Getting the new stadium right must be our priority

Getting the new stadium right must be our priority
Mar 16 2007
by Sam Johnstone, Liverpool supporter, Liverpool Daily Post


WITH the euphoria of Barcelona now behind us, it's time to start concentrating on regaining third place in the League.
Aston Villa won't be easy to beat, despite their lacklustre form over the last few months. Martin O'Neill is a manager I admire very much but I do expect us to come away with three points, though, as the Barca effect will hopefully push our league form.
The break in games has given fans the chance to digest both the Barca game, and the arrival of the new owners. They've made their mark straightaway, with the suspension of works on the new stadium the first sign that Gillett and Hicks mean business.
Whether an 80,000 capacity is required for footballing reasons I'm not sure, but it seems obvious that they have other uses in mind for the new ground. It's a shame that work has stopped so soon after starting, but getting the new stadium right is a priority.
I was more worried by the news that a number of loans had been obtained by the new owners for their purchase of the club. Though very different from the Glazer takeover of United, it's still a bit disturbing to hear that the club may have to service the interest payments on the loans. Gillett and Hicks are the guarantors, so it shouldn't affect the club too much, but it was slightly off-putting all the same.
With the future looking secure it seems perverse to look back (something all Reds are always accused of, but when you have a history like ours it's hard not to reminisce!) but I've been thinking about my first ever game at Anfield which was 30 years ago today.
I was lucky enough to lose my Reds virginity at the St Etienne game, and though I can't remember a thing about the game, I do recall how I felt when I left the ground as a 10-year-old. If I had known such words at the time I would have said exhilarated, but all I know is that I was equal parts scared, excited and shattered.
Maybe now, 30 years after our first big cup win the nation will honour the architect of our dominance in granting Bob Paisley the knighthood he deserves?
Bob may be gone, but the strength of feeling is still there evidenced by the 45,000-odd signatures asking for recognition.
Come on Tony Blair, you know it's the right thing to do.