience gained at international and European levels. He is an excellent passer, keeps games moving, brings others into the game, and has good leadership skills. Perhaps your great insight could identify title winners under 30 willing to come to Liverpool as much as it can negate any potential move? This is the real world.... Not fantasy football.

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  122. Oh how the mighty has fallen

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  123. Agreed and he and his agent would jump at the move to us. His agent was vocal in his frustration with dnipro in Jan 2014 and support of lfc

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  124. We massively overpaid for Lallana, but he's a decent player. Has more of an eye for goal than all our midfielders bar Sterling and presses very well.

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  125. David Godoy Cano2:17 pm, June 05, 2015

    Gotta ask, what du you think about Coutino this year ?
    Milner have scored equal amount of goals and assisted 2 more than coutinho in PL. What i mean by this is that clinical stats its not all to it..

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  126. He is s good signing and Tony Evans is a massive bell end.

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  127. Don't even know what I said. Not sure why the amount of lines is an issue either.

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  128. Dead right about Evans.

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  129. History means nothing. How many of those players are league winners? How many have shown their quality against teams like Munich? How many were offered more money to stay where they were? How many were Arsenal interested in? Pure nonsense comparing.

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  130. Milner doesn't have Cole's injury record. He has just finished a great season. He was offered a new deal on more money to stay at a club he has won four major honours with in five years. Thos is a player who created more chances than Oscar, Mata, Di Maria and Ozil. Scored more than Fabregas. Comparing to Joe Cole is lazy.

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  131. Based on performances? Yes.

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  132. If you are paying no or nominal fee you are spending less on the deal as a whole. So yes of course it can mean you can offer offer more money. What he warrants is what he can bring which is a good,.experienced title winner with a never say die attitude.

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  133. No he hasn't. His contract was up and it hasn't been renewed.

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  134. Seriously though I don't remember what I wrote. So I can't really learn.

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  135. easily knocked off the ball, falls down a lot, runs around but produces very little. add in his cost to acquire and you get a someone we grossly overpaid for and who has under-delivered.....As the Godfather said, its not person, its JUST BUSINESS....I hope this window ismuch better.....

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  136. Just because you can, doesn't mean you have to. And like I said before in other posts, the problem is not with Milner getting 150k. It's with Coutinho, Skrtel and Henderson not getting 150k.

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  137. All those players can make that money up through bonuses and are younger. Their next contracts will be more than Milner will get. Skrtel can feck off

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  138. Hilarious, you ban me for sniping, then precede to write an entire article that is snide and sniping... Nevermind the whole, I know better than you lot attitude. AKA stan dinaround

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  139. I reckon the 4231 is on the cards hate it but im not the manager.

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  140. Yes they would.

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  141. Do you know how many games LFC, Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal have won in the dying seconds....A hell of alot. His statement has a very important point, that more often than not makes all the difference.

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  142. Maxi Rodrigues

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  143. Back in the day the players would all go down the pub after training and go out on the lash getting hammered on Thursday nights and directly after the match.
    Any team with a more professional approach who could run farther had an advantage.
    Nowadays that's just not the case. Skill plays a far bigger part. Pitches are billiard-table smooth. balls are lighter and designed to swerve. Messi would have been kicked off the park by Souness or Case or Smith....

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  144. You not Dinaround anymore?

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  145. Ian? Are you in there??

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  146. So first and foremost, BR should had have a performance based contract - which after 3 years should have led to his sacking.

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  147. How fuckn retarded an article. Milner was instrumental to cities title last season. Always makes a difference... Starting or coming on. Way rather him than hendo. He's on a free and he wants to play for Liverpool. Great business.

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  148. What is the point of having flair players when we concede then completely fall apart all over the pitch, whenever a team comes at us hard we just flap.

    I've never watched Milner and thought what a shit player, he works hard every single match, when suarez did that the entire team fed off it and they in turn worked just as hard.

    This season how often have you seen players walking around the pitch when its not been going right.

    We need someone who can lift the team to their workrate.

    Very happy we have Milner

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