Early Thoughts

Two games in and so far no goals for and one against. About time I started calling for the managers head don't you think? Of course not. Although I do have a beef with whoever thought that starting the season so soon after the Wold Cup ended was a good idea. Five weeks to let the best players in the world (and the second best as well, sorry Dirk and Ryan) to have an end of season rest, and a pre season training regime and some match practice is a joke. The  English Premier League is no longer the best league in the world, just the biggest cash cow.

And as for the Europa League qualifying stages starting during the World Cup. Although, to be fair, I suppose UEFA didn't expect any teams with plenty of World cup players, to join the competition so early.

It was good to see the youngsters get a run out and let Roy see who has some potential to bring through for a chance this term. I don't think any of them have particularly shone, but none have disgraced themselves either. Lucas has grown in confidence and Jovanovic seems to have the right attitude, being the first player,along with Soto, to return from international duty to play in the warm ups.

But I am worried that with only three more games before the big kick off (you have to say that about the first game of the new season. It's the law) we will be very under prepared to take on Arsenal. If anything, the fact that the Gunners are our first opponents is something of a softener for two reasons. Firstly, they will have a number of late arrivals in their squad, and secondly, when we play Arsenal as our opening game, we seem to have a decent season.

Last week was positive for reds fans with the arrival of Danny Wilson and Joe Cole and the interview with Stevie G that suggested that he was here for the season. I think that Roy has made good plans for the playing side of the club and feel more optimistic on that front. Of course the big issue that still needs to be resolved is the ownership and until that is sorted, then we are still going to be running to stand still. I think that if Fernando Torres starts for the reds against the Gunners, then we can probably read that there is likely to be good news on the ownership issue. My belief is that if he receives certain reassurances, then he will stay with us.

Mascherano on the other hand just needs to hand in a transfer request and be done with it. Playing games like he seems to be is disrespectful to supporters who welcomed him when he was unwanted elsewhere. I'd just like the transfer funds now please (as long a Roy is allowed to reinvest it).

So Thursday will be our first real test.Our first must win game of the season (well maybe not, but definitely a can't lose game). How often will we hear those words in 2010/11? A must win game for Liverpool. Every one I hope.

Dawning of the age of Woy.

It's been a week since our new manager was finally appointed and I know you have been desperate to know what I think.

So far Roy has said all the right things and left enough scope for optimism. Was he my first choice for manager? Well, in the circumstances the club is in at the moment, I think reality told me he was the best we had a realistic chance of getting.

And I am optimistic that we will be in for an improvement in the next few months. Why? well there are a number of things that are very much in Roy's favour. First and foremost is the new manager bounce. When a new manager comes to a club, one of two things tend to happen. The players all of a sudden realise they have a new man to impress and start turning in performances or there is too much change all at once and the players are confused. With Roy having the pre season to work with the players, I think that negates the latter option, with the players who are at the club still having something to prove so I think our bounce will be an upward bound.

I also believe that Roy hasn't got the baggage that Rafa had during the last season. Rafa had a constant battle with the board (and in most cases with immense justification). He had no support from the board and he eventually, in my opinion, let that side of his job interfere with the team management side of his role. I don't think that is a problem Roy will have. I don't trust the board anymore than any other Liverpool supporter, but I don't think Roy is as stupid as he would have to be to take the job on with the promise of big bucks to spend, knowing the current state of our club. Therefore I think he has realistic expectations and will be able to work well within them and put every effort into managing the team well.

I also think that the owners and board have a vested interest in Roy doing well. He is their man, their choice, the one that they believe in. Rafa was appointed by the previous owners and was always under scrutiny. He was challenged at every turn and made the fatal mistake of being popular with the fans whilst the Yanks were taking them for a ride.

Under these circumstances, I do believe that Roy Hodgson is the best option for Liverpool. Better than Kenny Dalglish? Yes. I was a season ticket holder during Kenny's period at the helm. his teams football was exciting, breathtaking and successful. everything that a Liverpool fan would love right now. But for me, he is too close to the fans to be the manager. He would have the same problems with the owners that Rafa had and he would also take up the baton on the fans behalf. Once again, I can see the playing side suffer for the internal politics, and I for one wouldn't like to see Kenny's reputation tarnished by bickering with Waldorf and Stadtler (look it up if your under 30).

I think the new manager needs to knuckle down and concentrate on repairing our broken team, whilst we the fans continue our War of American Independence. As anyone who attended the rally at St George's (ironic name really Hall will tell you, the fans don't need the manager to make their case, they are damn good at making themselves heard.