Topic: The John W Henry Interview - Part Two

[DMace]

Great interview thanks.

live4liverpool.com have used some of your quotes by the way without giving credit, not sure whether they should be doing that or not.

The link is here anyway

http://live4liverpool.com/2010/11/view-from-the-kop/reds-chief-to-outline-plans-this-week

[SalisburyRed]

They should be giving credit to Save LFC and RAWK.

[Coady]

Im very upbeat after reading this. Thanks VDM.

[xerxes1]

I am getting the feeling that NESV now subscribe to Roy's view that LFC is a massive rebuilding job. This worries me slightly. A better manager would get more out of the players thus making the building job appear smaller. We still have good players here and it seems as though the manager and owners are covering themselves with this talk of longer term stuff. The longer term is directly affected by the short term results this season.No CL next season means lower calibre players and managers being interested in coming to LFC come the summer. That wil happen if we keep Roy untill May.

Massive rebuilding job compared to what?

If it is to improve on last season, or this season's start, the answer is no. If it is to compete in the CL, the answer is yes. When we last successfully completed we had two more world class players than we had now.You don't lose players like that and not suffer. Man U/ Arsenal have their stadia built, Man City/ Chelsea have their sugar daddys in place. TThat's a tough mountain to climb.

We "lost" this summer in the transfer market, and in Masch and Yosser lost two excellent players, realistically a CL finish can be aspired to, but not expected.We will have to trust in NESV- and hope.

[deadlybuzz]

Fantastic read, thanks VDM and all involved.

[shanklyboy]

Great interview thanks.

live4liverpool.com have used some of your quotes by the way without giving credit, not sure whether they should be doing that or not.

The link is here anyway

http://live4liverpool.com/2010/11/view-from-the-kop/reds-chief-to-outline-plans-this-week

They did credit R.A.W.K mate.

Comolli has been appointed by NESV to help develop the club’s focus on youth talent and Henry emphasised this in his Q&A with RAWK:

[SalisburyRed]

I had a word with Buxton about this on Twitter earlier, and although he's now deleted his tweets to me (bizarrely), he claimed that he attributed Save LFC and that RAWK and Save LFC are "the same thing".

[Easy]

Massive rebuilding job compared to what?

If it is to improve on last season, or this season's start, the answer is no. If it is to compete in the CL, the answer is yes. When we last successfully completed we had two more world class players than we had now.You don't lose players like that and not suffer. Man U/ Arsenal have their stadia built, Man City/ Chelsea have their sugar daddys in place. TThat's a tough mountain to climb.

We "lost" this summer in the transfer market, and in Masch and Yosser lost two excellent players, realistically a CL finish can be aspired to, but not expected.We will have to trust in NESV- and hope.

But can you really say that the need for 2 world class players is a rebuilding job? I wouldn't. It'll cost money but I'd say that replacing half the matchday squad was a rebuild not the additiobn of 2 world class players - expensive as they may be.

As I said, I worry they are making this out to be a bigger job than it is (excepting the new stadium)

[Veinticinco de Mayo]

I had a word with Word Thief about this on Twitter earlier, and although he's now deleted his tweets to me (bizarrely), he claimed that he attributed Save LFC and that RAWK and Save LFC are "the same thing".

Solid journalistic research again from the Lexicographical Magpie.  One is tempted on those grounds to wonder if cutting and pasting this morning's news into this afternoon's website and journalism are also "the same thing". 

Notably every other news source and website managed to make the distinction.

[Veinticinco de Mayo]

I had a word with Word Thief about this on Twitter earlier, and although he's now deleted his tweets to me (bizarrely), he claimed that he attributed Save LFC and that RAWK and Save LFC are "the same thing".

You got away lightly he blocked Rushian when he queried it last time.  He seems eminently qualified for a career in journalism... in North Korea.

[xerxes1]

But can you really say that the need for 2 world class players is a rebuilding job? I wouldn't. It'll cost money but I'd say that replacing half the matchday squad was a rebuild not the additiobn of 2 world class players - expensive as they may be.
As I said, I worry they are making this out to be a bigger job than it is (excepting the new stadium)

I respect your view, and I agree that whilst it can be wrong to underestimate a task, it can be just as wrong to overestimate it.

The problem with replacing world class players is that they tend to "become" that over time. Buying them "oven ready" is a tough job. First they have to be available,then you have to have the money, then you have to persuade them to join you. That's three big hurdles.

The issue of the "supporting cast" is an intriguing one. In Masch /Alonso/ Torres/ Gerrard we had more World Class players than any PL Club ( and a very good keeper), the problem was that we could not integrate the "worker ants" (Fletcher/Brown/Evans/ Park at Man U) to make the team click. Is recruiting those sorts of players easier, or more difficult ( its certainly cheaper)? I don't know.

[Eeyore]

Really interesting read, thanks for that VDM and the others involved, if they can walk the walk the way they talk the talk we could finally be on the right road.

I was particularly encouraged by the commitment to Segura and Borrell.

[Rafaroy]

Really enjoyed that, and big thanks to all who put it together.

[Raoul Duke]

I’ve met with a number of our players and had private discussions with some of them.  I’ve been greatly impressed by them personally.  They are all exceptionally bright

Obviously hasn't communicated at length with Ryan Babel.

[Chazz]

I’ve met with a number of our players and had private discussions with some of them.  I’ve been greatly impressed by them personally.  They are all exceptionally bright and they all want to be here.  The question they have had, rightfully so, is whether or not the club is going to go in the right direction.  They all want to see that.  I have been very forthright about our philosophy and about what we are going to try to achieve.  Some would prefer a quick fix.  Others prefer to focus on the long-term and that is very difficult for most players.  But, as I wrote previously, this club needs everyone on the same page every day.  Every day.  We need everyone focused on what needs to be done in the next match facing us and during that match.  The club should not have to settle for less.  As one insightful player told me, “The spirit of the side needs to be there like a family – as one.”[/i]

© RAWK and SaveLFC 2010

hahaha I think he wanted to say... "the soccer players I've met before are really thick, but these guy's can spell not only their name, they can also string more than a few words together in a coherent sentence..."

Good work lads thanks for the time and effort from all concerned 

[Rococo]

I was particularly encouraged by the commitment to Segura and Borrell.

Thought the same myself.

As others have said, it's encouraging to see both some meaningful dialogue with  the fans and some content that inspires confidence. 

Thanks for putting the questions to him.

[DMace]

They did credit R.A.W.K mate.

Comolli has been appointed by NESV to help develop the club’s focus on youth talent and Henry emphasised this in his Q&A with RAWK:

Oh yeah, either I've got bad eyesight or they have since added that

[shanklyboy]

Oh yeah, either I've got bad eyesight or they have since added that

I think the latter would be close to the truth.....after they'd come back in here for more info and spotted your comments.

[Ernie Clicker]

This might sound corny but rejoice! 2 months ago would you have believed you'd be engaged in constructive dialogue with ambitious and respected owners. Good times ahead. Just be patient.

[Stanno06]

Thanks to everyone involved. Some interesting and positive comments there.

[LiverBirdKop]

Some interesting answers there. Long term vision is there, but with the league so tight this year, why not short term boost? We're a Kenny Dalglish plus a couple dynamic talented younger players away from the CL if we finish the league strongly. Kenny would be such an emotional boost @ home games and with a few positive away results.....

I can dream.....

[the 92A]

Thanks to all who made it happen. All the right noises, their intentions seem good lets hope they recruit the right people.

[Passmaster Molby]

Some good answers and it all looks positive. He is talking the talk and I am confident he will also walk the walk.

[caronia]

Gotta hand it to the man,he has class.So long as he tells us the truth,communicates and does not take us for fools he's off to a really positive start.
When you contrast and compare him to the other two,he is light years ahead.He's a  deep thinker with a rod of steel down his back and that is just what we need.

[Skuzzlebutt]

Well done everyone involved in this and thanks to NESV for taking the time to talk us. It really does make a difference to be included in the thought process of the rebuilding of our club.

[Mutton Geoff]

the more i hear from this guy the happier i feel but what he does will be the true factor now not what he says, though I do believe he will honour his words, (once bitten comes to mind) still!

[fredfrop]

Thanks for that, VdM & all the others involved. 

I loved JWH's response to the question about his strategy

[rafa4sure]

A frank interview. For those people criticising Roy Hodgson and blaming him for the way Liverpool are performing, how do you react to being told you are "wrong" to do so?

[smicer claus is coming to town]

A frank interview. For those people criticising Roy Hodgson and blaming him for the way Liverpool are performing, how do you react to being told you are "wrong" to do so?

The guy freely admits to knowing nothing about football

[Vork+The Knights of Good]

Thanks once again to VdM, Smithdown Andy, and Mr. Henry. Just incredible stuff here. Like others have said before, the comment that stood out to me was regarding the personal commitment to Segura and Borrell. That is highly encouraging and echoes their commitment to youth development and spending with the Red Sox.

Really impressed with the interview and can't wait for Part III. Thanks again to all involved!

[Dav]

Thanks for posting the interview fellas, very interesting read

[rafa4sure]

The guy freely admits to knowing nothing about football

Maybe he's right though? We all need to be super supportive of the management and players (even if we don't believe in their methods)? Has this question been asked yet, not read all the pages. Are people ok with this. I think Mr John Henry is wrong, but maybe I'm wrong. Who's wrong?

[Gnurglan]

Really liked this interview.

I have to say that I have been, and probably still is, sceptical about the new owners, but they sure know how to say the right things.   

[Classic goal]

Maybe he's right though? We all need to be super supportive of the management and players (even if we don't believe in their methods)? Has this question been asked yet, not read all the pages. Are people ok with this. I think Mr John Henry is wrong, but maybe I'm wrong. Who's wrong?

They don't fully understand football yet. They have Comolli in now and he was keen to keep stressing this. Comolli will be their eyes and ears on the manager I think.

They removed the manager at Boston pretty soon after taking over so they are not averse to the idea. My guess is they need to feel they make the right decision as sacking him will be expensive.

[AnyGivenSunday]

Very interesting read.  Many thanks to all those involved

[jambutty]

An impressive presentation.

The answers were measured and professionally prepared.

He didn't answer the last part of 17.

[jrewing]

Great stuff...

Am I being silly by asking where's part one?

[Del_c]

Sounds great, I am just still a little worried about the short term.

Same here mate

Very impressed with what Mr.Henry has stated, future is looking brighter

[weebroalan]

"With the new Financial Fair Play Rules coming into effect next year, we know that we need to emphasize revenue growth."

Aren't these rules a red herring? As I understand them clubs will only be able to spend a certain percentage of their turnover on players wages. Therefore what is to stop Chelsea and Man City owners striking up a sponsorship deal with their owners companies where they put in whatever 'sponsorship revenues' are required to keep the players wages below the stipulated percentage.

[farawayred]

"With the new Financial Fair Play Rules coming into effect next year, we know that we need to emphasize revenue growth."

Aren't these rules a red herring? As I understand them clubs will only be able to spend a certain percentage of their turnover on players wages. Therefore what is to stop Chelsea and Man City owners striking up a sponsorship deal with their owners companies where they put in whatever 'sponsorship revenues' are required to keep the players wages below the stipulated percentage.

How much does it come from sponsorship? We have our biggest deal ever with Standard Chartered worth £80m over four years, that's £20m a year. By City and Chelsea standards, this can go toward the purchase of one decent (not an excellent) player a year. Or it will pay the salaries of two top players a year (£200k/week). What about the rest of the team? How many good players will be willing to 'carry the piano' for less than £100k/week?