I was initially tempted to make last week’s disconsolate column feel like the Dalai Lama’s positive thinking app in comparison with this one.

Jurgen Klopp remains unconcerned about Liverpool's defensive lapses, despite them leading to Crystal Palace's two goals in their 4-2 victory at Selhurst Park.

Sad thing about Bournemouth is; after you’ve seen one of the greatest games of your life a few days beforehand, it’s impossible to get excited about them.

Tell me again what pride comes before? Well, almost… Brendan’s in a good place right now, and the Miles Davis of own-trumpet-blowers wasn’t slow in telling everyone.

Liverpool 1 Aston Villa 0

Former Liverpool manager Roy Evans reckons Everton are capable of thrusting the Premier League title initiative back into the hands of their Merseyside rivals this Saturday by taking points off Manchester City.

Sporting legends from across the codes were among the crowds hoping to strike it lucky at Punchestown yesterday on the second day of the National Hunt Festival.

Former Liverpool captain Ronnie Whelan believes the current crop of Reds are finishing the season stronger than their rivals and that gives them the best chance of winning the title.

Former Liverpool captain Ronnie Whelan believes the current crop of Reds are finishing the season stronger than their rivals and that gives them the best chance of winning the title.

I don’t think I’m alone in this, but more and more recently I find myself saying something which I once thought would be the last words I’d ever say: I hope Liverpool win the title.

Brendan Rodgers tells a story of how he realised he shared a birthday with Jose Mourinho when he ended up only being offered a piece of an enormous cake he believed was destined for him during his time at Chelsea.

Absolutely pitiful.

Whatever about the inclination, it is unlikely that Roy Keane will have the opportunity to stand over Alex Ferguson any time soon with a copy of his FAI contract.

As Munster rugby celebrated their victory over Leinster in Limerick, at the weekend, a Red of a different stripe was also celebrating after walking down the aisle in the Treaty City.

With less than a week to go, we are still mired, rear wheels spinning, in nostalgia.

Former Liverpool boss Roy Evans has urged Reds fans to get behind Kenny Dalglish and his faltering team over the closing weeks of the season.

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Liverpool and Everton defender Gary Ablett who has died from cancer at the age of 46.

THROUGHOT a glorious career, Ronnie Whelan earned a reputation as one of the most cultured footballers in Europe.

'EastEnders' veteran Pam St Clement is to bow out of Albert Square, more than a quarter of a century after making her debut as no-nonsense Pat.

FORMER Manchester United striker Diego Forlan returned to haunt Liverpool as his extra-time strike sent Atletico Madrid into the Europa League final despite losing 2-1 at Anfield last night.

Alberto Aquilani's first appearance in a Liverpool shirt last night finally gave Rafael Benitez something to be pleased about after a nightmare week that has seen his management at Anfield openly questioned.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is hoping to have Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso fit for the vital Barclays Premier League summit meeting with Chelsea on Sunday.

FORMER Liverpool manager Roy Evans is backing Rafael Benitez’s side to end Chelsea’s long unbeaten home record this weekend – even though he also feels the Reds have still to hit top gear this season.

The Republic of Ireland have been pitted against reigning world champions Italy in Group Eight of the World Cup Qualifying phase today, where they will also line up against Bulgaria, Cyprus, Georgia and newcomers Montenegro.

BRIAN CAREY could be removed tomorrow as Wrexham manager. A statement posted on the club’s website last night says that an “experienced senior manager” would be appointed tomorrow to work alongside present staff.

Roy Evans led the praise for Ryan Giggs as the Wales skipper announced his retirement from international football.

Robbie Savage is planning an international comeback with Wales, and predicts John Toshack will not last long as national team manager.

MANAGERS aren’t like comedy acts. They don’t work in pairs. It’s hard to think of a sport in which the names of great managers are followed by an ampersand: Stein. Shankly. O’Dwyer. Heffernan. Even the name Woodward stands alone.

Roy Evans has likened Wales star Danny Gabbidon to Liverpool hero Jamie Carragher as the one-time Cardiff boy continues his hugely impressive start to a Barclays Premiership career with West Ham.

ROBBIE SAVAGE has pulled out of a string of TV and radio dates to comment on Wales’ World Cup exploits so as not to endanger any hopes he has of a return to the international squad.

WALES assistant manager Roy Evans has suggested that the door is still open for Robbie Savage to return to the international fold.

Former Liverpool manager Roy Evans believes Milan Baros should forget his Carling Cup snub and concentrate on the important matches coming the Reds’ way over the next week.

Liverpool striker Milan Baros today denied he threatened to walk out of the team hotel after learning he was only a substitute for the Carling Cup final last weekend and has stressed he is not considering leaving the club.

THE greats of British, and particularly Liverpudlian, football united to say a sad farewell to Emlyn Hughes, the man they called Crazy Horse.

Gerard Houllier would welcome a return to management, provided the right opportunity came along.

Michael Owen was today unveiled as Real Madrid’s latest ‘galactico’ at the Santiago Bernabeu and claimed he was happy to be joining “the best team in the world”.

Michael Owen is set to be unveiled as Real Madrid’s latest ‘galactico’ at a midday press conference.

LIVERPOOL look set to cut another link with the Gerard Houllier era after accepting a bid from Tottenham for midfielder Danny Murphy.

LIVERPOOL manager Gerard Houllier last night remained in defiant mood amid growing speculation his job at Anfield is under serious threat.

Gerard Houllier launched a fierce attack on his underachieving Liverpool players at a crunch summit meeting just 24 hours before they beat Manchester United.

Former Liverpool boss Roy Evans believes there is “no point” in his former club replacing Gerard Houllier as manager.

STEVEN GERRARD has finally signed a new contract at Liverpool which will keep him at Anfield until the summer of 2007.