Everton FC And Liverpool FC Warned To Sort Out Stadium Plans

Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley has warned Everton and Liverpool they have until December to resolve their stadium issues or risk missing out on hosting the World Cup.

And for the second time in a week, Councilor Bradley reiterated his desire for further talks over a shared stadium between the two Merseyside clubs.

Representatives from Everton, Liverpool and the council were present at Wembley yesterday as the Football Association officially launched their bid to host the World Cup in 2018 or 2022.

Liverpool have already registered their interest in becoming a host city for the tournament, with the city having until the end of the year to formally submit a bid.

Councilor Bradley revealed that it was feasible Everton’s proposed new 55,000-seat stadium in Kirkby and Liverpool’s planned new stadium on Stanley Park could both be included in the city’s application. But he said the city would first require assurances over the viability of the schemes while revealing Gerry Sutcliffe, the Minister for Sport, had called for a fresh debate over a controversial shared stadium.

“In theory, it’s possible that the city could have two stadiums by 2018 that could host World Cup games,” said Councilor Bradley.

“But that has to be identified by December this year, so it is crucial by then that the situation is resolved over the new stadium for the two clubs or any possible joint stadium.

“Both clubs have aspirations of building a new stadium. If those don’t happen, then I think there has to be serious discussion over a joint stadium.

“(Minister for Sport) Gerry Sutcliffe buttonholed me and said it would be a good thing for the city. He said we have should have further talks on a joint stadium and get the two football clubs around the table again.

“Obviously, I said I’d love to. And with the Minister for Sport so keen, it would be a good thing to have him there also.

“Of course, it all depends on the outcome of the inquiry into Everton’s proposed new stadium and whether Liverpool can raise the finances for their new stadium.

“But both clubs want to work as closely as they can with us to make sure the bid is robust.”

The outcome of the inquiry into Everton’s projected Kirkby move is expected in the autumn while Liverpool’s new stadium has been put on hold following the global economic downturn.

Should the FA’s bid to host the World Cup finals prove successful – world governing body FIFA will make a final decision in 18 months on who hosts the 2018 and 2022 tournaments – financial support is expected to be awarded to help fund the building of any new stadium.

But Councilor Bradley believes only a shared stadium between Everton and Liverpool should benefit from any public money.

“Discussions about any possible funding would ideally be based around a joint stadium as that would be far easier to justify spending public money on,” he said.

“If the clubs decide to go individually, I would not support any call for public money to be spent on the stadium. And I would guess the government would tell the clubs they have to fund the building themselves.”

Councilor Bradley added: “Twenty stadiums need to be identified by the December deadline. It doesn’t have to be limited to just one stadium per city.

“Both Manchester stadium are sure to want to be involved while in London there is every probability that Arsenal and a proposed new stadium at Tottenham would join Wembley.

“It’s about meeting all the criteria. You can have two great stadium but without the infrastructure that can cope then the bid will fall short.”

The city successfully hosted World Cup games at Goodison in 1966, including the semi-final between West Germany and Russia, while Anfield was a venue for four games in the European Championships in 1996.

And Councilor Bradley said: “I think this is the next stage for the city.

“We have Shanghai around the corner and now we are trying to be further recognised on a world stage by being a World Cup bidding city. This is a big opportunity for the world to see Liverpool.

“There’s more to being a host city than merely hosting the matches themselves. There are other important aspects such as the infrastructure, the accommodation, grassroots participation and the team bases.

“You also need to supply Fan Parks as part of the bid.

“These Fan Parks aren’t close to the stadium, so it would be another big event with another 10,000-15,000 fans there.

“But Liverpool has shown with the Capital of Culture celebrations last year that we are capable of hosting events of such recognition, and we want to build on that.

“Bringing the World Cup to the city in 2018 would swell the coffers and further raise the profile of Liverpool.”

Benitez Insists Alonso Will Stay

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has insisted he will not sell Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso this summer.

Alonso, 27, has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who could make a move for the playmaker if Florentino Perez wins their presidential election.

Benitez said: "Alonso has three years left on his deal - we're really pleased with him. We don't want to sell.

"But I have had a private conversation with his agent, and it was interesting to see who had that information."

Benitez was referring to his meeting with Alonso's agent Ignacio Ibanez on Friday.

"For me it was a private conversation, and it will stay that way, but it is clear he has three more years of his contract and we do not want to sell him," added Benitez, after Liverpool finished the season in second after beating Spurs 3-1 on Sunday.

"I repeat, we do not want to sell, he is not for sale. He has said he is happy here in Liverpool, in every single press conference, in every single interview.

"We have some ideas for the future, without losing any of our key players."

Alonso, who was expected to leave last summer, may be persuaded to move to the Bernabeu, with the prospect of Gareth Barry finally arriving at Liverpool still a possibility.

Liverpool Keeping Tabs On Feyenoord Youngster Castaignos

According to The Guardian, Premier League giants Liverpool are closely monitoring the situation of highly rated youngster Luc Castaignos. The 16-year-old currently plays for Dutch side Feyenoord.

The young striker was part of the Holland Under-17 squad making it to the final in the UEFA U-17 European Championships last week and impressed the English scouts with his outstanding performances.

Castaignos was crowned top scorer of the tournament with three goals in five matches and scored the opener in the final. However, he couldn't prevent Germany from eventually picking up the title as Holland were beaten 2-1 after extra time.

The forward recently signed a three-year deal at Feyenoord, meaning that he won't leave the Rotterdam side on the cheap. They've reportedly set a €4 million asking price for Castaignos.

Premier League Preview: Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Liverpool’s hopes of ending their 19-year title drought were dashed last Saturday, when Manchester United hammered out a 0-0 draw with Arsenal to equal the Scousers’ record of 18 English top-flight championships.

Thus, Rafael Benitez’s men head into the final round of the 2008-09 Premier League season with only second spot to aim for – but Steven Gerrard insisted earlier this week that the club’s fans deserve to see their team end the season in style.

The skipper said, "We haven't got much to play for really, but I think every time you put the Liverpool jersey on in front of your home supporters, the least they deserve is effort and if we go into it with that attitude, we can finish on a high with three points."

‘Pool will also be motivated to give Sami Hyypia, the veteran centre-back who has spent ten years at Anfield, a rousing send-off before he joins Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur travel to the North West hoping to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for continental competition.

Harry Redknapp’s charges sit eighth in the standings, two points behind Fulham, who occupy seventh spot. Thus, Spurs must beat Liverpool – and hope the Cottagers slip up against Everton – to have any chance of claiming the final Europa League place.

Interestingly, the Lilywhites have the wood over their upcoming opponents. Only four teams have beaten Liverpool in any competition this season – Tottenham have done it twice, in the League and the League Cup.

However, both of those victories came at White Hart Lane. Travelling to Merseyside is a different prospect altogether, as Spurs haven’t won a league game in front of the Kop since 1993.


FORM GUIDE

Liverpool

May 17 West Brom 0-2 Liverpool
May 9 West Ham 0-3 Liverpool
May 3 Liverpool 3-0 Newcastle
Apr 25 Hull City 1-3 Liverpool
Apr 21 Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur

May 16 Tottenham 2-1 Man City
May 9 Everton 0-0 Tottenham
May 2 Tottenham 1-0 West Brom
Apr 25 Man United 5-2 Tottenham
Apr 19 Tottenham 2-0 Newcastle


TEAM NEWS

Liverpool

Hyypia is expected to start beside his long-time defensive partner, Jamie Carragher, in what would be his final appearance for the Reds.

Hence, Daniel Agger may have to settle for a place on the pine – although he could miss out altogether if Martin Skrtel is named in any capacity.

Benitez demonstrated with last weekend’s line-up that he is determined to finish the season strongly, and that means the likes of Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and the much discussed Xabi Alonso should all feature.

Probable XI: Reina – Arbeloa, Carragher, Hyypia, Insua – Mascherano, Alonso – Kuyt, Gerrard, Benayoun – Torres

Tottenham Hotspur

The big absentee for Spurs is Tom Huddlestone. The 22-year-old starred last weekend against Manchester City but has since undergone knee surgery.

With Wilson Palacios out of the picture due to personal circumstances, that leaves only Didier Zokora to play the holding role in midfield.

Aaron Lennon (groin), Michael Dawson (ankle) and Jamie O’Hara (knee) are also out, while Jonathan Woodgate and Benoit Assou-Ekotto will undergo late fitness tests.

Probable XI: Gomes – Corluka, Woodgate, King, Assou-Ekotto – Modric, Jenas, Zokora, Bale – Keane, Pavlyuchenko


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Liverpool

It’s all about big Sami Hyypia as far as Reds fans are concerned. Expect a typically accomplished performance that belies his 35 years. Also watch out for the in-form Xabi Alonso, who (if some reports are to be believed) could also be playing his final game for the club.

Tottenham Hotspur

As a Liverpool legend bids farewell, one of the club’s most high-profile failures returns. Robbie Keane found goals hard to come by during his six-month stint on Merseyside, and the Irish striker will be desperate to find the net on Sunday and help his side claim a rare treble over ‘Pool.

Davies Still In Anderson Hunt

Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies has not given up hope of landing Paul Anderson this summer.

The winger spent the 2008/09 campaign on loan at the City Ground from Liverpool, and made 28 appearances for the club are as they successfully avoided relegation from the Championship.

Having impressed during his time on Trentside, Forest were keen to make his move permanent during the off-season.

However, their plans were thrown into jeopardy when second tier rivals Swansea saw an offer accepted last week.

While that deal is far from finalised, the 20-year-old has previously enjoyed a successful loan stint at the Liberty Stadium and knows what the Swans are all about.

That has come as a worry to Davies, but he insists he will be doing all he can to ensure Anderson heads to Nottingham not south Wales.

"We are still interested in Paul and it is not out of our hands (regarding Swansea's accepted bid)," he told the Nottingham Evening Post.

"We will be seeing what we can do and will sit down and discuss the situation with Paul and talk to him about it.

"We will see what happens. We plan to speak to him when he returns from his holiday.

"We are putting together a side where we have players who want to come here and want to play for Nottingham Forest. I have said that all along.

"I want players who want to play a part in moving this club on to better things. But, if players think the grass will be greener elsewhere, that is up to them."

Liverpool 'To Triple' Lavezzi Wages

Ezequiel Lavezzi’s representative hints Liverpool “offered to triple his wages,” but Pocho won’t force Napoli into letting him go.

It was reported this week that the club had turned down a £22m bid for the Argentine and manager Eduardo Rossetto conceded there was some truth in it.

“Napoli own the player’s contract and therefore the final word is down to the club. All we can do is wait,” said the representative.

“Are we waiting for Liverpool? You are the one who says that. All I can confirm is that there has been an important offer, superior to £19m, which [President Aurelio] De Laurentiis considered insufficient.”

Lavezzi is a hero to the Napoli fans and any decision to sell him would not be taken lightly, even though he won’t be in Europe with them next season.

“It all depends on Napoli. For example, if I have a sports utility vehicle in my garage then I don’t spend much money on its upkeep.

“However, if I own a limited edition vehicle then I have to take good care of it, polish regularly and basically spend more. Understood?”

If the Liverpool bid has been rejected, then it has only served to bump up Lavezzi’s wage requirements.

“Without going into detail, I will say the offer was to triple his current wages,” continued Rossetto.

“An agent has come to us with this offer, which is impressive and solid. We are not going to sit here and speculate on the situation. Napoli will decide and then let us know.”

Jermaine Pennant Is Spain Target

Jermaine Pennant is set for a shock switch to Spanish football - with both Madrid clubs keen to sign him this summer.

The Liverpool winger, currently on loan at Portsmouth, cost the Anfield side £8million when he signed three years ago but will be a bargain Bosman free transfer at the end of the season.

Spanish giants Real Madrid fancy Pennant, 26, as an impact player coming off the bench in the second half while Atletico see him as a potential first team regular.

Pennant's agent has been in Spain this week talking to both clubs.

The former England Under-21 star lost his place on the right flank to Dirk Kuyt this season and moved to Fratton Park in search of regular action.

Steven Gerrard Disappointed By Sami Hyypia's Decision To Leave Liverpool

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard admits he is saddened by Sami Hyypia's decision to leave the club in the summer, though made clear that he completely understands the big Finn's decision.

The 35-year-old will be marshalling the defence of Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen next term, after having done that job so exceptionally well at Anfield for the better part of the last ten years.

"I understand the reasons behind Sami's decision to go because he's got a two-year deal, so good luck to him," Gerrard was quoted as saying by The Sun.

"But for selfish reasons I wish he would stay for another season here because he's such a fantastic player and great to have around the place.

"He's been here for the whole time I've been in the first team and has been a great influence and magnificent servant - an absolute legend."

Hyypia has already stated his intent to return to the club in a coaching capacity someday, which is something that Gerrard has wholeheartedly endorsed.

"I sincerely hope he comes back as a coach one day, because he can bring so much with him and impart so much knowledge," added the Reds skipper.

"He knows how Liverpool Football Club works.

"He's a great character and I could see him playing a big role in developing the youngsters, the reserves and even the first team in time.

"I took over from him as captain in 2003 and there was some controversy at the time, but not from Sami, who was incredibly supportive of me from the very start.

"That is a measure of the man. He should be regarded as a one of the greats of this club and I don't say that lightly.

"He has certainly helped transform Liverpool and got us back to where we should be."

Hyypia, who has not featured for the Reds' first team since playing a role in their 4-1 demolition of Manchester United at Old Trafford, could well make his farewell appearance at Anfield on Sunday, when Liverpool face Tottenham Hotspur in the concluding fixture of the Premier League campaign.

Xabi Alonso To Hand In Transfer Request At Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is reportedly prepared to shock the club by handing in a transfer request.

The News of the World claims that the Spanish international will leave Anfield this summer and is ready to hand manager Rafael Benitez a written request.

Alonso’s future has been the subject of much debate since last summer, when Liverpool began a long and drawn-out chase for Gareth Barry.

Whilst the Barry deal fell through and Alonso remained on Merseyside, speculation has continued to mount over his future, despite the midfielder enjoying an impressive season with the Reds.

Manager Benitez has insisted that he wants Alonso to stay at the club yet it now appears that he may be forced into selling his compatriot.

It is understood that Alonso is becoming increasingly unhappy at the club and wants to leave this summer. Furthermore, his agent reportedly met Benitez on Friday to inform him of his client’s decision.

The tabloid goes on to quote a friend of the player as saying, “Xabi loves Liverpool but he doesn't feel he can stay. He has not been happy for a long time and wants to go somewhere he feels he can enjoy his football again.”

Liverpool will hope to raise £18 million from selling Alonso, concludes the report, money which they are then planning to spend on Carlos Tevez.

Alonso, meanwhile, is unlikely to be short of suitors with Real Madrid, Manchester City, Arsenal and Juventus all thought to be interested in signing the 27-year-old.

Rafa's Way May Have Put Barry Off His Move

Gareth Barry’s summer move to Liverpool could be ruined by the way he was treated by Rafa Benitez a year ago.

Barry was told by Benitez that the £18million transfer could not go through because Liverpool could not afford it, but then splashed out £20m on Robbie Keane.

Aston Villa want Barry to stay, offering him a new £60,000-a-week deal and manager Martin O'Neill said: "The disappointing aspect for Barry was that Liverpool were pleading that they could only afford this certain amount of money and then spent £20m on Keane almost overnight.

"If that worked in our favour, fine. Was Barry hurt by that? I'm sure that if I was a player I would have been.

"That's my view. If someone told me they were coming for me and they are going to do this and the next thing, then say they don't have the money but buy someone else for £20m and it's gone through in a day or two, that would be an issue."

O'Neill will ask Barry what his intentions are after England's two World Cup qualifiers next month and will also use his international future as a bargaining tool.

Barry has started every Premier League game for Villa this season and that has helped cement him in the England side, but at Liverpool, O'Neill will point out, Barry will be at the mercy of Benitez's rotation policy.

"In the summer time, after he has played the games for England, I think Barry would want to talk about his decision then because everything is hitting him at the moment,” said O'Neill.

"If you are asking me for my opinion, I'd be delighted if he stayed on with us. But I wouldn't guarantee it. We've had good discussions with his new agent.

"With regards to England, Barry plays in our side. But if he wants Champions League football the thing to consider is we rotate less than some of the other teams and he is one who thrives on playing most weeks."

Barry has three options. He can keep O'Neill to his word after he promised he would allow him to leave at the end of this season if he still wanted Champions League football.

He can stay for another season and run down the final year of his contract and be available on a free transfer, something Villa would agree to, despite losing a lot of money.

Or Barry can take the new four-year contract on the improved terms that are on offer to him.

Manchester City & Milan Hope To Beat Liverpool To Aston Villa's Gareth Barry

According to a report in the British tabloid The People, Premier League money men Manchester City and Italian giants Milan are planning to hijack Liverpool's move for Aston Villa's Gareth Barry at the end of the season.

The Villans have reportedly slapped a €11.3 million price-tag (£10m) on the England international.

The Sunday Mirror claims that Martin O’Neill is unwilling to accept anything less than that for the 28-year-old, despite Barry having only one year left on his current contract.

Liverpool are expected to renew their interest in the 28-year-old at the end of the season, despite spending the majority of last summer attempting, and failing, to snare the Villa captain.

According to the report in the tabloid newspaper, City, as well as the Rossoneri, are apparently ready to offer the 6ft midfielder wages in the region of €113,720-a-week (£100,000), amounting to around €21.8m (£19.2m) over four years.

This could rule the Merseyside outfit out of the race for his signature as they, as well as Arsenal who are also said to be monitoring his situation, will not be able to offer such terms.

It is also reported that the Citizens are considering offering England international defender Micah Richards as part of the deal, in the hope of having first option on Barry.

While his potential destination remains unclear, it seems almost certain Barry will leave Villa Park this summer after manager Martin O’Neill admitted he will not stand in his way.

“The price, obviously with a year left to run, is a different issue,” he told the Sunday Mirror.

“But, by the same token, he is an England international player, he has captained his country and he is still only 28-years-old.

“He wouldn’t come cheaply, even in this day and age.”

The news is unlikely to impress Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez with funds reportedly an issue at Anfield.

Indeed, the Spaniard may have to sell before he can buy with Xabi Alonso the man widely tipped to leave in order for Barry to arrive.

They may be more encouraged by the news that the midfielder hopes to play in the Champions League, which would rule out a move to Manchester City, although Milan may be an attractive proposition.

Soccer-Colossus Hyypia Prepares For Anfield Farewell

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has described Sami Hyypia as a colossus as the Finnish defender prepares to end his 10-year stint at Anfield.

The 35-year-old Hyypia will make his 464th appearance for the club against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday before moving to Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen.

"It's difficult to put into words. He's been fantastic for us -- a colossus," Gerrard told Liverpool's website (www.liverpoolfc.tv). He certainly deserves legendary status and he's definitely one of the best players I've ever played with. They're the biggest compliments I can pay Sami."

Hyypia, an instantly recognisable figure at the heart of Liverpool's defence with his towering physique and blonde hair, has become marginalised by the emergence of Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger as partners for Jamie Carragher.

After winning the Champions League, the UEFA Cup, two FA Cups and two League Cups, but not the Premier League title the club so craves, Hyypia said he was looking forward to a change.

"I am sad to miss that medal but I don't think I have anything to regret," the Finnish international said of Liverpool's near miss in the title race this year.

"Next season it might happen but I only play 10 games and I wouldn't get a medal anyway. I am sadder for the fans that Liverpool haven't won the Premier League than for myself.

"For 10 years I have played in the same league, in the same stadiums and against the same clubs mainly, so now I have a chance to go to Germany which is a good league."

Liverpool FC Fans Will Give Robbie Keane A Warm Reception

Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp is confident Liverpool fans will give Robbie Keane a warm reception on his return to Anfield.

Keane, 28, endured six frustrating months at the club he supported as a boy before returning to White Hart Lane during the January transfer window.

Redknapp said: “Liverpool fans are special people as far as football supporters go and I’m sure they will give him a terrific reception.”

The Tottenham boss has also backed Liverpool to be in the thick of the title race again next season.

He said: “To think that they only lost two games and have not won the championship is amazing really.

“I’m sure they’ll come back even stronger next season.”

Rafa Benitez Promises That Liverpool Won't Sell Xabi Alonso

Liverpool will not sell Xabi Alonso this summer, manager Rafa Benitez has assured supporters today, as rumours about the classy midfielder's future refuse to dissipate.

The Basque has been one of Liverpool's outstanding performers this campaign, but continues to be linked with a move away from Merseyside, with Juventus touted as a likely destination. There were also reports earlier in the campaign of a rift between Benitez and Alonso, although that seems to have faded into the background somewhat.

The Reds manager told the club's official website today, "It's very clear - Xabi has three years left and we do not want to sell him."

Alonso has made 46 appearances for the club this season, scoring five goals, with his creativity and perceptive passing helping drive on the more high-profile attacking talents the team possesses.

Liverpool Boss Benitez Plans Meticulous Summer Spending - Kenny Dalglish

Any players that Rafael Benitez targets this summer may be likelier to join Liverpool as the Spaniard's own future, together with those of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, have been secured earlier in the year, according to club legend Kenny Dalglish.

The Reds have been linked with a plethora of Premier League stars, and Benitez has already conceded that each penny paid toward his summer signings will have to be money well spent.

Liverpool splashed out in excess of £40 million on Andrea Dossena, Diego Cavalieri, Robbie Keane, and Albert Riera last year, with only the latter bearing fruit, and even then the orchard was not plentiful. Benitez, though, has admitted that such costly errors in the market cannot be repeated.

Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry, cash-strapped Valencia's David Silva remains hot property, dynamic Portsmouth full-back Glen Johnson, Spurs winger Aaron Lennon, Bordeaux's Yoann Gourcuff and Heerenveen's Daniel Pranjic have all been reported targets.

Dalglish is quoted by The Telegraph as confirming that Benitez's decision to commit his long-term future at the club could prove influential in any potential dealings.

"Rafa signing his new contract and Gerrard, Torres, Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger agreeing to stay is very positive," he explained.

"Sorting Rafa out early will have given him plenty of opportunity to identify the people he wants to bring in and I am sure he is working diligently to do that.

"You want to see people coming in to help build on the season Liverpool have had."

Second Place In The League Should Have Silver Lining For Liverpool

Football dressing room walls are full of motivational catchphrases rubbishing the runner-up.

You know the sort.

“Winning is everything, second is nowhere.”

“Show me a good loser, and I'll show you a loser.”

“You get nothing for finishing second.” etc. etc.

Except in all but one glaring case, you do get something for finishing second.

Win the five matches it takes to get to the FA Cup final, and you're guaranteed a loser's medal.

Miss a penalty kick in a Champions League final and your chief executive can go up first to have a trinket placed around his neck.

Losing League Cup finalists used to receive a commemorative tankard – presumably to drown their sorrows – nowadays they're guaranteed a handsome medallion.

While on the greatest football stage of all, the World Cup, even the third and fourth placed finishers are rewarded with a memento.

In fact every Cup competition in world football recognises the achievement of finishing second . . . except the toughest one.

Advocates of the English Premier League insist it is the hardest and the best football tournament in the world – but the runners-up receive nothing.

After nine-and-a-half months of gruelling action, after 38 matches in the heat of August and the snow of January, after rotating squad resources to the absolute limit – the Premier League runners-up are left with nothing bar the memory of having pushed the champions to the wire.

For Liverpool it's a particularly galling situation.

Beat Spurs on Sunday and they'll have racked up 86 Premier League points this season.

In 12 of their 18 title winning seasons, that would have been enough for the ultimate glory.

The parameters have changed in the era of the big-four.

Since the Champions League has allowed the rich to get richer, you now need totals like 87 points, 89, 91, 95 and 90 to claim the ultimate prize.

Which should make finishing second in the modern era even more meritorious.

But instead, Liverpool have been reduced to scrambling around in the pursuit of records rather than medals.

It does seem to be a curious oversight.

Surely the introduction of runners-up medals would add greater significance to second place.

As soon as a team clinches the title, the teams immediately below are usually involved in a series of dead rubbers.

Introduce a medal and second place may become slightly more highly regarded.

And if a player still believed it was a meaningless bauble, he could always follow the great Neville Southall's lead in 1991.

While his team-mates trooped up the Wembley steps to collect their Zenith Data Systems Cup loser's medals . . . he remained rooted to his goalpost.

“What do I want one of them for?” he muttered. The Premier League agrees.

Rafa Benitez Makes Peace With Sir Alex Ferguson In Letter After Horror Smash

Rafa Benitez has made peace with Sir Alex Ferguson in a private letter.

The pair have been at loggerheads all year, but the Liverpool boss wrote to Fergie after the Manchester United manager’s grandson was badly injured in a car crash.

Benitez, a father of two girls, wrote offering his help while 10-year-old Charlie Ferguson is at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

An Anfield insider said: "There is an intense football rivalry between them, but that’s all it is - a football rivalry. Everything that has been said has been designed to gain an edge on the pitch. But when it comes to matters like this, Rafa is a family man who understands exactly what Sir Alex is going through.

"He wants to help any way he can. Rafa knows how difficult it must be, and he feels for a fellow manager who he respects as a person and a family man himself."

Charlie underwent a six-hour operation following the crash in which his mother Nadine, ex-wife of Ferguson’s son Darren, was also hurt earlier this month.

The relationship between Benitez and Ferguson broke down when the Liverpool manager launched an extraordinary attack on his rival at the turn of the year. They have since taken regular verbal swipes at each other.

But the letter will help build bridges and another source said: "Rafa wanted Sir Alex to know that if he or his family needed anything while the youngster was in Liverpool, they only had to ask."

Benitez Has Creative Winger Watched

Reports in France are suggesting that Rafa Benitez has had FC Lorient's winger Kevin Gameiro watched on a number of occasions, with reports suggesting the Anfield outfit are considering making a move for the forward.

The 22-year-old has been in superb form for the French minnows helping the club secure a respected mid-table finish in Ligue 1. Gamiero has chipped in with seven goals and 8 assists this season, attracting interest from France's domestic giants Paris Saint Germain and Marseille.

The former French youth international is rumoured to be considering his future after only one year at FC Lorient, with ambitions of forcing his way into the thoughts of French boss Raymond Domenech.

Sammy Lee Warns About Past Liverpool FC Transfer Errors

Sammy Lee admits Liverpool cannot afford to ignore the mistakes of 2002 as they prepare for a “massive” summer.

Rafael Benitez’s side bring down the curtain on their season tomorrow when they entertain Tottenham.

A point will confirm runners-up place behind Manchester United with the Anfield outfit having already reached 83 points, their record total in the Premier League era.

Benitez is already assessing his transfer options with Carlos Tevez, Glen Johnson, David Silva and Gareth Barry all among those the Spaniard has run the rule over.

The last time Liverpool finished second in the table seven years ago, they responded by spending more than £20m on misfits Bruno Cheyrou, El Hadji Diouf and Salif Diao and subsequently finished outside the Champions League places the following campaign.

And Lee, who was on then manager Gerard Houllier’s coaching staff in 2002, accepts Liverpool are treading a fine line as they aim to make the final transformation into a potentially championship-winning team.

“Each summer is massive,” said the assistant manager. “There will be activity going on behind the scenes here to bring new people in. You always need to bring in new players to strengthen and improve.

“We hope it’s just fine margins that need looking at rather than sweeping changes. It’s only tweaking that is needed, which is why this summer is going to be important. There is a fine line between success and not having success.

“The final bit is always the hardest part in anything. But we’re fully aware of the task that faces us. To get that little bit extra will be the hardest work for us.”

Lee added: “I was aware of what went on in 2002. That’s why the cliches come in, there’s no way we can afford to take anything for granted. The fact is we’re not 100% happy with the season because we have won nothing. There’s no way we can afford to rest on our laurels.

“If you win things, you don’t dwell on that either. It’s the old Ronnie Moranism, you forget that trophy then move on to the next one. Before we even finished the last game of the season, he told us how many days there were before we came back for pre-season.

“That was the type of mentality we had. We are preparing already for next season and there’s no way anyone here will be resting on their laurels because we have won nothing.”

Tottenham are one of only two teams – Middlesbrough the other – to have beaten Liverpool in the Premier League this season.

If Benitez’s side avoid defeat tomorrow, they will become the first team ever to go through a top-flight season losing as few games without winning the league.

But Lee said: “There certainly has been an improvement but it’s not enough of an improvement as we don’t have any trophies.”

Arsenal Youngsters Thrash Liverpool

Steve Bould's Arsenal youngsters secured an emphatic 4-1 victory over Liverpool in tonight's first leg of the FA Youth Cup final at Emirates Stadium.

Jack Wilshere, a 17-year-old midfielder who has already played for Arsene Wenger's first team, set up Gilles Sunu for the opening goal after 20 minutes.

Then the England Under-19 star doubled the Gunners' advantage when he scored from the penalty spot after half-an-hour.

The 33,000 crowd at Ashburton Grove saw Liverpool pull a goal back through Alex Kacaniklic before half-time.

But Arsenal were not to be denied, and they asserted themselves convincingly after the break.

Playmaker Wilshere schemed another goal when he played in substitute Sanchez Watt to make it 3-1 on 57 minutes.

Then Emmanuel Thomas headed in from a corner to make it 4-1and give the young Reds a huge challenge in the second leg at Anfield next week.