As far as sport goes, this is definitely my first passion. To say I was not particularly good at it would be an understatement but I do love to watch the game. Just to show how bad I was, my biggest claim was getting chosen once and only *once* for the primary school football team. The only reason I was selected was because of a flu epidemic which led to only twelve players turning up for practice. Well, I guess there was one person worse than me anyhow..

Unfortunately, I didn't get my moment of glory as the rain poored down and the game was abandoned before a ball had been kicked because of a water logged pitch. Time the game was replayed, I was once again left to sit and watch from the sidelines...

One version of the game I was much better at was knockout (which for those of you who don't know involves everyone trying to shoot in one goal. When someone scores they move into the next round. The last remaining player goes out. This continues round by round until a winner is found) Now for some reason, I had a knack for doing rather well in this. Be it a deflection, lucky rebound or one yard tap in, I somehow managed to progress each round (and more often than not I would be the last to progress). I was a natural born goalhanger mind so maybe that explains my success in this..

My only other sucessful footballing moment would be as a part of the winning Inter-Form football team at secondary school. These moments though were few and far between. I loved to play, no matter how bad I was, but I much preffered to watch my favourite team in action..

Early Footballing memories

I think I can pinpoint my first footballing memory to the 1986 F.A. Cup Final when Liverpool secured the double 3-1 against Everton. My dad was a fan of the 'Pool himself (being Irish and all) and I remember him with eyes afixed quite attentively to the screen in a furniture store while my mum shopped. He was very happy with the result and with all the attention that one game got, I decided to find out what all the fuss was about.

Just a short while after this game, the 1986 World Cup Finals in Argentina began. As most of my friends were supporting England and my dad (not being a fan of English sporting sides at all) supported Brazil as usual, I thought I'd be different and went for the home nation. Of course they went onto win, but to say I was ribbed about *that* quarter final match when a certain little agentinian decided to call on the helping hand of god, would be an understatement.

The next year as the domestic season began, under the strong influence of my father, I began to follow Liverpool. Over the next few years, the team dominated the English game and won trophy after trophy. Their style of free flowing and entertaining football was a joy to behold and they outmatched all rivals with ease.

The Present

Right now, the team are going through something of a semi crisis. After a reasonable start and a good middle to the season they have rather screwed up of late and it is virtually certain that they will end up empty handed this season once again.

The most encouraging thing to come out of the season has been the emergence of young striking sensation Michael Owen. At just 18 years of age, he has a long future ahead of him. Together with fellow striking partner Robbie Fowler and team mates Steve McManaman, Rob Jones, Dominic Matteo, Paul Ince, Jamie Redknapp and Jamie Carragher, Liverpool do have the nucleus of a good side.

But they need strenghening in certain positions. The most obvious weakness is the defence. A strong centre back is the first requirement. Someone like Sol Campbell of Spurs or Josep Stam from Holland would be ideal candidates. A replacement for the dissapointing Oyvind Leonardson is also required. Georgi Kinkladze I believe would be a perfect acquisition.

I am still hopeful for next success next season, but that probably doesn't mean that much as I've been hopeful for almost five years now..

My Greatest Footballing Memories

5. The 4-3 game of the season triumph over Newcastle. Going ahead four times, the last finalling seeing off the visitors with an injury time goal from Stan Collymore. Next season of course saw a repeat scorline and another last minute winner..

4. The 1995, 3-3 draw against Manchester United. Not a victory but coming back from 3-0 down with two from Nigel CLough and a late header from Neil Ruddock was oh so sweet.

3. The amazing 3-2 aggregate European victory over Auxerre in 1991. Turning around a 2-0 deficit from the first leg, Mark Walters sealed a great night.

2. The 2-0 F.A. Cup Final victory over Sunderland in 1992. Goals from Ian Rush and the now forgiven Michael Thomas sealed the win.

1. The 1989 F.A. Cup Final Triumph over arch rivals Everton. A Fantastic game with the old master Ian Rush coming off the bench to grabb two in a 3-2 thriller.

My Worst Footballing Memories

5. The 1-0 1996 F.A. Cup Final defeat to of all teams, Manchester United. With the gaol scored, by of all players Eric Cantona.

4. Losing to Peterborough in the Coca Cola Cup in 1990 and then going into school the next day..

3. The 4-3 Semi-Final defeat to Crystal Palace in 1991. Amazing game but heart breaking result.

2. The 1988 F.A. Cup Final defeat to Wimbledon. A 1-0 scoreline prevents Liverpool from securing the double.

1. 1989. Liverpool three points clear of Arsenal, final game of the season. Avoiding a two goal defeat would mean the double. 1-0 down, injury time, Arsenal still need another goal, then up steps Michael Thomas...