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Heighway fumes at 'crazy' Benitez

Heighway with the latest crop of Liverpool academy graduates

Former Liverpool academy coach Steve Heighway says manager Rafael Benitez's decision to assume control of the club's youth policy is "crazy". Heighway left his job last week after 18 years in charge, following their FA Youth Cup win over Manchester United.
He told The Times: "Rafa is a terrific manager, but I think I'm the best coach of 17 and 18-year-olds in this club.
"But I no longer get the chance to do that. It's crazy, mad and it's to the detriment of the young players here."


Heighway, who oversaw the development of Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard, added: "If they are not working with the best coach of young players, then what is this football club doing?
"It's not an ego thing, but one thing I am absolutely sure about is that the best thing for the players is to be with me.
"My influence is being taken away too soon over the best players and I'm not convinced that what they are going to do is better for them.
"I would urge any football club to make sure the academy is not one of the areas the manager controls."

Gerrard opens talks on new deal

Steven Gerrard is keen to sign a new contract at Liverpool

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has revealed he is in talks over a new contract that could tie him to Anfield for the rest of his career. Gerrard, 26, is expected to sign at least a four-year deal worth about £120,000 a week after leading Liverpool to the Champions League final.
He said: "I'm in talks to extend my contract at Liverpool and I've never been happier with my football.
"I'd love nothing better than to get this contract sorted and signed."


New Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has said he could not see Gerrard playing for any other club - and the Liverpool captain is equally keen to extend his Anfield career.
Gerrard said: "We need to keep all of our big players here so it's very important we get the contracts sorted out so they can be here for a long time."
And the Anfield captain admitted he was surprised that AC Milan will be Liverpool's final opponents in Greece.
He said: "I'm confident we can go to Athens and bring the cup back home.
"But Milan are a fantastic team and we know it's going to be really difficult, so we need to be right at the top of our game.
"I was really surprised actually that they won their semi-final because I had confidence that Manchester United would get the result they required.
"I thought it was going to be a Liverpool-Manchester United final, but credit to Milan because they were excellent on the night and deserved to win the game."


Lots of Liverpool related news today...