Great article by Paul Tomkins comparing Benitez' best league season and the squad that finished 2nd with our squad now. Also the squad values is somewhat interesting and puts our spending in perspective! http://tomkinstimes.com/2011/08/lfc...ign=Feed: TheTomkinsTimes (The Tomkins Times)
Really good article. Makes thinking about this season and the next few really exciting. Good times ahead me thinks!
Its an interesting read. There is one good point in since 2008,we have spent £149 million and sold £136 million worth of players. However the average age between the ones that were sold and the ones that were signed has decreased by 3 years.It was 29 and now its 26.
Nice. A lot has changed since 2008. I'm reasonably optimistic but I agree that we are in a shoot out for forth.
I cannot see a reason why we cannot finish 4th. However we shouldn't settle for 4th either. We should capitalise on our rivals mistakes and short-comings. And guess what, they have got short-comings and will make mistakes. So finishing fourth is a definite possibility. Finishing higher than that isn't unrealistic either. I'll tell you why, I reckon we are well capable of carrying on our second half of the season form. We were the second highest points collectors in the league behind Chelsea in the second half of the season. If we had matched our second half of the season in the first half we would have finished 4th. There is no reason to suggest why we cannot have a full season like our second half of last season. I also believe due to the fact that we have no Europe, silverware is a real possibility. The domestic cup double is achievable.
It'd be nice if we could win the FA Cup or Carling Cup or both as well as finishing 4th. I think that would be a decent return this season as we've not won anything in a few years. We can then push on in Europe the following year and start working our way up towards the title. Also hoping that the top 4 is the usual suspects and City miss out. Would be very funny to see how they cope with the financial fair play rules if they miss out on the Champions League, or Europe altogether
Good article, I liked the comments on Downing. If Downing seems overpriced, then you have to take into account the fairly low risk factor in terms of his future performances: he has enough experience with England (for whom he’s improved with age) to not be overawed, and has been both consistently fit and consistently good in the Premier League.
Thought that as well. If Kenny and co. think 'we know we are almost certain we will get this level of performance from Downing, plus any improvements we can make as staff as well as having better players around him', then £20mil really is a good, and safe, investment. If we're to compare these factors with someone like Mata: More likely to hit the ground running? Downing Speaks the language? Downing Players in our team who have already played with him and can recommend the player? Downing Actually with some guarantee to succeed in the league? Downing Most aware of what the player will offer us? Downing In this season especially these factors are really important. Mata is the type of player we should be cherry picking next summer if and when we get CL football.
