Dear Liverpool fans
Thousands attended a service at Anfield football stadium in Liverpool as the city came to a standstill on April 15 to mark the 25th anniversary of the day 96 football fans were crushed to death in the Hillsborough stadium disaster when Liverpool played Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup tie in 1989.A quarter century is a really long time, in most countries that’s the equivalent of a life sentence, but I digress. The important thing is you have done your time and there is hope for release, you can join the world of league champions once again. AFP/PHOTO
What you need to know:
- To those of you who were alive or able to make sense of the world when Liverpool last became champions, you have a chance to feel something other than frustration and angst again.
- If Steven Gerrard lifts that trophy and it hits you what that means you do not want to have a weak or compromised cardiovascular system.
This is to all 10 or 15 of you that are still faithful to the Anfield cause 25 years later.
A quarter century is a really long time, in most countries that’s the equivalent of a life sentence, but I digress.
The important thing is you have done your time and there is hope for release, you can join the world of league champions once again.
To those of you who were alive or able to make sense of the world when Liverpool last became champions, you have a chance to feel something other than frustration and angst again.
To those of you that weren’t born or coherent in any sense, this is your first time and knowing your club, like you, it might take a while before another one arrives so milk this, ride the wave, drown in the moment when it comes.
The key phrase is “when it comes.”
Words of advice, invest in some tissue or handkerchief if you are a true Liverpool fan, you will need it because you are going to cry a river.
If you have doctor or access to a gym start using it; you want to be fit, victory will be a shock for you.
If Steven Gerrard lifts that trophy and it hits you what that means you do not want to have a weak or compromised cardiovascular system.
However you also need the handkerchief and a strong cardio system just in case things go south since you will cry an ocean and the shock is going to be much worse.
MATHEMATICAL MOURINHO
Man City’s surprising draw with Sunderland takes out one player from the equation but things can still go wrong for Liverpool because one Jose Mourinho is still involved mathematically; he can still snatch this magical moment away from you and between you and me, I think he really wants to do it because that’s just the kind of guy he is and his players will help him.
Thankfully, Mourinho is coming to Anfield and while other big teams have fallen there, Mourinho is of a different breed.
He tactically flummoxed Pelligrini at the Etihad not so long ago in a defining game and if anyone can match Brendan Rodgers tactically it is Mourinho.
All Liverpool needs to do is win two games starting with Norwich this afternoon then Chelsea next Sunday then the fans can party like it’s 1989.
The next three games are going to be the most nerve wracking experiences you have had in a long time-you will close your eyes, sit on the edge of your seat, bite your nails, and scream at the TV. Enjoy.
Luis Suarez, despite starting eight games behind everyone else is the obvious player of the year and if he can have a good World Cup I reckon he will be third behind Ronaldo and Messi in the world when then Ballon d’Or comes around.
Speaking of the World Cup, Roy Hodgson and Brendan Rogers need to sit down and have a cup of tea. Raheem Sterling should go to the World Cup with England and he should start, Jordan Henderson too but I doubt he will start.
Sturridge, Rooney and Sterling. It’s an unpredictable lineup but that’s a good thing.
Your team has been brilliant all season; your manager is probably one of the best in the world right now.
Whether it’s Kudos or ‘kuduf’- that’s the sound I think that accompanies a lights-out punch, make sure you own a handkerchief!
Yours truly, Hardball
