Five Stages of Grief – Liverpool’s Transfer “Woes”

By Jim Kostecki

As the transfer window slammed shut at 11:00 pm GMT, I couldn’t help but think to myself: “Did that just happen?” Within a matter of a few hours, Liverpool loaned out their £35 million pound England striker to West Ham and failed to secure either Clint Dempsey or Daniel Sturridge as a replacement. To make the situation even more difficult to swallow, details emerged that Liverpool only offered £4 million for Clint Dempsey. For those keeping track, the American scored 23 goals for Fulham last season.

Andy Carroll’s Fate May Already Be Sealed

By Jim Kostecki

The story of Andy Carroll’s Liverpool career so far is complex and at times misunderstood.  For every moment of brilliance the big man displays – from his first two Premier league goals with the club to his most recent England header during Euro 2012 – there have been twice as many blunders. His poor goal-scoring record, 11 goals in 56 Premier League appearances, often overshadows his qualities.

The Dead Zone

By Jim Kostecki

It is an interesting time of year to be a European football fan. The excitement, drama, and in most cases the disappointment from the previous season has worn off. The Euro 2012 tournament is yesterday’s news. There is nothing to fill the empty void that the Premier League left on May 13, 2012.  Nothing, that is, except to ponder the new season that lies ahead.

To Liverpool and Back: A Slightly Epic Journey

Details of an American’s trip to Liverpool…and his struggles with the Holiday Inn fire alarm…

By Jim Kostecki

If there is a God, he certainly has a sense of humor. It was the morning of March 3^rd – and when I say “morning” I’m not talking about the breakfast in bed while watching reruns of 30 Rock type of morning. It was 5:30 AM, and I, along with the hundreds of other hotel guests, was standing outside the Holiday Inn in my pajamas wondering what I had done to deserve this. “It’s OK,” I thought to myself. “Liverpool plays in seven hours.”

It was perhaps the longest seven hours of my life.

January – The Month That Was and Wasn’t

By Jim Kostecki

Let’s be honest, it has not been the greatest of months for Liverpool. While I realize that progress in both the FA Cup and Carling Cup at the expense of both Manchester teams does not give weight to my argument, it is still worth pointing out the unsettling issues that have emerged in the New Year.

Suarez: The Unfortunate Example

By Jim Kostecki

Over the past few weeks I have thought long and hard about the Luis Suarez incident. It has caused me significant grief, anger, confusion, and pity, among other things. Is Luis Suarez capable of these accusations? Why would Patrice Evra make this story up? How will the F.A. view this incident? What evidence is there to charge Suarez? Is my Liverpool idol a racist? These are the questions I have wanted answered. Not just for my own peace of mind, but for the game itself. Football deserves better than this. 

January Transfer Wish List

By James Kostecki

A new January transfer window is upon us. Unlike recent years, where Reds fans have had to wonder which subpar player would be lured to a team screaming for improvement, the January transfer window brings hope and promise. John Henry and company have already shown over the past year they are willing to fork over serious cash for players Damien Comolli deems necessary. Last January’s purchases of Suarez and Carroll, combined with the successful additions of Charlie Adam, Luis Enrique and Craig Bellamy, Liverpool must view the current transfer window as an opportunity to improve.