Reap what you sow

Last updated : 18 December 2003 By Gandalf the Red

Whilst I can't claim to be an Anfield regular, the reds still occupy too much of my time (according to my better half) and because of this addiction of mine, I, like so many other reds out there, am sick to the bone of being out of contention so early again.

Gerard Houllier is beyond doubt, a dedicated Manager who deserves whole-hearted praise for dragging us out of the fruitless Evans era. The 100 odd million which is constantly quoted in every tabloid and broadsheet at every possible opportunity isn't really that much, spread over five seasons, when you compare it to Chelsea's five weeks in the summer. The big difference is that Chelsea had extra money in reserve to force through the purchases they wanted, Damien Duff for example, whereas Gerard has tried to rebuild slowly and too often has only had the cash for possible stars rather than established ones.

Last summer's transfer dealings in my opinion are probably some of the best deals he has achieved during his tenure, buying two players in required positions for very little outlay and also the two French 'gems' who have sparked the imagination of Kopites.

Unfortunately Gerard is receiving so much flak for his team's poor results, at a time when we are going through one of the worst injury runs that I can recall, because of one basic fact - his transfer dealings in past seasons have been below the required standard for Liverpool Football Club, and some of the players brought in for rather large amounts have proven to be no better than some of the kids he could surely have brought through the ranks.

Last season's deals, especially, are coming back to haunt him, although some of the headlines Anelka has been receiving lately maybe have gone some way towards proving the manager correct. Diao leaves me at a loss for words but at least there has been some good news on the injury front as he is now out for three weeks. Cheyrou has talent but as yet has not been able to transfer it to the Premiership grind although he looked reasonable in some European games last season. Diouf is a mystery, bundles of talent and application, pity he can't shoot and cross the way he nutmegs.

Where this leaves Gerard Houllier and LFC, I'm not too sure. Maybe we will have a better picture in January, If the board back him to the hilt financially then maybe he will still be here no matter the final league position. If not then maybe the man from France who makes us dance will be waltzing out the door or maybe up the stairs?