New Red dawn of old glory days

WE'VE come full circle, haven't we? Forty years and three weeks ago, the first of what became known as The Great Anfield European Nights took place. Our opponents were from Milan.

It was so long ago that even I wasn't old enough to go, but I've since been told by ear witnesses to both occasions that yes, it's true: Chelsea at home was better! And since we reached the final this time, it therefore stakes its claim as The Greatest European night of all. Not bad for a manager who could only come fifth in the league.

We're off to sunny Istanbul, then. And because I'm the world's least organised person, a mate has arranged everything.