After reading yet more media-hyped drivel slagging off Rafael Benitez, I thought it was about time I played my part and gave him some much-needed support. You never know... he could be reading Sportingo to improve his English.

Firstly, are tabloid writers paid commission when a manager gets the chop? It seems that way, after the Premier League got rid of its eighth manager of the season this week. This is SHOCKING. That’s nearly half the clubs in the top flight changing their managers so far this season and just makes the people at boardroom level the biggest joke in history.

What do you have to do to get on the board these days, anyway, say ‘sack the manager’ and you get a golden ticket in?

'I thought it was about time I gave him some much needed support. You never know... he could be reading Sportingo to improve his English'


If Sir Alex Ferguson had been appointed manager of Manchester United during this era (which he wouldn’t, because he’s not a sexy foreigner) he’d have been out on his ear before Santa had time to get his red suit washed!

In Rafa, we have a gifted coach who won the Champions League with a team of duffs. Yes, we’ve been disappointed with some results this season, due to massive expectations and I think we all have a right to question some of Benitez's actions (not making subs sooner, continually giving Harry Kewell time to show he will never be the same as when he was at Leeds United, the views on rotation).

Having an opinion is the right of a supporter but not to the extent of having the poor fella sacked when what he has achieved so far is phenomenal - a second Champions League final, FA Cup, League Cup and a further European Club trophy in just three seasons - is the stuff of dreams! But still people aren’t happy.

No-one out there could have achieved more than this and that’s why I believe Rafa is still the best for the job. I just hope that the players do not let all this manic hype cloud their performances, but that already seems too late.

If the Yanks know anything about football, they should sell the club back to people that love it, like Morgan or Miskelly. But then that would mean the snake Rick Parry getting sacked.

Which brings me nicely to the pressures of being a Liverpool manager not in control of transfer signings. Do you think a possible new signing will be inspired to join, by the fella who nearly let Steven Gerrard slip through the club to Chelski? I think not.

The sooner the people at boardroom level realise that they play a big enough role in running the club and to raise the necessary funds for new players, the better. They should leave the footballing side of things to the person they appoint as manager (look at what Arsene Wenger has achieved).

Liverpool have a gifted manager capable of winning the league and, Rafa, if you are reading.... lose the goatee for goodness sake, you’re not helping the image of the club.