Shanks65: I used to agree with that. In fact, except for 2000/01 the treble season, I used to feel dead sorry for the younger lads. But I've changed me mind on that.
I actually think it was harder for us, who watched LFC from Shanks on, to watch the demise and fall. And had Shankly been in Rafa's boots right now, let's face it, he'd have never been given the chance to start the rise, nevermind complete his life's work.
And that is what is doing my head in right now....
I usually just arse about in here, tell daft stories and swerve the football. But it's being said now, so fuck it...
I tell you what is driving me mad. I believe in Rafa. I believe in his promise to not only bring back some short term success, but to.... "Leave behind a legacy, the likes of what Shankly and Paisley left behind them."
It's proven fact, a new manager brings in an upturn in results for a struggling team. By all statistics, this effect lasts for 8 games and then things level off and go back to where they where... without major investment to change things.
The papers are full of the usual tosh today... major new yank investors coming in and first thing on the agenda - sack Rafa, bring in Maureen.
Well, if that was to ever happen, I know the effect that would have on me...
I would honestly stop going the match and wouldn't return again until Maureen done one.
That's neither here nor there in the context of things at the moment. Whether I go to my usual 10/15 games a season means fuck all to no one but me, but that's the truth... as far as I'm concerned that would be the final nail in the Liverpool Way, and everything that made me a life time supporter of our club.
I know times have changed. I know kids aren't brought up like us anymore, and, for the most part, that's good. But I still miss those days of loyalty and solidarity.... the sort of loyalty us lads was ingrained with - loyalty to your family, to your mates, to your class, to your own. The sort of loyalty and solidarity not seen since the miner's strike.
LFC didn't teach me that. Me family, friends and surroundings did. But LFC, and Mr. Shankly in particular, was a big part of that and ingraining it in me. I shouldn't blow me own trumpet, but I'm still the same way... I stand up for me own. I can't help it. It's ingrained. And I'm a sentimental divvy at times, and that sort of loyalty has often made me fuck up in the past. But I'd rather be like that, than say.... oh, a later day, Chelsea, Manc or even post Istanbul/Rafa Liverpudlian.
I agree with you, there are some cracking young reds. Nothing would please me more than these kids seeing us dominate again. But some of the bile and poison I hear coming from some people towards Rafa - young and old - makes me ill.
I don't know who it's harder to take from...
the kids, who owe the best of their LFC following days to Rafa.
Or the older ones, who have seen it all before and should know that dynasties take time to build - despite the Sky hype and the mega bucks of 2 clubs.
Having said all that, if I believed Rafa had done all he could and it was time to move on, I would be calling for his head too. And sadly, in all honesty, I might be doing that soon.
Since the lad arrived the press/media have had their agenda. I believe this happened because the Foriegn Johnny Upstart had the temerity to "Disrespect the Cup," when we played Burnley. We all know the hypocrisy and double standards there - world club championship - so I'll leave it at that. But I honestly feel that set it off and it has only grown and got nastier since.
It now seems more and more supporters/fans are falling in line with this, and it's spreading onto the pitch. Fucking disgrace in my view. This is the time to stick together, and take the lot on, together, fight one of us, you fight us all.
But as I said, them days are over. And the sad thing is.... it looks like, we are going to pay for it because if this doesn't stop and stop soon - Rafa's job is going to be untenable anyway and there'll be no choice but for him to go.
And that does my head in because, I honestly believe that Rafa saw in us, exactly what Shankly seen.... a sleeping monster, that would stand by his side, through the wind and the rain, until he completed his life's work.
Oh well, maybe H&G won't hire the likes of Klinsmann and we might at least see number 19 under someone decent, or at least 8 good games under some "Yes man," who I think is the only thing they have any intention of hiring to complete their long term - "Weetabix," "Success is not needed on the field" - plan.
Happy days, eh.
