More Gutless Writing - Rated 
As a Red of 40 years, I was almost cringing at every page of this drivel. Tomkins is obviously a diehard Red, but not an objective one. This entire book is a rerun of "Houllier-esque" excuses for poor performances by Rafa's teams, choice of purchases, selling of players, and anything else that has been a complete waste of money or time at Liverpool FC since the "sacking" of Roy Evans.
In both his books, that I read, I almost felt like throwing up as Tomkins drones on about how Rafa has not had the money to buy the players he "really" wants. He becomes Rafa's #1 PR man as he looks in detail at every conceivable excuse for a poor showing in the Premier League, being knocked out of cups, and playing boring negative football despite months of training, expert analysis, state of the art facilities and equipment, top of the line nutrition, world class accomodations, millions of pounds spent, massive global fan support, superior traditions, unique location, and a youth structure that has been typically one of the best in the country.
Yet despite all this going for an experienced manager in a job that is the envy of the football world, Tomkins can bellow out the most benign of excuses for 11 millionaire footballers to play poorly at places like Bolton or Middlesbrough.
I always believed this was a game of football we were involved in, not a game of chess or a matter of nuclear science. But to hear why Rafa got it wrong with such and such a player, and in this game and that, you would think the football we played was so excellent, every ex-player, fan phone-in and pundit was a critic with Stevie Wonder glasses.
Then he marvels at Rafa's success as if every victory was so well planned and thought of. Yeah right, I am sure the plan was to be 3-0 down in Istanbul, and 2-0 down in Cardiff, just so we could win those cups on penalties. How easy it is for Tomkins to forget that until we scored, we were outclassed in both games and only last minute saves took us to extra time and pks. More luck, than judgement, mate, but as fans we take that as part of the game. But surely do not excuse it as "genius."
If Rafa was such a genius, how is it we scored against Chelsea in the Carling Cup Final, only to spend the next 85 minutes bunkered in defending for our lives, and then get trounced in Japan by a poor Brazilian side, before Cisse had to be introduced to save a trophy out of nothing in a game that was pure abject football. Just minor examples of where genius Rafa was totally missing in these matches.
OK, nobody is saying Rafa is a bad manager, of course not. He is a winner and a proven one at that. But genius, come on. I just hate fans to get carried away. If we had the same success of cup wins playing football like Wenger's Arsenal and Rijkaard's Barcelona, I would be a true believer in Benitez's methods and what Tomkins writes.
BUT, we do not even come close despite an outlay of over 85 million quid, over 30 players bought, and the great Benitez standing on the sidelines barking instructions every second of every game instead of allowing his players to play the match themselves. I mean, what did he do in training if they do not understand the plan by match time? Also, why did he buy the players, if they cannot think for themselves.
That is the difference between Benitez and Paisley or Shanks. The latter knew players when they saw them and balanced them on the pitch so they could play football in any condition. They were the leaders, not the men who picked them. With Benitez we never know who is playing next, no wonder Liverpool is so inconsistent. The previous managers also knew when a player was past his best and replaced him with a better player. That is never done at Liverpool anymore and is the main reason for Liverpool's lack of success before Houllier's Treble in 2001. For example, today we have still not replaced John Barnes or Steve McManaman after 10 years, or Mark Lawrenson and Alan Hansen after 20 years, or Steve Nicol and Phil Neal after 20 years or even Michael Owen after 2 years.
Why doesn't Tomkins talk about that in his book?
Write as a dedicated fan, for sure (to coin a phrase off Rafa) but give a balanced view. There is a reason why only one section of Anfield sings Benitez songs, and it is same reason why those other sections did not sing Houllier songs. We are not convinced of the football Rafa plays and we cannot be fooled by mindless fans like Tomkins.
Perfect Companion for Golden Past, Red Future - Rated 
Following on from the brilliant `Golden Past, Red Future' was never going to be easy. With neither number 6 nor the long-awaited number 19 arriving in 2006, there was never going to be an ending to match that of Istanbul, no matter how hard the Cardiff heroics tried. But there was plenty for Liverpool fans to cheer about last season, and even more to look forward to in the near future, all of which is analyzed comprehensively in this great book, which for me is equally as good as its predecessor.
Every aspect of the season is discussed, from the will-he won't he Gerrard saga of 2005, to all the new additions to the squad including Robbie Fowler, to the best ever Premiership points tally all the way on to that memorable Saturday in Cardiff. Detailed statistical analysis of individual players lets readers realize just how important each was for the team in their own way as the reds broke the club record for consecutive clean sheets. It also suggests how Liverpool might combat Chelsea's spending, gives a good description of the new scouting system that Benitez has installed and details the youth team players who may or may not have the ability to break into the first team.
A great read for any fan of football (obviously, Liverpool fans will have more to enjoy than most) which is insightful, intelligent, at times very witty and most important of all, thoroughly enjoyable. Highly recommended
Top marks again - Rated
Following on from Golden Past, Red Future, and any number of excellent articles on the various Liverpool FC fanzine sites (including his Guest Writing for the Offical Site), Paul Tomkins has written another excellent review of the Liverpool season, and in this particular case, of the hugely impressive revival of the Mighty Reds under the stewardship of Rafael Benitez.
Tomkins writes with real talent and is lucky enough to draw not only on his passion for the club, but also his apparent excellent knowledge of the game.
Like Golden Past, Red Future, this is not a rose-tinted view of the club, nor of the season. It is, however, another excellent, well balanced and well written book on the greatest club side that England has ever seen. Er, did I mention the 5 European Cups???
A superb follow up - Rated
Tompkins' work is admired by Rafa Benitez and it's easy to see why, given the astute assessments provided within his two books.
I don't think this book is quite as good as Golden Past Red Future, his first book, simply because it doesn't have the Champions League final as its climax. But it's more than able to stand side-by-side in terms of overall quality, insight, humour and understanding of the game. While generally positive in its tone, there are also criticisms in what reads as a balanced outlook on the club.
The analysis is spot-on, as always from Tompkins. Even if one doesn't agree with everything he says, it can be respected; his views are never less than interesting.
Must read - Rated
Every Liverpool fan should own a copy of this book, as should most people who have a genuine interest in football. It's very well written in a very relaxed style, which makes it easy to read.
As Tomkins disects Benitez's second season at Anfield he argues each point clearly and backs it up with stats, so although it's obvious that Tomkins is a Red you simply can't argue with how he presents his case.
From looking at the arrivals over the summer and winter (the return of God!) to the on-going search for investment, Tomkins' has left no stone unturned to in showing us the major dealings at Anfield since the season started against TNS last July.
I just wish I could remember most of what he's written when I'm arguing with my mates about the merits of Crouch, Sissoko, Reina et al. Enjoy.
|
