15 December 1999

HOPE FOR HESKEY
Leceister City boss Martin O'Neill has delivered the clearest hint yet that Emile Heskey would join Liverpool if he left Filbert Street.

Liverpool have wisely refused to be drawn into a series of claims that they have already struck a secret deal to sign the England striker.

Heskey has been linked with Liverpool for 12 months, with the £9m rated youngster constantly at the centre of suggestions that an unwritten gentleman's agreement has been reached between the two clubs over a summer move.

O'Neill said: "The club is not in charge of the situation, however. There is no written agreement with Liverpool because you can't have an agreement, but Emile Heskey has his preferences and those preferences will dictate everything."

The highly-rated England forward has 12 months left to his Leceister contract and the Foxes are considering selling the player rather than losing him for nothing under the Bosman Ruling. O'Neill stressed that the final decision lies with Heskey although he would sell the player to the highest bidder.

"My priority has always been to get my best players to stay at this club," O'Neill said. "I will tell you this, though, if Liverpool were to come in with £7m and we get double that offer from Barcelona, I will taxi him over to Spain myself. Whatever, it will be Emile Heskey's choice in the end." -Liverpool Echo

BERGER IN, THOMPSON OUT
David Thompson picked up a knee injury ahead of Saturday's match against Coventry. Gerard Houllier said: "He left training yesterday with a bit of a knee problem. He is on the treatment table and we are just hoping it is not too serious."

Meanwhile, Czech midfield star, Patrik Berger looks set to return to the side. Berger is back in training after recovering from a knee injury, and is in contention for the weekend. -Liverpool Echo

FRIEDEL JOINING OWLS?
American goalkeeper Brad Friedel has been the subject of inquiries from struggling Sheffield Wednesday, but as yet no firm offer has been made to end his spell in Anfield exile. -Liverpool Echo

BABBEL MIGHT NOT JOIN REDS AFTERALL
German left-back Markus Babbel might not join Liverpool in the summer afterall. The sought-after German internationl had publicly announced his desire to head to Anfield after the current season. Babbel, who snubbed a move to Old Trafford a few seasons ago, is now in talks with his current club, Bayern Munich, who are believed to be offering him a lucrative six-year deal.

Furthermore, the defender hinted two weeks ago, that he was lured by the lira and would prefer a move to the Serie A rather than the Premiership. Recent reports in Germany state that Real Madrid, Deportivo, Man United, Newcastle, Chelsea, Fiorentina and Lazio are chasing the player's signature as well. -Sky Sports

14 December 1999

OWEN TURNS 20
Michael Owen leaves his teenage years behind him today as he celebrates his 20th birthday. Liverpool REDS has received quite a bit of mail wishing Owen a happy birthday. We do not have the means to relay those birthday greetings to him, but nonetheless we wish him a very Happy Birthday!

SONG ON NATIONAL DUTY
Liverpool looks set to begin the new year without Cameroon right back Rigobert Song. Song is wanted by his country for their campaign in the 22nd African Nations' Cup. The tournament is scheduled to start on 22nd January. However, Cameroon can insist that their leading player be released up to 2 weeks in advance.

Gerard Houllier's first choice right back could miss a total of 6 games, including 2 rounds of the FA Cup. The Reds are also set to take on title chasing Leeds and Arsenal during that crucial period. As such, Anfield officials are attempting to negotiate a late release for the Cameroon international. Song has played himself into the starting eleven ahead of Norwegian Vegard Heggem this season and has put in a host of credible performances. There is no doubt that he will be missed. -Liverpool Daily Post

FOWLER FITNESS WORRY
Gerard Houllier will carefully monitor Robbie Fowler's fitness this week in hope that the England striker will finally return to action against Coventry this Saturday.

Fowler, 24, played no part in the FA Cup win over Huddersfield after suffering the effects of a long-standing ankle injury.

"He will have more medical tests," said Houllier, who has already stated he will not risk rushing the England international back to action if he is not 100 per cent fit.

"I am hopeful he will be available at the weekend. It is very frustrating. He didn't figure against Huddersfield because he still had a niggle in his ankle." -Liverpool Daily Post

MORE INJURIES
Liverpool could be without Vegard Heggem, Steve Staunton, Erik Meijer and Stephane Henchoz for Satruday's home clash with Coventry. Heggem, Staunton, Meijer and Henchoz are all nursing minor knocks ahead of the Coventry game when Liverpool will mark Bill Shankly's appointment as manager, which took place 40 years ago today. -Liverpool Daily Post ; Red Net

FA CUP TIE POSTPONED
Liverpool's fourth round FA Cup match against Blackburn Rovers or West Brom has been postponed to 9th January (Sunday). The Anfield tie was postponed after Liverpool lost the toss with Everton, allowing the Blues to play their match at Goodison Park on Saturday. -Liverpool Daily Post

13 December 1999

HOULLIER HANDS BRUCE A BOOST
After handing Huddesfield its first home loss this season, Gerard Houllier paid Steve Bruce the ultimate tribute, declaring that the First Division table toppers "must get promoted".

Bruce was obviously delighted at hearing that, saying: "Gerard said to me at the final whistle, 'You must get promoted', which is always nice to hear. It's a matter of taking heart from the positive aspects of this performance and making sure we keep our league form going." -Red Net

HOULLIER'S HAPPY WITH WIN
Liverpool's win over Huddersfield has left Gerard Houllier pleased. In a way, the Reds were lucky to come a way with a win, but nonetheless, Houllier is pleased with the end result.

"We beat them because we played well and created chances with good passing and movement," said Houllier. "But you have to give them some credit because they had some dangerous strikes, particularly during the first half.

"But we knew when we came in at half-time 1-0 up that the second half would be a lot easier for us. I was happy at the end because we are a young side which is still learning and improving in many areas of the game." -Red Net

REDS BACK UP THERE WITH BIG BOYS
Liverpool have jumped back up to 5th favourites to win the Premier League after the 2-0 F.A. Cup defeat away from home of high-flying Huddersfield Town. Liverpool are now 18-1 to win the Premiership. The other are Man Utd 4-5, Arsenal 7-4, Leeds 6-1, Chelsea 10-1, Sunderland 33-1 and Spurs 100-1.

The Reds are also favourites to win the FA Cup. -Red Net

QUIT DISSING OWEN
Saint Michael may have come close to becoming the next David Beckham of late, but according to Gerard Houllier, Owen is almost back to his best. Owen has suffered from hamstring injuries and a loss of form, giving his critics a chance to do further damage to his wounded pride. He may be out of favour with the fans, but he has the backing of the man who counts most.

Houllier said: "I'm absolutely delighted with Michael's contribution. He did a tremendous amount of work upfront. Maybe he was unlucky in his finishing but he is getting nearer to his best now. The staff, his family and friends have been very supportive of him recently." -Red Net

12 December 1999

REDS ADVANCE
Liverpool advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup after being Huddersfield 2-0 at the McAlpine Stadium. Titi Camara and Dominic Matteo scored to lift the Reds to victory. Steve Bruce's First Division king pins had earlier given mighty Liverpool a run for its money with a determined display.

Titi Camara's 36th minute goal put Liverpool on top after Huddersfield had looked the more threatening. Sander Westerveld had another good game between the sticks to see his team through to the next round.

full match report here

FA CUP 4TH ROUND DRAW
Liverpool earned itself a fourth round tie against Blackburn or West Bromwich after beating Huddersfield. Once again, the Reds will have to do battle with a first division side to advance further in the FA Cup. The match will take place on 8th January (Saturday) at Anfield. -Teamtalk

MURPHY, THOMMO EARN NEW CONTRACTS
Liverpool will attempt to retain the long term services of Danny Murphy and David Thompson. The duo, who put in commanding displays against Sheffield Wednesday, have impressed this season. The club are expected to offer them improved terms. -Koptalk

KASSIPIS ON LOAN?
Greek ace Mihalis Kassipis looks to be joining the club on loan, in view of a permanent switch. The 25 year old AEK Athens left back caught the eye of Gerard Houllier and could well be the final piece of Liverpool's 4 men defense puzzle. Meanwhile, the defender is reportedly wanted by Scottish giants, Celtic. -Koptalk

11 December 1999

NO FOWLER
Robbie Fowler may not even be on the bench when Liverpool takes on Huddersfield at the McAlpine tomorrow. In fact, Liverpool fans may have to wait until the New Year to see Fowler and Michael Owen up front together.

Manager Gerard Houllier said: "I played him against Everton in September. Looking back, that was a msitake. I played him despite the fact he was not fully fit. If we have to wait a long time - we have to wait a long time."

"Robbie is obviously not 100% happy." -Red Net

HOULLIER: GOOD CUP RUN VITAL
Gerard Houllier admits he still has not got over Liverpool's nightmare FA Cup exit last season. They were one of the many victims of Manchester United's remarkable ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat time and time again. Leading 1-0 at Old Trafford in the fourth round, Liverpool saw two goals go past them in a fashion United were to repeat months later in the European Cup final.

Now Houllier wants his side to wipe away the memory of that horror day and give Liverpool's fans something to be happy about. On Sunday Houllier takes his fifth-placed Premiership side to face Steve Bruce's First Division leaders at Huddersfield, a clash he acknowledges is going to a major test for the Anfield men.

But Houllier wants his team to remember the anguish of Old Trafford, and to do something about it.

He said: "Last year we were very unlucky to go out of the Cup the way we did. We had a very exciting game at Manchester United and were leading until the final minutes.

"It's a defeat I still haven't been able to swallow yet. Now this is a good opportunity for us to give our fans the chance to enjoy a long run in the FA Cup. There are bad memories from last season, it was a real downer for us because we played well. We deserved more than what we got from that game.

"We want to do this for our fans and everyone linked with the club. We want a good FA Cup run this season to make up for what happened last time. We intend to play a really good game and make our fans happy." -Football365

RIGHT WING WORRY
Several new sources have mentioned that Vladimir Smicer will be on the bench for tomorrow's FA Cup game against Huddersfield, confirming earlier reports. On Thursday, we mentioned that Vegard Heggem will play in midfield instead of defence. Now, Sporting Life and Sky Sports, have pointed out that Heggem is recovering from a thigh strain, which leaves us with this question: who will play as right winger?

Czech stars Patrik Berger and Vladimir Smicer can play on both flanks, but Berger is out with a knee injury while Smicer is unlikely to start, having just recovered from a hamstring injury. Danny Murphy will play on the left, but with David Thompson suspended, Liverpool are left without a right winger. -Sky Sports ; Sporting Life

10 December 1999

HOULLIER BACKS OWEN
Michael Owen received support from Gerard Houllier ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie at the McAlpine Stadium when the Liverpool boss declared: "There is no way that I am going to use Michael as a substitute". Owen, who turns 20 on Tuesday, has come under fire lately after claims ranging from that of the player being a diver to comments that the player could not use his left foot. The Frenchman could easily relegate Owen to the bench since Titi Camara and Robbie Fowler are back in the side. Houllier has instead opted to stick with Owen.

"At the moment the thing he needs most is to keep playing matches; that is the only way to build him up back to full match fitness and confidence.

"I have no intention of resting him regardless of what people say about him.

"Anyway, I felt he played well in the 4-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday even if he didn't score. His work was impressive; he opened up spaces for the other players; he was brighter and is definitely improving," Houllier said. -Sky Sports ; Sporting Life

OWEN'S FIRED UP
After receiving the backing of Gerard Houllier, Michael Owen is ready for Sunday's game against Huddersfield. Owen has played in only 15 games since his hamstring injury in April and has completed 90 minutes only 3 times. His loss of form and fitness has prompted criticism of him and accusations that he is a "cheat". In the face of the media scrutiny, Owen is determined to regain his form.

"Because of the amount of time I have been out injured, it has been impossible for me to be at my best so far this season," Owen said. "But with every game that goes by I am feeling fitter and sharper; and in the next few weeks I am sure that people will see me reach peak form again. If I had just scored a couple of goals for Liverpool maybe people would be justified in saying that I was a one-season wonder. The fact that I have scored regularly in the Premiership for the last two seasons shows what I am capable of.

"I have recently come back from an injury which kept me out for five months, and it is impossible to just pick up where you left off after being out for that long. The fans seem to understand that, and the manager certainly understands. He has been magnificent and has backed me all the way. I don't think I have anything to prove to anyone and I am confident that I will soon be back to my best once again." -Sky Sports ; Sporting Life

FAMILY CHRITMAS THIS YEAR
It will be Christmas as usual at Anfield this year. In spite of some lurid reports after last season's "men only" Christmas bash, Gerard Houllier insisted that he would not ban his players from having a Christmas party. Instead, the manager has reached a compromise, with wives and girlfriends of his players invited to the party.

"I have never forbidden a Christmas party. I think it is good to respect tradition. This change of format was not my idea - it is something the players have chosen to do," Houllier said.

"I think they were hurt by some of the things that were said last year and they have learned a lesson from what happened. I think it is a good thing." -Sporting Life

PHIL BABB UPDATE
Republic of Ireland defender Phil Babb has denied that he is moving to Queens Park Rangers on a loan deal. Babb has been available for transfer since the start of the season, but has rejected numerous loan offers.

Babb's wages would have been out of Rangers' reach, but should he decide to move to Loftus Road, it is believed that Liverpool would take on some of the burden. The initial plan was to have Babb finish off the season in the First Division before he becomes a out of contract in July, enabling him to join a continental club on a free transfer, while pocketing a signing on fee.

However, QPR boss Gerry Francis indicated that his club intended to take the 29 year old out on loan. "The situation at the moment is agreeing a deal with Liverpool. Obviously his wages are a big problem to us and also whether the boy wants to come here himself. Maybe we'll have some more news on that in the next few days," Francis said.

Spanish outfit Racing Santander are also interested but would like to see Babb play regular first team football first. -Teamtalk ; Koptalk

KASSIPIS PUTS ON A GOOD DISPLAY
Gerard Houllier's latest target, Mihalis Kassipis played a good game in his team's UEFA Cup tie. Houllier was reportedly present to watch AEK Athen's match against Monaco. The 27 year old Greek left-back performed well in spite of his team's 0-1 loss and seemed to run tirelessly.

Kassipis, however, played in an attacking wing-back position, whereas Houllier is after a competent defender to complete his four man back line. The Greek showed promise going forward, but apparently, that does not fit the manager's bill.

AEK would be willing to sell the player though, since he is currently serving a long term domestic ban for attacking a referee in the Athens Derby. The player is worth some £2m. -Teamtalk ; Koptalk

TRANSFER UPDATES
Neither Kevin Kilbane nor Clause Jensen will be coming to Liverpool. Sunderland's top target, West Brom's Kevin Kilbane was believed to be joining the Reds' after Liverpool representatives were spotted at one of his games. Teamtalk has since revealed that the Anfield reps were on the lookout for Enzo Maresca instead.

Bolton's Clause Jensen has also attracted interest but the Liverpool will not meet his £4m fee. The Dane is also not for sale. -Teamtalk

MACCA LOVES IT IN MADRID
Steve McManaman does not miss his former club, even after spending 9 happy seasons with the Reds. The Scouser and former Kop favourite told this to reporters even though his time in Madrid has not been all too wonderful. Macca began his career at Real Madrid in style, setting up the winning goal in his debut. Not long after, he was sidelined for a month with a groin injury. McManaman is insistant that he does not miss Liverpool though.

"I don’t miss the club, but I do miss my family and friends. I really enjoy life in Madrid. The city is wonderful, and life here is not that different from life back in England. I don’t feel any more pressure than I did in Liverpool," Macca said. -Sky Sports

9 December 1999

HEGGEM IN FOR THOMPSON?
Norwegian right-back Vegard Heggem could just find himself back in the side after losing out on a place on the bench during the Sheffield Wednesday game. Heggem could take David Thompson's place on the right side of the Reds' midfield for the FA Cup third round tie against Huddersfield. Thompson is suspended from the match and Czech winger Vladimir Smicer was originally set to reclaim his spot.

Smicer had come through a reserve match unscathed but Gerard Houllier is unlikely to risk the player since he has just recovered from a hamstring injury. This leaves room for Heggem to make a quick return to the side.

Meanwhile, Patrik Berger is still out with a knee injury, meaning that Danny Murphy will have an extended run in the starting eleven. -Soccernet

ANFIELD COULD HOST WORLD CUP GAME
England gaffer Kevin Keegan has indicated his interest in staging England's World Cup qualifier against Germany at Anfield. In naming Anfield and St James' Park as his preferred venue, Keegan overlooked Manchester's Old Trafford.

"I've got nothing against Old Trafford, but my two places would be St James Park or Anfield because they mean a lot to me," said Keegan.

"The Spanish have done this for years - going to Seville - which is not their biggest stadium but it is the one that they feel gives them the best advantage." -Teamtalk

HOULLIER HAD FERDINAND BID TURNED DOWN
Gerard Houllier revealed that he had put in a bid for West Ham's England centre-back, Rio Ferdinand. The bid was rejected when Houllier refused to match the Hammers' staggering asking price of £15 million. It is believed that free-spending Spanish giants Real Madrid also had their interest in the player killed off by the enormous fee.

Houllier emphasised his point that the domestic transfer market is over priced, forcing managers like himself to turn to foreign alternatives.

"Our first move was to try and buy British players but we were either told 'hands off' or were asked ridiculous prices. If we did need to sell any of our new players we would make money on them," he told Liverpool's shareholders AGM. -Teamtalk

OWEN WANTS TO BE LIKE ROBBIE
Michael Owen has told the press that he is using teammate Robbie Fowler as his source of inspiration after struggling to regain his goalscoring touch and match fitness.

Owen said: "I'm not playing as well as I was a year or two ago, I admit that. But people said the same about Robbie Fowler when he came back from a bad injury a year ago.

"Robbie was criticised strongly, but when he got his fitness back, he proved people wrong by playing some great football. He's injured again now, but I'm sure he'll come back strongly again because he's a great goalscorer and a great player.

"I think I'll do the same. There's no doubt in my mind that as soon as I get a few more games under my belt I'll be scoring goals again and people won't be saying these things any more." -Sporting Life

SNIPPETS FROM CLUB A.G.M
Champions League Qualifaction Reaps Financial Benefits
Chief executive Rick Parry, addressing the A.G.M. last night, said that qualification for the European Champions League is a must. Parry said: "Teams who qualify for the second phase of the Champions League will earn £12m from TV and sponsorship, while the winners will earn £30m....... We have to become a top three team as soon as possible."

Directors Retire
Tom Saunders and Jack Cross indicated their intention to retire from the board at the end of the current season at the meeting at Anfield. Following a proposal from chairman David Moores they will now become Life Vice Presidents at the end of their term.

"I would like to thank them both personally for the magnificent service they have made to this club over the last 30-years. Their contribution has been enormous," said Moores. -Liverpool Daily Post & Echo ; Teamtalk

8 December 1999

PRAISE FOR DIDI
Gerard Houllier heaped praise on the £7.5m centre-piece of his summer revolution, German international Dietmar Hamann. After being troubled by an ankle injury, Hamann is slowly becoming an influential element to the club's success.

Houllier said: "Didi has had a difficult start to his career here because of the injuries. But I felt against Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend he was better and I think from now on he will just carry on getting better and better.

"He hasn't played 10 games in a row yet. I think that was his fifth, but he is a good player who will be very important to us. You also have to remember he has had different partners in midfield whom he has to get use to playing with - Jamie Redknapp, Jamie Carragher and now Steven Gerrard." -Liverpool Daily Post & Echo

FORGET ABOUT THATCHER
Wimbledon's Ben Thatcher might not be coming to Liverpool after all. This came after the Wimbledon chiefs pledged to keep their big stars at the club. Although there has never been any official confirmation, from either club, that Liverpool were actually after the 24 year old Thatcher, Houllier has never denied any of this. -Teamtalk ; Kop Talk

BABB, NIELSEN ON THEIR WAY OUT?
Out-of-favour defender Phil Babb could be on his way out of Anfield. Among the clubs said to be chasing the Rep. of Ireland international are Nationwide side QPR and Spanish side Racing Santander.Rangers are the current favourites to sign Babb.

Third-choice keeper Jorgen Nielsen could be heading for Brondby. The Dannish keeper has performed well with the reserves and a move to his home country is highly possible after Brondby made enquiries about him. -Liverpool Daily Post & Echo ; Teamtalk

HEGGEM REVEALS DISAPPOINTMENT
Vegard Heggem revealed his disappointment at not even being able to command a place on the Reds' bench last Sunday, during the team's 4-1 whitewash of Sheffield Wednesday.

"Sunday’s match was a real downer for me personally. It’s the first time in three years that I wasn’t even found worthy of a place on the bench. I was named as number 17, which meant there was only room for me in the stands.

"After wishing the lads good luck just before they went out onto the pitch, I felt it was best to go home to my flat to watch the match on TV while enjoying pizza.

"So instead of Anfield on Sunday, I played a reserves match in St. Helens against Aston Villa on Monday, a match we dominated from start to finish and should have won by more than 3-1. For my own part, the disappointment from Sunday still hung over me, and it didn’t help that the pitch was slippery and uneven, the weather was bitterly cold and the water in the changing rooms was so cold that it wasn’t even drinkable," Heggem wrote on his own website.

And the Norwegian showed he had not lost his sense of humour when he added: "To all you English tabloid journalists: I know it’ll be tough for you to produce a 'Heggem slags off Houllier' article from the above, but I’m sure you can manage it!" -Sky Sports

GERRARD BACKS OWEN
Steven Gerrard has come to the defence of fellow academy graduate Michael Owen. Gerrard, 5 months younger than Owen, figured prominantly in Liverpool's 4-1 romp over Sheffield Wednesday. The young midfielder said that Owen, in spite of his own problems, has been a good role model for Anfield's youngsters.

Gerrard said: "I don't think I'll ever get the publicity Michael gets but you could not pick a better role model. He's always ready to help the likes of me and David Thompson and the others. He keeps saying, keep working hard, keep trying not to let things get you down.

"I've known him for years and the stick he's getting now is totally undeserved. Maybe he's not scoring as he'd like but even then he's contributing. If there are two defenders worrying about him the rest benefit. He'll prove everyone wrong."

Gerrard also spoke of his own progress. "The boss has told me I'm improving but to keep my feet on the floor and keep working," he said.

"Every game I play now I feel better but the boss changes the team all the time so you can't get complacent. The lads know they have to do well because there's someone ready to step in." -Liverpool Daily Post & Echo

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