Skipper's new contract has to be forever Jul 6 2005
By Tommy Smith, Liverpool Echo
I CAN only imagine that Steven Gerrard seriously thought over the consequences of a move from Anfield that produced such a remarkable U-turn.
There is no doubt that Liverpool FC is a special place and, despite the fact that he said he would be leaving only 24 hours ago, the implications of quitting his beloved club was just too much to bear.
Gerrard has gone through an incredible array of emotions in the past 12 months.
Speculation mounted that he might be ready to quit and accept a lucrative deal with Chelsea.
Then, to the relief of everyone concerned, he agreed a new deal and it looked as if the dust had settled.
The skipper had stated that his desire was to win trophies with the Reds and last season's Champions League success - and his subsequent comments about "How could I leave this club after that?" - appeared to suggest that his love affair with the club would be forever.
Then came the plantshell of the last few days, with Gerrard apparently disillusioned and feeling the club didn't want him, only for Liverpool to emphasise that they wanted Gerrard not only as a player for the future but as a potential manager of the club.
That didn't appear to change things and Gerrard was on his way.
But then has come this turnaround.
It is great news for the club and the fans, but one thing has to be sorted out in the negotiations over Gerrard's new contract: It must be forever.
The club cannot go through a "Gerrard" situation like this again.
Le Dieu & Bolt 1632our Hmmm I think half your Ng will have to disappear then after the venom they have spewed against Mr...
The player has been on the brink of quitting twice and then committed himself to Liverpool.
The Gerrard-Chelsea, Gerrard-Real Madrid, Gerrard-any other club etc speculation must end now.
Le Dieu & Bolt 1628You obviously have very little grasp of the english language. Let me say it again...
The whole affair has been unsettling for the club, the manager, the rest of the squad.
It definitely appeared to have some effect on the performances, not only of the whole team last season - Champions League apart - but on Gerrard himself.
He did not have his greatest season, but you cannot deny that he produced the goods when it mattered - with his performance and goal in the Champions League final.
The skip-per is an inspiration, but he must realise that it is the club, Benitez and the rest of the team that also matter.
Le Dieu & Bolt 1630Do you mean champions league QUALIFIERS? I will concede that Liverpool FC are probably not as good as the top...
It cannot be about just Steven Gerrard in future. And he cannot put the club through this again.
The Reds need a totally focused skipper next season and in the coming years; someone who can drive the team, but be a part of the teamwork that the Anfield boss is determined to create.
It's great he's staying. But let's hope it's the end of Gerrard talk.
The concentration can now be switched to the important Champions League qualifiers, the building of a new team and the bid for further honours.
