Talk Kop

Monday, December 5, 2011

Spirits Of Shankly Malaysia Get Together Party

It’s that time of the year again, the battle between who’s the better reds or king vs sir. Yes, it’s the game between LFC vs Manure United. I’ve have the opportunity to witness the game alongside with my liverpudlians brothers at Shah Alam. The event was organised by Spirits Of Shankly or SOS Malaysia branch. It was held at Lagenda 17 Hainanese Restaurant owned by our local legend non other than the ex-national captain Zainal Abidin Hassan.

It was a rainy day and luckily it stopped around 6 plus just in time as the dinner was held outside the restaurant. There’s a few independent LFC supporters club such as Liverbird Malaysia, This Is Red Family and other more were invited to the event. Our legend Zainal eventhough was busy setting up the tables for the dinner, he happily get his pictures taken with the LFC fans including me who adored his contribution towards our country’s football development. He’s also a LFC fan which caught me by surprise.
As the kickoff looming, the crowds has started chanting and make their way to their numbered tables which was mix around their numbers and I think it’s purpose was to give all the other supporters club to know each other. The dinner was served in buffett style, and yes, it’s hainanese chicken rice along with fried poppiahs and other tidbits to fill our stomach while waiting for the big kickoff. The newly formed LFC Supporters Malacca and now known as TIRF Melaka even brought the famous Malacca dodol for all the other fans to share.

The game starts with a conservative United side with their disturbed talisman Shrek aka Rooney on the bench but who cares as our Captain Fantastic, Stevie G makes his comeback in the first eleven. A boost to the squad as it brings flair and creativity to the team’s tactics. He marked his comeback with a stunning freekick only to be marred by Chicarito’s equaliser. A very caggy game in the first half and ended in the nail bitting 2nd half. If not for De Gea, Kuyt and Hendo could score a brace of goals.

As the gamed ended, the crowd still singing and get their pictures taken. The sight of the supporters who did not know each other when they first came and went back as brothers in arms tells a million story. A big thank you to SOS’s president Mr. Hazdi for organising this event, a memorable experience for me and the other LFC supporters that came that night. A YNWA night indeed.

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Confession Of A Scouser-holic

Why i fell in love with this team? That's even an enigma to me as why i supported a club that it didn't win the BPL for almost 20 years. I might as well join the typical Malaysian bandwagon supporting Manure Utd, the so called greatest club of the millenium with it's illustrious success and big publicity throughout the Asia region. So, what type of club is Liverpool? For me, it's a club that is rich in history of success with great hardcore fans that even won the hearts of Gunner's legend Thierry 'Mr. Handball' Henry and Andrei 'Russian Torpedo' ARSE-shavin. Even the SCUMS legend and our ex-hard tackling midfield captain Paul Ince said that the LFC faithful never booed their ex players.eg LFC VS Villa a few years back where our former Champions League winner Milan Baros who played for Villa at that time was going to pick up the ball near the kop end and the kop shouted 'Milan, Milan' with Baros acknowledging their voice gave a clap towards the kop end. That really bring tears to my eye. The only boos i've heard the LFC supporters gave so far was our so called 'Serial Killer' turned 'Serial Diver' El Haji Diouf and Lil' MO who turned scum this season.

The other factor was the song 'YNWA made famous by 'Gerry and the Pacemakers'. A song that will lift your hearts up and will give you goosebumps when you sing it together with your Liverpudlian mates before the game starts. No other clubs in BPL i've seen so far have this uplifting song to be played at their homeground before the game starts. The lyrics are so meaningful and could even use it our life especialy when you thought that the world is unfair where everything goes the wrong way for you eg 'Coz at the end of the storm, Is a golden sky' really means a lot as it tells you there is hope after encountering all the bad problems that accured in your life. Some cheeky Manure fans even used the YNWA acronyms and made it 'You'll Never Win Anything' that i have to admit brings a chuckle or two for the reds faithful.

The moment i saw the emergence of Toxeth Terrier aka Robbie 'God' Fowler was another factor why i supported LFC. A bright player with the attitude of a rock star due to his controversial moments such as made gay gestures towards Grame Le Saux and the famous cocaine sniffing celebration againts Everturds. A great natural finisher of the game at his prime with a sweet left foot that will guarantee to score spectacular goals.

Another player that impressed me is towards the end of 1996/97 season where a 17 year old kid who made his debut againts Wimbeldon and scored a goal as well. His name is Michael Owen. A pacy striker who uses his speed to outpace the opposition defenders to score goals. I even saw him playing for England in Singapore during friendly with their national team before the Under 17 World Cup tournament that will be held in Malaysia together with a young Carra and Danny Murphy. Too bad he made his alligence with the Devil to win the heart of Capello in giving him a spot in the England team for the World Cup at South Africa 2010.

Maybe there's more factor such as it's sponsor, Carlsberg is my favourite beer etc, well the 3 main factors above would do for now. At least i've seen them won the League Cup,F.A, EUFA Cup, Champions League Cup and even Supercup during my 13 years of support. There's joy and tears plus a bit of anger sometimes while supporting this club. Hope i can see them lift the BPL someday and that will be the day i plan to go to Anfield to watch them lift the trophy. Well, it's a high hope but as the lyric in the YNWA song it says ' Walk on, walk on with hope in your heart, And you'll never walk alone,You'll never walk alone'....

Friday, December 18, 2009

Wohooo!!!...another event where we can get up close n personal with our beloved team in the world...Liverpool F.C. Well, itz not the current Rafa Benitez squad but itz the 'old horses', i mean legend of the team...the Liverpool Masters team which consists of Paul Jones, our temporary backup goalkeeper during the Gerrard Houllier regime in 2003, scouser turned blue nose Don Hutchison, ex-spice boy turned pundit Jason McAteer, the joker Mark Wright n the ex Gunner that shattered our hearts in the 1988-89 season before he joined Liverpool, Michael Thomas and Mark Walters too during the Souness era.They were joined by John Durnin and Jimmy Carter who were in the Reserves during their prime and were unfortunate not to make it to the first team due to the presence of strikers like Rush and Aldridge and later on Fowler and Collymore. The Masters Tournament 2009 (which was LFC won last year) which was held at Stadium Putra, Bukit Jalil on the 22th of November.

Wif Paul Jones

Wif Michael Thomas

Me n my loyal compadre and co-Scouse fanatic Ivan, made our journey from Malacca around 12 pm and as usual during this month, it was a rainy day. We arrived around 2.45pm to greeted by plenty of activities at the entrance of the stadium and we see lots of Liverpool fans arriving just like us! We've met up MYRAWK's Jon C upon arrival around 3pm near the stadium entrance and hung around the entrance pending the opening of entry into the stadium. Meanwhile we checked out the mini events that was held around the stadium. LFCM got a booth for doing their membership drive and selling their merchandise, Pizza Hut selling their pizza for snacks, Fly FM roadshow and even mini footie event such as checking the level of your shot power and accuracy. Suddenly, the players from the tournament with the likes of Andy Cole(urgh..), Ray Parlour(yawn), Ian Walker and a few others came by outside the stadium to sign autographs and photo session with the fans. Most were friendly and warm and smiled and laugh with those seeking autographs. Our beloved tv footie pundit Jon Dykes also came by doing interviews and take photos with fans.

Wif Jason McAteer

Prior to the start of the tournament proper, there were 2 warm-up games, one featured the men between two amateur teams which i forgot their names and largely forgotten as it was rather bland. However, the second match had the male hormones flowing as it featured the women's match. One of the female team comprised local radio DJ's with the likes of Hitz, Fly etc whilst the other teeam featured DJ Hunny, Serena C and lots more. A lot of ' wooohingss', whistling and shouting came from the guys from all the corners of the indoor stadium ahem...including us during that 'hot chicks playing footie' game. However, the truth were that it was clear that the girls team were not 'proper' football or futsal players and most of them were running aimlessly and it was more like watching a herd chasing a ball. There were even shouts of refund of money from one supporter due to the standard of game on display.

Wif FLY F.M's D.J Hunny Madu

After the warm-up games, the real games started...and our mighty Liverpool Masters team won all their games during the group matches against Sheffield United, Manure United and BPL All-Stars. We've beaten Manure in a thrilling and closely fought and literary fiery encounter (much like an EPL match!!) which ended with 4-3 scoreline in the group game. We met Manure again the final and were actually leading the game into the final 30 second of the match until Jesper Blomqvist equalised with the score at 4-3 and eventually lost to them at the penalty shootout. No extra time was played and the match went to penalty kicks. During the penalty shoot-out, 'Don' Hutchison got his penalty saved. Kudos to the LFCM fans who sang YNWA and their kop like chants during the game although the 'Torres' tune was sung, it seemed out of place! During the prize giving ceremony a mob of the so called Manure fans who suddenly emerged out of nowhere taunting the Liverpool fans during a rendition of YNWA along with the sound of their irritating small trumpets after their team emerged as the winner of the tournament.

Wif Don Hutchison

Wif Paul Jones And John Durnin

Wif Mark Wright

A truly great event from first til last eventhough my idol Rush and Barnes didn't come for the tournament this time. We also understood that McManaman was in town but did not play in the tournament. Hopefully next year's tounament would be better and the LFC supporters from MYRAWK and LFCM would be seated together to make more noise. A great thanks to MYRAWK's Jon C and William for getting us the tickets. Sad to see the LFC Masters team lost the game but as they always say 'Form is Temporary, Class Is Permanent'. They'll win it next year and who knows? maybe 'God' will play for us next year if u know what i mean.It was more fun than I had anticipated and would certainly be joining my fellow Scouse brothers for next years' EPL Masters!! It was certainly worth the trip from Malacca and seeing fellow Reds who were really a joy to be with mingle around.

Me And fellow MYRAWK-kites

YNWA - DT"

Friday, October 30, 2009

Return Of The God

He’s sharp,he’s good and he’s the God that we all knew!Yes!I have never thought that Robbie will wear the red jersey again after spells at Leeds and Manchester City.He’s one of the great finisher in the business and who cares he lacks the pace.At least we have a team of superb midfielders like Stevie,Xabi,Didi,Momo and Garcia who can feed him the ball in the box and I guarantee you that he will put the ball in the net with his lethal left foot!

Not forgetting that we got him for free and with his age, I think he can still play in the big league for another 5 years.He even scored against Manure in the Manchester derby. He was added in our January transfer with Kronkamp and Agger who also made Manure suffer with Kronkamp knocking out them out at Champions League with Villareal and Agger who man marked Manure’s Wayne Pooney in the international game which he plays for Denmark who defeated England 4-1.Who knows maybe we will add Simao who scored against Manure in the Champions League in this month transfer.Maybe not…..????Fingers crossed!

Anyway,Robbie will play his first game againts Birmingham maybe in the 2nd half.Hopefully he will score against them like the league cup final where he strikes the ball into the net with a superb volley. Long Live The God!!!!!

Together we pray!!!
Our Fowler Thou art is scoring Robbie be thy name Thy transfer has been done On a free as it is in January Give us this day our favourite Red Alonso will give you the best passes As Carra stops those who pass against us Deliver us the title And lead us not into relegation For eleven is your number Forever and ever Our man

Football Celebrations At Work

As the world cup fever coming up soon, we never failed to be amazed by the football players celebration when they scored a goal for their respected teams. Though some of us don’t have a chance of becoming like them playing or scoring for their clubs and country but we can still practice this celebration styles in the office with our colleagues or bosses. These are some celebration styles that we could do……

1) Rooney Clap:

You can do it towards your colleagues who are the mr smartypants or you should say the smart ass type who always wanna boast about their achievements at the office. Just take your hand and clap it in front of his or her face after they finished their boasting sessions.

2) Gudjohnnsen Proud Bow:

This is a move that is meant for your colleagues who always doubt your work rate .After you have successfully finished your task, you just go in front of the doubters and make a gentleman like bow .It could be more effective as you wave your hand as you rises from the bow.

3) Kaka Tribute To The Heavens Pose:

This could be done when your company decided to give yearly bonuses or promotion to you. After you received the good news, you can just put your two fingers in the air and look to the sky looking like you are thanking the god for his blessing.

4) Mourinho Finger Of Silence:

Effective towards your chirpy or the love to find fault type of colleagues. It’s to back away from potential office arguments and conflicts. Before the temper rises, just put your finger near the mouth and back away from the situation slowly without saying anything.

5) Ronaldinho Free Drinks Pose :(Known as the Ali Café Advert. Pose in Malaysia)

Can be used when your colleague wanna treat you for some drinks during lunchtime. Also can be used as a secret sign to your colleagues to go for a ciggy (cigarette) or short break without the knowledge of your boss when he is rounding around your workplace.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Origins Of Pankota F.C

The Turf

The idea of establishing this fantastic team came from a close friend whom I can’t remember which one in the year 2002 said’Since we all gila football,why not we do a team among ourselves’.So this is the opportunity to find all the kaki bola in my circle of friends.I began searching raw talents working in Mahkota Parade from Nike Shop to Micky Trading.
When the search is done,we have to find a field to train among ourselves so I found a field in the Bukit Serindit recreation park which is the perfect place for my team.

Tsunami 2004 Tribute

So the time for training started as early as 7.00 a.m and ended around 9.00 a.m.The field was the good spot to motivate my players who are still stoned from their interrupted slumber because the presence of chicks from all ages also jogged near the field.We started with a goal post in a form of a rugby post which left my keeper hapless whenever the ball was kicked very high as though they are playing rugby.Sometimes the ball landed in the parking lot which causes near misses accidents to the cars nearby.We even got a few challenges from the opposition team that also trained there who called themselves ‘The Store’ football team.We sparred with them a few times and we came out in victoriously until they gave up everytime we trashed them before the game was over.The training session was held on Monday,Wednesday and Friday.

X'mas Footie Special

After a memorable times playing at that field,we changed our training venue to a school near Air Leleh that was called Seri Kota.The field was great because of the pitch condition is less muddy unlike the last one and they have a real football goalpost to train our shooting skills which we call the legendary ‘Cracking Session’ where you can see our ball went over the post or spectacular goals was scored.We have learnt a thing or two when playing at that field because of challenges from other teams such as ‘Shaolin Soccer’ football team which gave us lesson by thrashing us due to their experience in playing in a big field game.We even got challenges from Liverpool Supporter’s Club Malaysia which they only won us by one goal deficit after a few fantastic saves from my goalkeeper who was in his top form.The biggest game that we played is against ‘Alliance Bank’ football club because they use a real referee and linesman to control the game.We learnt a few things such as catching offside or being offside.We even kick off before the referee even blowed his whistle and that cause a few laughter in the game due to our inexperienced in big game matches and yes, we got trashed in that game too.

Then we have a few recruits from Pantai Hospital that was the perfect time to give a name to our nameless football team.My loyal goalkeeper Jerry Tan came out with an idea by combining the name Pantai and Mahkota and became ‘Pankota F.C’.The logo of our team is a combination of Man. United,Arsenal and Liverpool whom we supported respectively.
Anyway,it’s been a pleasure playing with the lads who consists of a multiracial team which doesn’t see the colour of the skin or should I say not a racist.
We enjoyed playing footie in the hot Sunday morning every week and I hope it will last until we got old or be called veteran football players.Long live Pankota! ’Together,We Stand Stronger’.That’s the motto of the team.Cheeerioo!!!

Latest 2008 Photo

The Tale Of A Botak Scouser

Before

At last , my crowning glory is gone after my fave team in the world Liverpool F.C has won the prestigious Champions League cup . I couldn’t believe it when they come back from 3 goals down in the first half .Stevie G didn’t disappoint me when he scored in his 2nd final through a glancing header. He scored in 2001 UEFA Cup finals too against Alaves .

The goal has demotivated Milan’s defence and in the space of 6 minutes, they scored 2 more through Smicer and Alonso .That shows the tactical genius of Rafa Benitez who put Hamann in the 2nd half to contain Kaka who has terrorized us in the 1st half.

Liverpool’s drastic pressure has dragged the game into extra time and then into a penalty shootout. The unforgettable Dudek ‘s remake of Grobblear’s spaghetti legs has made Serginho , Pirlo and the European Footballer Of The Year ,Schevchenko morally down and we won the cup!

Back to my story, so the next day accompanied by my friend Daniel, we went to a barber shop and do the things that I have promised to all my friends who are waiting eagerly on the night before the final including my boss who kept reminding me to “Botak” through his sms .When the barber did his thing, my head suddenly felt a cold draft after he took a first swipe at my head !My friend Daniel, not forgetting his trusty camera took the pictures of my ‘balding session’ and even made it in video mode that I haven’t see yet .Maybe he’s distributing it in the internet or something?

During

Anyway ,jokes aside cos I have been true to my words and take it like a man .Hope my team can achieve to win the premiership for a change .Maybe I’ll do something else dat is wild besides balding my hair. Maybe??..........(a word from Halu Satonaka from the jap drama ‘Pride’)

After