And You May Ask Yourself
What Is That Beautiful House?
And You May Ask Yourself
Where Does That Highway Go?
And You May Ask Yourself
Am I Right?...Am I Wrong?
And You May Tell Yourself
MY GOD!...WHAT HAVE I DONE?
What Is That Beautiful House?
And You May Ask Yourself
Where Does That Highway Go?
And You May Ask Yourself
Am I Right?...Am I Wrong?
And You May Tell Yourself
MY GOD!...WHAT HAVE I DONE?
I am obviously dating myself to a simpler and more glorious time in Liverpool's history with this reference to the great Talking Head's song, "Once in a Lifetime". It was great, we were winning, we were champions, and by and large we were unstoppable.
We had our beautiful house, Anfield, and all the players developed and acquired through Shankly, and the Boot Room politburo. It was a wonderful house.
The road ahead seemed clear and smooth sailing. It was to be paved with continuing and even greater success. We were the Natural Champions.
Well we weren't. We never really were. We were the Club and community that showed the way for other Clubs how to make great teams and how to develop champions. Other Clubs could have done it, but we just got there first.
Look at the historical data.
|
Year
| Division | Position |
|
1
|
||
|
8
|
||
|
1
|
||
|
7
|
||
|
1
|
||
|
5
|
||
|
3
|
||
|
2
|
||
|
5
|
||
|
5
|
||
|
3
|
||
|
1
|
||
|
2
|
||
|
2
|
||
|
1
|
||
|
1
|
||
|
2
|
||
|
1
|
||
|
1
|
||
|
5
|
||
|
1
|
||
|
1
|
||
|
1
|
||
|
2
|
||
|
1
|
||
|
2
|
||
|
1
|
||
|
2
|
||
|
1
|
||
|
2
|
||
|
6
|
||
|
6
|
||
|
8
|
||
|
4
|
||
|
3
|
||
|
4
|
||
|
3
|
||
|
7
|
||
|
4
|
||
|
3
|
||
|
2
|
||
|
5
|
||
|
4
|
||
|
5
|
||
|
3
|
||
|
3
|
||
|
4
|
||
|
2
|
||
|
7
|
||
|
6
|
From 1956 to 1990 Liverpool finished in first place in their division 13 times, or over 1/3 of the time. They were in the top five 14 times, and below that twice. We were spoiled. Completely, completely spoiled. Since then we have become a little different as a Club. We have not finished first, we have missed out on European Football (including one year we got in by winning, not by League placement), we just aren't the same.
Since the Premier League was formed we have been in the top five 70% of the time. Almost the same as before, but without the same number/percentage of league victories. The numbers don't lie, we don't win as much, BUT, we do go to Europe as much, and that has to be the focus. We need to get back into Europe on a regular basis, and absent entering into a Romanian league, we have our work cut out for us.
Now you may have noticed the "we" reference. Obviously I am not playing, coaching. scouting etc for Liverpool, but we all have a vested interest in making this work. As fans, we have to be patient, we have to let things happen, and it is going to take some time. We need to support in good times AND bad. We have to support the players, and the managers. We need to let the owners know we are patient. We need to buy some Liverpool kit, hats, window stickers etc etc. Little things to let them know we are onside, and to have some patience.
This season is/has to be/is going to be the start of the future. Players and fans alike have to focus on the horizon and to qualify for a European competition, Champions League obviously, but do not discount Europa, playing time, experience, and revenue at any level. It all adds up.
What have we done? As fans, we have entangled ourselves in a very complex relationship. It is love -hate, it is a cruel and beguiling love, that will break your heart more often than not, but when it is successful, when it is heating up, then it is a relationship as rewarding as any you have.
Besides the Swag is great!!!
I am Hal White.
YNWA
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