Liverpool Commercial Director Ian Ayre today spoke of his delight after the Reds confirmed a two-game tour of South-East Asia this summer.
Rafael Benitez will take his players to play games in Thailand on July 22 and Singapore on July 26 as the Reds continue their preparations for the 2009-10 season.
Having not been to Thailand since 2003, and with the Reds' last trip to Singapore stretching even further back to 2001, excitement levels among the club's passionate fan base are sure to reach fever-pitch when British football's most successful club take on the national teams of each country.
"Asia is such a hotbed of football, particularly for Liverpool fans," said Ayre. "We played in Hong Kong a few years ago and the turn out was amazing. I think it was the first time that the Premier League's tournament had sold out. It was a sea of red and white. Both Thailand and Singapore are great markets and it's a nice opportunity to go and showcase the team.
"We have a massive appeal that has just grown and grown over the years and so to be able to take the team out there will get a lot of people excited. I don't think the fans will let us down in terms of the welcome they will give the players."
While recognising the importance of taking the club to meet its supporters in different parts of the world, Ayre also insists crucial pre-season planning will shape the Reds' plans during their stay in the Far East.
He added: "We will work with the promoters and our supporters clubs to try and give them as much access to meet the players, or interact with them, as possible.
"It's important we find a balance between that and team preparation. Rafa and the coaches have had as much say as anyone in our schedule, which is right, because while we want to give the fans a chance to see them, we also want to make sure we are prepared for the season ahead."
I hope to attend LFC's match in Singapore in July. It's all about getting tickets. I'm going with a friend, Carl. Any other LFC fans who want to go well, let's!
Their last two matches were downers and the defense was suspect. So the Reds have 71 points on 32 matches.
But on hand are :
Hull, Newcastle United, West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Two of those matches are at home: Newcastle and Tottenham. The Magpies and Albion are battling relegation and since they will be playing at home, expect them to redouble their efforts.
If LFC wins all 5 games then they could hike their points total to 86.
Now if Manchester United stumbles twice and draws one match then by goal difference, LFC could win.
The Red Devils have played 32 games and have come away with 74 points.
On hand are: Tottenham Hotspur H, Middlesbrough A, Manchester City H, Wigan A, Arsenal H, and Hull City A.
If they win all six matches = 92 points
MUFC could, I repeat could, have four tough matches out of their remaining six. Middlesbrough and Hull would like to avoid relegation and they'll be playing at their home fields.
Manchester City and Arsenal, although playing at Old Trafford could give the Red Devils fits.
Chelsea's Guus Hiddink says the Blues are out of it. Not really. It depends on how MUFC fares. But clearly, Alex Ferguson's lads are in the driver's seat.
And it's going to be a mighty wind up.
Rafael Benitez will take his players to play games in Thailand on July 22 and Singapore on July 26 as the Reds continue their preparations for the 2009-10 season.
Having not been to Thailand since 2003, and with the Reds' last trip to Singapore stretching even further back to 2001, excitement levels among the club's passionate fan base are sure to reach fever-pitch when British football's most successful club take on the national teams of each country.
"Asia is such a hotbed of football, particularly for Liverpool fans," said Ayre. "We played in Hong Kong a few years ago and the turn out was amazing. I think it was the first time that the Premier League's tournament had sold out. It was a sea of red and white. Both Thailand and Singapore are great markets and it's a nice opportunity to go and showcase the team.
"We have a massive appeal that has just grown and grown over the years and so to be able to take the team out there will get a lot of people excited. I don't think the fans will let us down in terms of the welcome they will give the players."
While recognising the importance of taking the club to meet its supporters in different parts of the world, Ayre also insists crucial pre-season planning will shape the Reds' plans during their stay in the Far East.
He added: "We will work with the promoters and our supporters clubs to try and give them as much access to meet the players, or interact with them, as possible.
"It's important we find a balance between that and team preparation. Rafa and the coaches have had as much say as anyone in our schedule, which is right, because while we want to give the fans a chance to see them, we also want to make sure we are prepared for the season ahead."
I hope to attend LFC's match in Singapore in July. It's all about getting tickets. I'm going with a friend, Carl. Any other LFC fans who want to go well, let's!
What are Liverpool's chances of still winning the Premiership?
Their last two matches were downers and the defense was suspect. So the Reds have 71 points on 32 matches.
But on hand are :
Hull, Newcastle United, West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Two of those matches are at home: Newcastle and Tottenham. The Magpies and Albion are battling relegation and since they will be playing at home, expect them to redouble their efforts.
If LFC wins all 5 games then they could hike their points total to 86.
Now if Manchester United stumbles twice and draws one match then by goal difference, LFC could win.
The Red Devils have played 32 games and have come away with 74 points.
On hand are: Tottenham Hotspur H, Middlesbrough A, Manchester City H, Wigan A, Arsenal H, and Hull City A.
If they win all six matches = 92 points
MUFC could, I repeat could, have four tough matches out of their remaining six. Middlesbrough and Hull would like to avoid relegation and they'll be playing at their home fields.
Manchester City and Arsenal, although playing at Old Trafford could give the Red Devils fits.
Chelsea's Guus Hiddink says the Blues are out of it. Not really. It depends on how MUFC fares. But clearly, Alex Ferguson's lads are in the driver's seat.
And it's going to be a mighty wind up.
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