Jangle - here is your answer...

[Paul Marin]

Forumites...

My bredrin Jangle asked me a question in another thread that has been bugging me. Being a manure fan, he rhetorically wanted to know if anything different from this season will happen next season. Sadly, after much despair, I will say that the top 2 finishers in the prem next year will once again be Chelski and manure. At present, no other clubs have the depth or quality that these teams have to pull it off. So unless someone else spends big (see my wild cards below), it will once again be Chelski and manure at the end.

Key Factors
Which one will come out on top? I may be wrong, but I believe that the ultimate champion will depend on two primary factors:

1. Chelski's ability to attract a top class new coach with a WINNING mentality. As much as I dislike Slur Alex's games and underhanded appraoch to the game, I would be a fool to argue with his record. It is beyond phenomenal. His is the kind of accomplishment that can only come from one with a winning mentality and anyone coming along thinking they are going to knock him out of top spot will have more than an ordinary fight on their hands. I have heard many of the names bandied about as replacement coaches, none are in the same league as this dispicable Darth Vader bredda. He is in an underbelly dark class by himself. I will get plenty argument for what I'm about to say, but Sven *might* be a good choice for Chelski - remember he pulled a double over manure this year and has a stellar club record. I think that Scolari has the kind of mentality that is needed and Sven has the depth of thinking, but not necessarily the right mentality. Rjkaard? While I think he is too classy for Chelski, he may be able to do it, but he is no Slur Alex. Bottomline, Chelski have a real challenge on their hands.

2. Summer signings - as I see it, Chelski have a deeper, more experienced and overall a better squad than manure...but they need to sign a new top class striker to replace drogbreath and they desperately need a world class right back. They need to get Essien off this no-mans-land play-him-out-of-position flywheel he's been on. They will also need to either change their tactics or sign a replacement for the great Makelele. No small challenge. Interestingly enough, Essien can play that spot, so he may be the answer if they get quality at right back.

As the stars so align, I also believe manure will need another striker and another right back as well. While Wes Brown's form is outstanding, it is unlikely that an aging Neville would be the right choice as Brown's backup and that leaves you with Oshea. Journeyman...but no Brown and no Ratface Neville. Up front, Saha is on his last legs and I don't see him as a viable squad member next year. You could also argue that Scholes and Giggs have to be phased out and Nani, Andersen and Park will have to step up and feature more next year. While I can't see either of these veterans retiring just yet, it may be a bit much to expect the same performance from them next year as they put out this year. Even so, if manure does NOTHING in the transfer window, they will be up there at the end. They are that good and that deep. Plus, they have enough Prem referrees in their back pocket to sway more than one contest (I am serious).

Wild Cards
All that said, there are two wild card developments that could disrupt the apple cart. The first is Wenger. If (or should I say BIG "IF") Wenger decides to depart from his past policy and break the bank, Arsenal will be a major force. Remember that Wenger believes that "Arsenal makes stars, we don't buy them" which is his way of saying he ain't spending top dollar for players. I suspect that Wenger is a proud manager who wants to stick to his principles and "do it his way", but he desperately needs a TOP TOP finisher (expensive) especially with Eduardo's return being out of the question for most of next season. He will also have a midfield problem if Rosicky's surgery leaves him short of his best - a big problem with Flamini's departure. So if he can deepen his squad and get some more quality up front and in midfield around Fabergas, Arsenal may well be the "in there" at the end. Wenger has the money, he just has to be convinced to spend it.

The second wild card and potentially disruptive development (which would have to happen VERY VERY SOON if it is to have any effect) is a takeover of Liverpool by DIC. If the Americans sell to DIC, it is very likely that Rafa may be able to "break the bank" and sign truly world class talent to a lamentably thin squad totally incapable of challenging for top honours due to lack of depth. Their first team is as good as any, but they desperately need PACEY goal scoring wingers and a back up goalie. On this last point, keeping Carson on loan at Villa maybe the best strategy in the event of a Reina injury as they presumably can recall him at anytime. Current number 2 Itanje is not the solution and is a liability in my mind. Incidentally, the return of Sammy Lee to the Liverpool managerial ranks will be something to keep your eye on. He has a direct connection to the club's "glory days" which went out the door after Phil Thompson left with the Houllier regime...I would not be surprised if this has a positive impact on the squad.

Lastly, there is one other factor that I think is worth noting. Cristian Ronaldo's form. It was beyond unreal in 2007/08. One could arguably say that were he to be injured in the past year, manure would have lost the title. If he experiences any loss of form, gets injured next year, or goes to Real Madrid (long long shot) manure will be in trouble. Indeed, it is unlikely that he will have the same 31 goal output, so that is a key thing to watch. Keep in mind that manure lost 5 games last season -that was more than Chelski (3), Arsenal (3) AND Liverpool (4). They however, made up the difference in the WIN column, and much of that is attributable to the 31 goal output of C. Ronaldo. So where Chelski and Arsenal drew their opponents, Manure won. That's the essense of the difference between these clubs.

So Jangle, the truth is, I don't see any difference in the table (as things sit today) come May 2009. My take:

Manure - 86 pts
Chelski - 82
Arsenal - 80
Liverpool - 76

Those are my thoughts, I am sure you have yours.

~Paul

[OJ]

How can you mention anything without the best team in the world. Arsenal need one striker and it done... or a healthy Edurado..

[Lazie]

Paul, I appreciated the post. But from the other day after reading your back from Moscow post and reading this post ... mi affi ask. What is it you have against Ferguson? I hope you can let us know one of these days.

Cristano Ronaldo's 31 goals. Why am I not surprised that was factored in. People need to realize that its the way the Empire play and the fact that the attackers aren't too selfish that Ronaldo scored 31 goals. Look back at the goal he scored against Arsenal in the 2-2 draw. Saha was out on the left wing and Ronaldo was in the six yard box scoring the goal. Then look at Giggs' goal against Wigan, the CD rush out to close down Ronaldo, but Giggs had slipped into the space that was left. Shuffle and deal Paul ... shuffle and deal.

Please note that at the start of this just concluded season, Drogba made it known that Ronaldo couldn't score 23 goals this season because he wasn't a robot. Well .. him score 31.

Regarding the losses by the Empire, Bolton, Westham and 2 to Man City. Be honest ..those were simply strategic inflection points ... and Chelsea loss was a gamble by Fergie to wrap up the double. I recall Tilla shouting "CHECK!!" all now him cyaan say Mate. Best team inna Europe hands down. If not Manu .. then who?

[Jangle]

Forumites...

My bredrin Jangle asked me a question in another thread that has been bugging me. Being a manure fan, he rhetorically wanted to know if anything different from this season will happen next season. Sadly, after much despair, I will say that the top 2 finishers in the prem next year will once again be Chelski and manure. At present, no other clubs have the depth or quality that these teams have to pull it off. So unless someone else spends big (see my wild cards below), it will once again be Chelski and manure at the end.

Key Factors
Which one will come out on top? I may be wrong, but I believe that the ultimate champion will depend on two primary factors:

1. Chelski's ability to attract a top class new coach with a WINNING mentality. As much as I dislike Slur Alex's games and underhanded appraoch to the game, I would be a fool to argue with his record. It is beyond phenomenal. His is the kind of accomplishment that can only come from one with a winning mentality and anyone coming along thinking they are going to knock him out of top spot will have more than an ordinary fight on their hands. I have heard many of the names bandied about as replacement coaches, none are in the same league as this dispicable Darth Vader bredda. He is in an underbelly dark class by himself. I will get plenty argument for what I'm about to say, but Sven *might* be a good choice for Chelski - remember he pulled a double over manure this year and has a stellar club record. I think that Scolari has the kind of mentality that is needed and Sven has the depth of thinking, but not necessarily the right mentality. Rjkaard? While I think he is too classy for Chelski, he may be able to do it, but he is no Slur Alex. Bottomline, Chelski have a real challenge on their hands.

2. Summer signings - as I see it, Chelski have a deeper, more experienced and overall a better squad than manure...but they need to sign a new top class striker to replace drogbreath and they desperately need a world class right back. They need to get Essien off this no-mans-land play-him-out-of-position flywheel he's been on. They will also need to either change their tactics or sign a replacement for the great Makelele. No small challenge. Interestingly enough, Essien can play that spot, so he may be the answer if they get quality at right back.

As the stars so align, I also believe manure will need another striker and another right back as well. While Wes Brown's form is outstanding, it is unlikely that an aging Neville would be the right choice as Brown's backup and that leaves you with Oshea. Journeyman...but no Brown and no Ratface Neville. Up front, Saha is on his last legs and I don't see him as a viable squad member next year. You could also argue that Scholes and Giggs have to be phased out and Nani, Andersen and Park will have to step up and feature more next year. While I can't see either of these veterans retiring just yet, it may be a bit much to expect the same performance from them next year as they put out this year. Even so, if manure does NOTHING in the transfer window, they will be up there at the end. They are that good and that deep. Plus, they have enough Prem referrees in their back pocket to sway more than one contest (I am serious).

Wild Cards
All that said, there are two wild card developments that could disrupt the apple cart. The first is Wenger. If (or should I say BIG "IF") Wenger decides to depart from his past policy and break the bank, Arsenal will be a major force. Remember that Wenger believes that "Arsenal makes stars, we don't buy them" which is his way of saying he ain't spending top dollar for players. I suspect that Wenger is a proud manager who wants to stick to his principles and "do it his way", but he desperately needs a TOP TOP finisher (expensive) especially with Eduardo's return being out of the question for most of next season. He will also have a midfield problem if Rosicky's surgery leaves him short of his best - a big problem with Flamini's departure. So if he can deepen his squad and get some more quality up front and in midfield around Fabergas, Arsenal may well be the "in there" at the end. Wenger has the money, he just has to be convinced to spend it.

The second wild card and potentially disruptive development (which would have to happen VERY VERY SOON if it is to have any effect) is a takeover of Liverpool by DIC. If the Americans sell to DIC, it is very likely that Rafa may be able to "break the bank" and sign truly world class talent to a lamentably thin squad totally incapable of challenging for top honours due to lack of depth. Their first team is as good as any, but they desperately need PACEY goal scoring wingers and a back up goalie. On this last point, keeping Carson on loan at Villa maybe the best strategy in the event of a Reina injury as they presumably can recall him at anytime. Current number 2 Itanje is not the solution and is a liability in my mind. Incidentally, the return of Sammy Lee to the Liverpool managerial ranks will be something to keep your eye on. He has a direct connection to the club's "glory days" which went out the door after Phil Thompson left with the Houllier regime...I would not be surprised if this has a positive impact on the squad.

Lastly, there is one other factor that I think is worth noting. Cristian Ronaldo's form. It was beyond unreal in 2007/08. One could arguably say that were he to be injured in the past year, manure would have lost the title. If he experiences any loss of form, gets injured next year, or goes to Real Madrid (long long shot) manure will be in trouble. Indeed, it is unlikely that he will have the same 31 goal output, so that is a key thing to watch. Keep in mind that manure lost 5 games last season -that was more than Chelski (3), Arsenal (3) AND Liverpool (4). They however, made up the difference in the WIN column, and much of that is attributable to the 31 goal output of C. Ronaldo. So where Chelski and Arsenal drew their opponents, Manure won. That's the essense of the difference between these clubs.

So Jangle, the truth is, I don't see any difference in the table (as things sit today) come May 2009. My take:

Manure - 86 pts
Chelski - 82
Arsenal - 80
Liverpool - 76

Those are my thoughts, I am sure you have yours.

~Paul

I'll make my comments quick. I am glad to see you posting more frequently of late. I am finding your posts to be very interesting but at the same time very funny. I always get a hearty laugh knowing that it pains you so much to extend a compliment to the Empire and its leader Sir Alex. At least you are 10 times more objective than your Fan Club president a certain Mr. Xcuse. At least you understand and agree with me when I say Manchester united WILL win the EPL again next season.

[Paul Marin]

I'm not sure I understand...

Lazie - you posed 3 basic questions. Let me answer the easy one first. What do I have against Slur Alex? I think he is underhanded and ego maniacal. Take RVN, Keane, Becks, Heinze and other past players and his treatment of them as part of that equation. Look at the way he treats referrees...is he the only guilty one? NO! But it is his way of doing it that irks me. Can I argue with his record - NO! He has the best record of any manager ever living or dead. That fact speaks for itself. It doesn't mean I have to respect him as a man.

=========

Secondly. You said: "Cristano Ronaldo's 31 goals. Why am I not surprised that was factored in. People need to realize that its the way the Empire play and the fact that the attackers aren't too selfish that Ronaldo scored 31 goals....Drogba made it known that Ronaldo couldn't score 23 goals"

I am not sure what point you are trying to make. Are you saying that if Jangle played in C. Ronaldo's position he would have scored 31 goals? As I see it, the reason C. Ronaldo scored 31 goals is not because the other attackers are unselfish, but rather because manure have a disciplined team that recognises who their best finisher is. I don't think it is any more complicated than that. Take his ability to finish, score free kicks and penalties out of their equation and they have a huge void to fill. Most managers would kill to have that problem. If he loses this form - and I am not saying he will - that poses a challenge for manure. It may just allow other players to step up and shine. Hargreaves for example is a good dead ball specialist who could step up.

And on that Drogbreath note - who in their right mind would make him an authority on anything?

==========

Thirdly: You said: "Regarding the losses by the Empire, Bolton, Westham and 2 to Man City. Be honest ..those were simply strategic inflection points ... and Chelsea loss was a gamble by Fergie to wrap up the double."

I can't respond to this as I don't know what you mean by "a strategic inflection point"? You must work for Price Waterhouse. In any event, please explain what you mean by that.

[Jangle]

Paul, I appreciated the post. But from the other day after reading your back from Moscow post and reading this post ... mi affi ask. What is it you have against Ferguson? I hope you can let us know one of these days.

Cristano Ronaldo's 31 goals. Why am I not surprised that was factored in. People need to realize that its the way the Empire play and the fact that the attackers aren't too selfish that Ronaldo scored 31 goals. Look back at the goal he scored against Arsenal in the 2-2 draw. Saha was out on the left wing and Ronaldo was in the six yard box scoring the goal. Then look at Giggs' goal against Wigan, the CD rush out to close down Ronaldo, but Giggs had slipped into the space that was left. Shuffle and deal Paul ... shuffle and deal.

Please note that at the start of this just concluded season, Drogba made it known that Ronaldo couldn't score 23 goals this season because he wasn't a robot. Well .. him score 31.

Regarding the losses by the Empire, Bolton, Westham and 2 to Man City. Be honest ..those were simply strategic inflection points ... and Chelsea loss was a gamble by Fergie to wrap up the double. I recall Tilla shouting "CHECK!!" all now him cyaan say Mate. Best team inna Europe hands down. If not Manu .. then who?

Tek dat Mr. Paul !!! 1, 2 punch!!! Well said me president.

[Jangle]

"Are you saying that if Jangle played in C. Ronaldo's position he would have scored 31 goals?"

To answer your question, if I played in C. Ronaldo's position I wouldn't score 31 goals, it would be more like 51. Yuh need fe come a de annual picnic and tek me een! Just ask Mosiah or karl just how wikkid me is. Just gimme two Red Bull and yuh literally see wings on my feet.

[Paul Marin]

OJ -

Sorry to say this but Eduardo won't be a factor next season. That said, beyond just a striker, who will you put in at centre back if Toure or Gallas get injured? Senderos? Who will you replace Flamini with? What will the strategy be if Rosicky does not recover well enough from surgery? What if Van Persie continues to be injury prone and can't get into double digit goal-scoring figures?

Recall that Arsenal's title challenge came to a screaching halt with the loss of Eduardo and the simultaneous draw at Birmingham. That left your team in a quandry as Adebeyour couldn't buy a goal without Eduardo - he was a like a lost schoolboy arguing with the inadequate replacement Bendtner on more than one occassion. So it is not just a striker - it is the RIGHT striker, easier said than done.

Plus, you have other problems. Is Gallas the right captain? Is Gilberto going to remain in a WC campaign year if he only is to see bench? Can Adebeyour score without a creative man beside him? Who will play off Fab?

More questions than answers I think...all of which can be solved if your manager were to open up his substantial warchest and bring in top talent. I would personally love to see this happen as I prefer an Arsenal title win over that of either of Chelski or Manure...but you won't get there unless you confront the brutal facts and realise you have to spend the money. See X's post on the spending and you'll see what I mean.

[Paul Marin]

"Are you saying that if Jangle played in C. Ronaldo's position he would have scored 31 goals?"

To answer your question, if I played in C. Ronaldo's position I wouldn't score 31 goals, it would be more like 51....

See why I don't like Slur Alex...wid your skill him shoulda give you game an not have you pon no picnic reserve squad. Him treating you just like him treat Keane an' dem man...terrible...despicable, shameful, classless. But am I surprised? No.

[Lazie]

Paul, there is a reason why the Empire is the Empire and the rest just want to be like us. Chelsea have players with egos, Steven Gerrard, a player I like ... well, we all know who is Mr. Liverpool. TH14, His Arrogance was the definition of ego at Arsenal. At the Empire ... the biggest ego that is there is Alex Ferguson. Be fair ...

1. What is wrong with cashing in on Beckham after he passed his best?
2. There was a season long dispute between Ronaldo and Ruud. After winning the Carling Cup, did you see Ruud's reaction? He had to go.
3. Roy Keane has admitted that his outburst against his team mate was wrong. Have you ever seen Fergie call out any of his players in the media?
4. Gabby committed an unforgiveable sin. How him fi waan join Liverpool? Furthermore, didn't he insist he wanted to go elsewhere? Suh how is Fergie the villan on this?

You made a comment in your initial post about having refs in pocket, why you didn't talk about the bad calls that have cost Manu games? Portsmouth game comes to mind. He has always called for the protection of skilled players like Ronaldo and when the refs turn a blind eye ... attack dem yes.

Every team has a stand out player. Take away Torres' goals and where would Liverpool be? Take away Adebayor's goals and where would Liverpool be? Take away LAmpard numerous deflected goals and where would Chelsea be? Think you should fully understand that. People are quick to mention Ronaldo, but what about the numerous assists from Rooney? What about the goals from Tevez against teams like Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs, Blackburn to name a few? Complete team Paul .. admit it. Look at the header he scored against Roma, you thing that play was built to make Ronaldo score? He was at the right place at the right time.

Regarding Jangle, I've said it time and again, Manu's changing room is like Clarke Kent going into a phonebooth and coming out Superman.

Strategic Inflection Point is basically when a company change strategy in order to avoid some risk that may cause a decline.

Look back at the data, after each loss the Empire go on a long undefeated run.

[Sir X]

Paul is a pessimist from day one , he would argue he is a realist but I say , a win over Man U last sesaon and the title could have been ours add in two other wins over a mid table club.

Look man to me there is not much difference between 11 , 2 and 5 points in a sesaon race or 30 plus games but a trophy .

Any card could have been played in the last 2 months or the last 2 games to rewrite what is now history.

Rafa wants three players this season if he gets two we will win the prem this season.

[Jangle]

As usual...here you come stumbling in from LalaLand. Wait deh.... I hear your father calling you..... oh no I was wrong. Him soon bruk the cawna and come talk bout fe him young Gummers. Unuh really cut off a de same cloth. If not ManU then who?

[Lazie]

Paul is a pessimist from day one , he would argue he is a realist but I say , a win over Man U last sesaon and the title could have been ours add in two other wins over a mid table club.

Look man to me there is not much difference between 11 , 2 and 5 points in a sesaon race or 30 plus games but a trophy .

Any card could have been played in the last 2 months or the last 2 games to rewrite what is now history.

Rafa wants three players this season if he gets two we will win the prem this season.

Mi affi ask what yuh smoking. Liverpool come 4th and you a talk like yuh could have won the league.

[Paul Marin]

Oh boy...where do I start???

Lazie, see my response to your post in RED.

At the Empire ... the biggest ego that is there is Alex Ferguson. Be fair ...AGREED

1. What is wrong with cashing in on Beckham after he passed his best? NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT - KICKING A BOOT INTO HIS HEAD? THAT'S SOMETHING ELSE.
2. There was a season long dispute between Ronaldo and Ruud. After winning the Carling Cup, did you see Ruud's reaction? He had to go. I AM NOT SAYING THAT HE HAD TO STAY, IT IS THE WAY IN WHICH HE WAS TREATED THAT GAVE HIM THAT SOUR FACE.
3. Roy Keane has admitted that his outburst against his team mate was wrong. Have you ever seen Fergie call out any of his players in the media? YES. HEINZE.
4. Gabby committed an unforgiveable sin. How him fi waan join Liverpool? Furthermore, didn't he insist he wanted to go elsewhere? Suh how is Fergie the villan on this? THIS RESPONSE DOESN'T SURPRISE ME. ONE OF YOUR PLAYERS SHOWS INDEPENDENT THINKING AND DARTH VADER UNLEASHES THE DARKSIDE.
   
   THINK ABOUT IT SOME MORE AND THINK ABOUT IT OBJECTIVELY.
   
   IF YOU WERE A PLAYER AND TRYING TO MAKE YOUR LIVING, WHAT RIGHT DOES ANY CLUB HAVE TO IMPOSE THIS RIDICULOUS DISCRIMINATORY POLICY? BY RIGHT, IT SHOULD BE ILLEGAL AS ANY PLAYER LEAVING FOR ANY OTHER EPL CLUB IS GOING TO A COMPETITOR, SO TO SINGLE OUT ONE CLUB (OR TWO) IS BY DEFINITION DISCRIMINATORY.

You made a comment in your initial post about having refs in pocket, why you didn't talk about the bad calls that have cost Manu games? Portsmouth game comes to mind. He has always called for the protection of skilled players like Ronaldo and when the refs turn a blind eye ... attack dem yes. THERE ARE MORE DECISIONS IN MANURE'S FAVOUR THAN AGAINST THEM. THIS IS A FACT. WHY WAS SCHOLES ON THE PITCH AFTER THE "SECOND YELLOW" AT WIGAN? BECAUSE REFEREE BENNET WEARS MANURE UNDER-DRAWS.

Every team has a stand out player. Take away Torres' goals and where would Liverpool be? Take away Adebayor's goals and where would Liverpool be? Take away LAmpard numerous deflected goals and where would Chelsea be? Think you should fully understand that. LAZIE - THAT IS EXACTLY MY POINT. TAKE OUT YOUR STAND OUT PLAYER AND YOU HAVE A PROBLEM, JUST LIKE LIVERPOOL WOULD HAVE A PROBLEM WITHOUT TORRES. REMEMBER I WAS SAYING WHAT COULD DISRUPT MANURE'S RUN FOR A TITLE REPEAT. LOSING THEIR TOP PLAYER IS ONE SUCH FACTOR BUT EVEN SO, YOU DO HAVE A DEEP ENOUGH SQUAD TO WEATHER SUCH A DISRUPTION...BUT IT WOULD DEPEND ON HOW LONG HE WAS GONE FOR. People are quick to mention Ronaldo, but what about the numerous assists from Rooney? What about the goals from Tevez against teams like Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs, Blackburn to name a few? Complete team Paul .. admit it. Look at the header he scored against Roma, you thing that play was built to make Ronaldo score? He was at the right place at the right time. SO ARE YOU SAYING THAT THE TEAM IS NOT BUILT AROUND RONALDO? IF SO, I HAVE SOME LAND IN FLORIDA THAT I'D LIKE YOU TO BUY FROM ME.

Regarding Jangle, I've said it time and again, Manu's changing room is like Clarke Kent going into a phonebooth and coming out Superman.

Strategic Inflection Point is basically when a company change strategy in order to avoid some risk that may cause a decline.

Look back at the data, after each loss the Empire go on a long undefeated run.

OKAY - now let me address your "strategic inflection point" argument by simply asking a question. Do you believe that manure is the only team to "change strategy in order to avoid some risk that may cause a decline [presumably after each loss]"? Come on Lazie, that is so weak I can't even find the strength to type. Now I am SURE you work for Price Waterhouse. The point I was making is that manure LOST more games than any of the other top 4 and that the difference between you winning the title and Chelsea losing it was your ability to turn TIES into WINS.

[Paul Marin]

X - I agree with you partially...

Paul is a pessimist from day one , he would argue he is a realist but I say , a win over Man U last sesaon and the title could have been ours add in two other wins over a mid table club....Rafa wants three players this season if he gets two we will win the prem this season.

X - I agree that I am a realist.

REALITY CHECK:

1. WE GOT OUR A** KICKED AT OLD TRAFFORD THIS YEAR.
2. WE HAVE 1 DRAW AND 7 LOSSES IN THE LEAGUE AGAINST THE STINKERS IN THE PAST 4 SEASONS. NO WINS IN 4 YEARS IN THE LEAGUE.
3. WE ARE WAY BEHIND CHELSKI, ARSENAL & manure IN REVENUES AND PROFITS. [Which means we have less to spend on transfers, squad building and our academy]

In his book "Good to Great" author Jim Collins argues that a critical point along the path to greatness is "confronting the brutal facts". As a Liverpool fan for over 35 years, believe me, no one on the planet wants to see Liverpool succeed more than me. But in the spirit of "confronting the brutal facts" we don't have the squad depth that manure and Chelski have simply because we don't have the finances to pull it off. To argue differently requires a long draw on the crack pipe.

For example, when you look at their reserves at any prem game and see the likes of Tevez, Hargreaves, Park, Andersen, Nani, Saha all of dem sitting down warming bench, you can't compare that to who we have sitting down on ours. That is the essence of the difference between winning a title and not...depth!! Or more accurately - the MONEY to AFFORD the DEPTH!!

NOW...when you DO look at our bench (relative to theirs) and you look at our performance relative to theirs, (keeping in mind that they have had the luxury of spending BIG MONEY whereas we haven't) we have out performed them considering that we have not been that far off the pace and we've made it to 3 UCL Semis in 4 years and 2 finals. Slur Alex would die for our European record.

That is where I give Rafa MAXIMUM RESPECT. He has done far better with fewer resources than ALL OF his competitors. This is why I say if DIC buy Liverpool (soon) that would be a MASSIVE development because with equal or more funds, Rafa will most CERTAINLY mount a title challenge and in my opinion outperform his opponents. Realise that with the UCL title, manure put $170M more in revenues in their kitty - that is one hell of a number which can be used to buy nuff talent.

So as I see it, until we get the new stadium and new owners who can finance big money signings, we have to resolve ourselves to a tougher annual challenge than our competition. That doesn't mean we lie down, just that we do things differently and choose our battles carefully. It also requires some luck. Had we not lost Danny Agger so early in the season we would have had a much much better year and arguably much better UCL performance. Had Riise not f-d up, we would have been in Moscow. So don't get me wrong. We are far more impressive than Chelscum and manure considering resources.

We need DIC to buy us. Then the playing field will be TILTED IN OUR FAVOUR (if they let Rafa spend the money).

Interestingly enough, the DIC ownership prospect is why I agree with Liverpool owner Tom Hicks (and this is the only thing I see eye to eye with him on ) that the club should fire CEO Rick Parry. At the very least, he should be fired for selling the club to Hicks and not DIC in the first place!!! Assuming that DIC would have invested heavily, that was a huge tactical mistake that has cost us dearly. For that, Parry should go.

YNWA.