OFFICIAL: Glen Johnson Joins Liverpool From Portsmouth

Liverpool have confirmed that Glen Johnson has joined them today from Portsmouth, in a deal reportedly worth £18.5 million, though there has apparently been some negotiation around the fee due to Pompey still owing the Merseysiders money from the deal that took Peter Crouch to the South Coast.

Johnson has signed a four-year deal at Anfield.

Reds manager Rafa Benitez was clearly pleased with the signing, telling the club's official website, "He was important at Chelsea and in the last year at Portsmouth he has improved and is much better. One of the main things is his mentality - it's really good. He is a winner. I was impressed with the conversations I had with him. He wants to improve."

As for the reasons he was brought to Anfield, Benitez chose to highlight not only the player's obvious quality, but also the fact the he is English, which is important with new rules concerning foreign players on the immediate horizon.

"We were thinking about bringing in players with quality - that's the first thing," he added.

"He is also English and that is important for the Champions League list. We were thinking about improving the team and Johnson is a very good player who will do that.

"We knew the market was going to be difficult this summer and some of it has been crazy. Manchester City and Chelsea were there - they were making offers.

"We had to be quick and the club acted quickly. It was down to the player whether he chose us or City or Chelsea and he chose us. It was very clear from talking to him that he wanted to play for Liverpool."

The manager also did not rule out further acquisitions for the Mersey men, though he took a typically cautious line when he explained, "We are working and trying to bring new players in but we are happy with the squad we have at the moment.

"We were thinking about improving and with Johnson we have improved. Like I have already said, we could buy one more player without selling anyone. We now have to wait.

Why Glen Johnson Can Pay Liverpool FC's Transfer Cash Right Back

It was almost as if Rafa Benitez had been there before. In the ECHO this week, the Liverpool manager felt compelled to explain the reasons for the £17million he shelled out to bring in a right-back.

”Sometimes you have to spend a little bit more,” admitted the Liverpool boss following his capture of Glen Johnson from Portsmouth, confirmed last night when the 24-year-old signed a four-year deal.

“You can’t compete in the top four of the Premier League unless you spend some money.”

Spoken with the calm assurance and matter-of-fact reasoning of someone completely at ease with smashing the club record fee for a defender.

As the Spaniard should be by now, of course. He currently has four players on his books who, at the time of purchase, were the costliest defenders in Anfield history.

The one thing that sets Johnson apart from Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Andrea Dossena, however, is the amount he beat the previous record by.

With the best part of £10million being added on to the former highest price, that was paid to Udinese for Italian left-back Dossena last summer, the pressure on both Johnson and Benitez has been raised a fair few notches.

And yet that situation is nothing new in L4 history.

It was 15 years ago that Roy Evans not only broke the club transfer record – as well as the bank – on defenders twice in the space of two days, he almost beat the British mark too.

John Scales came from Wimbledon for £3.5million followed swiftly by Phil Babb from Coventry for £100,000 more.

It was only weeks earlier that the British record was set at £4million by Chris Sutton’s move from Blackburn to Norwich CIty, while Babb’s fee was the same amount his Irish team-mate Roy Keane had gone for a year earlier when moving form Nottingham Forest to Manchester United.

And Evans had deemed both his new centre-backs to be more expensive than Alan Shearer, whose market value at that time might have been rising rapidly, but only cost £3.3m when he left Southampton for Blackburn in 1992.

Evans’s gamble didn’t pay off and one League Cup was all he had to show for his four years in charge, in which he failed to re-establish Liverpool’s domestic dominance.

But there are examples which should give Johnson considerably more heart.

Not least Mark Lawrenson. In the days when £1million fees were still big news, eyebrows were raised when £900,000 was forked out to Brighton for the centre-back in 1981.

However, he made a seamless transition into the Liverpool success story – because the pressure of being the club’s record signing never registered with him.

“What Glen Johnson needs to do is be himself, not think of himself as the £17million man,” said Johnson.

“Nobody goes on about Fernando Torres’s transfer fee now do they? He’s just Torres, world class striker, not Torres record signing.

“It’s a lot of money for a defender but the thing is, he’s not just a defender. When I signed, Bob Paisley told everyone I could play in a few different positions and that made it look like a wiser investment.

“That took the pressure off me straight away and I think Benitez could do the same with Johnson.

“He’s not just a right-back, he can attack and go forward as well. In fact, a full-back in the modern game is one of the most versatile and valuable roles anyway.

“They have as much of the ball as anyone else these days and being on the ball is where Johnson is at his most comfortable so he should be okay. So I don’t think the £17m Liverpool have spent should be seen as particularly extravagant.”

Lawrenson also believes the nature of the market could help to explain why Johnson has lined the Pompey pockets so heavily.

This is the summer of £80million world record transfer fees, just as the buys of Scales and Babb came hot on the heels of the cash-happy Premier League revolution.

Back in 1979, the British transfer record doubled from £500,000 to £1million in the space of a month when Trevor Francis joined Nottingham Forest – and that inflated climate also helped to make Lawrenson’s price tag more justifiable. There were a few million pound playrs about when I joined Liverpool,” he added. “Trevor Francis was the first but there was Steve Daly and Andy Gray just after that so by that time anything under £1m wasn’t big news.

In fact, the media I did at the time, I wasn’t really asked about the transfer fee.

“I can’t see that happening to Johnson, the way things are hyped these days, I’m sure a big thing will be made of the price tag when he gets round to doing interviews.

“But it’s not his fault, it’s just circumstances. This is a lad who is England’s first choice right-back and players like that – well, you just can’t pinch them anymore.”

Glen Johnson came through the ranks at West Ham’s academy.

After a loan spell at London neighbours Millwall, the promising full-back broke into the Hammers first team.

Johnson made just 16 appearances before moving to Chelsea in 2003 for £6m, becoming the first major signing of the Roman Abramovich era.

In November 2003, he made his international debut against Denmark.

The Londoner enjoyed a good first season at Stamford Bridge but fell out of favour when Jose Mourinho took charge, losing his place to Paulo Ferreira.

In 2006, Harry Redknapp, who had worked with Johnson since he was 15, took him on an initial year’s loan at Portsmouth before securing a permanaent £4m deal.

Johnson recaptured his form that he showed in his early days at West Ham and was a key member of Pompey’s FA Cup winning side. However, his medal was stolen from his wash bag in the team’s hotel.

Johnson’s performances did not go unnoticed and he was rewarded with a recall to the England squad in January last year.

The 24-year-old has 13 caps under his belt and has been an ever present in Capello’s squads.

Johnson runs a soccer school in his hometown of Dartford, Kent, to help keep children out of trouble.

Although not renowned for his goalscoring ability Johnson came runner-up in Match of the Day’s goal of the season award, behind Fernando Torres.

Benitez Reveals Arbeloa Isterest

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has revealed that there are "two or three" clubs showing an interest in Alvaro Arbeloa.

The defender is facing an uncertain future following the arrival of England right-back Glen Johnson on a four-year deal from Portsmouth.

Benitez is keen for Arbeloa to stay at Anfield but admits that, with the Spain international having only 12 months remaining on his contract, he could listen to offers.

Real Madrid have been strongly linked with bringing the 26-year-old back to the Bernabeu, where he was a member of the squad between 2004 and 2005.

And Benitez claims clubs have made enquiries, telling Liverpool's official website: "Arbeloa was a good player for us last year.

"The thing is, he has one year left on his contract. We have offered him an extension and we're talking.

"He is our player but if there is a good offer we have to consider it. We have two or three clubs asking about him.

"He would like to stay but he knows the competition will be hard."

Child's Play Turns Serious For Aurelio

Fabio Aurelio looks set to miss the start of the season for Liverpool after damaging his knee playing football with his children.

Brazilian left-back Aurelio, 29, is now facing the prospect of surgery and several months on the sidelines in a move that could impact upon the future of Andrea Dossena.

Aurelio’s spell at Anfield has been scarred by a succession of injury problems.

Defender Aurelio, who is entering the final year of his contract, is understood to have twisted a knee playing with son, Fabio junior, and daughter Victoria.

The latest setback is a blow for manager Rafa Benitez who must now evaluate whether he can afford to lose Dossena, who has been courted by Juventus.

Italy international Dossena and Argentinian Emiliano Insua are the only other recognised left-backs at Anfield.

Xabi Alonso Appears Ready To Leave Liverpool

Liverpool placed a £35 million valuation on Xabi Alonso last night after the Spain midfield player said his goodbyes to some members of the club's staff. However, Real Madrid, with whom the player has been linked, have not yet made an official offer.

Alonso's relationship with Rafael Benítez has been troubled since the Liverpool manager began his pursuit of Gareth Barry last year. Although Benítez wants to keep the 27-year-old, there is a growing acceptance at Anfield that the player is likely to move to Real.

Benítez has justified paying up to £18.5 million to Portsmouth for Glen Johnson, who has joined on a four-year contract, because the right back was English. The manager has offered a new contract to Álvaro Arbeloa, who has one year left on his deal, but is also wanted by Real.

“We knew the market was going to be difficult this summer and some of it has been crazy,” Benítez said. “We could buy one more player without selling anyone.”

Liverpool FC's Martin Skrtel Gets Back To Work In The Gym

Martin Skrtel is seemingly raring to go and can’t wait for the new Premier League campaign, according to his official website.

The Reds defender has already started his pre-season back home in Slovakia, training twice a day before his planned return to Liverpool on July 4.

On his own personal site, the solid centre half reveals he’s already fighting off any unwanted holiday flab.

The latest blog on the site, www.martin-skrtel.com, reads:

‘While he has spent a few weeks doing nothing back home, now it is time to get ready for the upcoming season. “I was just coming from gym when you called me,” he said with a smile.

He keeps training twice a day these days and he is certainly not very happy about it:

“Oh yes. It was so pleasant to spend a few days just doing nothing. Now I go to gym in the mornings and it takes some time to get used to it. But don’t worry I’ll be fine,” he laughs again.’

The site editor goes on to ask: ‘How about a certain Glen Johnson? How does it feel to lose your crown as the most expensive LFC defender of all time? (He is also trying to forget about the £7m we paid for Dossena)

“Well, to be honest I don’t mind,” says Skrtel.

“He is a very good player and he will definitely be a success.”

There are certain things in life you know are just wrong; supporting Man United, eating things off the floor and sleeping with your best mate’s missus to name just a few.

Another obvious one is rattling the cage of a real life gangster, unless, of course, it seems if you’re a Bulgarian shot-stopper.

Liverpool youth keeper Nikolay Mihaylov is reportedly under armed guard in his home country following a row with a Mafia godfather over a model.

The 20-year-old has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Reds, spending last season on loan at Dutch side FC Twente – managed by former England boss Steve McClaren, but is believed to be under protection by minders following an acid attack on his £170,000 Ferrari.

Reports in Bulgaria claim a row had broken out between ŠMihaylov and local mob godfather Georgi Stoilov after the latter began dating the keeper's ex-girlfriend, model Nikoleta Lozanova.

Mihaylov is thought to have joked that if his new partner was a Ferrari, Nikoleta must be a broken down Trabant.

However, the jibe appears to have back-fired badly, with the Anfield prospect’s sports car being targeted and forcing Mihaylov into hiding.

The former Levski Sofia player, who has been capped once for his country, could be in line to become Liverpool's No 2 next season behind Pepe Reina, with the futures of Charles Itandje and Diego Cavalieri currently uncertain.

That is if he makes it back in one piece!

Andrea Dossena And Andriy Voronin Want To Stay At Liverpool FC

Rafa Benitez’s summer transfer plans could be frustrated by players keen to kickstart their stalled Anfield careers.

The Reds boss was hoping to generate funds in the close season by offloading fringe players like Andriy Voronin and Andrea Dossena.

But after yesterday’s announcement by Voronin that he intends to return to “conquer the Premier League, Dossena’s agent has now claimed his client is happy to stay and fight for his place.

The defender was widely expected to return to Serie A, with Juventus his most likely suitors.

But agent Roberto La Florio said: “I have not met (Juventus sporting director) Alessio Secco and I don’t have an appointment set up with him in the near future.

“At this time I don’t know if Dossena will join Juventus.

“In any case the lad (Dossena) is also happy at Liverpool.”

Dossena has had a mixed start to his Liverpool career, starting six of the first eight matches of the season, but then finding his senior appearances less frequent, although he hit back to score goals against Real Madrid and Manchester United.

Next season he could find himself competing for a starting place with impressive Argentinian youngster Emiliano Insua and Brazilian star Fabio Aurelio.

Liverpool FC's Istanbul Miracle Set To Hit The Stage

I may not remember many birthdays, anniversaries or even what I did last Thursday for that matter, but one date I will never forget is May 25.

Like most Reds that’s hands down the best day of the year, the anniversary of the greatest day of my life.

For the past four years I’ve celebrated in the same fashion; half a dozen bottles of Efes beer and the DVD of our night in Istanbul.

Even now recalling those couple of days makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

I forced myself to wait an entire year before watching the game again after 2005 and now it’s an annual treat that I look forward to in the closing weeks of the season.

“So what if the title has gone and we’re not going to be in Rome again, I’ve got a date with a kebab and my Champions of Europe DVD,” that kind of thing.

However, I am hoping to break from tradition next month (if I can get a ticket) and join thousands of other Reds with a pilgrimage to the Empire Theatre.

Big Red Nicky Allt’s new play is a celebration of all things Istanbul and hits the stage for a practically sold-out nine-day run from July 9.

“It is hard graft at the minute mate,” Nicky said when I called him for a taster yesterday.

“It feels great though. I can’t wait to see what Reds fans think.”

Based around the greatest final in football history, the tale is centred around two lads and dads and the rest of the travelling Kop hoping to bring Old Big Ears home for good.

Throw in a big bag of money, a sexy chambermaid and Hitler’s cufflinks and, as we’ve come to expect from the writer – who along with Dave Kirkby brought us Brick Up The Mersey Tunnels, it’s got all the hallmarks of another Scouse comedy classic.

I’ve also heard unconfirmed whispers the play even features never before seen footage of Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Rafa Benitez which makes it unmissable for all Reds.

The full details of the script are more closely guarded than Nando’s hairdryer but one thing is for sure, finding a ticket come next week is going to be tougher than landing a season ticket on the Kop.

Liverpool Debt Not A Problem, Say Bankers

The Royal Bank of Scotland has taken the remarkable step of writing to Liverpool supporters to explain its continued financial support for the club's unpopular owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

The bailed-out bank has faced severe criticism from Liverpool supporters angered at plans to extend the Americans' £350m credit facility with the RBS and Wachovia ahead of a 24 July deadline. Fans' protests coincided with revelations that Hicks and Gillett's parent company, Kop Football (Holdings) Limited, suffered a £42.6m loss for the year ending July 2008. However, in a response that effectively confirms the banks are content to refinance again next month, the RBS insists the club is "financially healthy", able to meet its debt obligations "comfortably" and revealed it hopes to continue its relationship with Liverpool "for many years to come".

It also stressed the government does not make commercial decisions for the bank since last year's rescue package. This follows attempts by a local MP, Peter Kilfoyle, to pressure the government into blocking the refinancing deal due to the absence of the proposed new stadium on Stanley Park and the repercussions for the regeneration of the area.

"The club does not suffer the burden of debt implied by a lot of the recent press reports and, in our view and that of the executive management of the club, it is financially healthy and able to service comfortably its debt obligations from cash flow generated by its playing and commercial activities," the RBS explained. "It is in our commercial interest to support the club in the manner described above so that it can continue to perform successfully on and off the pitch."

The debt on the club, according to the RBS, is lower than the debt on the parent company to ensure that Hicks and Gillett are legally responsible for the majority of the loans on Liverpool. Representatives of the Spirit of Shankly supporters group, however, claim a similar situation did not prevent Southampton falling into financial peril. The RBS states Liverpool are legally responsible for loans used to repay the debt Hicks and Gillett inherited following their takeover which, in February 2007, stood at £44.8m. "We took great care when making our original loan in early 2007 and when refinancing it last January to distinguish between obligations of the club and obligations of its parent company, the latter being secured by personal guarantees and collateral from the owners and a pledge of the shares they own in the club," added the bank.

Gillett and Hicks will be asked to increase their personal guarantees under the next refinancing deal, with the former agreeing a £333m deal for his stake in the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey franchise last weekend.

James McKenna, a spokesman for Spirit of Shankly, said: "We have been explaining our stance to the RBS about why they shouldn't refinance with Gillett and Hicks and we are very surprised with their response. We were expecting them to talk behind closed doors but the response gives fans a greater insight into how the debt is structured. Maybe if Gillett and Hicks had been more open the situation might be different, but it appears the only reason the RBS are happy is because of the interest repayments they are getting from Liverpool Football Club. The letter also claims the RBS attaches great value in being associated with Liverpool, but there are not many in Liverpool who want to be associated with Hicks and Gillett."

Andrea Dossena May Leave Liverpool To Keep World Cup Hopes Alive

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez may be witness to a busier transfer window than he had bargained for as the representative of Andrea Dossena has revealed that his client could express a wish to leave the club in order to cement his place in the Italian national side for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Dossena would therefore join Alvaro Arbeloa, who has been linked with a switch to Real Madrid, who have returned to their 'Galactico' style of spending.

Roberto La Florio is reported to have informed the press, “It would be easier for Marcello Lippi to follow him if he was playing in Serie A which is why I said we would consider a move from Anfield.

“But Andrea is tied to the Reds for the next three years and it is up to them to decide.

“Fabio Aurelio is out injured now so we need to take a decision pretty soon,” he concluded.

Should Dossena secure his departure, Benitez will need to suitably reinforce his left-flank, as well as perhaps replacing Arbeloa, who could be keen to join Real as he would be subject to a decrease in playing time due to the arrival of England international Glen Johnson.

Liverpool Flop Andriy Voronin Desperate To Establish Premier League Credentials

Liverpool forward Andriy Voronin, purchased by Rafael Benitez in 2007 on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen but failed to make a sustained impact in the Spaniard's first XI so was consequently farmed out on loan to Hertha Berlin, is eager to "conquer" the Premier League upon his return to Anfield.

He explained to the Daily Mail, "It wasn't a bad season in Germany but now I am coming back to conquer England. I'm a person who likes to face new challenges. It's time to prove to myself and to those people who think I can score a lot of goals only in Bundesliga, that it's not so.

"Liverpool is one of the world's strongest clubs. To play for it is a great honour for any footballer," he said.

"I know it's not going to be easy but I feel ready for a real fight to get into the first choice team," he declared.

Voronin has two years left on his Liverpool contract. During his one-year loan spell back in the Bundesliga he struck 11 times from 20 league appearances, contributing a host of assists, too.

Liverpool's Jermaine Pennant Could Move Abroad

Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant is set to consider his options this summer as his contract expires.

The former Arsenal youngster spent the second half of the season on loan at Portsmouth, and his agent revealed there is interest from home and abroad.

Pennant's agent, Sky Andrew, told Sky Sports News, "Now he is thinking about what his next move is going to be, whether in England or abroad."

Rumours in January linked Pennant with a move to Real Madrid and Andrew confirmed there was a chance of Pennant joining the Spanish giants.

"We have the episode in January where there was a fee agreed with [Real] Madrid for him to go there but that didn't happen," he said.

Madrid seem to be looking to a higher calibre of player this summer after the record breaking signings of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, however, Pennant will doubtless have attracted several other clubs to chase him.

Carlsberg Clause Halts Liverpool's Search For New Shirt Sponsor

The Reds want to cash-in on a new, big-money deal, but they'll have to wait a while before they can ditch their current benefactors.

Liverpool's 17-year partnership with their major sponsor, Carlsberg, is one of the longest in the game, so much so that the beer giant's logo has become an iconic emblem for the Anfield club.

However, The Daily Express reports that the Reds, who are battling financial problems under the ownership of Tom Hicks and George Gillett, are now aiming to increase revenue by landing a more profitable shirt deal.

The Merseyside outfit currently collects around £10 million per year - plus performance-based extras - from the Danish brewery, a figure which pales in comparison to their main rivals.

Manchester United, for example, will rake in a mammoth £80m per season from their new sponsor, Aon, while Chelsea have a £50m deal with Samsung.

Unfortunately for Liverpool, though, Carlsberg holds an exclusivity agreement which prevents the club from even considering other options until July.

Only after that agreement expires will the scouse side's commercial director, Ian Ayre (pictured), be free to enter talks with other companies in view of attaining a more rewarding deal.

Liverpool's current contract with Carlsberg, which has been pushing to win the naming rights to the club's planned Stanley Park stadium, runs until 2010.

Robert Kraft: Lack Of A Salary Cap Stopped Me From Buying Liverpool

The man who owns the New England Patriots gridiron franchise has revealed that he thinks investing in English football just doesn't make sense in the absence of a salary cap.

Liverpool came very close to being owned by another American businessman a few years ago, but Robert Kraft, a man who has overseen the resurgence of the New England Patriots in the NFL over the last decade, didn't buy the club because he felt that there were too many flaws with the way football was run in England to make it worthwhile.

In particular he has identified the lack of a salary cap in the Premier League as a major factor in his decision not to buy the club. Kraft feels it makes the league a somewhat boring proposition in sporting terms, with teams unable to break the stifling grip of the top four clubs, something he perceives as basically unfair for the dedicated fans of remaining outfits.

"I wanted to do it," The Times reports him as saying. "I met with David Moores [the former Liverpool owner], who is a fine gentlemen, and we came very close to buying it very close. But in the end, my instinct was that, without a salary cap, I wouldn't do it.

"I'd like to see a salary cap come to the English Premier League. If it did, I'd buy a team in a minute. We think we know how to run a sports franchise, and if were playing by the same rules, then it's not just about who has the most [money].

"I loved the fans. Just like Patriot fans, they are loyal, passionate, which has zero book value on your balance sheet but is worth a lot. I wasn't sure how we'd build a stadium, but we built one in Foxboro [Massachusetts] in 18 months so we know how to do it. But the more important issue was the salary cap. If the salary cap was there, then we would have done it.

"Green Bay, Kansas City or Arizona who went to the Super Bowl last year have to believe that they can win. In the Premier League you can see that there will always be a few teams that are dominant, and I don't know that it's fair to the passionate fans in the other cities."

As it turned out, Kraft's fellow countrymen George Gillett and Tom Hicks ended up buying the Reds, to the chagrin of a significant section of the Anfield support, who feel that the debts the duo have run up since their purchase represent a severe weakening of the club.

Nevertheless, Kraft revealed that he could be tempted by another club, if they became available.

"I would be interested in other teams in the Premier League, but Liverpool was a unique franchise, with a great following," he added.

"The coach of my Major League Soccer team is Stevie Nicol, who played up there. We sort of have stuff sent to us all the time, but I think, deep down, until there's some sort of salary cap structure, I'm not sure it's a great business deal.

"I don't like to go into a team because of real estate. If you buy a team in a sports league, winning is the bottom line. You win, everything else comes. I want to be in a position to compete equally to win."

Liverpool FC Star Jamie Carragher Joins Campaign To Save Bootle Stadium From Demolition

Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher sent a clear message to Sefton council over the future of Bootle Stadium which is due to be demolished - "Re-open it."

Bootle-born Carragher last night joined more than 200 angry Bootle residents at a mass protest on the Maguire Avenue site and said he would be "devastated" if the campaign to re-open it failed.

He told the Bootle Times: "We need to make sure that the council reverses the decision and re-open the stadium for the people of Bootle. You can clearly see the strength of feeling at this turnout and it's only a Wednesday night.

"I would be devastated if it wasn't re-opened because I know how important it is to the community and especially the children in the area. I know because I'm from Bootle and I used to use it.

"I played football here and I was always down here using the facilities when I was a kid. My dad had football teams down here.

"I know a lot of people are now in need of the facilities and they have to look elsewhere: My wife's uncle (Peter Hart) has been affected by the closure and he can't use it. There is nothing here now and this was the only sports centre in this area for the kids.

"My boxing trainer (Tommy Ferrigan) from when I was growing up wanted to start a boxing club here and he can't do that either. These are the reasons why it needs to be re-opened."

He added: "If it was re-opened it would be giving the kids around here something good to do and get involved in because it offered so much - there were so many activities you could do like use the gym and play badminton. It was fantastic.

"Its closure means there is less chance that today’s kids to go on and do what I did.

"And at a time when every council is talking about child obesity being an issue and we're making sure that they eat healthily then that is all the more reason to re-open it.

"The stadium should be saved. It would be a waste if it goes. We need to keep it open. It's very important for the people of Bootle."

The site, off Southport Road, offered a variety of activities such as squash, basketball and trampolining and also provided facilities for sports teams using the playing fields opposite the building.

Last week, the Bootle Stadium Community Group Ltd had a £1.9m lottery bid for funding rejected.

The group’s chiefs think the bid failed because their plans were too detailed.

Calling on the council for help will be a tricky task in light of last week's revelations that Sefton plans to cut back its budget by £10m by April next year as the recession bites.

The council decided the stadium should be bulldozed in April this year following safety concerns, but the decision to close it was taken in 2006 by the Lib Dems and the Tories.

Leader of Sefton Council cllr Tony Robertson (Lib Dem) said the closure was prompted by budget cuts and because they could only fund five leisure facilities across the borough. They were: Bootle Leisure Centre, Maghull, Crosby, Formby, and Southport.

But Labour leader Peter Dowd said the site should not have closed: "We opposed this from the start and the Lib Dems and Tories decided to close it along with five other facilities in Bootle, including a youth club. But the council only needed £70,000 to keep the stadium running over the course of a year. It was only a small amount of money and they decide to close it."

Despite money being a council drawback cllr Lord Ronnie Fearn admitted yesterday the demolition will cost £200,000.

But treasurer of the Bootle Stadium Community Group, Charlie Dagnall, 63, is still hopeful the mass gathering can sway the minds of the borough's cabinet chiefs. He said: "All the people here show the level of support we have and many couldn't make it down here. We hope they get the money because we all need it.

"Having Jamie here increases the profile of the cause."

Carragher’s sentiments were echoed by many people who once ran sports clubs at the stadium.

Caroline Armstrong, an organiser of a trampoline group, said: "The kids came from everywhere for the trampolining and now they can't. I would love for it to be open again."

Colette Nielsen of Crosby Stuart girls, said: "If this building is demolished then there are no facilities for our girls."

Bernard Delorenzo of the Trojans baseball team said: "We played here for 20 years because it has a diamond for us to use. American baseball is not a regular sport in England and this was the only place we could play at. We played teams from all over the country and now we can't because it's closed. It needs re-opening."

Cab driver John Seddon, 34, said: "The cab drivers used to play badminton here but we now can't. Everywhere is fully booked up and we can't get in anywhere."

Joan Kielty, 68, of the over 50s club said: "The facilities here were great but now we go elsewhere and it's just not the same."

Nikki Brady, secretary of Bootle Stadium Community Group Ltd, said: "The police have told us that crime in the area has increased since the closure of the stadium. That's a great reason to re-open it."

Frankie Meadow, 50, has spent 25 years in youth football and explained the facilities elsewhere are poor: "What we have now is not very good for the 24 teams we have. We need changing rooms and a toilet for the girls. The stadium is ideal and it should re-open."

Would-be stadium boxing trainer Tommy Ferrigan, 56, said: "There is nothing wrong with the building. The brickwork is great. Why knock such a good building down when it had everything? It had youth clubs and a function room. It should be kept open."

Season Shape-Up - Liverpool

WHAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has found himself in the position of fending off interest in his stars rather than bring in new players. Benitez has seen a number of his top names linked with moves away from Anfield with the Spaniard fighting to keep hold of midfield pair Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.

Alonso, who was arguably Liverpool's player of the season last term, has again found his future on Merseyside the subject of conjecture for a second successive summer with big-spending Real Madrid hoping to lure the Spanish schemer back to his homeland.

Real and Barcelona have both been linked with Mascherano leaving Benitez facing the horror of losing his first-choice midfield.

Benitez is determined to keep the pair having already seen long-term target Gareth Barry slip through his fingers with the England international heading to cash-rich Manchester City.

Fernando Torres has been linked with a shock move to Manchester United in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo's impending departure from Old Trafford, but it is certain any approach for the Spanish hit-man would be given short shrift.

Liverpool have enjoyed success in the transfer market already this summer beating title rivals Chelsea to the signing of Glen Johnson from Portsmouth.

Both clubs agreed fees with Portsmouth for Johnson, but Benitez got one over Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti by persuading him to make the move to Merseyside rather than Stamford Bridge.

Johnson has agreed a £17.5million switch to Anfield and although Benitez admits he has paid over the odds for the England international the full-back will add to Liverpool's defensive strength.

Benitez has claimed Liverpool have funds available for one more big signing without selling and Valencia winger David Silva is thought to be his top target.

WHAT THEY NEED

Not much. There are not too many changes needed to the Liverpool squad with just a little tinkering required to transform Benitez's side into champions.

The spine of the team is strong with just a couple of additions needed to provide cover in case of injuries.

Liverpool led the way in the title race for much of last season, losing only twice all campaign, but they still saw arch-rivals Manchester United match their record of 18 league titles.

Their biggest problem last term was that they ended up drawing more than Rolf Harris and these dropped points ultimately cost them the championship.

Benitez has addressed the need to enhance the right-side of the team with Johnson adding to the defensive and attacking options of the starting XI.

The full-back was one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League last term and his buccaneering runs down the right will provide a major outlet for the Reds' midfield.

A striker to provide cover for Torres is a must, with the Spaniard sorely missed when injured last term.

A move for Robbie Keane failed to work with the Irishman cutting a hasty return to Tottenham after less than six months at Liverpool.

David Ngog is still too raw to be seen as a replacement for Torres and Benitez must add to his attacking options to take the goalscoring burden off the shoulders of Torres and Reds skipper Steven Gerrard.

With sides defending in numbers against the Reds at Anfield, Benitez needs that someone who can produce that little something different to open sides up.

A new left-sided winger could be brought in as Albert Riera went off the boil in the second half of the season after a bright start to his Liverpool career.

Valencia winger Silva has been continually linked with a move to Liverpool, with Benitez not hiding his admiration for the Spanish international.

Silva is expected to leave cash-strapped Valencia this summer, but Liverpool could find themselves priced out of a move for the talented wide-man.

WHAT THEY WILL GET

Benitez has already got one of his top targets in the shape of Johnson and who else he gets will depend on how much money is left for him to deal with. Cash is believed to be in shortage in the Anfield coffers, with Benitez maybe being forced to raise his own funds by offloading some of his fringe members.

The likes of Andrea Dossena, Ryan Babel, Andriy Voronin, Sebastien Leto, and Philipp Degen could all be offloaded to try and boost Benitez's transfer kitty.

If money can be raised then a move for long-term target Silva could be made as Benitez looks to bring in the winger to provide the ammunition for Torres and co.

Middlesbrough forward Tuncay Sanli has been mooted as a possible target with the Turkish ace providing a cheaper option to his other striking targets.

Benitez's targets could change depending on the futures of Alonso and Mascherano. Should either pair move on Benitez could have substantial funds given to him to bring in a replacement.

Athletic Bilbao starlet Javi Martinez could be an ideal replacement for Alonso if Real Madrid get their way and tempt Liverpool into selling the midfielder.

A new defender may be drafted in as a replacement for Sami Hyypia, but with Daniel Agger agreeing a new contract this is not a major priority.

Liverpool Hold Out For Real Madrid To Increase Bid For Alvaro Arbeloa

Liverpool have rejected a €5m (£4.23m) bid from Real Madrid for Alvaro Arbeloa, but will allow the defender to return to the Bernabéu providing they recoup £5m for the Spain international.

Real, who have also lined up a €30m offer for Xabi Alonso, made their first official move for the Liverpool right-back following talks with the player's agent, Manuel García Quillón. The bid was instantly rejected by Rafael Benítez, who is also represented by Quillón, but Liverpool are likely to settle for a marginal increase with Arbeloa approaching the final 12 months of his Anfield contract.

The 26-year-old has also made no secret of his desire to sign for Real, where he failed to make an impact on the first team before leaving for Deportivo La Coruña in 2006. "I am especially proud of what the club is doing," Arbeloa reiterated. "It is a big project with the return of Florentino [Pérez, as president] and obviously if Madrid is fixed on you it makes you proud."

Arbeloa has proven an astute ­purchase since joining Liverpool for £2.6m in January 2007 but will be usurped as the club's first-choice right-back by Glen Johnson. Benítez is looking to offset the £17m cost of the England international, who has passed a medical at Liverpool and will sign a four-year contract on his return from holiday, by selling the likes of Arbeloa and Andrea Dossena, while Portsmouth will write off the £7m they owe for Peter Crouch as part of the Johnson deal.

The Spain defender is currently in South Africa for the Confederations Cup and admits his future will be resolved after the tournament ends on Sunday. Arbeloa added: "I would be lying if I said I was sure to start the season with Liverpool. I'll be able to think about all this by next Monday."

Pepe Reina: Don't Compare Me With Liverpool Legend Ray Clemence

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has asserted that comparisons between him and the great Ray Clemence are a little premature, despite the clutch of records the Spaniard has broken over the last year, and added that he would rather develop his own reputation, rather than live in the shadow of legends.

"You will hear people talking about different eras and likening successful sides of the past to successful teams of the present," he told LFC Magazine.

"I'm not sure it's fair to do that. I'm not even sure what system Liverpool used when Clemence played or whether teams were attacking more or less than they do today.

"There are so many things that you have to consider.

"What I do know is that Clemence was probably the best goalkeeper in Liverpool's history. Of course, my aim is to achieve just half of what Clemence did with Liverpool. If I manage that it will be a successful time for the club."

Reina became the quickest goalkeeper in the Reds' history to reach 100 clean sheets, taking just 197 games to reach a milestone that took Clemence 200 matches. The Spanish international modestly shrugs off the plaudits that have been directed his way in recent times though, and prefers to highlight the contributions of his team-mates to that extraordinary shut-out record.

"I appreciate all the nice things people have said about me," he added.

"I feel I have improved many things in my game during the four years I have been at Liverpool. But I still have plenty of things to clear and am still young in terms of being a goalkeeper.

"I am only 26 so still have a pretty long way to go. Hopefully that will be with Liverpool.

"I'm pleased to go into the history books alongside someone like Clemence. You have to be pleased with that. But it's not all down to Pepe Reina. It has to be shared with my team-mates and especially the defenders.

"It's down to all the lads and the people who play in front of me. They make my job a lot easier so full credit to them.

"Where a striker is always looking to score, defenders and goalkeepers are always wishing to keep a clean sheet. It is better to win 1-0 than 2-1."

Reds Explore Options In Setanta Demise

Liverpool have stressed they remain committed to the club's television channel despite the collapse of Setanta, the platform on which it was broadcast.

The Irish company went off the air just before 6pm having gone into administration earlier.

Liverpool will continue to broadcast via their website and are hopeful of getting the channel back on television screens as soon as possible.

"LFC TV is currently broadcasting as normal and will continue to do so until further notice," said a club statement.

"However, following the announcement that Setanta GB is no longer trading, there may be some disruption to our service for UK television viewers.

"While we continue to produce live and pre-recorded content for the channel as normal, we are urgently investigating all possibilities available to us in returning to broadcasting in the British Isles as quickly as possible.

"We're continuing to monitor developments but wish to point out that our online and international viewers should remain unaffected and that Liverpool Football Club remains committed to the future of LFC TV."

Lionel Messi Asks Liverpool FC's Javier Mascherano To Join Barcelona

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has maintained the pressure in the tug-of-war for Javier Mascherano by reiterating his desire for the Liverpool man to join him.

Argentina captain Mascherano is a major target for Barcelona and even though manager Rafael Benitez is insisting the player is happy at Anfield and that he does not want to sell him.

Messi has spoken in the past of his wish to link up with his international team-mate at club level and he repeated that sentiment yesterday.

“Of course I would like him to join, who would not want to play with great players like Javier,” Messi said. “I hope he can come here.”

There has been speculation suggesting Mascherano wants to become one of Liverpool’s highest earners and that his wife has not settled on Merseyside.

But the player himself spoke in glowing terms about Benitez and the relationship he has with the manager who rescued him from a miserable spell in West Ham’s reserves just over two years ago.

Benitez is determined to keep the combative Argentinian but it appears Barcelona are not yet ready to give up their pursuit of the 25-year-old.

The Liverpool boss is facing attacks on all sides from Spanish clubs with Real Madrid stepping up their bid to sign Xabi Alonso.

Rumours of a £30m bid have been circulating as returning Real president Florentino Perez continues to try to spend his way to success.