7 December 1999

REDS RECEIVE SMICER BOOST
Czech winger Vladimir is set to make a return to the first team, after completing 76 minutes of reserve team football. Smicer has missed the last 3 league games after picking up a hamstring injury in the victory over Derby County.

Smicer had a good game, setting up Steve Staunto to cross perfectly for Erk Meijer to score. Smicer was reasonably pleased with his performance. "Hopefully that is all my problems finished," he enthused.

"I don't feel as though I have started my season yet because I have missed so many games. The first half went well and I tired after that. I would like to be involved with the first team straight away but that is not my decision."

Gerard Houllier provided the assesment on Smicer's performance: "I thought he was outstanding in the first half. It was his first game for a month so we will have to see how his fitness is this week." If all goes well, Smicer will replace the suspended David Thompson for the FA Cup tie against Huddersfield. -Teamtalk ; Sky Sports

HENCHOZ SUSPENDED
Swiss defender Stephane Henchoz received his 5th yellow card against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday and will be suspended for the clash against Bobby Robson's Newcastle on 26 December. Jamie Carragher is likely to feature in his place in the St James' Park tie. Henchoz's absence will be felt though. -Kop Talk

BJORNEBYE PICKS UP AN INJURY
Norwegian defender, Stig Inge Bjornebye picked up a facial injury during the reserve game against Aston Villa. The reserve team skipper was subbed after just 11 minutes in the 3-1 victory over Villa. He is not expected to figure in Gerard Houllier's plans for the first team though.

Meanwhile, Liverpools second-string are unbeaten since the start of the season (11 games) after the win. Erik Meijer, Leyton Maxwell and Jon Newby scored for the Reds while Richard Walker pulled one back for Villa. -Teamtalk

HOULLIER URGES YOUNG STARS TO BE PATIENT
In the wake of the inspirational performance by Houllier's young midfield brigade, the manager has warned his young stars to be patient and professional and not take a demotion to the subs' bench too harshly one the team's more established internationals are ready for selection.

Danny Murphy, Steve Gerrard and Dave Thompson are very aware that they will be pushed out of the frame again once stars like Jamie Redknapp, Patrik Berger and Vladimir Smicer return from injury.

Houllier said: "They still have much to learn and they will be part of the squad. But you don't win things with just 11 players. I would say to the lads `look at Manchester United, they won the European Cup with their substitutes'.

"Look at Arsenal. They went to Leicester, a tough away game, and won on Saturday with many players out and other squad players in the side and doing well. We will need all our players over the season and you need a big squad full of good team spirit if you are to compete at the top level and win things," he added. -Sporting Life

YOUNG STARS ACKNOWEDGE HOULLIER
After their encouraging displays against Sheffield Wednesday, youngsters Dave Thompson and Steve Gerrard have come out to acknowledge that Houllier's stern hand had guided them back on track.

Gerrard and Thompson are both graduates of Liverpool's academy and have since made steps into the first team. Thompson was banished to youth team wilderness after getting into an argument with his French boss over a card. 19 year old Gerrard had it no better when he was booted out of the line-up following his dismissal in the Merseyside Derby.

For Thompson, that was the turning point of his young career. The 22 year old had this to say of the incident: "The gaffer had a go at me after the game and I didn't respond in the right manner. It was only criticism and I should have just accepted it. But I've always been someone who won't keep his mouth shut, on or off the pitch, especially if I've got a gripe."

Nevertheless, Thompson had to complete his term in the youth side and Houllier cehcked on him. "To be fair to the gaffer, he kept in touch with me on the phone when I was training at the Academy. He genuinely wanted to help me and that's what has happened. I don't like to admit it but maybe going to the Academy helped me because since then I've had a bit of a look in with the first team," Thompson said. The young midfielder also admitted that he was unhappy about being sent to the youth side initially and even harboured thoughts that his Liverpool career was over.

Gerrard, on the other hand, was left out of the side after collecting a red card in the Merseyside Derby. Apparently, Houllier did not speak to the teenager for a whole week after the incident. Young Gerrard has since learned his lesson:

"I've taken on board everything the gaffer has told me," said Gerrard. "He had a go at me over the sending off and subsequent suspension I picked up against Everton. He told me I needed to be more composed in my play and that he wanted me on the pitch and not the sidelines.

6 December 1999

THATCHER MOVE ON THE CARDS?
Liverpool are carefully monitoring the ownership row at Wimbledon in the hope of finally luring Ben Thatcher to Anfield.

The England under-21 starlet remains Gerard Houllier's top transfer target and the Frenchman is eager to strengthen his options at left-back.

Liverpool prepared a £3.5m plus Stig Inge Bjornebye package at the start of last month, but Dons chairman Sam Hammam resisted the proposal.

However, Wimbledon's new Norwegian owners insist boss Egil Olsen must trim his squad to cover a £3m overdraft placing question marks over the future of players like Thatcher, Carl Court and John Hartson. -Koptalk

KOP KIDS SPEAK UP
Fresh from their sparkling displays against Sheffield Wednesday, David Thompson and Steve Gerrard are delighted with their performances. Having been given the chance to shine, the duo were out to "prove people wrong".

The rising young midfielders were delighted to repay the Frenchman by capping performances way beyond their years with stunning individual strikes to help sink Sheffield Wednesday 4-1 at Anfield and fire the Reds back up to fifth in the Premiership.

They also delivered stinging rebukes to those critics who may have doubted the wisdom of throwing such young players into Liverpool's battle for European qualification. Thompson declared: "We have proved to everyone that we're more than capable of sustaining ourselves in the Premiership ­ and excelling.

"I bet that before the game Andy Gray would have been saying on SKY TV that Liverpool had a very young midfield. "The manager tells us every day in training to keep our feet on the ground. He has been fantastic. He has given us all our chance and we're paying him back for that."

Thompson was particularly pleased with his individual goal. Thompson said: "I've scored four goals for Liverpool and three of them were tap-ins, so I kept wondering when I was going to get myself a decent one."

Another goalscorer and young gun, Danny Murphy was equally excited. "I feel as though I want to express myself, whereas at times in the past I have just wanted to come in to the side and do a job.

"But I've more than done a job for people this season, I know I have. I just wanted to enjoy myself and show a few people what I could do."

Young Steve Gerrard had this to say of his solo goal: "It was an unbelievable feeling. I've never felt like it before. To beat two men and finish like that was absolutely incredible."

Gerrard also took a dig at those who had doubted the youngsters: "Every time Liverpool put a young side, some people try to write us off. But I think the manager is building for the future, as well as now, and that worked today.

"They were two great goals from myself and David Thompson, but it was also great to see Danny Murphy score with his left foot. Myself, Danny, David and Jamie Carragher probably all have to prove people wrong, because we're all after regular places.

"It's a big disappointment for for the club and the fans to lose Jamie Redknapp with injury, and the sooner he's back the better. But while he is out, it's a chance for myself and some of the other younger lads to try and get in and take our chance." -Koptalk

ONE FOR THE KIDS
Gerard Houllier applauded his young players for their fine performances in the 4-1 demolition of Sheffield Wednesday. With Jamie Redknapp and Patrik Berger out, Houllier left the task to David Thompson, Steven Gerrard and Danny Murphy. In fact, the only senior in midfield that day was German international, Didi Hamann.

All 3 did not disappoint and even found the time to score a goal each. Houllier said: "We had a lot of youngsters out there and they all did themselves proud. Danny Murphy, Steve Gerrard and myself all got on the scoresheet, which is fantastic and brilliant for the club."

The Frenchman also felt that the team had put on a spirited display after the loss to West Ham. "I was pleased with the display. We showed great passing and movement and created chances. We showed character and created to the level I like.

"We showed a lot of commitment," Houllier said.

The manager was especially pleased with the performance of his young stars, saying: "I don't think anyone would argue that if Patrik Berger and Jamie Redknapp were fit, they would have played. But the youngsters filled in very well and showed they are improving and Danny Murphy, Steven Gerrard and David Thompson scoring shows they are more than contenders for places in the team."

Houllier even gave special mention to Gerrard's goal. "What Steven Gerrard did, in particular, with the third goal that really killed them off was outstanding." -Sporting Life ; Koptalk

HOULLIER: WE'RE NOT READY
In spite of his side's 4-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday, Gerard Houllier refused to get carried away and insisted that Liverpool are not ready to challenge for the premiership.

Houllier said: "I would like to say that but we dropped points when we had a lot of players missing and injured and didn't have the full squad."

However, he admitted that the team has progressed over the season and took a swipe at the people who had ridiculed his side's defensive record prior to the season. "We are not far away. we are improving. At this stage last season, a lot of people were complaining about our defensive record. But now we are the best and that shows we have improved in an area where teams need to have a base to be successful."

5 December 1999

REDS HAMMER OWLS
Liverpool hit 4 past Kevin Pressman as the Reds romped to a fine 4-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday. The Owls gained an early lead when Alexandersson fired past Sander Westerveld. Things soon fell back into place and the Reds went into the break with a 2-1 lead with Hyypia and Murphy getting the goals.

The second half saw the other midfield young guns stealing the show. Steve Gerrard scored his first ever senior goal while man-of-the-match Dave Thompson capped off his inspirational performance with his second goal of the season.

full match report here

WILSON: FOWLER'S THE THREAT
Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Wilson acknowledged the threat Robbie Fowler posed to his side. Wilson admitted that he would prefer it if Fowler stayed on the sidelines, saying: "I'm just hoping he is not fit enough to play."

"Robbie will have something to prove," Wilson added. "He will want to get back on the scoresheet.

"And I'm sure there is one eye from his point-of-view on England with the European Championships going on in the summer. He'll want to forge his way ahead in Kevin Keegan's thoughts. From our point-of-view it means that we've got to make sure we are on the top of our game." -Koptalk

OWEN'S NEW BOOT DEAL
Umbro are ready to offer Michael Owen a record £1million-a-season to extend their current contract. Owen has over two years of his contract to run, but Umbro are keen to fend off rival companies, by tying Owen for a further seven years. The new deal surpasses the current British record, incidentally held by Robbie Fowler. Fowler's Nike deal is worth some £500,000 a year. -Koptalk

HOULLIER DEFENDS OWEN
Michael Owen discovered how fickle the media can be when he was pilloried, following the "diving" incident at Upton Park. However, subsequent television evidence of the incidents cast considerable doubt over the validity of the bookings and Houllier has decided to back his young star as he fights to rid himself of an unwanted reputation.

Houllier said: "I was not very pleased with what has been said about Michael this week. When something happens like that the first thing you do is to ask the player.

"Michael said no, I didn't dive. So I watched the video and I'm sure everyone else watched it too. And it showed that Michael did not try to deceive referee Mr Barber or anybody else.

"So we are not very pleased that Michael is the subject of so many accusations. But the boy is strong, he is proud of playing for his club and he's proud of playing for his country when he is asked to do so.

"He knows he has got the backing of his team-mates and everybody in the club." -Sporting Life

4 December 1999

MASSIVE REDKNAPP BLOW
Jamie Redknapp will be out of action for at least three month after it was revealed that his knee injury was much worse than first believed when he underwent an operation on Monday.

Redknapp will certainly miss England's friendly international against Argentina in February and his recovery from this massive setback must also put in doubt his chances of being fully recovered to take part in Euro 2000.

Liverpool's skipper has played a massive role this season in leading the club and his absence will be sorely felt. Manager Gerard Houllier admitted that the it was a big blow, citing his captain's huge presence on the pitch. Houllier said: "This is a big, big blow for us - and it will affect Jamie as far as England is concerned as well. He could be out for three months."

"He has been a very good captain for us this season, a fine leader and has been very important for us." -Teamtalk ; Sporting Life ; Soccernet

HOULLIER PLEASED WITH DEFENCE
Gerard Houllier is delighted that his defender, Sami Hyypia has clinched the Player of the Month award, saying: "A year ago people were laughing at our defence. Now we have one of the best defensive records and Sami has played a big part in that. Who would have thought a Liverpool defender would win a player-of-the-month award? It shows what we are trying to do."

"I am delighted with the speed Sami has adapted to the English game. No one knew him when he arrived and people questioned whether he would be good enough. Perhaps this award will make people sit up and take notice." -Koptalk

3 December 1999

CAMARA AND FOWLER IN
Titi Camara and Robbie Fowler have been included in the 16 man squad that hosts Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday. Fowler has declared himself to be 100% fit, saying that his ankle is "much better than last week". However, Houllier cautioned that he would have to "see how they progress over the rest of the week".

Unfortunately, Patrik Berger and Vladimir Smicer were both left out while Jamie Redknapp is still out after undergoing an operation on his knee.

Squad: Westerveld, Friedel, Song, Heggem, Henchoz, Hyypia, Matteo, Staunton, Thompson, Murphy, Carragher, Gerrard, Hamann, Camara, Fowler, Owen. -Teamtalk

END OF THE ROAD FOR BABB?
Liverpool's Rep. of Ireland defender, Phil Babb, could be on his way out of Anfield. Babb has told club officials that he is set to begin negotiations with foreign clubs after Jan 1 in a bid to secure a free transfer when his contract expires in July next year. The 29 year old defender was Britain's costliest defender when he moved to Anfield from Coventry for a fee of £3.6m 5 years ago. His Anfield career could be coming to an end since he has yet to play a game for Liverpool this season. -Koptalk

HOULLIER GOING GREEK
Gerard Houllier is said to be interested in Mihalis Kassapis. Kassapis is a Greek left back believed to be worth around £2.25m. The 27 year old plays for top Greek club AEK Athens but is currently serving a 24-game domestic ban following his attack on a referee. Kassapis reportedly kicked the ref up his arse and can now only play in the UEFA Cup.

Celtic had tried to sign AEK's club captain last season, but the deal fell through. AEK are now interested in selling the player and Gerard Houllier will travel to Monaco to see the player in action in the UEFA Cup. -Koptalk ; Teamtalk

2 December 1999

HYYPIA'S CARLING PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Liverpool's Finnish defender and acting captain, Sami Hyypia has been named Carling Player of the Month for November. During the month, Liverpool chalked up impressive wins and moved up the table, having conceded just 2 goals in 4 games. Hyypia arrived from Dutch side Willem II in the summer and has since formed a formidable partnership with Stephane Henchoz. The statistics are particularly impressive, with the team conceding 3 goals in the last 8 games that the pair have played together, while keeping 5 clean sheets.

Hyypia capped off a fine month when he captained the Reds in the absence of Jamie Redknapp and Robbie Fowler. Although Liverpool went on to lose the match (and a 6 game winning run), Hyypia put in another solid performance.

At this point, Liverpool REDS would like to emphasise that we had in fact named Sami Hyypia as our October-November Player of the Month before this latest boost. Looks like we picked the right player... -Teamtalk

FOWLER IN CONTENTION FOR PLACE IN THE SIDE
Striker Robbie Fowler is in line to play against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday. Fowler has not played since the Merseyside Derby loss in September and has missed 12 of the team's last 13 games. During the layoff, Fowler underwent an ankle operation. While making his comeback after the operation, it was feared that he would require further surgery.

Fortunately, he has faught his way back to fitness and has netted in Liverpool reserve games. Fowler has indicated that he did not want to be rushed back and neither does he want to take any chances. The team's vice captain is looking forward to his comeback however. He said: "I was so looking forward to the season and I had big expectations because it was the first time I had done pre-season for a long, long time and I felt really good.

"But this sort of thing happens. That is football. You have to take the good with the bad." -Soccernet

STRIKER BOOST
Before the season, everyone was harping on Liverpool's leaky defence but as Sami Hyypia picked up Carling's Player of the Month award, the team since to have problems scoring!

Things could change though with Titi Camara, Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen all fit. Titi Camara had missed the last 2 games due to a thigh strain but has since played a reserve game, indicating that he is ready. Michael Owen has also recovered from the cramps which saw him limp off the pitch in the West Ham defeat. To complete the lineup, Robbie Fowler is set to make his return from ankle surgery (see above report). -Teamtalk

1 December 1999

LIVERPOOL 10th RICHEST
Liverpool have been named as one of the top ten richest clubs in the world, after an annual survey by accountants Delloitte and Touche.

The Scum topped the list with a whopping £90 million in turnover. Liverpool meanwhile increased its turnover by £6 million but still found itself dropping one place from last year's list. -The Straits Times

REDKNAPP'S OP A SUCCESS
Jamie Redknapp is facing a lengthy layoff after his cartilage operation. The operation proved to be a success and assistant manager Phil Thompson acknowledged this, saying: "I have spoken to Jamie and he is in good spirits. It was a niggling injury that needed sorting out."

"We will only know in the next couple of days just how long he will be out for." -Sporting Life

JOHNSEN MAY STILL JOIN REDS
Liverpool may have invited Heinz Weber for trials but the door is not closed for Norwegian keeper, Espen Johnsen. Johnsen is expected to arrive in early January for a second trial spell, albeit interest from another club, namely Manchester United (again). Liverpool may just need two keepers since Brad Friedel is expected to move while Jurgen Nielsen does not impress Gerard Houllier. -Teamtalk

BERGER INJURY BOOST
Liverpool have been handed a boost when sans revealed that Czech midfield star, Patrik Berger's injury was not serious.

Berger had limped off after just 18 minutes in the match against West Ham. While it was feared that he had damaged ligaments, scans showed that Berger's injury was not severe. Assistant manager revealed: "The scans have shown there is nothing too severe which is good news because we were worried about him to be honest."

Meanwhile, the Reds' other Czech midfield star, Vladmir Smicer may be out for another fortnight. Thompson described Smicer as having "brusing around the knee joint." -Sporting Life

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