Thank you & farewell Steven Gerrard

The club has been humbled for a generation and the only shinning light in that time has been Steven Gerrard. While the club has been on it's knees; Gerrard was the constant on his feet, dragging us back up to and fight back. It must have been lonely at times to watch players, mercenaries come and go, it must have been disheartening to see others around him simply not up to task.

As others have inferred, we should pull out the positives of his career and celebrate and reminisce in these. I know in years to come I will tell me son about the footballing legend of Steven Gerrard, the iconic figure of Liverpool FC; the videos, the compilations, the education and nostalgia will arise a heavy heart every time, and the memories of watching Ste Gerrard will therefore live forever in this household.

The footballing God's never really looked out for Gerrard did they. Arguably one of the greatest British footballing phenomenons to never lift a league trophy - a true footballing injustice that even many neutrals would agree with. Lambasted by his own, when the entirety of burden was placed upon his shoulders, he was never surrounded with the consistent quality that the likes of Scholes and Lampard had the luxury of. He was, at times a one man band and would often save his colleagues the blushes to paper the cracks - "The Gerrard Final" epitomised this. In this humbling era, he was the one person who gave me the hope and belief that the future was indeed, red. However, as age crept into his game, it became clear he was mortal and so, this footballing eulogy of LFC's greatest ever player acknowledges, that Stevie was just one of us, a fan playing for his boyhood club during the good times and the bad. Always leading, always inspiring, and always fighting for the team - no matter who the manager or players were beside him. He was the constant in this humbling era, still a shinning light of hope when the club and team appeared to be losing it.

And yet, even still the footballing God's didn't take to him like myself and many others did, and his reward for such a footballing service was to see and witness the league title taken from his grasp by some wrath of divine intervention. His story didn't get the happy ending it deserved, such an injustice handed out towards a dying breed that not even Tarentino could write a conclusion about. There has to be solace in there somewhere from that, and if there is, be sure to let me know what it is...

His love affair and story with us doesn't feel finished, and perhaps it won't be until it gets the ending it deserves - we live in hope.

The years I supported this club before he appeared were barren and often depressing, but he came along and single handedly put Liverpool back on the global footballing map and gave the world a view of one of the finest footballers this country has ever produced. No amount of words can describe what he means to this club and it's supporters, it's been an absolute pelasure and privilage to have seen him in that shirt so many times. Thanks Steven, you'll forever be a legend sitting comfortably amongst other greats this country has witnessed. All the best sir.

In fairness there was an FSG  tribute message to Stevie on the official site ...

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/185301-fsg-pay-tribute-to-steven-gerrard

In fairness there was an FSG  tribute message to Stevie on the official site ...

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/185301-fsg-pay-tribute-to-steven-gerrard

It's a nice message but not sure it's enough to pay tribute to someone of Steven's stature. To be honest, we don't know why they didn't turn up, it may well be that they didn't want to be a distraction on a special day for Stevie, in which case I might understand, but I still think they should have ballsed up and turned up to applaud him when necessary.

Long time reader, first time poster. I have grown up with Gerrard's career at Liverpool FC and was sad watching the game on Sat. A superhero for this club who gave us so much joy. I injured myself once celebrating a goal he scored....the famous Olympiakos goal I hit the chair on front of me and the TV remote flew up and hit me in the eye. A shame he never got that league medal but Steven Gerrard is about so much more than a league medal. Thanks for the memories Steven.

Everything I want to say and more. Exceptional piece from Gareth Roberts of The Anfield Wrap:

STEVEN GERRARD: JUST A MAN, JUST A PERSON

by Gareth Roberts // 18 May 2015 //

ABOUT 12 years ago a solicitor called Matthew Macefield tracked down Lee Mavers, the apparently elusive lead singer of The La’s, to a semi-detached house in Huyton.

Intrigued by the myths and legends that surround Mavers, Macefield decided to write a book about his quest for answers, In Search of The La’s. On finally finding Lee, the fan in him came to the fore with Macefield gushing with praise for his hero. Mavers, taken aback, replied, simply: “I’m just a man, la, just a person.”

On Saturday we saw another Huyton genius, Steven Gerrard — just a man, just a person — trying his best to be what everyone from his home city wanted him to be: the superhero, Roy of the Rovers, Mr Liverpool. Again. Before kick off, as the he pulled on No.8 for the last time in L4, perhaps Steven glanced around the dressing room and privately bemoaned the lack of proven match-winners that would be joining him on the pitch. Again.
Thousands in the ground and millions worldwide willed a legend to dig out one more blockbuster, to rip the net one last time. In his 354th game at Anfield, Gerrard sought his 105th goal on home turf in the red shirt but it would not come. The passion and the will to win remain. The legs to cope with 90 minutes of Premier League football performing in the manner he will be best remembered for sadly do not.
So instead a shot that tested the keeper, a free kick over the bar and an effort so wild it prompted a well-natured chorus of “what the F***ing hell was that?” from The Kop. No shame and no matter was the message. You’re well in credit, Steven.

The story was written everywhere — in the mosaics, the banners, the songs, the standing ovations and the guard of honour. But Crystal Palace, like Jeremy Goss in 1994 on the last day of the standing Kop, hadn’t read the script.
The expectation that has weighed heavy on Gerrard’s shoulders for 11 years and 472 games as captain of Liverpool was too much to bear this time. The Scouse spirit that has flowed through his veins and driven him to inspire, lead and drag Liverpool to victories home and abroad wasn’t enough on Saturday.

But when children and grandchildren are sat down to be told of all things Steven Gerrard his last game at Anfield won’t be the first memory to spill from the many minds locked full of good times wrapped around Huyton’s finest footballer.

Instead, it will be Dortmund and the UEFA Cup. Istanbul and the European Cup. Cardiff and the FA Cup. That goal against the Mancs. Olympiakos. Oh you beauty, what a hit, son. What a hit. That goal at Goodison. That hat-trick at Anfield. That goal-line clearance and the clenched fist in the derby at Anfield. Kissing the camera at Old Trafford. The barely believable strike against Marseille. The free kick against Aston Villa. And the rest. All the rest.
It will be your memories, your own favourite moments, all weaved around everyday life — that time when you did this and Gerrard did that. You’ve had 17 years of it. Take your pick.

The outsiders — the weird ones — mocked at the weekend but those outsiders don’t matter. Look at the tributes everywhere. How the Crystal Palace fans stayed put to applaud him. Even the bizarre phenomenon of how Gerrard has been routinely abused up and down the country, even being sang about when he isn’t there. They know. More importantly, we know.

Gerrard is one of us. The lad with the swagger. The lad from Ironside Road. The St Michaels pupil. The Whiston Juniors player. The kid at Cardinal Heenan. The frowning lad with attitude who took no prisoners. The lad who steamed into Paul Ince in training and told him to “F***ing shut up” when he complained. The lad who did Kevin Campbell and Gary Naysmith and ran the length of Goodison Park with his tongue out and his hand to his ear. The lad who sat in the away end at Aston Villa among us and who would be there every week if things had turned out differently.

Debates about how good Steven Gerrard is compared to X or Y from other teams are for others — we know. Player of the Year on the right. Brilliant in tandem with Torres. A rampant right back, a charging ball of aggression in midfield. He couldn’t get us over the line for the holy grail of the title but it wasn’t for the want of trying. Those questions about his suitability as captain — too demanding, too aggressive, too quick to point the finger at team-mates? Those questions didn’t exist last season. That was a captain. That was a man continually refusing to accept Liverpool were second best to anyone even if, ultimately, they were. It’s the F**k you spirit Liverpool is built upon. You think anyone else could have done the job better? All the best.

In Man I’m Only Human, Lee Mavers sings about “dying to be free”. Gerrard has talked about that, too. How simple family life has been impossible. How day to day there is no escape. Gerrard should enjoy his freedom in America away from the Merseyside goldfish bowl and the pressure of being Liverpool skipper which is etched into his features. God knows he’s worked for it and earned it.

Gerrard isn’t perfect. He was tempted by Chelsea and handed in a transfer request. He punched a fella in a bar in Southport. He slipped in a match against Chelsea and got sent off after 43 seconds against Manchester United. He doesn’t love Rafa Benitez. He doesn’t forgive him for substituting him. Maybe he wanted him to go. On Saturday Steven Gerrard was part of a side that lost a football match to a team Liverpool shouldn’t be losing to. He didn’t play particularly well in his final home game as captain.

“Just a man, la. Just a person.”

But Gerrard also made sure his daughter picked up every scarf (“somebody’s life” as a legendary former Liverpool boss once said). He refused to sign the LA Galaxy shirt offered by a fan in the crowd. He raised a thumb at the Kop’s tongue-in-cheek mocking and he dealt with the media in his now customary statesmanlike way. Steven Gerrard knows what Liverpool is all about — the club, the city and the people. You can’t buy that. And that’s why he’s talking about coming back before he’s even left. He’s taking his coaching badges. He’s made notes on his bosses, recording the good and the bad. A manager one day? Don’t bet against it.

Like Mavers, Gerrard is just a person. But like Mavers, to his adoring public, Gerrard will always be so much more. A Liverpool legend. Our legend. One of us. So hat’s off to that feeling, I could not ask for anymore.

http://www.theanfieldwrap.com/2015/05/steven-gerrard-just-a-man-just-a-person-mondays-column/

Long time reader, first time poster. I have grown up with Gerrard's career at Liverpool FC and was sad watching the game on Sat. A superhero for this club who gave us so much joy. I injured myself once celebrating a goal he scored....the famous Olympiakos goal I hit the chair on front of me and the TV remote flew up and hit me in the eye. A shame he never got that league medal but Steven Gerrard is about so much more than a league medal. Thanks for the memories Steven.

Welcome to the forum mate.

It's a nice message but not sure it's enough to pay tribute to someone of Steven's stature. To be honest, we don't know why they didn't turn up, it may well be that they didn't want to be a distraction on a special day for Stevie, in which case I might understand, but I still think they should have ballsed up and turned up to applaud him when necessary.

I think they did well staying away, the press would have been all over it, making up stuff about BR's position etc.

they stayed away and let the day be Gerrard's.

YNWA Stevie G.

I think they did well staying away, the press would have been all over it, making up stuff about BR's position etc.

they stayed away and let the day be Gerrard's.

YNWA Stevie G.

Possibly, I might have been still angry about the result hence the slight overreaction mate.

Steven Gerrard is the last link to Liverpool's great European past - his Anfield abdication was always going to bring a sense of loss

    Steven Gerrard's last Anfield appearance was a 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace
    Gerrard is considered as one of the best to have ever played for Liverpool
    His final appearance at Anfield was emotional for him and the supporters

By Oliver Holt For The Mail On Sunday

Published: 22:30, 16 May 2015 | Updated: 12:06, 18 May 2015





There is a beautiful gothic building on the corner of Blessington Road and Anfield Road near Liverpool’s stadium that houses a pub called the King Harry. It is painted red and white inside, with touches of gilt, and yesterday, as they do every match day, Liverpool fans gathered there early.

A few hours before the game against Crystal Palace kicked off, David Johnson one of the heroes of Liverpool’s 1981 European Cup Final triumph over Real Madrid strolled past on his way to a sponsor event at the Isla Gladstone Conservatory nearby. He cuts a distinguished figure now, his hair a brilliant white.

Nobody inside the King Harry much noticed him but they know their history in there. Two photos were prominently displayed high on one of the walls, either side of the giant television screen that had been showing Southampton’s demolition of Aston Villa.

One was a yellowing photograph of Bill Shankly that looked as if it had been taken from an annual and placed lovingly in a frame. The other was an image of Steven Gerrard, his Champions League winners’ medal clamped to his mouth in a kiss as he celebrated in Istanbul in 2005.

On a day laden so heavily with emotion and sentiment, it felt as if those pictures represented a beginning and an end. The greatness began with Shankly when he took over at Liverpool in 1959 and part of it at least ended with Gerrard’s last game in his Liverpool home on Saturday.

Gerrard, 34, is the only survivor of the team that beat AC Milan that magical night on the shores of the Bosphorus ten years ago when Liverpool won their most recent European Cup. He inspired the Miracle of Istanbul.

He is the last link to Liverpool’s great European past.


   
From Tommy Smith to Kevin Keegan to Graeme Souness to Kenny Dalglish to Mark Lawrenson to Alan Hansen to Ian Rush to Ronnie Whelan, the flame was passed to Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso and Gerrard and now there is no one waiting to receive it any more.
Not yet anyway.

So we came here yesterday to salute the Last of the Mohicans.

We came to remember a time when Liverpool were kings.

They may reach that peak again in the future but the landscape of English football has changed. Benefactors like Roman Abramovich and Sheikh Mansour and managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho have shifted the power away from Merseyside.

The sound of Johnny Cash singing ‘Ring of Fire’ rolled around Anfield before the game yesterday to remind the fans of that glorious last flourish in Istanbul. Brendan Rodgers is taking Liverpool in the right direction again but it is hard to see them reaching the European summit again any time soon.

So there was a wistful tone to some of the music that played over the loud speaker system before the game, too. ‘Whatever happened to the heroes?’ The Stranglers asked and R.E.M mourned that it was ‘the end of the world as we know it’.

It was a celebration, too, of course and the mood lifted considerably when Gerrard, who made his Liverpool debut in 1998, walked out on to the pitch before kick-off.

Both sides lined up to form a guard of honour for the Liverpool captain, who will begin a new career with LA Galaxy this summer, and there was a great roar when he emerged from the tunnel.

Gerrard walked down the line of Palace players, thanking them for the gesture and carrying his youngest daughter, Lourdes, in his arms. His elder children, Lilly-Ella and Lexie, walked by his side.

When the teams had shaken hands, Anfield treated Gerrard to one last rousing rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Banners glorifying Gerrard’s feats with the club were held up all over the Kop. As the anthem played, Gerrard knelt in the centre circle with his daughters.

Thoughts drifted back to occasions when You’ll Never Walk Alone has rent the air here in Gerrard’s presence. The night in 2005 when Liverpool and Gerrard overcame Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final was the most tumultuous atmosphere that many of us have ever witnessed.

It was not quite like that on Saturday. It felt more like a testimonial, a game that only really mattered because of what it meant for one man. ‘Is this a library?’ the Palace fans at the Kemlyn Road End sang scornfully towards the end of the first half.

Gerrard is not the force of old, of course, and he was ineffectual yesterday.
So was his team. Palace fully deserved their 3-1 victory.
They outplayed Liverpool almost from start to finish, something which did little to cheer the home supporters about what lies ahead in the post-Gerrard era.

None of that dampened the crowd’s desire to give their skipper a fitting send-off. The Kop reclaimed the ‘Steve Gerrard, Gerrard, he’ll pass the ball 40 yards’ song from those who have bastardised it following his fateful slip against Chelsea last season. They belted it out again and again.

Part of their affection for him here stems from the fact that he is a local boy, a one club man who resisted the temptations of a move to clubs that might have brought him more silverware.

The arguments of those who mock Gerrard for the medals he missed out on by staying with Liverpool are rendered largely irrelevant by the great triumph of Istanbul.

Sure, Gerrard never won the league but he won the Champions League and at a club built on European iconography, that is everything.

‘The best there was, the best there is, the best there ever will be,’ a club message said on signs that flashed up on the perimeter hoardings. Admirers of Dalglish and Souness might have something to say about that but it says enough about Gerrard’s ability that he should be part of the conversation.

Rodgers said last week that Gerrard has done more for the city than any politician and he was right. He was about as close to a reigning monarch as Liverpool ever got in the last 20 years.

As a footballer, he was a link to another era, a time of glory and pride, a comfort as others took Liverpool’s place. His abdication was always going to provoke a sense of loss and mourning.

And so the sound of The Kinks serenaded Gerrard as he left Anfield. ‘Thank you for the days,’ they sang, ‘those endless days, those sacred days you gave me. I’m thinking of the days, I won’t forget a single day, believe me.’

The Kop, though, chose to cut through the sentiment

When Gerrard sidefooted a shot high into the Liverpool faithful behind the goal ten minutes from time, they chided him gently.

‘What the f***ing hell was that?’ they sang.

Gerrard gazed up at the great bank of football humanity that has been the backdrop to his life for the last 17 years and gave them the thumbs-up.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3084712/Steven-Gerrard-link-Liverpool-s-great-European-past-Anfield-abdication-going-bring-sense-loss.html#ixzz3aVscaw9K
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I know everyone feels down about this being the end of the Stevie era of Liverpool, but I can't help but feel a slight touch of excitement to see who will step up and become the heroes of tomorrow. For 17 years we've had the pleasure of watching one of the all time greats, a legend, a once-in-a-generation player.

Gerrard is the last remaining link to that promising group of youngsters that emerged in the 90s -- Redknapp, McManaman, Fowler, Owen and Carragher when legends like Rushie, Barnes and Molby left -- but now it's time for a new generation of Liverpool players to essentially start on a blank page.

Some might look at the squad and say there's no one who can come in and be the hero, but I think you just need to give them a chance. You might be surprised at who steps up. At least that's my hope anyway.

Long time reader, first time poster. I have grown up with Gerrard's career at Liverpool FC and was sad watching the game on Sat. A superhero for this club who gave us so much joy. I injured myself once celebrating a goal he scored....the famous Olympiakos goal I hit the chair on front of me and the TV remote flew up and hit me in the eye. A shame he never got that league medal but Steven Gerrard is about so much more than a league medal. Thanks for the memories Steven.

Welcome aboard.. Hope the eye was okay..
I ididn't injure myself but when Steven scored at Cardiff against West Ham in the final from an impossible distance I screamed with joy at the top of my voice and my two lads who we're 3 and 7 at the time sh*t themselves !..the youngest freaked out Dad had gone Psycho and mum gave me a right dagger as she scooped him up and ran out the room to calm the little fella down...What a Goal !!

Long time reader, first time poster. I have grown up with Gerrard's career at Liverpool FC and was sad watching the game on Sat. A superhero for this club who gave us so much joy. I injured myself once celebrating a goal he scored....the famous Olympiakos goal I hit the chair on front of me and the TV remote flew up and hit me in the eye. A shame he never got that league medal but Steven Gerrard is about so much more than a league medal. Thanks for the memories Steven.

Welcome to the forum.
That goal against Olympiakos will always be one of my favourite memories of Stevie.
I also posted on facebook the other day that one of the greatest compliments I can ever give to him is that he was the best player on the pitch in the best football game I've ever watched - the Istambul final. It was simply an epic UCL performance from the captain.

Its impossible to find a moment that stands out. His first goal in a derby his first appearance first final what a career and lets be honest as many have said he carried this club for so long he should have a hump on his back.
Even this season I think he is top scorer. So no more Stevie and something will be missing from Anfield and I dont think we have anyone who can give us the same hope.

Still don't believe it was his choices to go, just the impression I got from his speech.

He's got a winning mentality, we have lost a lot of that over the last few years in the likes of Masch, Pepe, Carra, Hyypia and Suarez etc. With Stevie now going, when I look at the squad of players, I struggle to see anyone who has the same winning mentality that we have had over the years. Sure we have Coutinho and Can who could potentially become 2 of the best players around but they won't drag the team up from its knees when it's needed IMO, not yet anyway as at the moment they are just quietly going about their business.

Losing Gerrard, despite the fact he isn't as good anymore could still have a devasting impact on the team. It will either be that or the team will stand together and become a force again. Personally, I'm worried about next season already. Not only was Gerrard a key player on the pitch, he was a key player getting players to sign and stay with us longer.

Still don't believe it was his choices to go, just the impression I got from his speech.

He's got a winning mentality, we have lost a lot of that over the last few years in the likes of Masch, Pepe, Carra, Hyypia and Suarez etc. With Stevie now going, when I look at the squad of players, I struggle to see anyone who has the same winning mentality that we have had over the years. Sure we have Coutinho and Can who could potentially become 2 of the best players around but they won't drag the team up from its knees when it's needed IMO, not yet anyway as at the moment they are just quietly going about their business.

Losing Gerrard, despite the fact he isn't as good anymore could still have a devasting impact on the team. It will either be that or the team will stand together and become a force again. Personally, I'm worried about next season already. Not only was Gerrard a key player on the pitch, he was a key player getting players to sign and stay with us longer.

last season Rodgers said he could play until he was 40.Stevie said he would have signed a contract if it had been put in front of him and he is still the top scorer this season. His loss will be felt both on and off the pitch.

Still don't believe it was his choices to go, just the impression I got from his speech.

He's got a winning mentality, we have lost a lot of that over the last few years in the likes of Masch, Pepe, Carra, Hyypia and Suarez etc. With Stevie now going, when I look at the squad of players, I struggle to see anyone who has the same winning mentality that we have had over the years. Sure we have Coutinho and Can who could potentially become 2 of the best players around but they won't drag the team up from its knees when it's needed IMO, not yet anyway as at the moment they are just quietly going about their business.

Losing Gerrard, despite the fact he isn't as good anymore could still have a devasting impact on the team. It will either be that or the team will stand together and become a force again. Personally, I'm worried about next season already. Not only was Gerrard a key player on the pitch, he was a key player getting players to sign and stay with us longer.

Totally agree, KK. What a set of D***heads we have in charge of our transfer and contract policy. As Steve said,if he had been offered an extension to his contract in the Summer he would have signed. Seems he knew that Rodgers didn't want him any longer.

A legend till the very end.

Quality act not signing that fella's Galaxy Top out of respect to this famous Club he loves so much.

Will he play against Stoke or was that actually the last time we will ever see him pull on that Beautiful Red guernsey?

Did he really say this last night at the awards?




Gerrard: 'I'm bored of talking about myself. This is Coutinho's night: he's the next big thing and I hope he's here for many years.'


What a Legend.

We've lost one of our biggest ever players but we may have gained one of our biggest ever supporters. I am sure we'll hear plenty from Stevie soon enough, he's been the voice of this club for 15 years, I think he's one of the few voices we shut up and pay attention to now and his words will be more important than ever.

Not sure where else to stick this but it's brilliant.

https://youtu.be/wOs0ozp8hvo

Cheers for the welcome. I was over at a game in 2008 I think it was, Hull were playing at Anfield and I had a mate with me (A united fan would you believe). We went two nil down early on and Gerrard led the fightback. Ended 2-2. My mate remarked afterwards that Gerrard was everywhere. I think that is something you don't get to see on TV......the amount of running and work he does off the ball. Sadly I don't think we will see his class again.

Hey Guy, I would like you to view my first video about Steven Gerrard and share it with your friends.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8ljG0YtN6I