I remember May 11, 2003. I was sitting with away fans watching my beloved Liverpool take on Chelsea for fourth place in the Premiership, which would have secured a place in the Champions League. I also remember being bitterly disappointed as we lost 2-1.

Tonight we have what I would consider another huge Premier League match as we take on Aston Villa at Anfield,  and as far as I'm concerned we simply must win. The chasing pack have caught up and it’s one thing to give up all hope of the title this year, but I sure as hell won’t give up on a Champions League place.

Everton and Manchester City have gone above us now and, true, we have games in hand, but points in the bag are far more precious. Too many average performances have led us to this point and if we were to draw or, Heaven forbid, lose to Martin O’Neill’s men, we could really struggle.

'Those who have called for Rafa’s head are at best misguided, or at worst, fickle'


We have a tough run of fixtures, including away trips to the top three, so every point is crucial if we are to avoid the ignominy of losing our grip on the top four. Not enough quality has been shown by our side in recent weeks.  on paper our team looks strong enough to be able to withstand the challenge from our great rivals, but for one reason or another we don't seem capable. So we just have to buckle down to it and do what is necessary tonight. I don’t care if it’s pretty this evening, we just need to win. I believe that every true fan is willing to accept three  points however they're achieved.

We were fortunate to come away from Villa Park with maximum points on the first weekend of the season. Steven Gerrard’s fantastic free-kick was our 'get out of jail' card on that day and one can only pray our midfield maestro comes up with the goods again.

There's no getting away from it, our last four performances have been shambolic and worst of all they lacked spirit. To come up against a rock bottom Derby side and scrape a last minute win is bad enough, but to come away from matches against Wigan, Middlesbrough and, to a lesser degree, Manchester City, with just three points is simply not good enough.

As a season-ticket holder I would never turn against by team. I simply cannot understand those who boo and chastise the players and management they supposedly cherish. As I sit in my seat, be it at my beloved Anfield or on an away terrace, I give it my all. But there is one thing I expect in return and that is that my idols do the same in return, and that means giving 100% all the time, whether it’s in the Champions League at the San Siro (I am well and truly excited about that trip) or at Pride Park.

Those who have called for Rafa’s head are at best misguided, or at worst, fickle. Those who have called into question the qualities that Stevie G offers the side (and some idiots have made such claims) really have blindingly short memories.

We need to be the 12th man tonight, we need to sing our hearts out, because for whatever reason has led us to this point, we simply must not let our club down. Are you with me?

Come on you Reds!