what sort of a club will we be without Stevie. Between 2003 and 2011 he was a force of nature and whilst he was playing we always had a chance.Now we cant even keep a sniffling little runt at the club.We had legends leave before but this time we have nobody left who can fill the void.
I wish wish wish other fans would emphasise the importance of the Academy. In today's headline grabbing, multi million pound transfer world, it's easy to forget the importance of the Academy in producing the backbone of a successful team. Producing local heroes gives the fans that connection as the local scouse lads died in the wool passionate instincts provides empathy between fans and players which is far and few between in today's football.
If Gerrard left and there was a vast swathe of local lads coming through, I wouldn't feel so bad as I know we would feel safe with a new bunch of local blood, but because he's leaving, it feels like a rudderless ship and a club lacking identity primarily because of the lack of homegrown players.
With Flanno injured and Rickie probably leaving, next season will surely be the first year in Liverpool's history that there is no Scouse lad in the side.
That is a terrifying prospect, and for the sake of the club's future direction and the backbone and passion that local blood gives us, we really really need to be doing all we can in getting our youth up to the highest quality standards with the right coaching and right methods.
I'm encouraged by some of the coaching ideals and experience of our youth coaches, but a good start would be to stop buying utter sh*te like Manquillo, Luis Alberto and so on and give the kids a chance.
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