Jimmy offers case for Stevie stay

Last updated : 22 June 2004 By Chris Maxwell
Case, who like Gerrard graduated from the Kop to live his dream of playing for the Reds, feels the 24-year-old Liverpool skipper would be making a huge mistake if he turned his back on Rafael Benitez's new regime to join the superstar line-up at Stamford Bridge.

Case, speaking to the club's official website, said: "Everyone is talking about Steven Gerrard and will he or won't stay at Liverpool.


"One thing is for sure Gerrard loves Liverpool Football Club, I've no doubt about that, and he's not motivated by money, but he must be going through turmoil in his own mind because every player wants to be successful and win trophies.

"For me, what it boils down to is belief in the club. We all know Gerrard has been holding the team together. True, Liverpool did suffer their fair share of injuries last season but I have to say there were also quite a few under-achievers in the team as well.

"However, the board have reacted positively to last season and brought in Rafael Benitez as boss. Hopefully things will improve under him and if it was me in Gerrard's situation I'd give the new manager a chance to show what he can do.


"Personally speaking, it would never have suited me to go and play for Chelsea. I always loved Liverpool Football Club and that was the top and bottom of it. Until I lost my place in the team, and that's not going to happen with Stevie, I would never have considered leaving Anfield.

"They are in no way a bigger club, that's not even up for debate. How can they be a bigger club when they've won nothing? Bigger bank balance, yes. But bigger club, no way. Liverpool have bigger crowds, a more illustrious history and the potential for a glorious future.

"Chelsea are trying to be all the so-called best players and that's why they obviously want Gerrard. But that doesn't mean they are guaranteed success."