Maybe it's because I'm getting older and more cynical, especially with all the money in the game (or do we call it a "product" now?), but I can't help feeling that something is missing...Remember the good old days with McManaman and Fowler and Ruddock and Rob Jones and even Steve Harkness? With the new owners, the new money, the superstar players, the imminent shiny new stadium I just want to know if people still feel the same about 'Pool as they used to? Don't bother saying "you're not a real Red" etc because I'm not questioning anyones loyalty or saying my support is in anyway wanning (my bank balance post-Athens will attest to that), it's just something that's been bothering me. Maybe this is just how you feel as you grow older as a fan?
What about Carra, Stevie, lads that are the heart and soul of the club. These players are more focused than the players of the mid 90's. Ruddock, a mad b*stard, but with players of his calibre we were never going to amount to much. Now we are taking on the cream of Europe and signing the best. I tell you my friend, if we pick up the title next season then you will remember it as the biggest party of your life. FACT
Some of the players that played for the club were flawed. The fact that the team Ruddock and co. were in threw away the league title back in 1997 due to their big-time charlies ways which some supporters didn't seem past no wonder McManaman and co got labeled the Spice Boys
I remember the good old days alright....but would rather what we have now than then. Thank god we've moved on especially with the kits
Id argue we are in a much stronger position now. We have one of europes top managers, a winner, and a man coming at a time in our history that has been remarkably barren, if we consider the league title the holy grail ( and not FA cups, european honours, league cups and supercups. He understands the traditions of the club. Every player he signs is to fit a system, but also has to want to play for liverpool (otherwise Im sure Malouda or Simao would be herre, their indifference turned the manager off). Sure its a more cosmopolitan team, but that is not football, its the world, and its a great thing too. Stevie G, Carra are the scouse heartbeat of the team, and I suspect there are one or two more in that youth team (Spearing for example) who could make the breakthrough.
I wasn't suggesting that we were better off then - of course there's no doubt we're in a stronger position now. I was merely trying to say, probably very badly, that I just feel there is something missing from supporting 'Pool now compared to when I was younger...not saying the passion or commitment is any less, just different that's all - maybe bit more cynical, wondering is it like that for others as they get older...