Each Sunday evening we’ll be posting an interview with a supporter and uploading them onto this section of the website. Each week there will be a different selection of questions. If you would like to be interviewed then you can email our host, Tom Dean, at thd13@aber.ac.uk or tweet him/TBT: welshy_89 – Alternatively if you have any feedback, suggested questions… please follow the same contact details.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
This week Tom catches up with local Sheffield lad Phil Hammond. Phil’s passion and enthusiasm for the game is second to none and has led him to pursue a Sports Journalism degree at his local university. One day in the future who knows he may be asking me the questions.
Name: Phil Hammond
Age: 21
Twitter: phil_hammond_7
PAST
Fondest moment as a LFC supporter:
It has to be Istanbul hasn’t it? I always look back on how amazing the whole night was and just wish I was that little bit older for it. I mean, I loved going in to school the next day with my Liverpool scarf round my neck, but I wonder how different it would have been had I been older when it happened. I have watched countless re-runs of the whole game, and wow. It will never be beaten in my lifetime.
Worst moment as a LFC supporter:
Not a ‘moment’ as such, but probably the six month reign of Roy Hodgson. The football we played, the signings we made, the lack of confidence throughout the whole team, and the fan’s discontent at Anfield are all horrible memories. All this came during the ill-fated ownership of Hicks and Gillett, and the less we speak about those two, the better.
Adding to this, any defeat to Man Utd gets classed as a worst moment as a fan for me, as well as the recent cup final defeats such as Milan in 2007 and Chelsea in 2012.
If you could have a conversation with any past player or manager, who would it be and what would you ask them?
It would have to be Benitez. I love the man. Liverpool fans get accused of wearing rose tinted glasses when it comes to Rafa, and people think it’s only because of Istanbul. These are the same people who will also be quick to point out his bad signings. Yes, he did make some mistakes, as does every manager. But if you look at the wider picture, Rafa always had his hands tied when it came to transfers – he wanted Dani Alves and Simao but instead had to settle for Arbeloa and Pennant. It’s a recurring pattern. I could go on for pages and pages defending Rafa against any haters, but he’d be my choice to have a conversation as I think the ins and outs of his managerial reign would be truly fascinating. Paul Tomkins revealed in one of his articles some of the chats he had with Rafa, and revealed players such as Walcott and Ramsey were in his office, negotiating a transfer, only for them to fall through for one reason or another. Chatting to Rafa would bring out so many more of these stories that we are unaware of, and he is such a football enthusiast, and a real intelligent man. I’d love to talk to him about what he did to the club in terms of the academy, and of course, what he said at half-time in Istanbul.
What opposition player would you have dreamt seen wear a LFC jersey but never:
Thierry Henry. Without a shadow of a doubt. I’d argue he’s the best striker the Premier League has seen in the modern era. He had everything, and his trademark side-foot finish mixed with his blistering pace was a joy to behold as a kid growing up watching football. He always did well against us, even without Stevie Gerrard gifting him a backpass. Plus, he brought the knee slide celebration to the fore. Genius.
PRESENT
What area of the squad needs improving:
I think it’s clear that our defensive midfield options need seriously addressing, and I’m surprised that it’s something Rodgers hasn’t done this summer. Beyond Lucas, there isn’t really anyone that can naturally play the deep-lying holding role. Allen filled in last season in Lucas’ absence and looked uncomfortable, and although Gerrard is being moulded into a deeper lying central midfielder, I don’t think he’s anywhere near mobile enough to be the sole protector of the back four – he needs someone alongside him. We often got walked through last season, and it seemed our midfield was crying out for a midfield “general” sort of player – a Mascherano or a Momo Sissoko-of-old type player. We’ve shown a bit more resilience in the opening games this season, so Rodgers may be proved right to put his faith in Lucas, Gerrard and Allen but I’d hate to think what would happen if Lucas got injured again.
Best purchase of the summer transfer window and why:
Simon Mignolet. A lot of eyebrows were raised when we forked out £9m for a keeper, a position that many felt wasn’t a “priority” position for us this summer. Sentiment aside, Reina was on the decline and has been for the last two years. Rodgers made a big call in changing his goalkeeper this summer and deserves praise for how he’s dealt with it, with Reina being a firm fan favourite. The truth is, we’ve now replaced him with a hungry, younger goalkeeper on lower wages, which ticks two boxes. He’s already saved us at least six points from the opening three games, and I really feel he could become a great keeper for Liverpool.
Who will be our “little gem” of the season and why?
The majority of people will inevitably say Coutinho for this one, and he is a little gem of a player who started so well but I think too much pressure has been put on him already. It will be interesting to see how he does this season after his electric start last year, he’ll be a marked man for one and he is yet to have a great impact in any “big” games.
I think Jordan Henderson could be our little gem this season. Anyone who knows me will know I am a huge Henderson fan. I don’t think he is ever going to be a world beater, but there is something about the guy. He’s vital to the way we play, his pressing, his tidy passing, and the guy never stops running! It’s no coincidence that we win the majority of games that he starts in the middle – I’d love to see him nail down a place in our starting XI and go on to a World Cup call up for England.
Realistic aim for 2013/2014 season (League Finish, Cup Runs etc…):
We have to at least put in a challenge for the top four. With Man City and Chelsea both looking so strong on paper, Manchester Utd being Manchester Utd, Spurs strengthening considerably despite losing Bale and Arsenal always being there or there abouts, we’re under no illusions that it will be tough. We need to improve our record against these teams (beating Utd in game three is a good start) and this can help see us push on.
Seeing as we’re not in Europe either, it’d be nice to see us really go for the cups, and Rodgers team selection in the League Cup against Notts County certainly indicated this. It’d be realistic to aim for at least one final this year, even if Rodgers has never won a trophy, it would be a great time to start.
GENERAL
Merseyside Derby or LFC vs. UTD:
For me personally, it has to be Man Utd. The rivalry and hatred is just something else. I think fans who have grown up and live in Liverpool may think differently as having local bragging rights must be huge, but for me, it will always be United.
What’s the furthest you’ve travelled to see the mighty reds play:
270 miles, the distance between my hometown of Barnstaple to Liverpool. Done it on a number of occasions, and despite it being a long old day I’d always be home just in time for Match of The Day, always a bonus.
Now I live in Sheffield it’s a lot easier and quicker to get to Anfield, and I’d be lying if I said that didn’t play a part in me choosing Sheffield as my university two years ago!
All-time favourite LFC shirt:
It has to be the home shirt form the 1998 season, the one with the round white collar back when we were still sponsored by Carlsberg and Reebok. Purely because it was my first kit, I wore it all the time as a little ‘un.
Your all-time favourite LFC chant/song?
When Anfield is rocking and Liverpool are winning/just scored, I don’t think there is a better, more feel-good song than Fields of Anfield Road.
As a favourite chant, the old “Luis Garcia, he drinks Sangria”, has to be a personal favourite.
Million pounds or score the winner for LFC at Anfield:
The winner, in front of the Kop, against Man United. Everytime.
ULTIMATE TEAM OF YOUR LIFE
Your all-time best Liverpool XI since you were born (1992)…
Reina
Finnan Hyypia Carragher Riise
Mascherano
Gerrard Alonso
Suarez Fowler Torres
