[lfc-news] Super Cup report - PA

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

PA Sport, 26 Aug 2005
Liverpool 3 CSKA Moscow 1 (AET)

Djibril Cisse provided a telling response to suggestions his place
should be usurped by Michael Owen with a match-winning contribution to
secure the European Super Cup for Liverpool.

The 24-year-old French striker came off the bench to score two goals and
make the third for Luis Garcia just when it looked as though the match
was heading UEFA Cup winners CSKA Moscow's way through Daniel Carvalho's
first-half strike.

Rafael Benitez had elected to keep Cisse on the bench until the last 15
minutes of normal time - but his introduction proved decisive with his
pace and power providing a compelling argument that Liverpool may not be
better off with Owen instead of him as their first-choice forward.

Super Cups are often muted affairs and this was no exception, especially
with Liverpool being limited to 2,000 tickets while CSKA Moscow were
given 6,000 - no doubt to attract cash-rich Russians to the
millionaires' playground of Monte Carlo.

CSKA's gameplan was to try to contain Liverpool and strike on the break
through the impressive Carvalho and his fellow Brazilian Vagner Love,
and for most of the match it worked - thanks also to Luis Garcia wasting
four or five decent chances due to poor finishing.

Liverpool were without skipper Steven Gerrard, who was not risking a
calf injury, and his replacement Dietmar Hamann contributed to a brisk
opening period with a low sidefooted shot from the edge of the box which
was well saved by Igor Akinfeev.

Luis Garcia should have done better when set free by Hamann's lofted
ball over the top but his first touch was poor, and then the Spaniard
fired over from 18 yards after being picked out by a glorious pass from
Bolo Zenden.

Liverpool continued to carve out chances with Fernando Morientes
clipping a curling effort a couple of yards wide, then his backheel set
up Luis Garcia only for him to drag his shot past the post.

Morientes brought another save out of Akinfeev from 20 yards before CSKA
first showed the quality which brought them their first European trophy
in May.

Milos Krasic's trickery earned him space to fire just wide before CSKA
took a 28th-minute lead in their next attack thanks to their Brazilian
strike duo.

Vagner Love sent Carvalho through with John Arne Riise playing him
onside and the 22-year-old skipped past Jose Manuel Reina before rolling
the ball into the empty net.

Luis Garcia was once more wantonly wasteful with an off-target finish
after being put clear by Hamann, and the German midfielder himself then
fired well over from 25 yards.

The stadium DJ tried to raise Liverpool spirits by playing Love Me Do by
The Beatles during the break but the Reds continued to struggle with
their finishing in the second half.

Josemi was the culprit this time after a surging run but his powerful
drive cleared the crossbar.

At the other end Reina was almost embarrassed by a dipping free-kick
from Yuri Zhirkov, and Liverpool struggled to break down a packed CSKA
defence and midfield.

Finally, Benitez relented and sent on Cisse with 15 minutes of normal
time remaining - and 120 seconds later he equalised.

There was more than an element of luck to the goal - and a strong
element of handball - after Luis Garcia's flick-on of Reina's long kick
created uncertainty in the CSKA defence.

An attempted clearance struck the French striker's hand and looped over
goalkeeper Akinfeev, allowing Cisse to follow up and wallop the ball
gleefully into the net.

Cisse had a chance to clinch it in normal time but could not find the
power to beat Akinfeev.

In the 12th minute of extra-time Cisse seized on a defensive error to
put Liverpool ahead with a long ball from Hamann causing problems.

Sergey Ignashevich made a hash with a clearing header and Cisse crashed
a shot straight at Akinfeev, but slipped home the rebound when it fell
fortuitously at his feet.

Vagner Love could have sent the game to penalties after being set up by
Carvalho but Reina did enough to keep him out.

Then Cisse ensured the trophy was Liverpool's with a curling cross which
landed the ball on Luis Garcia's head - and even he could not miss from
close range.

Teams:

Liverpool: Reina, Finnan (Sinama Pongolle 55), Hyypia, Riise (Cisse 79),
Luis Garcia, Alonso (Sissoko 71), Hamann, Josemi, Morientes, Carragher,
Zenden.
Subs Not Used: Carson, Warnock.
Booked: Zenden, Luis Garcia, Hyypia, Sinama Pongolle.
Goals: Cisse 82, 102, Luis Garcia 109.

CSKA Moscow: Akinfeev, Ignashevich, Alexei Berezutsky, Vasili
Berezutsky, Ordia (Gusev 90), Daniel Carvalho, Vagner Love, Krasic (Dudu
85), Zhirkov (Semberas 66), Aldonin, Rahimic.
Subs Not Used: Mandrykin, Samodin.
Booked: Rahimic.
Goals: Daniel Carvalho 28.

Att: 18,000
Ref: Rene Temmink (Holland).

BENITEZ TIGHT-LIPPED ON CISSE FUTURE

Rafael Benitez declined to answer questions on Djibril Cisse's long-term
future at Liverpool after the France striker had won the European Super
Cup for the Merseysiders.

Cisse came on as a second-half substitute, scoring twice and making a
third goal for Luis Garcia as Liverpool fought back from 1-0 down to
beat CSKA Moscow 3-1 in Monaco.

However, with Michael Owen strongly linked with a return to Anfield,
Benitez would only say: "We want trophies and we want good players."

Liverpool fell behind to a Daniel Carvalho goal in the first half but
Cisse's first strike took the game into extra-time.

"I think it was a difficult game," he told ITV1. "We did one mistake and
we're losing."

Cisse wants to stay with Liverpool but admitted he has been under
pressure recently.

"I've had a lot of speculation about me the last few weeks but now I'm
very happy for me and my wife and the team," he told ITV1.

"My future is at Liverpool for the moment. I feel good here so I don't
know why I have to move.

"It's difficult but I have to be strong."

Jamie Carragher, Liverpool captain in Steven Gerrard's absence, praised
Cisse's attitude.

He said: "He wanted to prove a point but he's reacted in the right way
by winning us the cup so all credit to him."

Carragher added: "It's only one game but the whole of Europe is watching
and it's always nice to win a trophy.

"We're involved in six this year and this is the first."

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 confirm CL dates - Official Site

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Official LFC Website, 26 Aug 2005
REDS CONFIRM DATES FOR CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Steve Hunter, in Monaco

Champions League holders Liverpool have confirmed the dates of their
matches in Group G starting with an away trip to Real Betis on September
13th, and ending with an away trip to Chelsea on December 6th.

Liverpool's first game in Group G is in Spain away to Real Betis and the
first home game of the group sees Chelsea visit Anfield on September 28th.

Liverpool's Group G Champions League games

Tuesday, September 13th. Real Betis v Liverpool.

Wednesday, September 28th. Liverpool v Chelsea.

Wednesday, October 19th. Anderlecht v Liverpool.

Tuesday, November 1st. Liverpool v Anderlecht.

Wednesday, November 23rd. Liverpool v Real Betis.

Tuesday, December 6th. Chelsea v Liverpool

All kick-off times are 7.45pm British time.

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] Liverpool might gamble on Owen - Telegraph

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Daily Telegraph, 26 Aug 2005
Liverpool might gamble on Owen
By Christopher Davies in Monte Carlo

Though none of the parties were prepared to reveal their hand, Michael
Owen's return to Liverpool seemed to edge closer yesterday.

Newcastle appear to be out of the equation, though the club record bid,
believed to be £16 million, which was accepted by Real, raised the
stakes and would enable the Spanish club to double their money on the
England striker who left Anfield last summer.

Owen would only be interested in a one-year loan, effectively using
Newcastle as a match practice base for the 2006 World Cup finals, but
neither Real nor the Premiership club will countenance such a deal.

Rick Parry said that the European champions, who have made no formal
bid, "still had their fingers crossed", though the Liverpool chief
executive, in Monte Carlo for the Champions League draw, may not want to
break the Anfield bank to seal Owen's return, which the player admitted
was his preferred option.

"There has probably been far too much speculation," said Parry, who
rejected claims that Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was not as keen on
bringing Owen back as the board.

"There has never been a situation between us and Rafa and it's always
encouraging when players say they want to join Liverpool."

Emilio Butragueno, Real's sporting director, virtually admitted Owen was
leaving Madrid though he gave no clue as to the striker's next
destination. "I shouldn't say anything. If I do maybe it will be
misunderstood, so I have to be very careful," said Butragueno.

"We must wait. We are very respectful, we will see what happens in a few
days. He's a great professional and we're happy with him, but I
understand his position as I'm a former player myself."

With Wednesday's transfer deadline approaching it looks like Owen has
two options - to stay with Real as an almost permanent substitute until
at least January or return to Liverpool if they can come up with an
offer acceptable to the Spanish club.

Any Liverpool bid could depend on the departure of Djibril Cisse. Gerard
Houllier, now manager at French champions Lyons, has made an inquiry
about the striker he brought to Anfield from Auxerre for £14 million
weeks before Benitez took over at Liverpool.

Houllier has money to spend following the sale of Michael Essien to
Chelsea for £26 million and wants Cisse to return to France and lead his
attack.

Benitez, meanwhile, was only concerned with tonight's Super Cup against
Uefa Cup winners CSKA Moscow.

"I'm thinking only about the game," he said. "For us, it's the chance to
win another trophy. It's not the right moment to talk about players."

Team news

Liverpool (probable): Reina; Finnan, Hyypia, Carragher, Warnock; Luis
Garcia, Xabi Alonso, Sissoko, Riise; Morientes, Cisse.

CSKA (probable): Akinfeev; A Berezutskiy, Ignashevich, V Berezutskiy;
Chidi, Carvalho, Gusev, Aldonin, Rahimic, Zhirkov; Wagner Love.

Referee: R Timmink (Holland).

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] Gerrard: UEFA award is a great honour - Official Site

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Official LFC Website, 25 Aug 2005
GERRARD: UEFA AWARD IS A GREAT HONOUR
By Paul Eaton

Steven Gerrard was today celebrating being named Europe's most valuable
player by UEFA following Liverpool's Champions League run last season.

The Liverpool midfielder picked up his award at a gala ceremony in
Monaco this afternoon where the Reds are preparing for tomorrow night's
Super Cup final against CSKA Moscow.

After lifting the award Gerrard was quick to pay tribute to his Anfield
team-mates after their unforgettable European adventure last year.

He told Liverpoolfc.tv: "It's a great honour to receive this award and I
feel really proud.

"I need to thank the club, the coaching staff and my team-mates for
helping me to win this award.

"It was a real team effort last season. This award is for an individual
but you can never win personal honours without your team-mates and
everyone in our squad played their part last season. I'm a team player
and the idea is to be a team and try to win more things together. That's
what we'll be looking to do in the future."

He added: "We'll never forget what we achieved last year and there were
so many highlights along the way. On a personal level lifting the cup
was the biggest but I also enjoyed all the wins we achieved throughout
the competition, especially against Juventus, Chelsea and of course AC
Milan in the final."

Commenting on the draw for this season's Champions League group stages
he said: "I knew we were going to be playing Chelsea. I wasn't surprised
at all. I just had a feeling," said the Liverpool skipper immediately
after the draw.

"The game at Anfield against Chelsea last season was a very special
occasion and I'm sure it will be special again this time. They have a
special manager and I think it will be two very close games."

"I think, when we never got the country protection, there was always the
chance and, when the first couple of teams came out, I knew it was going
to happen.

"I think it goes without saying our fans are very special at Anfield and
I'm sure they will make sure the roof comes off again. I'm sure the
Stamford Bridge game will be similar but they're going to be very tough.

"It would be nice to see all the English teams progress for the country
so we hope we don't cancel each other out and get sucked in, but it's a
very tough draw.

"Everyone's going to be talking about Liverpool and Chelsea but Real
Betis and Anderlecht are two very good teams. Us and Chelsea have got to
be on our toes to qualify.

"It's a very exciting group and there's some amazing games to look
forward to."

Jerzy Dudek, who was also in attendance at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco,
added: "There was a lot of speculation about who we might get and I had
a funny feeling we would be playing Chelsea again. It should be another
special atmosphere at Anfield and we will give it our best."

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] Tottenham v Liverpool ticket news - Official Site

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Official LFC Website, 25 Aug 2005
TOTTENHAM V LIVERPOOL TICKET NEWS
By Michael Crowder

Liverpool FC have released the following Ticket information.
Barclays Premiership

Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool

To be played at White Hart Lane, London
On Saturday 10 September 2005, Kick Off 3.00pm

Liverpool Football Club have received an allocation of 2794 stand
tickets (South Stand) for this ALL ticket fixture priced as follows;-

Lower Tier

Adult: £38
Child: £18 (under 16)
Over 65s: £18

Upper Tier

Adult: £43
Child: £20 (under 16)
Over 65s: £20

Ticket Allocation

Tickets will be available to Season Ticket holders based on attendance
at Premier League away fixtures during Season 2004-2005 on the following
days,

Attendance at 10 or more games
Tues 30 August: 8.15am-5.30pm and Wed 31 August: 8.15am-5.30pm

Attendance at 9 or more games
Thurs 1 Sept: 8.15am-5.30pm

Attendance at 8 or more games
Fri 2 Sept: 8.15am-5.30pm

The allocation of tickets will be subject to availability and while
stocks last.

Tickets will be available for personal application at the Ticket Office,
by postal application and credit card bookings on Telephone Number 0870
787 2000. The Fan Card must be presented when applying at the Ticket
Office and in the case of postal applications or telephone applications
the number must be quoted, telephone bookings will require the
applicants address to be confirmed and are subject to a booking fee.

Please do not apply if you do not meet the required criteria, any
queries regarding the Fan Card please telephone 0870 220 2345.

We would emphasise to all eligible applicants that no guarantee can be
given that tickets will be available to all who apply.

Executive Box holders, Centenary, Premier and Executive members should
contact the Corporate Sales Department.

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] CL Draw - Official Site

Official LFC Website, 25 Aug 2005
REDS DRAW CHELSEA, ANDERLECHT AND BETIS
By Mark Platt

Holders Liverpool will play Chelsea, Anderlecht and Real Betis in the
group phase of this season's Champions League.
The draw took place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco this afternoon and
it placed the Reds in Group G.

It means re-run of last season's epic semi-final clash against the
Londoners in which Liverpool ran out 1-0 aggregate winners, courtesy of
Luis Garcia's controversial second leg goal.

Anderlecht, meanwhile, last visited Merseyside for a European Cup tie in
1964 - an occasion remembered for being the first time Liverpool wore
their now famous all-Red strip.

Goals from Ian St John, Roger Hunt and Ron Yeats secured a 3-0 win back,
while a solitary Hunt strike in the return completed a 4-0 aggregate
success.

Liverpool have never before met last season's Spanish Cup winners Real
Betis in continental competition.

No dates for the games have yet been finalised.

The draw in full:

GROUP A
Bayern Munich
Juventus
Club Brugge
Rapid Vienna

GROUP B
Arsenal
Ajax
Sparta Prague
Thun

GROUP C
Barcelona
Panathinaikos
Werder Bremen
Udinese

GROUP D
Man Utd
Villarreal
Lille
Benfica

GROUP E
AC Milan
PSV Eindhoven
Schalke
Fenerbahce

GROUP F
Real Madrid
Lyon
Olympiakos
Rosenborg

GROUP G
Liverpool
Chelsea
Anderlecht
Real Betis

GROUP H
Inter Milan
Porto
Rangers
Artmedia Bratislava

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] Magpies agree club record fee for Owen - PA

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

PA Sport, 24 Aug 2005
MAGPIES AGREE RECORD FEE FOR OWEN

Newcastle have agreed a club-record transfer fee with Real Madrid for
England striker Michael Owen.

The club's current record fee stands at the £15million paid for Alan
Shearer in 1996.

"Newcastle United have met Real Madrid's asking price and conditions,"
said a statement on club website www.nufc.co.uk.

"The agreed fee will be a record transfer fee for Newcastle United.

"It is now up to the player and his advisor."

Earlier, Owen, 25, only declared himself willing to spend a season on
loan at St James' Park, if his preferred option of a return to Liverpool
failed to materialise.

He said: "I said that my ideal situation was to start the season in the
Real Madrid team and if not I would prefer to return to Liverpool.

"The president understood and said he would try to help me achieve this.
If the transfer cannot be finalised in time I have agreed to go to
Newcastle United but only on a one-year loan. I need to be playing
regularly in World Cup year."

Newcastle are desperate to recruit a striker and have struggled through
the first two games of the Premiership season with Alan Shearer on his
own up front.

Owen revealed earlier this month he had held "brief dialogue with three
or four Premiership clubs", and on August 8 the Magpies chairman Freddy
Shepherd admitted contacting Real Madrid with a view to a move.

Later that day Real spokesman Antonio Garcia Ferreras claimed Manchester
United had also expressed an interest, a claim subsequently denied by
the Red Devils.

On Tuesday Everton manager David Moyes revealed his club had spoken to
Owen's representatives, but the player rejected a move to Goodison Park.

His heart is set on a move to Liverpool however, where he scored 158
goals in 297 games for the Reds, before leaving the club for Madrid last
summer.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists his main priority is to sign a
centre-back and already has Djibril Cisse, Fernando Morientes and Peter
Crouch as his frontline strikers.

"I want other players first, I am happy with my five strikers even now
Milan Baros has gone," the Spaniard said after his side's 3-2 aggregate
win over CSKA Sofia in the Champions League.

The move would be a popular one among the club's supporters, who
idolised Owen during his time at the club.

He scored 16 goals for Real last season despite being used primarily as
a substitute behind Raul and Ronaldo, and with Robinho and Julio
Baptista now on board his prospects of first-team football diminished
further.

Real Madrid director of communications Antonio Garcia Ferreras confirmed
his club had agreed a fee with Newcastle for Owen and also reported
there was still no offer from Liverpool for their former player.

He said: "Real Madrid and Newcastle United have reached the principles
of an agreement on the conditions of Michael Owen's transfer to the
English club.

"There is still no agreement between Michael Owen and Newcastle. At the
moment we have not received any offer from 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] New boy Godwin loves the Anfield roar - Official Site

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Official LFC Website, 24 Aug 2005
NEW BOY GODWIN LOVES THE ANFIELD ROAR
By Steve Hunter

The special Anfield roar that only a midweek European night in Liverpool
can bring was enough to persuade African defender Godwin Antwi that his
future lay in England with the soon to be crowned European Champions.

The Ghana born centre half, 17, who signed for Liverpool last week, was
taken to his first match at Anfield last season during the dramatic and
never-to-be forgotten win over Chelsea in the Champions League
semi-final, and absolutely loved the occasion and was really excited by
the atmosphere.

Speaking exclusively to Liverpoolfc.tv, Antwi said: "I really enjoyed
being at Anfield last season for the semi-final against Chelsea and it
made it even more special knowing I was going to sign for Liverpool. The
atmosphere was fantastic and I'm looking forward to seeing more games
this season."

Antwi is the first Ghana born player to represent Liverpool. One of his
heroes is the former Liverpool striker Titi Camara who hails from
Guinea. When I told him that Camara was a big fans' favourite at Anfield
there is a real glow in his eyes and he says he would love to emulate
that popularity at Liverpool, but knows he has a long way to go.

Antwi was born in Kumasi, Ghana on June 7th, 1988, roughly at a similar
time that Ian Rush was preparing to return to his roots coming back to
Liverpool after a year away in Italy with Juventus.

He is a centre half who is hoping to make a big impression in England.
He is a very intelligent young man who just wants to please everyone and
to repay the faith shown in him by the Liverpool coaching staff.

Antwi said: "I am very proud to be here and this is a dream for me.
Dreams do come true if you believe and keep working hard, and to play
for Liverpool is really something special for me. My head is spinning at
what has happened to me now playing for Liverpool and it is great to say
I play for the European Champions.

"My favourite position is centre half. It was Paco Herrera who spotted
me playing for Real Zaragoza. This is a fantastic chance for me, I
really like it here and I want to give everything for this club with all
my heart and I promise I will give my best. The city is very nice and
I've been made to feel very welcome here.

Antwi watched Liverpool's Champions League drama back in Spain with his
dad and said: "I watched the Champions League final with my father in
Spain. During the first half I went to sleep and I thought if I woke up
Liverpool would be winning then. When Steven Gerrard scored in the
second half my dad woke me up shouting 'Godwin, Godwin, we have scored!'
I stayed awake then and I was very excited!"

Godwin Antwi will be a regular member of Paco Herrera and Hughie
McAuley's reserve team squad this season. He made his debut in the 3-2
defeat by Everton on Monday and because of a striker shortage had to
play up front as a lone striker.

Now performing as a lone striker is a difficult role to play, especially
if you have never played there before, but Godwin gave a commendable
performance. He showed some nice touches and kept working hard for the
full 90 minutes and was close to a debut goal.

He said: "I enjoyed my first match and I played up front which was
something different for me, and I will play anywhere for the team but my
best position is centre half."

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] Warnock delighted by new deal - Official Site

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Official LFC Website, 24 Aug 2005
WARNOCK DELIGHTED WITH NEW DEAL
By Paul Eaton

Stephen Warnock today spoke of his delight after signing a new two year
deal at Anfield.

Warnock put pen to paper on his new contract after last night's clash
with CSKA Sofia as he committed his future to the club until 2008.

"Coming into this season I only had one year left and you never know
which way it is going to go," he told Liverpoolfc.tv today. "I wanted to
come back, work as hard as I could and try to force my way into the
team. I've done that so far and just want it to continue now.

"The new contract is a weight off my mind. It was something I was
conscious of and something I knew needed to be sorted and thankfully it
has worked out for me.

"After the Middlesbrough game the manager took me to one side and told
me he wanted my agent to meet up with Rick Parry because he was happy
with the way things are going. My agent had a meeting yesterday morning
and the negotiations were very easy. It was all sorted on the same day
and I asked if I could sign it as soon as possible. The contract was
drawn up during the afternoon and I signed it after the game.

"It's great to know that the manager wants me here. I've had a couple of
confidence boosters recently with winning a place in the team and now
this new contract.

"This is where I want to be and to sign a new contract for the European
Champions is massive for me."

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] Cisse: Speculation has caused pain - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 24 Aug 2005
Speculation has caused pain - Cisse
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

DJIBRIL CISSE today revealed his hurt at rumours his Liverpool career
may already be nearing an end - and pleaded with the club not to sell him.

Speculation linking Cisse with a return to France has grown in recent
weeks and the striker's future will remain uncertain until the transfer
deadline.

Cisse feels he's owed the opportunity to prove his worth after working
so hard to recover from serious injury.

"I've been a little bit hurt by all the speculation," he revealed.

"I did my best to come back from injury so quickly, so when you hear
stuff about possibly leaving, it's painful. But that's part of a
footballer's career so I must be strong and deal with it.

"I don't feel I've been here long. It's just my second season. At
Auxerre I also had difficult moments, but I'll live with this. You can't
always have good times as a player.

"I'm not anxious about what's going to happen. I don't want to leave,
but if I have to go, I'll go.

I'm under contract and I want to stay and show the people what I can do.
It's up to the boss, but I don't think he wants me to go."

Marseilles have been strongly linked with Cisse, while Lyon are also
believed to be monitoring his position.

He added: "I've not heard from Lyon or Marseilles, but this is the third
season in a row Marseilles has been mentioned. They are the club near
where I was born. It's not new to me.

"I asked the manager about the situation in the newspapers and he told
me just to concentrate on my football and forget it."

Meanwhile, Benitez desperately searched for the positives last night.

The Reds boss admitted he was just relieved to be through, and pointed
to last season's shock home defeat by AK Graz at the same third
qualifying round stage as a possible good omen.

"Last season we lost like this but went on to win the trophy. Maybe we
can do it again, why not?" he said.

"I want to look at the positives. I felt we created enough chances to
have won, all that we lacked was luck."

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] Make me a Red, pleads former strike star Owen - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 24 Aug 2005
Make me a Red, pleads former strike star Owen
By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

MICHAEL OWEN has issued a desperate 'come and get me' plea to Liverpool.

But he said that if the Reds do not respond, he will move to Newcastle
on a year-long loan.

The former Reds' star held talks with Real Madrid president

Florentino Perez last night. And afterwards he issued a statement
saying: "I met the Real Madrid president before last night's friendly at
the Bernabeu and we discussed my future.

"I said that my ideal situation was to start the season in the Real
Madrid team and if not I would prefer to return to Liverpool.

"The president understood and said he would try to help me achieve this.
If the transfer cannot be finalised in time I have agreed to go to
Newcastle United but only on a one-year loan. I need to be playing
regularly in World Cup year.

"I am most grateful to Senor Perez for his personal concern about my
career. I have really enjoyed being part of his Real Madrid team."

Liverpool will welcome Owen's statement of intent, but will not make any
public comment until after Friday's Super Cup Final in Monaco against
CSKA Moscow.

Despite his repeated claims that a centre-back and a right-winger are
his transfer priorities, boss Rafael Benitez is keenly aware the Reds
lack firepower.

But the question of Owen's huge salary would have to be resolved before
any transfer could become a a reality. Owen scored 158 goals in 297
games for the Reds, before leaving the club for Madrid last summer.

Owen scored 16 goals for Real last season despite being used primarily
as a substitute.

His first-team chances were further affected by the summer signings of
Brazilian forwards Robinho and Julio Baptista.

Yesterday Everton manager David Moyes revealed his club had spoken to
Owen's representatives, but the player rejected a move to Goodison Park.

Newcastle are desperate to recruit a striker and released a statement
this morning claiming they had agreed a record fee with Real Madrid for
Owen.

The announcement, however, sounds like posturing from the under-pressure
Magpies, with Owen's heart set on a return to Anfield.

* Defender Stephen Warnock has extended his Anfield contract until 2008.

Warnock's contract was due to expire next summer, but he signed a
two-year extension following the team's two-leg victory over CSKA Sofia
in the final round of Champions League qualifying.

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] CSKA Sofia report - PA

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

PA Sport, 23 Aug 2005
Liverpool 0 CSKA Sofia 1 (Agg: 3-2)

Liverpool scraped through to the lucrative group stages of the Champions
League after an unconvincing performance against CSKA Sofia threatened
to wreck their dreams of defending the trophy.

Rafael Benitez had received £6.5million from the sale of Milan Baros
earlier in the day, and the Anfield boss had been banking on another
£10million - the prize in TV money and bonus payments for every side
that reached the group stages gets from UEFA.

But it was Sofia who looked the better side, taking an early lead with a
Valentin Iliev goal, and from then on Liverpool failed to claim the goal
that would have killed off the tie.

CSKA have three times in the past beaten European Cup holders - Ajax and
Nottingham Forest as well as Liverpool back in '82 - and history was so
near to repeating itself.

Benitez now has around £17million to spend in the next week, and he
knows he needs to strengthen his side considerably.

With Steven Gerrard injured, Benitez also rested Jose Reina, Xabi
Alonso, Jamie Carragher and Bolo Zenden, and brought in Josemi, Scott
Carson, Dietmar Hamann, John Arne Riise and Darren Potter.

Despite the changes, everything was going to script as Liverpool set
about extending their overall lead. Benitez suggested before the game
that his strikers needed to improve, and this was clearly taken to heart
by Djibril Cisse and Fernando Morientes.

Twice in the opening minutes Cisse went close, before Morientes sent a
20-yarder inches over the bar. Any thoughts, though, that Liverpool were
going to cruise to victory was ended on 15 minutes when CSKA took the lead.

Mohamed Sissoko was penalised for a foul on Emil Gargorov, and when
Yordan Yurukov laid the ball back, Iliev saw his curling 20-yarder
escape Carson's dive and nestle in the far corner to the shock of the
entire Kop.

They almost levelled the tie on 20 minutes when Carson raced outside his
box to block Guillame Zadi's run, but the ball broke for Yordan Todorov,
some 25 yards out, to lift his shot over an open goal.

Liverpool were rattled. There was a lack of height at the back where
Sami Hyypia needed to be at his best to plug the gaps while the central
midfield partnership of Sissoko and Hamann was frequently caught out by
quick breaks.

Liverpool made one change at the break, taking off teenager Potter and
sending on the more experienced Luis Garcia to add some invention.

Riise, having fluffed a free kick delivery, then saw his swerving 30
yarder from the rebound touched over the bar by Maksic on 47 minutes.
Soon after Riise fired inches wide after taking a Morientes pass in his
stride.

But CSKA were soon back at Liverpool's defence, causing mayhem with
their passing and pace and Gargorov lashed a 20 yarder inches wide of a
post following another free kick conceded by Sissoko.

The tension around Anfield grew, the crowd losing patience with their
side and their play was riddled with errors and the fear of making mistakes.

Stephen Warnock was replaced by Zenden, with Riise dropping to left-back
in an increasingly desperate search for a goal that would kill the tie.
Riise saw a fierce 20 yarder deflected over, but CSKA were still able to
find space on the flanks, while Todorov and Murad Hidiouad controlled
midfield.

Sissoko, despite showing his immaturity by conceding too many free
kicks, was now driving Liverpool on as they struggled to see out the
final few minutes. It was Sissoko who smacked an effort against the bar
in those close seconds.

Florent Sinama-Pongolle came on as substitute for Cisse, the little
France Under-21 striker back in the side for the first time since
damaging his knee at Watford in the Carling Cup in January.

Sofia even had the ball in the net in injury time, but Velizar Dimitrov
strayed into an offside position as he tapped in from close range. It
was that close.

Liverpool: Carson, Finnan, Josemi, Hyypia, Warnock (Zenden 64), Potter
(Luis Garcia 45), Hamann, Sissoko, Riise, Cisse (Sinama Pongolle 83),
Morientes
Subs not used: Reina, Alonso, Carragher, Barragan
booked: none

CSKA Sofia: Maksic, Zabavnik, Iliev, Gueye, Silva, Todorov, Gargorov,
Hidiouad, Yurukov (Sakaliev 73), V Dimitrov, Zadi (P Dimitrov 84)
Subs not used: Kutchoukov, Olegov, Zafirov, Ivanov, Matic
Booked: none
Goals: Iliev 16

Att: 42,175
Referee: Wolfgang Stark (Germany).

RIISE RELIEVED AS REDS SNEAK THROUGH

John Arne Riise was relieved after Liverpool reached the group stages of
the Champions League, despite losing their second leg to CSKA Sofia at
Anfield tonight.

The visitors won 1-0 with Valentin Iliev goal from a set-piece, but
Riise insists getting the right aggregate result was all-important.

He told ITV1: "The important thing was to get through. In the end I
thought we should have won.

"We've been working hard on set-pieces but we lost our concentration -
and they scored."

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez changed tactics at half-time, Riise revealed.

"(He said) you just have to step up the game," said the Norwegian.

"As long as you keep the ball they can't score. It was better in the
second than he first."

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard missed the game thought injury but -
after watching from the sidelines - said: "Any game when you get beaten
at home is disappointing.

"We didn't play well - but the important thing is qualification."

Gerrard has a 50% chance of playing against CSKA Moscow in the European
Super Cup on Friday and expects to be fit for England's World Cup
qualifiers next month.

"I've got an extra week, so I'm more confident of being fit for
England," he added.

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] Finnan: Euro glory inspires us - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 23 Aug 2005
Euro glory inspires us
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

STEVE FINNAN is aware Liverpool's status of European champions is filed
firmly in the football library of freak occurrences.

But the classy right back is determined the Reds will wear their title
well and prove it was no 'one season wonder'.

Finnan believes the knock-on effect of the fifth European Cup win has
already been seen during the early rounds of this year's competition.

CSKA Sofia seemed honoured just to be on the same pitch as Liverpool a
fortnight ago.

A visit to Anfield may inspire the Bulgarians to produce a sensational
result. Alternatively, judging by the scenes at the final whistle at the
end of the first leg, filling their photograph albums may represent the
height of their ambition.

As ever, there will be no complacency in the Anfield camp, but Finnan
admits the reaction in Bulgaria to a 3-1 home defeat has increased the
Liverpool players' self-esteem.

"Since we won the Champions League there's definitely a new air of
confidence around the lads," said Finnan.

"Psychologically, I think we've an advantage no matter who we come up
against in Europe. That's the case in the Premiership too. When we go
out there, our opponents know they're facing the champions of Europe. It
may lift them, but it lifts us more.

"Maybe we'll see teams raise their game a little bit, but it also gives
us an extra sense of belief when we're introduced as champions of
Europe. It's a great feeling and it can spur us on.

"That showed in the first leg when I felt we just stepped it up at
exactly the right time to get the first two crucial goals. Even though
we won 3-1, the Bulgarian team was applauded off by their own fans. That
shows the respect a lot of teams have for us."

Perhaps the awe in which Liverpool are held resonates stronger on the
continent than at home.

Away from Anfield, the surly, parochials still mutter about Liverpool's
fortunate route to European glory.

Finnan says such gracelessness ignores the facts of a run during which
the Reds beat all the fancied sides.

"All you have to do is look at the teams we defeated along the way to
winning it last year," he said.

"Chelsea and Juventus went on to win their domestic leagues and AC Milan
were the favourites.

"We beat the best teams in Europe to win the competition. Having done
so, it's only natural our expectations should increase and everyone is
entitled to think the good times are back at the club.

"We'd all be very disappointed if we didn't go far in the tournament
again this year. We don't want to stop because we've won it once. We
want to repeat it.

"Obviously, the first task is to get into the group stage. If we do,
we'll take a good look at who we get in the draw and hopefully think
about doing the same as last year. I'm sure a lot of sides wouldn't
fancy having to play us."

Liverpool must concede at least three goals to blow their advantage tonight.

Even without Steven Gerrard, that would take a calamitous series of
events, although Finnan believes there is more to the Bulgarians than
Liverpool have allowed them to show thus far.

"A lot of people will think the tie is over, but in this situation the
first goal is always most important," he said.

"If they were to get it, they may get some confidence and be dangerous.
At the same time, we know we've got to lose three and if that happened
it would be a massive disappointment for everyone. With the lead we've
got, we know if we get the first goal the game should be killed off."

The Irishman also admits there will have to be an improvement on
Saturday's scrappy win if the Reds are to convince the doubters.

"A win and a clean sheet is positive, but you can understand the
frustration on Saturday," he said.

"But overall we've had a positive start. Middlesbrough is a tough place
to go and we got a point, and now we've four points from two games which
is decent. At the same time it's obvious we've got to work on a few things.

"We've started the season with a different system and that takes a bit
of getting used to.

"We had some scares on Saturday, but we're pleased we've managed to stop
anyone showing us how good Pepe Reina is yet.

"I'm sure when he is called upon he'll come up with the goods, but the
lads in front of him have a lot of confidence because we're defending
well as a team."

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] Ian Rush column - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 23 Aug 2005
Great chance to complete full set
By Ian Rush, Liverpool Echo

I WON just about every medal I could as a Liverpool player, but there
was one title which eluded us - World champions.

At our peak, we always felt we were the best team anywhere, but when we
had the chance to win the World Club Championship, the circumstances
were never in our favour.

The trip to Tokyo always benefited the South Americans. The climate, the
time zone and hard pitches gave us a disadvantage.

I can remember when we played the Argentinian side Independiente in
1984. We arrived a day before the game and had one training session
before the match.

We were all jet-lagged and in no shape to play, while our opponents had
spent a week in Japan preparing to face us.

The competition wasn't our priority and we were all keen to get home and
concentrate on league games. Looking back, had the circumstances been
different I'm sure we'd all like to have won those games.

That's why I'm glad to see Liverpool will be travelling to Japan for the
competition in December and I believe the club will take it seriously.

We've never been that bothered in England, but other European countries
value the trophy.

When I was at Juventus, they took pride in the fact they were the first
European club to have won at least once in every competition they've
entered.

This is a feat Liverpool can match. If they win in Japan, they'll
complete their collection of honours. Most clubs couldn't even dream of
such an opportunity.

I'm sure the Liverpool players are excited by the prospect of facing
teams from a different culture.

Although the competition isn't everyone's cup of tea, you can bet in
years to come the players would look back proudly at a World
Championship winners' medal.

Apart from that, there are enormous financial benefits. Liverpool's name
is already popular around the world, but if they win in December their
popularity is sure to grow.

The Super Cup falls into a similar category. It won't be the end of the
world if Liverpool lose, but there are plenty of benefits in winning.

I've always thought the most important thing about the Super Cup is
being in it more than winning it, because it means you must have enjoyed
a hell of a night the previous May.

CSKA Moscow are not the most attractive opponents, but the winning habit
is a very good one to nurture and I'm sure Rafa Benitez won't be happy
with anything but victory in Monaco.

Opening goal is crucial to avoid Sofia repeat

I KNOW from my own bitter experience that CSKA Sofia shouldn't be
underestimated tonight. I was in the Liverpool side which lost in the
European Cup to tonight's opponents.

Liverpool lead 3-1, but I think the quality of the display in Bulgaria
has made a lot of people believe CSKA aren't as good as they are.

They look a very good technical side and have the capacity to cause a
lot of problems, especially with Steven Gerrard out injured.

I found Bulgarian sides were excellent when you allowed them space to
play, but if you could score first they had a tendency to allow their
heads to drop.

That's what happened in the first leg and that's why the opening goal is
important. Liverpool must start as if it's 0-0 and not give their
opponents the slightest hope.

Otherwise, what should be a comfortable night could become tricky.

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] Benitez moves in for Stelios - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 23 Aug 2005
Benitez moves in for Stelios
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

GREEK winger Stelios Giannakopoulos is in Liverpool's sights after the
Reds made an official approach to Bolton.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has declined the chance to bring Nolberto Solano
to Anfield as part of the £6.5m Milan Baros transfer, and has turned to
Greek midfielder Stelios for a bargain £1m.

Baros completed his transfer to Villa today, providing more funds for
Benitez to strengthen other areas.

Benitez has tracked Stelios all summer as he seeks to increase his
options on the right flank.

With deadline day looming, that interest has now materialised into an
approach with the Greek having a get-out clause in his contract should
Bolton receive a £1m bid.

Benitez's intentions in the transfer market are now taking shape.

He's confirmed his interest in Bundesliga pair Fernando Meira of
Stuttgart and Lukas Sinkiewicz of Colgone. And he is also considering
20-year-old Dane Daniel Agger. Who arrives depends on their fee, with
Agger currently priced beyond Benitez ' s valuation.

Liverpool want to sign a minimum of three players. With the right
midfielder identified, and the defender likely to be one of the three
listed, the attention will switch to the forward line.

Michael Owen dominates the agenda, but he now knows he faces a rival in
Dirk Kuyt if the current stalemate continues.

Benitez openly admits his interest in the Feyenoord striker, but a move
for the Dutchman is only likely if no progress is made with Owen over
the next few days.

Contrary to ludicrous rumours, Benitez is under no pressure to complete
a deal for Owen from chairman David Moores.

Nor will the chairman be dipping into his own bank account to finance a
deal against Benitez's will.

The suggestion Benitez would yield to any boardroom interference when it
comes to transfer targets is nonsensical, particularly as this was one
of the reasons behind his departure from Valencia.

The delay has more to do with a delicate negotiation than any
unwilling-ness on the manager's part.

Liverpool hope, as the transfer deadline approaches, Owen's fervent
desire to return to Anfield will become clearer and Real Madrid will be
realistic about an affordable deal.

Benitez today reassured Liverpool fans he's making progress in bringing
the right players to the club.

"I'm not anxious about the situation," said Benitez today..

"I know when the end of the transfer window approaches there is a lot of
anxiety, but I have a clear idea. When the right players come along,
we'll sign them. If we can't, we will wait.

"However, we are confident we will find the right players. Our scout
department is doing a good job and they have worked really hard for us.
We have the names and we would like to bring some of them here."

Liverpool face CSKA Sofia tonight. Didi Hamann will return for the
absent Steven Gerrard, while Djibril Cisse starts in a striking role.

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] Baros signs for Villa - Official Site

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Official LFC Website, 23 Aug 2005
BAROS SIGNS FOR VILLA
By Paul Eaton

Aston Villa have today confirmed the signing of Milan Baros from
Liverpool on a four year deal.
The Czech striker passed a medical in the Midlands today before putting
pen to paper on his contract.

Villa have beaten off competition from French outfit Lyon for the 24
year old's signature.

"It is not easy to leave Liverpool but Aston Villa are also a big club
and I am happy to come here," said Baros.

"I used to play alongside Patrik Berger at Liverpool and with the Czech
Republic. I spoke to Patrik and he said so many good things about Villa
to encourage me to join.

"Hopefully my best years are still to come. I am still young and very
ambitious. I want to achieve things here with Aston Villa. I am
impressed with this club. There is a lot of quality here and together I
think we can go forward this season.

"I just can't wait to play and start scoring goals and I'm looking
forward to my debut on Saturday against Blackburn at Villa Park."

Villa boss David O'Leary was naturally thrilled to secure the services
of the Czech ace.

"I'm delighted we've finally got our man," he said. "It's taken a while
but credit to the chairman and the chief executive for sticking with it.

"Milan will give us the spark that we need up front and I'm looking
forward to working with him."

Everybody at Liverpoolfc.tv would like to wish Milan all the best for
his new career with Villa.

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] Academy: Owens pleased to start with win - Post

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

LIverpool Daily Post, 23 Aug 2005
Owens pleased to start with win
Academy Football with Chris Wright, Daily Post

LIVERPOOL got off to a winning start in the FA Premier Academy League
with an excellent 2-1 victory at Cardiff City.

Goals from Michael Nardiello and Jimmy Ryan saw John Owens's side claim
all three points and put down a marker for the new campaign.

Last season was a disappointing one for Liverpool's Academy side as they
finished bottom of the North West table. But hopes are high that they
can challenge at the other end of the section this time. Saturday has at
least given them a good starting point to build on.

The first half was goalless but Nardiello saw one shot saved and fellow
forward James Frayne was wide with another effort as Liverpool were the
side most likely to break the deadlock. Nardiello finally opened the
scoring in the second period with his first goal for Owens's side when
he followed up to stroke home from close range after Francis Smith's
shot was parried by the keeper.

Cardiff equalised after a cross from the left was turned in by the home
striker from six yards out. But with 10 minutes remaining Jimmy Ryan
gave Liverpool victory with a low drive. Francis Smith's initial
free-kick was blocked and Ryan slammed in the rebound from the edge of
the area.

Coach Owens said: "I am obviously pleased that we won the game. I don't
think we played anywhere near our best, but sometimes you are happy just
to get off to a good start, and particularly an away game. Cardiff
weren't as physical as I thought they might have been and played
football, so it was a good contest. We weren't in any danger in the
first half and probably had the upper hand for most of the match."

Owens added: "Dave Roberts, who did well in goal, and the two
centrebacks - Calum Woods and Robbie Threlfall - were probably the three
best players for us. They did everything needed of them defensively.

"Further forward what was missing was the kind of touch which you would
expect to come as the season progresses."

LIVERPOOL UNDER-18s: Roberts, Holmes, Spearing, Woods, Threlfall, Ryan,
Flynn (Lindfield 70), F Smith, Nardiello, Frayne (Barratt 70), Barnett
(Woodward 70). Subs: Mimms, Darby.

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] Kop ticket fiasco blights Anfield's season opener - Post

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Daily Post, 22 Aug 2005
Kop ticket fiasco blights Anfield's season opener
By Liam Murphy, Daily Post Staff

LIVERPOOL FC has promised fans it will do everything in its power to
iron out the "technical problems" which blighted its first home game of
the season on Saturday.

Thousands of fans were still queuing outside the Kop end of the ground
as the 3pm kick-off time approached. The game eventually had to be
delayed by more than 15 minutes.

The club blamed problems with the new automated entry system recently
installed in the Kop which developed teething difficulties as supporters
waited to get in.

The new swipe card system requires season ticket holders to enter via
particular turnstiles and it appears a combination of confusion over
where fans should go added to the technical problems left fans stuck
outside Anfield with kick-off rapidly approaching.

A spokesman for Merseyside Police said any decision to delay kick-off in
these circumstances is made in consultation with the club, referee and
officers involved in policing matches. "It's a complex issue," he added..

The match finally got underway just after 3.15pm, and an announcement at
half time told fans: "We apologise for the delay in today's kick-off. It
was due to technical problems in the entry system to the Kop end of the
ground.

"We will do everything in our power to rectify the problems before the
next home game."

Phil Roberts, from Allerton, was one of the fans left waiting outside.

He said: "I had got there by 2.45pm and there were thousands of people
trying to get in. It was chaos. Lots of people were worried they would
miss the start of the match.

"A few people were losing their temper and there were a few scuffles.
People were going to the wrong gates and having to turn back and find
the right one to get in by."

Liverpool FC spokesman Ian Cotton last night said they were confident
the problem would be resolved by the time of the next Premiership home
match.

He said: "There were teething problems with the swipe card system in the
Kop.

"When we saw the amount of people outside, we had to take the immediate
decision to delay the game for 15 minutes. That decision was taken with
the relevant authorities."

The spokesman said the problem should not affect tomorrow's game with
CSKA Sofia because a different ticketing system is used for European
matches, and added: "We can only apologise for the problem and thank
fans for their patience."

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] Welsh and Foy go out on loan - Official Site

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Official LFC Website, 22 Aug 2005
WELSH COMPLETES TIGERS LOAN SWITCH
By Mark Platt

Young Liverpool midfielder John Welsh has joined Hull City on a
season-long loan deal in a bid to get some valuable first team
experience under his belt.

Welsh, 21, will link up with his England under-21 boss Peter Taylor at
the KC Stadium and he admits he's excited at the prospect of joining up
with the Championship side.

"I'm delighted with the deal," he told Liverpoolfc.tv today. "Hull is a
big club and I know the manager Peter Taylor well from the England
under-21 set-up. It's a good move for me at this stage of my career and
I'm just looking to get some first team games under my belt and gain
some valuable experience."

A graduate of the Liverpool Academy, Welsh has been with the Reds since
the age of ten and has worked his way up through the ranks. He made his
first team debut under the managership of Gerard Houllier in a League
Cup tie at home to Ipswich Town in 2003 and has made ten senior
appearances in total.

A lifelong Liverpool fan, Welsh signed a new contract at Anfield only
last season but was told by Rafael Benitez during the summer that the
club were open to offers for him.

Yet despite stepping down a division to join the Tigers the former Reds
reserve captain insists he's not giving up on his Anfield dream entirely
and cites Stephen Warnock as an example why.

"I'm not sure what the future holds for me at Liverpool but I haven't
given up hope of coming back and making it," he adds.

"I know it's going to be difficult because there are so many good
players at the club but Stephen Warnock is a good example of a player
going out on loan then coming back to establish himself in the first
team squad."

Welsh, who drove over to Hull this afternoon to finalise his move,
continued: "For now though I am just thinking about playing for Hull and
doing my best for them. This is a club that is on the up. They've just
enjoyed two successive promotions, they've got a brand new stadium and
they're attracting crowds in excess of 20,000. It's an exciting time for
me and I just can't wait to get started now."'

* Scotland Under-21 international Robbie Foy has joined League Two side
Wrexham on loan until January 31st 2006.
Foy spent three months on loan at Chester City last season.

He made his Liverpool senior debut as a substitute during the pre-season
win over Wrexham in Rafa Benitez's first game in charge of the Reds in
July 2004. Foy was an unused substitute for the first team during the
Carling Cup win at Tottenham 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 agree fee with Villa for Baros - Official Site

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Official LFC Website, 22 Aug 2005
REDS AGREE FEE WITH VILLA FOR BAROS
By Mark Platt

Liverpoolfc.tv can confirm that the proposed transfer of Milan Baros to
Aston Villa has this evening moved a step closer after the two clubs
agreed a fee for the Czech striker.

Baros, who has also been the subject of a bid from French side Lyon, has
travelled to the Midlands for a medical.

Earlier today Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez said: "Baros at this moment
is our player but he might not be in the next two to three days.

"We have had a very good offer from Lyon and another offer from Aston
Villa. The player himself wants to stay in England so I would say Aston
Villa are closer to a deal."

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] Reserves v Newcastle report - Official Site

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Official LFC Website, 22 Aug 2005
FLO ON TARGET AS RESERVES DRAW
Steve Hunter, at Wrexham

Florent Sinama-Pongolle scored for the second game running as Liverpool
Reserves drew 2-2 with Newcastle United at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground,
and Djimi Traore also made a successful comeback.

It was planned for Traore just to play for 35 minutes as he returned
from injury. The French defender has only featured once in pre-season
for Liverpool which was 45 minutes in the friendly win over Bayer
Leverkusen in Lustenau. He has been injured since then with a thigh
strain. He has returned ahead of schedule and looked sharp for the 35
minutes he was on the pitch.

Sinama-Pongolle scored a good goal and played for the first 45 minutes
and Welsh trialist Ramon Calliste also scored a good goal. Calliste is a
Welsh Under-21 international and was released by Manchester United at
the end of last season. He had a decent game and Liverpool will have to
decide whether to sign him or not.

It was a good match and Liverpool were only denied victory by a superb
equaliser from Newcastle winger Kris Gate.

New Spanish signing, 17-year-old Miki Roque made his debut at centre
half and did very well, showing good composure and made some good blocks.

Jack Hobbs played central midfield and did well showing some nice
touches. He played alongside Salif Diao who was a good help to the
former Lincoln youngster and the Senegal international showed a good
attitude in his first match of the season.

David Raven captained the Liverpool side and had a good match at right
back. Liverpool's star man was Danny Guthrie and the former Academy
midfielder carried on from his excellent display against Everton last
week. He was at the heart of all of Liverpool's best moments and he was
so unlucky not to score a goal.

James Smith made his first appearance of the season at left back when he
came on for Traore and did very well. Academy graduate Smith was given a
one-year contract for this season and has returned after a broken foot
ruled him out for the final month of the last campaign. He showed a good
attitude and is always a good competitor.

Liverpool almost scored after three minutes when Djimi Traore's fine run
and cross down the left found the head of Adam Hammill who was denied by
a save from Tony Caig who just kept out the effort.

The Reds took a deserved lead after 16 minutes with Sinama-Pongolle the
goalscorer. Jack Hobbs sent him clear with a nice through ball and the
French Under-21 international rounded Caig and finished well.

It was nearly 2-0 after 24 minutes but Caig produced a brilliant save to
keep out Guthrie's stinging 25-yard drive.

The lively Adam Hammill was causing all sorts of problems for the
Newcastle defence with his runs down the left wing and he set up a
decent opening for Hobbs but the 17-year-old shot wide.

Hammill and Guthrie both went close before Newcastle missed a sitter at
the other end when Carl Finnigan headed wide when unmarked.

Newcastle equalised on the stroke of half-time. Alan O'Brien got clear
down the left wing and after Willis saved superbly from Finnigan, Liam
Atkin was on hand to score and make it 1-1.

Godwin Antwi came on for the second half in place of Sinama-Pongolle and
played up front. He is a central defender but because of the number of
defenders on the pitch he had to play up front but he did well.

Newcastle started the second half brightly and Willis pushed away a
cross that could have gone in then Daryl Smylie was unlucky to see his
free-kick hit the bar.

Liverpool regained the lead after 68 minutes through trialist Ramon
Calliste. Guthrie's superb through ball sent him clear and Calliste
finished superbly into the bottom corner of the net.

However, Newcastle were not to be denied and after Willis had superbly
denied Gate he was then beaten by a fantastic long range striker from
the same player to make it 2-2.

Liverpool might have won it near the end but Hammill saw his effort
saved by Caig after another superb pass from Hobbs.

Liverpool Reserves: Willis, Raven, Traore (Smith 35), Roque, O'Donnell,
Diao, Guthrie, Hobbs, Sinama-Pongolle (Antwi 45), Calliste (Mannix 78),
Hammill. Subs unused: Peltier, Roberts (GK).

Newcastle United Reserves: Caig, Baxter, Farman, Ramage, Huntingdon,
Marshall, Gate, Smylie, Finnigan, Atkin, O'Brien.

Referee: C N Harwood.

Liverpoolfc.tv Man of the Match: Danny Guthrie. Superb display,
creative, and some great long range strikes.

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] Benitez eyes up swoop for duo - Echo

------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~-->
Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page
http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/2_TolB/TM
--------------------------------------------------------------------~->

Liverpool Echo, 22 Aug 2005
Benitez eyes up swoop for duo
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL are planning a swoop on the Bundesliga in their bid for
central defensive cover.

Rafa Benitez is eyeing Portuguese international Fernando Meira from
Stuttgart and highly rated German teenager Lukas Sinkiewicz, from Cologne.

Both may be available for bargain prices in the region of £2m.

Meira is the more established of the pair. The 27-year-old has 19 caps
for Portugal and moved to Germany after a spell at Benfica.

Sinkiewicz is an up-andcoming German defender who has featured for their
Under-21 side. Only 19, he's tipped to become a star of the future, but
has only two years left on his current deal.

The duo are understood to be top of Benitez's wanted list as he seeks
more recruits ahead of the transfer deadline.

Meanwhile, Michael Owen's chances of returning to Liverpool have hit a
stumbling block over wages.

Owen will have to take a significant pay cut to return to Anfield.

The 25-year-old would have been Liverpool's top earner had he agreed a
new contract last summer, but after his year in Spain the Reds won't be
offering the same lucrative terms.

Benitez isn't prepared to offer Owen parity with skipper Steven Gerrard,
who recently penned a major deal, and if Owen wants to return, it's
clear he's going to have to make some sacrifices.

Although speculation surrounding an imminent Owen comeback has
intensified, it will take some tough negotiating between Liverpool, Real
Madrid and Owen's agents at SFX to over-come the obstacles blocking a move.

While the Owen situation remains static, Milan Baros is edging closer to
a transfer to Aston Villa. The Midlands club are under-stood to have
improved their offer over the weekend.

* Xabi Alonso believes Liverpool still need fresh blood if they're to
make a realistic challenge to the top three this season.

"You can improve the squad, no matter how well you're doing," said
Alonso who scored the winner against Sunderland on Saturday.

"I think we have good players here but a side will always look for new
players to add other qualities to the team. That's Rafa's job and we
know that's what he is thinking about.

"We need to get better in certain areas. People will say we only scored
one goal and that's where we must improve, but that shouldn't be a
problem because I still think we have the players here to ensure we'll
score lots of goals this season.

"I'm happy with my goal and we're happy with the points, but we're not
happy with our performance. There were a lot of things wrong and it
turned into a tough game.

"It was difficult for us, but now we must look forward and think of
performing better against CSKA.

"We can take positives because we won and had a clean sheet."

After an injury-hit campaign last year, Alonso is hoping he can enjoy a
more consistent Premiership campaign in the months ahead.

He said: "I will try to have a big impact in my second season in
England. I want to improve my level and help the team make at least the
top three in the league."

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard is definitely out of tomorrow's visit
of CSKA Sofia with a calf injury, and is rated '50-50' for the trip to
Monaco trip on Friday.

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/