Liverpool FC Forum

by **kazza** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 11:36 am

STEVIE’S SCREAMER WAS A GOAL IN ?10 MILLION
Daily Mirror. 10th December 2004
STEVEN Gerrard’s superb Champions League winner was a one in 10 million strike for Liverpool.

The Anfield skipper’s last-gasp screamer not only set the stadium alight and sent the Merseysiders through to the knockout phase of the competition.

It also guaranteed Liverpool at least another ?10m in prize money and TV bonuses - and that could change the whole future of the club.

Gerrard himself recognises just how important the goal is, and not just because it ensures that he will remain at Anfield until at least the end of the season.

After piling up debts of ?22m last year, Liverpool were desperately short of cash to buy much-needed new players in the January transfer window.

But after reaching the last 16, the Reds have earned at least another ?10m that they have not budgeted for. That can immediately be ploughed into new signings.

Qualifying from their group earns Liverpool an extra ?5.5m in prize money.

They also get a share of gate receipts for the two-legged tie which comes next, and with three Italian giants in the draw, it is likely to be against high-profile, big-money opposition.

Most importantly, though, Liverpool also get to share out revenue from the vastly lucrative Market Pool, which is based on the proportional values of different TV markets, to which England contributes the most.

The consequences are massive for Anfield and not just because it means extra cash to invest on new players.

It also gives them a real chance of hanging on to Gerrard who insisted earlier in the week that he will be forced to move on unless Liverpool become genuine trophy contenders.

His goal four minutes from time against Olympiakos could become one of the most pivotal in the club’s history.

'It’s one of the most important goals I’ve ever scored,' admitted Gerrard. 'And I hope it turns out to be one of the most important for the club for a long time, especially in terms of what it means financially.

'I said before the game the team and the club is what’s important. We have to build on wins like this, not just settle for a great win and then not progress any further.

'I can’t lie and hide my feelings. I want to be in a Liverpool side which is challenging for the title and Champions League all the time. Everyone wants that - I’m just like the fans who want that more than anyone. Let’s hope we are in a position now where we can go on towards that.'

Gerrard has pledged to stay until the end of the season to try and help turn things around at the club, but his goal could mean he stays longer.

Benitez will now be offered ?10m to spend in the transfer window, and told to bring in new faces who can turn Liverpool into genuine contenders.

But it also means that the club becomes a more attractive investment proposition, now that they are still in the Champions League into the new year. Speculation is mounting that local businessman Steve Morgan has finally made an offer to buy into the club that the board is prepared to accept.

If Morgan does get his wish to join the Anfield board, then he will pump upwards of ?30m directly into the coffers, to fund a spending spree and also to help finance the construction of a new stadium.

Morgan is due to have more talks with the club within the next few days, and if an agreement is reached, he could invest heavily before the transfer window closes at the end of January.

by **L-type** » Sat Dec 11, 2004 8:27 pm

Don't like Morgan would rather have the L4 group launch a takeover.

Liverpool FC Forum

What a diff a goal makes - Was very close

Who is online