Liverpool FC Forum

by **The Ace1983** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:34 pm

Today is one of the first days in a long time that have seen no real Liverpool stories on Skysportsnews.com or on the telly (now that I've said that, I just know we're gonna launch a bid for Ronaldinho or something), so I thought I'd take this oppertunity to reflect on the summer and share my views with you guys on Newkit.

I can still remember, that night. I was sat at home nursing away the final embers of an early summer cold made worse by hayfever and a warm night. I usually try to avoid watching Liverpool games as I have this stupid superstition. I've seen Liverpool hundreds of time on the TV, but I've only seen them win twice. I know it's stupid, but it's uncanny the stuff that happens sometimes. I've flicked on the game a number of times and seen an equaliser go in, or a winning shot sail past our keeper, so you can see my predicament.

However, I had recieved a call from my dad at half-time, who was in his local and lamenting on Benitez's actions in Istanbul. "why would you play Harry Kewell?" seemed to be the most re-occuring theme (both in that match and throughout the season, or at least the bits of the season when he wasn't injured) but things like, "oh if they still had Aldo or Barnes or Hughes or Owen or Kenny or..." I'm sure you've heard it and said it too. He told me the score and another dream seemed to be over.

Is I turned on the live coverage from Turkey, I watched my fellow supporters in their regret and lament and devotion, crying and shrugging and planning their silent trips home, I noticed the singing. Still, through all of what had happened, still their was hope in the hearts of so many. I thought to myself "what difference would it make now if I watched?" so I got some beer and sat back to watch my favorite team fight for dignity.

The voice of a pessamistic Andy Gray echoed the words of a defeated Phil Thompson who had maybe, after his dissapointing years with Houllier after 00/01 had forgotten how to hope. They welcomed on the teams and supstitute Didi H. who looked around the stadium as it roared back to life. But it wasn't a stadium filled with Italians, it wasn't a stadium filled with the defeated, this was a Red stadium. As if the very bricks of the kop had been transported to old Constantinople with the grass of Stanley Park and the fences of Melwood, Anfield, the Anfield of old legend had risen again and with it the same old song that had lifted the spirits of so many great names in the past echoed from the stands to the seats and beyond. Things had changed and everyone was seeing, hearing and living Red.

Things happened slowly on the pitch. Things began building as the old spirits swirled around the venue and then it happened. I don't really remember any of it now. Surfers call it the fuzz or the static or something like that. When they go into a pipe or ride a giant wave, they just run on auto, the mind detaches itself and suddenly, when it's all over, the mind returns. I remember the words "hello, hello, here we go" and he next minute Xabi Alonso was being decked by a beaming Baros. The roar of the Stadium now was immense. The Milan players were glancing around them at the stands which now seemed to be all red and bedecked by a royal flock of Liver birds. 3-3. This wasn't supposed to happen in a game like this. It shouldn't have been possible, but there it was. The best six minutes ever

Extra time came and went with last ditch tackles and saves al round but we all knew what was coming. Penalties. An English team's worst nightmare. But not this English team. You know what happened. I don't have to tell you. I ran screaming into town with no regard to my cold. Jumping for joy and thanking every god and diety around.

The next day saw the return. I couldn't be there but I knew some of my family would be. I watched the team return. It was brilliant. What I would have given to have been in Liverpool that night.

Since then we've gone from story to story in the press. First we wanted to know if our gladiators would be allowed to defend their trophy. If the match had not been THAT match, I doubt it would have happened. William Guillard had spent all summer lying about how many teams could go in and where and when and he was put to shame by the decission. After all, hadn't we been saying since that night when the greek champions were put in their place at Anfield; "what would happen if Everton finished fourth and Liverpool won the Champions League?" I don't know how many of us took this to be a serious problem and we know Uefa didn't, but isn't it funny how things work out.

After being allowed back in, Everton fans finally shut up for a while about finishing above us. Their smug grins evaporated for a little while at least as Stevie reminded Mr Moyes that "you can't show fourth place to your grandkids".

We were first linked with Raul as the transfers got under way. Others too from Spain and England and all over. But one thing still dominated as it had done for the past year. Stevie. Was he definatley staying after Istanbul? Were Real's and Chelsea's money waving negotiators poised. Our Stevie. Staying or Going? Then it happened. He was going. Our king. The man we held to be above all others. Stevie "cut him in half and he bleeds... er... red?!" Gerrard, was off. Chelsea pounced but were batted away as fans praised him as a legend and burned his efigy as well. And then on the morning of the second day, he had thought, he had listened, he had seen the light, and it was good and it was Red. He's Staying!!! was proclaimed from the TV and Radio. And he signed for us. For life. For Liverpool.

Around this time, we saw new faces. Bolo Zenden, Formerly of Chelsea and Boro came to us and promises to be everything that a certain Australian never was. Pepe Reina came from Spain and now can tug with "the Dancer" Dudek for the spot between the posts. Youngsters too and promises of more including a few days later, the arrival of Momo Sissoko from Valencia who shows so much promise.

Then came TNS. Total Network Solutions from Wales, who had offered to save us before we knew we were in, met us at Anfield and walked off the pitch happy to have played against the team that had made so many dreams come true, who were their heroes.

And so it goes on. More names are still being thrown into the hat. Crouch, Milito, Upson, Kuijt and some more. Rumours and friendlies. Some people want big stars, others want better squads, some want to be champions and others will be happy with fourth. Who knows what the new season brings. New Legends, new villains, new matches, old enemies. But we can be sure of one thing. All that comes from now, we will never forget when The Anfield of Old came from the past to Istanbul and the crowds roared and we won. We are Liverpool and we really are, by far, the greatest team that the world has ever seen.

I'd like to know your recollections too. Please post.

by **76-1115222408** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 10:07 pm

Good read that...Thanks

Nice to see the effort being put in!!

by **The Canadian Red Army** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 1:18 am

i remember that night (im an idiot for not taping it

) I was jumping all around, i was yelling and screaming as loud as i could. Then i ran upstairs to kiss my mom, and yelled WE WON WE WON!!!!. I ran outside and started dancing in the street. For those who said we were going to loose against bayarn, juve, chelsea, and Milan. I laughed at them, and said we were going to win. We proved everybody wrong, and that day will be one of the best days of my life.
Red Forever :buttrock

by **laza** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 3:26 am

Excellent post Ace,
Its always a pleasure to read thoughts like these

cheers L

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