Liverpool repeating history
The Everton Football Club was the original occupant of Anfield, but in 1884, a quarrel about its rent was the cause of the majority of associates’ departure in opposition in 1892. Those members of the original club moved to Stanley Park to start a new saga, one that became popular as Goodison. Those who decided to stay back made up their minds to carry the old club forward leading to the start of the Liverpool Football Club.
Liverpool proved itself to be one of the dominant forces when they captured their 2nd League Title in 1960 at the event of renovating Anfield. From back then their home ground has lengthened from the ends of Anfield to the outskirts of the Kop. The Kop became a gigantic open terrain that could hold more than 20,000 fans. The name Spion Kop keeps alive the memory of the Battle of Spion Kop and all the casualties from Liverpool.
With the help of skilled players such as Billy Liddell and the youthful Bob Paisley, Liverpool clinched their 5th League Title, soon after the Second World War and the club’s success continued to grow. But worrying and unpredictable times were fast approaching. As football grew in Europe, and teams travelled, Liverpool declined because of its growing popularity abroad was met with ignorance at home.
Ultimately a revival began in the 1990’s as Anfield stabilized but still about two-thirds of the support came from abroad. The stadium established seated terrain, and in spite of some fans wanting the Kop to be clear no plans are yet made. There are rumours of a complete move from the stadium, but are unconfirmed. All Liverpool supporters can say for now is that may Anfield blossom and let the Liverpool team know that “You’ll never walk alone”.
The club over all has gathered many titles and trophies. It is currently tied with 18 League titles with Manchester United, one of its arch-rivals. They also have the most Champions League Titles at 6.
Currently the Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have appointed Martin Broughton, the British Airways’ chief to look over the sale of the Premier League club. This is certainly not good news for the fans.
Interest in the sale, is being shown mostly by third-party groups while analysts say that currently the club is valued up at 500 million pounds. The fans have not been very supportive of the owners. Drawing particularly strong criticism for leaving the Merseysiders with a reported debt of 237 million pounds, that evidently restricted manager Rafael Benitez in the transfer market.
The owners when asked about the sale made comments about Liverpool that highlight facts and figures of how much the club has gained since they bought it in 2007. They have reported that revenue has increased by 55 percent, boosting commercial revenues by 83 percent and operating profit (before player trading and exceptions) has increased by 60 percent. One is eventually led to think they are deflecting the main issues by defending their achievements.
Liverpool now is in times of trouble with Benitez having left the old throne and their men scattered. They are not doing well in the Premier League being at the 7th position and on the other hand being knocked out of the Champions League.
All fans are desperately hoping for this club to bounce back. It recently has had its share of bad luck and awful performances due to flawed decision making and poor management but the club is definitely promising and despite the growing turmoil it seems to be steadying itself slowly again to gain its lost glory. All hopes depend on the new transfers and the inevitable sale of the club. The former owner has refused to sell it to the present ones and it is predicted that the club will go for $700 million.
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