[lfc-news] Kirkland prefers West Brom to Celtic - PA

PA Sport, 25 June 2005
KIRKLAND PREFERS WEST BROM TO CELTIC

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is still set to join West Brom on loan from
Liverpool despite late interest in the player from Celtic.

The 24-year-old's agent Colin Gordon has revealed Hoops boss Gordon
Strachan was also keen on taking the former Coventry man on loan.

However, Kirkland felt staying in England gave him the best chance of
claiming a place in England's 2006 World Cup finals squad, should they
qualify.

"Celtic are pushing really, really hard and Chris still has a very high
regard for Gordon Strachan," Gordon told the West Midlands Express and Star.

"They worked together at Coventry and he still calls him 'gaffer'.

"But Chris feels Albion and the Premiership is the place to be. He is a
little concerned Scotland means 'out of sight, out of mind'.

"The opportunity at Albion is exciting for him and suits all parties.
Albion get a top-quality goalkeeper for a season, Liverpool can see
Chris prove his fitness and Chris gets the chance to show everyone what
he can do.

"He wants to prove to the football world he is fit again and ready to
re-establish himself, not just in the Premiership but as an England
goalkeeper.

"There is a World Cup a year down the line and that is still very much
in his thoughts."

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] TNS in Rush to sign up a legend - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 23 June 2005
TNS IN A RUSH TO SIGN UP LEGEND
By Steve Hunter

Total Network Solutions are aiming to try and pull off one of the
biggest shocks of all time when they face Liverpool in the Champions
League and to help them out they are trying to tempt an Anfield legend
to put his scoring boots on once again.

Liverpool legend Ian Rush might be at the age of 43 but as he showed in
the Tsunami charity match at Anfield last season he has lost none of his
eye for goal and looked really sharp.

TNS managing director Mike Harris is a close friend of Rush and he is
hoping to lure him out of retirement for this match.

Harris said: "Ian's a big friend of mine. He opened our 500-seater stand
four years ago and helped coach our strikers before we played Manchester
City in the UEFA Cup two years ago.

"I'm sure we'll be talking soon and when we do I'll ask him to put his
boots back on. The sight of Ian Rush on the bench against his former
club would give the side a massive lift."

Meanwhile, speaking before the invitation from Harris to put on his
boots once again, Rush welcomed the draw and said it will be a great
occasion.

Rush said: "I've helped TNS out by training their strikers and I was a
non-executive director at the club for a spell.

"It's a great draw for a club of their size and I wish them well. If
you're going to play Liverpool then this is the time to do it. But I
don't anticipate too many problems for Liverpool."

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Reds close in on Dutch striker Kuyt - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 24 June 2005
Reds close in on Dutch striker Kuyt
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL'S hopes of landing top striking target Dirk Kuyt have
increased significantly.

Sources in Holland claimed the Feyenoord striker had travelled to
Liverpool to progress negotiations over his dream move to Anfield.

The Reds have been chasing the 29-goal striker for weeks, but the Dutch
press reported today that chief executive Rick Parry had begun
negotiations with Feyenoord and had actually enjoyed a meal with the
player last night.

Nobody from Liverpool was available to comment, but Feyenoord are
believed to have already lined up Middlesbrough's Jimmy Floyd
Hasselbaink as a replacement for Kuyt, who has publicly declared he
wants to move to the European Champions.

Feyenoord rate Kuyt in the £10m bracket, but the Reds are hoping to
persuade the Dutch to accept a player-plus-cash deal.

Reds' boss Rafa Benitez does have an extra £2m at his disposal, after
the greatest player Liverpool never had quit Anfield for good last night.

Alou Diarra is the young French international midfielder whom Gerard
Houllier brought to Anfield from Bayern Munich in 2002 on a free transfer.

But he failed to play a single game for the Reds, being immediately
loaned out Le Havre, then Bastia and finally Lens - whom he has now
joined permanently in a four-year deal worth £1.98m to the Reds.

Diarra won his first full French cap last season.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Reds face TNS in qualifier - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 24 June 2005
REDS FACE TNS IN CL QUALIFIER
By Steve Hunter

Liverpool will begin the defence of their Champions League crown with a
first round qualifier against Welsh side Total Network Solutions over
two legs on dates to be confirmed shortly.

The first leg takes place on Tuesday/Wednesday, July 12/13 with the
second leg a week later on Tuesday/Wednesday, July 19/20.

The official confirmation of the dates for the two first round
qualifying matches will be announced shortly.

It is a dream tie for TNS as before UEFA entered Liverpool into this
season's Champions League the Welsh side had offered to play the Reds in
a play-off.

TNS are managed by former Tranmere Rovers striker Kenny McKenna and they
comfortably won the Welsh title last season. Their leading goalscorer
was Marc Lloyd Williams who hit 33 goals.

Providing Liverpool get past TNS they would then face either HB Torshavn
from the Faroe Islands or Lithuanian champions FBK Kaunas in the second
qualifying round over two legs.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Reds kick off at Middlesbrough - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 23 June 2005
REDS KICK-OFF AT MIDDLESBROUGH
By Steve Hunter

Liverpool will kick-off the 2005/06 Premiership season with a trip to
Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium with the date scheduled for
Saturday, August 13.

The first home game in the Premiership will be against newly promoted
Sunderland on a date scheduled for Saturday, August 20.

The first Merseyside derby of the season is scheduled for Wednesday,
December 28 at Goodison Park, with the Anfield match on Saturday, March 25.

Like last season Liverpool's final home game of the season will be
against Aston Villa on Saturday, April 29, with the last game away to
Portsmouth on Sunday, May 7.

The fixture against Arsenal at Anfield scheduled for Saturday, August 27
will have to be re-arranged as Liverpool are in Monaco a day earlier for
the UEFA Super Cup Final against CSKA Moscow.

Another home fixture to note is Liverpool host Manchester United on
Saturday, September 17.

The Christmas fixtures will see Liverpool play on New Year's Eve this
year. Liverpool host Newcastle United on Boxing Day, followed by the
short trip to Everton on Wednesday, December 28. The Reds host West
Bromwich Albion on New Years Eve and travel to Bolton Wanderers on
Monday, January 2 2006.

Supporters should also note fixtures in December could change should
Liverpool be in Japan competing in the FIFA World Club Championship.

Another fixture to point out is for the first time since the
Hillsborough Disaster Liverpool will be playing on Saturday, April 15
2006 away at Blackburn Rovers. Liverpool officials tried to get this
fixture changed but were unable to do so due to fixture congestion.
However they did request an away fixture which was met by the Premier
League. LFC officials met with the Hillsborough Families Support Group
at the end of last season to explain this.

Liverpool's Premiership Fixtures 2005/06

August

Sat, Aug 13 Middlesbrough (A)
Sat, Aug 20 Sunderland (H)
Tue, Aug 23 Charlton Athletic (A)
Friday, Aug 26 CSKA Moscow Super Cup, Monaco
Sat, Aug 27 Arsenal (H)

September

Sat, Sep 10 Tottenham Hotspur (A)
Sat, Sep 17 Manchester United (H)
Sat, Sep 24 Birmingham City (A)

October

Sat, Oct 1 Chelsea (H)
Sat, Oct 15 Blackburn Rovers (H)
Sat, Oct 22 Fulham (A)
Tue/Wed, Oct 25/26 Carling Cup 3rd round
Sat, Oct 29 West Ham United (H)

November

Sat, Nov 5 Aston Villa (A)
Sat, Nov 19 Portsmouth (H)
Sat, Nov 26 Manchester City (A)
Tue/Wed, Nov 29/30 Carling Cup 4th round

December

Sat, Dec 3 Wigan Athletic (H)
Sat, Dec 10 Middlesbrough (H)
Sat, Dec 17 Sunderland (A)
Tue/Wed, Dec 20/21 Carling Cup 5th round
Mon, Dec 26 Newcastle United (H)
Wed, Dec 28 Everton (A)
Sat, Dec 31 West Bromwich Albion (H)

January 2006

Mon, Jan 2 Bolton Wanderers (A)
Sat, Jan 7 FA Cup 3rd round
Tue/Wed, Jan 10/11 Carling Cup Semi-Final 1st leg
Sat, Jan 14 Tottenham Hotspur (H)
Sat, Jan 21 Manchester United (A)
Tue/Wed, Jan 24/25 Carling Cup Semi-Final 2nd leg
Sat, Jan 28 FA Cup 4th round
Tue, Jan 31 Birmingham City (H)

February

Sat, Feb 4 Chelsea (A)
Sat, Feb 11 Wigan Athletic (A)
Sat, Feb 18 FA Cup 5th round
Sat, Feb 25 Manchester City (H)
Sun, Feb 26 Carling Cup Final in Cardiff

March

Sat, Mar 4 Charlton Athletic (H)
Sat, Mar 11 Arsenal (A)
Sat, Mar 18 Newcastle United (A)
Wed, Mar 22 FA Cup quarter-finals
Sat, Mar 25 Everton (H)

April

Sat, Apr 1 West Bromwich Albion (A)
Sat, Apr 8 Bolton Wanderers (H)
Sat, Apr 15 Blackburn Rovers (A)
Mon, Apr 17 Fulham (H)
Sat, Apr 22 West Ham United (A) Also FA Cup semi-final date
Sat, Apr 29 Aston Villa (H)
Sun, May 7 Portsmouth (A)
Sat, May 13 FA Cup Final

Supporters should take into consideration that the above fixtures are
only provisional and are subject to change because of live television
coverage by Sky Sports and Pay-per-view. These changes will be announced
shortly.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] New Anfield faces second cash blow - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 22 June 2005
New Anfield faces second cash blow
By Thomas Martin, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL's ambition to build a new football stadium faced another
funding setback today.

Days after the Northwest Development Agency (NWDA) refused to hand over
£23m of a government grant for the stadium project, it emerged that
Merseyside's Objective 1 programme may withdraw its financial offer.

It had already agreed to give Liverpool its own £9m grant towards the
cost of the stadium and associated developments around Stanley Park in
Anfield.

But it will now reconsider that decision at a monitoring meeting
scheduled for next month.

Objective 1 programme director John Flamson said the crunch time would
be the meeting scheduled for July 20.

"The programme monitoring committee might remove the offer. We have told
Liverpool council that we want assurances as to the deliverability of
the project.

"We were not surprised by the NWDA decision as they will not want to put
their money into something that is so obviously a football club.

"Instead, it needs to be tied in with associated regeneration projects
for Anfield and Breckfield.

"As a result, we have to ask do we want to keep our £9m offer alive?
There will be people on that committee who will want to withdraw it.

"We will not hold our position for ever and a day. We need to look at
this as sensible stewards of public money at the end of the day.

"If we don't do it, that could deny us the chance to put this money into
other schemes on Merseyside that could work."

Liverpool has applied for £23m of NWDA money, but was told at a recent
meeting that £9m of the application did not fit the agencies criteria
for public funding. It is understood that Liverpool had originally tried
to finance the stadium with only private sector money.

Liverpool FC Chief executive Rick Parry has not commented on the funding
issue since the ECHO first broke the NWDA story on Monday.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Reds in Euro seeding row - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 22 June 2005
Reds in Euro seeding row
By Rob Brady, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL face a protest from the Czech football authorities should they
make it through to the third round of the Champions League qualifiers.

The European Cup holders are among the seeded teams in the first and
second qualifying stages.

If they safely negotiate their way through these, they will also be
seeded in the third round - at the expense of Slavia Prague.

The Czechs, runners-up in their domestic league last season, would have
to be included among the unseeded teams to accommodate the Reds.

The club and the Czech FA are furious at the move, as Slavia would then
face a much tougher task as they bid to reach the lucrative group stage.

They could find themselves drawn against the likes of Manchester United,
Inter Milan or Real Betis. The Czechs plan to appeal if the situation
arises.

Czech FA secretary-general Petr Fousek said: "I have already warned
UEFA's director in charge of professional football Giorgio Marchetti
about this. We will now examine how and against who this protest will be
made."

Meanwhile, Turkish side Besiktas remain confident of signing Igor
Biscan. The Croat has not been offered a new contract by Liverpool
despite an up-turn in his form under Rafael Benitez.

Besiktas boss Riza Calimbay said: "We'll strike a deal within the week,
at the latest. I see the transfer as 99 percent complete. Biscan will
add strength to Besiktas."

Elsewhere, Lyon boss Gerard Houllier is continuing his pursuit of Milan
Baros.

The Czech striker wants to remain at Anfield, but Houllier's successor
Benitez may be forced to sell to raise funds to strengthen his side in
other areas.

Houllier signed Baros for the Reds for £3.6million from Banik Ostrava
three-and-a-half years ago and Jean-Michel Aulas, chairman of the French
champions, insists the 23-year-old remains a priority.

Aulas said: "Milan is clearly tied to Liverpool. We have not lost hope
of recruiting him. Baros remains on our list."

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Dudek content to fight for place - Post

Liverpool Daily Post, 21 June 2005
Dudek content to fight for place
By Ian Parkes, Daily Post

JERZY DUDEK has again pledged his future to Liverpool - and vowed to
fight for his place ahead of the impending arrival of Jose Reina.

Although the Polish goalkeeper played a match-winning role in last
month's Champions League final win over AC Milan, he has been here were
rumours he would leave Anfield this summer.

Manager Rafael Benitez has made it a priority to strengthen the
goalkeeping department again, despite the capture of Scott Carson from
Leeds during the transfer window.

With Benitez fully expected to soon complete the capture of Spanish
compatriot Reina from Villarreal, it places further pressure on Dudek.

But he is determined to meet the challenge as he told Czech newspaper MF
Dnes: "I still have two years left on my contract, so yes, I will stay
at Liverpool.

"I admit that there was a lot of speculation on this issue, but the
coach must buy another goalkeeper.

"I am not afraid that the new goalkeeper will make problems for me.
Every year it is difficult to be in the lineup, and it will be the same
next season."

Whether Dudek will have the chance to repeat his Champions League
heroics next season remains to be seen, but he is at least delighted
Liverpool have the chance to defend the trophy they won in such
spectacular fashion in Istanbul.

"I expected it," added Dudek. "If Liverpool had missed next season's
Champions League it would have been a big loss. The competition would
have been impoverished."

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Reds to avoid a Battle of Britain - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 21 June 2005
Reds to avoid a Battle of Britain
By Rob Brady, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL will avoid a Battle of Britain clash with Celtic should they
make it past the first hurdle in the Champions League qualifiers.

The European Cup holders will be seeded in the second qualifying round
and thus will not be drawn against the Scots or such famous names as,
Anderlecht, Dinamo Kiev and former winners Steau Bucharest.

First, however, Liverpool must negotiate the opening round, to be played
next month, when their biggest adversary is likely to be distance.

They could face a punishing trip to Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan, Neftchi
in Azerbaijan, Armenia's FC Pyunik or Dinamo Minsk in Belarus.

Rafael Benitez will be praying for either Welsh side TNS or Glentoran of
Northern Ireland to be drawn against the Reds.

The draw for both rounds takes place on Friday in Nyon, Switzerland, at
11am.

In the first round, to be played over two legs on July 12/13 and July
19/20, they could also face Rabotnicki (Macedonia), Sliema Wanderers
(Malta), KF Tirana (Albania), Levadia Tallinn (Estonia), F91 Dudelange
(Luxembourg), HB Torshavn (Faroe Islands).

The second round matches are played on July 26/27 and August 2/3 August.

Among the sides the Reds could face here are the unseeded Hadjuk Split
(Croatia) and Malmo (Sweden), plus any of the victorious first round
seeds, who could include Dinamo Tiblisi (Georgia) and Shelbourne (Ireland).

The draw for the third round, which involves Everton, takes place on
July 29.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Smallest TV cash handout for Reds - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 20 June 2005
Smallest TV cash handout for Reds
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

UEFA have decided that Liverpool will receive the smallest portion of
the TV revenue - should all five English clubs reach the group stages of
next season's Champions League.

The Reds were given an unprecedented opportunity to defend their title
after UEFA bent the rules of the competition and allowed them to
participate in the qualifying rounds, despite finishing fifth in the
Premiership.

A groundswell of public support following Liverpool's sensational
comeback against Milan led to the game's governing body backing down
from their original stance, and they have now allocated a minor slice of
the financial benefits to Rafa Benitez's side.

It has been decided that Premiership champions and European Cup
semi-finalists Chelsea will receive 37.5 per cent of the TV money (or
#7.5 million), Arsenal 27.5 per cent (#5.5 million), Manchester United
and Everton 12.5 per cent (#3.35 million) and Liverpool 10 per cent (#2
million).

UEFA chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson confirmed that Liverpool's
entry would have a financial knock-on effect for England's other
representatives in the prestigious competition.

"It has been decided that Liverpool will be treated as the lowest ranked
English team, but it will have an effect on the other English clubs,"
said Olsson.

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news]£23m blow to new Anfield - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 20 June 2005
£23m blow to new Anfield
By Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL FC's bid for £23m of taxpayers' money for their new stadium
project has failed, the ECHO can reveal.

The Anfield club has waited months for a decision on whether the
Northwest Development Agency would grant public money for the scheme.

But the ECHO has learned the funds will not be provided by the
regeneration agency because some of it has been earmarked only for club
facilities.

Around £9m of the money would be spent on the stadium roof, soundproof
wall cladding and an underground car park.

Government officials say they cannot use public money to pay for the
construction costs of the planned £120m, 60,000-seater ground at Stanley
Park.

No one from the club was available to comment.

Agency officials are not opposed to Liverpool's plans for a new ground,
even though they would have preferred the club to share a home with
neighbours Everton.

They recognise the positive spin-offs for a new stadium for the Anfield
area, including a job-creating plaza on the site of the current ground.

So instead of putting money towards the direct costs of the stadium, the
NWDA has earmarked £23m for the regeneration of Anfield and Breckfield.

Liverpool council is now drawing up detailed proposals for projects that
the NWDA can fund.

Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the NWDA, said: "The agency is a
public organisation with public money. We cannot directly support a
private sector organisation with public sector cash.

"There are all sorts of rules preventing us doing that.

"If we were to pay direct costs, we would have a large queue of football
and other sport clubs forming, all wanting similar investment.

"Our interest in this project is not in the stadium, but the economic
regeneration and revitalisation of Anfield and Breckfield, which are
desperately in need of a lift.

"We have asked the council to come to us with proposals about how we can
support investment around Stanley Park and surrounding areas."

Council chief executive Sir David Henshaw said: "We are very pleased
that the NWDA has earmarked £23m for the regeneration of Anfield and
Breckfield.

"Now our job is to redraw the project so NWDA funding is not used for any

direct football-related activities and is instead used for other
elements of the scheme.

"This public sector investment will produce around £180m of private
sector investment, which is a great platform for the regeneration of
Anfield and Breckfield."

Richard Pedder, spokesman for Liverpool Independent Supporters Club,
said: "£9m is not a lot for a top football club when it comes down to it.

"The club is bringing in a lot of extra revenue now and they should just
go ahead with building the new stadium."

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

[lfc-news] Rafa confident Gerrard will stay - PA

PA Sport, 19 June 2005
RAFA CONFIDENT GERRARD WILL STAY

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is confident the club can defy Real
Madrid and hang on to star midfielder Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard, 25, has been linked with Real in recent weeks after seeing his
standing rise following his role in Liverpool's victory in the Champions
League final.

However, Benitez told Spanish paper Diario AS that he was planning to
keep Gerrard at Anfield.

He said: "We are preparing a special weightlifting plan for Gerrard's
shoulders because we want him to lift a lot of trophies for Liverpool in
the next few years.

"I am not in favour of selling him and we are building a great team
around him because we want him to be the skipper who wins the most
titles in Liverpool's history.

"I know he feels the same way because we have already talked about it.

"Gerrard is a vital player for us and that is why we have not considered
selling him."

Benitez revealed that last year he had persuaded Gerrard to stay at
Anfield - at the time it was reported that Chelsea were interested in
acquiring the player.

Benitez said: "He had important offers last year but I wanted him to
stay with Liverpool and he stayed with us - that was rewarded with us
winning a big competition and it's our wish to carry on on the same road
with him."

Unsubscribe: lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://www.lfc-list.org.uk/

Yahoo! Groups Links

<*> To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lfc-news/

<*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
lfc-news-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

<*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to:
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/