If Steven Gerrard leaves,Liverpool still have Fernando Torres and hopefully he stays and he maybe become the next skipper. Don't tell me there is no other better world class player then Gerrard.Who knows Gerrard will be the next Micheal Owen.

Well Phil, it has been a pleasure and you are right that in football we cant and shouldnt agree on everything as that is why the game is so adored and evokkes real passion from real supporters. And I do try to paint a rosy picture of Arsenal as they have just been through what Liverpool are entering at the present which is why I hope the more reasonable and realistic people will understand that the club just need a break or 2. That is what eventually happened at Arsenal and only last season we did exactly what you have done this and questions were being asked regarding the club, the manager, the debt etc so it can and will change. I only wish I could sit in front of some of these so called pundits and press and speak honestly about what is killing our game. So as I said, it has been a pleasure to talk from 1 supporter to another. Regards

Kevin, there are so many talking point here, i could go on for a long long time. However, i'll try not to. I'm actually Liverpool fan, but not a blind follower of my team, more of a lover of the game. I apologise if it appeared i came out fighting to your original post. It just feels like i'm constantly having to defend the club, especially to foolish LFC fans who follow what the press have to say instead of reading between the lines. I acknowledge that you yourself did not state that LFC needed to sell players. In truth it was more of a comment aimed at the press and those who choose to follow there scare-mongering. On the whole, i totally agree with all your points made about the money in the game, or more to the point... lack of money and perceived wealth. The situation at clubs such as Portsmouth and many other clubs is horrible. And your points about so called 'top' clubs buying the title is by no means lost on me. In fact, i myself have been waiting for some time to see the United bubble burst, (not surprising from a liverpool fan i suppose) and i agree they are the club now pulling the wool over everyones eyes. I think your right to draw direct comparisons between Arsenal and Liverpool in terms of there finances over the last 10 years or so. Fortunately for Arsenal they have come through their tricky patch and look to be reaping the benefits now. Where as Liverpool are right at the beginning of these changes, and the fans need to be patient and look to the future. But like so many in football, people want immediate success. Hence the money situation with some clubs. The club who've really lost out in this whole affair is Leeds United. Although saying that, you only need to look at the amount of clubs who have dropped out of the premier league and ended up in league 1 or 2. Mostly down to poor business models. On the whole, your points about youth development are right, and wasn't trying to shoot you down over the players that Arsenal have produced. In tru

P.s Loads compared to what they can actually afford, not total outlay as they have recouped plenty

have been bigging up Chelsea and Man Utd for many years now, however it will be intersting to see what and how football manages the debt s built and how it really will affect football. It will be 5-10 years before we see the outcome of the development and finance issues fully. I was emparthising with you as a fan and not attacking the club, they have been trying to compete and interestingly it is Man Utd who are actually showing true signs of financial weakness however the press remain all over Liverpool instead of pointing that fact out. Sad but true. So good luck and I still think you will make top 4 again and no you do not need to sell your best players either as you will be fine I am sure. Good to talk Phil. P.s Are you a West Ham fan or Liverpool as your point regarding their past development exploits was stop on!!

An interesting reply and yes many English lads are now plying their trade elsewhere because they were not prepared to wait for their opportunity unlike sadly foreign players have over the years. My point regarding Liverpool and their finances was merely that the blame should not just be aimed at Rafa and the board now but the previous regime and as you pointed out the club has been skint for 10-15 years, my point exactly. And if we are going to discuss clubs who produced English players of old then we have to congratulate Man Utd for the Beckham and co era. However in the now era Arsenal have produced players such as Upson, A Cole, Adams,Bentley Muamba and have many up and coming players such as Wilshere, Eastmond, Williams, Sanchez Watt, Simpson,Randall, Gilbert, Ramsey(Welsh)as well as foreign talent developed at Arsenal and more which is why we are not spending much in the transfer markets. I could have also brought in other teams who have been developing great young talent year in year out however outside of 2 or 3 influxes there has not been a consistent flow of young talent coming through from any team. That has happened at clubs like Man Utd as they have brought their way to the title many years before Chelsea and Man City had any money. I am more surprised that you are not forwarding all of your current crop of yound English talent coming through instead of quoting West Hams from 10-15 years ago!! I actually feel that the Liverpool fans have been let down as this should have been supplimenting their income and squad as a priority as you yourself have stated their financial plight. P.s I did not once state that LFC will need to sell there players to service debt, interesting Arsenal were accused of that after we built the Emirates however now the press have to keep quiet and the same hopefully will apply to Liverpool if they can get the stadium sorted. So you may well have that to look forward to from the press as well. Lets not kid ourselves the press c

I have to say I find the situation at Liverpool very strange and disappointing even as an Arsenal fan as I believe the club has been spending far beyond its means for many years and now the money has ran out which is and can only be poor business managemnent over several years not just the short term. To spend £250million and have the facilities at Liverpool for youth development is shocking when you look at both the squad and financial position. Yes they may borrow more but does that deal with the past?? No. For many years people have openly slaughtered Arsenal for be a self sustaining club however that ensured that our development and youth policy started many years ago and look at the conveyor belt of young talent coming through and at least 10 english youngsters as well in that group. Wenger hasnt come close to spending what Liverpool and of course aman utd, man city and chelsea however again look at the financial situation at Man Utd, again finaly caught out as the bosses want and are taking their piece of the pie. It will be interesting to see how Fergie gets on with a budget instead of an open cheque book. I think he will retire and leave that the the next manager to deal with. Do yourseves a favour and print this and retain as I think fifa will soon change the rules and many teams will be in the shit financially. I hope Liverpool move up soon as the fans do deserve some return for their loyalty.