'Red Issues' updated by Peter Talbot

Last updated : 09 April 2002 By Peter Talbot, Red Issues

In one of my earlier articles I said that while the treble success of last year was great, it was not the end of the line. "Progress has to be made", I said. And I'm glad to see that Gerard Houllier agrees with me.

I think more than a few of us were a little puzzled (if not frustrated) by the fact that Houllier wasn't as active in the transfer market as he might have been, despite having extended resources due to the club qualifying for the Champions League.

Who would have thought Ged would have replaced the 'keeper that conceded the fewest Premiership goals last term?

Houllier's transfer kitty was bigger than it had ever been, but I recall him stating that the squad he had was strong enough and didn't require improvement. Only John-Arne Riise moved into Anfield in the summer of last year, baffling many Reds.

Less than twelve months on, however, circumstances and personnel have changed quite dramatically. We have two new goalkeepers in Jerzy Dudek and Chris Kirkland. Who would have thought Houllier would have replaced the goalkeeper who conceded the fewest Premiership goals last year?

Robbie Fowler has also moved on and Nicolas Anelka brought in - possibly permanently. Abel Xavier and Milan Baros have also arrived, proving the manager's ambition. With Anthony Le Tallec and Florent Sinama-Pongolle joining in just over twelve months, the future looks bright for the Reds.

Last year was an historical one for the club but, as we all know, the Premiership and the Champions League are the main goals. And as we approach the finale of this season, we still find ourselves competing for both of these goals.

Of course, we mustn't rule out the possibility of finishing the season empty handed, and I'm delighted to see that Gerard is already planning changes in the summer. "There has to be progression and evolution and I know where I need to strengthen in the summer, " he said this weekend.

Quite a change from last year's comments, and we haven't even finished this season yet!