O' Captain! My Captain!
- Thread starter ILD
- Start date
- Latest activity Latest activity:
- Status
It's a crap image and a strange choice I guess but in case people don't recognise the event it is Stevie consoling Luis Suarez after the three all draw with Crystal Palace.
In reality it should have been the other way round but it was Stevie doing the consoling and pushing the cameras away from a private moment.
Away at Villa
If they ever do an American remake of Fr Ted, that's the lad who'll play Ted.
His goal against Utd at home that Fowler touched to him followed by his goal against Utd in the league cup final.
If Flanagan doesn't make it will it be the first time we haven't had a local lad in the squad?
If Flanagan doesn't make it will it be the first time we haven't had a local lad in the squad?
Brannagan's from Manchester. Supposedly his family are massive Manc fans. He joined us from about 9 though. There was some talk about his contract running out, but I just did a bit more checking and it seems he signed a pro contract in Nov 2013. So, no idea really where we stand currently in terms of whether his contract expires this year.
Connor Randall at RB would be another possibility in terms of a Scouser in the squad. Still 19, but looks quite promising. Attack-minded full back, like McLaughlin. Not too sure about how he is defensively though.
Its father Ted!Away at Villa
Is Father Ted standing on a box in that pic?
I bet that lad behind him mostly watched his neck for the 90'.
I bet that lad behind him mostly watched his neck for the 90'.
This post will not get ANY 'Likes'.
Steven Gerrard is one of the finest players I've seen, in his prime I think he could have played for any team past and present.
I don't think he'll be defined by the last couple of seasons, if anything his diminished strength has been highlighted purely because of the incredibly high standards he sets himself. Special moments from him are too many to list.
He's earned a rest and a change and I wish him well.
I don't think he'll be defined by the last couple of seasons, if anything his diminished strength has been highlighted purely because of the incredibly high standards he sets himself. Special moments from him are too many to list.
He's earned a rest and a change and I wish him well.
Too spot on? Had he not been born and raised in Liverpool he would have been gone 4 years ago. Look at Chelsea and how they handled Lampard. That is how you win titles.
And joined the club from West Ham.... so erm...
And remember Giggs and Scholes playing and winning a title or two when they were clearly already going downhill?
And let's see... didn't Xavi get a new contract and Casillas keeps goal still for Real Madrid, despite being clearly not being the same players anymore?
- In the original version of TV's Give Us a Clue, the ever energetic Lionel Blair would mime the titles of TV shows against a strict time limit, and who can fail to remember the occasion he scored double points by using both hands in different actions to finish off One Man & His Dog in under thirty seconds!
- Who will ever forget the show's, now famous, commonwealth tour, when Lionel Blair jumped up and displayed his Passage To India for the full two minutes!
- No one who witnessed the event will ever forget the sparkle in Lionel Blair's eye as he received Free Willy from Michael Aspel for two minutes!
- Who can ever forget opposing team captain Una Stubbs sitting open mouthed as he tried to pull off Twelve Angry Men in under two minutes!
- Give Us A Clue was made all the better by it's resident expert Lionel Blair, who was particularly good at the films of Richard Gere. Who can forget the gleam of satisfaction in his eye when he was given Yanks by Michael Aspel for two minutes!
- Who will ever forget the relish in Lionel Blair's eye as he got stuck into Howard's End for two minutes!
- The undoubted master was Lionel Blair who used to work himself to a frazzle leaping up to be given his films titles on cards. Even when Lionel collapsed over the chairman's desk receiving The Dirty Dozen, he could still cope with The Sting afterwards...
- The undisputed master of the game was Lionel Blair, whose TV career has sadly waned of late. He did, however, recently audition for I'm A Celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here!. Lionel's challenge was to sail a raft across a river with a small crew, but sadly the raft hit a rock and sank, and what a look of horror there was on Ant's face when Lionel went down with both hands on Dec...
- His live performances were always loudly praised by his team mates. Una Stubbs recalls listening through the dressing room wall as Christopher Biggins and Melvyn Hayes were still gushing ten minutes after Lionel blew them away on tour...
- Possibly the most versatile performer was Lionel Blair, and no one will ever forget the occasion he was given A Town Like Alice, when he chose to do a silent impression of the author. Such was the performance, Una Stubbs gasped in amazement when she saw Neville Shute in Lionel's face...
Steven Gerrard on all things Liverpool: playing at Anfield, best goal, that ‘slip’, MLS move and more
Steven Gerrard makes his final appearance for Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday and ahead of the match with Crystal Palace the midfielder talks to Sky Sports about his 17-year career with the club.
And the Reds skipper, 34, opens up on a whole host of subjects…
Becoming a Red
I was first aware of Anfield on videos and tapes. The collection that my Dad had of the likes of [Kenny] Dalglish and [Graeme] Souness and all the legends that were here - him basically passing me them and saying: 'Watch them'. He knew I was into football, played a lot in the street. Also, during FA Cup finals there used to be street parties on the estate where I was from.
That's when the dream began. I was a little bit unsure when I was about five or six whether I was going to be a blue or a red and in the 1986 Cup final when [Gary] Lineker scored I was swaying towards the Blues slightly. But then the Reds turned it around and won 3-1 and from that moment on I was always going to be a red, and the dream was always to follow in the footsteps of those players I was watching.
Liverpool debut
Gerrard made his Liverpool bow against Blackburn at Anfield in November 1998
It was very nerve-wracking and intimidating. You are going into a group of men and you're only a young boy and not sure if that chance is going to come. You're so focused and ready for that shout and it came for me with a couple of minutes to go against Blackburn in a Premier League game.
I managed to get a couple of touches, but it was almost just a relief to say to people that I'd done it, that all the hard work I'd done from the age of eight had been worth it. But when I got home I was brought quickly down to earth by my Dad who said to me: 'You've done nothing yet and this is where it begins.' That's when the real journey began.
Playing at Anfield
When Gerrard first started coming to Anfield as a young fan, he would watch the likes of Robbie Fowler in action
You realise how special it is as a supporter. I grew up watching big-pressure games here and some unbelievable footballers. When I started coming to the stadium regularly, watching the likes of Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher, and then speaking to them when I was full-time at Melwood, you get a flavour of what it is like. But when you sample it for yourself, it's slightly different with a lot more pressure.
Relationship with the fans
Liverpool's fans 'always get behind the local lads', says Gerrard
They always get behind the local lads. I was well aware of the relationship that the likes of Fowler, [Steve] McManaman, Carragher had. I thought if I can give the same effort as them and do my best for the supporters, I knew the support would come because that's the type of crowd they are.
Responsibility of playing for the club
Wearing the red shirt of Liverpool has been a huge responsibility
When you get the red shirt and put it on your back, there is a responsibility that comes with it. You have to accept that and get on with it. I've been through a lot - both good and bad with the team in the last 17 years - and I've always tried to do my best, but I've got memories that I will take with me forever.
First goal
Gerrard's first-ever goal for Liverpool came against Sheffield Wednesday at Anfield in December 1999
Sheffield Wednesday at home. I remember picking the ball up and there wasn't much on and I'm not really a dribbler, but I thought I'd have a go and I knew Des Walker's legs were getting a little bit old, so I decided to run at him and commit him. He was someone I grew up watching. He was a colossus of a centre-half, but I knew he was getting on a bit so I committed him, went past him and slotted it in the corner. And your feelings are difficult to put into words when you score your first goal here in front of these people.
Best goal
Gerrard's best goal for the club was his header against Milan in the 2005 Champions League final
On the eye, probably the Cup final goal against West Ham. It was a nice strike from long distance. But in terms of importance, it was definitely Istanbul. Three-nil down and worried that the game was going to become four, five or 6-0, I managed to score a header which gave the team a little bit of confidence and belief and helped us get back into what was the biggest game in my and lot a of people's careers.
Last season’s near miss and ‘that’ slip
'That' slip against Chelsea last season was one of the lowest moments of Gerrard's Liverpool career
It was a very low moment. When I finish in a couple of weeks and reflect, that is certainly going to be the lowest point of my career. You win or lose the league over a 38-game period, but I'm not stupid and I do realise that that moment was big. But I will always take full responsibility and take it on the chin - that's what I've tried to do.
I haven't made a mistake, I haven't taken a risk, or made a bad pass or tried a back heel on the edge of my box, it was just a freak, cruel incident and the majority of people that are human will realise that I didn't mean to do it. It was just an unfortunate moment for myself, the team and the club at that time. I think over a 17-year period I have shown what I am about here, and I think the fans respect me for the 17 years rather than one moment.
Never winning the Premier League
The only regret of Gerrard's career is never winning the Premier League
The only regret. It would have been the icing on the cake. If someone had said to me before I made my debut that you are going to have all those highlights, wonderful times and travel all over the world and play in the top stadiums competing for European Cups, FA Cups, I would have grabbed it with both hands. Sometimes you have got to go away with just the cake, not always the icing comes. You just have to get on with it.
Final home game
Gerrard is hoping 'to keep it together' at Anfield on Saturday
I'm hoping that I keep it together. There's nothing wrong with getting emotional, but I'm really looking forward to the game. I want to win the game. I want to win my last game at Anfield. It will be a bonus if I can get on the scoresheet.
But once the game finishes and I say goodbye to the fans that are here - and I know it's getting televised so it's a good chance for me to say goodbye to the fans worldwide as well - it will be emotional, not just for me, for my family. I'm sure there will be a few supporters that are emotional too. After 17 years that's just the way it's going to be.
Crying at his Anfield farewell
' I'm not macho like Jamie Carragher' (pictured saying his own goodbye to Liverpool's fans in 2013), says Gerrard
I'm not like him [Jamie Carragher], I'm not made of stone. I'm not macho like Jamie. We'll have to wait and see. I'm not usually one that sheds tears when I'm emotional, I usually keep it in, but we'll have to wait and see. There's no shame in shedding a tear, I don't think.
The morning after
On Sunday morning 'I'll have that low feeling, be a little bit depressed,' thinks Gerrard
Hung over probably, without going out drinking. I'll have that low feeling, be a little bit depressed knowing that I'm not going to play here again in a competitive game. I've loved playing here, I've loved every minute of my career. I'm proud of what I've done. I'll have a smile on my face, but I think there'll be a part of me that's sad and a little bit down that it's all over here at Anfield.
Playing in the MLS
Moving across the Pond offers Gerrard the chance to spend more time with his young family
It's a great challenge. It's a good time. I'm coming up to my 35th birthday, it's a good chance for me to enjoy a couple of years of my life with less pressure, spend more time with my family. But I'm still in good condition, I still enjoy my football and I can still start football matches and compete for some trophies in the States.
That's one of the reasons I've decided to do it. I wasn't keen on becoming a squad player or a sub or a bit-part player here. That's not being selfish, it's just for me, the enjoyment comes from starting games and trying to win every time you go out.
Steven Gerrard makes his final appearance for Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday and ahead of the match with Crystal Palace the midfielder talks to Sky Sports about his 17-year career with the club.
And the Reds skipper, 34, opens up on a whole host of subjects…
Becoming a Red
I was first aware of Anfield on videos and tapes. The collection that my Dad had of the likes of [Kenny] Dalglish and [Graeme] Souness and all the legends that were here - him basically passing me them and saying: 'Watch them'. He knew I was into football, played a lot in the street. Also, during FA Cup finals there used to be street parties on the estate where I was from.
That's when the dream began. I was a little bit unsure when I was about five or six whether I was going to be a blue or a red and in the 1986 Cup final when [Gary] Lineker scored I was swaying towards the Blues slightly. But then the Reds turned it around and won 3-1 and from that moment on I was always going to be a red, and the dream was always to follow in the footsteps of those players I was watching.
Liverpool debut
Gerrard made his Liverpool bow against Blackburn at Anfield in November 1998
It was very nerve-wracking and intimidating. You are going into a group of men and you're only a young boy and not sure if that chance is going to come. You're so focused and ready for that shout and it came for me with a couple of minutes to go against Blackburn in a Premier League game.
I managed to get a couple of touches, but it was almost just a relief to say to people that I'd done it, that all the hard work I'd done from the age of eight had been worth it. But when I got home I was brought quickly down to earth by my Dad who said to me: 'You've done nothing yet and this is where it begins.' That's when the real journey began.
Playing at Anfield
When Gerrard first started coming to Anfield as a young fan, he would watch the likes of Robbie Fowler in action
You realise how special it is as a supporter. I grew up watching big-pressure games here and some unbelievable footballers. When I started coming to the stadium regularly, watching the likes of Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher, and then speaking to them when I was full-time at Melwood, you get a flavour of what it is like. But when you sample it for yourself, it's slightly different with a lot more pressure.
Relationship with the fans
Liverpool's fans 'always get behind the local lads', says Gerrard
They always get behind the local lads. I was well aware of the relationship that the likes of Fowler, [Steve] McManaman, Carragher had. I thought if I can give the same effort as them and do my best for the supporters, I knew the support would come because that's the type of crowd they are.
Responsibility of playing for the club
Wearing the red shirt of Liverpool has been a huge responsibility
When you get the red shirt and put it on your back, there is a responsibility that comes with it. You have to accept that and get on with it. I've been through a lot - both good and bad with the team in the last 17 years - and I've always tried to do my best, but I've got memories that I will take with me forever.
First goal
Gerrard's first-ever goal for Liverpool came against Sheffield Wednesday at Anfield in December 1999
Sheffield Wednesday at home. I remember picking the ball up and there wasn't much on and I'm not really a dribbler, but I thought I'd have a go and I knew Des Walker's legs were getting a little bit old, so I decided to run at him and commit him. He was someone I grew up watching. He was a colossus of a centre-half, but I knew he was getting on a bit so I committed him, went past him and slotted it in the corner. And your feelings are difficult to put into words when you score your first goal here in front of these people.
Best goal
Gerrard's best goal for the club was his header against Milan in the 2005 Champions League final
On the eye, probably the Cup final goal against West Ham. It was a nice strike from long distance. But in terms of importance, it was definitely Istanbul. Three-nil down and worried that the game was going to become four, five or 6-0, I managed to score a header which gave the team a little bit of confidence and belief and helped us get back into what was the biggest game in my and lot a of people's careers.
Last season’s near miss and ‘that’ slip
'That' slip against Chelsea last season was one of the lowest moments of Gerrard's Liverpool career
It was a very low moment. When I finish in a couple of weeks and reflect, that is certainly going to be the lowest point of my career. You win or lose the league over a 38-game period, but I'm not stupid and I do realise that that moment was big. But I will always take full responsibility and take it on the chin - that's what I've tried to do.
I haven't made a mistake, I haven't taken a risk, or made a bad pass or tried a back heel on the edge of my box, it was just a freak, cruel incident and the majority of people that are human will realise that I didn't mean to do it. It was just an unfortunate moment for myself, the team and the club at that time. I think over a 17-year period I have shown what I am about here, and I think the fans respect me for the 17 years rather than one moment.
Never winning the Premier League
The only regret of Gerrard's career is never winning the Premier League
The only regret. It would have been the icing on the cake. If someone had said to me before I made my debut that you are going to have all those highlights, wonderful times and travel all over the world and play in the top stadiums competing for European Cups, FA Cups, I would have grabbed it with both hands. Sometimes you have got to go away with just the cake, not always the icing comes. You just have to get on with it.
Final home game
Gerrard is hoping 'to keep it together' at Anfield on Saturday
I'm hoping that I keep it together. There's nothing wrong with getting emotional, but I'm really looking forward to the game. I want to win the game. I want to win my last game at Anfield. It will be a bonus if I can get on the scoresheet.
But once the game finishes and I say goodbye to the fans that are here - and I know it's getting televised so it's a good chance for me to say goodbye to the fans worldwide as well - it will be emotional, not just for me, for my family. I'm sure there will be a few supporters that are emotional too. After 17 years that's just the way it's going to be.
Crying at his Anfield farewell
' I'm not macho like Jamie Carragher' (pictured saying his own goodbye to Liverpool's fans in 2013), says Gerrard
I'm not like him [Jamie Carragher], I'm not made of stone. I'm not macho like Jamie. We'll have to wait and see. I'm not usually one that sheds tears when I'm emotional, I usually keep it in, but we'll have to wait and see. There's no shame in shedding a tear, I don't think.
The morning after
On Sunday morning 'I'll have that low feeling, be a little bit depressed,' thinks Gerrard
Hung over probably, without going out drinking. I'll have that low feeling, be a little bit depressed knowing that I'm not going to play here again in a competitive game. I've loved playing here, I've loved every minute of my career. I'm proud of what I've done. I'll have a smile on my face, but I think there'll be a part of me that's sad and a little bit down that it's all over here at Anfield.
Playing in the MLS
Moving across the Pond offers Gerrard the chance to spend more time with his young family
It's a great challenge. It's a good time. I'm coming up to my 35th birthday, it's a good chance for me to enjoy a couple of years of my life with less pressure, spend more time with my family. But I'm still in good condition, I still enjoy my football and I can still start football matches and compete for some trophies in the States.
That's one of the reasons I've decided to do it. I wasn't keen on becoming a squad player or a sub or a bit-part player here. That's not being selfish, it's just for me, the enjoyment comes from starting games and trying to win every time you go out.
Steven Gerrard's farewell Liverpool press conference: as it happened
13.30
And that's it folks. Some interesting stuff interspersed with some not-so-interesting mumbling. Here's wishing Stevie G all the best in America.
13.28
Journalists are now being invited to have a slice of a very large cake designed in the shape of Gerrard's number eight shirt. I shall report back – Mary Berry (or possibly Paul Hollywood style) on its texture, taste and the overall quality of the bake - Chris Bascombe
13.25
My ex-boss John Thompson, Liverpool Echo sports editor offering a tribute to Gerrard on behalf of the Merseyside media. "You have never shirked speaking to us when clouds were dark or when The Lying Rag was shining." Can't argue with that - Chris Bascombe
13.22
Gerrard: "The danger for younger players is that they want it all too soon and they chase it."
13.21
Gerrard: "My advice to Raheem (Sterling) is he should sign a new deal here. That would be best for his career. But I have no control over that."
13.20
Warm words for Steve Heighway, Dave Shannon and Hugh McAuley - Gerrard's former Academy coaches. He also says he sees Gerard Houllier as 'a father figure' - Houllier is expected to attend the final Anfield fixture this weekend - Chris Bascombe
13.18
Gerrard on Rodgers: "I wish I'd met him earlier, I'd have been sat here talking about many trophies."
13.17
Gerrard: "I owe a lot to Gerard Houllier. He was like a father figure to me."
13.16
Gerrard confirms he is taking his Uefa coaching badges.
13.15
Gerrard: "I'm proud of what I've achieved here. I've loved every minute of representing these supporters."
13.14
Gerrard: "My favourite game at Anfield would be when I scored a hat-trick against Everton after all the stick I've taken off the Bluenoses."
13.13
Gerrard on Istanbul: "It was the best night of my life. It's going to go down in history as the best ever Champions League Final."
13.12
Gerrard: "I've been dreading this moment because I'm going to miss it so much but the plan is try to keep it together and avoid any tears."
13.11
Not for the first time Gerrard is asked if there will be tears at Anfield this weekend. "I hope not," he says. There will be, even if they are not his - Chris Bascombe
13.11
Gerrard: "I'm not really one for attention and I feel a bit sorry for my team-mates. All I can do is apologise if I've taken attention away."
13.10
Gerrard being very apologetic that the attention is on him and not the team, before adding: "I'm only here to talk about how we'll beat Crystal Palace." Errrr, no you're not Steven!
13.09
Gerrard: "We've fallen a bit short this year. I'm hoping the owners will back Brendan again and bring in that bit of quality."
13.08
Gerrard: "I look back at pride with what I've achieved, but not winning the League is a regret I will go away with."
13.07
Gerrard: "I want to finish on a high but there's no getting away from it that at the end of the match, when I say goodbye, it will be emotional."
13.30
And that's it folks. Some interesting stuff interspersed with some not-so-interesting mumbling. Here's wishing Stevie G all the best in America.
13.28
13.25
13.22
Gerrard: "The danger for younger players is that they want it all too soon and they chase it."
13.21
Gerrard: "My advice to Raheem (Sterling) is he should sign a new deal here. That would be best for his career. But I have no control over that."
13.20
13.18
Gerrard on Rodgers: "I wish I'd met him earlier, I'd have been sat here talking about many trophies."
13.17
Gerrard: "I owe a lot to Gerard Houllier. He was like a father figure to me."
13.16
Gerrard confirms he is taking his Uefa coaching badges.
13.15
Gerrard: "I'm proud of what I've achieved here. I've loved every minute of representing these supporters."
13.14
Gerrard: "My favourite game at Anfield would be when I scored a hat-trick against Everton after all the stick I've taken off the Bluenoses."
13.13
Gerrard on Istanbul: "It was the best night of my life. It's going to go down in history as the best ever Champions League Final."
13.12
Gerrard: "I've been dreading this moment because I'm going to miss it so much but the plan is try to keep it together and avoid any tears."
13.11
13.11
Gerrard: "I'm not really one for attention and I feel a bit sorry for my team-mates. All I can do is apologise if I've taken attention away."
13.10
Gerrard being very apologetic that the attention is on him and not the team, before adding: "I'm only here to talk about how we'll beat Crystal Palace." Errrr, no you're not Steven!
13.09
Gerrard: "We've fallen a bit short this year. I'm hoping the owners will back Brendan again and bring in that bit of quality."
13.08
Gerrard: "I look back at pride with what I've achieved, but not winning the League is a regret I will go away with."
13.07
Gerrard: "I want to finish on a high but there's no getting away from it that at the end of the match, when I say goodbye, it will be emotional."
Emotional is right, as many other Reds are about this. Have you a fucking problem with that?
I struggle to think of a single moment that I can justify over so many others.
The thing I remember most is his passion. From the moment his gangly baby deer like legs stepped on the pitch he always gave everything, at every level.
Even when he first started for the first team he'd fly into tackles, me & my mates were the same age as him & watching him through the youth team, & we're delighted when he played the exact same way for the first team, he was never afraid to tackle anyone.
The thing I remember most is his passion. From the moment his gangly baby deer like legs stepped on the pitch he always gave everything, at every level.
Even when he first started for the first team he'd fly into tackles, me & my mates were the same age as him & watching him through the youth team, & we're delighted when he played the exact same way for the first team, he was never afraid to tackle anyone.
- Status
