Carra Milestone

[Avmenon]

Kenny Dalglish today labelled Jamie Carragher a 'fantastic servant' to the game as the defender prepares to reach another LFC milestone.

The 33-year-old will play his 665th game in Liverpool colours against Newcastle on Sunday - putting him level second with Emlyn Hughes and Ray Clemence in the club's all-time appearance table.

He will then set about catching Ian Callaghan on 857.

And Dalglish told Liverpoolfc.tv: "Carra has been a fantastic servant to this football club. I don't know how far short he is from Cally's record - I think he's got a wee while to go before he reaches that, but he's been great.

"He's filled in loyally and comfortably in many positions for the football club and he's someone who has been very pleased to be associated with Liverpool - and we're pleased to be associated with him.

"He's been a real compliment to this football club.

"Talent is a good starting point, starting in the first team at 18 is another good starting point and not picking up too many injuries helps, but the most important thing is his ability and his desire and commitment to this football club.

"His record speaks for itself."

Carragher signed his first professional contract at Anfield in October 1996. Three months later he was rewarded with a debut, replacing Rob Jones in the 75th minute of a League Cup defeat at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium.

He then scored on his full debut against Aston Villa - but that wasn't his first in front of the Kop.

Supporters may not know that as well as playing across the defence and in midfield for Liverpool, Carragher operated as a striker when he was a boy. And the No.23 will proudly tell you about the 25-yard screamer he once scored for Bootle Boys at the Kop end.

A couple of decades later he has barely added to his goals tally, with just five professional strikes to his name.

But with more appearances than any player in Liverpool's recent history - not forgetting 38 England caps - Carragher is an ideal role model for youngsters such as Jack Robinson, John Flanagan and others hoping to make the grade at Anfield.

"It wouldn't be bad for them to model themselves on Jamie or Steven (Gerrard)," said the boss.

"There are a lot of things a local lad trying to come through has to endure and the ones who might experience that in the future could do a lot worse than having a word with either of them because they know what lies ahead.

"Not just talk to them about coming through, but also about football in general."

Liverpool's top 10 appearance makers:

1. Ian Callaghan 857
2. Ray Clemence 665
3. Emlyn Hughes 665
4. Jamie Carragher 664
5. Ian Rush 660
6. Phil Neal 650
7. Tommy Smith 638
8. Bruce Grobbelaar 628
9. Alan Hansen 620
10. Steven Gerrard 556

 

[themn]

Tremendous that he's played at the level he has for so long.

Don't know about topping Cally !

 

[MomoWASright]

He will never top Cally. I'd be surprised if he played 40 games next season.

 

[Avmenon]

Maybe, but the bigger question is who will top Carra

 

[MomoWASright]

Reina is the only possibility. If he stays for another 10 seasons, 50+ each season he can easily pass Carra. Saying that he's on 305 already, so it is possible to beat Cally.

 

[Modo]

If Robinson becomes our starting fullback next season and plays 50 games every season until he's 35 he'll beat the record.

 

[SaintGeorge67]

Which shows how ridiculous Callaghan's record is. What a man.

 

[MomoWASright]

[quote author=SaintGeorge67 link=topic=45140.msg1323772#msg1323772 date=1304076958]
Which shows how ridiculous Callaghan's record is. What a man.
[/quote]

Especially considering how many games are played now with the European group stages instead of straight knock out.

 

[themn]

[quote author=SaintGeorge67 link=topic=45140.msg1323772#msg1323772 date=1304076958]
Which shows how ridiculous Callaghan's record is. What a man.
[/quote]

And an absolute true gent.

 

[spider-Neil]

no one is ever going to beat cally's record

 

[dee]

I wouldn't want anyone to beat his record. He was my idol when I was little (although I did swap to Steve Highway).

 

[RolandG]

Carra won't beat the record but maybe his son will!

 

[Avmenon]

Jamie Carragher spoke of his pride after drawing level with Ray Clemence and Emlyn Hughes to become Liverpool's joint second highest appearance maker.

The 33-year-old played his 665th game for the club in the 3-0 victory over Newcastle - a tally bettered only by Ian Callaghan on 857.

"Those names - they're giants of the club," said Carragher. "To be anywhere close is a privilege for me and the family. They are the legends of the club and I'm just pleased to be anywhere near them.

"I don't think I'll catch Ian Callaghan. He's probably the nicest ex-player I've met around this place and I think he deserves that record. I think he'll keep it - hopefully he does.

"I look at the young lads coming through and I know what they're going through. The two full-backs and Jay Spearing. It doesn't seem so long ago that I was in that position. It's great for them, great for the club, and hopefully they can be here as long as I've been."

The three points gained against Newcastle elevated Liverpool to fifth in the Barclays Premier League - and they now have momentum in the race with Tottenham for Europa League qualification.

Such a scenario seemed unlikely when Kenny Dalglish took over as manager on January 8 - and Carragher is full of praise for his latest boss.

"It's difficult to put your finger on what he's done," said the No.23. "He's Kenny Dalglish - he's a legend as a player and a manager. His record speaks for itself - four championships. There aren't many managers who can say that.

"He's had a massive impact on the club and we're just enjoying it.

"We're on a good run and we've got to keep it going and put pressure on Tottenham.

"I know there is a lot of talk about whether people want us to finish 5th, but for me, Liverpool is European football.

"That's what the club is about, and I'm desperate for us to get it.

"For me, it is another trophy to go for. I'd have loved to have been in Dublin (for this season's Europa League final) in a couple of weeks - that would have been fantastic for us and fantastic for the supporters.

"If we keep winning games, we've got a good chance of qualifying, but Tottenham will probably feel the same, and I think (the Spurs game on May 15 at Anfield) will be a great game now.

"The mood is good. We had a poor result at West Brom away and we had some tough games coming up. People maybe felt the season would peter out but we're on a good run now.

"Hopefully we can take it into next season because however well we're doing now, fifth or sixth place is still not good enough for Liverpool."

 

[Avmenon]

After Jamie Carragher went joint-second in our all-time appearance list on Sunday, Liverpoolfc.tv takes a look at the 10 games that have defined the Bootle boy's career to date.

Carra chalked up his 665th Reds run out against Newcastle United, tying him with Anfield legends Ray Clemence and Emlyn Hughes - though he still has some way to go if he is to surpass Ian Callaghan's astonishing record of 857 appearances for the club.

In tribute to the No.23's achievement, we cast a look back over the 10 matches that have helped establish the 33-year-old as one of the finest centre-backs in world football.

As ever, let us know what you think of our choices by leaving a comment in the box at the foot of this article.

Middlesbrough v Liverpool
League Cup fifth round, January 1997

Liverpool might have crashed out of the League Cup at the Riverside Stadium, but Carragher's substitute appearance gave Reds fans a glimpse of the future.

Replacing Rob Jones with 15 minutes remaining, the defender's versatility was immediately apparent as he slotted into the right-back position.

Liverpool v Aston Villa
Premier League, January 1997

Goals from Carragher have been at a premium since he made his debut over 14 years ago - but he didn't have long to wait for his first. Just 10 days after making his debut, he marked his first start with a goal in front of the Kop.

Carragher was initially pencilled in to play in defence by then manager Roy Evans after Bjorn Tore Kvarme's international clearance didn't arrive in time. However, Carra was asked to display his versatility again after he was selected to play in midfield due to a late illness to Patrik Berger.

Had it not been for the late switch, he may never have come forward for the set-piece he scored from, but Carragher rose highest from a Stig-Inge Bjornebye corner to head home. This after a fairytale debut began with a yellow card just 20 seconds in!

Click the image below to watch Carra talk about the milestone



Liverpool v Manchester United
Premier League, September 1999

On a day to forget for the Reds, Carragher scored two own goals to give fierce rivals Manchester United a 3-2 victory at Anfield.

Goals from Sami Hyypia and Patrik Berger were not enough to overcome Alex Ferguson's men. Andy Cole netted with a header, but it was Carragher who grabbed the headlines with an unfortunate brace at the wrong end.

Liverpool v Birmingham
League Cup final, February 2001



The first piece of silverware picked up in the famous treble season of 2001 was a League Cup win at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff - a venue the Reds would go on to frequent regularly.

Gerard Houllier's men went into the game as heavy favourites against the division one outfit, and a beautifully-struck Robbie Fowler effort gave them the lead on the half-hour mark. A stoppage-time penalty from Darren Purse took the game to extra-time, which led to penalties.

With the shootout level at 4-4, Carragher coolly placed his spot-kick high to 'keeper Ian Bennett's left - and Andy Johnson missed the following penalty to give Liverpool their first trophy since 1995.

Barcelona v Liverpool
UEFA Cup semi-final, April 2001



Gerard's Houllier's men were the underdogs going into the Nou Camp with Barcelona boasting such attacking talents as Patrick Kluivert, Xavi and the peerless Rivaldo.

With a clear game-plan to try and contain, Carragher was one of the standout players in a performance which put him on the path to becoming a defender of world class.

Yet again showing his versatility, Carra played the game, and the majority of the season in fact, at left-back and earned plaudits from fans and pundits alike for his performances.

The 0-0 draw went a long way to securing a passage through to the UEFA Cup final, as the Reds beat Barca 1-0 at Anfield in the return leg.

Liverpool v Chelsea
Champions League semi-final, May 2005

Rafa Benitez's side had already overcome Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen on the road to Istanbul, and Carragher was firmly established as one of the finest defenders in Europe when Champions-elect Chelsea came to town.

In a game that is now legendary, Luis Garcia's goal after just four minutes was enough to send Liverpool to their first European Cup final in 20 years.

As Jose Mourinho's men pressed for the strike that would take them through on away goals, Carragher and co. stood firm to add another celebrated chapter to the history books. The scenes after the final whistle will live long in the memory of every fan.

Liverpool v AC Milan
Champions League final, May 2005



Just three weeks later, Liverpool went to the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul to play AC Milan, in the greatest European Cup final of all time.

The Reds' game-plan was undone after just a minute when Paolo Maldini turned home Andrea Pirlo's free-kick. Hernan Crespo then added a brace to give Carlo Ancelotti's men a seemingly unassailable lead at half-time.

But, in an astonishing six-minute comeback, goals from Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso restored parity. In a display that was nothing short of heroic, Carra battled on through extra-time with severe cramp with a will to win that was indefatigable.

Carra even advised goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek to 'do a Brucie' - in reference to Bruce Grobbelaar's 'spaghetti legs' in the 1984 European Cup final win over Roma - when facing Milan's penalties. The Reds claimed their fifth European Cup with a 3-2 shootout win in one of the most famous nights in the club's illustrious history.

Click the image below to watch Pepe Reina chat about Carra



Liverpool v CSKA Moscow
European Super Cup, August 2005

Liverpool headed to the principality of Monaco as Champions of Europe to face UEFA Cup holders CSKA Moscow in the traditional European curtain-raiser.

With Steven Gerrard absent, Carragher captained the side to a 3-1 win to lift the trophy as stand-in skipper.

The Reds fell a goal down to Daniel Carvalho's effort just before the half-hour mark before substitute Djibril Cisse grabbed an equaliser eight minutes from the end to take the game to extra-time. The Frenchman then grabbed a second after 102 minutes, before setting up Luis Garcia seven minutes later.

Liverpool v Chelsea
Champions League semi-final, May 2007

Just two years after beating Chelsea in the 2005 semi-final, the same opposition stood between Liverpool and a second final in three years.

With Jose Mourinho's men leading 1-0 from the first leg, Daniel Agger swept home Steven Gerrard's cleverly disguised free-kick after 22 minutes to even the tie.

A defence superbly marshalled by a colossal Carragher kept out the attacking talents of Didier Drogba, Joe Cole and Frank Lampard to send the tie beyond extra-time and into penalties. The Reds beat Chelsea 4-1 on spot-kicks to book a date in the final with AC Milan in Athens.

Liverpool v Luton
FA Cup third round replay, January 2008



In the game that marked Carragher's 500th appearance in a Liverpool shirt, a guard of honour was formed before kick-off for the defender.

Taking to the pitch with his son James, Carragher was warmly applauded by both sets of fans, and he was made captain for the game by manager Rafa Benitez. A Steven Gerrard hat-trick and strikes from Sami Hyypia and Ryan Babel saw off Luton, as the Reds cruised to a 5-0 win.

 

[Avmenon]

Steven Gerrard has paid a special tribute to Jamie Carragher as he prepares to go outright second in Liverpool's all-time appearance makers list.

The vice-captain will clock up his 666th game for the Reds should he figure against Fulham on Monday night, putting him second to only Ian Callaghan in terms of run outs for the club.

Gerrard believes the way Carragher has conducted himself over the course of his career so far is the perfect example for any up-and-coming footballer.

"Carra is unbelievable, and I am one of his biggest fans," he said. "I have seen his attitude for more than a decade and I don't believe he gets enough credit for it.

"What some people don't appreciate with Carra is he puts his body on the line. Week in week out, he will push through the pain barrier for himself and the club.

"He's breaking records right at the highest level of the game because of his attitude. He's an absolute credit to himself."

Academy teenagers John Flanagan and Jack Robinson have broken into Liverpool's first team in recent weeks, and Carragher has been eager to take them under his wing.

Gerrard believes they should heed every word of advice from the 33-year-old.

He added: "Some of the youngsters at our club will get the opportunity to progress, but they will only achieve that if they listen to the people that count, experienced players like Jamie Carragher.

"The key thing for them now is to keep learning and keep doing what got them where they are. If they listen to the coaches, the manager and players like Carra, then they can do well."

 

[Avmenon]

Jamie Carragher insists that winning will always be his primary motivation as he prepares to clock up another milestone at Fulham tonight.

Most Recent News Carra: Tonight's not about me Kenny's tribute to golf legend How to follow today's game Kuyt: I'm in the form of my life Kenny: Reina's the world's best The Reds defender will move into second-place outright in Liverpool's all-time appearance last when he features in his 666th match against Mark Hughes's side.

However, he remains adamant that any celebrations will be muted if they don't pick up the victory that would aid their Euro quest.

"It's going to be a proud night for me but the most important thing is getting three points," he said.

"The last time we went to Fulham we didn't play well and me getting sent off just capped a bad day.

"There are always little things in the back of your mind you use for motivation and that's one of them. Hopefully I can redeem myself.

"The previous season Yossi Benayoun scored the winner in the last minute so it's not been that long since we won there. It's a massive game for us."

The Reds arrive in London in the knowledge that a win will move them two points clear of Tottenham in fifth place.

Carragher is well aware of how crucial next Sunday's clash with Harry Redknapp's team could be in deciding who nets the final European berth - but insists Fulham must not be underestimated.

"This is probably even more difficult than the Spurs game," he said.

"Fulham are playing really well at the moment and at home they are always good.

"They are very solid and well organised. The pitch at Craven Cottage is very tight so it's difficult to break them down

"But we are in good form ourselves so it should be a great game."

Carragher will receive a special ovation from the travelling Kop when he leads Liverpool out tonight.

He admits he has always had a unique bond with the supporters and believes their desire to see Scousers make the grade means standards are always much higher with local players.

"The supporters have been fantastic to me," he said.

"They probably see me as like them. I'm a supporter and I feel the results like them. When you lose you take it home with you.

"Towards the end under Gerard Houllier when we weren't doing well I maybe got a bit of stick but I was playing full-back and that wasn't my position.

"I ended up playing for England there so I obviously did a good job but a modern full-back flies up the wing and that wasn't me. I'm just glad I ended up going back to centre-back. In football you have critics and you have ups and downs. It can be tough for local lads.

"Everyone is delighted for the young lads coming through at the moment. But if they are here for a long time they will have critics, don't worry about that. They will have to come through that.

"It can easily change from one week to the next."

 

[doctor_mac]

Top man.

 

[King Binny]

JAMIE CARRAGHER intends to weigh up his options when he finishes playing before deciding whether to pursue a career in management.

The Liverpool defender, who already has his UEFA B coaching licence, has no interest in moving away from his Merseyside roots.

“When I stop playing it will probably be the first time in my life I will have choices to make,†he said.

“I've never had to make a decision about going to a different club and I never would have wanted to. When I finish I'll be my own boss and decide what I want to do.

“It's a difficult one. I do love my football so management would be the obvious path to take but then my kids are still in school.

“There's no way in the world I'm moving my family to be a manager or coach somewhere. If there was something I fancied at the club or another club nearby I'd do it.

“I'll get my coaching badges and see what I get offered but I've not 100% decided I'll go down that road.

“My son wants me to retire now so I can go to games with him. What's best for my family will play a big part in what I do after I stop playing.â€

 

[Sunny]

666 games tonight. 2nd ever. Awesome stuff.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

He's going to score an OG tonight

 

[Sunny]

Fuck off Kenny yer Jonah fucker.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

And then he's going to get sent off.

 

[Sunny]

Stooooooopppppppppppppppppppppp it.

 

[Modo]

When you get a hug from Carra, I mean the one when he actually runs up to you and hugs you, that means you're in.

 

[Avmenon]

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iPhone App LFC Podcasts LFC Toolbar Browser Add-On RSS Feeds 'The Liverpool FC Family Tree' - the brilliant new official club publication - charts the rise of the Reds from 1892 through to the present day - and you can order your copy online now.

With a foreword from Kenny Dalglish and exclusive interviews and fascinating stories from years gone by, 'The Liverpool FC Family Tree' is a must-read for all true Reds.

To give you a taster of some of the fresh content inside the 258 pages, here's an excerpt from Jamie Carragher as he discusses his early days in the game.

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THE FIRST STEPS TO CARRA'S GOAL

In 1988, Jamie Carragher had a moment of madness. The Everton-supporting youngster did the unthinkable and swapped Liverpool's centre of excellence for that of his boyhood heroes. It was an aberration that was to last just two weeks.

While no-one could doubt Carragher's commitment to the cause nowadays, at the time the lure of playing at Goodison Park turned his head.However, Everton proved to be a disappointment to him and the opportunity to see the likes John Barnes, Jan Molby and Kenny Dalglish every day inspired a change of heart.

"I couldn't believe it because Kenny Dalglish actually used to come and watch us train! I mean he was the Liverpool player-manager and he used to come and watch a bunch of kids train on a week night," says Carragher, with an air of disbelief that can still be heard in his voice today.

"I think it was because his son Paul used to train with us then too, but it was still great! He would come from Anfield in his suit and watch us train in a local gymnasium at seven or eight o'clock at night, which shows how dedicated he was to Liverpool Football Club at that time."

Carragher's path to becoming a Liverpool legend began as a six-year-old with his junior side Merton Villa, where he featured in a position that may shock those who have grown accustomed to his no-nonsense style of play.

"My first ever position playing football was right or left midfield because I was a lot younger than the other kids," he reveals. "I was probably six or seven playing Under-10s football for Villa so I think they tried to keep me out of the middle really, where it is a bit more physical."

The St James' Catholic Primary School pupil made an instant impression and his performances soon attracted the attention of Bootle Boys at the age of nine.

By this time he had converted into a centre-forward and in one season he even managed to fire an impressive tally of 38 goals! His passion for the game and ability with the football meant his coach at the time, Ian Chapman, had no doubt Carragher had the ability to make it in the game.

He said: "I used to call him Billy Whizz. He played with an infectious enthusiasm, wanting to take all the corners, throw-ins, free-kicks and do everything. He was the best player Bootle Boys have ever produced."

While many fans believe his first goal at Anfield came on his first start for Liverpool against Aston Villa in 1997, they may be surprised to see that it actually came years earlier during a regional youth cup final.

"I scored for Bootle Boys when I was about 10 or 11 at Anfield and it was at the Kop end as well," says Carragher fondly. "I cut in on my right foot and hit a shot that went right in the top corner, but the keepers were quite small then so it wasn't too difficult.

"I think we lost to Liverpool Boys 3-1. They always had the edge on us because they had about 300 other schools to pick from. We only had about 10 or 12 schools in Bootle so we did quite well, considering."

It was during his time with Bootle Boys that local scout Harry Hodges spotted him and recommended him to Liverpool.

"He picked up a few of us from Bootle Boys," he recalls. "I was about 12 at the time. He was the scout for the Liverpool area so he'd been watching Bootle Boys because the best players from all the schools in the area played for them. Four or five of us got invited to Liverpool and it went from there really."

Carragher's arrival at Liverpool did not prevent him from continuing to play for his local teams and during his final year at Savio High School, he had a trial with Sefton U14s.

But it was only a brief spell as his ability meant he was destined for greater things. The prospect of a career in football began to take shape when he was selected to go to the National School at Lilleshall.


TRIBUTE TO HARRY HODGES

In August 2006, the man who played a significant part in Jamie Carragher's road to stardom passed away.

Harry Hodges, who died at the age of 80, was the local scout who spotted Jamie when he was playing for Bootle Boys back in the late 1980s. While Carragher has since gone on to achieve success as one of Liverpool's brightest homegrown stars, he has never forgotten just what Hodges did for him.

"Well he passed away a while ago and I went around the house with some flowers for the family and it was a sad day," recalls Carragher.

"You know, I owe him a great deal and I still know his sons and his grandsons very well. It wasn't just me he spotted, I think he picked up Stephen Wright as well.

"He did a lot for Liverpool and obviously he was delighted with how I've done and I kept in touch with him for a long time. I was very disappointed to see him pass away but he always did a good job for the club - I'll remember him fondly."

 

[Avmenon]

Seems to have omitted the bit about his father nearly coming to blows with Kenny 8)