JSM06

I don't think Houllier's transfer record is bad at all. As was pointed out, he bought loads of quality players and many of them were real bargains. People say he bought rubbish players. Yes he did that too, but not any more than other big club managers. He gets blamed for buying Diao and Cherou. Jesus, they didn't cost more than £4M each and you have to take risks to find gems. Cisse could have been a brilliant signing for £14M if he didn't break his leg in his first season in Liverpool. And who knew Diouf was a nutjob? Based on skills he could have been a bargain for £10M. Many of the other "flops" were youngsters who didn't cost much and it was always likely that most of them wouldn't become stars. Also, he was sacked when many of them were still developing.

He only signed garbage did he? i'd say over half of his signings where compleat shite..i dont think he brought in the amount of hidden gems people like to think,the likes of markus babbel and didi hamann where well known as been good players,the same with Garry Mac.. I don't think his transfer record is as bad as people seem to think. Yes, he bought loads of rubbish, but mostly for cheap. The worst signings people normally bring up are the likes of Diao (5M) and Cheyrou (4M). I bet half the managers in big clubs who are given money to spend make worse mistakes than that. Hyypia, Riise, Dudek, Finnan, Smicer, Henchoz, Hamann etc, and were quality signings.

I'm not saying he's the right man for the job, but I think it's ridiculous how underrated Eriksson has become. Okay, he was lucky enough to manage very good England sides and maybe he should have achieved more, but was it his fault that England players couldn't take penalties? England's only defeat in world or euro cup during the Eriksson era -that wasn't in penalties - was against Brazil in 2002. People say he was a failure in Man City. He guided them to City's best season for decades - including their highest ever points total so far in the premier league. After he was sacked, City took a step back (2008-09 was worse than Eriksson's 07-08 both in terms of the league position and total points). His record in both Lazio and Benfica was extremely good (league and cup titles in both), and even when he "wasn't successul" in Roma and Sampdoria, he still brought some silverware - winning the Italian cup with both clubs.

I agree with you and I think NRC is great!! And even when he gives away the ball or doesn't always do the right decision when he has the ball, it doesn't mean he's not valuable for us. What makes a "good footballer" is almost a philosophical question. His skill level isn't great, but I think he still helps us to win games, often even more than players who may create more scoring opportunities.

I wouldn't drop anyone. I think all five have been worth a place in the first eleven. I would bring Milner off the bench for now.I think our midfield has been strong as it is. Barry - no way Petrov - possibly, but I think he's been very good in both home games. NRC- no! He can be frustrating to watch because he always loses the ball but he is too important for us defensively. A.Young - No! L.Young - We finally have a right back, who actually happens to be pretty good too. Why bench him?