Author Topic: The Put-Your-Money-Where-Your-Mouth-Is thread. (Read 5044 times)

Carlos: Very Kickable · « **on:** June 9, 2012, 01:35:08 PM »

When we check this in a year's time:

1. Looking back, were FSG right to sack Kenny and replace him with Brendan Rodgers for the good of the team and why?
i.e NOT is BR the right man having already got rid of Kenny but a straight up yes/no in terms of getting rid of Kenny for BR (+ why). Otherwise in a year's time sitting on the fence means you would be right whatever happens!

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

Carlos: Very Kickable · « **Reply #1 on:** June 9, 2012, 01:35:36 PM »

When we check this in a year's time:

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

Yes. As much as i love the man our league peformance and style was going downhill the longer things went on. If we can't afford the players to compete with the likes of Man City (which should be our benchmark) its obvious we need a much stronger team performance than them. That means overperforming with highly astute tactics which fit the Liverpool philosophy which seem the perfect attributes of our new manager.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

Yes. The DOS/SD will be useful in the long term but may hinder incoming transfers in the short term and we dont have time to waste.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

Backroom staff: Goalkeeping Coach, Technical analyst, Sports scientist
Team: A defensive mid who can play at CB. A left winger. Siggurdson. Aqua. Another striker. Think Cole will be tried out but will be found to be lacking - he's not our future.
I would like to see 50 million spent net.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

Funnily enough I think we have the players who can respond quickly. I expect us to be be getting a strong foundation and be playing good pass-and-move by Christmas.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

Fourth. Behind City (1st), Chelsea, United.

Gitsy606 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 9, 2012, 01:51:22 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

Wasnt happy with Kennys sacking he should have been given time, hopefully if the results dont go Brendan Rodger's way but the signs of improvement are there, he will be given time.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

Yes.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

Right winger and a striker. Im not bothered how much is spent, its not all about the price tag, two players who fit the system and want to play for Liverpool.

Pacheco and Aquilani would be the two players coming back I would like to see given a chance.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

Not long, as Kenny had the team playing similar football at times and the team was well capable to implement it, end product was the only thing missing, hopefully Suarez and Carroll can start next season like they finished last.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

5th behind City, Chelsea, United, Arsenal( depending if they keep RVP)

CraigDS · « **Reply #3 on:** June 9, 2012, 01:53:53 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

If he can get the players to adapt to his way of thinking then yes. The players really really underperformed last year so hopefully a new way of thinking may get the best out of one or two.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

I still think before June finishes we will have a team in place working with Rodgers in a collective DOF type of role. I think the club needs it too.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

Certainly the attacking side of things along with cover for Lucas. Another forward and another winger/wide forward is what I'd aim to spend the bigger money on.

Can't see us spending silly money, nor should we really if we want to live within out means (as should be the case). Maybe £20-30m plus any sales.

As for loanees, I'd be happy to see them all go. All on big money, near the end of contracts and not exactly likely to set the first team alight. Aquilani could perform but doubt he wants to live here. Pacheco has the attributes to play in this sort of style so maybe could get a run too.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

Expect it will be instilled instantly. How long until they can perform well that way is another matter. Hopefully by Christmas we'll be seeing some good performances if not regularly, and until then grind results out.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

Probably 5th or 6th unless we get the system pretty much instantly.. Top 4 will be City, Chelsea, United, Arsenal.

KirkVanHouten · « **Reply #4 on:** June 9, 2012, 02:00:22 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?
Probably going to seem like I'm bottling the question but I don't think we'll know. I don't think we'll finish top 4 but I expect Carroll and Henderson to both have good seasons. I think we'll play some very nice football and we'll finish the season stronger but I think we'll suffer from the same problem that's plagued us for years, breaking downing teams that park the bus. Until we fix that problem I don't think we can say any managers been a success. Even then we'll never know what Kenny could have done, I think people forget what an incredible manager he is.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?
Odd question, I'm going to say no. Simply because we hired a very inexperienced manager and I don't think our signings are going to be the quality we need. I think bringing in a more established DoF type would have enabled us to bring in better players.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?
I think we need to spend at the very least 40 million. We need more wide attacking options and we also need a pacy striker. We could also do with another CB and CM. The transfer spending is only half of it we also need to be prepared to offer big wages due to the absence of Champions League football and that wages are what bring the best players here. The only player we've bought who was undervalued in both price and wages for a long time has been Suarez.

Edit: Forgot our most important signing should be a back up for Lucas, this is the most pertinent problem to attend to.

2nd Edit: Forgot about the Loanees, try Pacheco and Wilson in the friendlies and if they look useful give them a go until January. Cole, Aquilani and any others apart from Silva should be sold. We should try and loan out some more of our younger players, we under use the Loan market so much.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?
I think we'll see the new philosophy in our game immediately. The problem will of course be the fact that most of our players aren't used to it and won't open teams up as often as we should. I think we'll be pretty inconsistent one week we'll play out of this world and then the next we'll be bland and horrible.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?
We will finish 5th and the league will be:

1. City
2. Chelsea
3. United
4. Arsenal

Zlenpasha · « **Reply #5 on:** June 9, 2012, 02:10:09 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

Impossible to say but I don't think so to be honest, he looks a bit green to me.
However he hasn't led Liverpool in a single game yet so it's really too early to say.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

We could use another football wise person making transfer decisions.
God knows our transfer dealings will be the demise of this club, we're mostly making shocking deals.
So I think we could use a DOF if it's a person worthy of that position and compliments our manager.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

In order of importance: central midfield, striker, wide forward. We need to spend well at least 50 million pounds otherwise we'll be none close to the Champions league.
Loanees?
I'd get rid of them all.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

Not long if we promptly identify and sell those who might struggle with it.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool

keyo · « **Reply #6 on:** June 9, 2012, 02:20:33 PM »

When we check this in a year's time:

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

Yes, in that I am taking the question as relating only to the appointment of rodgers, not dalglish's sacking. We need a direction and we need to get back to basics and start all over again. Rodgers does not have baggage, has a philosophy, appears to have integrity. Hopefully, he is able to apply them all successfully. No appointment is failsafe, nothing comes with a guarantee, but hopefully rodgers will be given time, and we will prove successful.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

No problem with the structure, think it is undermined by having no real boardroom structure however. We still have a vacuum where there is no presence or effective proactive management.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

Need more drive in the middle of the park, which may be provided by Aquilani, Gerrard and Cole if we keep them all. Suspect we will keep Cole, not Aquilani. We need another player to supplement and take the pressure off Gerrard. We need another wide player with pace, someone who can take the pressure off downing. Also think we need another striker. Maybe a poacher or an off the shoulder type striker, to supplement suarez and carroll's strengths. Suspect we will keep Pacheco and he will provide some improvement, but not the improvement in striking department we need. I do feel we need to spend on players in the 15 - 20 million bracket. With some sales, maybe the net spend will be 30 million (including January window).

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

Should not take long, as we are a pass and move team already. We do need more structure and a plan that makes us harder to beat and also able to turn pressure into wins. This is not to say we will be brilliant straight off, we will need time but discipline is required to be instilled and this is the easiest step in an evolution. Stepping it up is the hard part, and that is a couple of seasons away at best.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

5th/6th.....city, chelsea, united, arsenal top four
[/quote]

ghost1359 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 9, 2012, 02:32:40 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

Yes if we give him time, the key word here is time. I don't think it's gonna be a smooth ride by any means but I like him, I like his philosophy, I like that he has enough belief in his own way of working to have basically put a gun to FSG's head over the sporting director role. To me that was a defining moment even though he hadn't even got the job at that stage. It shows that he has character, self belief & above all mental strength.

In terms of him replacing Kenny I think it was evident for a long time that FSG wanted their own man, I think they have a vision of having a manager in place for a long time, decades if they can, hence scouring for a young manager. It looks to me like FSG are trying to build an Arsenal influenced side & to do that you need someone with a clear philosophy at the helm who's willing to take on a long term project. From what we've heard from Rodgers so far that seems exactly what he wants so as of right now it appears to be a good fit & in the long run I have confidence it will be.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

Yes I think we did, If we had hired someone else I wouldn't be so sure but by hiring Rodgers you're not just hiring a manager in my view. You're hiring the philosophy too & if that's what you want then you have to accommodate him. If he feels he works best without a director of football & he feels that he's best placed to set up the system he needs to be a success then you have to go with that.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

Currently there's a few areas that need strengthening, no doubt most people will answer roughly the same way here with a few exceptions. The glaringly obvious ones for me are centre mid, right sided attacker (or left sided depending on where Rodgers hopes to play whom) & a forward. I also think we need a left back but I seem to be alone in that boat.

How much needs spending depends on who you speak to, some will say 100 million others will say 20. Personally I think we could radically improve the first team for around 30 million, I also think that's around about what we will spend this summer. The important thing isn't how much we spend, it's that we spend it wisely & only buy players with a view to them going straight in to the starting 11 with the only exceptions being signings that will replace squad players that have either left or will be leaving.

As for returning players, Cole I'd ship on, Aquilani would be in my squad all day but it depends on whether or not he wants to be here. I've heard conflicting reports, some people say he doesn't want to be here, some people say he doesn't mind, I've seen his agent come out with both over the years so I really have no idea where he stands. If he could be convinced to stay, brilliant, if not we move on.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

The first season as always with a new manager is transitional, unless we are truly diabolical (Hodgson) then the majority of the fan base will accept that. For me as long as we finish top 6 & look like we're making progress & try to improve our home form (even if it's to the expense of our away form) then I'll be happy enough. I think we'll start to see us playing the way Rodgers wants us playing by the second season, maybe not week in week out but we'll be on the way. I don't think we'll truly adapt to a genuine short passing, possession game until his third season in charge.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

Such a difficult question to answer because there are so many variables, who stays, who leaves, injuries, etc etc I'm going to say 5th I think above us will be;

United
Chelsea
City
Spurs/Arsenal

I really can't call it between Spurs & Arsenal, it completely depends on who keeps hold of who. Modric & RVP will both be highly sought after this summer & in all honesty I could see both leaving. It all then depends on who adapts to life without them better. Next season I think the draws will kill us again, I just don't see us picking up enough points at home to break in to the top 4, I really hope I'm wrong but I think we'll be pipped to it by one of those two where one of them (I'm inclined to say Spurs in all honesty) will limp in behind us. Just can't see past their horrible form last season, if they lose VDV & Modric that's a hell of a lot of creativity gone from their starting XI, they may also lose Adebayor & Pav this summer. That's a difficult group of players to replace & settle in the space of one summer.

iVapor · « **Reply #8 on:** June 9, 2012, 02:36:31 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

Was devastated to see Kenny go, however something had to change following on of the worst seasns ive seen. Brendan Rodgers, although not a big name, was a good choice, if he fulfills his ambitions of turning this club into a passing club who looks like its not leaps and bounds away from challenging for the league.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

Yes, I feelnif the manager is picking the players then we can assosciate all the triumpth or downfall with him so as fans its more clear, players will also feel better towards the manager and feel they will bemkre willing to prove themself to the person who hired them. Just look at Kuyts tweet saying thank you to Rafa for buying him years ago.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

Aquilani should at least be talked too, if he wants to play for us then he should play. I dont want to see cole again in a red shirt.
We need to spend around £40m, maybe a tad more. Spending the majority of the money in a striker, then an attacking midfielder/winger, then a defensive midfielder. Maybe two attacking mids. These players need to be high quality, better than our current so they can slot right into the first team.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

Contrary to these reports saying it will be hard to instil, i think it will be easier than most think, most of our players are capable of playing that way and with the signings mentioned above i can see us playing really well around January.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

Man City
Man Utd
Chelsea
Arsenal
Liverpool

IamSpartacus · « **Reply #9 on:** June 9, 2012, 02:39:40 PM »

Quote from: Carlos Qiqabal on June 9, 2012, 01:35:08 PM

When we check this in a year's time:

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?
Yes. BR is a modern manager utilising techniques from Holland, Spain and Italy to a lesser extent. He is multilingual manager with a passionate interest in technique, structure and training.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?
What is a traditional structure?
What is a DoF/SD.

No such thing as a typical title.

We set up what is correct for our philosophy. Labels are unimportant.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?
Wingback that could go left or right.
Cover for Lucas.
Attacking Midfielder
Striker

None of the loanees convinces me.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?
In completion I would say 3-5 years.
But I imagine we will stagger the implementation over time.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?
6th or 7th

Top 4 is unimportant

Cid · « **Reply #10 on:** June 9, 2012, 02:43:41 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?
I hope so, yes. Brendan Rodger's philosophy seems to be getting the most out of the team regardless of individual player's ability, and that could be exactly what we need. I love his approach to the game and I can't wait to see it applied to our squad. I'm also quietly optimistic that his multinational experience will once and for all put to death this 'buy british' policy that has wreaked havoc on our club over the last 3-4 seasons.

The 'buy british' shite has quite possibly done us more damage on the football field than even the fucking yanks. downing, Carroll, Henderson, Charlie Adam, Wilson, Robbie Keane, Konchesky, Joe Cole, Spearing playing first team football, Glen Johnson (Good, but never worth 20m), Gareth Barry (never got him, but lost us the best midfielder in the world by trying). If I hear the words 'proven in the premier league' this transfer window I will cry.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?
I suspect not. When a manager is responsible for players signed he feels not only an obligation to them, but also a responsibility. Would downing, Carroll and others have remained regulars in the side if Kenny had not staked his reputation on them? I would rather a manager be seperated from incoming players so he can use them or not as their performance dictates, not the manager's ego.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?
We need at least one top quality winger, one top quality striker and a defensive midfielder. If we do not make these 3 signings, we will struggle all season to control a game and finish chances (same as last season).

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?
I suspect certain players will take to it like a duck to water. Agger, Maxi, Johnson, Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson and perhaps even downing seem well suited to a side set up to keep the ball. Suarez will have to be a little less risky, Enrique will have to be a little more consistent. I suspect Carroll, Carragher, Spearing, Adam will all struggle as they lack consistency with trapping the ball and passing it on safely.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?
Impossible to predict, but I don't think we'll finish any higher than 4th, nor any lower than 6th.

1) Manchester City.
2) Chelsea.
3) Manchester United.
4/5/6 - Liverpool/Arsenal/Newcastle

I expect Spurs to really drop away this season.

Robert_B · « **Reply #11 on:** June 9, 2012, 02:49:59 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

Yes. I think we need to be realistic. Has has all the credentials to be the next great British manager. I think we needed a change after last season, a long term, intelligent and organised regime. So far Rodgers has talked the talk, and i'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt.

I will predict he will make us more organised, smarter, bring in some shrewd signings and this time next year we'll be very excited about the season to come.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

I think we will be healthy. It's hard to predict the road not travelled. If we have a good season without a DoF, that's not to say we wouldn't have done well if we did have a DoF.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

We urgently need (as has been the case since the dawn of time, seemingly) top quality wide players. And a top quality creative midfielder. We need a finisher up front as well. Downing and Adam both need to be gotten rid of. Spearing too if he's not happy about being down the pecking order.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

I think it will be hit and miss this coming season, but next season we will be getting there.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

As always, i'm going to be optimistic about our overall chances:

1. Man City
2. Man Utd
3. Chelsea
4. Liverpool

Barneylfc · « **Reply #12 on:** June 9, 2012, 03:03:27 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

I dont think it was the right decision to sack Kenny. He should have been given another year to change things. At the end of the day, only 20 months ago we were very close to going under. 20 months isnt long to completely revitalise a football club. Rodgers is definitely a gamble, one that could pay off. If he gets the players onside and brings in the players he needs, we could really challenge for top 4.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

I havent ever agreed with a DOF so going back to the manager making all the football decisions is the right way to go for me.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

The wings. Both right and left. A goalscorer. We could have had 20-25 more points last season if we had a clinical goalscorer. I genuinely dont think that much needs to be spent. If rumours are correct and we have £30m + sales then that should be ample to get 2 wingers and a striker.
We should really give Aquilani a chance. 1 season here plagued by injuries. Some really good performances then out on loan for 2 seasons.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

We played decent passing attacking football under Kenny at times last season so I dont think it should take that long if the majority of the squad is the same

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

5th realistically I think. I cant see Newcastle being as good as last season. Spurs best players will probably leave. City and United are as good as guaranteed a top 4 spot, Chelsea are throwing money around again, and Arsenal are just Arsenal.

City
Chelsea
United
Arsenal
Liverpool

DutchRed · « **Reply #13 on:** June 9, 2012, 03:03:41 PM »

Body on the line stuff.

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

Not yet in a year. He'll take longer to make his marks. If he gets time, he'll come good.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

I don't know. Rodgers didn't want one. We wanted Rodgers, so that's it.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

Cole and Aquilani are upgrades on Downing and Adam. Furthermore we'll need three or four quality arrivals.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

Over a year, like I said.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

Seventh. Mancs to be 1-2, don't know the order. Same goes by with Arsenal/Chelsea for 3-4.

kelly34 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 9, 2012, 03:40:07 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?
Yes, mainly because we will have established a set philosophy and structure that will be followed. We'll have a way of playing which we'll believe in and the manager will have full backing of the owners.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?
Again, yes. There were too many misunderstandings and problems with the Dalglish/Comolli strucure last year. If we're starting with a new manager, we should start without a DOF.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?
We need wingers, a CM and a striker. Then we need replacements for Kuyt, Maxi, Aurelio etc. We need to be spending about £40m net spend. Aquliani should say if he wants to, Cole maybe and Pacheco should be given a chance.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?
I think about half a season. We may start slowly but will finish strong.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?
5th, with Chelsea, Arsenal, United and then City.

smicer07 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 9, 2012, 03:43:30 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

No, should have gone for Rafa.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?
Yes.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?
Get rid of Aquilani and Cole. Get some younger players in. Need to be spending at least 50m net to stand any chance of top 4/5.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?
A few seasons I'd imagine

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?
1. Man Utd
2. Man City
3. Chelsea
4. Arsenal
We'll finish 8th or so.

Red Reign · « **Reply #16 on:** June 9, 2012, 04:08:44 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

Yes because the players will buy into the Brendan Rodgers philosophy. He will also make the correct buys to fit his style of play.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

Yes. Rodgers knows best about who will work in his system.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

Net spend of 30 - 35 million will do the trick. Winger, backup DM and backup Striker. Don't need the loanees if Gilfy signs.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

Half a season. I'd like to think we have a squad of professionals.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

1. City
2. Chelsea
3. United
4. Liverpool

ScouserAtHeart · « **Reply #17 on:** June 9, 2012, 04:18:15 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

Yes, although I think we'll struggle initially. A combination of the new coaching staff, the Euros and early EL qualifying means players will take longer to adapt to the new system. We'll be about 6th-7th going into the Christmas period and hopefully we'll kick on from there.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

Yep. Rodgers made it clear he doesn't like it, and you don't undermine your manager.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

Wingers, both left and right, another CF and 2 central midfielders - a backup to Lucas and a traditional midfielder who can fill in for Stevie. IF we have enough funds we should sign someone who can slot into the first team squad. If not, a backup will do.

35 million plus sales should be enough to challenge for 4th IF spent wisely.

Pacheco would be the only loanee I would like to get a regular game. Joe Cole too if he could be taught how to press.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

At least till the turn of the year.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

5th. City, Chelsea, United, Arsenal.

DyingAtheist · « **Reply #18 on:** June 9, 2012, 04:32:51 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?
Yes, I think he'll instill the right playing philosophy and attitude in the players, and hopefully, due to his age, he'll be able to establish somewhat of a dynasty here.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?
I'm really not sure on this one. I would have liked somebody working with Brendan to ensure the right transfer targets are found, but it's important the manager has control to the level he wants, so he feels comfortable and knows what players he's getting.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?
If I was being greedy I'd want ; Two established wingers, an experienced (though cheap) CDM, a goal-scoring forward, a defender who can play both LB and RB and an advanced attacking midfielder. I'd like to see Aquilani in the team but I don't think he's the saviour people are making him out to be. Shelvey should stay this season and get game time in the Europa/Carling. Pacheco should be given a chance in Europa too. I'd get rid of Cole if at all possible.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?
Honestly it depends on the players brought in and who's shipped out, but I think by Christmas or so we'll start to see some of it have an impact.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?
United - City - Chelsea - Arsenal - Liverpool - Tottenham - Everyone Else

PhaseofPlay · « **Reply #19 on:** June 9, 2012, 04:33:42 PM »

Quote from: Carlos Qiqabal on June 9, 2012, 01:35:08 PM

When we check this in a year's time:

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

Yes, because Rodgers will bring better tactical structure to the attack, better fitness methods integrated into the training drills, and a more clear and definite philosophy of play that puts the system ahead of the players, so every player will know their job in every situation on the field

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

We technically have a hybrid, where a committee discusses and finalizes decisions to a small number, and Rodgers gets to pick from that distilled number. Not sure if it's the right thing, as it can lead to stasis and inertia with the wrong personalities and if anyone has any agenda other than the good of the first team. We'll see.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

We need a natural striker with a good goals to game ratio. We don't necessarily need wingers, per se - we do need wide/attacking midfielders who can contribute goals. We also need a player somewhere on the field who can take better direct free kicks and penalties. Possibly a center half back up if Skrtel leaves. As for returning loanees, Shelvey should get some more game time. Cole should be moved for economic reasons if nothing else, and Aquilani, if he doesn't want to be in Liverpool, should be moved on. As for how much to spend? We don't need to talk about ceilings and spending quotas. We just need to get better value out of the players we do sign.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

12 weeks from the day that all first team players are available for full training sessions. After that, it will be tweaking and refinement rather than instilling a philosophy.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

Order of Top Four will be difficult, but the teams in the top four should be City, United, us and Arsenal. Chelsea 5th. Us and Chelsea the wild cards for 4th and 5th, but United are the interesting one - how much were they pushing past their natural limits last season, and how damaging was losing on the last day in the last kick of the season to their mentality? City probably to win it though.

Zeb · « **Reply #20 on:** June 9, 2012, 05:00:16 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

We seem to have stumbled into appointing someone who, so far, has seemed to demonstrate he has potential to be an excellent manager. But Kenny should have had another year. So wrong decision to sack Kenny. Once he'd been sacked, perhaps Rodgers was as good as it was going to get.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

Given we had the cart before the horse in looking for the head coach before the DoF, I'd say yes. Generally though it's about the right people, the right combination of people, rather than one system being inherently superior than the other. What the 'traditional' English structure does do, is to encourage investing time and belief in the manager. We're a manager's club. The irony of sacking a club legend 18 months in, then appointing someone based upon a belief in the long term is still a bitter taste in my mouth. Do love the idea that this is somehow a hybrid 'structure' which is all revolutionary and has a committee. It's like the bollocks over zone 5 or 87 or whatever it is. Call it the hole. Collaboration behind the scenes is the norm under the 'traditional' structure. We used to call it a 'boot room'. Still, shiny and new, and the wheel is reinvented.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

We need another striker/a replacement for Dirk and another midfielder or two. Depending on how close the young lads are to being ready, another leftback wouldn't go amiss. In terms of spending, who knows? As ever, less about price, more about the right players. Of the returning loanees, none of those above the age of 23 seem likely to be used. Given certain underlying assumptions, such as the one about Aquilani Rodgers gave a nod towards, it's hard to make a case for it otherwise. It's all well and good coming across all tough and strong, but we can't afford to piss away £4m a year on a player who can't be relied upon to play. Cole remains the posterboy for the triumph of good PR over any football sense.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

Personally think that the time to judge where we're at with the Rodgers' project will be three years down the line. In the meantime, I'm expecting something of a bumpy ride. Asking some of our support for patience may well be an exercise in futility. Perhaps the shiny, shiny new aspect of it all and a young manager who's relentlessly on message and comes across well may buy that time.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs, us. Can see us pushing up to Arsenal but think we're looking at being outside the top four again this season barring two of the other five having poor seasons. We'll likely be fifth or sixth given the transition we'll be going through this season with mistakes and hiccups costing us points. Whether Newcastle will be able to push again this coming season is doubtful, but could happen.

KopMcGinty · « **Reply #21 on:** June 9, 2012, 05:26:30 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

Approaching this separately from kenny's departure, I am saying Yes. Not that Kenny should have gone but as an appointment in his own right, I have a good feeling about Rodgers. I think we will see more cohesive and tactical football. he seems to be a good choice for bringing talent through as well.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

I am not convince we have stuck to a traditional model. That remains to be seen in the actual structure. We have done the right thing in avoiding a DoF that lords it over the manager though. This is especially the case seeing as I have said Rodgers is a good appointment and made his feeling clear on the matter.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

We have a disturbing lack of quality from wide positions (how many years we been saying this?). Especially with Dirk haviong moved on. In the centre we need someone that can play alongside/instead of Lucas. I think there are players that can be both partner and understudy to our brazilian. Of the senior loanees, I am not sure we'll see any of them used in a major role. Cole and Aquilani both have ability but I think they are best moved on now. They may show true hunger to play in the shirt and prove me wrong but based on the previous evidence I'd say that is unlikely and would move them both on.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

I can see the recycling of possesion and tactical system being pretty easy to get players on board with, most of our players were here when rafa was and so should be used to taking in the sort of instruction I think Rodgers will provide. Where I see issues is in our ability to turn that system into goals and pressure. Guess what I'm saying is we will see with our eyes the system come into place by Christmas but will continue to see the system struggle to get results for the whole season. It will be a case of dominating the ball but struggling to turn that into pressure in the final third. That step will take longest and it is unlikely to be regularly in evidence this season.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

We will challenge for fourth IMO. I can see us sitting a bit furtther down the table till things begin to fall into place and will probably need a late push to do this challenge. Ultimately though I think we will fall short and the top four will be City, Chelsea, United then Arsenal. Fourth will be between Arsenal Spurs and ourselves but presuming Arsenal keep RVP they will be the ones to get it. I think Newcastle will drift back as teams become more respectful of their ability and make it harder for them.
[/quote]

shockwave_dave · « **Reply #22 on:** June 9, 2012, 06:16:55 PM »

Quote from: Carlos Qiqabal on June 9, 2012, 01:35:08 PM

When we check this in a year's time:

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

I don't think Kenny should have been sacked. However, i have a suspicion Rodgers will do well here because we have a good bunch of players and with the right additions, he should be getting us to a higher finish than 8th.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

Hard to tell really. Rodgers seems as if he has said to the owners that he wants to do it his way, so in that respect, it is good that he can impose his ideas, hopefully working alongside the reserve and youth set up to work his ideas through the club from top to bottom.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

Essential - 1 striker, 2 attacking midfielders/widemen, 1 fullback

Could do with - 1 centre midfielder, 1 centre half, 1 fullback, 1 striker

Spending could be anything really, just depends on the market. I'd like to think the owners will give Rodgers roughly £30m to spend.

Returning loanees - cannot see any of them doing much in the first team, bar perhaps Cole. Aquilani i think will go back to Italy.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

How long is a piece of string? I think you are looking at the guts of a season until we see it bear fruit. By then Rodgers should know which players can't cut the mustard, move them on and bring more of his own players in. Ideally after 2 seasons you will see the full effects, but it will take time. Time i hope he is given.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

Think we will finish 5th with the top 4 being:

Man City
Man United
Chelsea
Arsenal

Kennys from heaven · « **Reply #23 on:** June 9, 2012, 07:25:54 PM »

Quote from: Carlos Qiqabal on June 9, 2012, 01:35:08 PM

When we check this in a year's time:

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?
It will never be right what happened. Kenny should have been given the season, irrespective of how Brendan Rodgers does this season.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?
Yes, Unequivocally. The manager should be the only one making the decisions on who plays. That way you have no ambiguity as to who's fault it is.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?
Striker, creative and holding midfielder and about £30 million at going rates. Aquilani and Cole (he had a very good season at Lille) and Aquilani. We needed to see and to prove once and for all that he can/can't cut it.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?
Not long. Rodgers will continue from where Kenny left off.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?
4th.

1st - Man City
2nd - Arse
3rd - the shite from the East Lancs
4th Us

oojason · « **Reply #24 on:** June 9, 2012, 07:43:50 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

No - should've given more time to Kenny, and raises a lot of questions as to why only give 12 months of a 3 year contract knowing there was a lot of work to be done.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

Yes, though I'm not sure 'we' (the owners) chose that - it seems that Rodgers was only willing to work in a certain structure.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

A defencive midfielder for starters, probably 2 forwards and a wide player due to us being back in Europe and Suarez playing so many games over the past few seasons. How much money spent depends on how much money will be given to the boss to strengthen - let alone keeping the quality players we already have...

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

For it to work effectively and iron out the creases probably until Xmas - though it's not like we don't many have players in the squad who can't play pass-and-move football. I suppose it's too early to say without a ball being kicked or knowing the squad line-up... (sit on that fence! lol). Either way, if results go awry by Xmas and there's no backing from the owners for the manager he could be a dead man walking - hopefully he'll get that backing. If not, then more questions of the owners will have to be asked.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

As above, difficult to say right now. I'm thinking 6th. Top 4 as it stands will be City, Chelsea, Utd, Arsenal, Spurs and us or Newcastle in 6th.

Koplass · « **Reply #25 on:** June 9, 2012, 07:48:08 PM »

When we check this in a year's time:

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

Yes, in the sense that we can only measure this on the basis of league position (since we have decided cup competitions are no longer of any importance) and league performances. I believe we'll finish higher than 8th next season and our style of play will have improved.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

It will be impossible for us to ever gauge this from the outside, but I'll say yes on the basis that Rodgers has a very specific philosophy that only he should be buying players for.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

Defensive midfield, striker and the two wide midfield positions need strengthening, and we need to spend as much as we have. Aquilani is the only loanee that should be given a chance.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

I think it will be 8-9 months before we see it regularly coming to fruition in terms of dominating games and passing as intricately as Swansea currently do.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

We'll finish 6th, the top for will finish in this order - Man City, Chelsea, Man United, Arsenal.

fatlip13 · « **Reply #26 on:** June 9, 2012, 08:36:11 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?
YES, once the owners did not trust kenny then they had to change. i thought kenny could have got another year but i could see why he went. like how BR has spoken and now hope his actions are similar.
2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?
No, i hope there is atleast a committee to help recruit players and recomend signings for BR to chose from. there is a lot to cover in signing players and if we are to get the most from our spending then as much guess work needs to be taken out of the question. it would also give the manager a bit more time for life away from football, e.g family time. 3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?
loanees no. striker, winger and CM. provided there are no 1st team transfers that weaken us greatly. £40m
4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?
after christmas, sooner the better
5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?
4th would be awesome, 6th probable. as we don't know who comes in and who goes. the teams as they stand or with the signings we know are coming:
1.city
2.man u
3.chelsea
4.arsenal
5. spurs
6.liverpool

would be nice to revisit this in september when we know what the squads are

Not A Scouser · « **Reply #27 on:** June 9, 2012, 09:30:49 PM »

1. Yes. I think he is a great coach for good teams. The opposite of Hodgson who is a good coach for bad teams and a bad coach for good teams.

2. No. Not because I think Rodgers won't be able to buy good players but because I think a system with responsibilities spread throughout an organization, and the ability to test each other, is more effective in the long run. I don't want a manager telling everyone what he wants, I want a group of experts challenging each other until the best consensus is achieved.

3. The only part of the team I think needs strengthening is among the forwards. Even one good player who can be a striker or a wide forward. I think a 20 million pound forward would make a huge difference to the team. Otherwise I would continue to invest money in youth players, spending significant money for prospects, as much as 10 million pounds overall. Aquilani would be ideal but I don't think he wants to be in Liverpool. I expect none of the loanees back.

4. The philosophy will be in the team immediately. It will take until Christmas before it works really well. People are going to be restless about "pointless passes" in possessions that end up not going anywhere and losing the ball. By the end of the year people Liverpool will start to look majestic.

5. We will finish fifth. City, Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal.

macca888 · « **Reply #28 on:** June 9, 2012, 09:37:19 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

Absolutely not. Getting rid of Kenny was a disgraceful decision. Regardless of what happens next season, Kenny deserved more time, and bar us winning the league, nothing will make me think otherwise. Having said that, Brendan will and should get every ounce of support. I hope the owners and the fans who wanted Kenny gone think it was the right decision at the end of next season. And I hope some of the players who played like shithouses at times for Kenny get their fingers out and repay the faith Kenny had in them.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

Yes and no. This one will be proved right or wrong in a couple of months, but I'm not sure if Brendan has got the pulling power we need to get us up the league, because we need some better players in key positions. That's where I think a very experienced Chief Scout type position needs to work alongside the new manager. But not some fucking egit like Comolli who ran round like a kid who'd robbed his mam's cash card. The modern day Twentyman, similar to the lad at Newcastle.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

I genuinely think we should have a full time Sports Psychologist working at the club, like the fella who works with the GB cycling team. Working alongside a manager who encourages his players to show game intelligence, it might give them an extra few percent in every match. Not that the fucking primadonnas should need any help in producing 100% every week, but that's modern footballers for you. Other than that, a new Chief Scout.

On the pitch, it's at least one top class striker because we need someone who will get us at least 20 odd league goals a year to replace Kuyt's place in the squad. We need a brilliant creative player to play wide or behind the striker. One outstanding holding midfielder who can either play alongside or cover for Lucas, depending on the formation because there is nobody who fits the bill right now. And finally we need at least one left back to either improve on or cover for Enrique. The Enrique up until February was quality and would fit right in, but the one in the last 2 - 3 months, not so much.

Returning loan players? Aquilani and Pacheco regardless of how much people say they don't want them, they're not good enough or don't want to be here. Both have got quality that would more than add to the squad. I also think Gulacsi is good enough to be Pepe's understudy.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

I hope Brendan recognises very quickly which players won't fit in to his style of play and hasn't got the balls or the ability to play it. The sooner we've got all the players on board, the quicker we'll get the system up and running and move in the right direction.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

We'll win it fo course. I'm not changing the habit of a lifetime for anyone.

My sensible head on tells me that I genuinely think we'll finish 3rd or 4th. Regardess of what the table said last year, we were woodwork away from a top 4 finish and I expect us to have better finishing and better luck this season. I think it's going to be City and United 1st and 2nd again by a mile, and us and Arsenal in 3rd and 4th, providing Arsenal keep hold of Van Persie. If not, it'll be Chelsea but I hope not. I hope that interfering Russian oil thief buys his Panini dream team and they don't gel, and end up sacking the new manager mid season so that Cole, Terry and Lampard end up picking the team in Roman's office, the rentboy plastic twats.

OrangeMochaFraps · « **Reply #29 on:** June 9, 2012, 09:54:17 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?
Yes. Kenny is a great man and he really turned things around for us last year. But he's not the man to take us forward - hopefully Rodgers is.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?
The most important man is the manager, so what ever he's comfortable with is probably best.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?
We need a striker and a winger ~10-20m talent level for both. All the loanees who want to eventually play here should stay, all those who don't should leave.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?
I think we have the players to fit into the philosophy well, so I'd expect to see better football by September and hopefully it will be near perfected by December

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?
4th.

City
United
Chelsea
Liverpool

DrTobiasFunke · « **Reply #30 on:** June 9, 2012, 10:40:17 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?

No. I reckon we'll get 60-65 points next season and that Kenny would've got the same. In the long run Rodgers could be a great appointment but keeping Kenny for at least another season would have given Rodgers more time to prove that he's got what it takes.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

I like the idea of splitting the DOF job between a few people. Remains to be seen what our plans are, though, so it's hard to tell.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

£20m - winger/wide forward
£10m - striker
£5m - defensive midfielder
Free - 36 year old Dutchman, preferably one who has played with Aquilani before and has some punditry experience

Aquilani.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

Not trying to sound too negative but I don't think we'll only start to see this once the chances of top 4 are gone and some pressure lifts, around February or March. Hopefully this will help players to buy into the philosophy and we can do this more consistently in the following season.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

6th.

City
United
Chelsea
Spurs (if they keep their key players and sign a top striker)

RedHandGang · « **Reply #31 on:** June 9, 2012, 11:18:15 PM »

All this thread is proving just how how many furktards we have in our so called support. Best supporters? not some of these fair weather jessies! Everyone who claims some sort of connection with the club should have stood by Kenny given that he camein when called and sorted the club out inside and out and was perhaps the only man alive that could have turned things around so quickly.

Rodgers is here now so good luck to him and I hope he rises to the challenge and does well. As for the rest again not much change from what was required last season if he does not get the minimum 4th place he will be issued his P45 by FSG and lauded by their apologists. Thats the alternative prediction, that and more blerts on the phone ins on 606 etc with Sky and southern rags milking it any opportunity they get.

PhaseofPlay · « **Reply #32 on:** June 9, 2012, 11:34:51 PM »

Quote from: RedHandGang on June 9, 2012, 11:18:15 PM

All this thread is proving just how how many furktards we have in our so called support. Best supporters? not some of these fair weather jessies! Everyone who claims some sort of connection with the club should have stood by Kenny given that he camein when called and sorted the club out inside and out and was perhaps the only man alive that could have turned things around so quickly.

The first question is being interpreted by people, based on their answers, as "Was Rodgers the right choice of candidate once the manager's position was made vacant?", not as "Were FSG right to sack Kenny?". I would hazard a guess that the answers from most of us would be very different if that was what the original poster asked.

Rodgers is here now so good luck to him and I hope he rises to the challenge and does well. As for the rest again not much change from what was required last season if he does not get the minimum 4th place he will be issued his P45 by FSG and lauded by their apologists. Thats the alternative prediction, that and more blerts on the phone ins on 606 etc with Sky and southern rags milking it any opportunity they get.

riismeister · « **Reply #33 on:** June 9, 2012, 11:45:56 PM »

1. Will we have made the right decision to hire Brendan Rodgers in place of Kenny and why?
No. I don't mind Brendan, but I believe Kenny should have gotten a year or two more and would have gotten himself a new contract by then.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?
I think the people in the structure is more important than the structure itself, so I guess that depends who joins the 'team.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?
1. Attacking midfielder/Inside forward
2. Striker
3. DM/CM to play next to and/or cover for Lucas.
4. Left wingback option

How much spending? As much as needed to get 1st choice players for the positions mentioned.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?
12-18 months.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?
1. Manchester City
2. Manchester United
3. Chelsea
4. Arsenal

6. Liverpool

Carlos: Very Kickable · « **Reply #34 on:** June 10, 2012, 12:08:16 AM »

Quote from: phaseofplay on June 9, 2012, 11:34:51 PM

Duly changed - many thanks.

BMW · « **Reply #35 on:** June 10, 2012, 12:42:28 AM »

1. Looking back, were FSG right to sack Kenny and replace him with Brendan Rodgers for the good of the team and why?

Yes.

Dalglish wasn't in thier long term plans, the mistake they made was appointing Dalglish as permanent manager in the first place. Whether it was fans pressure it doesn't matter, they made the appointment and the way Dalglish had us playing at the end of the 2010/2011 season I was very happy they did. In the end tho it didn't work out and a change was needed IMO. Anyways from the beginning FSG said they wanted a younger manager (tactically astute, comes from the nu school of managers etc), someone who can be part of their term plans and their vision for the future. They now have their man.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

Yes. A DOF/Sporting Director needs to be established at the club first, they need to be the ones picking the new manager.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

A defensive midfielder that can play in zone 3 ('the Lucas zone') but also further forward if needed.

Sigurdsson.

A wide attacking midfielder, someone with creativity and vision but also the right 'mentality'

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

To fully instill the new philiosophy two seasons.

For us the start seeing glimps of exactly what and how Rogers wants us as a team to operate, 6 months.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

If Im gonna be honest 5th.

Red Genius · « **Reply #36 on:** June 10, 2012, 01:06:23 AM »

1. Looking back, were FSG right to sack Kenny and replace him with Brendan Rodgers for the good of the team and why?
i.e NOT is BR the right man having already got rid of Kenny but a straight up yes/no in terms of getting rid of Kenny for BR (+ why). Otherwise in a year's time sitting on the fence means you would be right whatever happens!

I didn't want to see Kenny go, he had given himself a good platform to improve upon having just finished his first full season, two cup finals and a trophy to bring home, success breeds success. However now in hindsight it appears apparent that FSG were never comfortable with the arrangement and for whatever reasons (culmination perhaps) He wasn't in the mould of what they envisaged, so to be honest i'm pleased they acted swiftly rather than perhaps trying to undermine Kenny in order to lose popular opinion both inside and out of the club. Now that we do have Brendan, i'm intrigued to see how he gets on as he certainly talks the talk and his approach is spot on, if he can translate that here with us i'm sure he'll become a success.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?
For now yes, i think there's lots of work to be done on our first team before it can get close to becoming competitive with the very best squads in the league, with Brendan coming in to introduce a playing style and philosophy that is quite unique in our country he'll know better than most what types of individuals succeed within that framework and which don't. However further down the line when we're more settled a Chief scout role with a primary focus on scouring the worlds up and coming talents to bring through our academy trained in our DNA of football would be what i'd like to see introduced, this person can dedicate time to assignments that the manager may find necessary for first team players - with budgets in place and first team players getting signed off by the manager and youth team players signed in by those running the Academy.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

We'll spend what we can afford to improving the squad. There are a handful of positions we could improve upon but i think we'll need to be prudent and prioritise. I'd like to see a goalscorer come in somebody to mix it up with Andy and keep him on his toes, but perhaps also be cognitive to a partnership with him too. We'll need a wide player (right) i'd also hope to see some depth brought in to shore up our defensive midfield shortage. I think those 3 positions will eat up the majority of whatever budget we'll have. Our lads out on loan? - i'm not holding my breath on any of them coming back and proving successful, the one if i absolutely had to take back would be Aquilani, but i have a suspicion he'll be back in Italy come August.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

This is where Brendan has to demonstrate his ability in getting his message across, first impressions suggest he's a very good communicator, if his training methods and drill are equally impressive i'd hope to see evidence of what he's trying to achieve in a matter of months, not the finished article... but steps in the direction he wants to take us.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

Impossible to predict without knowing the ins and outs of all the top clubs, however i think the top 4/5 teams are all stronger than us at the moment, perhaps if we can bring in some shrewd signings and our added value comes from Brendan and his philosophy we might have a realistic chance of a top 4 challenge, but i think 5th is probably closer to where we'll be. Top 4 as i see it at this moment in time;

Man City
Chelsea
Man United
Arsenal

exiledintheusa · « **Reply #37 on:** June 10, 2012, 01:11:43 AM »

Not putting my money anywhere until we see how is bought in and who is shipped out.

bailey90 · « **Reply #38 on:** June 10, 2012, 02:22:47 AM »

1. Looking back, were FSG right to sack Kenny and replace him with Brendan Rodgers for the good of the team and why?

In simple terms I think we'll finish higher than we did this year and play better football so I've got to say yes.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

If this does end up being the case, then personally I say yes. Rather have the manager pick the players he think best suits his sytem.

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

Don't think we need any of the returning loanees if we bring in the right players, maybe aquilani at a big push. We need a winger or 2, and as much as I think Carrol has a future, we need a different type of striker as well, one who'll just sit in the box and bang the goals in. Then I'd still be wanting cover for Lucas. Along with Sigurddson who is looking likely. I'd be looking to spend about £30m before player sales.

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

Thankfully, Kenny had us playing some good pass and move football at times this season, so I honestly don't think it will take long at all for Rodgers style to kick in. Christmas at the latest.

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

Think we'll finish 4th (ever the optimist) and Im going for a surprise champion. Think the top 6 will be:

Chelsea
City
Man Utd
Livepool
Arsenal
Tottenham

Arsenal dropping out of the top 4 purely because I think Van Persie has already packed his bags.

adlad · « **Reply #39 on:** June 10, 2012, 02:57:54 AM »

1. Looking back, were FSG right to sack Kenny and replace him with Brendan Rodgers for the good of the team and why?

No, I don't believe it was the right time for Kenny to leave. I think the team's performances were always going to improve next season after a transitional period. Rodgers is no doubt a good manager and I'm confident he will do well (although made much easier by Kenny's clean-up of the mess after the yanks/Hodgson era), but I thought Kenny should have had at least another season to see what he could do.

2. Did we do the right thing sticking to a traditional structure rather than a DOF / Sporting Director?

Yes, but it highly depends on the current manager's preference. Rodgers said he prefers not to have a DOF so the answer is certainly yes!

3. Which areas of the team need strengthening in the transfer market, how much needs spending and which of our returning loanees should have been used?

Creative midfielder/winger (promote Sterling too)
Poaching centre forward

If spent wisely, £50m over two seasons (£25m each season) is probably enough to get us challenging for the title again. Especially if we retain Aquilani (providing he has the desire to play for us).

4. How long will it take to instill the new philosophy on the team?

At least one season (but as I said before, we will almost certainly improve on last season regardless, as the current crop of players know each others styles better).

5. Where will we finish in the league and what will the order of the top four be?

6th (City, United, Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea, Liverpool).