Smicer pleased with Gerrard's decision to stay

Last updated : 01 July 2004 By Al Campbell
Smicer had admitted he was just as nervous as the fans that Stevie G might leave for Chelsea and was delighted when the Reds skipper had a change of heart at the weekend.

"Me and Milan have been talking every day about the situation at Liverpool and what has been happening in England," reveals Smicer.

"It's very good news for us and we know what Steven Gerrard means for Liverpool. I am happy and it's big news for the fans and very good news for next year. We know we did not play very well in the last two seasons, expectations were a lot higher than what we managed on the pitch but we now have a new manager so there is lots of hope."