retired_aurie1201

Thanks Spav. Read your story - actually - read your stories, and they are all top notch. I noticed your question of (dis)ability also uses a Murphy as the character :cool:

retired_freelander88

Love the story especially looking at it from a players point of view, not the managers as many do, including mine. Good Luck

retired_aurie1201

BEST VIEW OF THE PITCH

Most days were heavily focused on fitness and strength training. Rafa and the staff were absolutely relentless in their pushing and prodding. "Boot Camp" was now fast becoming an understatement. I learned a few things about myself, and my body, and became acquainted with all manner of cramps to muscles I didn't know existed. kin'ell, I would bolt awake at NIGHTS with some bloody awful knot in my calf or thigh - but those moments were so bitter sweet. However, it was obvious that Rafa was springing his ideas of what he wanted to accomplish tactically and strategically that year, and we had a few drawing board sessions of what he expected come the 15th and the Freindly. Although I understood I wouldn't figure very much in the build up in open play, I was encouraged by the fact that Rafa included me in many of the drills focusing on set peices and corners - not only because I would have at least a small opportunity to contribute offensively, but also because that meant I was playing in the teams plans for the match. Surely I would at least feature in the match!

On the afternoon of the 14th, Rafa revealed to us his idea for the starting 11 . . . I would have the best view of the pitch . . . STARTING at left full back!!! They almost had to scratch me from the lineup - I think I pulled two or three muscles jumping for sheer delight at being included.

A couple of the other U-18 lads figured into the mix right away too -- Bertini at RB, Noble at RM. Overall it was a pretty good mix of Veterans, Reserve squad and Youth team. I was paired with Medjani at left center back and Harry Kewell on the left wing -- so we had a couple of tactical sessions together to work on timing and positioning. Heaven, mate. I tell you pure heaven.

retired_aurie1201

Date: Friday 15th July 2005
Venue: The Abbey Stadium, Cambridge
Weather: Dry, 91 F
Attendance: 8931

In what appeared to be an 11th hour change of plans, Rafa decided to keep Noble and Bertini out of the starting 11, but kept them in the overall squad for matchday. Though Rafa didn't say why the change, it had to have been the breakdown in tactical communication observed during yesterdays late session. This change left me as the only Youth squad player still in the starting lineup.

As, pre-season friendly don't add up to so much as a pocket full of lint, most of the time I would spare you the dirty details -- but this was a special occasion. These were good times. I don't know what the Gaffa had in mind for the other friendlies, but I was going to try and take my chance here . . .

Unfortunately the elements and circumstances of the match conspired against me. The weather was bleating hot, sapping much of the enthusiasm for a good atmoshpere from the rather large pre-season crowd, and taking its immediate toll on me during the opening minutes of the game. I was so desperate to do well that I ended up blowing my wad in the first few mintues of the game, and spend the rest of the first half trying to catch my breath. It did not help that Rafa wanted to play a very high defensive line to keep the ball in the offensive end of the field, and I was much too quick to jump into and out of imagined breakaways and outlets only to scramble back to my position has we took possession again. Our build up play was embarrasing, and the fact that we were essentially Liverpool players from three different squads told the story of the half. The highlight for me was actually 6 minutes into the game. Still out of breath from the excitement of the moment, I managed to play a nice series of one touch balls with Harry Kewell and Momo Sissoko, slipping Harry a decent through ball into the corner. Harry would pretty much have his way with the Cambridge right fullback Stevland Angus all day, with first half strikers Peter Crouch and Djibril Cisse unable to get on the end of the crosses with any real venom. This time down though, Angus was able to deflect the cross behind for a corner. Kewell set up quickly for the corner, and before I really realized what was happening, the ball was whipped in to me at the front post. On another day I likely would have done something -- ANYTHING -- to get on the end of that, but Angus was the first to react, by a mile, and headed clear of the box.
Let's face facts. The game was bloody awful to watch. For all of our supposed talent, we were only able to muster 2 shots on goal all game! Fortunately for us the ball found it's way to the back of the net on those two shots. The first coming in the 36 minute, when King Luis Garcia combined with the former Boro man Bolo Zenden to create acres of space wide on the right side. Luis shaped a decent cross into the box that Cambridge Keeper Shaun Marshall intended to take off the head of Zenden who had wheeled towards the back post -- but everybody was shocked when the cross was literally hijacked by Peter Crouch near the penalty spot, who had simply to nod the ball into the vacuous goal.

Now, to call yourself a True Liverpudlian you really only need to meet two essential qualifications. 1) You have to have penned at least one original song dedicated to your current favorite player 2)You have to belt it out on the KOP for all to hear and take measure of. Crouchie was quickly becoming a fan favorite - or at least a favorite target. Surely he was tickled to hear the first of many songs penned in dedication to him:

He's big He's great
He's 6 foot fookin 8
Peter Crouch Peter Crouch

He's tall He's fine
He's 6 foot fookin 9
Peter Crouch Peter Crouch

He's big, as BIG BEN
He's 6 foot fookin 10
Peter Crouch Peter Crouch

I thought to myself -- Oh God what is going to happen if the Kop TURNS on Peter Crouch. Then I realized, Oh God, I'm at least as lanky as Crouchie, and likely much uglier -- The Kop is going to have a feild day with me. OH GOD!

The second half saw wholesale changes up and down the lineup as Rafa sought to paint an entirely new scenario for the opposition. I was stunned when I found myself still in the game during the final half hour of the match. . Our second goal came just minutes into the second half as Le Tallec came on for Josemi, and I was moved over to center back, given the same task of pressing the ball in an attempt to keep possession in their half. Initially the more offensive formation payed dividends as Tony Le Tallec was able to press forward with the ball. One such forray forward saw a through ball poorly cleared to the edge of the box, and I jumped into the play to keep offensive momentum going. Cambridge Center Back Paul Hudson rushed out stoutly to close down any potential shot, and as I moved away to find some space to pass, I found myself looking out of jersey's arm hole at the ball. The Ref really had no choice but to card Hudson for the shirt tug just out side of the box. Le Tallec, who had shown immediately shown himself to be dangerous, stepped up the thump the ball on goal. The initial strike left the goalie flat footed and merely a spectator as the ball thundered off the cross bar. Comically, the keeper had only just flinched when the thunderous ricochet came went careening off his shoulder into the back into his own net. The score keeper was soundly booed as he credited the Cambridge Keeper with an own goal minutes later, but Tony Le T still took applause from the crowd for his venemous effort.

My day dream finally came to an end in the 73rd minute during the third round of wholesale substitutions, and I left the feild with Luis Garcia, who would later take man of the match honors for his first half bit of magic leading to Crouch's goal. I watched as fellow team mates Callum Woods, Jordan Holmes, Simone Bertini, Mark Noble, and Alejandro Fernandez finished out the match without so much as the ball making it into the attacking third of either end.

I was fully knackered -- physically sure, but more so emotionally. I was able to play alongside such Anfeild heroes as Djibril Cisse, Dietmar Hammann, and Stevie Finnan. My only dissapointment was not to be able to play beside the true legends of Anfield, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher. There were still at least two friendlies left to play. Maybe then . . . Liverpool. Make us dream.

(Key Stats: Terry Murphy -- Rating 7 (73mins,20/26 passes (0 key),2/2 tackles won, 6/7 headers won (1 key), 3 interception, 0 runs, 0 offsides, 1 foul, 1 fouled, 0 Assists, 0/0 shots on target.)

retired_katherineturley

cool :cool:

retired_aurie1201

16 July (Saturday) --
To throw a little twist into the pre season routine, Rafa had planned two additional Friendly games, in which the whole of LFC would play together on the pitch. In an effort to increase competition and fitness in the youth and reserve side, Rafa revealed that those players displaying the best form during the next few individual friendlies would surely feature in those matches.

As was customary, those of us who had played during the match were given the next day off training to recoup. I spent my freetime sitting in the bleachers watching the first teamers going about thier training in a professional manner. They seemed very to be decent guys, pretty down to earth, and extended a warm helping hand to the youth players if they stumbled during the drills.
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17 July -- (Sunday)
The U-18 squads next friendly would be on the 19th of July against the small semi-professional club of Stockport. I was relieved to see that I was worked in with the Midfielders during the training sessions, and I knew that during our Friendlies, that would be where I would stake my case for inclusion in the combined friendlies.

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18 July (Monday, Day before the Friendly with Stockport)

Mr. Owens revealed our line up for the upcoming game. In most cases we would employ the customary 4-4-2 all year, barring injury. However, we would try to emulate the first teams tactics of have 1 holding midfeilder to break up any offensive build up, and at least one central midfielder who press forward in attack. I could play either role really, but as my true strength was in the air, I would more likely feature as either the more forward midfeilder, or give wide support. With several strong options in the midfeild, one of either Mangani, Bridges, Noble, Myself, or Leagear would be dropped from the starting lineup regularly. This time around Bridges would take his seat on the bench. Surely he would feature later in the game.

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retired_aurie1201

Two Minute Drill
Date: Friday 19th July 2005
Venue: Stockport Grounds, Stockport
Weather: Dry, 75 F
Attendance: 62

I had to laugh as we trotted out onto the pitch. I can't remember the last time I'd played in front of a crowd so small. Even in city league the number of parents and siblings in the crowd added up to more than 100. So today was a far cry from the 8900 attending the Abbey Stadium at cambridge.

When the whistle blew we immediately took possession of the ball, and for the majority of the match we were rarely troubled on our end of the field. I was playing in central midfield, and was told to be a little more defensive than usual, just in case we failed to click on offense got caught out on the break.
7th minute- In what will be a trend all match, the midfield has been given miles of space to work in, with most of the opposition sitting behind the ball. Still, Frayne is able to find a seam in the defense, and as he surges forward I play a 30 yard pass, sending him through clean on goal. Frayne is caught in two minds, trying to round the goalie, but seeing plenty of room in behind him, and his clumsy chip effort lands well past the end line.
20th minute -- Stockport continues to give away possession in the midfield, this time to Hobbs as he is pressuring forward. I drop back to take possession and again spot Frayne shoulder to shoulder with the last defender, as he breaks into the seam, in almost an identical move as before, I send him through. One on one, Frayne shapes to shoot as the Stockport Keeper charges to cut down the angle, and Frayne blazes wide again.

Mark Noble looked to have picked up a knock at some point during the beginning of the match, although I didn't see when it happened. He's obviously in a little pain which is slowing him up, but he's still capable on the pitch.

Early dominance changes into frustration as the early chances missed allow stockport to settle in. After a half chance from Noble in the 35th minute is claimed easily by the keeper, we can't get any pressure on goal until the closing minutes of the half when we have a flurry of 4 corner kicks. Alejandro Fernandez proved unlucky as twice his shots on goal from the corner are deflected unsighted just wide of the post, and we go into the half still even, nil nil.

Noble was taken off at the half, likely as a precaution against further injury, and just as likely for the purposes of giving Ronnie Bridges a good run out. To accomodate the change, Legear was switched over to the left side, leaving Bridges to sheriff the right half of the pitch and given order to be a little more direct in attack than Noble had been for us. Frayne too was taken off, and though he hadn't played badly, surely he should have taken one of his two clean chances. He was replaced by Irish U-18 international John Paul Kelly in order to give more confidence to the side and a fresh look.

46th minute- At the restart, we won an immediate corner off a hard forward charge by Kelly. Legear whipped the corner into the near post, right to Alejandro who had come completely unmarked, but we were all left holding our heads when his headed attempt (rather typically) found the wrong side of the netting. Kelly's injection into the game brought with it several good chances as he sent dangerous balls into the box, but some great keeping from the Stockport Keeper Mike Berry (and early favorite for man of the match) cut out many of those chances.
57th minute -- Hobbs, who was having a very consistent game, played through to Alejandro, whose driving run was pushed to a hard angle. Even from so difficult an angle, Alejandro squeezed off a decent shot which fairly enough beat the keeper, but unfortunately beat the far post too.
60th minute -- on field instruction to Bridges and Legear directed them to get the crosses in a bit sooner (i.e. not so deep) 1) to change the angle of attack, and 2) because Berry was taking too many of the crosses right off of Alejandro's head. Bridges first honest effort to do so came right to me. Still enjoying an embarrasing amount of space, I had time to turn and crack a 25 yarder which just whizzed wide of the post. Damn!!

67th minute - Stockports best, and ONLY real effort, came when a hopelessly long shot was blocked over the touchline by Hobbs. The ensuing corner kick came into to Stockport Defender Jamie Davies whose downward header looked promising, but was quickly scrambled away by an alert Mangani who had been guarding the near post.
71st minute - Successful attacks from the flanks continued to pour in, but Alejandro, though dominating the space up front, just couldn't find the magic final touch time after time. Coach Owens had finally seen enough, and decided to move me Forward to try and take advantage of my height. He subbed Alejandro out with Adam Hammil, moved Bridges to the center of the pitch, and asked Hammil and Legear to push wide again.

The move seemed to backfire as all attacks from the flanks seemed to dry up, and more and more we were lacking for any attacking ideas. As the fourth official raised the sign for a paltry two minutes of added time I shook my head, surrendering the the disbelief that with all of our chances (14) we couldn't register at least once. Nil nil . . .

Increadibly, Adam Hammil, whose entry into the game seemed to seal the tie, came to life as everybody else was packing it in. After intercepting a pass at midfield, he spun out of danger, and playing a quick one two with me, he was free running into space on the right flank. Not being a speed merchant, Hammil barely had time to catch up to the ball and hook it into the box as he was overtaken. But what a sublime cross it was, finding Legear cruising into the back post have lost his marker. With plenty of time and space Legear lashed a heavy volley past the stunned Stockport keeper. With the last kick of the game, Legear had broken parity - and in the process had likely cemented his place in the combined friendly coming up, and had taken man of the match honors. For a few days he would be a legend, as all who score in the 90th minute will be.

I myself had played well, but clearly the credit had to go to the defense and both Bertini and Hobbs whose constant upfield pressure fed the attack and choked out any thought of a loss.

(Terry Murphy (8) 90 mins: 41/46 passes (2 key), 2/3 tackles won, 5/5 headers won (1 Key), 0 intercepts, 3 run, 0 offsides, 0 fouls, 1 fouled, 1/2 shots on target, 0 goals, 0 assists.

retired_aurie1201

On the coach ride home we found out that Liverpool FC had just then casually dispatched of Hartlepool FC at an away friendly. Hartlepool: 3-0 with Baros, Morientes, and Crouch all notching goals for the Reds. I could understand why we played Cambridge in the previous friendly, as it was actaully the debut of several youth players in the the senior squad. But why Hartlepool? I know that sometimes clubs will set up friendlies with smaller clubs as a favor, or a lead up to some bigger deal. This smacked of someone, somewhere greasing the skids. A visit to the Hartlepool website revealed that there was a lot of attention focused on a the gems in thier U-18 squad. Hmmm . . . Paul Lancaster had been the face of the youth squad between the sticks for quite sometime, but with the addition of Scott Carson and Pepe Reina, Paul recognized he stood very little chance of making his professional debut with Liverpool. He still kept our goal, but the rumor in the air was that he was looking to make the switch to a League two team. Hmmmm . . .


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20 July -- Normally a day off training, but today was a travel day. Rafa and the staff looked to make camp in Germany for the next week, not only to get away from Merseyside and the mess in the media surrounding the clubs new signings, but also to step up the focus of the club to season ahead. To my knowledge, youth players were hardly ever invited to these away camps - but Rafa has shown himself to be a little unconventional when it came to his teams. I continually had to pinch myself just to make sure I wasn't dreaming all of this.

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21 July --
A return to heavy training, still with the Midfielders. We all guessed that Mr. Owens had already sat down with Seniors Benitez and Ayesteran to discuss likely candidates for the Friendly coming up on the 23rd with the local German club RW-Essen. Legear would surely get a run out for that game. His crosses had already started to take on a more deadly shape, and his performance in our last game was inspirational. We also figured a couple of lads in the defense would figure in, but the rest of us had only these next couple of training sessions to prove that we deserved a spot on the field. And surely this time Gerrard and Carragher would feature in this side. You know, it's so much easier to run endless suicides when your day dreaming about running the pitch along side your heroes.

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23 July --

No shock really when after the afternoon session the squad was announced for the next days friendly. Legear would feature from the start, along with Hobbs, whose last performance had all but sealed his permanent transfer to Liverpool Youth Academy. Bertini, myself, and Noble would sit the bench with an eye to coming in later in the game. There were back slaps from the guys in congrats for our selection (some of the slaps seemd a little too hard, maybe?), followed by our promises to do our young squad proud.

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retired_aurie1201

(sorry last day should have been 22 July, Monday)

retired_beautybodee

looks like the makings of a good story....keep it up