Despite being continuously linked with Chelsea & Real, being frustrated for a number of years at less than shrewd purchases by Mr. Houllier (Cheyrou, Diao, Steptoe & son), you may remember particularly deflated, unconfident, somewhat "I'd rather be gardening" performances from the Anfield 11-14 this last season? During this period you may also remember each and every pundit/commentator/celebrity gardener stating that Mr. Steve had dragged them through, and to be honest, the only worthwhile reason for switching the microphone on.
I think you can already gauge my take on the matter, but let's be fair to the chap. There hasn't exactly been a media blackout on the salaries offered in London, where let's face it, the streets are paved with gold. Bear in mind that he only had Rafa's word for it that things would get better, and in terms of league performance they haven't. Bear in mind he has recently watched the messy end of a birth, and might have an inkling that he has some say in the child's future. Consider that the Real (excuse the pun) player that he connected with on the pitch wanted to go and compete with two of the best on the planet.
If paying Steve's (and his agent's) salary amounts to not paying Kewell, then let's pack Harry off to Bolton or the next Big Brother, as Steve's heart really IS in Liverpool, his huge performances really HAVE been in a Liverpool shirt, and he really DOES have a scouse accent. Harry, in contrast, has a poorly second cousin once removed in Halifax, who admittedly owes him a tenner, which is distraction enough.
Come on, when presented on MOTD (prime time FA Cup flavour!) with a series of optional transfer venues by Mr. Lineker (put your pride away Harry), did he not show the source of his passion by stating "Well, Man. United might be out of the question" (unlike the big eared, great volley scoring, referee abusing, granny shagging illiterate chap from across Stanley Park)?
Yeah, his loyalty may have faltered, his ideologies may have wavered, but I like the guy, and I'm convinced that he contributes 100% every minute that he wears a Red's shirt. It can't be easy when there are 10 other blokes on your side who are wishing they hadn't had so much chilli sauce on their kebab the night before, or when a certain Portuguese chap has two of his fingers up your anus.
This prodigy of ours needs your support and encouragement. Negative feedback from the club he loves (of which we are all a part) will only serve to send him packing. How many of us really want that? Please join me in giving it to him, whatever his decision.
Nealie Wonderbra (TV Superstar)
PS: If the Houllier comments above offend anyone, take a reality check. Being the orchestrator of such a silverware haul makes the guy a Legend in my eyes... unlike, ermmmm, Mr. Souness.