The Football Thread 2009/10

[tomvek]

It all turned out pretty well for Rafa in the end. Big pay-off from Liverpool then he walks straight into a job at a top Italian club who are the reigning European champions, he must be very happy.

[Spindash]

Some more news just in: Sepp Blatter has confirmed he will stand for election for a fourth term as Fifa president next year.

[tomvek]

Rafael Benitez makes donation to Hillsborough families

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has made a £96,000 donation to the Hillsborough Family Support Group.

The group was founded by families who lost loved ones in the Hillsborough Disaster in April 1989 which resulted in the deaths of 96 Liverpool fans.

Benitez, whose Anfield reign ended last week, supported the organisation during his six years in charge of the Reds.

The 50-year-old Spaniard was confirmed on Thursday as the new coach of European champions Inter Milan.

"When he handed the cheque over to me he was very emotional, as I was and the committee was, especially when we saw the amount," said Margaret Aspinall, chairman of the Hillsborough Family Support Group.

"He just said that he wanted to help with the cause and hoped we get what we rightly deserve.
"We have lots of things that we spend money on; a memorial every year, upkeep of the office and expenses but Rafa just said as long as it helps the group then that's all that matters."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/footbal ... 733645.stm

[Denster]

Read that. Very handsome gesture.

[Neph]

Can't someone push blatter off the edge so we can get a decent president of Fifa and get rid of Platini while were at it

[Henke]

Still only a fraction of what Rafa was given to walk away from Liverpool in the first place though. And he'll be on a nice wee wage at Inter I'd imagine.

[Saint of Killers]

Still only a fraction of what Rafa was given to walk away from Liverpool in the first place though. And he'll be on a nice wee wage at Inter I'd imagine.

Glad to see someone other than a Manchester United supporter/fan point this out first

[Drunken_Master]

Still only a fraction of what Rafa was given to walk away from Liverpool in the first place though. And he'll be on a nice wee wage at Inter I'd imagine.

Still a significant amount of money. Also, the figure itself was a nice gesture. And there's the fact he asked for it not to be disclosed. The charity told the press about it.

Top man.

[Photek]

Rafa was and still is a class act.

If Inter ever come to play in Anfield his name will be sang all around the ground.

Henke/SoK

[Buffalo]

My mate used to do Rafa's taxes, and - despite it not exactly being a huge cut of his wages - it's surely the thought that counts.

[Photek]

I hope Liverpool get to the Europa Cup Final as its in the AVIVA stadium!

[Zellery]

If Inter ever come to play in Anfield his name will be sang all around the ground.

I particularly liked it when said fans used to sing 'You don't know what you're doing'

[Photek]

When?

[Kanbei]

I hope Liverpool get to the Europa Cup Final as its in the AVIVA stadium!

You mean Lansdowne Road

[Corazon de Leon]

I hope Liverpool get to the Europa Cup Final as its in the AVIVA stadium!

You mean Lansdowne Road

I get free tickets to see stuff at the Aviva Stadium.

[Preezy]

If Inter ever come to play in Anfield his name will be sang all around the ground.

I particularly liked it when said fans used to sing 'You don't know what you're doing'

When?

Pretty sure they sang it in the dressing room

[Dowbocop]

My mate used to do Rafa's taxes, and - despite it not exactly being a huge cut of his wages - it's surely the thought that counts.

This. Unless you give 95% of your wages to charity and live like a pauper you can't complain about other people not giving enough...

[Dolph Wiggler]

I hope Liverpool get to the Europa Cup Final as its in the AVIVA stadium!

You mean Lansdowne Road

I get free tickets to see stuff at the Aviva Stadium.

I'll take them off your hands for things you can't make it to, cool?

[Mr Luke]

strawberry float me. Rafa can do no right as far as some people are concerned. They need to have a long hard look at themselves.

I'm just glad that this disrespect for this man that some love to show, is all from dim idiots outside of the club. Whatever your view of Rafa as a manager, there can be no denying that he's one of the good guys. It's for that reason I don't understand why some people make it their interest to bad mouth him at any oppurtunity.

[Moggy]

I am no Liverpool fan and don't think Rafa is all that great a manager. But he is obviously a decent bloke to give away £96k whether he can afford it or not. Fair play.