Topic: Rodgers, Shankly and the tea lady

[The Grinch]

There has been more spin at Liverpool this week than Roland Garros stop trying to spoon feed the fans Hello magazine style shite and let the fella get on with his job.

[GODS LEFT BOOT]

This is what supporters should strive for

[12Kings]

No disrespect to Paul, and I am fully behind Rodgers, and he has my full backing, in fact he was one of my first choices when thinking about, the sad life after the king, but this does feel like a propaganda train we're on now. I really wish Rodgers all the best, and I hope it works out. But I hope the owners don't think they can just win us all over with a few good bits of press over the next few weeks. They have it all to prove, as does Rodgers, as does the club as a whole. We as supporters have been tried and tested once to many times in the past few years. They wont just win us over with a few pictures, and a couple of decent announcements, or transfers. We need to build for the long term future, starting with the stadium announcement.

You should realise that every single post put up on here via lfc staff is most probably only for exposure in some way to the website or onlinetv. Fact.

[PaulR]

I think a few people read too much into some things.

I know we've all had our fingers burnt - and modern football is not to a lot of our tastes - but what would you do if you were in my position?

I was lucky enough to be at Melwood with the new manager, not many people were around and I took a few pictures of the moment on my phone as he saw his new surroundings. He seemed very impressed / excited about being at Melwood but came across like you'd want a Liverpool manager to come across - humble but confident.

I wanted to share the pictures with the wider fan base - as I'm in a position to do that. Whether you agree or not, my whole philosophy as Head of Content is bringing fans closer to the club through content and showing them things external media can't. If I didn't work here, I'd want to read that story and see those pictures as it gives a tiny insight into a man who now is our manager.

There'll be good times and bad times ahead - today was a chance to address the fans through the media. Nothing more, nothing less.

One thing I will say - and we did the first interview at 9am, so I saw him before he addressed the media - is that he appears his own man. He certainly didn't come across as someone who either needed or would appreciate be stage-managed.

[PaulR]

You should realise that every single post put up on here via lfc staff is most probably only for exposure in some way to the website or onlinetv. Fact.

Obviously.

[CRAZY HORSE EMLYN]

You can't please all the people all the time...

Personally I thought these were intentionally done to rebutt a few things being said in the media in recent weeks:
1. That Melwood had been a ghost ship, and the owners had lost touch with the culture / roots of teh club . Ok so the tea lady thing is maybe a bit patronising but hey the guy likes his tea and there's an old quote about the tea lady isn't there?
2. I read a few times that "Liverpool represented a step up". Well sorry but I found that as a massive backhanded compliment, basically says we aren't what we used to be. Much was also made about Rodgers
having to train Swansea at an upmarket leisure centre – I think the pics of Melwood are reminding everybody what he's come to.

why am I so worked about this? 

[alonsoisared]

I think a few people read too much into some things.

I know we've all had our fingers burnt - and modern football is not to a lot of our tastes - but what would you do if you were in my position?

I was lucky enough to be at Melwood with the new manager, not many people were around and I took a few pictures of the moment on my phone as he saw his new surroundings. He seemed very impressed / excited about being at Melwood but came across like you'd want a Liverpool manager to come across - humble but confident.

I wanted to share the pictures with the wider fan base - as I'm in a position to do that. Whether you agree or not, my whole philosophy as Head of Content is bringing fans closer to the club through content and showing them things external media can't. If I didn't work here, I'd want to read that story and see those pictures as it gives a tiny insight into a man who now is our manager.

There'll be good times and bad times ahead - today was a chance to address the fans through the media. Nothing more, nothing less.

One thing I will say - and we did the first interview at 9am, so I saw him before he addressed the media - is that he appears his own man. He certainly didn't come across as someone who either needed or would appreciate be stage-managed.

Well said Paul.

Personally think you've done a good job and I enjoyed these photo's. People have become increasingly paranoid and cynical especially since H+G, wouldn't worry about it if I were you!

[12Kings]

Obviously.

It's good content in most cases also, so fair play Paul, keep up the good work. I would say though all the legends printed all over mellwood, its a bit cheesy really isn't it? I mean we all know the history and I know its meant to inspire, but if this club really wants to move forward it now needs to start making its own history again. Paint those walls red.

[Franck Le Poof]

I think a few people read too much into some things.

I know we've all had our fingers burnt - and modern football is not to a lot of our tastes - but what would you do if you were in my position?

I was lucky enough to be at Melwood with the new manager, not many people were around and I took a few pictures of the moment on my phone as he saw his new surroundings. He seemed very impressed / excited about being at Melwood but came across like you'd want a Liverpool manager to come across - humble but confident.

I wanted to share the pictures with the wider fan base - as I'm in a position to do that. Whether you agree or not, my whole philosophy as Head of Content is bringing fans closer to the club through content and showing them things external media can't. If I didn't work here, I'd want to read that story and see those pictures as it gives a tiny insight into a man who now is our manager.

There'll be good times and bad times ahead - today was a chance to address the fans through the media. Nothing more, nothing less.

One thing I will say - and we did the first interview at 9am, so I saw him before he addressed the media - is that he appears his own man. He certainly didn't come across as someone who either needed or would appreciate be stage-managed.

Cheers for the pictures mate it must have been quite the experience. Don't let the cynicism stop you from sharing!

[mat106]

I think a few people read too much into some things.

I know we've all had our fingers burnt - and modern football is not to a lot of our tastes - but what would you do if you were in my position?

I was lucky enough to be at Melwood with the new manager, not many people were around and I took a few pictures of the moment on my phone as he saw his new surroundings. He seemed very impressed / excited about being at Melwood but came across like you'd want a Liverpool manager to come across - humble but confident.

I wanted to share the pictures with the wider fan base - as I'm in a position to do that. Whether you agree or not, my whole philosophy as Head of Content is bringing fans closer to the club through content and showing them things external media can't. If I didn't work here, I'd want to read that story and see those pictures as it gives a tiny insight into a man who now is our manager.

There'll be good times and bad times ahead - today was a chance to address the fans through the media. Nothing more, nothing less.

One thing I will say - and we did the first interview at 9am, so I saw him before he addressed the media - is that he appears his own man. He certainly didn't come across as someone who either needed or would appreciate be stage-managed.

The pictures are great and much appreciated. They are what they are I'm not going to look for some hidden meaning.

[MichaelA]

Nice pics Paul, looks like you had a treat today! Ignore the whining Rafalites who are trolling around RAWK looking for a metaphorical cat to virtually kick

[the_red_pill]

I think a few people read too much into some things.

I know we've all had our fingers burnt - and modern football is not to a lot of our tastes - but what would you do if you were in my position?

I was lucky enough to be at Melwood with the new manager, not many people were around and I took a few pictures of the moment on my phone as he saw his new surroundings. He seemed very impressed / excited about being at Melwood but came across like you'd want a Liverpool manager to come across - humble but confident.

I wanted to share the pictures with the wider fan base - as I'm in a position to do that. Whether you agree or not, my whole philosophy as Head of Content is bringing fans closer to the club through content and showing them things external media can't. If I didn't work here, I'd want to read that story and see those pictures as it gives a tiny insight into a man who now is our manager.

There'll be good times and bad times ahead - today was a chance to address the fans through the media. Nothing more, nothing less.

One thing I will say - and we did the first interview at 9am, so I saw him before he addressed the media - is that he appears his own man. He certainly didn't come across as someone who either needed or would appreciate be stage-managed.

Thanks again for the updates, Paul.
I realise you get a few potshots on here from time-to-time, but we do recognise the position you are in and we accept that you have to do your best in your job.

You are at least the only recognised link we have to the offy. I appreciate your efforts and hope for future posts from you big fella.

[L6 Red]

"I'm going to get behind the new manager."

How bloody good of you all.

[DyingAtheist]

"I'm going to get behind the new manager."

How bloody good of you all.

And how does it hurt to voice support?

[PaulR]

Thanks again for the updates, Paul.
I realise you get a few potshots on here from time-to-time, but we do recognise the position you are in and we accept that you have to do your best in your job.

You are at least the only recognised link we have to the offy. I appreciate your efforts and hope for future posts from you big fella.

Cheers for the kind words but I can take criticism - particularly on message boards - as I've got a thick skin. You certainly need one working at LFC and I've been there 11 years!

When we get it wrong, we should be told and when we get it right, it's nothing more than anyone should expect. I'm totally comfortable with that.

[slimbo]

Thanks Paul. Appreciated seeing the pictures.

Did anyone not find them "of interest". They are what they are. A nice insight into our new managers first day. Something very few of us would get to see. Just enjoy the insight.
They're from our official website. What do you expect them to do with a worldwide audience? Post very little information to appease the suspicious.
There was so much bleating about us taking too long to appoint someone. Now we've done so, most want to know or see as much as we can about the guy.

There'll be plenty of opportunity for "fans" to bag the guy I'm sure. In the meantime, just enjoy his moment in the sun before it becomes the spotlight.

[CRAZY HORSE EMLYN]

Wrote my comment about them being set up intentionallt whilst Paul was posting that he'd in fact taken them impromptu. Sorry Paul, just how I read them! Great shots.

[John C]

I think a few people read too much into some things.

Don't feel compelled to play it down Paul, bit of a shame if you have to.

[Circa1892]

Even though he flopped a bit, I fucking loved that guy when he was here. So much class, almost on a par with Jari.

[Mizerooskie]

Paul, was there any video taken of Rodgers' visit to Melwood, by chance?

Would love to see the Shankly comment (along with the rest) in context.

Nice pictures, BTW.  Love how you framed the shot of him overlooking the pitch.

[John C]

So, you have a massive privilege of working for LFC, as if any of us will ever deserve an interview never mind the chance of employment, then you find yourself welcoming, indeed occupying the new manager for an hour or so before he's announced to the world among a clicking noisy background. Then, when you decide to share your day and your pics you find yourself having to explain the rationale, would you get home and wonder why people responded the way they have?
I'm wondering!

[kennedy81]

Sugar milk and hot water, sounds like a caffeine free fad.

the assistant tea-bag lady won't work under a Director of Beverages.
Dave Whelan told me.

[kates bush]

Aye, dead on Paul, who did you phone to get that reply.
Sounds like it came straight out of John Henry Eden's mouth.

Ha ha, I kid, but seriously, you can't win no matter what you say.
I think you are doing a good job and thank you for your contribution, if I was you I would just ignore the inevitable morose, doom mongering shitfest stirring, lie on there backs while someone plunges shit into their mouths "supporters" if I was you.

[PaulR]

So, you have a massive privilege of working for LFC, as if any of us will ever deserve an interview never mind the chance of employment, then you find yourself welcoming, indeed occupying the new manager for an hour or so before he's announced to the world among a clicking noisy background. Then, when you decide to share your day and your pics you find yourself having to explain the rationale, would you get home and wonder why people responded the way they have?
I'm wondering!

I'm not really surprised by how fans react to anything - whether it's a good reaction, a bad reaction or indifference. Maybe I got more precious and defensive when I was a bit younger / more naive - but we're all different and we've all got different opinions, views and tastes. It'd  probably be boring if we were all the same.

All I - and the staff who I work with - can ever do is try our best to make great content that hopefully people want to engage with and consume. We don't pick managers, select players, design kits or set ticket prices - we just try and create content worthy of the club. If we do that well and the reaction is good more often than not, we're doing our job.

One thing I will say - and this won't go down well with many I know - is that we always try and showcase to the global fanbase and the wider world a really positive side of Liverpool FC. There's enough people who knock us and enough forums and platforms to question and criticise the club - some very much deserved on occasion - but we try and always show the good side, the best side.

If, when it comes time to leave LFC, either by choice or not, I can say I stayed true to always trying to make LFC look good, I'll be able to live with that.

[WavertreeRed]

Ignore the miserable fuckers Paul, keep up the good work!

[tax_man]

Have we become allergic to positivity over these past 2 years or something?

Enjoyed the photos. And yes, love that office.

[BUSHMILLS]

Hi Paul - you really don't have to justify what you did. You got some great exclusive photos and decided to share them with fellow supporters. it's not your fault that some of those supporters have decided to paint themselves as "superfans" who "don't fall for spin" and "can see through all the bullshit". I honestly think some of them are quite pissed off we didn't go for Martinez, because that would have given them the chance to moan all the louder.

Although I'm not a big fan of the official site (I think it's slow with breaking news, and the forums are a real shocker), I reckon  you've done a fantastic job with the TV channel, particularly as it's probably been run on a shoestring. I know it's been the subject of a review under Brian Barwick of late, and I hope that whatever the future holds for the channel, you'll be a part of it. Perhaps I'm reading too much into things now, but you seem to be dropping a little hint in those last couple of sentences of yours.

[Zeb]

If, when it comes time to leave LFC, either by choice or not, I can say I stayed true to always trying to make LFC look good, I'll be able to live with that.

Fair play Paul. And thanks for sharing those pictures. Always loved that office overlooking the pitches. Just is right. Think the stuff you've been doing recently has been top quality. The two interviews in particular were superb. And the behind the scenes peeks are always welcome for me.

[Ycuzz]

No need, and there shouldn't be one, for an explanation - or even close to one Paul.

Thank you. And, as much as you can, please continue to share.

[krizzobizzle]

Please Please Please Support this man. This is mostly aimed at the sceptics.

We as fans need to back him, make him feel at home, confident that he can go about his work without him stressing everyday. Be patient, we wont steamroller teams straight away and a lot of players wont fit in.

Lets get our identity back. This isnt Roy. Hes a breath of fresh air we probably need. Modern ideas, a fresh approach, new eyes.

We need to become supporters again, and help him and the team as much as we can.

I trust him 100%, from how hes been today he seems humble, down to earth, and commited. What else can we ask for from a manager?

[Lawnmowerman]

Ta. Like this pic

[will2003]

They did this for Kenny not sure why the issue with BR

[Liverbird88]

Great pictures Paul, Thanks

I think they're splitting that position into three.
Director of boiling the kettle, sugar director and milk analyst.
it's the future going forward.

Haha I like that

[Jizz Capuchin]

"I'm going to get behind the new manager."

How bloody good of you all.

It makes it easier for them to push him off a cliff though from that position if he draws a match against someone in the bottom four Kris 


Anyway Paul, thanks for posting the pics. I'm happy today for the dawn of a new era with a heavy heart for The King. Easy to say, but first impressions tell me that if the board give him financial backing, support, time and patience, we've got a gem on our hands.

[Rossie]

They're great photo's Paul and I was intrigued to see them.  I was thinking of how excited Brendan Rodgers must have been feeling, walking round there for the first time.  We love to see old rarely seen photo's of Shanks, Bob etc in similar behind the scenes situations and to see our new manager going through what most of us can only dream of is great.  Thanks for sharing those moments with us.

[Slick_Beef]

I think a few people read too much into some things.

I know we've all had our fingers burnt - and modern football is not to a lot of our tastes - but what would you do if you were in my position?

I was lucky enough to be at Melwood with the new manager, not many people were around and I took a few pictures of the moment on my phone as he saw his new surroundings. He seemed very impressed / excited about being at Melwood but came across like you'd want a Liverpool manager to come across - humble but confident.

I wanted to share the pictures with the wider fan base - as I'm in a position to do that. Whether you agree or not, my whole philosophy as Head of Content is bringing fans closer to the club through content and showing them things external media can't. If I didn't work here, I'd want to read that story and see those pictures as it gives a tiny insight into a man who now is our manager.

There'll be good times and bad times ahead - today was a chance to address the fans through the media. Nothing more, nothing less.

One thing I will say - and we did the first interview at 9am, so I saw him before he addressed the media - is that he appears his own man. He certainly didn't come across as someone who either needed or would appreciate be stage-managed.

Thanks for sharing the pics mate, the "behind the scenes" stuff is always interesting to see.

[Antics]

Cheers for the pictures Paul. Ignore the cynicism.

[shelovesyou]

I actually didn't mean that in any disrespect to Rodgers, if you read my post, you would see I'm fully behind this manager, in fact I like what he has done at swansea, and think he has a great chance to make it here. I just feel that there's a bit of a propaganda train starting from inside the club and the owners, to try appease supporters concerns, I don't remember in fact any new manager getting amount of PR as much as this one.

Is exactly how I felt it came across... Like I said propaganda train. The whole bit about Shankly to... Like I say, i'm not attacking Rodgers, its more of whats coming out the club

Yeh you could argue that, some would agree and some might not, but playing devils advocate here, perhaps them trying to appease the supporters concerns is a good thing ?

[Stussy]

Just imagine what a rush it must be for a man to walk into Melwood for the first time as the new leader of LFC.

[John C]

One thing I will say - and this won't go down well with many I know - is that we always try and showcase to the global fanbase and the wider world a really positive side of Liverpool FC. There's enough people who knock us and enough forums and platforms to question and criticise the club - some very much deserved on occasion - but we try and always show the good side, the best side.

That will only land hard on the localised fan that can't see beyond Skerries Road Paul. Liverpool is a tight community living in an international glare. If we wrap ourselves up within the compounds of Europe, never mind Anfied Road, then we'll have done this club an injustice.
As you say, we are global, and if people can't accept that we need effort to remain and expand globally, then fuck them.
I can say that - you can't