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During the second half of last season the future of the Liverpool soccer team was in limbo as the stand-off between their two American owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett reached its' nadir. Proper,effective,forward looking decision making was suspended and die hard Liverpool fans were stunned as a promising start to the season was offset by the revelation that Jurgen Klinsmann had been sounded out as an alternative manager to Rafa Benitez. By the end of the season results on the pitch showed that some progress had been made,but an arguably unfortunate defeat in the semi finals of the Champions League meant no cup final appearances or trophies this time round.

To correctly predict the future of any football club is an inexact science and an extremely hazardous business as the element of luck can have an effect on the outcome. Based on the brief summary above of most recent events I would expect the following future. On the pitch I am confident that Liverpool will make a more longstanding,sustained challenge for the Premiership title although I would be very surprised if they did win it.Alongside this promise shown in the Premiership I would expect them to do very well in one of the cups too.The reason for this expectation is the high quality of players down the middle of the team which is normally a good sign. Reina has developed as a keeper,Carragher and the emerging Skrtel will be more than backed up by the returning Agger whilst the attributes of Gerrard,Mascherano and Torres are well known.Other possible acquisitions including Barry and Keane give increased depth and firepower. It is possible that as the season develops Liverpool may be criticised for a lack of creativity if Alonso has been sold to fund the purchase of Barry. Additionally,If Babel does not make the expected improvement this year or he is injured for any length of time a lack of pace out wide could be highlighted again.

Recent reports suggest that communication has improved between Hicks and Gillett,but it is vital for the future of the Liverpool soccer team that this relationship is productive rather than a damaging one featuring on the front rather than the back pages of the newspaper.Continued steady investment in players is required to enable Benitez to bid for the best although at present it seems that liverpool need to sell to fund their purchasing.It is also crucial that the owners keep on top of the massive debt that Liverpool is currently saddled with and to ensure that does not impinge on future developments.

Benitez continues to have the support of the majority of Liverpool fans,but needs to be careful; which he normally is,in terms of managing their expectations.Liverpool need to give genuine hope of success without being overburdened by unreasonable presumptions that the Premiership is a sure thing if they win the first couple of games in the season.

Finally,although progress has been torturous,the development of a new stadium can only be highly beneficial for the future of the Liverpool soccer team. It will eventually produce increased revenue,more fans regularly watching and being inspired by the team and an attraction and selling point when attracting new players.

Learn more about this author, Tim Carter.
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