retired_aurie1201

"Legends are normally a long time in the making. Think of legendary music venues and names like the Hacienda, Marquee and Cavern spring to mind for the key role they played in nascent bands’ careers. However, in each case the passing of the years has only served to heap more mystery on the already epoch-making gigs to which they bore witness. It’s no mean achievement then, that in a few short years the Barfly has earned a status which ranks it alongside these illustrious names from the past.

It wasn’t always so. The beginnings, in a pub on the outskirts of Camden in late 1996, were as humble as the subsequent years have been impressive." (About Barfly -- from the website of the same name)

The Barfly was an outstanding set-up, and we easily slipped in with the crowd and struck up a good time. The place was much more crowded than what it normally would have been and not just becuase of some of the quality of bands there tonight (Fallen Calls, Helsinki, and Tom Spence), but becuase today's take was actually dedicated as a benefit for MICHAEL SHIELDS. Poor lad. What a nightmare his situation had become, and his circumstance served as a reminder to everyone that life is fickle and could change for the worse in the blink of an eye. 15-year-old Michael Shields is like any other rabid fan of Liverpool, coming out of pocket more than a few times to see his heroes play. He struck gold as Liverpool, against all odds, played into the finals in Istanbul. He was one of the few (or many depending on how you looked at it) who were able to get a ticket out to see the greatest comback in club team history. He was living a dream, that turned into a nightmare, as on the way back, he was caught halfway home in Bulgaria and had to stay for the night. Many other Liverpool fans faced the same layover, and some took to celebrating in the streets and in the local pubs. One group of hooligans had a roustabout in a local pub, and trouble turned to violence as one of the group struck the bartender on the head, a wound which would prove fatal. Michael Shields was actually in bed during this time but somehow got rounded up as part of the investigation, and was forced to wear clothing he did not own and parade in front of "witnesses" to the attack. Amazingly, Shields was incorrectly fingered as the perpetrator, and was detained to stand trial for the crime.

Amazingly, another local liverpudlian has now come forward to profess his guilt in the crime, but this admission was not enough to put a stop the the political farce and shambolic court proceedings now taking place in Bulgaria. He was found guilty of the crime and faces 15 years in a foreign country's jail for a crime he had no knowlege of. Just a boy in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Anyhow, there have been many a kind soul in Liverpool these days trying to do just a little bit in hopes that somehow they could bring home and innocent boy. This is just one of those events.

(authors note: Some stories are just too horrible to make up. This is one of them. Please spare a thought for Michael - it's another story worth following. Additionally, just remember, when you are out of country, and city for that matter, just remember you are an ambassador for your team and your country. There is NO place for Hoolganism in today's game. NONE.)

retired_aurie1201

somewhere during the night, amidst all the music, it hit me. I remember where that guy was from. Hartlepools team web site! --

He was Charlie Barnett. Most of the talk had been about Hartlepool youth goal keeper, but there was definately mention of young Mr Barnett.

So, friendlies do mean something sometimes -- and this summer's friendlies had meant quite a lot to me, and in the end, to the U-18 squad. I'm sure there would be more top talent that we would be looking to bring in, and maybe some promising young Academy boys.

retired_aurie1201

2 August (Monday)

Preseason wasn't nearly over, nor would it be for a few weeks. We still had preseason "friendly" which was more of an intra squad game with the Reserve Team. This wasn't likely to be a typical friendly type match that we had just been through. No, there was likely to be some amount of blood on the pitch after the war . . er . . game. The Reserve Team at Melwood were all timers who were desperate to make it to the first team, or make it back to the first team in some cases. We represented future competition for thier spots, and in more than one or two cases, they would be on the last year of thier first professional contracts with the team. That meant bye bye. Well, they weren't going down without a fight to be sure -- especially now that Rafa was challenging them to make an impact, or they would would be moved on. Ruthless Rafa.

Morning session began with and introduction to the two new boys. I had already clued most of the team to Charlie Barnett before pratice. Most were happy to see him come in as there was little competition up front. Alejandro didn't seem fazed at all with his signing, even though Barnett was a very similar player will what would turn out to be ALOT more speed. Still Alejandro seemed to have an instinct for finding the back of the net, while we would find out that Barnett was less skillful, but made up for his weaknesses with sheer speed and power.

The Tall, blond chap turned out to be one Paddy Gamble. He had formerly been of the Nottingham Forrest Youth System. Nottingham forrest had once been a huge club in the old English First league, but had since fallen on hard times and had fallen to the English Leauge Second League (old 3rd League!). There did seemed to be hope for the future, and the club also appeared to be well on the way to financial recovery. Deals like the one Perry and Rafa no doubt cut with them would help them on their way, but Liverpool looked to benefit pretty well from this bit of business. Paddy Gamble, though only 16, was a pretty impressive sight for a young'n. He had a massive wingspan, probably as big as mine, though he was a good 4 or 5 inches shorter. Paddy didn't have great reflexes yet, but he was a very commanding presense, and was sound in every other aspect of the trade. Coach would have to work on his strength, reflexes, and agility as he grew into his body -- but here was definately one with potential for the future. Paul Lancaster, our current keeper, was pretty good natured - and seemed to indicate that a fellow GK in the side would provide him company during training sessions. As it was, Paul looked to be moving on, or at least looked to be putting out feelers for first team experience at some other teams, so I would believe that he didn't feel at all threatened.

There were, however, some dark clouds already rolling in. Jonathan Legear - our new Belgian U-18 International winger - seemed to be much more withdrawn during all of the sessions. It's always tough coming into a new team, a new system, and working under new coaching -- but it could be especially brutal on foreign players, some moving away from thier homeland for the first time ever. Legear was working wonders on the field, and I had been the recipient of more than a couple of his dipping crosses, but off of it he was looking more and more sullen. I guess yesterday, most of us had taken off to go do something out and about in the town -- but nobody had taken care to bring Janathan along too. I made a note to try and stay a little closer to Jonathan, try and help the lad adjust better. My Mom wasn't all that great a cook, but she did Belgian waffled good enough all right. We'd see if that would do the trick.

retired_aurie1201

6 August (Friday)

Training and Pre-season was continuing at a very constant pace. We had avoided any serious injuries, and identified some of our problem areas. Paddy Gamble was shaping up to be a fine backup, and now there were even more options at Forward. With all of the different levels of the Academy in full swing, a couple of the younger boys who had been working with the U-16 team looked ready to take thier places with the Senior squad (us) at the Academy. Of particular note were Michael Nardiello and Ryan Flynn. Michael "Nards" - was a very promising talent and had been playing with the England U-16 squad, earning plaudits not only for his predatory instincts in the box, but also his willingness to work the wings and get in a good cross or pass for his striking partner.

Suddenly Alejandro Fernandez was swarmed with competition for his spot, but he seemed to be taking it all well. He seemed to be enjoying a lot of attention from other clubs, and had mentioned the possibility of going out on loan for a few weeks to a First Division side to get a taste of competition for first team football. Ronnie Bridges and Brandon Noble found they were also being targetting more and more for a first team look at other clubs, but neither seemed as excited about the prospect as Alejandro. After all, Bridges and Noble had played in the Pre-season Combined friendlies with Liverpool, and had tasted what it was like to play for such a big club. They knew their stars were rising - but Alejandro hadn't seen that yet. I wouldn't be surprised to see him given the nod to head out, but I'd be shocked if Bridges or Noble go. Besides, we had become a tight crew since showing up not to long ago, and we each imagined that we would take the step up to the next level together.

Legear's demeanor had continued to grow gloomier off the pitch. I wasn't the only one who had noticed it - thankfully, which meant that maybe somebody would help the lad. But intervention didn't seem to be coming fast enough. I think some of the journo around the Academy and with Melwood picked up on this, and were looking to get the dish on what was going on. Nobody was really all that shocked to see a mention of his troubles settling into the area pop up on Friday Morning's ECHO. Long before the article appeared I figured I'd keep and eye out for him - hopefully befriend him and help him out a little. We'd have him over tomorrow night for dinner. I had always felt much like an adopted Scouser in Liverpool, maybe we could help Legear feel like an adopted Murphy.

retired_aurie1201

I messed up on the date and day a little - the 6th should actually have been a Saturday. Oh well. Would help if editing feature were a little more open!

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August 8 (Monday)

One of the many perks of being associated with Liverpool Academy team, is that we also get increadible deals for season tickets and additional seats at Anfield for LFC games. We apparently had our own little section of seats that we could take advantage of. Additionally, Mr. Heighway and Mr. Moores encouraged us to attend the games and become more involved in the overall culture of Liverpool FC. There was no twisting my arm when I'd heard about that! Traditionally it was the Dad who would spring for tickets for his sons to games. Well I was turning that little tradition on it ear - as my Dad and two brother's practically snapped my hand off when I brought out tickets for tomorrows Champions League 3rd Round Qualifier against Poland's League Champions Wisla. It figured to be a tricky draw for Liverpool, and by no means a free pass into the group stages, but the Senior Team were on excellent form in the Pre-season, not having conceded so much as a goal to the opposition! I was confident they would come off winners in the end. In any event. It would be my first game at Anfield as an "employee" of the club, and would have an extra sense of pride about being there. One day, surely, I would leave the confines of the Kop and take my place on the field of play. One day soon, hopefully!

retired_aurie1201

August 9 (Tuesday)

Ah the KOP was in great voice today! European Nights are always brilliant at Anfield. The stadium was packed tight, and though there were quite a few first timers becuase tickets prices are lower for 3rd round qualifiers, everyone turned out in full color.

A few songs for you, and you can guess how the tie went.

Tune : New York, New York

'Start spreading the news
He's playing today
hes gonna score a goal for us, cisse cisse
if he can score from there
he'll score from anywhere
its up to you cisse cisse'

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Rafa played a 4-5-1 with Cisse as the lone striker, and it worked to a tee. The first one coming off a pass from Alonso straight up the gut in the 4th minute. One on one with the keeper - never stood a chance.

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Here's another one a few were singing


To the Cartoon song The Flintstones...

'Dji-bril,
Dji-bril Cisse
He's the fastest striker in the league
From the French Republic
He's the greatest player we've ever seen'

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The second was on the stroke of first half, off a beautiful build up on the right wing with Gerrard and Garcia playing several one touches back and forth. Near the box Gerrard took the return pass and flicked it onto Cisse who seemingly red it his mind. Perfectly in stride, and it was clear that Wisla had a mountain to climb.

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last one for yah. A Classic

'Allez Allez Allez Allez . . . Cisse, Cisse'
(repeat)

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Cisse completed a dream Champions League tie when during the 67th minute, off a Bolo Zenden cross, he rose to head down past an over powered keeper -- And that was that.

3-0 and Liverpool had one foot in the Group stages! A thoroughly enjoyable evening.

retired_aurie1201

12 August (Friday)

Legear didn't seem to be coming out of his shell any more, but at least it didn't seem like things were getting any worse. I think one of the roots of it was he just didn't seem to want to even try to pick up much English outside of that which he needed on the field. His onfeild understanding was getting better and better as he just tortured Bertini and Jordan Holmes everyday during drills. But off it . . .
Well, I know nobody was making an effort to learn his language, and there was nobody on the team that he could talk to. So, I resolved to learn a few words in Flemmish -- as he didn't seem to understand any of the French words my girlfriend had taught me. Mr. Owens had certainly noticed the cloud over Legear, and I think he was a bit relieved to see some of the extra care that I taking to try and help. With a little bit of luck, maybe he would come around.

retired_aurie1201

13 August (Saturday)

I knew that I was really my "turn" to take a seat on the bench in the rotation through midfeild -- Even though this was going to be a great chance to impress, and perhaps show the coach at the next level that I could compete against the Reserve Side. Still, it was a bit alarming to see that I was not included in the starting side for the game tomorrow. What was even more dissapointing was being left off altogether. Not even on the bench! Ever since I had picked up a football in earnest, I had always been in the side. I tried not to show how gutted I was - but my mind began racing as I imagined how Bridges and Noble would boss the second stringers, and how Coach Herrera, the Reserve Side Manager, would bring them up -- leaving me to languish all alone.

I really didn't even feel like going to the game. In fact, Liverpool was opening up the Premiere League Season at Norwich tomorrow, and I thought for a little while it would be better to take my mind off the tragedy of it all by going with the FANATICAL liverpool travelling fans to the game. But I realized how selfish that was, and soon admitted to myself that the right thing to do was go and cheer my mates on.
Well, fine! Then lets see if I couldn't come up with an original song for one of our future anfeild hero's. Maybe it would stick and would be sung forever from the KOP. I would be a legend

:thup:

retired_aurie1201

Sunday Bloody Sunday
Date: Sunday, 14 August 2005
Venue: Wrexham Racecourse Ground
Opponent: Liverpool Reserves (Friendly)
Weather: Dry, 75F
Attendance: 2093

Even though everybody attending was Liverpool fan, as is often the case, the neutral crowd began to cheer for the underdog. Buoyed by unanimous support, the U-18s seized initial control of the game, and looked odds on to score were it not for some outstanding reflexes by the Reserves Keeper Paul Willis (last years U-18 Keeper) on a Charlie Barnett snap shot from 25, and a timely intervention by Lee Peltier as Alejandro shaped to shoot. As a matter of fact, the Reserve team was being frustrated left and right -- losing possession cheaply, and just missing on their one touches. Then the tenor of the game changed when in the 35th minute, Ryan Wilkie rather cynically hauled down Charlie Barnett who was looking continually dangerous on his debut for the Liverpool U-18. Wilkie left a rather nasty gash on Barnetts leg, and was quickly taken off the pitch by Herrera after being shown a yellow by the match ref. Play became decidedly more physical at that point, with the Reserve side, slowly establishing control of the match having a great chance themselves to pull ahead in minute 43 when Conal Platt's perfectly timed run put him through one on one with Paddy Gamble, who brilliantly turned the shot destined for the left top 90 over the bar.

Michael Nardiello came on for Barnett; he too making his debut for the U-18 after being called up from the U-16 team. As in the first half, our side snatch momentum with Noble and Legear hooking up several times to earn Noble an few chances, but his marksmanship was off on the day, and of 9 shots he took, only three were inside of the posts, and none really ever troubled Wilis. The reserves wrested back control of the game approaching the 59th minute as they out muscled the younger side to all second balls and fifty fifties. Mark Noble was caught across the face with an elbow from Callum woods during one such challenge, and although not a cynical challenge, Noble came up bloodied, and was subbed out by John Paul Kelly. From that moment on, ours began to pull out of the tackles and headers that we had been at least contesting before. Legear alone continued his fine form, and was the only youth side able to create anything dangerous (twice sending Nardiello through with clear chances - once to shoot straight at the keeper, and once dragging a shot well wide) - but most of the last 1/2 hour was spent with Hobbs, Barragan, Mangani, and Jordan Holmes trying desperately to keep it tight at the back, while the likes of Mannix, Guthrie and Potter rained in shots from long distance on Gamble. Neither side looked capable of taking all the 'friendly' points, and just to seal an ugly day of football off, Reserves hard man, Mark Jones sent Mangani limping off with a high stud that drew some worried looks from both coaches, Herrera and Owen. There was no messing around with injury time on this day as the coaches reached a silent understanding with the ref that the bloodletting was over.

Despite the Reserves sides physical dominance of the match, I felt that Legear and Noble far outplayed them. As Noble had to be carted off early, Legear was odds on to take man of the match unless they wanted to pin it on Willis or Paddy for keeping a clean sheet.

As nobody had scored, I really hadn't thought to try out any of the songs that I was composing. Maybe next time if ever I was dropped to watch the game in the stands. The only thing that came to mind from watching this one was the famous U2 anthem. Bloody it was.

retired_aurie1201

15 August (Monday)

I always ask my dad to tape the Liverpool games if I can't watch it for some reason. I'd much rather go to the games - as that is really the only way to really understand what is going on with the teams. Otherwise you just have to take the commentators words on what tactics they are using, if they are pressing up on the field, etc. . . Regardless, it was a pleasant way to spend a day off training and I invited Legear, Brandon, and Ronnie over to kick back with me and my other best mates. Legear, didn't come, but the other two showed up with chips and sodas -- these were shaping out to be good mates. I always try very hard not to find out the score before I could sit down and watch it, but realized while in the stands yesterday, there were more than a few fans at the intra squad match who were recieving text messages of how Liverpool were doing. So dissapointingly, I already knew the score. Oh well.

Liverpool Played Against Norwich Away. Norwich were relegation battlers all last year, and were looking set for another tough year in the Prem as they didn't really move to pick anybody up over the off season. They were going to rely on home grown talent to keep them up. That's a very noble and worthy cause, but against the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester, that was never going to cut it as these would always field a team of internationals.

Predictably, Liverpool would dominate possesion of the whole game, occasionally surrenduring possession of some bad flicks by Garcia and Sissoko which would lead to a couple of long range offers - but Pepe Reina had very little besides cheer the attack on.

Liverpool got off to a flyer, playing a 4-5-1 as they had during the Champions League game, this time with Crouch as the lone striker to hold up play. Crouch would provide many chances throughout the match to other players, but in the 5th minute, with the ball played to feet from Kewell at about 30 yards, Crouch suprisingly easily turned his marker and pushed past into the right channel. With the other centerback trying to crowd him out, and the Norwich keep closing the distance to cut down any angle, Crouch looked to be drifting too wide to be dangerous -- The Keeper had similar ideas, and as he looked up to see who was trailing late into the box, Crouches timely effort squeezed under the GK and careened in off the base of the post for a well taken goal.

Rafa's idea of a 4-5-1 meant that 'pools midfeilder were likely to get into the scoring act alot during the year. Gerrard, Alonso, and Sissoko would have several chances during the match to build on the lead, but it wasnt until the 62nd minute that Gerrard was able to take advantage. Gerrard had missed two or three clear chances previously, and Rafa must have felt that 1-0 was hardly flattering considering the clear preponderance of possession - yet here Norwich were, keeping it tight at the back and dodging a few bullets. But their luck would run out on them when Luis Garcia chased a pass down deep into the corner and made some space for a cross that found Gerrard unmarked at 10 yards to punch through the back of the net.

The game was never in doubt, but to be honest it was frustrating that Liverpool hadn't won by more with the quality of chances that they had.
Still, 2-0 and and 3 points was in the books, well for a league in which every point had to be taken.

The rest of the day off was spent blistering our hands at Foosball while a couple of good vids played on the flat screen. Again, the outcome was never in doubt as FC Murphy would down all comers that day. By the way - I highly recommend "The Wedding Crashers" -- an instant classic! Funny funny funny