CHANT
I was standing in the Kop, smelling the scents of a crowd enjoying themselves, looking up at a beautiful blue sky embracing a muscle warming sun, watching superb displays of sublime skills, youth football mixed with cup competition thrills, tension and chants of “We won it three times”.
The perfect afternoon of watching my clubs young boys run rampant across the deliciously manicured pitch was sullied, dirtied and smeared by THAT chant. Liverpool were playing extremely polished football.
The small away gathering boasted children, CHILDREN! Of all the sections of society to blood a social routine on, the groans were audible across the Kop. We knew what they were singing, we knew we could retaliate, yet we did not. Why? Is it due to our severe attitude to social convention? Were we more eloquent and chose to express ourselves in a less fervent fashion? Or was it because we didn’t want our children witnessing us, as parents, teachers of social niceties, how to behave like a torturous victim when faced with a wrong.
Those of you on Twitter who follow me know how wound up I get when I see abusive tweets about The Tragedies. A blatant ignorance pervades a place I frequent, a place I like to come to when I feel a little uninspired. Stories and statistics, friendships and national debate stimulate me but I fail to see why I would want to ingratiate myself to a section of society who feels the need to rush headlong into scar tissue that runs a mile wide.
Heysel, 26 years ago last month. I follow many Juventino, I know how hurt they still are, I follow hundreds of Liverpool fans, I know how ashamed they are. Yet, somehow the two clubs have come together, not perfectly, not entirely, but together. The chant that Manchester United fans sing, so loud and proud, is an insult to their lost ones. A birch on the hands held out for comfort. The chant affects the Liverpool fans too, nowhere near as much as Juventus fans, but a quick, sharp thwack on the back of fans who, even though they weren’t there, flagellate themselves yearly when the anniversary comes around.
I wonder if Manchester United fans are predisposed to hack away at the bandages of that horrific European Cup final? Obviously I’m generalising and I’ll be called out for that like a cheap hack with a clutch of gossip whispers. But am I onto something? Do we teach our future generation of fans how to hate, or at least emotionally injure? Are we directly responsible for the interpretation of banter becoming so leftfield from the original that we are looking at a phenomenon that is built from lust for humiliation?
These questions have been haunting me as I strive to make sense of that beautiful match day, the football and the restraint shown by players and fans of Liverpool was admirable and heart warming. Yet was I at an event that was unique? If I’ve seen the tweets from Manchester United fans then I have seen an equal number from the Liverpool fans. Appalling though it is to me, anathema almost, I feel there is a need to level the same desire for explanations at my own set of fans, more so. I say it is anathema, as to revel or exude delight in the hurt of others is utterly alien to me.
I have contacted the community spokesperson for Liverpool’s official website, I received inadequate responses from Matt. However, I’m more tenacious than a few emails, I wont be held to a response that places the responsibility of abusive chants and their after affects in the hands of the supporters. We, as bastions of representation, do have the ultimate accountability for our actions, our behaviour towards our fellow football fans, but the clubs have an immense amount of power in the responsibility they can show. Flexing a muscle would give the world a sharp reminder of how utterly devastating an institution can be when it wants to encase its reputation in a shell of respectability.
With the clutch of emails sent, I started to spread about the idea, on Twitter, of a supporter force or group, who can police or gather information from the terraces on suspected abusers. I also floated the idea of interclub match days based upon better relations for fans, education programs in schools, programs aimed at supporters leaving and entering the grounds. Victims groups having discussions with known offenders to re-educate them. There are a myriad of possibilities and each carries its own pitfall or an ability to offend.
The only way that a program of events and actions would succeed would be down to the supporters pressuring the club to help end the chants. Fans can help sway the boards decision in sacking a manager, they can turn on a player and see him sold soon after, they can become internet terrorists and shut off the supply of credit to two cowboys. Can they stop scenes like those on Match of The Day, were Liverpool fans, at Old Trafford, made aeroplane gestures with open arms and screamed with blood red faces, “Munich!”? Can we do that? Can we march around the club, can we boycott the merchandise and sing protest from the terraces? Somehow, something in me thinks it’s a no, but wouldn’t it be great if instead of one person emailing or writing to the stadium manager, it was two or three? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be unique and be the first club to eject and ban supporters who have chanted abuse, only letting them in when they complete a set amount of re-education programs?
I’ll march for that. Under a big banner that says, “No more shall I abuse, no more shall I chant, instead respect the opposition, for he is my fellow man.”
You can contact me on twitter @malbennett29
Saturday, 4 June 2011
Friday, 3 June 2011
2nd Reply From LFC Concerning Abusive Chants
Hi Mal,
I think this may be something you’d need to write to the Club about as my remit only covers online communities and social media. From what you’ve told me I would direct my enquiries to:
Stadium Manager
Anfield
Anfield Road
L4 OTH
Hope this of help.
Kind regards,
Matt
I think this may be something you’d need to write to the Club about as my remit only covers online communities and social media. From what you’ve told me I would direct my enquiries to:
Stadium Manager
Anfield
Anfield Road
L4 OTH
Hope this of help.
Kind regards,
Matt
BBC reply to complaint about Kelvin MacKenzie's appearance on BBC 2
Dear Mr Bennett
Thanks for contacting us regarding ‘The Apprentice: You’re Fired’ broadcast on the 1 June.
We understand you felt that Kelvin MacKenzie was an inappropriate choice of guest.
The programme is an entertainment show and our sole aim when making each episode is to provide enjoyment. Kelvin McKenzie is a public figure who regularly appears on entertainment and political shows and is a well-known radio broadcaster and columnist. We felt for these reasons, his inclusion was legitimate.
We take great care to try and make a good natured show, and it is certainly never our intention when making the programme to offend or upset our viewers.
We appreciate your views and we would like to assure you that we’ve registered your comments on our audience log. This is the internal report of audience feedback which we compile daily for all programme makers and commissioning executives within the BBC, and also their senior management. It ensures that your points, and all other comments we receive, are circulated and considered across the BBC.
Thanks again for getting in touch.
www.bbc.co.uk/complaints
NB This is sent from an outgoing account only which is not monitored. You cannot reply to this email address but if necessary please contact us via our webform quoting any case number we provided.
Kind Regards
BBC Audience Services
Thanks for contacting us regarding ‘The Apprentice: You’re Fired’ broadcast on the 1 June.
We understand you felt that Kelvin MacKenzie was an inappropriate choice of guest.
The programme is an entertainment show and our sole aim when making each episode is to provide enjoyment. Kelvin McKenzie is a public figure who regularly appears on entertainment and political shows and is a well-known radio broadcaster and columnist. We felt for these reasons, his inclusion was legitimate.
We take great care to try and make a good natured show, and it is certainly never our intention when making the programme to offend or upset our viewers.
We appreciate your views and we would like to assure you that we’ve registered your comments on our audience log. This is the internal report of audience feedback which we compile daily for all programme makers and commissioning executives within the BBC, and also their senior management. It ensures that your points, and all other comments we receive, are circulated and considered across the BBC.
Thanks again for getting in touch.
www.bbc.co.uk/complaints
NB This is sent from an outgoing account only which is not monitored. You cannot reply to this email address but if necessary please contact us via our webform quoting any case number we provided.
Kind Regards
BBC Audience Services
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
2nd Email To LFC Concerning Abusive Chants
Hi Matt.
Appreciate you emailing back. I think I never clarified my query properly. I am asking if the club has a clear policy or plan to try and stop the chants. Something like CCTV use, phone line for anonymous reports and education programmes aimed at supporters and the wider community.
The reason I'm pursuing this is due to the scenes I witnessed at Youth FA Cup Quarter Final at Anfield earlier this year. The away Manchester United support, which included children, sang songs about Heysel. I feel that more than a token response about supporter intervention is required from the club that prides itself on community values.
The determination that I have for this issue to be resolved is evident with the way in which the fan base boycotted spreadshirt and won the removal of the shirts.
Mal Bennett
Appreciate you emailing back. I think I never clarified my query properly. I am asking if the club has a clear policy or plan to try and stop the chants. Something like CCTV use, phone line for anonymous reports and education programmes aimed at supporters and the wider community.
The reason I'm pursuing this is due to the scenes I witnessed at Youth FA Cup Quarter Final at Anfield earlier this year. The away Manchester United support, which included children, sang songs about Heysel. I feel that more than a token response about supporter intervention is required from the club that prides itself on community values.
The determination that I have for this issue to be resolved is evident with the way in which the fan base boycotted spreadshirt and won the removal of the shirts.
Mal Bennett
Email To LFC Concerning Abusive Chants
Dear Sir/Madam,
As an active member of the fan base on twitter I often see abusive tweets about Hillsborough, Heysel and Munich. I was wondering if there is in place a group that tries to educate supporters about the tragedies and helps strengthen ties between the supporters base and the victims groups. I was an integral part in helping stop Republik Of Mancunia from selling his t shirts that displayed the 'We Won It Three Times Without Killing Anyone' chant. This site was powered by a successful t shirt company and by the power of using twitter and fan emails, we managed to have the site shut off the flow of that particular design. The point of the email is to ask if there is anything I can do to stop the repeat of footage of Liverpool fans singing Munich songs on Match Of The Day or of Manchester United fans singings Heysel songs whilst playing other teams? I would love to help the club become the first club to try and bridge that gap between rivalry and decency. Any role I can play would be done to the fullest. I look forward to a reply email.
Yours sincerely
Mal Bennett
Birkenhead
You'll Never Walk Alone
As an active member of the fan base on twitter I often see abusive tweets about Hillsborough, Heysel and Munich. I was wondering if there is in place a group that tries to educate supporters about the tragedies and helps strengthen ties between the supporters base and the victims groups. I was an integral part in helping stop Republik Of Mancunia from selling his t shirts that displayed the 'We Won It Three Times Without Killing Anyone' chant. This site was powered by a successful t shirt company and by the power of using twitter and fan emails, we managed to have the site shut off the flow of that particular design. The point of the email is to ask if there is anything I can do to stop the repeat of footage of Liverpool fans singing Munich songs on Match Of The Day or of Manchester United fans singings Heysel songs whilst playing other teams? I would love to help the club become the first club to try and bridge that gap between rivalry and decency. Any role I can play would be done to the fullest. I look forward to a reply email.
Yours sincerely
Mal Bennett
Birkenhead
You'll Never Walk Alone
Email From LFC Concerning Abusive Chants
Dear Mal,
Thanks for your mail which a colleague at the Club forwarded to me. I’m the Community Manager at LFC’s Digital Media Dept.
Unfortunately I can’t be of help in regards to footage screened on Match of the Day and can only suggest writing to the BBC. Certainly if any of this footage is posted on LFC websites we will remove it as soon as become aware of it. So reporting anything similar which you saw on The Kop for instance would be both useful and sincerely appreciated.
It’s difficult to advise you on how best to further your aims. Whilst media organizations and sports clubs have a role to play , ultimately it’s likely that the only people that could positively affect fan behaviour would be other fans. After the Hillsborough Disaster many of our own supporters made clear their distaste for songs which glorified in others death and tragedy. That happened through debate, argument and persuasion, so perhaps the independent fan sites may be one place to try to put this case?
Best Regards,
Matt
Thanks for your mail which a colleague at the Club forwarded to me. I’m the Community Manager at LFC’s Digital Media Dept.
Unfortunately I can’t be of help in regards to footage screened on Match of the Day and can only suggest writing to the BBC. Certainly if any of this footage is posted on LFC websites we will remove it as soon as become aware of it. So reporting anything similar which you saw on The Kop for instance would be both useful and sincerely appreciated.
It’s difficult to advise you on how best to further your aims. Whilst media organizations and sports clubs have a role to play , ultimately it’s likely that the only people that could positively affect fan behaviour would be other fans. After the Hillsborough Disaster many of our own supporters made clear their distaste for songs which glorified in others death and tragedy. That happened through debate, argument and persuasion, so perhaps the independent fan sites may be one place to try to put this case?
Best Regards,
Matt
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Steve McManaman: Winging It In Madrid
On the 1st July 1999, after two years of transfer tugs of war, a thunder storm of newspaper articles and backlashes that struck like whiplashes from fans, Steve McManaman left a club in transition and entered a club in metamorphosis.
At Liverpool he had been the ‘Wizard of the Dribble’, winning a League Cup final virtually single handed, winning an FA Cup early on in his career too. The years were kind to Steve and he cemented his place in Liverpool history. Yet the controversy over his Bosman transfer drew eyes away from his achievements, towards the money that the Premier League had brought to players.
McManaman was the last signing of Guus Hiddink, who was later sacked in February 1999, due to comments about the board and finances and poor league performances. Steve knew the pressure would be immense, particularly as he was only the second Englishman to play for Real Madrid, but also due to the regime change at the club.
Real Madrid were going through one of the most turbulent periods in their history. A new manager brought a new philosophy, John Toshack, and several players were sold to try and combat the rising debt. Mijatovic, Suker, Seedorf and Panucci all made way to help streamline the clubs finances. This process of selling players made star man Raúl speak out, 'The dressing room is a cesspit of lies, treachery and whispers.....I feel sorry for new players like Steve McManaman.'
Whatever Steve was walking into, he was clearly a big deal in Madrid and was the highest profile player to move to Spain, from England, since Gary Lineker's move from Everton to Barcelona in 1986.
His first few games yielded three goals and several assists, Madridistas took him to their hearts straight away. Debuting against Mallorca, on 22nd August 1999 at the Son Moix stadium, he provided the vital assist for a late injury time winner scored by Fernando Morientes. His next game, on 29th August at home against Numancia, saw him score his first goal in the 4-1 demolition.
McManaman and his Madrid teammates took part in the first FIFA Club World Championship in 1999/2000 were he failed to score, eventually coming 4th. However, Steve managed to help Real Madrid make it all the way to the 2000 Champions League final in Paris. Vicente Del Bosque was now the Real Madrid manager, after Toshack was sacked in November of 1999. The build up rounds to the final saw McManaman receive several man of the match awards, based upon the partnership with Fernando Redondo.
Valencia were beaten 3-0 by Real Madrid in an all Spanish final. McManaman scored with a stunning volley from outside the box, many consider this final as his greatest game. Fellow Madrid player Ivan Helguera endorsed the English media's view of McManaman as the man of the match. This historic eighth European Cup win saw him become the first ever English player to win the competition with a foreign club.
Yet despite all the accolades and performances that Steve put in, he was to be sidelined for the rest of his Madrid career. In 2000, as the new Liga season began, Del Bosque was to warn him that he had 'little chance of playing this year'. Incoming President, Florentino Pérez, was followed to the club by football sensation Luís Figo, for a club record transfer fee. This transfer burdened the club with more debt and subsequently several players were sold. One of the players earmarked for sale was McManaman, yet he resisted every attempt to sell him. And there were many attempts to get rid of the Englishman.
Just to slap McManaman in the face with his threat of a non playing season, Del Bosque insisted he would not be issuing Steve with a squad number. The £37 million transfer of Figo led to the board wanting to offload McManaman's £4.5 million salary, however he had a water tight contract until 2004. He managed to resist all bids for him, including an £11 million bid from Middlesbrough which was accepted by Real Madrid and also a £12 million bid from Chelsea that included Tore André Flo. There were also bids from up to eight other clubs including Manchester United's contingent sent by Alex Ferguson.
McManaman wouldn't give up, was given a squad number and a place back in the starting eleven as a poll in El Mundo showed that 90% of Real Madrid fans wanted the club to keep him. Michel Salgado also rallied around him and complained to the management about his treatment after yet another transfer bid was accepted, £8 million from Lazio.
Del Bosque eventually warmed to McManaman, playing him, as a substitute, in the 3-3 draw against Málaga in September. By October Steve had won over Del Bosque and was rewarded with first team starts in the second half of the season. The 2000/2001 season ended with defeat to Bayern Munich in the semi final of the Champions League and victory, with their 28th La Liga title.
2001 saw McManaman's playing time reduced as the Galáctico policy went into overdrive, players like Zidane and Ronaldo arrived to be placed above him in the pecking order. His tenacity saw him earn respect from all his teammates, Spanish media and was twice voted as fans player of the year, by fans who liked to wave white handkerchiefs in tribute to his spectacular goal against Real Oviedo. This determination to impose himself on the starting eleven was given special mention by his golfing partners, Figo and Ronaldo. Through a combination of sheer hard work and a program of acclimatisation to the Spanish culture, McManaman became the darling of fans and a steady fondness radiated from the Spanish media.
The Galáctico policy was not remarked upon by McManaman whilst at the club, instead he waited until releasing his book El Macca. In the book he describes the policy as the 'Disneyfication of Madrid', this was something of a foretelling as Madrid have failed to live up to the successes of the period before that policy.
In his penultimate season at Real Madrid, McManaman enjoyed his warmest welcome from the board, Florentino Pérez said a "man like that would always have a place in my club". Cruyff also lauded McManaman as "everyone's best partner on the pitch". The club lavished him with an historic honour, making him the captain in a FIFA XI, the first Englishman to ever captain Real Madrid, the ultras lapped it up, applauding him enthusiastically. In addition to this he had a fantastic run in the Champions League, coming on as a substitute in the semi final El Clasico and scoring a late goal, he came on as another substitute in the final at Hampden Park, thus ensuring his dual winners medal.
His final season, 2002/2003 saw McManaman used mainly as a late substitute in the first half of the season, but after several assists to Ronaldo's goals, he was given more starts. One start came in the Champions League against AEK Athens were he scored twice, another Champions League start came against Manchester United at Old Trafford, which saw his side lose 4-3.
However, this season proved to be the one that confirmed his critics' opinions, after only 21 games, 9 starts and 15 La Liga appareances, the media started to question his ability and work rate. The English media were accused of selective amnesia after accusing McManaman of selling out to a big money contract and being content to sit on the bench rather than move on. Yet he still managed to win another La Liga medal and the Intercontinental Cup, adding to his expanding list of honours.
The writing was on the wall when Real Madrid signed David Beckham, Steve remained for the pre-season of 2003/2004 then was released by Los Blancos. Beckham, apparently, begged for the midfielder to remain at the club but it was all in vain as Del Bosque was sacked 24 hours after winning La Liga, Steve's support seeped away from the club and he made his journey back to England.
So after 157 appearances, 14 goals and 33 assists, McManaman limped back to the country that had been a thorn in his side since his big money transfer from Liverpool had started getting air time. Never appreciated at Liverpool by the board, never accepted at Real Madrid by the board or manager, constantly put up for transfer and sidelined as an outcast, McManaman showed everyone that his class was evident when on the pitch. A double Champions League winner, the first Englishman to win the competition with a foreign club, the first Englishman to captain a Real Madrid team and a scorer in El Clasico. No one can say that he didn't perform with flair, style and panache.
McManaman isn't my favourite Les Rosbif from Liverpool, that honour resides with Michael Owen, yet he is the most successful in terms of trophies won. I feel for Steve as he tried so hard to fit in, yet the fans never let him forget that they loved him and he took on the might of the Real Madrid politick machine and won, his release was simply a formality. As always, Steve McManaman operated on the wing and his performances allowed others to shine, pity his own career isn't characterised with the diamond quality it deserves.
At Liverpool he had been the ‘Wizard of the Dribble’, winning a League Cup final virtually single handed, winning an FA Cup early on in his career too. The years were kind to Steve and he cemented his place in Liverpool history. Yet the controversy over his Bosman transfer drew eyes away from his achievements, towards the money that the Premier League had brought to players.
McManaman was the last signing of Guus Hiddink, who was later sacked in February 1999, due to comments about the board and finances and poor league performances. Steve knew the pressure would be immense, particularly as he was only the second Englishman to play for Real Madrid, but also due to the regime change at the club.
Real Madrid were going through one of the most turbulent periods in their history. A new manager brought a new philosophy, John Toshack, and several players were sold to try and combat the rising debt. Mijatovic, Suker, Seedorf and Panucci all made way to help streamline the clubs finances. This process of selling players made star man Raúl speak out, 'The dressing room is a cesspit of lies, treachery and whispers.....I feel sorry for new players like Steve McManaman.'
Whatever Steve was walking into, he was clearly a big deal in Madrid and was the highest profile player to move to Spain, from England, since Gary Lineker's move from Everton to Barcelona in 1986.
His first few games yielded three goals and several assists, Madridistas took him to their hearts straight away. Debuting against Mallorca, on 22nd August 1999 at the Son Moix stadium, he provided the vital assist for a late injury time winner scored by Fernando Morientes. His next game, on 29th August at home against Numancia, saw him score his first goal in the 4-1 demolition.
McManaman and his Madrid teammates took part in the first FIFA Club World Championship in 1999/2000 were he failed to score, eventually coming 4th. However, Steve managed to help Real Madrid make it all the way to the 2000 Champions League final in Paris. Vicente Del Bosque was now the Real Madrid manager, after Toshack was sacked in November of 1999. The build up rounds to the final saw McManaman receive several man of the match awards, based upon the partnership with Fernando Redondo.
Valencia were beaten 3-0 by Real Madrid in an all Spanish final. McManaman scored with a stunning volley from outside the box, many consider this final as his greatest game. Fellow Madrid player Ivan Helguera endorsed the English media's view of McManaman as the man of the match. This historic eighth European Cup win saw him become the first ever English player to win the competition with a foreign club.
Yet despite all the accolades and performances that Steve put in, he was to be sidelined for the rest of his Madrid career. In 2000, as the new Liga season began, Del Bosque was to warn him that he had 'little chance of playing this year'. Incoming President, Florentino Pérez, was followed to the club by football sensation Luís Figo, for a club record transfer fee. This transfer burdened the club with more debt and subsequently several players were sold. One of the players earmarked for sale was McManaman, yet he resisted every attempt to sell him. And there were many attempts to get rid of the Englishman.
Just to slap McManaman in the face with his threat of a non playing season, Del Bosque insisted he would not be issuing Steve with a squad number. The £37 million transfer of Figo led to the board wanting to offload McManaman's £4.5 million salary, however he had a water tight contract until 2004. He managed to resist all bids for him, including an £11 million bid from Middlesbrough which was accepted by Real Madrid and also a £12 million bid from Chelsea that included Tore André Flo. There were also bids from up to eight other clubs including Manchester United's contingent sent by Alex Ferguson.
McManaman wouldn't give up, was given a squad number and a place back in the starting eleven as a poll in El Mundo showed that 90% of Real Madrid fans wanted the club to keep him. Michel Salgado also rallied around him and complained to the management about his treatment after yet another transfer bid was accepted, £8 million from Lazio.
Del Bosque eventually warmed to McManaman, playing him, as a substitute, in the 3-3 draw against Málaga in September. By October Steve had won over Del Bosque and was rewarded with first team starts in the second half of the season. The 2000/2001 season ended with defeat to Bayern Munich in the semi final of the Champions League and victory, with their 28th La Liga title.
2001 saw McManaman's playing time reduced as the Galáctico policy went into overdrive, players like Zidane and Ronaldo arrived to be placed above him in the pecking order. His tenacity saw him earn respect from all his teammates, Spanish media and was twice voted as fans player of the year, by fans who liked to wave white handkerchiefs in tribute to his spectacular goal against Real Oviedo. This determination to impose himself on the starting eleven was given special mention by his golfing partners, Figo and Ronaldo. Through a combination of sheer hard work and a program of acclimatisation to the Spanish culture, McManaman became the darling of fans and a steady fondness radiated from the Spanish media.
The Galáctico policy was not remarked upon by McManaman whilst at the club, instead he waited until releasing his book El Macca. In the book he describes the policy as the 'Disneyfication of Madrid', this was something of a foretelling as Madrid have failed to live up to the successes of the period before that policy.
In his penultimate season at Real Madrid, McManaman enjoyed his warmest welcome from the board, Florentino Pérez said a "man like that would always have a place in my club". Cruyff also lauded McManaman as "everyone's best partner on the pitch". The club lavished him with an historic honour, making him the captain in a FIFA XI, the first Englishman to ever captain Real Madrid, the ultras lapped it up, applauding him enthusiastically. In addition to this he had a fantastic run in the Champions League, coming on as a substitute in the semi final El Clasico and scoring a late goal, he came on as another substitute in the final at Hampden Park, thus ensuring his dual winners medal.
His final season, 2002/2003 saw McManaman used mainly as a late substitute in the first half of the season, but after several assists to Ronaldo's goals, he was given more starts. One start came in the Champions League against AEK Athens were he scored twice, another Champions League start came against Manchester United at Old Trafford, which saw his side lose 4-3.
However, this season proved to be the one that confirmed his critics' opinions, after only 21 games, 9 starts and 15 La Liga appareances, the media started to question his ability and work rate. The English media were accused of selective amnesia after accusing McManaman of selling out to a big money contract and being content to sit on the bench rather than move on. Yet he still managed to win another La Liga medal and the Intercontinental Cup, adding to his expanding list of honours.
The writing was on the wall when Real Madrid signed David Beckham, Steve remained for the pre-season of 2003/2004 then was released by Los Blancos. Beckham, apparently, begged for the midfielder to remain at the club but it was all in vain as Del Bosque was sacked 24 hours after winning La Liga, Steve's support seeped away from the club and he made his journey back to England.
So after 157 appearances, 14 goals and 33 assists, McManaman limped back to the country that had been a thorn in his side since his big money transfer from Liverpool had started getting air time. Never appreciated at Liverpool by the board, never accepted at Real Madrid by the board or manager, constantly put up for transfer and sidelined as an outcast, McManaman showed everyone that his class was evident when on the pitch. A double Champions League winner, the first Englishman to win the competition with a foreign club, the first Englishman to captain a Real Madrid team and a scorer in El Clasico. No one can say that he didn't perform with flair, style and panache.
McManaman isn't my favourite Les Rosbif from Liverpool, that honour resides with Michael Owen, yet he is the most successful in terms of trophies won. I feel for Steve as he tried so hard to fit in, yet the fans never let him forget that they loved him and he took on the might of the Real Madrid politick machine and won, his release was simply a formality. As always, Steve McManaman operated on the wing and his performances allowed others to shine, pity his own career isn't characterised with the diamond quality it deserves.
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