REDS FAIL TO CLOSE GAP ON BLUES

liverpoolfc.tv Paul Eaton 12 February 2005

Liverpool have failed to close the gap on fourth placed Everton after going down to their tenth defeat of the season at St Andrews this afternoon.
With Everton having already lost to Chelsea before the Reds kicked off, the 2-0 defeat at Birmingham will prove a bitter pill to swallow for Rafael Benitez who must have hoped his side could have reduced the gap on their city rivals to just a couple of points.

But a miserable first half performance in the Midlands rendered that scenario unlikely as Birmimgham netted two goals without reply to win the game before the break.

The Reds were their own worst enemies after 37 minutes when Sami Hyypia - making his 300th appearance for the Reds - pulled back former team-mate Emile Heskey in the area and on-loan striker Walter Pandiani slotted home the penalty to give the home side the lead.

That advantage was doubled in the final minute of the half when the lively Jermaine Pennant drifted past John Arne Riise in the area and crossed for Julian Gray to smash the ball into the back of the net with a well executed volley.

The lead was fully deserved after Birmingham prevented the Reds creating a genuine goalscoring chance whilst always looking dangerous when attacking the Liverpool half of the field.

Rafael Benitez, understandably, replaced Igor Biscan with Vladimir Smicer at the break in a change of formation which saw Steven Gerrard return to the centre of midfield and Milan Baros move from his right midfield role to partner Morientes in attack.

However, Liverpool failed to improve during the second half and went down meekly to their seventh away league defeat of the campaign.

The only chances of note in the second period came late on when Smicer drove Djimi Traore's cross high and wide and JamieCarragher saw a stoppage time header hacked off the line.

The victory ensured Birmingham became the third team this season to complete the double over the Reds and means Liverpool now have almost no room for error over their remaining games if they are to claim that coveted fourth position at the end of the campaign.

Full time: Birmingham 2-0 Liverpool

icLiverpool - Stadium facing shortfall of 50m GBP

Feb 11 2005

By Bill Gleeson, Daily Post

LIVERPOOL Football Club's ambition to build a new stadium at Stanley Park faces a 50m GBP shortfall.

Soaring steel prices have been a key element in driving up the projected cost of the 60,000-seat stadium from £80m to £140m in the five years since the original plan was announced.

The club has been unable to raise all the money it needs by borrowing from City investment banks, and is now trying to tap into public sector grants.

This week, it emerged that Liverpool is turning up the pressure on the Northwest Development Agency for a decision on a £21m grant application.

And last night a source close to the stadium funding negotiations told the Daily Post: 'They have tried to raise money from the private sector, but the problem is the costs keep rising. They are now £140m. No wonder they want the NWDA's money quickly.'

Chief executive Rick Parry says Liverpool is also considering trying to raise cash by selling the naming rights to the new ground. Liverpool has been inspired by how Arsenal successfully clinched a lucrative £100m naming rights deal with Middle Eastern airline Emirates. When the plan for Liverpool's new stadium was first conceived in 2000, the club used the services of financial advisers Schroders to raise around £80m for a 70,000 seat ground.

But that plan proved too expensive and a scaled back version now sees the club seeking to build a 60,000 seat ground.

However, since then the price of steel has rocketed on the world's commodity markets.

The club hopes to be playing at its new ground in time for the start of the 2007/8 season, but that deadline is looking increasingly unlikely to be met.

Liverpool is applying pressure on the Northwest Development Agency to make a quick decision about financial support for infrastructure around the stadium.

However, the NWDA is thought to need convincing that contributing towards the cost of a new stadium at Stanley Park would make best use of its money.

The Warrington-based agency had hoped that both Liverpool and Everton would share a stadium. Both clubs have now rejected the idea of a shared stadium, but the NWDA does not want to have to pay out a second grant to Everton, should the club be in a position to build a new home of its own.

Liverpool FC did not respond to our requests for a comment on the situation yesterday."

Carson's ready for the Premiership - Benitez

Feb 10 2005

By Andy Hunter, Daily Post

RAFAEL BENITEZ admits he would have no hesitation throwing Scott Carson into Premiership action after calling off his goalkeeping search due to the youngster's immediate impact at Anfield.

The Liverpool manager beat off competition from league leaders Chelsea to land the highly-rated teenager on a £750,000 deal from Leeds last month.

Benitez, however, was also keen to bring more experienced competition to Liverpool with doubts existing over both Jerzy Dudek and Chris Kirkland's long-term futures at the club.

Spanish internationals Santiago Canizares of Valencia and Real Madrid's second choice stopper Cesar were both linked with a January switch to Merseyside.

But 19-year-old Carson has made such an impressive start to his Liverpool career that Benitez has halted his transfer hunt. And he has indicated the Whitehaven-born keeper could even claim a first team chance before the end of this season.

Benitez revealed: "When we were looking for a new goalkeeper I said we wanted either a young or experienced goalkeeper. We always wanted Carson, but I said we were after experience because we were talking to Leeds and we didn't want the price to go even higher!

"When I spoke to the player after we had spoken to Leeds I told him he would come in as the second goalkeeper because of the injury to Chris. But I also said that if we saw he had a good enough level to come into the team then the rest was up to him.

"After just two training sessions we knew we had a good goalkeeper and now we are sure he will be a very good goalkeeper for the future. We were still considering signing another goalkeeper at one point but we decided not to because we are so happy with Scott."

Carson made a rare competitive appearance on Tuesday night in England's under-21 defeat by Holland at Pride Park.

But despite a making only three Premiership appearances for Leeds, against Middlesbrough, Chelsea and Manchester United, Benitez admits his first English signing is ready to step into the Liverpool side if required.

The Liverpool manager added: "We knew he was a good goalkeeper but it was hard to say how good he was. We had seen a few videos of him but he only made two or three saves in each match. We knew we would have to wait until we saw him train before we could judge him properly, but now we are sure he is a very good goalkeeper.

"After only a few training sessions Jose Ochotorena (Liverpool's goalkeeping coach) said he has a lot of talent and that we didn't need another goalkeeper.

"As a person and as a professional he is impressive. We have a lot of confidence in him and I would have no problem playing him in the Premier League this season."

Reds striker Sinama has knee surgery

By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

Florent Sinama-Pongolle receives treatment before going off against Middlesbrough in the Carling Cup

FLORENT SINAMA-PONGOLLE has returned to France to undergo the knee surgery which has ruled him out until the start of next season.

Sinama has gone under the surgeon's knife in Strasbourg today having been allowed to spend time recuperating with friends and family.

The 20-year-old needs reconstructive surgery on the knee after damaging cruciate ligaments during the recent Carling Cup semi-final with Watford.

As one player prepares for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Vladimir Smicer is line to make his first Premiership start since facing Middlesbrough on May 2 last season.

Luis Garcia is suspended for the trip to Birmingham, and although Antonio Nunez is an option for manager Rafa Benitez, the winger didn't make the squad against Fulham last weekend, despite his availability after a three-match ban.

Smicer has made a sub appearance in the last two Premiership fixtures and is now pushing for a starting place.

However, Nunez says he wants a fresh opportunity to make amends for his sending off at Burnley.

"It's been very frustrating for me not being involved," he said..

"When I saw on the video what had happened at Burnley I thought that is not a three game ban but those are rules and I have to abide by them.

"I hope I can get a chance on Saturday. I think I have a lot to show the Liverpool fans."

Meanwhile, Milan Baros believes Liverpool can overhaul Everton in the race for Champions League football next season - but says that should only be a start.

"I hope that next season we will be competing with the strong trio of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United and would not be fighting only for the fourth spot," he said.

"It looks that we are going in the right direction, although there are ups and downs in our results."

Baros played for the Czech Republic against Slovenia last night.

* Liverpool have rewarded 19-year-old midfielder David Mannix with a new two-and-a-half-year contract after he returned to full fitness following five knee operations.

PARRY: CHAIRMAN STILL KEEN ON INVESTMENT

From the Official LFC Site.
Paul Eaton 08 February 2005

Rick Parry today revealed chairman David Moores remains as determined as ever to secure the investment deal to give the Reds more financial muscle in the transfer market.
Psrry admits to a sense of frustration that a deal hasn't yet been struck to bring more cash into the club, but he is keen to stress it has nothing to do with Moores' desire to keep hold of his stake in the Reds.

"It is a frustration that we have not come up with the investment, but life is not like that," said Parry. "We have got through this season tolerably - we've invested £43 million in the team, so we've not tightened the purse strings too much.

"Apart from maybe Chelsea, by anyone else's standards that's a reasonable investment.

"The chairman is quite positive at the moment because he's quite pleased with how Rafa's been performing.

"2004 was a difficult year from his point of view but there is no better chairman in the world of football. No manager could have greater backing.

"It was particularly difficult in the summer with Gerard going and the uncertainty over Stevie. But having got Rafa on board and seeing some signs of progress he's happier, but still extremely keen to find the right investment.

"He will do whatever it takes to move it forward, even if it affects his own interests. He cares more about this club than about himself."

Liverpool's chief executive also admitted the club are desperate to prove ex-Red Alan Hansen wrong after he predicted the Reds are still three years away from a serious title challenge.

He added: "How do we prove him wrong? By doing what we're doing. I'm sure we have got the right manager and don't feel his long term plans and goals are not achievable."

LE TALLEC SCORES BUT RESERVES LOSE

From the Official LFC Site.
Steve Hunter at Kidderminster 07 February 2005

Anthony Le Tallec scored a superb goal but later limped off five minutes from time in Liverpool Reserves undeserved 3-1 defeat by West Bromwich Albion.
The home side had gone 2-1 up before Le Tallec pulled a goal back for the young Reds after 51 minutes when he ran clean through and produced the sweetest of chips over keeper Tomasz Kuszczak and into the net. Indeed Le Tallec, playing up front alongside Robbie Foy, could have had a hat-trick as he missed two great opportunities in the second half. Liverpool deserved at least a point but it was just one of those nights for Hughie McAuley's side.

Le Tallec had a lively second half but had to leave the pitch five minutes from time after complaining to the physio Mark Browes on the touchline about a muscular problem.

The match was played at Kidderminster Harriers Aggborough ground where Reds legend Jan Molby used to manage.

Le Tallec aside Liverpool Reserve manager Hughie McAuley fielded a young side and Richie Partridge made his first start for six weeks after he returned from injury.

Due to international duty McAuley was without the likes of John Welsh (England Under-21), Darren Potter (Republic of Ireland Under-21) and David Raven (England Under-20).

Right back Jon Otsemobor captained the team in the absence of John Welsh while Patrice Luzi returned in goal. After two games playing as a lone striker for the reserves Anthony Le Tallec was joined up front by Robbie Foy.

West Brom opened the scoring after 10 minutes when Robert Elvins turned the ball past Luzi into the net after a corner wasn't properly cleared.

Liverpool had a really good chance to equalise two minutes later when Foy broke well downthe left and found Le Tallec in space who blazed over the bar.

The home side always looked dangerous when they were on the attack but Liverpool with James Smith fighting for every ball defended very well. Indeed James Smith playing in his best position at centre half was assured and made some fine tackles.

Liverpool came into the game more as the first half went on with Academy players Ryan Wilkie and Danny Guthrie working hard and probing for openings.

The Reds went close after 31 minutes when a solo run down the left from Richie Partridge gave him an opening which he curled just past the post. Then after a great move involving Foy and a neat dummy from Guthrie David Mannix let fly from 22-yards out only to be denied by a good low save from Tomasz Kuszczak.

A minute into the second half it was 2-0 to West Brom and it was a poor goal as far as the Reds were concerned. Kyle Patterson left Danny O'Donnell for dead down the right and his pinpoint cross found Loyd Dyer at the back post who fired into the net past Luzi who just stood still and watched. It appeared the goalkeeper thought it was going wide.

Anthony Le Tallec then pulled a goal back for Liverpool on 51 minutes. Latching onto O'Donnell's header the French Under-21 starlet ran clear and produced a brilliant chip over the advancing Kuszczak.

Hughie McAuley then made his first change of the evening when Under-18 midfielder Paul Barratt made his Reserve team debut as a replacement for Richie Partridge.

Then Le Tallec should have made it 2-2 after 56 minutes when a great pass from Foy played him clean through, but unfortunately the finish was too casual and comfortably saved by Kuszczak.

Le Tallec was in the thick of the action and came close again after 65 minutes when he headed wide from seven yards out after a great right wing cross from Wilkie.

With the Reds pushing for an equaliser West Brom made sure of the three points four minutes from the end when a bad mistake from O'Donnell let in Elvins who smashed the ball past Luzi for 3-1.

West Bromwich Albion Reserves: Kuszczak, Hodgkiss, Holmes, Marshall (Tomlinson 76), Moore, Gaardsoe, Smikle, O'Connor, Patterson (Nicholson 74), Elvins, Dyer.

Liverpool Reserves: Luzi, Otsemobor, D Smith, O'Donnell, J Smith, Guthrie, Wilkie, Mannix, Foy, Le Tallec (Townley 85), Partridge (Barratt 52). Subs unused: Holmes, Willis, Noon.

Referee: P Miller.

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: James Smith. The 19-year-old showed great maturity playing at centre half and made some good interceptions. A very solid display.

LE TALLEC SCORES BUT RESERVES LOSE

Official LFC Website, 7 Feb 2005
Steve Hunter at Kidderminster

Anthony Le Tallec scored a superb goal but later limped off five minutes from time in Liverpool Reserves undeserved 3-1 defeat by West Bromwich
Albion.

The home side had gone 2-0 up before Le Tallec pulled a goal back for the young Reds after 51 minutes when he ran clean through and produced the sweetest of chips over keeper Tomasz Kuszczak and into the net.

Indeed Le Tallec, playing up front alongside Robbie Foy, could have had a hat-trick as he missed two great opportunities in the second half.

Liverpool deserved at least a point but it was just one of those nights for Hughie McAuley's side.

Le Tallec had a lively second half but had to leave the pitch five minutes from time after complaining to the physio Mark Browes on the touchline about a muscular problem.

The match was played at Kidderminster Harriers Aggborough ground where Reds legend Jan Molby used to manage.

Le Tallec aside Liverpool Reserve manager Hughie McAuley fielded a young side and Richie Partridge made his first start for six weeks after he returned from injury.

Due to international duty McAuley was without the likes of John Welsh (England Under-21), Darren Potter (Republic of Ireland Under-21) and David Raven (England Under-20).

Right back Jon Otsemobor captained the team in the absence of John Welsh while Patrice Luzi returned in goal. After two games playing as a lone striker for the reserves Anthony Le Tallec was joined up front by Robbie Foy.

West Brom opened the scoring after 10 minutes when Robert Elvins turned the ball past Luzi into the net after a corner wasn't properly cleared.

Liverpool had a really good chance to equalise two minutes later when Foy broke well downthe left and found Le Tallec in space who blazed over the bar.

The home side always looked dangerous when they were on the attack but Liverpool with James Smith fighting for every ball defended very well. Indeed James Smith playing in his best position at centre half was assured and made some fine tackles.

Liverpool came into the game more as the first half went on with Academy players Ryan Wilkie and Danny Guthrie working hard and probing for openings.

The Reds went close after 31 minutes when a solo run down the left from Richie Partridge gave him an opening which he curled just past the post. Then after a great move involving Foy and a neat dummy from Guthrie David Mannix let fly from 22-yards out only to be denied by a good low save from Tomasz Kuszczak.

A minute into the second half it was 2-0 to West Brom and it was a poor goal as far as the Reds were concerned. Kyle Patterson left Danny O'Donnell for dead down the right and his pinpoint cross found Loyd Dyer at the back post who fired into the net past Luzi who just stood still
and watched. It appeared the goalkeeper thought it was going wide.

Anthony Le Tallec then pulled a goal back for Liverpool on 51 minutes. Latching onto O'Donnell's header the French Under-21 starlet ran clear and produced a brilliant chip over the advancing Kuszczak.

Hughie McAuley then made his first change of the evening when Under-18 midfielder Paul Barratt made his Reserve team debut as a replacement for Richie Partridge.

Then Le Tallec should have made it 2-2 after 56 minutes when a great pass from Foy played him clean through, but unfortunately the finish was too casual and comfortably saved by Kuszczak.

Le Tallec was in the thick of the action and came close again after 65 minutes when he headed wide from seven yards out after a great right wing cross from Wilkie.

With the Reds pushing for an equaliser West Brom made sure of the three points four minutes from the end when a bad mistake from O'Donnell let in Elvins who smashed the ball past Luzi for 3-1.

West Bromwich Albion Reserves: Kuszczak, Hodgkiss, Holmes, Marshall (Tomlinson 76), Moore, Gaardsoe, Smikle, O'Connor, Patterson (Nicholson 74), Elvins, Dyer.

Liverpool Reserves: Luzi, Otsemobor, D Smith, O'Donnell, J Smith, Guthrie, Wilkie, Mannix, Foy, Le Tallec (Townley 85), Partridge (Barratt 52). Subs unused: Holmes, Willis, Noon.

Referee: P Miller.

Welsh rugby fan cuts off testicles after win - Yahoo! UK & Ireland News

Hard to find words to use in order to comment on this one. I don't think a smiley exists for the face I pulled when I read this.

Welsh rugby fan cuts off testicles after win - Yahoo! UK & Ireland News

Tuesday February 8, 07:21 AM


Welsh rugby fan cuts off testicles after win

LONDON (Reuters) - A Welsh rugby fan cut off his own testicles to celebrate Wales beating England at rugby, the Daily Mirror has reported.

Geoff Huish, 26, was so convinced England would win Saturday's match he told fellow drinkers at a social club, "If Wales win I'll cut my balls off", the paper said on Tuesday.

Friends at the club in Caerphilly, south Wales, thought he was joking.

But after the game Huish went home, severed his testicles with a knife, and walked 200 metres back to the bar with the testicles to show the shocked drinkers what he had done.

Huish was taken to hospital where he remained in a seriously ill condition, the paper said. Police told the paper he had a history of mental problems.

Wales's 11-9 victory over England at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff was their first home win in 12 years.

PARRY: GERRARD NOT FOR SALE

From premiership.com
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry concedes an offer for England midfielder Steven Gerrard could be made in the summer, but the Anfield supremo insists any bid - even of £50million - would be turned down.

In a frank interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Parry claims Real Madrid asked for an option to sign Gerrard when Liverpool clinched the deal for striker Fernando Morientes in the January transfer window.

He also denied Chelsea made an offer last summer - although he concedes the Barclays Premiership leaders may make a bid for the 24-year-old in the summer.

“Maybe there will be an offer in the summer. Maybe there won’t. Our position is we want Steven to stay but we are realistic enough and have enough respect for Steven - and he has enough respect for us - to know that it is his decision that will be crucial,” said Parry.

“You are not going to keep a player like Steven against his will.

“That just doesn’t work but any idea we are going to accept offers for Steven and then tell him ‘by the way, we have decided to sell you’ is not on the agenda. You can forget that.”

Parry added: “Steve is above money. He is the future of Liverpool.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s £30million, £40million or £50million, we will not accept offers.

“But we are also realistic enough to know we can’t keep Steven against his will.”

Speaking of Chelsea’s interest in the inspirational midfielder, Parry said: “There have been a lot of open secrets about Steven, most of which have been complete myths.

“It is suggested we had a deal tied up last summer. We never had an offer last summer.

“We had told Chelsea that as far as we were concerned he was not for sale and we didn’t want to sell him.

“In reality it didn’t go beyond that.”

Parry is aware he can only do so much to hold on to his prize asset who made his debut for the Reds in November 1998 before becoming a regular in the following season and scoring his first goal for the club against Sheffield Wednesday.

Gerrard has now become one of Sven-Goran Eriksson’s crown jewels in the England midfield and his creativity and vision was sorely missed when injury - which has been a constant disruption - forced him out of the 2002 World Cup.

His talent has earned him a number of suitors in club football and Parry admits he does not know what the future holds for Gerrard.

It is well known that Gerrard wants to be in a title-winning team and has Champions League aspirations, although his loyalty to the club he joined as a trainee has so far seen him remain with the Reds.

When asked if the midfielder will be at Anfield on the first day of next season, Parry admitted: “I sincerely hope he will be. Steven knows my views. He knows Rafa’s views.

“We have reaffirmed recently to Steven that we are trying to build a team around him.

“We crave success as much as he does. We know he is ambitious and nobody can argue with that.

“We all want to see progress by next season. He is not alone in that.

“There are a lot of other players who feel the same, so we all have a common aim.”

Meanwhile, Harry Kewell has suffered a setback in his bid to regain fitness for the games which could define Liverpool’s season.

The former Leeds winger had hoped to be involved in the weekend clash with Fulham after apparently making good progress in his recovery from an Achilles problem.

But he had to sit out the game, which Liverpool won 3-1, after the injury failed to clear up. And the 26-year-old is unlikely to return to first-team action until next month.

He is now a major doubt for the last-16 Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen on February 22 and the Carling Cup final against Chelsea five days later.

His agent Bernie Mandic confirmed the 26-year-old Australian’s frustration.

Mandic told the Sydney Daily Telegraph: “Harry's struggling a bit but the club are doing everything they can to get him right.

“He's had scans which don't show anything substantial but despite his best efforts at the moment he simply can't shake off the discomfort and get back on the park.

“Harry was desperate to be fit for the Fulham game as part of his plan to play himself in for the Leverkusen match.”

Kewell had forecast a swift return in late January, saying: “I feel like I could jump off the building and land on the next one - I haven't felt this good for a while.”

Liverpool Echo: We'd refuse £50m for Gerrard

By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL chief executive Rick Parry insists no amount of money will force the club to sell skipper Steven Gerrard.

But Parry admitted the Reds will be powerless to stand in Gerrard's way if he hands in a transfer request this summer.

Speculation surrounding Gerrard's future shows no sign of dying down as Chelsea are known to be preparing to revive their interest at the end of the season.

The Londoners were confident they had their man last June, despite having no official contact with Liverpool.

Liverpool made it clear last year even a world record transfer fee wouldn't prize their star player away.

Parry reiterated this today, but added if Gerrard told the club he wanted out, Liverpool would have to respect his decision.

"Steve is above money. He is the future of Liverpool," said Parry.

"It doesn't matter if it's £30m, £40m or £50m, we will not accept offers. But we are also realistic enough to know we can't keep Steven against his will.

"Our position is; we want Steven to stay but we are realistic enough to know that it is his decision that will be crucial.

"Any idea we are going to accept offers for Steven and then tell him 'by the way, we have decided to sell you' is not on the agenda. Steven knows my views and Rafa's views.

"We crave success as much as he does. We know he is ambitious and nobody can argue with that.

"There are a lot of other players who feel the same, so we all have a common aim."

Liverpool have ended a trial for Luton goalkeeper Dean Brill. Rafa Benitez has cooled his interest in the player.

Luis Garcia's fifth booking of the season means he's suspended for next weekend's trip to Birmingham.

Liverpool Echo: Sponsor deal may see new stadium renamed

By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

Chief executive Rick Parry said Arsenal's £100m deal with Emirates to sponsor their new ground, complete with naming rights, has given the club serious food for thought.

Just as Highbury has disappeared from the London club's ground the move could put a question mark over the use of the name Anfield.

Mr Parry told the BBC website today: "Historically it is something I have been against, and I have been on record as saying that, but I think the size of the Arsenal deal is a real eye-opener.

"I would say in the past deals have been done frankly far too cheaply and it just hasn't even been worth contemplating.

"But the Arsenal deal is the sort of deal that causes you to draw breath and say 'wow - that's interesting'."

Mr Parry is aware that such a decision would provoke an emotional response from Liverpool fans.

The name Anfield has become world-famous since Liverpool kicked off life there 113 years ago.

But Mr Parry countered: "I recognise it would be an emotive issue for many supporters, but you look at the amount of money available and it could go into the team.

"If it was the right partner how strong an issue is it? Time will tell.

"I think the stadium will always be Anfield, not least because of where it is, but do we need to investigate the possibilities of sponsorship? It would be remiss not to.

"That's not to say we have made a decision that we will go down that road, but I think it is clearly something we have to explore."

Mr Parry also revealed the Reds were still considering investment from a mystery investor, but that Steve Morgan's offer - withdrawn by the building magnate before Christmas - was still on the agenda..

"Steve has never been used as a stalking horse. There's no need, and that is not the way we do business," he explained.

"We had discussions with Steve over the course of 2004. I think we came close to concluding a deal in the summer but it didn't happen.

"Quite genuinely, the new interest did appear relatively late in the day just prior to the AGM in December, and as I have said it was of such potential magnitude, and that potential is so exciting, we felt we had to evaluate it. We are still evaluating it.

"Steve's interest was taken very much on its own merits. His enthusiasm for the club is there for all to see and who knows what the next few months will hold?

"The door isn't closed on anything. We had a perfectly sensible dialogue with Steve last year.

"We have a common interest in making Liverpool successful. That's a dream we all share, so as far as I'm concerned the door is not closed."

Mr Parry is currently finalising funding for the new stadium in Stanley Park, which is set to open in 2007.

The club is hoping for a swift decision on a crucial £20m grant from the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA).

Club bosses say no reply has yet been forthcoming on what stage the application is at prompting concern on the progress of the stadium move.

But the NWDA insists the application is only "recent" and still has an appraisal procedure to go through.

MAIL ON SUNDAY APOLOGISE FOR GERRARD STORY

Official Site, 6 Feb 2005
By Paul Rogers

The Mail on Sunday have today apologised to Liverpool Football Club for a story about a secret meeting that never took place between Rick Parry and Peter Kenyon to discuss the sale of Steven Gerrard to Chelsea.

A week ago today, the Mail on Sunday reported that a secret meting had taken place between the two men to agree a deal to sell the Liverpool captain to Stamford Bridge in the summer but today, the Mail on Sunday has printed a full apology for the story and amitted it was wrong.

The apology, under the headline 'Liverpool FC and Rick Parry' reads:

"Last Sunday, we reported that, following secret talks between Rick Parry and Peter Kenyon, a deal had been agreed to sell Steven Gerrard to Chelsea, a transfer that Mr Parry accepted was inevitable and which had first been agreed last June.

"We accept that no such talks have ever been held and that neither Mr Parry nor LFC accept accept such a transfer is inevitable. Nor were there any talks or deal between the clubs last summer. We apologise to both Mr Parry and LFC for any embarrassment caused."

* Gerrard and Jamie Carragher have both been named in the England squad to face Holland at Villa Park this Wednesday.