Liverpool FC Forum

heimdall wrote:

s@int wrote:9/03/2009

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez wants old sidekick Frank McParland to join his management team in a major Anfield shake-up.

Benitez is keen to hook up again with McParland who quit the Kop to join Sammy Lee at Bolton Wanderers 18 months ago. He would like to create a Director of Football-style post for McParland, changing the behind-the-scenes landscape at Anfield.

McParland could take over some of the football duties that outgoing chief executive Rick Parry does - like negotiating for signings and renewing contracts.

McParland had a similar job at Watford when he left Bolton after Lee's axeing, although he left that post when the Hornets had their own shake-up.

Benitez's new contract is yet to be signed, but the appointment of McParland would suggest that the manager may stay on for the long-term after all.

Daily Mirror

I think if we were really looking for a Director of Football we would need a stronger and larger personality than McParland, who was after all only a scout(?) when he was here before.

A "yes man", is not what we are looking for , I would prefer someone like Dalglish, who knows players, knows the prem and knows just what Liverpool need to make the big step up. I am sure Kenny would not be a yes man, would have strong views and IF he could work with Rafa it would be a much better alternative.

I think the problem is that not many people can work with Rafa, unless they are yes men. Whatever else can be said about Rafa, I think it's fairly clear that he is an awkward bugger to deal with.
Kenny and Rafa sounds liek a dream ticket but i think it would be a bloody nightmare in reality, anyway let Rafa have full control and then we'll see what happens, maybe I'll be proved wrong and it was after all Rick Parrys fault, will be interestign to see, at least rafa has no more excuses now, oh well aprt from the owners of course   

s@int wrote:Platini U18 transfer limit backed by clubs
Reuters - Today, 20:17


BRUSSELS - The top clubs and leagues have backed UEFA chief Michel Platini's proposal to scrap international transfers in Europe for players under 18, European football's governing body said on Monday.

Platini says an increase in the age limit is needed to fight the rising number of young players, notably from Africa and Latin America, being trafficked through Europe.

However, any new rule must be approved by the European Union (EU) where 16 is the minimum legal age for cross-border transfers. "All four groups (associations, clubs, leagues and players) agreed on the principle there should be no international transfers of minors (under-18 players) either into Europe or within Europe," UEFA said in a statement.

The agreement signed by UEFA, the European Club Association (representing 137 leading clubs such as Manchester United and Real Madrid), players union FIFPro and the European Premier Football Leagues also said players under-18 should sign their "first contract" with the club that developed them.

Last month EU Sports Commissioner Jan Figel said he was willing to consider asking the EU's 27 governments to support Platini's plan if the former French international could provide evidence it would stop exploitation of young players.

World football's governing body FIFA, which oversees international transfers, has also backed Platini's proposal.

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

Probably shouldn't go in here, but as we seem to have moved on from Director of football to Director of the Academy , maybe its not so out of place.

I think IF its brought in it will be a good thing for the kids, being tempted into leaving home and moving to a completely new environment at such a young age usually leads to problems in their developement anyway.

For the kids from the poorer countries it may NOT be such a great idea. For many of them its a way out, an exit from poverty, civil strife and war. They get a chance to not only improve their lives, but if they do make it in football the lives of their family ,friends and villages.

Bammo wrote:That ban only seems to apply to players moving between clubs. It would still be possible for kids from developing countries to be scouted and signed for European teams so long as they were free agents.

I agree with a transfer ban though. At the moment it benefits British clubs because of the differences in pro contracts in different countries. In Spain players must be 18, here 16. This is why Arsenal got Fabregas and we got Pacheco. Great when it works in our favour but it's not exactly sporting is it?