Football Focus

[Narnia]

But they would fail on the global fanbase criteria. Celtic wouldn't.

[Annasfield]

Thats true. For once we have agreed on something.

[Atticus]

How long does a club remain 'big' on the grounds of past glories?

After a great 80s it was hard me as an Evertonian to swallow the fall to mediocrity through the 90s (witness accusations of bitter blues etc).

I think Liverpool really are in danger of falling away, that's why it's crucial they get the right man in and perhaps that's why Hodgson didn't quite get the support from a fanbase who largely knew all along he wasn't the man for the job.

[Emerson Crane]

I think its true to say that the Arsenal has a global fan base especially in Africa, the near and far east.

[Annasfield]

I've agreed with a Manc supporter and Everton in the space of 10 mins. I think I need a lie down.

[Keef]

Well I didn mean to patronise anyone. I dont however think Woy should feel guilty about getting a payout. Much, dare I say, like Rafa did.

[Emerson Crane]

Keane given tin tack

[Keef]

Oh, and I think a big club these days, is a rich club. Sad as it may be, that is what it's all about now.

[david_carnell]

Atticus Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> How long does a club remain 'big' on the grounds

> of past glories?

> After a great 80s it was hard me as an Evertonian

> to swallow the fall to mediocrity through the 90s

> (witness accusations of bitter blues etc).

> I think Liverpool really are in danger of falling

> away...

Couldn't agree more. Excellent post.

[SeanMacGabhann]

Keane is now free is he? Next Liverpool manager? No...?

ok then

[????]

1/10 :))

[Emerson Crane]

Keef Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Oh, and I think a big club these days, is a rich

> club. Sad as it may be, that is what it's all

> about now.

Right on the money there Keef.

[Annasfield]

Haha - jeez and you thought we haven't taken to Hodgson.

[Keef]

See now there is a manager that I would support the fans in openly booing from his first home match. Not even to do with him being former United, he's just a prime time wanker.

[Jah Lush]

I think part of the problem the Liverpool fans had with Hodgson is that he was appointed by the previous hated regime and he wasn't Rafa. I think it's a matter of time before he goes now but they really do have to make the right appointment and give the manager full backing financially otherwise I can see Liverpool being a mid-table side for many years to come. Liverpool are a massive club and the standards set have to be kept very high otherwise it will be a case of how the mighty have fallen.

[????]

I think the new bloke's got some money and will invests but it's going to be a few seasons. Enough Liverpool fans seemed to be behind tRafa for me to believe them rather than the media version but only just, on paper, objectively it 'apperaed' he'd lost the team and his way.

[ruffers]

Keef Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> He deserved a chance at least, being

> warmly welcomed for his first home match might

> have been a good start. Good luck to you Woy,

> you're a decent chap who has been treated badly by

> a load of spoilt kids.

Well put, I've been trying to phrase that for a couple of days. Players and fans have let the club down.

[Annasfield]

He was warmly welcomed at his first home game. Honestly, this is why you can't believe whats in the press. Were any of you at the game to make an honest judgement?

I can tell you that his first EVER competitive match was against Rabotnicki in Macedonia, where his name was sung. But hey? What the f*ck do I know?

[Mick Mac]

Emerson Crane Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> SeanMacGabhann Wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------

> >

> > And Emerson - if enough people are pointing the

> > finger at you at least have pause for thought

> and

> > think it might be you and not them?

>

> Oh sure, but the reverse may also be true, no?

Eh - Sean just asked you to reverse your thinking. Now you are suggesting a double reverse ?

[Keef]

Anna, when his name was sang at his first match, did the lyrics go something like "fuck off Woy, bring back Rafa"? ;-)

[Emerson Crane]

Mick Mac Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Emerson Crane Wrote:

> --------------------------------------------------

> -----

> > SeanMacGabhann Wrote:

> >

> --------------------------------------------------

>

> > >

> > > And Emerson - if enough people are pointing

> the

> > > finger at you at least have pause for thought

> > and

> > > think it might be you and not them?

> >

> > Oh sure, but the reverse may also be true, no?

>

>

> Eh - Sean just asked you to reverse your thinking.

> Now you are suggesting a double reverse ?

Put in simple terms, I'm suggesting the opposite could also be true. Not sure I can find any way of explaining more simply. I didn't think it was that difficult to comprehend in the first place.

[Mick Mac]

Keef Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Anna, when his name was sang at his first match,

> did the lyrics go something like "@#$%& off Woy,

> bring back Rafa"? ;-)

That would either be "fuck off Woy, bring back Wafa" or "fuck off Roy, bring back Rafa".

Either one has a speech impediment, or one does not.

[SeanMacGabhann]

Leaving aside the subtext of "if you aren't prepared to travel to Macedonia then please, you aren't a REAL fan", it does sound a bit like "come on - we gave him one game - what more could he ask for???"

[Keef]

Mick are you suggesting that all the travelling liverpool supporters may have speech impediments? That's well out of order.

[Annasfield]

Can't win. Sorry Sean but no one has said that - simply saying if you haven't been at the games how can you comment about his reception.