Fulham 1-0 Liverpool By John Sinnott BBC SPORTS ONLINE - 5th May 2007 Clint Dempsey's first goal for Fulham secured a narrow win over Liverpool to ease their relegation worries. Liverpool should have been ahead by the time substitute Dempsey sidefooted the ball past Jose Reina on 68 minutes. Three times Antti Niemi was tested by Craig Bellamy and three times the Fulham keeper denied the Welshman. Robbie Fowler missed an open goal for Liverpool, while Vincenzo Montella hit the post for Fulham, who had Papa Bouba Diop red-carded after a second booking. This was Fulham's first victory in 11 league games as well as the first time they had won under caretaker manager Lawrie Sanchez.
With the Champions League final looming, Liverpool's side, with nine changes, was unrecognisable from the one that got the better of Chelsea in midweek. Along with Jermaine Pennant, goalkeeper Jose Reina was the other player not be rested and the Spaniard, who saved two penalties in Tuesday's shootout, kept Fulham at bay until Dempsey's goal. He athletically punched clear Brian McBride's cross in the first half and after the break frustrated the American for a second time when he got to the ball before the Fulham striker.
But there was nothing Reina could do to stop Dempsey's shot. The American started and finished the move, dissecting Liverpool's defence with a one-two with Liam Rosenior, before sweeping the ball past Reina. This was Liverpool's ninth league loss on their travels this season and their inability to take advantage of a number of chances was key to their defeat.
The majority of those chances fell to Bellamy, who early on twice forced saves from Antti Niemi. It was not long before Bellamy was in the box again, though this time he was unable to shoot, after he was tackled by Bouba Diop. Having survived those scares, Fulham began to show some attacking intent, with Montella's acrobatic bicycle kick striking the post after it deflected off Xabi Alonso. Moments later Liverpool's Spanish midfielder had to go off for a treatment for a bloody nose after he appeared to be headbutted by Michael Brown, an infringement that went unpunished as referee Steve Bennett was looking the other way.
Towards the end of the first-half Bellamy troubled the Fulham defence twice more, flashing a shot past the post and sending over a dangerous cross that was diligently cleared by Zat Knight. Bellamy's striking partner Fowler should have then given Liverpool the lead, but he somehow failed to steer the ball home with the goal at his mercy. If Liverpool probably had the better of the first-half, that was never the case after the break, particularly following Dempsey's introduction, his strong running unsettling the visitors' defence.
Even so Liverpool continued to create chances, Niemi once more denying Bellamy with a reaction save, while substitute Harry Kewell - making his first appearance for Liverpool since the 2006 FA Cup final - flashed a shot past the post. Bouba Diop was dismissed after he collected a second booking, but Fulham held on to secure three priceless points.
Gerrard opens talks on new deal BBC SPORTS WEBSITE - Friday, 4 May 2007
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has revealed he is in talks over a new contract that could tie him to Anfield for the rest of his career.
Gerrard, as well as Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia, Jose Reina, Steve Finnan and Daniel Agger are all on the verge of agreeing new deals. The skipper said: "I'm in talks to extend my contract and I've never been happier with my football."
Rafael Benitez said: "I expect deals to be agreed after the Champions League." Gerrard is expected to sign at least a four-year deal worth about £120,000 a week after leading Liverpool to the Champions League final.
Benitez added: "We have been talking to several players, not just Steven.
"Those talks were suspended ahead of the Chelsea game in the Champions League, but we will start talking again. "Nobody has yet agreed a deal, but if we can get them sorted out, as well as some for younger players too, before the Champions League final at the end of the month, we will do.
New Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has said he could not see Gerrard playing for any other club - and the Liverpool captain is equally keen to extend his Anfield career. Gerrard said: "We need to keep all of our big players here so it's very important we get the contracts sorted out so they can be here for a long time."
And the Anfield captain admitted he was surprised that AC Milan will be Liverpool's final opponents in Greece. He said: "I'm confident we can go to Athens and bring the cup back home. "But Milan are a fantastic team and we know it's going to be really difficult, so we need to be right at the top of our game.
"I was really surprised actually that they won their semi-final because I had confidence that Manchester United would get the result they required. "I thought it was going to be a Liverpool-Manchester United final, but credit to Milan because they were excellent on the night and deserved to win the game."
Gattuso delivers Liverpool taunt BBC SPORTS ONLINE - 4th May 2007 AC Milan midfielder Rino Gattuso has launched a stinging attack on Liverpool's "long ball" tactics ahead of the Champions League final. Gattuso, 29, who played in the 2005 final defeat in Istanbul, dismissed Liverpool as an inferior side to semi-final opponents Manchester United. He said: "I feel there is a noticeable difference in talent between Manchester United and Liverpool. "Liverpool are like an Italian team of 10 years ago. Every ball a long ball."
He added: "All they try to do is defend with everybody behind the ball and one striker.
"United have far more technical players, who are quick and able to do things on the ball. Liverpool do not have those individuals."
And Gattuso set his sights on revenge for 2005, when Liverpool came from 3-0 down at half-time to win on penalties.
He said: "This final will be different - that I promise. It is important to put the record straight."
Ferguson backs Milan to beat Reds BBC SPORTS ONLINE - 8 May, 2007
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Liverpool have no chance of beating AC Milan in the Champions League final on 23 May.
Milan beat United in the semi-finals to set up a repeat of the 2005 final, which Liverpool won on penalties. Ferguson told the Sun: "I'd bet for sure that Milan will win the Champions League. I'm absolutely certain of it. "I told their manager Carlo Ancelotti at the end of our semi-final that there is no way he cannot win it now." Ferguson plans to toast Milan's victory with a bottle of wine given to him by Ancelotti after his side had lost in Italy.
Rush scored one, Rush scored two, Rush scored three and Rush scored four On this day in 1984, Ian Rush bagged four goals, including a penalty, in our 5-0 demolition of Coventry City at Anfield. Alan Hansen netted the other goal.
On our way to Wembley, but without the 96 We played our rearranged FA Cup Semi-final with Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on this day in 1989. The 3-1 victory was our first FA Cup Semi-final win without the need for a replay, and set up an emotional all-Merseyside final in the immediate aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster. John Aldridge netted a brace, with our other goal coming from a Brian Laws own goal.
Eleven in a row On this day last year, our final League game of the season resulted in a 3-1 victory at Portsmouth as we won our eleventh consecutive match. Robbie Fowler was on target before Peter Crouch grabbed our hundredth goal of the campaign, and a club record 21st from a substitute, and Djibril Cissé struck his sixth goal in nine outings. The only downside was an injury to Xabi Alonso that affected his involvement in the FA Cup Final a week later. This win took us to 82, our highest tally in a 38-game season.
Red endings Seven years ago today, David Thompson played his 56th and final reds game, coming on as a substitute as Southampton held us to a goalless draw at Anfield in the Premiership. On this day in 1921, forward Peter McKinney made his third and last reds appearance in our 3-0 home defeat of ****nal, with Harry Chambers, Dick Forshaw and Walter Wadsworth all scoring inside the first quarter of an hour.
Pepe the champion Pepe Reina played eight years ago today as Spain Under-16's clinched the European Championships by beating Poland 4-1 in the Final in Olomouc in the Czech Republic.
Off to a good start Eighty years ago today, centre-forward William Devlin scored on his reds debut in our 3-3 draw at West Ham United, with Gordon Hodgson adding a brace in our final game of the season as we finished in ninth. Devlin only played a further eighteen games, scoring fifteen goals in total before returning north of the border, to Heart Of Midlothian.
Totally trottered We were obliterated by Bolton Wanderers on this day in 1932, as they trounced us 8-1, one of five times we have conceded at least eight goals in the League. Daniel McRorie netted our consolation, as we ended the season on a sour note, finishing tenth.
Obscure new signings Right-back James Dunlop, brother of left-back Billy, signed for the reds on this day in 1909. 31 years later, Kenneth Seddon signed as an amateur. He was the son of Assistant Trainer Jimmy Seddon. Neither man played a first-team reds game.
Managerial comings and goings Kevin Keegan was appointed Fulham boss nine years ago today. He was only in charge for one season, guiding the Cottagers to the Second Division title. Ex-reds wing-half Bobby Campbell resigned as Manager of Chelsea on this day in 1991. He had been in charge for three years, leading them to the Second Division title in his first full season.
Oggy's end Seven years ago today, Steve Ogrizovic was released as a player by Coventry City, after over 600 games. He is now Reserve Team Manager for the Sky Blues.
A young Scot Tommy Younger captained Scotland for the first time on this day in 1958, while winning his 21st cap in their 1-1 friendly draw with Hungary at Hampden Park.
A testimonial thriller We lost by the odd goal in thirteen in a testimonial match for Swans defender Wyndham Evans at Swansea City on this day in 1981.
Disappointment against the Villains We were held to a 1-1 draw at Anfield by Aston Villa on this day in 1983, with Craig Johnston on the scoresheet after Nigel Spink had saved a penalty from Phil Neal. The referee ordered it to be re-taken, but he then saved his second kick as well! Eleven years later, Robbie Fowler netted as we lost another top-flight encounter 2-1 at Villa Park, the last match in front of the standing Holte End and our final game of the season.
Phil drives off Defender Phil Brazier signed for Northwich Victoria on a free transfer from Vauxhall Motors four years ago today. He had skippered us to victory in the FA Youth Cup in 1996. He played 36 times for them in the Conference and is now back in his second spell with Vauxhall Motors.
Clinching the title On this day in 1979, a 3-0 defeat of Aston Villa at Anfield handed us our eleventh League title, thanks to goals from Alan Kennedy, Kenny Dalglish and Terry McDermott. We ended the season with a record goal difference of +69, having only conceded sixteen League goals during the entire campaign.
The arrival of an Anfield legend Left-half Bob Paisley signed from Bishop Auckland on this day in 1939 for a £10 signing-on fee, and £5 per week. He served the club well in his 277 games before joining the training staff. He eventually succeeded Bill Shankly in 1974, becoming the most successful manager in English football history.
On this day in 1894, a rather less notable Anfield servant arrived in L4. Defender James Cameron signed from Rangers, going on to make only four first-team appearances.
Cup final disappointment On this day in 1971, ****nal completed the double, beating us 2-1 at Wembley in the FA Cup Final. Steve Heighway opened the scoring in extra time, before Eddie Kelly equalised for the Gunners. Charlie George grabbed the winner - cue one very famous flat-out celebration. Future red Ray Kennedy appeared for the Gunners. We also faced ****nal exactly a year later, holding them to a goalless draw at Highbury.
Our third meeting with the North London outfit on this day in history ended in a 3-1 defeat at Highbury two years ago that ensured we would finish behind Everton in fifth place. Steven Gerrard bagged our goal while playing his 200th League game.
Heading towards second We beat Blackburn Rovers 4-3 at home five years ago today, having lost the lead three times before Emile Heskey finally won the game late on, to keep us on course to finish second in the League. Danny Murphy, Nicolas Anelka and Sami Hyypiä were the other scorers. Meanwhile, it was confirmed that we were holding talks with French club Sedan over the possible transfer of Salif Diao.
Emile's final act Emile Heskey bagged his sixtieth and final reds goal at his next club Birmingham City three years ago today as we won 3-0. Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard also struck, while the Blues had Kenny Cunningham sent off. We also won at St. Andrews back in 1982, with Ian Rush netting the only goal of the game.
The Anfield Iron is forged On this day in 1963, Tommy Smith made his reds bow in our 5-1 League defeat of Birmingham City at Anfield. This was the first official game we ever played on this day in history. Roger Hunt bagged a brace, with Gordon Wallace, Ian St. John and Ian Callaghan also netting.
Shanks for the last time Bill Shankly took charge of his last official reds game on this day in 1974, as we drew 1-1 at Tottenham Hotspur, to end the season in second place, five points behind champions Leeds United. Maxwell Thompson made his reds bow, becoming our youngest ever League debutant, aged 17 years and 129 days, just fifteen days younger than Michael Owen was on his debut 23 years later. Steve Heighway was on the scoresheet.
We also faced Spurs on this day in 1993, winning 6-2 at Anfield in our final game of the season as we finished sixth, with many fans expecting this to be Graeme Souness's last game in charge, although he was actually watching Coventry City entertain Leeds United. Ian Rush and John Barnes grabbed a brace each, with Rushie's first being his 300th reds goal. Steve Harkness struck for the first time for the club and Mark Walters also netted while Bruce Grobbelaar saved a Teddy Sheringham penalty.
Bobby's first strike Forward Bobby Graham scored his first reds goal on this day in 1965, as we trounced Boston Metros 8-1 in the first friendly on our US tour. Alf Arrowsmith and Ian St. John both bagged braces, with Phil Chisnall, Chris Lawler and Tommy Smith also on target.
Managerial comings and goings Six years ago today, Mark Wright was appointed Manager of basement side Oxford United. He only won four of the 22 games in which he was in charge, and resigned after just six months at the Kassam Stadium, following accusations of racism. Nine years earlier, Phil Neal was sacked as Bolton Wanderers boss, after nearly seven seasons in charge. He led them to the Freight Rover Trophy Final in his first campaign, before the Trotters were relegated to the basement division the next year, but immediately bounced back into the Third Division. He could not lead them any higher, despite twice making the play-offs.
Future reds starting out Nigel Spackman signed for Bournemouth from Andover on a free transfer on this day in 1980. He played 131 times for his first professional club, bagging ten goals as they were promoted to the Third Division in his second season. Fourteen years later, Sami Hyypiä scored his first goal in the Finnish Premier League as Myllykosken Pallo-47 drew 1-1 with HJK Helsinki.
Gordon's bow Midfielder Gordon Milne made his full international debut on this day in 1963, as England drew 1-1 with Brazil in a friendly at Wembley.
Kenny on target Future red Kenny Dalglish netted in Scotland's 3-0 British International Championships defeat of Northern Ireland at Hampden Park on this day in 1976. Meanwhile, Ray Clemence, Kevin Keegan, Ray Kennedy and Phil Thompson faced John Toshack as England won 1-0 in Cardiff.
European joy Roger Hunt appeared for England on this day in 1968 as they beat Spain 2-1 in Madrid to reach the Semi-final of the European Championships 3-1 on aggregate.
Other reds milestones Ex-reds defender David Burrows was released by Sheffield Wednesday four years ago today. He had played 23 times in his one year at Hillsborough as they struggled in the First Division. One-time reds trainer William Connell was born in Stockport on this day in 1863.
Winning the cup On this day in 1992, we beat Sunderland 2-0 to win our fifth FA Cup. Ian Rush scored his fifth FA Cup Final goal, to break Stan Mortensen's record, after Michael Thomas had opened the scoring. Graeme Souness led the team out just 48 hours after leaving hospital. The wrong medals were presented to each team, and so the two sides had to swap them afterwards!
A quiet day Our only other two first-class games on this day in history both ended in stalemate. Twenty years ago today, we drew 3-3 at Chelsea, with Ian Rush, Steve McMahon and John Aldridge on target in our final game of the season, as we ended nine points behind Everton in second place.
The following year, John Aldridge netted as we were held 1-1 at Anfield by Luton Town. We had already clinched our seventeenth League title two weeks earlier. Nigel Spackman lined up alongside Gary Gillespie in central defence as Kenny Dalglish rested Alan Hansen ahead of the FA Cup Final, with Jan Mølby away on international duty. Unfortunately, Gillespie and Spackman collided when going for the same ball, resulting in them both taking to the Wembley turf in head bandages the following week!
We were also due to play a game on this day in 1973, but our UEFA Cup Final first leg meeting with Borussia Mönchengladbach at Anfield was postponed after only 27 minutes, due to a sodden pitch.
Happy birthday to a pair of ex-reds Neil Ruddock is 39 today. He played 152 games for the reds after being signed from Tottenham Hotspur for £2.5 million, helping us to the Coca-Cola Cup in 1995.
Don Hutchison is also celebrating today, as he turns 36. He made only sixty first-team appearances following his £175,000 capture from Hartlepool United in November 1990 before leaving for West Ham United for £1.5m in August 1994. He is currently playing for Coventry City in the Championship.
Reds trebles Ian St. John bagged a hat-trick on his reds debut on this day in 1961, as we lost 4-3 to Everton in the Liverpool Senior Cup Final. Cyril Done netted a treble on this day in 1942, as we beat Chester 3-0 in a Lancashire Cup First Round second leg match to progress 6-1 on aggregate. Unfortunately, Blackburn Rovers knocked us out at Anfield at the next hurdle.
Sir Roger in Italy Roger Hunt played for a Football League representative side on this day in 1964 as they lost 1-0 to an Italian League team at the San Siro in Milan.
Keegan for England Kevin Keegan resigned as Manager of Fulham eight years ago today, and soon signed up as the England team boss. He had guided the Cottagers to the Second Division title, with an impressive 101 points, in his one season in charge.
Testimonial defeat We took part in a testimonial match for George Curtis and Mick Kearns forty years ago today, losing 2-1 to Coventry City at Highfield Road, with Roger Hunt on target.
Dads again On this day last year, Steven Gerrard became the father of his second daughter, Lexie. On the same day, Robbie Fowler became a father for the fourth time, with his first son, named Jacob.
Poland for England Reds keeper George Poland played for England as they lost 1-0 to Wales at Ninian Park in a Wartime international on this day in 1942.
Avi the Olympian Future red Avi Cohen played in Israel's 1-1 Olympics qualifying draw against Spain in Murcia on this day in 1979.
Red tonkings Ian Rush bagged a brace, with John Barnes, Don Hutchison and Jamie Redknapp also netting against Shelbourne in a SDS Challenge Series match at Tolka Park in Dublin on this day in 1994.
We thumped Preston North End 5-1 in a Wartime League game at Anfield on this day in 1945, with Phil Taylor and Les Shannon both netting twice, and George Kaye bagging a penalty.
On the move Former reserves forward Ian Armstrong was released by Port Vale two years ago today.
Benitez turns up the heat on Reds Feature by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo - 9 May, 2007
Liverpool will head to Spain for a five-day training camp in preparation for the Champions League final.
Rafa Benitez has shown he's not been put off by the controversy which followed the last 'bonding session' in Portugal earlier this season. That caused a furore when Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise clashed, but ultimately ended in triumph as it prepared the players for victory over Barcelona.
Benitez said at the time the week away did far more good than harm, which is why he's given the go-ahead for another trip before the players head for Athens. He's especially concerned the players should acclimatise to potentially soaring temperatures in Greece on the evening of May 23.
"We still have to finalise the details, but it's likely we'll go away for five days to prepare after we play Charlton," said Benitez today.
"When we did this before the Barcelona game it had a positive impact, although I know people talked about other things in the end. The most positive thing is we can work together in a climate and in conditions which will be more like those we'll play in in the final."
Benitez has brushed off the golfing incident which made the headlines prior to the trip to the Nou Camp.
He shrugged off any references to those events, saying: "I know people will mention that again, but it's not an issue. We are thinking only about doing the right things to prepare the players for the final."
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are edging ever closer to new long-term Liverpool contracts. Negotiations continued yesterday and there is a genuine likelihood the pair may sign up over the next 72 hours.
There is caution about making such a prediction until the final details of the contract are agreed, but it appears only formalities now stand in the way of the scouse duo putting pen to paper.
"I hope it may be done this week, but we are talking and we're sure it will be done soon," confirmed Benitez.
Liverpool have fitness concerns over Pepe Reina and Momo Sissoko ahead of the visit of Charlton this weekend. Reina hasn't trained because he's nursing a shoulder injury, while Sissoko is definitely out with a knee problem. The African should be fit for the Champions League final.
Xabi Alonso's attacker Michael Brown of Fulham has been charged by the FA for the headbutt which went unnoticed in the 1-0 defeat on Saturday.
"It's clear in this case people had to look at the video," said Benitez.
"It means players may think twice before they do such things again."
< Message edited by azinorum -- 5/9/2007 9:31:58 AM >
Liverpool 2-2 Charlton By Mandeep Sanghera BBC Sports - 13 May, 2007 Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler's last league game for the club ended in a draw with Charlton as the Reds claimed third place in the Premiership. Fowler's farewell started in disappointing style as Matt Holland's six-yard shot bobbled in. Zheng Zhi missed two glorious chances for the visitors and they paid the price when Xabi Alonso slotted in. Darren Bent volleyed in for Charlton before Harry Kewell converted a penalty just after Fowler's substitution.
Fowler, whose contract runs out in the summer, was made captain for the game and he was greeted rapturously as he led the Reds out. But Charlton showed little regard for the occasion as they made Javier Mascherano pay for a misplaced pass in midfield by going on to score through Holland. It should have been level when Addicks central defender Madjid Bougherra slipped and Alvaro Arbeloa had a free run on goal only to sidefoot wide.
Liverpool have a Champions League final to prepare for on 23 May and their minds already seemed distracted by that game as they put in a lacklustre performance. The visitors were already relegated going into the game and were gifted several chances to end their seven-year spell in the Premiership on a positive note. Ambrose scuffed a shot when unmarked before Bent felt he should have had a penalty for a Jamie Carragher push.
Bent then beat the offside trap and crossed into the six-yard box and, after the Reds failed to clear, Alexandre Song saw his shot cleared off the line by Steve Finnan. Zheng had two gilt-edged chances after the break but dinked a shot wide when one-on-one with Daniele Padelli and then headed wide from six yards. Alonso equalised when he sidefooted in after Dirk Kuyt had nodded a Kewell cross back into the Spaniard's path.
Kewell struck the post and Fowler failed to take a chance before Bent volleyed in and Song hit the foot of the post for the visitors in a rousing finish. Fowler could have made it a fairytale finale after he was found unmarked at the far post by Kuyt but he skied a shot from close range. He was substituted late on and was given a standing ovation but was left ruing his exit as Liverpool were awarded a penalty. Bougherra was punished for handball and, with Fowler off the pitch, Kewell stepped up to score.
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez: "We wanted to pay tribute to Robbie and the supporters were fantastic as they always are. "It was really good for a legend like him to say goodbye in front of the supporters. It was important to give him this opportunity "It was not the best performance. We had chances but so did they. The team tactically and the movement, we were not playing at our level."
Charlton boss Alan Pardew: "It would have been easy for us where we wallowed in self pity but we didn't. We came here and played with a smile on our faces. "We should have won because we had so many chances. "We've had a tough week. Me and my staff had to work hard to make sure everyone was in the right state of mind and the players were terrific.
Liverpool: Padelli, Finnan, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa (Alonso 61), Gerrard, Mascherano, Zenden (Kewell 57), Riise, Kuyt, Fowler (Crouch 88). Subs Not Used: Martin, Hyypia. Goals: Alonso 62, Kewell 90 pen. Charlton: Randolph, Young, Bougherra, Hreidarsson, Thatcher, Ambrose (Hughes 52), Holland, Song Billong, Zheng (Marcus Bent 90), Sam (Hasselbaink 82), Darren Bent. Subs Not Used: Elliot, Fortune. Goals: Holland 2, Darren Bent 72. Att: 43,134 Ref: D Gallagher (Oxfordshire).
Cardiff glory once more We claimed the FA Cup for the seventh time on this day last year, in a game dubbed the ‘Gerrard Final' after Steven Gerrard struck two stupendous shots. We went 2-0 down through a Jamie Carragher own goal followed by a Pepe Reina fumble that Dean Ashton profited from. Djibril Cissé gave us hope before half-time with Gerrard equalising after the break.
Paul Konchesky struck a long-range fluke with Stevie G scoring a stunning long-range effort as the game moved into injury time, a goal that was later voted as the BBC's Goal of the Season. Extra time saw no further score, with the reds triumphing 3-1 in the penalty shoot-out thanks to Pepe Reina's three saves and successful strikes from Didi Hamann, Gerrard and John Arne Riise. Fernando Morientes made his 61st and final reds appearance in this game, coming on for Harry Kewell who limped out of his third successive major final.
Off goes Stan Stan Collymore was sold to Aston Villa for £7m exactly a decade ago. He had bagged 35 goals in 81 reds games after his £8.5m signing from Nottingham Forest in July 1995. He went on to net fifteen times in just 61 games for the Villains before joining Leicester City on a free transfer in February 2000.
Gary Mac departs Gary McAllister officially returned to Coventry City on a free transfer five years ago today, having been appointed their player/manager three weeks previously.
Happy birthday Bill Utility player Bill Jones was born in Whaley Bridge, Derby on this day in 1921. He played 277 games for us, including the 1950 FA Cup Final, when he was preferred to Bob Paisley. Bill won two significant medals in the 1940's - first he was awarded a Military Medal for his part in the crossing of the Rhine in the Second World War, and then he won a League title medal in 1947 on his return to Anfield. His grandson Rob later represented the reds in defence on 243 occasions in the 1990's.
Cally for England Ian Callaghan played for England in their 1-1 draw with a ‘Young England' side on this day in 1966, as part of the preparations for the World Cup. Cally made one appearance in the Finals, against France.
Games on this day We have only ever played three first-class games on this day in history prior to last season, all in the First Division. In 1963, we lost 1-0 at Bolton Wanderers, who narrowly escaped relegation. Four years later we lost our final game of the season, 3-1 at home to Blackpool, who nonetheless finished bottom of the table. Peter Thompson bagged our consolation. Outside-right David Wilson debuted in this game as we ended the season in fifth. We also faced Wanderers in the Lancashire Cup Final second leg in 1944, winning 3-2 at Burnden Park thanks to a Don Welsh brace and a goal from Cyril Done to claim the trophy 6-3 on aggregate.
Finally, in 1989, we won on this day, beating Wimbledon 2-1 at Plough Lane, with John Aldridge and John Barnes scoring. We went behind to an Alan Hansen own goal in the first half, when Kenny Dalglish had experimented with a sweeper system. The second half saw Ian Rush come on for the rarely-used Alex Watson, and we stormed to victory.
In aid of the man mountain A testimonial match for Ron Yeats was staged on this day in 1974, as we lost 4-1 to Celtic at Anfield. Robert Tynan grabbed our goal.
Roker's final roar The last ever match at Roker Park was played exactly a decade ago, as we lost 1-0 to Sunderland in a friendly.
Scoring against the World Champions David Johnson bagged a brace on this day in 1980, with ex-red Kevin Keegan nabbing the other, as England beat Argentina 3-1 in a friendly at Wembley. Ray Clemence, Ray Kennedy, Phil Neal and Phil Thompson all also played.
Harold wings in Outside-right Harold Wadsworth signed from Tranmere Rovers on this day in 1919. He struck three times in 55 reds games, many alongside his brother, centre-half Walter.
Three for Billy Forward Billy Lacey scored a hat-trick as we won 6-2 in a friendly at Swedish side Djurgårdens IF on this day in 1914. William Banks and Thomas Fairfoul also netted, while keeper Elisha Scott played outside-left that day!
A reds farewell On this day in 1974, short-lived half-back Neil McBain died. He played twelve times in 1928, before joining Watford, whom he later twice managed.
Kenny for the Scots Kenny Dalglish twice played for his country on this day in history. He featured alongside ex-red Ted MacDougall as they beat Portugal 1-0 in a friendly at Hampden Park on this day in 1975. Three years later they drew 1-1 with Northern Ireland in the British International Championships at the same venue.
The birth of a great keeper On this day in 1940, Tommy ‘The Flying Pig' Lawrence was born in Dailly, Ayrshire. This legendary keeper played 390 times for us, winning two League title medals and being a member of the 1965 FA Cup winning side.
Centre-forward Louis Bimpson was born in Rainford on this day in 1929. He scored 39 goals in his 102 first-team appearances after signing on a free transfer from Burscough in January 1953. Also celebrating today is ex-reserves forward Mark Peers, who turns 22. He never made it into our first-team, and is now at UniBond Premier Division side Witton Albion.
The title clinched at Anfield again and again We retained the League title thirty years ago today, holding West Ham United to a goalless draw at Anfield, to win the championship for the tenth time. Eighteen years later, Kenny Dalglish's Blackburn Rovers side clinched the League despite losing 2-1 at Anfield, as Manchester United failed to beat West Ham United at Upton Park. Jamie Redknapp scored the goal that might have cost Rovers the League, had the Irons not held on for a draw. John Barnes had opened the scoring.
Bye bye Bob On this day in 1983, Bob Paisley bowed out as reds boss, signing off with a 2-1 defeat at second-placed Watford, having already clinched our fourteenth League title six weeks before. Craig Johnston netted our consolation that day.
Wembley disappointment On this day in 1988, we suffered defeat in the FA Cup Final at the hands of underdogs Wimbledon, to be denied a second double in three seasons. Lawrie Sanchez scored the only goal of the game, while Peter Beardsley had a goal chalked off and John Aldridge had a penalty saved by Dave Beasant - the only penalty we have been awarded in an FA Cup Final, and the first penalty miss in any Wembley final. This game also saw Craig Johnston's 271st and final reds appearance.
Champions League failure Seven years ago today, our 1-0 defeat at Bradford City, thanks to a David Wetherall goal, meant we just missed out on our first trip to the new Champions League, and ensured the Bantams' top-flight survival.
For Clem A testimonial match for Ray Clemence was staged at Anfield on this day in 1980, as the reds lost 8-6 to Belgians RSC Anderlecht, with defender Richard Money bagging his first reds goal. Kevin Keegan returned to score for the reds that night, with Howard Gayle grabbing a brace and Clem himself and ex-red Joey Jones also on the scoresheet.
For the 96 A friendly was played on this day in 1989 in aid of the Hillsborough Disaster Appeal, with a Liverpool Select side facing an Everton Select team at Southport's Haig Avenue ground.
Keegan for England Kevin Keegan was appointed full-time Manager of England eight years ago today, after three months as interim head coach, while also managing Fulham. He remained as national boss until he resigned in October 2000.
England debutants Utility player Bill Jones, grandfather of 1990's defender Rob, made his England debut in their 5-3 defeat of Portugal at Kenilworth Road on this day in 1950. Future reds boss Don Welsh made his international bow twelve years earlier as England beat Germany 6-3 in a friendly in Berlin, the infamous game before which the visiting side gave the Nazi salute.
Reds ins and outs Centre-half Walter Wadsworth was sold to Bristol City for £400 on this day in 1926 after helping us to consecutive League titles. He played 241 reds games, many alongside his brother, outside-right Harold. Reserves midfielder Jim Magilton signed as a professional exactly sixty years later. He never made into the reds first-team, and is now Manager of Ipswich Town.
Carra the dad again Jamie Carragher's fiancée Nicola gave birth to his second child, daughter Mia, three years ago today.
Kenny for his country Future red Kenny Dalglish scored as Scotland beat Wales 2-0 in the British International Championships at Hampden Park on this day in 1974.
Ernie for England Future reds defender Ernie Blenkinsop played for England in friendlies in consecutive years on this day in history. In 1930, he featured in their goalless draw against Austria in Vienna. The following year, he lined up alongside fellow future red Tom Cooper as they lost 5-2 to France in Paris.
Dioufy on the mark El-Hadji Diouf struck as Senegal lost a friendly 3-2 in Saudi Arabia five years ago today, with clubmate Salif Diao receiving his marching orders.
Solna's sixtieth We took part in a match to commemorate Swedish side AIK Solna's sixtieth anniversary on this day in 1951, thumping our hosts 7-0. Willie ****an and Billy Liddell both netted braces, with Kevin Baron and Phil Taylor also on target, to add to an own goal.
Robbie Fowler bows out By Adam Bryant - LFC Online 14 May 2007 Robbie Fowler has played his last game at Anfield for Liverpool and, despite failing to score in the 2-2 draw with Charlton, was given the opportunity to say goodbye to the fans. Fowler was given the captain's armband for the match, yet failed to score one last goal infront of his adoring fans. Ironically, two minutes after his substitution, to which he received a standing ovation, and in the final minute of the game the Reds were awarded a penalty. If he had still been on the field he would have certainly taken it, yet it was left to Harry Kewell to slot in the equaliser in a game which lack of injuries meant more than the points.
With 183 goals in 369 games for Liverpool, Fowler deserved his reputation and after being ceremoniously dumped out of the club by Gerard Houllier back in 2001, it was only right for him to return and say his goodbyes properly.
"Today was for Robbie," said Rafa Benitez. "It was bad luck, but good luck for the team with the penalty. But, as a team, that was not a good performance."
AC Milan v Liverpool Champions League final Date: Wednesday, 23 May Kick-off: 1945 BST Venue: Olympic Stadium, Athens Liverpool's Boudewijn Zenden is set to be passed fit for the Champions League final against AC Milan. The winger has been doubtful with an ankle injury, but should be available to start on the left side. Reds boss Rafael Benitez said: "He looks like he will be OK, he has trained and I expect him to be fit." Benitez is expected to play a five-man midfield with skipper Steven Gerrard likely to occupy a supporting role to lone striker Dirk Kuyt.
AC Milan fielded virtually a second-string side in their 3-2 defeat to Udinese at the San Siro on Saturday.
The Italians have been boosted by the return from a knee injury of veteran defender Paolo Maldini, who will play in his eighth final. Coach Carlo Ancelotti's biggest task is between Filippo Inzaghi and Alberto Gilardino to play up front. Ancelotti admitted he has already decided who will lead the line but was keeping his cards close to his chest. "Inzaghi scores more goals, but Gilardino's support work is better," he said. "I've already decided on my team but I haven't told the players yet.
"Everyone deserves to play, not only the eleven who start the match. We will have to play our own game in the knowledge it will be difficult to play the ball around against a team that gives very little space.
"But I can say that the squad is in good shape. We have worked well, and we are ready for Wednedsay." Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant looks likely to start the match on the right, just two years after he was in prison for motoring offences, while Harry Kewell is on standby if Zenden does not make it. Momo Sissoko has been struggling with injury but even if he is passed fit he is likely to miss out on a midfield slot.
But Liverpool's first-choice keeper Jose Reina and back-up Jerzy Dudek have both shook off injuries. Reina will join a select band of just three father and sons who have appeared in European Cup finals. Miguel Sanchez and his son, also Miguel, achieved that feat for Real Madrid, Cesare and Paolo Maldini did so for Milan, and now Miguel and Jose Reina, for Atletico Madrid and Liverpool. German official Herbert Fandel will referee Wednesday's game in the Olympic Stadium. Fandel, 43, has been in charge of three of Liverpool's Champions League matches - the last being the 1-0 defeat by Barcelona at Anfield in March - and he has handled five Milan matches in the European Cup.
Carsten Kadach and Volker Wezel are assistant referees, with Florian Meyer the fourth official.
BIG MATCH STATSDefinitions of terms used:- Champions League (CL) - only group phase matches and beyond of this competition which began in 1992-93. Champions Cup/Champions League - all matches played since it began in 1955-56 including qualification matches. European matches - all matches played in the major European tournaments (Fairs Cup, Uefa Cup, Cup Winners' Cup, Champions Cup, Champions League). Uefa Super Cups, Intertoto Cups and the old Intercontinental Cup competition are excluded. Head-to-heads AC Milan and Liverpool's only previous meeting in European competition was the epic Champions League final of 2005, which ended in a 3-3 draw. The English club had recovered from a 3-0 half-time deficit, and eventually won 3-2 on penalties. Eight of AC Milan's starting eleven that night - Dida, Cafu, Maldini, Nesta, Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso and Seedorf - are still with the club, as is second half substitute Serginho. Milan's opening goal in that final was scored by Paolo Maldini after just 53 seconds and is one of only two first minute goals in a Champions Cup/Champions League final, the other (timing in seconds is unknown) was scored by Real Madrid's Enrique Mateos in the 1959 final. Maldini's goal also made him the oldest Champions Cup/Champions League goalscorer at 36 years 333 days. Nine of Liverpool players that started that final - Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Alonso, Luis Garcia, Gerrard and Kewell - are still at the club. AC Milan have played one other European final against an English club. They defeated Leeds 1-0 in the 1973 Cup Winners' Cup. Liverpool have played two other European finals against Italian clubs, winning one and losing one. They won the 1984 Champions Cup against AS Roma 4-2 on penalties, having drawn 1-1 after 120 minutes. The Merseysiders were defeated 0-1 by Juventus in the climax to the 1985 Champions Cup. European history AC Milan have played in 13 European finals, winning eight and losing five. In the Champions Cup/Champions League, they have played in 10 previous finals, winning six and losing four. Liverpool have played in 10 European finals, winning eight and losing two. In the Champions Cup/Champions League, the Merseysiders have only lost once in six finals. Current European form Both clubs have lost three Champions League matches this season. Milan succumbed to AEK Athens, Lille and Manchester United, while Liverpool were defeated by Galatasaray, Barcelona and Chelsea. Both clubs entered the competition in the third qualifying round, and repeated history. The last two teams to reach the final coming from qualifying were Liverpool in 2004-05 and AC Milan in 2002-03. Player and disciplinary info Paolo Maldini will be playing in his eighth Champions Cup/Champions League final, equalling the record set by Real Madrid's "Paco" Gento in the 1950s and 1960s. Alessandro Costacurta can become the fourth man to play in at least six finals and Clarence Seedorf can become the 11th to play in at least five. Both Costacurta and Maldini can win the competition for the fifth time, one short of Gento's record of six. The only other players to have won it five times are Alfredo di Stefano and Jose Zarraga. Paolo Maldini (38) will be the oldest player ever to captain a Champions Cup/Champions League team if he plays. He will break the 46 year old record set by Barcelona goalkeeper Antonio Ramallets (36) in 1961. Alessandro Costacurta (41) can become the oldest outfield player ever in a Champions Cup/Champions League final. Maldini is the only Italian to have played 100 Champions League matches. He reached his century in the first leg of this year's second round match against Celtic. Clarence Seedorf can become the first player to win four Champions League titles. Jamie Carragher is Liverpool's most experienced player in the Champions League with 52 appearances, one ahead of his team mate John Arne Riise. Luis Garcia has scored 10 goals in the Champions League, more than any other Liverpool player. Other miscellaneous facts This match will be AC Milan's 300th in European competition. If they score two goals they will have recorded 500 in European competition. They also need to score three times to record 350 in Champions Cup/Champions League matches. The 2007 Champions League final will be the 58th match of the season for both clubs. Six Liverpool players have played in at least 48 matches for the club this season. The list is headed by Jermaine Pennant (50) and completed by Reina, Carragher, Gerrard (49 each), Xabi Alonso and Peter Crouch (48 each). The AC Milan players with the most appearances this season are Clarence Seedorf (49), Andrea Pirlo (48) and Marek Jankulovski (47). AC Milan head coach Carlo Ancelotti is one of only five people to have won this competition as a player and a coach. He won as a player with AC Milan in 1989 and 1990 and as a coach in 2003. Both head coaches are going for their second triumph in the Champions Cup/Champions League. Liverpool's Bob Paisley is the only manager to have won the competition three times (1977, 1978 and 1981). Current head coach Rafael Benitez has now reached a European final in three of the last four seasons. He won the previous two with Valencia (Uefa Cup 2004) and Liverpool (Champions League 2005). Liverpool can equal AC Milan's six Champions Cup/Champions League wins. Only Real Madrid (nine) have more. The Spanish record of 11 Champions Cup/Champions League titles will be equalled, regardless of which club wins the match. Both Italy and England currently have 10. If Liverpool win, Spain's record of 29 European titles will be equalled by English clubs. Venue Athens is the third city to host the Champions League Final twice. Munich (1993 and 1997) and Saint-Denis (2000 and 2006) have also served as the venue on more than one occasion. In 1993-94, AC Milan thrashed Barcelona 4-0 in the final at the Athens Olympic Stadium. The Greek capital also welcomed the 1982-83 Champions Cup final (when Hamburg beat Juventus 1-0), and the 1986-87 Cup Winners' Cup final (when Ajax prevailed against Lokomotive Leipzig 1-0). Players with fond memories of the stadium are Paolo Maldini, who played in the 1993-94 final, and Alessandro Costacurta, who was a part of Milan's winning campaign that season, but was suspended for the final. Also Liverpool's Javier Mascherano, because on 28 August 2004, he won an Olympic gold medal for Argentina, beating Paraguay in the final of the Athens Summer Games. With only the final to conclude the 2006-07 season, it is possible that the average attendance record will be broken. The previous 124 matches in this season's main competition have drawn 5,494,359 spectators for an average of 44,309 per match. The season record in the Champions League (since 1992-93) was set in 1993-94 at 44,413 spectators per match. This year's showpiece needs to draw 57,270 to break that record. A sell-out would number approximately 63,800, although the stadium has a capacity of 71,000, of which roughly 90% has been made available for the CL final. Big Match Stats source: Infostrada Sports
Gerrard vows Reds will be heroes BBC SPORTS ONLINE - 25 May, 2007 Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard says the Reds are determined to return from the Champions League final as heroes. The Merseyside club face AC Milan in Athens in a repeat of the dramatic European Cup final of 2005, which Liverpool won on penalties. Gerrard said: "We want to be heroes and come back as winners. "To win one final was absolutely magnificent - to do it twice would be really special. It will put us up there with the great European teams."
Liverpool came from 3-0 down to beat Milan in Istanbul in a dramatic finale to Europe's premier competition. It was Gerrard who kick-started their second-half comeback with the first of three Liverpool goals in six minutes.
The Reds were underdogs for that final, despite beating Juventus and Chelsea en route. They will again be outsiders to win when they face a rematch with Milan in the Olympic Stadium, but Gerrard said they are much more confident of victory this time.
He added: "Two years ago everything was a surprise. We pulled off a series of great results against the odds, but accepted we were not necessarily the best team in Europe.
"We even shocked ourselves by what we achieved. This time it's been a different feeling all the way through.
"We've come on so much as a team and don't see reaching this stage as a bonus any more. "I actually expected us to be challenging to win it.
"The Premiership table says we are still behind Manchester United and Chelsea in England and I'd accept that.
"But over three years in Europe we have played all the best teams and come out on top. That tells you how good we've been."
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