Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Ronnie wins European player of the year
Barcelona and Brazil star Ronaldinho won the Ballon D'Or on Monday to become the third Samba star to win the award in six years. He fought off competition from Frank Lampard, Thierry Henry and Steven Gerrard to win the France Football European footballer of the year prize in Paris.
George Best (1946-2005) Guerrero on Ronaldinho: "Spectacular" Ronaldinho player of the year
The win completes a hat-trick of awards this year, with the Brazilian forward winning both FIFA World Player of the Year and FifPro accolades.
"To be here with all those great players applauding me is a dream come true. It's a great motivation to continue playing," Ronaldinho said after receiving the award.
He continued that he "would like to thank all my team-mates who allowed me to win this, and all those people that love football."
"I have the pleasure to do the thing that I love the most, football.
"All I want is to make people who love football happy.
"I want to dedicate this award to all my friends and family, many of whom cannot be with me tonight."
Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard - who recently broke the record for consecutive Premiership appearances - came second, while European Cup winning Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was third.
Ronaldinho had been tipped to win the award after he was spotted being photographed by France Football journalists in the weeks building up to the presentation.
He won the Spanish league title with Barcelona in 2005 and the FIFA Confederations Cup with Brazil in the same year.
The 25 year-old former Gremio and Paris Saint Germain star has dazzled football fans all over the world with his stunning displays for Barcelona and Brazil, particularly in last week's 3-0 drubbing of fierce rivals Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
Ronaldinho grabbed a typically stylish brace in that game, with the reigning Spanish champions tipped to retain their crown this season.
Ronaldinho becomes the third Brazilian to win the award since 1997, with Rivaldo picking up the prize in 1999 and Ronaldo voted top player in European football twice (1997 and 2002).
BEST TRIBUTE
The evening featured a tribute and standing ovation to recently deceased 1968 winner George Best, with a re-presentation of the award made to former team-mates Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law on behalf of Best's mourning family.
"He was a wonderful player who had the spirit of the game in mind." said an emotional Charlton.
"He would have loved to have been here tonight, thank you for your tribute tonight", continued his former Manchester United team-mate.
Ronaldinho - the 2005 European player of the year in pictures
European Footballer of the Year full results:
1. Ronaldinho (Brazil/Barcelona) 225 points
2. Frank Lampard (England/Chelsea) 148
3. Steven Gerrard (England/Liverpool) 142
4. Thierry Henry (France/Arsenal) 41
5. Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine/AC Milan) 33
6. Paolo Maldini (Italy/AC Milan) 23
7. Adriano (Brazil/Inter) 22
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden/Juventus) 21
9. Kaka (Brazil/AC Milan) 19
10= Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon/Barcelona) 18
10= John Terry (England/Chelsea) 18
12. Juninho (Brazil/Lyon) 15
13. Claude Makelele (France/Chelsea) 8
14= Michael Ballack (Germany/Bayern Munich) 7
14= Petr Cech (Czech Republic/Chelsea) 7
14= Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast/Chelsea) 7
14= Juan Roman Riquelme (Argentina/Villarreal) 7
18. Zinedine Zidane (France/Real Madrid) 5
19. Gianluigi Buffon (Italy/Juventus) 4
20= Jamie Carragher (England/Liverpool) 3
20= Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Manchester United) 3
Jude
Thursday, November 24, 2005
I Thought today would be that special day when I start sharing with you my list of the most beautiful african women across the the continet! from Number 50 I start with.Ehis: From Nigeria
She is pretty,intligent and a nutural african woman.
Tomorrow i will be looking at number 49 as we count down.
Jude
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
-Ferguson remains 'optimistic' of qualification-
BUT WILL THE REDS REMAIN IN CONTETION
{Its about Pride}
Sir Alex Ferguson remains optimistic Manchester United will still reach the Champions League knock-out phase even though his side drew yet another European blank at Old Trafford.
The goalless draw with Villarreal was the fourth time the Red Devils have failed to score in five outings in the competition this season and leaves them needing to beat Benfica in Lisbon on December 7 to guarantee a place in the last 16.
Given United have not won a Champions League away game in seven attempts since beating Panathinaikos two years ago - and Ruud van Nistelrooy is having a rare barren European campaign - the odds on United achieving their aim appear long.
But Ferguson refuses to concede defeat, even though he accepts the task is a tough one.
'I am still optimistic,' he said. 'Obviously we have a big job against Benfica because it is a game we have to win.
'But it is not totally unusual for us to be in this position. Our form is getting better and it must help us that Benfica have to win too.
'It will be a great atmosphere, in a great stadium and while pressure comes in all forms, I am expecting a great game.'
But Ferguson refuses to concede defeat, even though he accepts the task is a tough one.
'I am still optimistic,' he said. 'Obviously we have a big job against Benfica because it is a game we have to win.
'But it is not totally unusual for us to be in this position. Our form is getting better and it must help us that Benfica have to win too.
'It will be a great atmosphere, in a great stadium and while pressure comes in all forms, I am expecting a great game.'
Even though they have won just once in the competition so far this season, another draw in Lisbon would be enough to ease United through should Villarreal beat Lille in their final game.
However, should a win for the French side be matched by a Red Devils draw, Ferguson will need to get his calculator out to find out if his team have advanced.
'We can't go into the game thinking about anything other than winning it,' said Ferguson, dismissing the mathematics.
'You could say the same thing about everyone else, so in that sense it is a very open situation. We know every team will be trying that's for sure.'
However, should a win for the French side be matched by a Red Devils draw, Ferguson will need to get his calculator out to find out if his team have advanced.
'We can't go into the game thinking about anything other than winning it,' said Ferguson, dismissing the mathematics.
'You could say the same thing about everyone else, so in that sense it is a very open situation. We know every team will be trying that's for sure.'
In their first outing on home soil since Roy Keane's stunning departure, United struggled badly in attack, with only Wayne Rooney really threatening the Spaniards' goal.
Although Ferguson disagreed with the assessment of opposite number Manuel Pellegrini that Villarreal were worthy of their point, he did accept United's general lack of goals in the competition is disappointing.
Although Ferguson disagreed with the assessment of opposite number Manuel Pellegrini that Villarreal were worthy of their point, he did accept United's general lack of goals in the competition is disappointing.
So far, they have mustered just two, both in the home win over Benfica in September which now needs to be repeated in order to avoid some frayed fingernails for the Glazer family, who face the loss of up to £15million in prize money if United make an early exit.
Defeat in Lisbon will cast the Red Devils out of European competition completely, although Ferguson believes his side's chances will be helped not only by Benfica's even more pressing need for victory, but also the twin return from injury of Gary Neville and Louis Saha.
Both men were introduced in the second half after lengthy injury absences and Ferguson is confident the pair will be fully battle-hardened by the time United fly to Portugal in a fortnight.
Both men were introduced in the second half after lengthy injury absences and Ferguson is confident the pair will be fully battle-hardened by the time United fly to Portugal in a fortnight.
'Gary will play an hour for the reserves tomorrow night and then we will decide whether to pick him against West Ham on Sunday,' said the Scot.
'Louis has been training well, so it was not a gamble to throw him on tonight but the next stage is to decide whether to play him in the reserves too or put him in the squad for Sunday.'
'Louis has been training well, so it was not a gamble to throw him on tonight but the next stage is to decide whether to play him in the reserves too or put him in the squad for Sunday.'
Its about Pride, United players should be thinking!
Jude
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
We need to win this match - Fergie
Will The Reds Standout!
Ahead of Manchester United's clash with Villarreal on Tuesday night, Alex Ferguson told Eurosport show that his club must win if they are to stay in the hunt for European silverware this season. The manager will be boosted by news that potential club captain Gary Neville could return from injury.
Inside Europe: Ruud breaks duck
Ferguson will be depending on his team's impressive European home record to see off the challenge of Villarreal at Old Trafford, knowing that United may need something extra if they are to do better than the goalless draw they deserved in the opening game between the two clubs.
"Come Tuesday if the fans are the way they were against Chelsea, that'll give us a great advantage over Villarreal," Ferguson told Eurosport last week.
"Our home record in the group stages of European football has been terrific over the years. I'm depending on that. But we do need a performance.
"We do need to win the match," he added.
Ferguson echoed his thoughts of last week at a news conference on Monday.
"I can't think of a more important game for us in Europe over the last few years," Ferguson. "We have to win this game to qualify for the next stage."
And Ferguson realises that United must use the performance against Chelsea two weeks ago, when his side won 1-0 courtesy of a headed Darren Fletcher goal, as the benchmark for future success this season.
"We know we must deliver the kind of performance that beat Chelsea and, given our excellent home record in European football, I'm sure we have a great chance of getting back on track to qualify," he said.
"Lille did not really try to win the game but I think Villarreal will do," Ferguson said. "They have some very good players but if we do our job we will be ok."
"We are not thinking about losing," Ferguson said. "We have the players to win the match."
United's season seems to have been put back on track after a start to the term that was not entirely convincing, and they are currently lying in third place in the Premiership, with a game in hand on Wigan and Chelsea, and still capable of qualifying for the last sixteen of the Champions League.
One of Ferguson's main problems so far this season has been the extent of injuries to several of his more experienced players, a number of whom are now being touted for the captain's armband in the wake of Roy Keane's shock departure.
One of the favourites to take over the captaincy is Gary Neville who is set to make a comeback from injury against Villarreal.
"Gary Neville has trained with the squad," Ferguson said. "I have Wes Brown back now as well, so the defensive situation is improving."
United bounced back in the best way possible from the shock of Roy Keane's departure, winning 3-1 at Charlton on Saturday, and giving hope to fans who believed Keane was still the heart beat of this United team.
Only time will tell if United can cope in the long term without Keane, but it started well at the weekend, and if United can play at the same level on Tuesday, their resurgence can move one step further.
Jude
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Life without Roy
Charlton 1 - 3 Manchester United
Charlton 1 - 3 Manchester United
It was a scene akin to a post mortem.
Sir Alex Ferguson was reticent on the subject of his departed captain.
The great, good and useless of Her Majesty's media gathered together at The Valley, pondering the ramifications of yet another Roy Keane-inspired controversy. Former United players Lou Macari and Paddy Crerand were among the throng and all concerned seemed to have their own 'inside story' on what had transpired at United's Carrington training ground on Friday morning.
The suggestion that the ever explosive Keane had been involved in a bust-up with assistant manager Carlos Queiroz was the more popular of the tales, while others claimed club owner Malcolm Glazer and his sons are fuming as they were not informed of Keane's departure before he left United's Carrington's training base for the final time on Friday. Another claimed Keane walked out after his never seen MUTV interview was pulled by club officials.
One seasoned hack appeared to be under the impression that Keane would be handed the chance to move straight into management at Portsmouth, but all these rumours are likely to be scotched when Keane signs on the dotted line for his beloved Celtic some time next week. News that the day's headline maker had been spotted watching the Old Firm game at Parkhead added further weight to that suggestion.
Love him or hate him, and opinions are invariably divided when Keane is the man in the spotlight, Cork's most infamous son has made a habit of dominating the agenda whether he is present or not and thus was the case once again ahead of this game against Charlton.
The first issue of the day was resolved when the team-sheet confirmed that Ruud van Nistelrooy had retained the responsibilities of captaincy as life after Keano began in earnest, yet the United fans made their feelings clear as they belted out songs dedicated to their departed hero as referee Alan Wiley got the action underway.
The scent of his manly aftershave may still be hovering in the air of the Manchester United team bus, yet the truth is Sir Alex Ferguson and his team have been preparing for life without Keano for the last 18 months or so. With that in mind, his absence was not the pivotal factor as United swarmed all over their hapless opponents in the opening exchanges.
Fielding a youthful side that was spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy, United looked like a side brimming with confidence as they sprayed one-touch passes around a Charlton side who were all too willing to stand back in awe of their illustrious opponents.
Van Nistelrooy, Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo all went close before a flowing United move was finished by a clinical Alan Smith finish from the edge of the box. The irony of the man marked out to replace Keane scoring the opening goal of this game was not lost on anyone, but the bigger picture suggested they had more than enough to cope without their former talisman.
Allowed to do as they wished against a Charlton side who were prepared to sit back and look on in awe, United had far too much for a Charlton side with realistic European ambitions this season.
With or without Roy Keane, Manchester United have enough quality players to destroy the best of sides if given the chance and it was only when Charlton upped their intensity after the break that they started to come into the game. Defensive flaws of the type that would have riled Keano were all too plentiful, yet it was still something of a surprise when Darren Ambrose blasted a 65th minute shot past Van der Sar.
Top class sides shouldn't need a wake-up call in a Premiership match, but that is just what Ambrose's stunner handed United as within five minutes, they produced a goal that may just win a few prizes when it comes to goal of the month and season.
At first viewing, Van Nistelrooy's 70th minute goal looked classy, but a glance at the TV replays made it look even more impressive as Rooney's stunning run and pinpoint flicked cross gave the Dutch hitman a chance to control the ball on his chest, turn and lash past Charlton keeper Stephan Andersen. Even the ever critical Roy would have appreciated such a quality goal.
Ambrose sent a flutter through a few United hearts with another long range effort, before Van Nistelrooy scored his first goal from outside the box in what has been an illustrious Old Trafford career.
As the press assembled once again at the final whistle, we already knew that Ferguson would perform one of his, 'I'm too busy to talk' acts, so we were denied the chance to quiz the one man capable of explaining the real story behind the Keane affair. Premier League rules compel him to talk to the media after a game, but the power Ferguson holds means he refuses to attend press conferences after London games and he followed a familiar path today.
'It was a great performance,' a red faced Ferguson said in his post match TV interview, clearly determined to avoid any questions about Keane. 'We played some great attacking football and our second goal was a fantastic finish by Ruud. In the end, we had to win this game and we got the job done.'
Ferguson went on to claim the mid-week Champions League clash against Villarreal is 'one of the biggest games in the club's history' and only had this to say on the Keane fiasco.
'I have nothing to add on the situation,' he said. 'I had an amicable meeting with Roy on Friday and we both wished each other well for the future. He will be remembered as one of the best players this club have had, my best player without doubt. It's been a difficult week, but the nature of our club means we have weeks like this. We have to come through it.'
“
Roy will be remembered as the greatest player to ever play for the club. ”
— Ruud Van NistelrooyWith his manager clearly determined to nip the Keane story in the bud, he may not have been best pleased with this stunningly extravagant tribute from the man who may yet fill Keane's boots as the permanent United captain.
Sir Alex Ferguson was reticent on the subject of his departed captain.
The great, good and useless of Her Majesty's media gathered together at The Valley, pondering the ramifications of yet another Roy Keane-inspired controversy. Former United players Lou Macari and Paddy Crerand were among the throng and all concerned seemed to have their own 'inside story' on what had transpired at United's Carrington training ground on Friday morning.
The suggestion that the ever explosive Keane had been involved in a bust-up with assistant manager Carlos Queiroz was the more popular of the tales, while others claimed club owner Malcolm Glazer and his sons are fuming as they were not informed of Keane's departure before he left United's Carrington's training base for the final time on Friday. Another claimed Keane walked out after his never seen MUTV interview was pulled by club officials.
One seasoned hack appeared to be under the impression that Keane would be handed the chance to move straight into management at Portsmouth, but all these rumours are likely to be scotched when Keane signs on the dotted line for his beloved Celtic some time next week. News that the day's headline maker had been spotted watching the Old Firm game at Parkhead added further weight to that suggestion.
Love him or hate him, and opinions are invariably divided when Keane is the man in the spotlight, Cork's most infamous son has made a habit of dominating the agenda whether he is present or not and thus was the case once again ahead of this game against Charlton.
The first issue of the day was resolved when the team-sheet confirmed that Ruud van Nistelrooy had retained the responsibilities of captaincy as life after Keano began in earnest, yet the United fans made their feelings clear as they belted out songs dedicated to their departed hero as referee Alan Wiley got the action underway.
The scent of his manly aftershave may still be hovering in the air of the Manchester United team bus, yet the truth is Sir Alex Ferguson and his team have been preparing for life without Keano for the last 18 months or so. With that in mind, his absence was not the pivotal factor as United swarmed all over their hapless opponents in the opening exchanges.
Fielding a youthful side that was spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Wayne Rooney and Ruud van Nistelrooy, United looked like a side brimming with confidence as they sprayed one-touch passes around a Charlton side who were all too willing to stand back in awe of their illustrious opponents.
Van Nistelrooy, Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo all went close before a flowing United move was finished by a clinical Alan Smith finish from the edge of the box. The irony of the man marked out to replace Keane scoring the opening goal of this game was not lost on anyone, but the bigger picture suggested they had more than enough to cope without their former talisman.
Allowed to do as they wished against a Charlton side who were prepared to sit back and look on in awe, United had far too much for a Charlton side with realistic European ambitions this season.
With or without Roy Keane, Manchester United have enough quality players to destroy the best of sides if given the chance and it was only when Charlton upped their intensity after the break that they started to come into the game. Defensive flaws of the type that would have riled Keano were all too plentiful, yet it was still something of a surprise when Darren Ambrose blasted a 65th minute shot past Van der Sar.
Top class sides shouldn't need a wake-up call in a Premiership match, but that is just what Ambrose's stunner handed United as within five minutes, they produced a goal that may just win a few prizes when it comes to goal of the month and season.
At first viewing, Van Nistelrooy's 70th minute goal looked classy, but a glance at the TV replays made it look even more impressive as Rooney's stunning run and pinpoint flicked cross gave the Dutch hitman a chance to control the ball on his chest, turn and lash past Charlton keeper Stephan Andersen. Even the ever critical Roy would have appreciated such a quality goal.
Ambrose sent a flutter through a few United hearts with another long range effort, before Van Nistelrooy scored his first goal from outside the box in what has been an illustrious Old Trafford career.
As the press assembled once again at the final whistle, we already knew that Ferguson would perform one of his, 'I'm too busy to talk' acts, so we were denied the chance to quiz the one man capable of explaining the real story behind the Keane affair. Premier League rules compel him to talk to the media after a game, but the power Ferguson holds means he refuses to attend press conferences after London games and he followed a familiar path today.
'It was a great performance,' a red faced Ferguson said in his post match TV interview, clearly determined to avoid any questions about Keane. 'We played some great attacking football and our second goal was a fantastic finish by Ruud. In the end, we had to win this game and we got the job done.'
Ferguson went on to claim the mid-week Champions League clash against Villarreal is 'one of the biggest games in the club's history' and only had this to say on the Keane fiasco.
'I have nothing to add on the situation,' he said. 'I had an amicable meeting with Roy on Friday and we both wished each other well for the future. He will be remembered as one of the best players this club have had, my best player without doubt. It's been a difficult week, but the nature of our club means we have weeks like this. We have to come through it.'
“
Roy will be remembered as the greatest player to ever play for the club. ”
— Ruud Van NistelrooyWith his manager clearly determined to nip the Keane story in the bud, he may not have been best pleased with this stunningly extravagant tribute from the man who may yet fill Keane's boots as the permanent United captain.
'Roy will be remembered as the greatest player to ever play for the club,'
stated match-winner Ruud van Nistelrooy.
'Having worked a played with him for four and a half years, he is the best player I have played with. It's such a shame that his time at the club has to stop now. It was a big shock on Friday when the news came through, a sad day.
'It's difficult to talk about it now because it's all so fresh, but we had to try and focus on the game at Charlton. That was hard because the news has had such a massive impact on all of us, but it gave us all the motivation we needed and we got a great victory.'
With Keane and United the only story of the day, poor Charlton boss Alan Curbishley had a mere handful of reporters before him as he summed up a game that slipped away from his side after a spirited second half showing. 'That first half performance was Man United in full flow, on top of their game,' suggested Curbishley. 'Sir Alex told me it was the best they had played this season.
'We got ourselves back into it, but we then conceded just a few minutes after our goal and that is a real disappointment. They have a lot of good players and I'm sure the Chelsea result has given them a real lift. They are a top side and guys like Scholes and Rooney looked like they were really enjoying it out there today.'
So the king is dead, but you suspect the finer details of a story that has caught even the most seasoned of football observer off guard have yet to be revealed. On the evidence of an impressive United performance at The Valley, Sir Alex may have timed Roy Keane's departure to perfection.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Wayne Rooney
Class comes at a high price and the more you watch this lad play, the more you suspect United got a bargain when they paid close to £30m to secure his services. He may not have scored, but his all round contribution was sensational.
FOOD WATCH: Samosas, sausage rolls and nice cup of soup went down very well on this frozen London afternoon. However, the post-match flan left a lot to be desired.
PITCH INVASION: I counted 23 people in suits and skirts making their way into the centre circle to 'observe' the toss of the coin between the two captains. Charlton must be selling this privilege to anyone willing to pay for it.
UNITED VERDICT: A lack of strength in depth must be a concern as their bench was lacking any experienced players, but the first eleven Fergie put out turned in an impressive display. If Chelsea stumble again at any point in the season and United steer clear of any more major injuries, this title race may not be as dead as many believed.
'Having worked a played with him for four and a half years, he is the best player I have played with. It's such a shame that his time at the club has to stop now. It was a big shock on Friday when the news came through, a sad day.
'It's difficult to talk about it now because it's all so fresh, but we had to try and focus on the game at Charlton. That was hard because the news has had such a massive impact on all of us, but it gave us all the motivation we needed and we got a great victory.'
With Keane and United the only story of the day, poor Charlton boss Alan Curbishley had a mere handful of reporters before him as he summed up a game that slipped away from his side after a spirited second half showing. 'That first half performance was Man United in full flow, on top of their game,' suggested Curbishley. 'Sir Alex told me it was the best they had played this season.
'We got ourselves back into it, but we then conceded just a few minutes after our goal and that is a real disappointment. They have a lot of good players and I'm sure the Chelsea result has given them a real lift. They are a top side and guys like Scholes and Rooney looked like they were really enjoying it out there today.'
So the king is dead, but you suspect the finer details of a story that has caught even the most seasoned of football observer off guard have yet to be revealed. On the evidence of an impressive United performance at The Valley, Sir Alex may have timed Roy Keane's departure to perfection.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Wayne Rooney
Class comes at a high price and the more you watch this lad play, the more you suspect United got a bargain when they paid close to £30m to secure his services. He may not have scored, but his all round contribution was sensational.
FOOD WATCH: Samosas, sausage rolls and nice cup of soup went down very well on this frozen London afternoon. However, the post-match flan left a lot to be desired.
PITCH INVASION: I counted 23 people in suits and skirts making their way into the centre circle to 'observe' the toss of the coin between the two captains. Charlton must be selling this privilege to anyone willing to pay for it.
UNITED VERDICT: A lack of strength in depth must be a concern as their bench was lacking any experienced players, but the first eleven Fergie put out turned in an impressive display. If Chelsea stumble again at any point in the season and United steer clear of any more major injuries, this title race may not be as dead as many believed.
Jude
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Liverpool chief confirms US cash interest!!
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has confirmed his visit to the United States for a meeting with the Kraft family as it emerged there is interest in the club from the Middle East.
Parry is back at his Anfield desk after being the guest of tycoon Robert Kraft and the Kraft family - owners of NFL team New England Patriots - at a match on Monday.
There are claims he was there to discuss major investment in the European champions to salvage their new stadium plans.
Parry has declined to admit such speculation, but PA Sport understands at a board meeting last Thursday the Kraft family was only part of a discussion involving future investment in the club.
There is also believed to be a `rich middle eastern family interest' in Liverpool.
And it is already being suggested Parry's trip to Dubai for the Soccerex football business convention, starting on Sunday for three days, could also involve detailed discussions with future Liverpool backers.
Parry has issued a statement through the club's website, www.liverpoolfc.tv, regarding his visit to Boston, saying: 'It certainly wasn't a secret visit, having attended two games with a combined attendance of over 100,000 people while I was there.
'I've actually known the Kraft family since meeting them in Boston back in 2001 and have had a long-standing invitation to visit the Gillette stadium, which is one of the very few privately-funded stadia in the USA.
'They were keen for me to see at close hand how the match day operation ran and I watched both the New England Revolution v Chicago Fire MLS game on Sunday and the New England Patriots v Indianapolis Colts NFL fixture a day later.
'It also gave us the opportunity to discuss at length the way in which they had funded the construction of the ground.'
With the proposed new Stanley Park stadium estimated to cost £150million - initially it was just £80million - it is now accepted at boardroom level the scheme cannot be funded without outside investment.
The suggestions are Parry was in Boston to discuss the prospect of the Kraft family buying the naming rights to the new stadium, in a similar fashion to Arsenal's new ground being named the Emirates stadium at a cost of £100million.
The Kraft family, who have also been linked with the club before, could also be prepared to buy a stake in the club.
Liverpool have been desperately searching for investors for almost two years, and the Krafts were linked with a supposed bid from the US-based L4 Group last March, which never materialised.
Liverpool have also previously distanced themselves from a £60million offer from Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for a 30% stake. Parry made a trip to Bangkok during those talks.
There have also been three separate share option bids from the club's third largest shareholder Steve Morgan, and one was agreed in principle last season until the building tycoon backed away after a period of due diligence, when he was able to view the club's books.
The spiralling cost of the new stadium was believed to be the reason for that failure, with Morgan wanting to re-negotiate his bid to chairman David Moores.
Moores' desire to remain as a significant shareholder - he currently has 51% of the club - has always been the stumbling block for new investors.
At the top value of £4,000 per share, and with 35,000 shares issued, the club is valued at £140million. Moores has 18,000.
Shares recently have changed hands at around £3,200 each which would value the club at around £110million.
Liverpool do have 11,000 extra unissued shares which could be sold to a new investor, and that would reduce Moores' holding to 39% and see £44million of new money coming into the club.
But it is clear even if Moores sold his stake, the cash involved would not go into the club coffers.
These are the problems that have been confronting Liverpool for some time, and unless someone is prepared to buy out Moores, fund the stadium and bankroll major transfer dealings, there is no easy solution to the saga.
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has confirmed his visit to the United States for a meeting with the Kraft family as it emerged there is interest in the club from the Middle East.
Parry is back at his Anfield desk after being the guest of tycoon Robert Kraft and the Kraft family - owners of NFL team New England Patriots - at a match on Monday.
There are claims he was there to discuss major investment in the European champions to salvage their new stadium plans.
Parry has declined to admit such speculation, but PA Sport understands at a board meeting last Thursday the Kraft family was only part of a discussion involving future investment in the club.
There is also believed to be a `rich middle eastern family interest' in Liverpool.
And it is already being suggested Parry's trip to Dubai for the Soccerex football business convention, starting on Sunday for three days, could also involve detailed discussions with future Liverpool backers.
Parry has issued a statement through the club's website, www.liverpoolfc.tv, regarding his visit to Boston, saying: 'It certainly wasn't a secret visit, having attended two games with a combined attendance of over 100,000 people while I was there.
'I've actually known the Kraft family since meeting them in Boston back in 2001 and have had a long-standing invitation to visit the Gillette stadium, which is one of the very few privately-funded stadia in the USA.
'They were keen for me to see at close hand how the match day operation ran and I watched both the New England Revolution v Chicago Fire MLS game on Sunday and the New England Patriots v Indianapolis Colts NFL fixture a day later.
'It also gave us the opportunity to discuss at length the way in which they had funded the construction of the ground.'
With the proposed new Stanley Park stadium estimated to cost £150million - initially it was just £80million - it is now accepted at boardroom level the scheme cannot be funded without outside investment.
The suggestions are Parry was in Boston to discuss the prospect of the Kraft family buying the naming rights to the new stadium, in a similar fashion to Arsenal's new ground being named the Emirates stadium at a cost of £100million.
The Kraft family, who have also been linked with the club before, could also be prepared to buy a stake in the club.
Liverpool have been desperately searching for investors for almost two years, and the Krafts were linked with a supposed bid from the US-based L4 Group last March, which never materialised.
Liverpool have also previously distanced themselves from a £60million offer from Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra for a 30% stake. Parry made a trip to Bangkok during those talks.
There have also been three separate share option bids from the club's third largest shareholder Steve Morgan, and one was agreed in principle last season until the building tycoon backed away after a period of due diligence, when he was able to view the club's books.
The spiralling cost of the new stadium was believed to be the reason for that failure, with Morgan wanting to re-negotiate his bid to chairman David Moores.
Moores' desire to remain as a significant shareholder - he currently has 51% of the club - has always been the stumbling block for new investors.
At the top value of £4,000 per share, and with 35,000 shares issued, the club is valued at £140million. Moores has 18,000.
Shares recently have changed hands at around £3,200 each which would value the club at around £110million.
Liverpool do have 11,000 extra unissued shares which could be sold to a new investor, and that would reduce Moores' holding to 39% and see £44million of new money coming into the club.
But it is clear even if Moores sold his stake, the cash involved would not go into the club coffers.
These are the problems that have been confronting Liverpool for some time, and unless someone is prepared to buy out Moores, fund the stadium and bankroll major transfer dealings, there is no easy solution to the saga.
Jude
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Is Ferguson ready to splash the cash
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed he will look to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.
United bounced back from a disappointing start to the season when beating Chelsea 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday.
However, Ferguson still feels he will need to bring in fresh reinforcements if the Red Devils are to mount a serious challenge for silverware this campaign.
'I'm happy with the quality we have but we're relying too much on our younger players at a time when we're missing the experience of Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Gabriel Heinze,' said Ferguson.
'What I will be looking to do is increase the squad in January, but you have to dismiss the possibility of getting players from clubs who think they can win the Champions League.
'That narrows down your options but we're playing the numbers game right now. It's actually numbers we're lacking, so that's what we'll be looking at in the transfer window.'
Meanwhile, former United star David Beckham has backed Roy Keane's decision to criticise some members of the current squad. Some of the men in Keane's line of fire - Alan Smith, Darren Fletcher and Rio Ferdinand - played starring roles in the win over Chelsea.
And Real Madrid midfielder Beckham said of Keane: 'He is the Manchester United captain so he has the right to his opinion and to say what he feels.
'I think that Roy Keane is a very, very strong personality. He is one of the best leaders, one of the best captains I have ever played with. Everyone respects Roy and what he has to say.
'If any one of the Manchester United players I played with is going to be a manager, it's him. Managers need to scare players sometimes. Roy would do that.'
Jude
Ferguson ready to splash the cash
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed he will look to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.
United bounced back from a disappointing start to the season when beating Chelsea 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday.
However, Ferguson still feels he will need to bring in fresh reinforcements if the Red Devils are to mount a serious challenge for silverware this campaign.
'I'm happy with the quality we have but we're relying too much on our younger players at a time when we're missing the experience of Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Gabriel Heinze,' said Ferguson.
'What I will be looking to do is increase the squad in January, but you have to dismiss the possibility of getting players from clubs who think they can win the Champions League.
'That narrows down your options but we're playing the numbers game right now. It's actually numbers we're lacking, so that's what we'll be looking at in the transfer window.'
Meanwhile, former United star David Beckham has backed Roy Keane's decision to criticise some members of the current squad.
Some of the men in Keane's line of fire - Alan Smith, Darren Fletcher and Rio Ferdinand - played starring roles in the win over Chelsea.
And Real Madrid midfielder Beckham said of Keane: 'He is the Manchester United captain so he has the right to his opinion and to say what he feels.
'I think that Roy Keane is a very, very strong personality. He is one of the best leaders, one of the best captains I have ever played with. Everyone respects Roy and what he has to say.
'If any one of the Manchester United players I played with is going to be a manager, it's him. Managers need to scare players sometimes. Roy would do that.'
Jude
