ITS UP TO YOU XABI

Liverpool got their first win of the pre-season against Asian side, Singapore.
The Reds scored five times in an emphatic victory with goals by Voronin just before half-time, then Viera scored well followed by two for prolific youngster Kristan Nemeth sandwiched by a Fernando Torres tap-in.
It was a poor enough game throughout with the Singaporeans competing for every ball, defending deeply and not willing to open the game up.
The introduction of Dirk Kuyt midway through the second half energised Liverpool however and he had a hand in laying on the goals for Nemeth and Torres and the Dutchman was my man of the match.
Xabi Alonso came on for the last 13 minutes and he began where he left off last season, spaying the ball around to good effect.
When asked about his future, manager Rafa Benitez said 'I don't know, it is up to him to decide but clearly we want him to stay as he is a very good player for us'.
So come on Xabi, forget the fat cats at Real Madrid and stay with us at Liverpool.

LIVERPOOL DRAW IN THAILAND

Ryan Babel scored Liverpool's first goal of the pre-season as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Peter Reid's team in Thailand today.
In another average performance by the Reds with another mixture of reserve and fringe team players played in searing heat and high humidity, the game only livened up in the 2nd half with the late, but welcome introduction of Fernando Torres.
He looked a huge danger every time he got the ball and the whole team got a lift to as they pushed for a winner towards the end.
It was not to be however, so the Reds now head to Singapore for another game on Sunday.
I wonder will Xabi Alonso be in the squad for that one?
Watch this space!

I HATE THIS TIME OF YEAR

God, as a Liverpool fan, I hate this time of year, the dreaded close-season.

No games being played, no goals being scored and no wins to savour.

All we have to chew on is silly stories in the press, false rumours and daft headlines about who is about to be sold, who might be brought in, mostly without a grain of truth.

So what does any self-respecting Liverpool fan do at this time?

Do a Homer Simpson, have a few beers and fall asleep on the sofa until the new season begins.

Roll on August 15th when the new season begins where we can get back to normal, cheers!