It does. There was never emotionally a right time, but going purely and simply on footballing terms, there were many of us (myself included) that were writing him off, or at least beginning to, last season. He proved us wrong with a pretty decent second half of the season, but yes, in footballing terms he's definitely on the trip down....
I'd love him to score at St Mary's in the 89th minute when we are 3-0 up. Just so we can say good bye properly.
A couple of years ago I hoped that Rickie would carry on into his mid-30's playing for us, banging in the goals, setting up chances, and mentoring the youngsters. His first season in the Prem showed he could hack it, but sadly the season just gone showed the first signs that the sands of time were beginning to wear him down. In hindsight it would have been tragic if Rickie had just got slower and slower, so perhaps we should be grateful to Liverpool (I know, I know) for taking the dear old boy off our hands so that we didn't have to witness the slow decline of an ageing giant.
I agree, or to rephrase a bit, getting the best out of Rickie was all about carefully managing his game time and using him in the right way. That didn't work out so well when Osvaldo went and then Jay Rod got injured. It would have been difficult for Ron to do the same this season, and he would probably have been tempted to swap him for someone like Pelle anyway (not saying they are the same). As it is, I expect Liverpool will throw him in with little real thought when they need a goal or in cup games etc, and it won't work out how they hope.
I think they will use him sparingly; as you have suggested - an impact sub and cup, plus an English player to add to the squad named for the group stages of the Champion's League.
I hope the Liverpool fans don't give him too much grief after all he is a fan himself and I'm sure he will give his all for them.
Struggling to give a toss really. He'll always be a Saints legend, but if the last chapter in Rickie's football story turns out to be a bit of a flop, well; so what?
Totally agree. For whatever reason the big, rich man, decided the worlds greatest football club wasn't agreeable to him so he dumped us. Don't care why he went, but he went anyway. Blimey, look at me being harsh on lovely loyal footballers.
Rickie didn't get a look in and never once was in a good postion to score, wasn't Rooney a little bit cheaty? He knew the ball had gone over the bar and bounced back into play, but was still happy to claim a goal! Replays proved it was out of play so justice was done. What position was Luke supposed to be playing? He did all right for a fat lad! Not that I care that much, but as there is nothing else happening might as well keep up...........
He had a chance early in the 2nd half from poor play by us but didnt get enough power behind the ball and rushed it. Nothing in the Rooney putting the ball in the net, took a good few seconds for everyone to know it had gone out of play and Shaw didnt look fit enough yesterday but still got an assist which isnt bad.
