Anfield of Dreams: My Tour of Anfield

Anfield of Dreams: Tour

by rick olivares

There was a time when Liverpool was the center of the world. There were four lads from the Merseyside who changed pop music forever. And their football team was on fire.

I knew of the Fab Four first before the Reds, as the main team of Liverpool was nicknamed (there’s another team from the same city that is called “Everton”). But when I became a fan of Liverpool, it began a love affair with a football club that has lasted some four decades now.

I got up real early. Three in the morning to be exact. I didn’t have difficulty sleeping. It was more of excitement and an overactive mind that kept me up. Imagine my finding out in the morning that the Britannia Adelphi Hotel was built in 1914 and was primarily used by the passengers of the ill-fated Titanic that was launched from the Merseyside docks. No wonder I thought that the hotel had seen better days and the design was from another era. And not from the 1960s! But one that goes all the way back even before the first World War.

The Sefton Lounge in fact is an exact replica of the smoking lounge from the Titanic!

My mind was reeling. That is some incredible history and here I am staying in the same hotel as those people from 100 years ago. That is mind blowing.

But I was more excited about the trip to come that I was sure was to be an even better mindfuck.

Several days ago, I booked the first Stadium and History Tour for Friday at 9:30am. I initially thought about walking from the hotel all the way to Anfield. But I thought better of it. I’ll do that tomorrow after the match. Today, I’m taking the cab that costs a little over £5!

About that cab, I finally got to ride that cab that is unique to England. And the one I rode one was one of those originally made in Coventry. The newer models are made in China that are unfortunately said to be defective. So it is only right that the cab I ride on is proudly made in England.

I arrived about an hour early and began taking pictures outside the stadium. The concierge at the stadium informed me that there was an earlier group that was not only much smaller but ready to go. I agreed to go with that group as I felt there would be more time for picture taking and the talk would be more intimate.

And yes it was. I was in a group that included a German national whose favorite football team was Bayern Munich with Liverpool as a close second, a Londoner named Eddie Barnes who I quickly formed a fast friendship (Liverpool has always been his favorite club and this was his first ever trip to Anfield), three gentlemen from York, and one from Sheffield. All of us for solid Liverpool fans.

The man giving us the tour was named Ian and began working for the club around 1974. That’s 40 years with LFC. His son is a Scouser but his brother is, according to him, “with the dark side (Everton).”

We start off in the Legends room where there are all these mounted pictures or blown up ones of famous players and managers.

We then moved on to the pressroom that incredibly also has a small kitchen. The pressroom isn’t that huge and it seems so much larger on TV. What makes this room noteworthy is that it used to be the famous Boot Room where the managers and their assistants held court. It was here where the club’s braintrust was supposed to have discussed and formulated strategy. Ian says that rather coincidentally, when the Boot Room was taken down in favor of the modern pressroom (they never had a press room before but this was prescribed not only by the Premiership but also by FIFA), the club never won another league title.

We all had chances to sit on where Brendan Rodgers is interviewed by the media.

From there we went to the Home Team’s Dressing Room. And I felt so happy to see a massive Gatorade refrigerator inside. If you’re looking for plush amenities then you will not find it in Liverpool. It’s simple and very Spartan. The defenders side on one side, the midfielders on another, and the forwards in one area. There are no lockers for players to keep their personal belongings. Bill Shankly believed that a players of similar positions had to sit next to one another to get to know them better and that if they couldn’t trust their teammates with their personal belongings he couldn’t trust them on the pitch. Mind games, it was something the club used to be very good at.

If you run your hands on the bench, you’ll feel notches and creases on the wood. It is the same bench where everyone from John Toshack to Ian Rush to John Barnes, Robbie Fowler, Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Pepe Reina have laced up their boots hence the creases. “The only thing new about it,” says Ian. “Is that it periodically receives a fresh coat of paint. But other than that every single legend and non-legend has sat on where you are now.”

Me? I sat on Steven Gerrard’s spot and pulled down his jersey and had my picture taken.

The Home Team Dressing Room was soundproof and had a non-slippery surface. The Away Team Dressing Room? It was underneath the section for the season ticket holders who knew who was underneath. It wasn’t soundproof so one could hear the manager talk from the inside and the surface – you guessed it right – was slippery.

We checked out the Away Team Dressing Room and had a laugh. Then on it was on to the steps that descent towards the pitch where that famous “This Is Anfield” sign is. Of course, this was another perfect photo op.

From there we were on to the pitch and I felt a wave of emotion hit me. And this with no one in the stands and no game played on the pitch. This field has seen so much history. And here we were standing where the gaffers stand. Where the reserves wait for their chance to be substituted in.

This was the last stop of our hour-long tour of Anfield. And we stopped and sat right where the Kop is located. The Kop or Spion Kop is named for a famous battle in South Africa where 300 local lads were killed. It is no longer the original Kop as that was taken down in the wake of the Heysel Disaster. But the power that emanates from there cannot be taken lightly. Football legends from Johan Cruyff to name one have spoken highly on Liverpool’s 12^th Man.

We were then brought to the Museum where I had my picture taken with a replica of the European Cup (the trophies are stored somewhere).

The tour done, Eddie and I walked around to where the Shankly Gates and the Hillsborough Memorial were located. It was the most solemn part of our trip to Anfield.

From there, we took the bus back to the City Centre (where it was a short walk to my hotel). Eddie and I spoke like little kids who just got back from Disneyland. We looked at our pictures and compared notes and how it was a fulfillment of a dream. As for me, there’s tomorrow, the derby with Everton.

“You lucky bastard,” gushed Eddie.

“Nah,” I denied. “We’re all lucky to be fans of this club.” We shook hands and promised to keep in touch.

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Thanks to British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad, Standard Chartered (Ms. Nimii and Anne), Liverpool Football Club, and my family and my parents for allowing this dream to come true.

 

At the world famous Spion Kop at Anfield

This is Anfield!

Outside the Shankly Gates and the Hillsborough Disaster Memorial (not in picture but to my right)

Day One of my Here, There and Everywhere Tour of the United Kingdom

My thoughts as Emirates EK019 was on its descent at Manchester International Airport? I survived the long 15-hour plus trip.

I am not a stranger to long flights. I have done this so many times before. But I hate it because I have travel sickness. So part of the trick there is to get an exit row set and preferably by the window or next to the aisle. Wasn’t able to get those seats on the first part of the flight (was in the middle seat of exit row) while on the last leg I was on the aisle. That helps when stretching or when I need to get up and walk around.

On the way to Dubai, I struck up a friendship with Rasheed, a Pakistani who is married to a Filipina and both work in Saudi Arabia. He sat next to me and was drinking Gatorade Green Fury (the limited edition flavor with Leo Messi on the label). I asked him if he liked it and he said it’s the best flavor Gatorade has. He was pleasantly surprised that I work for Gatorade. Plus, I showed him my hand carry luggage that had the G logo on it. So we passed the time by chatting about our respective lines of work.

Once on the airplane, we were in different sections as I sat in the middle of the plane while he was all the way in the back.

Had lots of films to choose from the flight's excellent selection but I chose to watch that 1980’s film, The Outsiders starring C Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Emilio Estevez, and Matt Dillon. Also in the film were a young Diane Lane and early 80s singer, Leif Garret. I bought the book a long time ago when I was in high school and saw the film later on. It's like a who's who for young and upcoming actors. Imagine that power cast now. And it was good seeing it again although I can now see the flaws in the script, the pace, or even the acting. But still it's right out of those Casablanca type films that I love.

The food as always was excellent. Excellent service. One of the stewardesses is even a dead ringer for Scarlett Johansson! Passengers were lining up to have their pictures taken with her. I wanted too but inabot ako ng ka-torpehan.

I didn’t have to wait much for the Dubai layover. Just an hour. Sat next to a couple from Leeds who talked about football too.

Watched X-Men: Days of Future Past for the first time as I missed it during its showing in Manila. Loved it! Thought that Bryan Singer did a great job. And the food was even better on this flight.

The sun was setting when the Emirates flight descended into England. Got to see from the window the sun going down.

While getting my passport stamped at Immigration, the Officer asked me about my trip and I said I was off to Liverpool to watch a match. And he got excited real quick that we ended up chatting for several minutes as the queue behind me wasn’t amused. Turns out he is a LFC fan (but he isn’t originally from Manchester though as he is from some other place that I couldn’t make out). He got real thrilled for me when he saw the letter where I am to avail of a hospitality package from Liverpool and Standard Chartered (Thanks, Ms. Nimii and Anne). "And a derby," he exclaimed! "Now they have to win to make it special for ya."

The one-way ticket from Manchester to Liverpool cost me £14. Took the train at Platform 2 (Heald Green, Gatley, East Didsbury, one stop whose name I didn’t get, Manchester Picadilly, and Manchester Oxford where I switched to another train that went through Warrington Centre, Widness, Liverpool South Parkway and lastly, to Liverpool Lime Street where I got off).

People were most helpful in pointing me to the right direction (the maze of corridors and platforms). Strangely though, one of the security officers working the exchange station for the trains wasn’t sure what platform I should be on for the Liverpool Lime Street stop. Luckily, one couple who were on their way to the same destination pointed me in the right direction.

It’s about 9:20pm when I arrive in Liverpool. And my first meal on English soil? Burger King (at the train station). Haha.

The hotel where I am staying for four days in Liverpool is the Britannia Adelphi that is about a three-minute walk from the train station.

The hotel reminds me of L’Fisher in Bacolod City. It has the same feel and ambiance to it. It has definitely seen better days but really who goes on tour to stay in a hotel? Sucks thought that there is no wifi in the room and I have to work at the lobby to make use of the internet. Walking along the corridors of the sixth floor, I can hear some of the floorboards creak. The lift is painfully slow that if a zombie were after me I would have been a meal for the bastard before the doors close shut.

Got a few hours of sleep before I went down early in the morning to use the internet. The lounge sure is quiet.

So it’s officially Day One of my Here, There, and Everywhere Tour of the United Kingdom. Will get up early for breakfast then head to Anfield where I will take the Stadium Tour after which I’ll take one of those Beatles taxi tours.

Check you all later.

With Rasheed at NAIA

My train ticket from Manchester International Airport to Liverpool

My vote for UAAP Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year

This appears on philstar.com

My vote for UAAP Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year

by rick olivares

I’d say contenders for any UAAP Coach of the Year (should the league hand out this award) would find Ateneo’s Bo Perasol, FEU’s Nash Racela, NU’s Eric Altamirano, and UE’s Derrick Pumaren in the debate. All four coaches have turned in great performances.

Here is how they finished after two rounds of hoops:

Perasol 11-3

Racela 10-4

Altamirano 9-5

Pumaren 9-5

Should you take into consideration how team’s fared the previous year?

For sure! Some people tend to pass over a coach who is always successful because they think that they have such a strong program. But they conveniently forget that keeping the team sharp, focused, and ready year after year is a task and a half.

Nevertheless, let’s break it down.

Why Perasol?

Did anyone think Ateneo would finish the elimination round on top at 11-3? No one did. Honestly, I thought they would finish second or third with La Salle at number one.

Perasol went 7-7 as Ateneo missed the Final Four for the first time since 1998. This season, Perasol lost Juami Tiongson, Ryan Buenafe, and Frank Golla. That’s three-fifths of the starting five plus three veterans from the five-peat teams.

Furthermore, the hallmark of all of Ateneo’s title teams since 1987 is that the title went through the man in the middle. The 1980s saw Alex Araneta, Danny Francisco, and Eric Reyes play the five spot. The new millennium had Rico Villanueva and Rich Alvarez. The 2010 team is the one exception as Ateneans were treated to surprise performances from Justin Chua, Frank Golla, and Jason Escueta who bridged the Rabeh Al-Hussaini years to Greg Slaughter for the recent five-peat. Plus, it was a total team effort (highlighted by the fact that no Blue Eagle won any individual post-season awards).

This year, as much as you have to love what Alfonso Gotladera has brought to the team in the middle (along with cameo appearances by Arvin Tolentino when he feels like playing defense), Ravena has carried this team. This was way harder than his senior year in high school (at least he had Paolo Romero and Jay Javelosa playing up front with Von Pessumal in the wings).

But the Ateneo team is filled with few solid veterans (Ravena, Von Pessumal, Nico Elorde, and Chris Newsome) who log long minutes while role players and rookies battle a constant crisis of confidence due to the lack of minutes. The team has waxed hot and cold but has found ways to win.

Early this campaign, I exchanged text messages with Bo Perasol and remarked that I saw glimpses of his Powerade Tigers’ system with Ateneo. He concurred but he said he was trying to mix it up.

Did they overachieve with their 11-3 elimination round record? He promised the Final Four or bust at the end of Season 76. In a way but Perasol has them Bo-lieving they can achieve the impossible by making it back to the Finals and perhaps toppling the defending champions.

Who blossomed under Perasol? Ravena, Pessumal, Newsome, Elorde, and Alfonso Gotladera. And Arvin Tolentino.

Why Racela?

Racela finished 10-4 last season, the same record as this year, despite missing Terrence Romeo, RR Garcia, Gryann Mendoza and Christian Sentcheu. That’s two league Most Valuable Players plus two dependable role players. Yet, they have hardly missed a beat.

In fact, they have been playing better basketball than before by spreading the wealth before placing the ball in Tolomia’s hands with the game on the line. Furthermore, they have players like Ron Dennison and Raymar Jose chipping in. Even Jason David has had his moments. I’d say it takes balls to dig deep into that bench and have them produce.

FEU is among the top three in almost every offensive statistical category. But defensively, they need some work and its win-or-home time.

Who blossomed under Racela? Tolomia, Belo, Iñigo, Pogoy, Hargrove, and Pogoy! Roger Pogoy is the real “RR”! And how about a finding a gem in Francis Tamsi?

Why Altamirano?

I’d say he is top bet to win it. Altamirano lost Ray Parks, Robin Roño, Dennice Villamor, Emmanuel Mbe, Mark De Guzman, Jeff Javillionar, Cedrick Labing-isa, and William Porter. That’s a former two-time league MVP, two Mythical Five selections, a defensive specialist, and three starters.

His NU Bulldogs are led by players who were either scrubs last season or are not even the team’s leaders. They had one of the biggest flameouts in league history when UST roughed them up into submission.

At one point, they were even atop of the league. Even if they finished fourth in the eliminations, they are the top defensive team in the league and that says a lot about what Coach E has done.

Who blossomed under Altamirano? Gelo Alolino. So maligned. Some even wanted him off the team. Paolo Javellona. Seriously, you don’t know this guy but he works very hard and has an excellent attitude. Glenn Khobuntin! Troy Rosario. Tristan Perez. Top recruit in Rev Diputado.

And this is still essentially a classic NU nobody team.

Why Pumaren?

Pumaren got the job 10 days before tip-off of the summer tournaments. He inherited a team that lost Adrian Santos, Ralf Olivares, Jai Flores, JM Noble, Luis Pujante, JR Sumido, Lord Casajeros, and Leo Guion. With not much time to recruit, he tried to change his team’s mindset as he installed his defensive schemes as they played so you know there was a lot of experimentation going on.

The result is a 9-6 record after they were bounced by NU in the playoff for the fourth and last seat in the Final Four.

Pumaren said that after the two rounds, his team was at only 85% efficiency. But

they were the second best defensive team after NU.

Who blossomed under Pumaren?

Bong Galanza. Paul Varilla, Dan Alberto, and Daryl Guiang.

Let’s grade them:

Coach	S77	Off. Ranking	Def. Ranking S	Player Development
Perasol	11-3	#1	#6	Ravena, Pessumal, Elorde, Newsome, Gotladera
Racela	10-4	#3	#5	Tolomia, Belo, Iñigo, Hargrove, Pogoy, Tamsi
Altamirano	9-5	#5	#1	Alolino, Khobuntin, Rosario, Celda, Javellona, Diputado
Pumaren	9-5	#2	#2	Galanza, Alberto, Guiang,

My take is it boils down to Bo, Nash, and Eric. It would be easy to say that whoever wins it (along with La Salle’s Juno Sauler) would be Coach of the Year. Coach Derrick is knocked out because their team didn’t make it to the Final Four. Had the Red Warriors done so, I’d give it to him considering it is his return to college hoops.

Nash has done a great job of stabilizing FEU’s game. But he still has a lot of holdovers from the Bert Flores era.

Bo essentially has a new team; one he can call his own. Eric is working with a lot of scrubs.

I’d say the choice goes down to Bo and Eric.

For my choice, I’d love to give it to Coach E but he has studs in Henri Betayene and Alfred Aroga who have kept NU in the thick of the fight. Bo has achieved this with an all-local crew that isn’t even that tall or that talented to begin with.

So my UAAP Coach of the Year regardless who wins the championship, is… Bo Perasol.