Gerrard Eyes Reds Return

Steven Gerrard is hoping to make his return from a groin injury in Liverpool's next game against West Bromwich Albion.

The midfielder underwent a groin operation earlier in March and was initially expected to be sidelined for a month.

The injury forced Gerrard to miss England's Euro 2012 qualifying win over Wales on Saturday, but he is ahead of schedule in his recovery.

He expects to return to full training during the week and is aiming to be involved in next Saturday's trip to The Hawthorns to face former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson's West Brom.

"It's good," Gerrard told Goals on Sunday. "I'm probably three or four days away from full training, so hopefully I'll be involved against West Brom.

"It depends on how the next three or four days go.

"Being injured is the worst part of being a footballer. It's frustrating not to be involved in a game like England v Wales at the Millennium Stadium. It's a fantastic game.

"Hopefully I'll be available for the next qualifier in the summer which is Switzerland.

"There are big games still left to play this season. It's frustrating missing games being on the treatment table so you do everything you can in your rehab and away from football to get back as quickly as possible."

Reds To Land Wigan Youngster

It's believed that Liverpool is poised to beat Chelsea to the signing of James McCarthy this summer.

The Reds tried to sign the midfielder a few years ago but Rafa Benitez's attempts to land the then 16 year old failed as he decided to stay with Hamilton at the time.

McCarthy eventually left the Scottish side to sign for Wigan and has made such an impact in his short time with the Premier League strugglers that Chelsea are believed to have failed with a £7m offer in January however they'll return with an improved offer in the summer.

With Liverpool braced to strengthen this summer the Scot, who now plays international football for the Republic of Ireland, is one of those that Kenny Dalglish has targeted and it's believed that McCarthy would come to Anfield because it's closer to his Scottish roots and he'd have a much better chance of playing first team football sooner.

Skrtel - We Can Finish Fifth

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel believes they can pip Tottenham in the race for fifth in the Premier League.

The combative central defender has seen his hopes inflated after the Reds were able to claim a 2-0 win Sunderland last week, having seen Spurs held to a draw by West Ham.

Yet Kenny Dalglish's team is still four points adrift of fifth, while Spurs have the added advantage of having a game in hand on their rivals.

Despite the obvious difficulty of the task at hand, Skrtel is drawing strength from the arduous run of games Tottenham face in order to complete their fixture list.

They are still to travel to Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, and will host Arsenal in what will be a customary competitive North London derby.

Liverpool received a huge slice of luck last week when they were awarded a fortuitous penalty when Jay Spearing was felled outside the area, however, Skrtel insists they more than deserved the win against Sunderland.

"I guess we fully deserved this result. We were the better team and we were dominant," he told the club's official website.

"It was a controversial penalty for some but this is football. They didn't have a clear chance so it is a fair result.

"Tottenham dropped two precious points and I am happy that we are closing the gap on them."

Alberto Aquilani: I Don't Know Whether I Will Remain At Juventus

Italy midfielder Alberto Aquilani has admitted that he is uncertain about his club future, revealing there are no concrete signs that he will remain at Juventus once his loan from Liverpool ends.

The 26-year-old's future is up for discussion, with reports suggesting Juve won't bow to the €16m fee being demanded from Anfield, and from the Azzurri camp in Florence, the former Roma star made it clear he doesn't yet know where he will end up next season.

"I have not had any contact with Liverpool or Juventus directors," he told the press.

"There is an agreement, and I was aware it was a loan and that things would be dealt with in May. So, I am tranquil over my future now."

Aquilani has endured a struggle this term, but feels his side is ready to salvage what they can from the campaign.

"We have many strong players and a great coach, we just need some time, and we must play the last eight games like they are finals," he said.

Steven Gerrard Says Andy Carroll And Luis Suarez Make Liverpool A Stronger Force

Club captain Steven Gerrard believes the arrivals of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez puts Liverpool in a stronger position than they were with Fernando Torres.

Admitting that he enjoyed playing with the departed Spaniard, Gerrard told Sky Sports that simply having two quality forward options means the Reds are now better equipped heading into the future.

And the Anfield hero has also been impressed with how Uruguayan Suarez has taken to his new role.

“Suarez has only played a few games but we know he will be a top player,” said Gerrard.

“Training and playing with him in his first few games he has been strong and technically good, but Fernando in his first year with us was frightening as well.

“But I think Liverpool is in a better position having two top forwards instead of one. I enjoyed playing behind Fernando but if you said I could have Fernando on form or Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez on form, I would take the two over one.”

Torres’ deadline day move to Stamford Bridge sparked a flurry of activity as the Reds were left to fill the void of the World Cup winner's departure, and Gerrard admitted the players felt disappointed by the striker’s decision to move to the capital.

He added: “We felt slightly let down, like the supporters we wanted him to stay as he is a top player. But he made his decision and we have to respect that."

Currently sidelined from club and international duty with a groin injury, the Reds skipper also believes his club was right to respond to fan’s demands for the removal of Roy Hodgson in January.

“When the Liverpool fans turn against you, you have to listen,” added Gerrard. “They are Liverpool Football Club.”

Carra Kops The Blame

Jamie Carragher believes the Liverpool players were responsible for Roy Hodgson getting the sack.

The longest-serving player at Anfield insists poor performances were the reason the club had to end the manager's reign after just six months.

Hodgson never really won over the club's supporters and won just 13 of his 31 games in charge but Carragher says the players should shoulder the blame for his sacking.

He pointed to the fact that things had not gone well the season before and the uncertainty under former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, but ultimately believes the buck stops with him and his team-mates.

"We'd finished seventh the year before which is obviously why Rafa went in the end and obviously we felt we were better than seventh and the squad was better than finishing seventh, but we were thinking with a new manager it might change," he told Goals on Sunday.

"So at that moment we were looking to build something, new players were getting involved, but you could say that Rafa had been there a long time and it was still his team really.

"But if you have not done that well for two years, it's not the manager's fault. You've got to look at the squad and ask, as a group of players, are we doing enough or are we good enough?

"Sometimes as a group you're not good enough and I think that's why new players have been brought in, in January."

Carragher believes that the sale of Javier Mascherano to Barcelona was another big factor that worked against Hodgson.

Liverpool have since sold Fernando Torres to Chelsea but with Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez coming in and the long-standing ownership issues now a thing of the past, he says Kenny Dalglish already has more of a chance than his predecessor.

"It looks good now, with Andy Carroll and Suarez and the new owners coming in," he said. "Don't forget Roy had to deal with, as did Rafa, the last owners we had.

"I think it's fair to say everyone is a lot happier now and I am sure that will make it a lot easier for Kenny."

Rams To Weigh Up Fresh Loan Inquiry For Ayala

Derby County is keen to take Liverpool defender Daniel Ayala on loan again next season.

The Rams plan to ask Liverpool about the possibility of the Spaniard making a return to Pride Park in the 2011-12 campaign.

Ayala's current loan runs to the end of the season and he has impressed since he joined Derby in February.

He has made nine appearances, including eight consecutive starts in a partnership with Shaun Barker at centre back. His composure in possession for a 20-year-old defender has caught the eye and last week he made his debut for the Spanish Under-21 side in a friendly against France in Reims.

Derby have been pleased with the way he has settled in and with his contribution in helping the team pick up valuable points.

The Rams had won only once in a dozen matches before Ayala arrived but, in the last eight games, they have won twice and drawn three.

"Is there a possibility we could see him back on loan next season? We are going to make that inquiry, certainly," said manager Nigel Clough.

"We will be speaking to Liverpool to see if there is any possibility of that happening. The only thing is that they (Liverpool) don't usually make those decisions until August.

"We need some players in before that, and we certainly need another centre half in.

"Daniel has shown us enough during his time here and we would like to take him as a loan as well next season."

Ayala will not play for Spain's under-21 team against Belarus tonight as an entirely different squad has been selected from the one which faced France last week.

End Is Not In Sight, Says Carragher As He Approaches New Appearance Achievement

Saturday, May 7 promises to be a special occasion for Jamie Carragher.

Barring injury between now and then, Liverpool’s trip to Fulham will be the day that the inspirational defender climbs into second place in the club’s all-time appearance list.

Currently level with Ian Rush (660), six more games will enable him to leapfrog another two Anfield legends in Emlyn Hughes (665) and Ray Clemence (665).

In a career packed full of heroic triumphs it will be another proud landmark.

Catching Ian Callaghan (857) maybe beyond him but the 33-year-old centre-back still has plenty more to give.

“I just want to keep playing for as long as I can,” he said. “If I’m breaking appearance records then great because it means I’m still in the side and making a contribution.

“I know Cally well and he’s a great man. That record won’t ever be broken and deservedly so.

“I’m delighted to have been at Liverpool for so long and I’m sure I’ll finish my career there. I feel privileged to do that for such a great club.

“I’ve been fortunate the managers have always taken to me. Hopefully I’ve got a couple of years to go.

“I’m always looking forward and trying to do as much as I can for the club. When my career finishes in the next two or three years then I’ll look back with pride.

“At the moment I’m still looking forward. I want to play more games and win more trophies.”

Leaving the club he first played for against Middlesbrough back in January 1997 has never entered his thoughts.

He said: “My secret is that no-one has ever come in for me!

“Why would you ever want to leave? You are playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. I’m a local lad with my family around me and I’m playing every week.

“For Steven Gerrard and I, winning things with the club you came through at means a lot more than doing it somewhere else. When you feel your family and friends are part of winning it, it means so much more.”

Carragher has lifted two FA Cups, two League Cups, the UEFA Cup and the Champions League but the trophies have dried up in recent years.

When Liverpool finished second in the Premier League in May 2009 there were high hopes it would be a springboard to success.

It didn’t happen. Rafa Benitez’s reign ended in bitter disappointment at the end of last season and then the Reds slipped further during the shortlived tenure of Roy Hodgson.

“I’ve got to give Rafa Benitez massive credit because he put me back to my position in the middle and that took me on to the next level,” Carragher said.

“But everyone knows last season didn’t go well. We had finished second the season before with 86 points and only lost twice. Subconsciously, maybe you think ‘can we do any better than that’?

“The big build up was ‘we’re going to win the league this year’. When you lose two of your first three games you know it’s not going to happen.

“We lost Xabi Alonso which was disappointing and brought in Aquilani who was injured.

A team which hadn’t quite been good enough was made weaker because we lost Alonso and his replacement wasn’t ready.

“Knowing we weren’t going to win the league affected the squad.”

Hodgson oversaw Liverpool’s worst start to a season for half a century and failed miserably to win over supporters.

However, Carragher insists the players should shoulder the blame for his departure after just six months.

“We’d finished seventh the year before which is obviously why Rafa went in the end and obviously we felt we were better than seventh,” he said.

“We were thinking with a new manager it might change. But Javier Mascherano played a few games and then we lost him. A side which had finished seventh had one of its best players taken out of it.

“At that moment we were looking to build something, new players were getting involved, but you could say that Rafa had been there a long time and it was still his team really.

“If you have not done that well for two years, it’s not the manager’s fault. You’ve got to look at the squad and ask, as a group of players, are we doing enough or are we good enough?

“Sometimes as a group you’re not good enough and I think that’s why new players have been brought in this January.

“Don’t forget Roy had to deal with, as did Rafa, the last owners we had. Everyone is a lot happier with the owners we have now and that make things easier for the manager.”

Carragher admits the appointment of Kenny Dalglish in place of Hodgson in January helped transform the mood around the club.

The defender believes the supporters’ backing for the Kop legend has contributed to the impressive return of 20 points out of 30 since he took over.

“I think with Kenny being there all of a sudden you have the fans back on-side and unfortunately Roy didn’t have that,” he said.

“At Anfield even if you go a goal down or lose the odd game you’ve still got them. They are a massive part of Liverpool - as important as the players.

“When everyone’s together we can be unstoppable. You’ve seen that in some of the cup finals. Maybe we should have lost them but we didn’t because the players and the fans were together. The fans love Kenny and respect him. If we get beat now they will probably blame us rather than the manager!”

With eight games to go, Liverpool are sixth and find themselves four points adrift of Tottenham who have a game in hand. The Reds need to force their way into the top five to qualify for Europe and Carragher is desperate to achieve that goal.

“Anfield comes alive on European nights and I’ve been fortunate to be involved in many of them,” he said. “It’s touch and go whether we get into Europe this season. I’m desperate for us to do it because they are great nights to remember when your career is finished.”

Carragher has long since been touted as a manager in the making but he’s keeping his options open.

“If I went down that road of course managing this club would be the pinnacle,” he said.

“But it’s not 100% I’m going to become a manager. I’ve been lucky that I’ve never had to move my family anywhere else and I wouldn’t want to uproot them.

“If something came up I would look at it but the older I get the less I think about doing it.”

Kenny Dalglish Does Not Want Terraces To Return

Kenny Dalglish has backed the Premier League’s refusal to support a Football Fans Federation bid to reintroduce standing areas at football grounds.

The FSF launched a petition for safe standing last week.

The Federation, which represents more than 180,000 and affiliates, are presenting the petition to Government and football authorities.

“We do think fans in the Premier League or Championship should be allowed to stand in safety as those in any other division can,” they said.

“We are not suggesting that clubs should be forced to provide safe standing areas – only that they should be allowed the choice.

“Issues around cost and feasibility should be a matter for individual clubs, not for Government.

“Many opponents to safe standing mistakenly cite Hillsborough as a reason not to allow its introduction, however the disaster was not caused by standing; the Taylor Report primarily blamed overcrowding, stadium layout and poor policing.

“It did not ban standing nor claim it was inherently unsafe.”

Liverpool manager Dalglish, however, who was Liverpool boss at Hillsborough, used his Sunday newspaper column yesterday to counter the move.

He wrote: “It is 21 years since Lord Justice Taylor’s report recommended that terracing at football grounds should be outlawed. The move was a direct response to the tragedy at Hillsborough, where 96 people went to a football match and never returned home.

“The passing of time should not be allowed to diminish the reasons behind the introduction of all-seater stadiums, which is why I’m instinctively and deeply opposed to the reintroduction of standing areas at grounds.

“I’m more in line with the Premier League stance that the benefits of all-seater stadiums far outweigh the advantages of having supporters standing in big crowds.

“From where I’m looking, the introduction of all-seater stadiums has worked. To change it, even now, is an unnecessary risk, a view only strengthened when I remember what happened at Hillsborough and what the families of the bereaved have had to endure in the months and years since then.”

Dalglish added: “Football has become a far safer sport for supporters since both terracing and fencing around the pitch were banished. There are fewer injuries and there is less hooliganism, too.

“It can’t be wrong.

“I’ve heard it argued that people are denied the right to make a choice between sitting and standing but if you asked people what the safer option would be, they would say sitting.

“And safety is not something you should take for granted. If we are safer now, it is because the recommendations of the Taylor Report were acted upon.

“The other point I’ve heard mentioned is that all-seater stadiums are bad for atmosphere. Even if that were true, would it not be right to sacrifice a little bit of atmosphere for safety?

“I don’t think the argument about atmosphere is correct anyway. You can’t deny that there have been some absolutely fantastic nights at Anfield since the stadium went all-seater.

“Yes, the famous Saint Etienne European Cup game in 1977 when you could squeeze 26,000 into the old Kop was played in a marvellous atmosphere. But it was also extremely good against Olympiakos in 2004 when Steven Gerrard rattled one in to take Liverpool through against the odds.

“People talk with some reverence about the 2005 semi-final against Chelsea when the noise and passion were incredible and sucked Luis Garcia’s shot over the line. Remember, that was in an all-seater stadium.

“Maybe some other grounds don’t have that old-fashioned atmosphere any more but if the reward is that mothers and fathers can take their children there in safety, that’s surely not a bad thing. I’d certainly be more inclined to take my son or daughter – or grandchildren nowadays! – to a match where you sit rather than stand.

“I know fans still stand in countries like Germany. But you can’t compare their situation with ours. If Germany had endured a tragedy like Hillsborough, of innocent supporters dying because they went to a football match, they would have banned standing and they would not now be talking of reversing that decision.”

Liverpool Keen On Aston Villa Winger Marc Albrighton

Liverpool is reportedly interested in Aston Villa winger Marc Albrighton and the Merseyside club may move to sign the youngster this summer.

Kenny Dalglish is keen to bring in natural wide options and may feel that due to the poor season the Midlands club has had and the reported bust ups between the boss Gerard Houllier and a number of players that he could persuade the England Under 21 international to push for a move from Villa Park to Anfield.

Having brought in Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in January Dalglish is now looking to bring players to help provide ammunition for their front line and is apparently an admirer of the 21 year old Tamworth born wide man who is now a regular in the Aston Villa starting line up.

Even though Albrighton only signed a new contract last November Liverpool may feel that they can tempt the intelligent winger and will have more chance of doing so if Aston Villa finish the season mired in a relegation battle.

Liverpool have predominantly used Maxi and Dirk Kuyt in wide role with mixed results and the club’s new owners are willing to fund significant moves in the transfer market, especially for young players with good sell on value.

Dalglish To Beat Rivals To Signing Of Wigan Star James McCarthy

Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish wants to beat Chelsea to the signing of Wigan star James McCarthy – the one who got away from Anfield.

Dalglish is determined to land Glasgow-born Ireland starlet McCarthy as part of a major summer overhaul.

And the legendary manager thinks that he can persuade McCarthy to pick Merseyside ahead of London for his next move, which looks increasingly like coming at the end of the season.

Chelsea wanted to land McCarthy in January and are still in the chase for him – although the exit of director of football Frank Arnesen leaves a ­question mark over their desperation for him.

Now Dalglish, poised to get the Liverpool job full-time, has decided to home in on McCarthy who was set to sign for former boss Rafa Benitez as a kid but opted to stay with Hamilton Accies.

McCarthy has already been to Liverpool’s HQ and played in a training game – when he was just 16 – and Benitez was keen to take him only for the top prospect to decide that first-team football with Hamilton was better.

Dalglish does not want to miss out on McCarthy again and thinks he would be ideal for a new-look squad that would also include fellow Scot Charlie Adam from Blackpool. McCarthy signed for Wigan and has proved himself to be one of the best young all-round midfielders in the top flight. Chelsea are willing to pay up to £7million for him.

Liverpool will match and possibly better that if Dalglish gets the money to invest.

And he hopes the quiet lad will prefer to stay in the area rather than be drawn to the capital.

McCarthy has forged close friendships with some of the Latics team and may be happier to remain in the north west, which is also closer to his tight-knit family home in Glasgow. Wigan and Fulham have been watching Spanish striker Joaquin Alvarez, aka Quini.

Aston Villa And West Ham Battle Over Liverpool Flop

Aston Villa and West Ham United are leading the chase to buy Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole.

The 29-year-old moved to Anfield on a free transfer last summer but has struggled to adapt to life on Merseyside.

He has suffered injuries and a drop in form meaning he has not established himself in the starting line-up. Kenny Dalglish has opted to use the likes of Maxi and Dirk Kuyt out on the wings and this has led to even fewer first team opportunities than under Roy Hodgson.

Liverpool are willing to listen to offers for the England international to get him off the wage bill.

Cole is believed to be earning £90,000 a week and manager Kenny Dalglish wants to free up that money for a new signing.

Villa boss Gerrard Houllier would welcome the playmaker into his squad as he searches for a replacement for the Manchester United-bound Ashley Young.

The Frenchman sees Cole playing just off striker Darren Bent, a position that is sure to attract the former Chelsea player.

Cole could also make an emotional return to his boyhood club West Ham.

Manager Avram Grant is keen to work with him again after a brief spell together at Stamford Bridge.

Cole is still loved by the Hammers faithful and would welcome him back with open arms but any deal will depend on the Irons avoiding relegation.

English Clubs Going Gago Over Madrid Enforcer

Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton are battling to secure the signature of Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago.

The Argentine midfielder has failed to command a regular first-team place at the Bernabeu since Jose Mourinho took charge of the club.

Gago still has two years left on his contract, but he is expected to be sold during the summer with Real Madrid looking for at least £10m.

Reports in Spain suggest that Liverpool are the favourites to land his signature.

But both Harry Redknapp and David Moyes are also monitoring his progress and there could be a bidding war at the end of the season between the three clubs.

Dalglish Sets Sights On Barca Star

Kenny Dalglish has set his sights on Barcelona winger Jeffren as a potential summer transfer target as he looks to improve his squad according to the Sunday Mirror.

Jeffren made his debut for the Catalan club five years ago but will be happy to leave the side has he us a fringe player in the team and would like to play on a more regular basis.

The Liverpool boss will have to pay £9million to lure the 23-year-old winger to Anfield - that is the price that the former Spain Under-21 star has for his but-out clause.

Kop boss Dalglish, is close to agreeing at two year contract to become Liverpool manager on a permanent basis and is looking to make the squad his own.

The 60-year-old manager will be delighted to bring Jeffren to the club as a replacement for flop Joe Cole who move to the club last summer has failed to impress with his performances.

Since making his debut for the Spanish Champions five years ago Jeffren has made only 29 appearances and scored three goals in all competitions. This season he has made eight appearances and scored once.

Liverpool To Rival Juventus For Lyon’s Michel Bastos

Reports from Italy suggest Juventus have run into competition from Liverpool in their pursuit of Lyon’s flying Brazilian left back Michel Bastos.

Both the Reds and the Old Lady are looking for a quality left back option for next season, and though Juventus have been surprised by the late arrival of the Premier League side on the scene, they will still battle for the Brazilian’s signature.

Michel Bastos is expected to be sold by Lyon in the summer if they are made a lucrative offer. And with Real Madrid also having been spoken of as a potential destination, the French side are confident of realizing a high fee for the 27-year-old.

The player himself is known to fancy a new challenge after landing in France in 2006 with Lille before joining Lyon in 2009.

Liverpool are thought to have let Lyon know they would pay some €20M for Bastos, though whether the Ligue 1 giants judge this to be sufficient is unknown; Juventus would have little trouble matching it.

Roma Defender Mexes Cools Talk Of Liverpool Move

AS Roma defender Philippe Mexes has cooled talk of a move to Liverpool.

Liverpool has been linked with the Bosman prospect this past week.

"It's true that I'll be out of contract, but I am quite relaxed about the situation," Mexes told newspapers in France.

"I will wait and then evaluate all proposals. I never said I'll go anywhere, but I'll make a decision over the next few months. There is no cut-off date.

"Milan? There is talk of that, but also of a renewal with Roma or a transfer to England.

"I have nothing in particular to add, other than to say that if I did leave Roma, I'd prefer to stay in Italy. I know Serie A well and they know me, certainly more so than in France.

"I have no interest in returning to Ligue 1, not even for a big club. It's nothing to do with money. I still have much to learn and already went around France with Auxerre."

Duo Feature In Irish Win

Academy starlets Brad Smith and Adam Morgan featured for England U17s as they beat Northern Ireland 3-2 on Saturday.

Left-back Smith played the full 90 minutes and Morgan came on as a 53rd minute substitute.

Matty Regan was an unused substitute but Raheem Sterling didn't feature in the match which was played at the Stadion De Leunen, Geel, in Belgium.

England came from behind to win the opening game of the Elite Qualifying Round for the UEFA European U17 Championship Finals.

The Reds quartet will stay with England U17s for matches against Belgium on Monday and Spain on Thursday.

Capello Could Spark New Club vs Country Row By Backing Idea Of Jack Wilshere & Andy Carroll Playing For Under-21s

Three Lions coach risks angering Arsenal's Arsene Wenger and Liverpool's Kenny Dalglish by picking their stars for both senior and Under-21 Euro qualifiers in June

England manager Fabio Capello has risked angering Arsenal and Liverpool by supporting the decicion for Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll to participate in the European Under-21 Championships.

"The two young Englishmen could play in England’s Euro qualifier against Switzerland on June 4 before playing against Denmark for the Under 21s," Capello was quoted by The Mirror as saying.

"I think the decision will be between Stuart [Pearce] and the club managers. I think the Under-21s Euros are really important. The players that are here are really good players, playing with us.

"But it depends on the relationship between Stuart and the managers. I think these three players [including Tottenham’s promising full-back Kyle Walker] are really good and can make a difference if they play with the Under-21s."

Although Capello and Stuart Pearce have backed the idea, Arsenal would point to Theo Walcott’s injury two years ago which was, according to Arsene Wenger, probably sustained because of playing successively for both England outfits.

New Liverpool Chief Ayre Convinced Glory Days Returning

New Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre is convinced the Fenway Group will bring the good times back to Anfield.

Liverpool haven't won a trophy for five years but the club's new managing director insists a structure is being put in place to ensure that drought is addressed.

"I took great comfort when John Henry did his first interview on that famous day when we came down the steps at Slaughter and May," Ayre told the Liverpool Echo. "The most poignant line that everyone hung on to was 'we want to win'.

"We all want to win. It's not going to happen overnight and I don't think it should.

"What both John and Tom (Werner) have said is that we don't want to build a team to win it once, we want to build a team to keep winning it.

"When I started going to matches we kept on winning it. We want to build a team who can do that again.

"It's going to take a lot of hard work but if everyone comes together I'm convinced Liverpool can get back to where they were.

"Everyone has to believe that. The minute people stop believing we'll be in trouble."

Dalglish Transfer Target Shortlist Shows He's Right Man For Liverpool

When I read that Kenny Dalglish's top transfer targets this summer are Ashley Young, Matt Jarvis, Gary Cahill and Charlie Adam, I feel optimistic for Liverpool.

A strong core of British players didn't do Kenny any harm at Blackburn, and even at a combined £50million this quartet would be good business.

Young and Jarvis would provide the ammunition for Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez, while Adam, Steven Gerrard and the improving and impressive Lucas would be a formidable central midfield.

Playing alongside a reliable partner like Cahill could extend Jamie Carragher's great career by a couple of seasons.

They are sensible signings who would push Liverpool back into the Champions League places next season.

And the fact that Dalglish has come up with such a strong and sensible wish list shows there is no need for John W Henry to panic and call in Jose Mourinho.