RAWK Goes into Meltdown 2014/2015 - The "We go again" Edition

RAWK said:
That's the worst thing for me.

He's in charge of managing the players and the way he's used the likes of Balotelli and Borini now makes it exceptionally hard to get rid of at a decent price. It's like someone taking you to a seafood restaurant and you saying 'Eurgh I don't like seafood, yuk!' and then being told well you can have nothing if you'd prefer and you going 'Nah I'll have the calamari for £50, don't want it tho' and then picking one bit of batter off and leaving it and going 'Eurgh yuk told you I don't like seafood, take it back....can we have the fifty quid back?'
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?!?
 
Have they got a match thread for the Stoke game? I'd like cheering up on my lunch break today, it feels like a Monday.
 
Twigginater said:
About 7 years ago, I became the head coach of a youth academy team. Under 18's age group, playing in a regional league. There was no relegation, and this team was the bottom team three years in a row through U15/16/17 age groups. I became the head coach, and straight away looked at the league programme to identify games we could win, games we'd probably lose, and games we could draw/win or lose. The aim was to finish at least 8th and make the regional cup (only the top 8 teams from each regional division made it). This team conceded 70-something goals the season before, and only scored 15, winning 1 game the entirety of the previous season. So a lot of mentality needed to be changed, as well as tactics and training. So I divided the programme into blocks of games, and set minimum results based on previous performance, my knowledge of the opposition, and the tactics we were going to employ (and I must confess, we ended up being quite Pulisesque at times). The first block of games, we did okay in. We won the first game on a narrow and hard-fought 1-0, then lost the next game heavily though, to a big team, and shipped 6 goals. But we drew the next one against another big team, missing out on the win in the last minute with a tremendous save from their keeper on a 1v1. We then lost the next game 1-0, to the team that eventually won the division. After that, though, we won two in a row, before losing to a top 8 "rival" My aim for the first block of 6 games (out of 18) was to get at least two wins, and we got three.

So confidence was high, and mentality was starting to change. The next block of 6 games, though, was the tricky block. We faced teams that we could win, lose or draw against. Our first game was a local derby, against a team that put 21 goals in total on the team in the previous season, over two games. We drew 3-3, losing the 3-2 lead to a last minute direct free kick. After that, we won another against the only team they'd beaten the season before in a very possession-dominant but rain-sodden and mistake-laden 2-1 win. We then played the team that ended up in third place, who hammered us, and then two of the "either-way" teams. We lost both. Mentality completely absent in the games. We needed a big team meeting to go over our goals for the season again, and put the controllables back into the players minds (i.e. their own performances). That took us to the, by now, worst team that season. Another rain-sodden, mistake laden game, but another win. Players were starting to believe, because now we'd more than doubled the number of wins in a season for the past 5 seasons. It was on. We approached the last block of 6 games with confidence and enthusiasm. We knew that there was one team in that block that were going to hammer us, no matter how well we prepared. We knew, because I had coached all their players when they were kids, and I knew how good they were. So we wrote that game off. We needed three wins from 5 of our last 6 to guarantee 8th place, and the last game was a home derby. So we had a two-game margin of error.

We played the first game and got destroyed 7-0. You would think that this would have dented confidence, but no - it made them more determined, because they knew they had 5 games to get three wins in. And that's what happened. They blew the next opponent away 4-0 in a game of such measured aggression that it bordered on illegal. Nothing dirty, but the opposition team knew they had been in a battle. Their coach also made a point of telling the players that they used to hate playing my team because my team were dirty (the reputation they had), but now they hated playing them because not only were they not dirty, but they were actually good. This boosted their confidence no end. We played another top 8 rival in another soaking, muddy game, and narrowly lost to two of the clumsiest mud-bath goals I've ever seen live. But again, players remained confident because their eyes were on the prize. We played the throw-away game next, and as predicted, the other team didn't even get out of second gear to get their 5 goal win. We didn't panic though, as we used the game to work on our defensive shape. Our next opponents, who had beaten us 4-0 at home, would be difficult at their ground, and had a very fervent and vocal home support. We prepared our set-pieces, we prepared our defensive shape, and we prepared our counter-attack patterns. Then we got some good news on the grapevine. Their keeper had been injured in training. The keeper was excellent, and their second keeper not so much. We played a tactically perfect, Rafa-esque away game, and won 1-0 off an early goal. We pressed like champions, and they couldn't get near our goal, and what they did get forward, went straight to our keeper or over the crossbar.

This brought us to our last game, the home derby, and we needed to win. Anything other than that, and not only our local rivals, but two other teams (including the team that beat us in the 3rd game by 6 goals) could overtake us and take that 8th spot. We would have had a great season either way, having jumped off the bottom of the table and got us comfortably mid-table for our efforts. But the players wanted more. The hunger was there. There was no need for a team talk. We simply said "we won't get another chance this season to make a bit of history", and away we went. It couldn't have gone any better. 1-0 up at half time on a lightning fast counter attack that our Albanian forward assisted with the same kind of outside-of-the-foot pass that Liverpool are becoming handy at. 2-0 up just after the half with a well-rehearsed corner. Then the denouement. Having used their three subs, their keeper got sent off for swearing at the referee, having got a yellow seconds earlier for handling the ball outside the box. They put an outfield player in goal, and 5 minutes later we get a penalty. Just before the final whistle, with their defenders nowhere to be found, our first scorer sets up the player who gave him the assist, and we make it 4-0. 250 supporters making it a bit of a party in the stands. We make the regional cup, and knock a few pre-season "favourites" out of contention. We got knocked out in the quarter finals, but that wasn't going to dampen the mood of the season. The players had set out an objective, and had achieved it with some aplomb.
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Phase of Play is a knobber.
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Why does that post read like it was written by Steve Bruce? (see this thread if that doesn't make sense: https://www.redcafe.net/threads/steve-bruce-the-author.405057/)
 
The Man Himself said:
Blast from the past:
From a thread during golden days of 2013-14 season:



:rolleyes:
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:lol: Goodness me.

Again though, this idea that last wasn't a complete anomaly. For first time ever we finished outside the top 3 and Liverpool had a rare title challenge, but it's treated as though it was normal service resumed. Whereas Liverpool finishing 6th or so has indeed been normal for the past few years.
 
That Brentie guy has got famous, which is great because I bet PoP thought that would be him. He's probably sitting in his basement right now with a Brentie doll cursing and stabbing at it.

Can seriously imagine him fuming right about now.
 
VanGaalEra said:
That Brentie guy has got famous, which is great because I bet PoP thought that would be him. He's probably sitting in his basement right now with a Brentie doll cursing and stabbing at it.

Can seriously imagine him fuming right about now.
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Brentie is slowly becoming the new PoP. The fame will get to his head!
 
Needham said:
Liverpool doesn't have suburbs. Just decreasingly threatening ghettos.
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If you've seen some of the estates of the way in from Manchester way you wouldn't believe the threat had decreased.

The whole city/area is a decrepit slum.
 
VanGaalEra said:
That Brentie guy has got famous, which is great because I bet PoP thought that would be him. He's probably sitting in his basement right now with a Brentie doll cursing and stabbing at it.

Can seriously imagine him fuming right about now.
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He is probably re running all of his computer simulations to figure out where Liverpool went wrong.

The solution: Keep Suarez, buy Messi & Neymar.
 
I thought I recognised Brentie's name. This is from September last year


Badunk said:
Right, so this Brentie character on RAWK who is going round saying "I told you so", appears to be a total mentalist (shocking news, I know). He has a blog. It's full of the usual Man United conspiracy nonsense, but there's also an entry where he compares some of the clubs in the Prem with religious sects. I shit you not. Here it is in all its insane glory:


Christian Maronites- Liverpool Football Club

Rich history, always been present at the highest echelons of the game. Very attached to past legends. Deify ex managers.

Hugely influential in the 70s and 80s, where they went through triumphs and tragedies but been largely marginalized since 1990.

Returned in force on the world stage in 2005, but comebacks of past legends have not managed to bring back the glory days. Finding it hard to accept they may never reach the heights they did before. Going with youth now.

Recent history blighted by infighting.



Sunnis- Manchester United

Always present with big, huge numbers of followers. But only really dominated the local scene since the early 90s.

Blamed by many for having corrupted the local arena, credited by others for having revolutionized the modern game.

Have had the most wealth for the last 2 decades, but events since 2005 have weakened the purse strings. Currently rumored to be in debt.

Current owner considered to be risking his life if he ever comes back to Old Trafford. Have looked nervously at their noisy neighbors for a few years now who have recently surpassed them.

February is seen as a very dark month in their history, due to a tragedy which is remembered annually.



Druzes- Arsenal

While having a rich history themselves, never reached the heights or numbers of Sunnis or Christians- certainly not abroad.

Despite this, they’ve always been relevant and decisive on the local scene. Led by a cult like figure whose capacity to keep his club relevant despite their lack of numbers is admired by many.

Haven’t had real success for a while.



Shiites- Chelsea

Despite claims to the contrary, have always been present on the local scene- though never having the numbers to show it.

Only really made it big in the last decade. Known worldwide now but are often ridiculed for their lack of history compared to their rivals- though have been more succesful than bigger clubs in the last few years.

While supposedly having several decision makers, only one (bearded) man really holds the power. Are largely financed by money coming from the East. Despite often seen as being in turmoil, regularly achieve success.

Hold the longest undefeated streak at home in the game. Defence was near impregnable around 2005/06. Constantly strengthen their attacking arsenal much to the dismay and anger of their rivals.



Christian Orthodox- Everton

Few can compare with their history, but have struggled for a long time now. The Christian Maronites’ ugly sister.

Seem to be a tad more relevant nowadays but still a long way away from being decision makers on the local and international scene.



Copts- Fulham

Led by an Egyptian. They exist.

Apparently.

The only inoffensive sect out there. This is probably due to the fact that no-one has actually noticed they exist.



Jews- Stoke

Founding members of the football league. Been around for ages, since the genesis of professional football. Known for their unmerciful and unrelenting attacks from air and ground, bombing the opposing team back to the stone ages.

Owned by a man who made fortunes in the legalised gambling industry.

Spend their time bullying and using every dirty trick in the book to gain an edge on their rivals; are then incredulous with self rightheous indignation when said rivals react to their provocation.

Not liked by many. They don’t care.

Local presence nigh on invisible.



Allawites- Aston Villa

Rich in history- never been more in danger of ruin though.

Current leader (who studied his trade in Europe), came into power under a wave of pomp and cicumstance with near unanimous backing from all key stakeholders.

At present , however, fans are said to be very much 50-50 as to whether he's the right man to lead them anymore.

Infighting between supporters a well reported theme at Villa Park.

- See more at: http://diminbeirut.typepad.com/my-blog/#sthash.HZZkZmnP.dpuf
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RAWK have a new leader, Brentie, who made the rather accurate prediction doing the rounds. From towards the end of page 18 on in this thread, he became their new messiah (while they were savaging P0P) -
http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=315071.720


They are totally brown-nosing but he was dealing with that pretty commendably. Well, until he wrote a letter to Liverpool FC's owner, John Henry.


Reply #760 on: Today at 02:36:47 PM »


Sending Henry an email. What do you lot think about this?

Dear Mr. Henry,



I am writing to you because of a funny set of circumstances. Last Summer I was greatly worried about the season ahead. I wrote a post on an internet forum detailing my concerns and fears. I explained why I felt this way. I made predictions.

I was laughed at.


A couple of days ago, after the worst Liverpool result of my lifetime ended a season full of unwanted records, someone reposted that prediction. Since then, the post has gone viral on the internet and has been published on a number of different sites.


You can find the post here.


http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=315071.msg13101837#msg13101837


John, I am writing to you to ask you the following: If a man like me, with no football experience bar 30 years of watching the game, can so accurately assess our weaknesses, so deconstruct in August why our season would fall apart, so prematurely correctly judge how terribly we did in the transfer market; then why couldn’t the people you employ and pay handsome sums of money to do the same?


Mr. Henry, no reasonable fan is asking you to spend your life savings on this club. In my opinion, we’ve spent enough. Not just this season, but for the last 25 years. We’ve just spent it terribly.

The club has stopped spending smart for the best parts of the last 25 years. It is a problem that predates your tenure; but still exists. We have an enormous problem in our scouting and recruiting of football players which has hamstrung us so much. I don’t need to give you examples, I’m pretty sure you know them full well.


All we ask for Mr. Henry is this: a complete restructuring of our scouting and recruiting team. It is absolutely unacceptable that we are spending fortunes on players that do not fit either the system or type of football we play.


Kind regards


I love RAWK.
 
good lord he was supposed to be the sane one? Nevermind, im gonna send a friend request to john on facebook to try and explain the situation
 
clarkydaz said:
good lord he was supposed to be the sane one?
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Still is, compared to their usual standard (the bold writing's got nowt to do with me):
my scouse SABU still inner steak off shocks at most horribles thoroughly stuffin’ and can’t gettin’ the heads around or square it or any shape or foam actually HOW bladdy this Stroke FC “The Potty” is shattin 6-1 on the Libpole RITES SABU PUNDIT?

Shame shame shame red faeces all round, UK Goremint should be call it Ms Linda Lust-Saudi Day is so chest-sizing, this duff-eat so deaf occult to be swallow like a Sundae Sport primest bullocks offal time bladdy forget bus on moon we got bust on Staffart . This historic game isn’t with captain the Stiffy-Ji have his signing-off Swanson, HE still big it’s the club that threaten get smalls. End off error an’ he pull down curtains on his carer like Mr Pitta Cushions vs Mr Crest Stuffily (1958) yet but sadly scouses can clearly see all rotten putrids we got left over in sickly sunlight is more like sunset. SABU head spinnin’ like green face Egg-Cyst girl troll after shakin’ heads too much: 5-0 at Jaffa time brake, WHAT THE HELL Garth Crock and Grabby Rogan receipt Mrs Pundit share of pakora snack-smack on Panasonic flat scream faces an’ theys having it off very lightly thank you very much.
 
Parry Gallister said:
RAWK have a new leader, Brentie, who made the rather accurate prediction doing the rounds. From towards the end of page 18 on in this thread, he became their new messiah (while they were savaging P0P) -
http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=315071.720


They are totally brown-nosing but he was dealing with that pretty commendably. Well, until he wrote a letter to Liverpool FC's owner, John Henry.


Reply #760 on: Today at 02:36:47 PM »


Sending Henry an email. What do you lot think about this?

Dear Mr. Henry,



I am writing to you because of a funny set of circumstances. Last Summer I was greatly worried about the season ahead. I wrote a post on an internet forum detailing my concerns and fears. I explained why I felt this way. I made predictions.

I was laughed at.


A couple of days ago, after the worst Liverpool result of my lifetime ended a season full of unwanted records, someone reposted that prediction. Since then, the post has gone viral on the internet and has been published on a number of different sites.


You can find the post here.


http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=315071.msg13101837#msg13101837


John, I am writing to you to ask you the following: If a man like me, with no football experience bar 30 years of watching the game, can so accurately assess our weaknesses, so deconstruct in August why our season would fall apart, so prematurely correctly judge how terribly we did in the transfer market; then why couldn’t the people you employ and pay handsome sums of money to do the same?


Mr. Henry, no reasonable fan is asking you to spend your life savings on this club. In my opinion, we’ve spent enough. Not just this season, but for the last 25 years. We’ve just spent it terribly.

The club has stopped spending smart for the best parts of the last 25 years. It is a problem that predates your tenure; but still exists. We have an enormous problem in our scouting and recruiting of football players which has hamstrung us so much. I don’t need to give you examples, I’m pretty sure you know them full well.


All we ask for Mr. Henry is this: a complete restructuring of our scouting and recruiting team. It is absolutely unacceptable that we are spending fortunes on players that do not fit either the system or type of football we play.


Kind regards


I love RAWK.
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fecking knew it! The fame's got to him already.
 
I guess I just don't get it - predicting Liverpoo to finish 6th is supposed to be especially insightful? Seems bang on average for the last 10 years.

It would be like a Gooner predicting 4th - not exactly going out on a limb.
 
bpet15 said:
I guess I just don't get it - predicting Liverpoo to finish 6th is supposed to be especially insightful? Seems bang on average for the last 10 years.

It would be like a Gooner predicting 4th - not exactly going out on a limb.
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True, but you're applying reason and logic. Always a mistake there.

In RAWK terms, their tendency to ban or shout-down anyone who doesn't follow the party line means it's probably been treated with the same profound impact the reformation of the church or Tiananmen Square had.

Until they make a signing. Who's inevitably the best in the world by default. Then the boom-bust resumes :drool:
 
bpet15 said:
I guess I just don't get it - predicting Liverpoo to finish 6th is supposed to be especially insightful? Seems bang on average for the last 10 years.

It would be like a Gooner predicting 4th - not exactly going out on a limb.
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I thought the same thing as I was reading through pages of RAWK disbelief over this guys predictions. If I could be arsed going through Caf posts from last summer, I'd be very surprised if there weren't plenty of similar predictions.
 
brentie said:
Listen, this place has a reputation. We all know it. A lot of people see this forum as very heavily moderated place where we all need to follow a narrative.
There's a reason it's known as the North Korea of Liverpool forums.

I've always loved this place but I have always hated the way you can't have an opinion that goes against the general consensus. I think this forum has lost quite a few good posters because of it. Even some that get on people's nerves, but still create good debate (Kaizer for example). It's definitely something that I'm very bored of personally and it's stopped me from posting in the last few months.
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feck, RAWK are about to reach a moment of self-realisation. The universe might implode.
 
Amethyst said:
Jesus. :lol:

Incase you didn't know, the guy writing the updates on the Echo is Kristian Walsh, seen here bawling his eyes out at Crystanbul last year:

Bm52lQvIcAELM2r.jpg
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:lol:
 
Brentie said:
Jews- Stoke

Founding members of the football league. Been around for ages, since the genesis of professional football. Known for their unmerciful and unrelenting attacks from air and ground, bombing the opposing team back to the stone ages.

Owned by a man who made fortunes in the legalised gambling industry.

Spend their time bullying and using every dirty trick in the book to gain an edge on their rivals; are then incredulous with self rightheous indignation when said rivals react to their provocation.

Not liked by many. They don’t care.
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He can f*ck off with that shit.
 
SteveJ said:
He can f*ck off with that shit.
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Send that excerpt to the Liverpool Echo. Make them squirm a bit.
As someone has said, predicting sixth for a team which historically screams sixth while making the central plank of your argument the fact that they will miss one of the world's top five players is not Gypsy Rose Lee stuff. Bet the guy is an absolute nightmare at work/in the pub/at the bus stop right now.
 
The following too is quite remarkable (to put it kindly):

Manchester United
February is seen as a very dark month in their history, due to a tragedy which is remembered annually.
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Aside from its sly implication that such behaviour on the part of United fans is both bizarre and cultish, it must be one of the least self-aware sentences I've ever read, considering both Munich and Hillsborough. Absolutely unbelievable stuff.
 
Fair play on him getting Liverpool's season right, he probably feels quite proud of himself and so he should - we'd all find it hard not to be over the moon if we had done the same. On the subject of that post comparing clubs to religions though...

He's from Beirut, right? I appreciate that his feelings towards the Jews may be damaged by his social and cultural background and/or experiences, but what he's written is just downright nasty and feeds the evil stereotype that Jews are greedy cheats who are only out to protect their own selfish interests. At the least these attitudes harm the chance of progressive talks about future Lebanon-Israel peace and at the worst breeds further hate towards not just the Jews but his own people.
 
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