Many footballers like to market themselves as one-offs; few truly are. Craig Johnston, however, is the exception. The Australian won five English league titles and a European Cup at Liverpool in the 1980s but his football achievements are perhaps the least remarkable thing about him. He is an engineer and a businessman; a chart-topping musician; the creator of a television gameshow and the inventor of a hotel mini bar security system. He retired at the peak of his sporting powers, went bankrupt after investing millions in a football skills test for children in schools and is now a passionate photographer.
Watched the replay of the Legends game a few days ago as I couldn’t watch it live.
Some great moments to see and some old frustrating ones that will never change.
Ryan Babel, dear me. Was never my cup of tea and being retired, he reminded me even more so of everything I used to dislike about his game.
Stevie (played as part of a forward line surrounded by Babel and Kuyt) killed him with a few of his classic death stares and hand gesticulations. Again played well. Him and Aurelio had a weird second half moment when they both went for a free-kick and bottled it (Aurelio’s shot in the end ending in the Kop).
Second half was more fun, as we were probably a bit afraid of Chelsea’s starting XI and a number of younger players they had. We realized at HT we could field more offensive players.
Hyypia, Klavan and Kelly looked good. Westerveld had one brilliant save. Spearing on the ball kept it neat and tidy. Yossi the only one looking to play one-twos, no surprises there. Some nice wide play by the likes of Riera and Sinama-Pongolle. We played with wing backs both halves. Crouch with a brilliant first goal and also using his arms, needlessly climbing on opponents regardless of his height in aerial duels.
Depends if you believe about how he was persuaded not to go to Chelsea. As much as i find Carragher painful now he was by far the more loyal one club man.
As much as i dislike Carragher now i think thats a bit harsh on him. Ive seen him mention a couple of times one of the Italian sides watched him but he made it clear he wasn’t interested.
