'Red Issues' - Moaning Reds are a disgrace
Last updated : 21 July 2002 By Peter Talbot, Red Issues
The imminent arrival of Lee Bowyer to Anfield has already caused a divide between the Liverpool fans. From what I've heard it seems to be quite an even divide with some people welcoming the Leeds midfielder and others criticising Houllier's judgement on this occasion.
I, myself, fall in the welcoming category. I've said so many times on this column that I will always trust Houllier's judgement and I back him fully with this move too. Bowyer is a tremendous player who will without doubt improve the Liverpool team and that is why the manager has decided to bring him to the club.
I won't bore you with the reasons why he will improve the team - his attributes have been outlined in the press all week. His goals from midfield could be that little extra we need to finally bring the Premiership crown to Anfield. However, I read in the Liverpool Echo this week one "fan" who described himself as a "possible ex-red" and another who said he "will no longer support my team in any way" if the signing goes through.
To be honest these fans disgust me. OK, they are entitled to their opinion but to abandon the team because of one signing is a disgrace. They surely can't call themselves fans if they can walk away from the club based on one player.
Lee Bowyer arriving at Anfield is a terrific thing for the club. One thing I do know is that Bowyer is desperate to play for England and didn't believe he could achieve that dream playing for Leeds United. If he is desperate to play for his country he certainly won't be stupid enough to misbehave under the guidance of Gerard Houllier.
I'm sure when Houllier talks to Bowyer, one thing he will say to him will be - one false move and you're out. Should that happen and Bowyer be booted out of Liverpool that would, without doubt, end his chances of ever playing for England.
Houllier's ruthless streak has been seen with the likes of Titi Camara, Sander Westerveld and Nicolas Anelka. If he believes a player does not suit the Liverpool style, then he gets rid of them. I have no doubt that the manager believes that Lee Bowyer will be a success at Liverpool Football Club.
This signing is going to happen, subject to personal terms being agreed and a medical completed, whether the fans like it or not. All fans need to get behind Lee Bowyer and welcome him to Anfield because he's going to be a Liverpool player.
How about getting behind the manager for a change, because we can forget winning the title if a section of our fans are going to hate one of our best players. If he does complete his switch to Liverpool I expect each and every fan to get behind him and welcome him to the club. Either that or we can look forward to another trophy-less season.
