Liverpool FC Forum

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Have you ever read an "alternative history" book like Robert Harris’ “Fatherland” (where Hitler wins World War Two and gets away with the Holocaust) or Philip Roth’s "The Plot Against America" (a recent book where Charles Lindburg becomes a Fascist President of the USA in the 1940s)? These books look at pivotal moments in history and ask the question: what would happen if a certain crucial moment in time was to happen a different way?

What would have happened to world history had Germany not invaded the USSR in 1941?

Would have the 1960s been the same if there were no shooters in the grassy knoll and Lee Harvey Oswald missed JFK?

Would England have won Euro 96 had Gareth Southgate’s kick evaded Oliver Kahn?

Sometimes there is a moment in history about which everything else orbits: it is a point in time where a simple decision or move could have a profound impact on the events that follow, possibly even for years or decades to come. Historians look back at wars and like to speculate how history might have changed course had events occurred a little differently.

If war historians do this, why not football supporters? And why not Liverpool supporters?

Of course, hindsight is a great thing, and “what ifs” win you nothing in football. Mean back fours and sharp shooting forwards do, not “if onlys”.

It can be fun though.

I always see the 1990/1991 season as THE pivotal point in Liverpool's modern history (the other being the appointment of Shankly) where the winds of change swept through the club. That year our side, an aging but still highly competitive team, a squad which was the incumbent Champions of England self destructed after the shock resignation of Kenny Daglish and the misguided appointment of Graeme Souness as manager.

Daglish left citing the pressures of the job. It was no secret that the traumatic events of late spring 1989 at Hillsborough had deeply scarred the Liverpool manager and many of the Liverpool players. The club had completed a second decade of dominance of the English game and talk had it that UEFA would lift the ban on English sides competing in Europe after the dark events at Hysel.

Liverpool football club and the Liverpool public expected. The 1970s had been annexed by Shankly and Paisley, the 1980s had been almost entirely wrapped in the liver flag (with a few notable blue exceptions) and now the supporters expected the 1990s to fall at the feet of the mighty red machine.

There were some problems though.

The team was getting old. Lawernson had long gone at this stage, and Hansen wasn’t far behind him. Standing wobbly legged behind Hansen was an increasingly distracted Grobellaar (although people weren’t to know at the time as we all later found out, but that’s another story), in front of him the creaking legs of Ronnie Whelan and Steve McMahon. John Barnes was still effervescent and often brilliant, but the first pangs of injury were beginning to affect his hitherto supremely athletic body. Ian Rush, after his year long sojourn in Italy, was struggling to regain his old lethal touch, and Ronnie Rosenthal was showing that, contrary to expectations, he wasn’t a 25 goal a season striker.

On top of that, George Graham’s Arsenal, who stole the Champion so cruelly under the noses of the Anfield Road End in 1989, were refusing to submit like previous competitors had and were now reeling Liverpool in after Daglish’s blistering start to the season.

It wasn’t all doom and gloom, however, and all things are relative. Liverpool still had the best player in domestic English football in John Barnes (although this was being threatened by Tottenham’s young upstart Paul Gascoigne), and in the likes of Beardsley, Rush, Hysen and Houghtan they still had men capable of striking fear into opposition hearts. On their day there still wasn’t a side in Britain capable of withstanding them.

I’ll begin my fairy tale with the Daglish crisis:

February 1991: as Liverpool's form begins to shudder and George Graham's Arsenal overturn Liverpool's lead at the head of the League, manager Kenny Daglish announces his resignation as Liverpool FC manager citing "stress" as the reason behind him vacating the biggest job in British football. In the hours immediately following Daglish’s shock announcement a crisis meeting is held among Liverpool FC's top brass and after a number of days of cloak and dagger activity in the shadows, Liverpool Chief Executive Peter Robinson announces to an impatient media at Anfield that the club have spoken with Daglish and rejected his surprise resignation but instead the Scotsman will take sick leave for the remainder of the season. Loyal assistant and long time boot room member Ronnie Moran will take charge of first team affairs until such time as King Kenny recuperates and is fit and ready to take the helm once more.

February to May 1991: after a poor run of form following Daglish's departure, Ronnie Moran rallies Liverpool who win seven out of their last nine games to finish a close second to Arsenal in the league. However, more heartbreak follows in May as Liverpool are beaten 1-2 by Spurs in extra time in the FA Cup final, despite Ian Rush once again scoring at Wembley. Cruelly, Liverpool defender Glenn Hysen, who had a tremendous game against Gary Lineker, puts a Paul Stewart cross into his own net for the Spurs’ winner. The game is most notable for English superstar Paul Gascoigne's rash tackle on Liverpool right back Steve Nicol in the 8th minute, a collision which leaves the Geordie's knee severely damaged.

July 1991: after 5 months away from Anfield and much speculation as to whether or not he will return and idle tale of possible replacements (Graeme Souness of Glasgow Rangers, Ronnie Moran and John Toshak are all touted for the job) Kenny Daglish returns to Anfield, claiming that he's mentally fit again to resume control. That summer Daglish oversees a rebuilding program at Anfield, purchasing English international centre back Mark Wright from Derby for £2.75million, rugged defender Steve Bruce in a hugely controversial move from Man UTD for £2million to partner Wright and exciting Welsh striker Dean Saunders for £2.9million (also from Derby County). Gary Gillespie, Glenn Hysen, Barry Venison, and Gary Ablett leave the club, and Alan Hansen retires.

October 1991: after a slow start to the season in which Liverpool are eliminated early from the League Cup (0-2 away to Sheffield UTD) and the UEFA Cup (Genoa 2-3 on aggregate), Daglish freshens the side up further by promoting untried youngster Steve McMannaman to the first team and signs Paul Davis from Arsenal for £1.5million and David May from Blackburn (£1million). By December a 5 game winning run sees Liverpool close the gap on early season frontrunners Man UTD, Leeds and Arsenal.

February 1992: an injury time Steve Bruce header sees off Man UTD in a 4th round FA Cup tie at Old Trafford, a game Liverpool win 3-2. Bruce ignores the jeers of the home support all afternoon to rise ahead of former teammate Gary Pallister to meet Paul Davis’ corner.

April 1992: Liverpool beat Portsmouth 3-2 in the FA Cup semi final, an extra time Ian Rush goal putting Liverpool through for their 4th final in 5 years. However, there is heartbreak for Liverpool in the Championship as a late Ruel Fox goal for Norwich at Anfield on the last day of the season equalizes Ray Houghtan's opener and hands the inaugural Premiership title to Leeds UTD. Liverpool finish second in the league for the second year in a row. A fortnight later, however, Liverpool rescue their season with a comfortable 2-0 win in the FA Cup final against 1st division Sunderland, with Steve McMannaman and Paul Davis sealing the win. New signing Dean Saunders finishes the season with a respectable 24 goals in all competitions, 19 of them in the League. Ian Rush returns from a debilitating calf injury to score 18 in all.

Summer 1992: There are problems in the engine room as Ronnie Whelan retires due to a bad ankle injury and Steve McMahon is sold to Man City for £900,000. In their place Daglish signs Gary Speed from Champions Leeds for £2.5million and Glasgow Rangers goalkeeper Andy Goram for £1.8million. Bruce Grobellaar joins Southampton for £200,000, another legend from the 1980s to depart the club. Liverpool lose 0-2 to Champions Leeds UTD in the Charity Shield.

October 1992: Liverpool make a terrific start to the new season, winning 8 out of their first 11 games. They record a huge away win in Shrewsbury in the League Cup, Ian Rush and Peter Beardsley (who has returned after a lengthy knee injury) each scoring hat-tricks in a 10-1 win). In the UEFA Cup Liverpool also make good progress, eliminating CSKA Moscow and Foggia to reach the third round. Daglish spends £400,000 on unknown Crewe right back Rob Jones at the end of the month.

March 1993: Liverpool suffer a poor spell in which they win only 1 in 6 league games, are eliminated from the FA Cup by Arsenal in the 5th round (0-1, a David May own goal) and are overcome 4-3 on aggregate by Athletico Madrid in the UEFA Cup quarter final. However, a late run in which a revitalized Peter Beardsley scores 5 goals in the last 4 games see Liverpool claim the Championship for a record 19th time, beating Sheff UTD 4-0 at home on the last day, the other goals coming from McMannaman, Speed and Barnes. To cap a great season Peter Beardsley is named Footballer of the Year while Young Player of the Year goes to local lad Steve McMannaman, who thrills the home support with his unique combination of tireless running and fancy footwork.

Summer 1993: After a training ground dispute with Roy Evans, Andy Goram returns to Rangers for £1.6million. Daglish continues his shake up of the Champions by selling Steve Nicol to Notts Co, Don Hutchinson to Everton and Paul Davis to Spurs. Jan Molby, a supporters’ favorite, retires from the game. A last minute change of mind sees Nottingham Forest star Roy Keane snub big spending Alex Ferguson to sign for Liverpool in a British record fee of £3.5million. The move is controversial as Keane apparently gave his word to UTD manager Alex Ferguson to sign for the Red Devils, only for the Cork man to change his mind at the 11th hour when Daglish makes his interest known. Daglish completes his summer spending by stealing goalkeeper Tim Flowers from rivals Blackburn in a £2.5million transfer. In the Charity Shield Liverpool triumph 1-0 over Cup holders Arsenal, the Scouser’s winner coming from the left boot of John Barnes.

October 1993: following an injury crisis among the forwards in which John Barnes, Dean Saunders and Peter Beardsley are missing from the side, Daglish springs teenager Robbie Fowler from the reserves. Fowler scores on his debut against Fulham in the League Cup before scoring a remarkable 5 goals in the return leg at Anfield. Liverpool announce their return to Europe's premier competition by beating holders Barcelona 2-0 at Anfield, with Steve Staunton and Steve McMannaman the scorers. Less welcome news is the transfer of Ray Houghtan to Aston Villa for £1million, Houghtan having lost his place to the exciting young talent of Steve McMannaman.

March 1994: Liverpool claim their first league cup in almost 10 years when they defeat Blackburn Rovers 3-0 at Wembly, with Fowler (2) and Barnes on the score sheet.

April 1994: Liverpool record their second league championship in a row, winning with 2 games in hand. An away victory at Sheffield Wednesday (2-1, with defenders Bruce and Mark Wright the scorers) secures the crown. Unfortunately Liverpool's epic season comes unstuck, as they lose in the FA Cup semi final to Man UTD (0-2) and are eliminated from the Champions League by a rampant AC Milan side, losing 3-6 on aggregate, with Roy Keane and young midfield partner Jamie Redknapp sent off in a humiliating 1-4 loss in the San Siro. However, Keane goes on to capture the Young Player of the Year award as his no nonsense and hard tackling displays in the engine room bringing comparisons from some to the great Graeme Souness.

Summer 1994: Ageing Liverpool star Peter Beardsley is sold to his former club, newly promoted Newcastle, for £1million. Gary Speed, unhappy at being the third midfielder behind Redkapp and Keane, joins rivals Blackburn for £2.2million. In his place Daglish invests in young Dutch midfield player Phillipe Cocu, a £2.3million signing from PSV. With foreign imports now popular in England, Daglish also signs Brian Roy from Ajax for £1.5million (Roy being eyed as a possible long term replacement for John Barnes) and utility player Arron Winter from Lazio for £1.2million, giving Liverpool a decidedly Dutch character. An unusually tense Charity Shield sees both Roy Keane and UTD’s Lee Sharpe sent off as Manchester UTD edge out Liverpool 2-3.

November 1994: An injury ravaged start of the season sees Liverpool well off the pace in the Premiership, 8 points behind joint leaders Man UTD and Blackburn, and also suffer a humiliating exit in the League Cup away to 2nd division Bristol Rovers. The only bright point for Liverpool is the irrepressible form of local boy Robbie Fowler, whose goals secure Liverpool passage through the Champions League group stages, a highlight of which is a 3-2 away win over Barcelona, with Fowler (2) and a late goal from veteran substitute Ian Rush shocking the Catalans on their own turf.

February 1995: Liverpool suffer another shock domestic cup exit, losing 1-3 at home to Coventry in the FA Cup 3rd round, despite going ahead through a first minute Brian Roy goal. The game is marred by a terrible tackle by Coventry's Peter Edlovu on Phillepe Cocu, which badly ruptures the young Dutchman's knee ligaments. With Jamie Redknapp also suffering from niggling ankle problems, Daglish turns to Leeds' stylish Scottish international midfielder Gary McAllister, signing him in a £2million transfer.

April 1995: despite a characteristic late season run which takes them within 2 points of leaders Man UTD before the last game, Liverpool can only muster a 3rd place finish, a poor 0-1 away defeat to a stylish Norwich City side ending their title hopes. To add insult to injury, Man UTD (who lose the Championship on the last day of the season to George Graham’s Blackburn as they can only muster a 0-0 away draw to West Ham), finish in second place and Liverpool cannot qualify for the following season’s Champions League, unless, of course.... they can win it. They gain revenge over AC Milan by drawing 0-0 in the San Siro (in which Roy Keane shines) before a 10th minute McMannaman goal at Anfield is enough to give the side a 1-0 win and passage to the Champions League final. Unfortunately, both Roy Keane and Dean Saunders pick up bookings and miss the final. With Keane and Saunders suspended, Steve Bruce and Cocu injured, Liverpool are forced to field a weakened side in the final against Ajax. They go 2-0 down to the young Dutch masters before a superb free kick from John Barnes gives Liverpool hope, but a late goal from sub Patrick Kluivert seals Ajax the trophy.

Summer 1995: a disappointing season in which Liverpool finish trophy less for the first time since 1991 is tempered by the news that Liverpool make record profits for their season's efforts, getting the biggest share of Premiership television and Champions League money of all the sides in England. Merchandising and marketing is also a new area in which vast revenues are to be made, and with the growing popularity of young players such as Rob Jones, Jamie Redkapp, Steve McMannaman and Robbie Fowler, Liverpool have never been as popular as before. Later that summer Liverpool capitalize on this by signing the biggest ever deal with a shirt manufacturer, ADDIDAS, and announce plans for the expansion of Anfield to house 55,000 supporters by the start of the 1997/1998 season. After the disappointments on the playing side (and even a few calls for his dismissal!) Kenny Daglish announces a major shakeup if his side. Ian Rush is sold to Leeds for £1million, Dean Saunders (having scored 69 goals in 134 matches) is sold to Aston Villa for £2.5million. Dutch flop Brian Roy is allowed to sign for Celtic for £1million. In their place comes Denis Bergkamp from Inter Milan for £8million, Christophe Dugarry from Bordeux for £3million and Mark Overmars from European Champions Ajax for £5million, giving Liverpool a new look attack. A late pre season injury to Steve Bruce (cruciates) sees Daglish sign David Wetherall from Sheffield Wednesday for £1million.

December 1995: A new look Liverpool storm to the top of the league by Christmas, and despite Denis Bergkamp's erratic form, Robbie Fowler's goals, Overmars' pace and the central midfield partnership of Roy Keane and Jamie Redknapp (with Gary McAllister rotated at will across the middle) see Liverpool go undefeated in the league until December the 8th, when they go down to a Jurgen Klinsmann hat-trick at White Heart Lane. They make easy progress through the UEFA Cup as well, seeing off Nantes (5-1 agg), Lodz (7-2 agg) and Mallorca (4-0 agg).

April 1996: The second half of the season sees Liverpool continue to dominate at home, and when they defeat their closest rivals Man UTD (fielding a very young side) 1-0 at Old Trafford in March (a Gary McAllister penalty), they extend their lead at the top to 10 points. Although they are eliminated in the 4th round of the FA Cup by QPR, they win a trophy in Europe for the first time since 1984 by beating Inter Milan 5-2 on aggregate in the final round of the UEFA Cup, with Robbie Fowler scoring 4 of the tie's goals. The last game of the season, a 5-1 home win over Man City, sees the final appearance in a Liverpool shirt by Kop hero John Barnes, who lost his place earlier in the season to flying Dutch winger Mark Overmars. Fittingly, with the League long won, Daglish gives Barnes a start in his final game, and Digger finishes his Anfield career in style, scoring one of the 5. Araon Winter, Steve McMannaman, Jamie Redknapp and Christophe Duggary are the other scorers. Redknapp crowns a fantastic season by winning Footballer of the Year, and goes on to star for England at Euro 96.

Summer 1996: Despite John Barnes leaving, little transfer activity occurs for Liverpool all summer until late in August, Daglish secures the signings of Christian Ziege and Patrick Berger, for £5million and £2.5million respectively. The fall guy in this bout of wheeling and dealing is Irishman Steve Staunton, who is sold to Blackburn for £3million. In August Liverpool claim the European Supercup in Monaco, defeating European Champions Juventus in a cagey game on a hard pitch, with Jamie Redknapp scoring the only goal of the game mid way through the first half. However, the Charity Sheild is lost to Ruud Gullit’s cosmopolitan Chelsea side, who score twice without reply in the first 10 minutes to comfortably claim the trophy in a game played at a snail’s pace.

November 1996: A rash of injuries, particularly in defence where Steve Bruce's and Mark Wright's age beginning to show, and David Wetherall's lack of ability at the highest level, cost Liverpool vital points in the Premiership, and only scrape through the group stages of the Champions League thanks to a late Gary McAllister free kick in Kiev, a bizarre match played during a snow storm.

March 1997: Liverpool experiment by fielding a mix of youngsters and reserve players in the League Cup as the demands on first teamers grow due to prolonged European campaigning. Michael Owen makes his debut as a substitute in the second leg of the semi final, scoring the third goal in a 3-1 away win at Middlesboro. Patrick Berger and Christophe Dugarry, both finding themselves on the bench more Saturdays than not in the Premiership, shine in the League Cup, and a goal apiece against Chelsea in the final secures Liverpool the trophy. There is an element of sadness when Dutchman Arron Winter, never a star but a useful utility player in Daglish's "third" great team, announces his retirement after persistent Achilles injuries. Daglish spends all season looking for a new centre half, trying without success to sign Jorgen Koller, Jaap Stam and Alesandro Costacurta, before finally landing Arsenal's seasoned campaigner Steve Bould for the remainder of the season. Ultimately Liverpool's aging defence cost them the domestic title, although it was a close run affair: they hammer Chelsea 6-0 away in the final game of the season (Ziege (2), McAllister, Keane, Cocu and Bergkamp) but Johan Cryuff's Manchester UTD (Alex Ferguson being sacked the previous summer), fielding a young side featuring Giggs, Beckham, Scholes and the Neville brothers, and a number of talented Brazilians, claim the Championship by one point. However, Liverpool's disappointment is short lived, as a late Gary McAllister penalty gives them a hard fought 1-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League final in Munich. Liverpool achieve this through beating Dortmund 4-3 on aggregate in the semi final, with Robbie Fowler, Patrick Berger, Mark Wright and teenager Michael Owen among the scorers. Liverpool's season of triumph is completed when captain Roy Keane is named Footballer of the Year. Other stars include Christian Ziege, Rob Jones and Jamie Redknapp. Their European crown is their first for 13 years, and their return to Merseyside is greeted by more than 200,000 people.

Summer 1997: Liverpool legend Kenny Daglish stuns the football world when he announces his resignation as manager, stating that he has achieved all he can at Liverpool (and few can argue with that). In his time as player and then as manager Daglish has won countless leagues, FA Cups, league Cups, European Cups, European Supercups and the UEFA Cup, making him one of the most decorated football men in history. Liverpool's board is thrown into a panic, and names such as Alex Ferguson (now extremely successful at Glasgow Rangers), his assistant at Ibrox Walter Smith, Galatassaray manager Graeme Souness and former French national manager Gerard Houllier are touted among the press as replacements. Liverpool begin a long summer pursuit of renowned AC Milan manager Fabio Capello, who ultimately decides to become manager of Real Madrid, the disappointment of all concerned at Anfield. With no new manager in place by the beginning of August, Liverpool turn their attention back to the boot-room and appoint Roy Evans, loyal assistant and back room staff member since the Shankly days. With no new signings and Christophe Duggary and Phillepe Cocu joining Barcelona in a combined £16m move, and Steve Bruce and Steve Bould both departing to Birmingham on free transfers, Liverpool begin the season with a depleted squad. With only one win in their first 5 matches, Evans signs Jaap Stam from PSV for £12million and Karl Heinz Reidle from Dortmund for £1.5million.

December 1997: Liverpool face a humiliating early exit from the Champions League, drawing 4 out of their six group matches, winning one and losing 4-2 to Bayern Munich in an Anfield shocker (2 goals from Berger not enough to secure even a point). Only a decent 11 game unbeaten run in the league saves Evans from the sack, with Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen scoring 17 in 11 games between them, a run which keeps them in touch with the leaders (new look Arsenal under the leadership of Frenchman Arsene Wenger and Johan Cryuff’s Manchester UTD). In early December the club travels to Tokyo for the World Club Cup, but the team goes down 4-3 on penalties to Brazilian outfit Cruzerio after a tetchy and dull 0-0 draw. Defence remains a problem, prompting Evans to sign England international Gareth Southgate from Aston Villa for £6million in January.

April 1998: Liverpool tamely surrender their league title, finishing 3rd behind Man UTD and winners Arsenal, and also are eliminated from the League Cup and the FA Cup in the early stages. An amazing scoring run by teenager Michael Owen sees them reach the semi finals of the UEFA Cup, before going out 2-1 to Lazio (Karl Heinz Reidle scoring the only Liverpool goal against his former club, and only 5 goals for him in total all season).

Summer 1998: Another summer of turmoil for Liverpool, with Roy Evans resigning. He is immediately replaced with Kevin Keegan, the former manager of Newcastle, where he had much success playing an exciting and flamboyant brand of football. Keegan sells David May to newly promoted Watford, Wetherall back to Sheffield Wednesday, Rob Jones to Chelsea and Tim Flowers to Celtic. In their place comes David James of Aston Villa (£3million), Toni Asprilla from Parma (£7 million), and Phillipe Albert and Rob Lee from his former club Newcastle United (combined £3million).

September 1998: After a disastrous start, Keegan resigns from his post, and former great John Toshak is appointed caretaker manager. Faustino Asprilla is immediately sold to Athletico Madrid for £6.5million, and Toshak tells Rob Lee and Phillepe Albert that they have no future at Liverpool. Asprilla was a particularly unusual signing. He showed occasional glimpses of genius in front of the Kop but looked well off the pace of the Premiership and he gladly accepted an exit to La Liga. Toshak gives youngsters Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher and Steve Thompson their debuts.

April 1999: After a poor start, Toshak's Liverpool scrape through the Champions League group stage, with a goal in the 7 minute of injury time in a farcical game at FC Porto by veteran Gary McAllister putting them through (Liverpool win 5-4). In the next round an extended Anfield, housing over 55,000 fans in a European night for the first time since the 1970s, sees a Liverpool super-show as PSV are put to the sword, 7-2, with Fowler (3). Owen, McMannaman, Keane and Berger on the scoresheet. However, they eventually go out of the competition 1-0 on aggregate to Juventus in the semi final, the away game a nasty affair with Jaap Stam and Roy Keane both sent off for Liverpool and sadly, some off field problems after nasty confrontations between Liverpool and Juve fans. Liverpool finish again in third place in the Premiership, 15 points off double winners Manchester UTD, and only a 2-2 draw away to relegated Blackburn on the last day of the season (Bergkamp (2) with Liverpool's goals) see Liverpool hold on to a Champions League spot over Newcastle, now managed by former Liverpool legend Kenny Daglish!

Summer 1999: Despite a poor season, Liverpool can now boast to be the richest club in England, with only Manchester UTD capable of matching them in the transfer market. With this in mind, Chairman David Moores and new chief executive Rick Parry commence pre-season with a new optimism, and are determined to remedy the mistakes made with the appointments of Evans and Keegan. Despite a reasonable showing by Toshak, Liverpool are determined to get the man they missed out on two summers ago, and in early July announce the signing of Fabio Copello from Madrid, making him the highest paid manager in the world. Copello quickly begins a clear out at Anfield, with David James, Rob Lee, Phillepe Albert, Karl Heinz Reidle and Mark Overmars (£19million to Barcelona) all leaving Anfield. In their place come goalkeeper Peruzzi of Juventus (£5million), right back Christian Pannuci of Madrid (£5million), Luigi Di Baggio of Inter (£7 million) and Fabrizio Ravenelli of Middlesboro (£7 million). Mark Wright, one of the stars of the 90s for Liverpool, announces his retirement. The new Italian revolution is the talk of England, and Liverpool are installed as favorites for the Championship, despite the brilliant Double achieved the previous year by Johan Cryuff’s Manchester UTD.

December 1999: After a slowish start, Capello's Italian revolution begins to take shape. An injury to Robbie Fowler sees Michael Owen take centre stage alongside either Denis Bergkamp or Fabrizio Ravenelli. Owen's goals send Liverpool top of the Premiership at Christmas, and despite a late run by Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal, they remain there for the rest of the season.

April 2000: Liverpool secure the title with a 0-0 draw away to Leeds, and finish 4 points ahead of Arsenal and ten ahead of Man UTD, who implode after the shock resignation of Johan Cryuff. Old Trafford appoints Lazio's Sven Goran Erickson as replacement and the Swede commences one of the greatest spending sprees in English football history, bringing in Edgar Davids, Sinsa Mijalhovic, Oliver Kahn, former Liverpool player Phillepe Cocu and Fernando Counto in his first 6 months of the job. However, Liverpool disappoint in Europe, going out on penalties in the quarter finals of the Champions League to Bayern Munich, a game which included a rare penalty miss from Liverpool legend Gary McAllister.

Summer 2000: Steve McMannaman shocks Liverpool by failing to agree a new contract and signs on a Bosman for Real Madrid. Denis Bergkamp also leaves for Arsenal (£4million) after a fall out with manager Coppello, and misfiring Italian Ravenelli is sold to Marseille (£5 million). In their place come Denilson in a world record fee of £24million from Gremio, Portuguese right sided midfielder Concencaio from Benfica for £8million and English international Chris Sutton from Chelsea for £7million. Liverpool beat Arsenal 2-1 in the Charity Shield, with Denilson and Jamie Redknapp netting.

December 2000: Liverpool breeze through the CL group stages, with Michael Owen scoring an amazing 8 goals in the 6 games. Robbie Fowler returns from injury to send Liverpool on top of the Premiership in January with a hard fought 1-0 away to Arsenal. Brazilian winger Denilson evokes memories of the great John Barnes with his blistering displays on the left.

April 2001: After a great start which showed much promise, Liverpool's Champions League campaign disappointingly peters out, crashing out 0-1 on aggregate to AC Milan in the quarter finals. There is also agony in the Premiership, where big spending Manchester UTD pip Liverpool to the title, UTD winning the crucial title showdown 2-0 at Old Trafford. However, goals from Steven Gerrard and Robbie Fowler secure a 2-1 win over Gianluca Vialli’s Chelsea in a distinctly Italian flavored FA Cup final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

Summer 2001: The club sees little change in the summer, with flop Chris Sutton leaving for Celtic for £5million. New arrivals are Alesandro Taccanardi from Juventus (£8million) and a surprise signing, Chelsea veteran Gianfranco Zola for £1million. Liverpool defeat Manchester UTD 2-0 in the Charity Shield.

November 2001: Liverpool endure a cruel spate of injuries, with Patrick Berger and Denilson both sustaining long term afflictions. Despite this, however, star striker Michael Owen and strike partner Robbie Fowler score the goals which keep Liverpool in touch on all fronts. Veteran Italian Gianfranco Zola delights the Anfield crowd with his exciting cameos from the bench. The side also comes through a difficult Champions League group featuring Ajax, Sporting Lisbon and Lazio, the highlight being a 3-0 away victory in Rome’s Olympic stadium, all three goals coming from the frustratingly inconsistent Concencaio.

April 2002: Liverpool win the Premiership in style, with Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher establishing themselves as major new faces in the side, Gerrard consigning Jamie Redknapp to the bench. Michael Owen finishes the season with 33 league goals, and is named European Footballer of the Year. The Reds once again go out of the CL at quarter final stage, losing 2-3 on aggregate to Real Madrid.

Summer 2002: Manager Capello sells Luigi Di Baggio to Juventus for £6million, and brings in Walter Samuel from Roma for £6million and Andy Van der Meyde from PSV and Majeta Kezman from Partizan Belgrade in an attempt to spice up Liverpool's European challenge. Liverpool lose the Charity Shield to Arsenal on penalties, after Majeta Kezman scored for the Merseysiders in a 1-1 draw.

December 2002: Liverpool easily navigate the Champions League first group stages, notably picking up a 5-1 home win over Anderlect (Keane, Zola, Tacchanardi, Gerrard and Owen the scorers) and maintain the pace at home, despite a freakish 0-4 derby defeat at Goodison, where Carragher and Thompson are both sent off alongside Duncan Ferguson. They also go out of the League Cup early, manager Fabio Capello persisting with a reserve side in that competition.

April 2003: Liverpool lead the Premiership for most of the season, before a terrible spate of injuries puts paid to their league campaign, and an alarming run of 4 defeats in their last 5 games see them limp home in 4th, 12 points off Champions Arsenal. Michael Owen, however, is once again top scorer in England, scoring a sensational 39 goals in all competitions. The season ends in triumph, however, as Liverpool dominate in Europe, beating Real Madrid 1-0 in the Champions League Final, with Alesandro Taccanardi hitting the winner with a pile driver from 30 yards out, a fitting end to a hugely satisfying and accomplished European campaign that evoked memories of Paisley’s European accomplishments.

Summer 2003: Manager Fabio Copello surprisingly announces his resignation, deciding to take up an offer to manage Juventus back in his homeland. He takes Edilson and Concenciao with him for a combined fee of £33million, a move which leads to minor rioting on Merseyside as irate fans flood talk show phone ins and picket Rick Parry’s offices. Change continues as Gianfranco Zola rejoins Chelsea after an ultimately disappointing stay at Anfield where he never really rose above the role of supersub, Liverpool legend Gary McAllister joins Coventry as assistant manager, Gareth Southgate departs for Middlesboro and Jamie Redknapp goes to Spurs. Celtic manager Martin O' Neill is appointed new manager, with former French national coach Aime Jaquet as Director of Football in an unpopular attempt by chairman David Moores to replicate top continental sides. O' Neill and Jacquet then commence to sign Alan Boumsong and Djbril Cisse of Auxerre in a combined £15million fee, Kily Gonzalez of Inter for £2million, Victor of Deportivo La Caruna for £10million and bizarrely, South Korean Ahn Jung for £1million. The club loses the European Super Cup to Italian side Parma. Veteran Italian goalkeeper Peruzzi joins Sampdoria and is replaced by Finn Anti Niemi of Southampton, a £5million deadline busting deal.

November 2003: Liverpool are inconsistent, and only scrape through a middling Champions League Group, relying on a late Veenegor of Heeselink goal for PSV in their victory over Olympiakos to send Liverpool through. In the League they fall further and further behind leaders Arsenal, and the press soon publish rumors of a major falling out between O’ Neill, Jaquet and Rick Parry over transfer targets. O’ Neill makes history, however, as the first Liverpool manager to claim the World Club Cup, beating Boca Juniors 3-1, with Cisse, Fowler and veteran Patrick Berger netting the goals. Majeta Kezman departs in the January transfer window, signing for Paris St. Germain.

April 2004: Liverpool experience a mixed season, never really competing for the League (won in the end by Manchester UTD) and going out in the second group stages of the Champions League. Michael Owen again stars, and low key Copello signing Milan Baros surprises many by winning over a permanent spot from Robbie Fowler. O' Neill wins the League Cup, beating Blackburn 3-0 at Cardiff, with Owen, Cisse and Gonzalez the scorers. However, the season is marred by constant feuding between O' Neill, Jaquet and captain Roy Keane. Despite winning two trophies much disappointment is felt by the club hierarchy and among supporters for the side’s relative uncompetitiveness in Europe and a relatively mediocre Premiership campaign, which sees them finish 7 points off runners up Arsenal in third place. A week after the conclusion of the campaign manager Martin O’ Neill resigns, citing “personal reasons” although few doubt his difficult relationship with captain Roy Keane and Director of Football Aime Jaquet are the real reasons behind his departure.

Summer 2004: Jaquet resigns, conceding that his role at the club was a relative failure and Rick Parry announces that the next Liverpool manager would have total control. Roy Keane angers Liverpool fans by joining hated rivals, Manchester UTD, on a Bosman free transfer. Keane had made it well known that he would leave the club that summer, but most expected a move to the continent. Christian Ziege, a fixture of Liverpool's great Liverpool sides, retires through persistent injury and rumors abound in Merseyside that Robbie Fowler is to depart for Spain. Fowler however, assuages fans’ fears by promising to stay another season, although he is now down the pecking order, behind the likes of Owen, Baros and Cisse. As the end of June approaches, fears grow over Liverpool’s failure to fill the vacant managerial seat. However, an announcement is finally made, and Rafeal Benitez, manager of all conquering Spanish side Valencia, is introduced to the Liverpool public. Benitez signs Xabi Alonso from Real Socidead for £10.75million, Fernando Morientes from Real Madrid (a swap deal for Milan Baros – a “galactico” who finished Euro 2004 as surprise top scorer), Pablo Aimar from Valencia (£8million), Josemi from Malaga (£2million), De Michelis from Bayern Munich (£4million) and Brazilian Alex from PSV (£7million). Anfield says goodbye to Patrick Berger, Andy Van der Meyde and Korean Ahn Jung, who despite having a brief spell as a cult figure in January (largely after scoring twice in a game against mega bucks Chelsea), flopped badly. Construction work is completed on the final extension of Anfield, with the seated capacity no rising to 63,000.

The new season awaits, and after experiencing Dutch and Italian mania in the past decade, Liverpool steadies itself for the Spanish Armada!

© JBG 2005