NEW DEAL FOR FINNAN
Steve Finnan is the latest Liverpool player to be on the verge of an extended Anfield contract.
Finnan’s name doesn’t lend itself well to the back-page headlines of ‘Gerronimo’ or ‘24 Carra Gold’ but nevertheless, he has been one of our most consistent players of the last few years.
Everyone is quick to point out Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher after a good game, but Finnan makes the news as often as he makes a mistake. Does this bother him? The reds right-back says not.
"I’ve never minded not getting plaudits. It’s a question I’ve been asked many times, but I’m really not bothered," he says.
"It’s always been more important to me that the team plays well.
"There are other lads in the team who are playing well but don’t always get the praise. In football you always expect the lads who are getting the goals to get most attention, and they deserve it.
"I’m happy with how things are going for me, but more especially for the team."
Liverpool were looking hard at signing Daniel Alves, and with the arrival of Alvaro Arbeola (who is capable of playing right back), Finnan has been under pressure for his place before. The Irishman has already seen two right backs enter and leave Anfield, failing to take his place - Josemi and Jan Kromkamp. Now the player is looking at cementing his future at Anfield.
"I would definitely like to sign for more time, but that’s up to other people."
"Everyone can see the club is heading in the right direction with the new owners. It’s an exciting time. Everyone wants to be a part of it, especially me."
The Irish international full-back will be offered better terms along with Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Jamie Carragher and Pepe Reina.
While all the focus remains on Anfield’s four big guns who are deep in negotiations, it’s emerged Finnan has joined the list of those Rafa Benitez wants to keep at the club.
It will be a just reward for the Irish international, who recovered from an uneasy start to his Liverpool career to become an unsung hero of the Champions League and FA Cup winning side.
The right-back has seen off the challenge of several new right sided defenders since joining from Fulham in 2003, and is now firmly established as the first choice full-back.
He turns 31 next week, but such has been his level of consistency and invaluable experience, Benitez was in no doubt the defender was worth an extension.
It’s a move which is sure to delight Finnan, who spoke only last week of his hope to extend his terms which have only a year left to run after this season.
The former Valencia boss paid tribute to the way in which Finnan has developed since Benitez took the reins at the club nearly three years ago.
"When I first arrived I did not know too much about Finnan," claims Benitez. "I'd had reports but the season before I arrived he was not playing well, or at least not at this level but he has improved, and for three years now he has been playing well.
"Maybe he has had to win me over but Gerard Houllier told me he was a very good player, even though he is not the sort of player people talk too much about. He has quality and understands the game. I have seen that all in these last few years."
The 31-year-old has probably been the Premiership's most consistent right-back this season and there is no way boss Rafael Benitez will allow him to leave for nothing at the end of next season.
Editor's Notes
The private man, Steve Finnan's contributions over the last couple of years will finally be rewarded with the offer of a new improved contract.
Liverpool have seen players like Josemi and Jan Kromkamp coming to displaced him but without any success.
Together with Dietmar Hamann and Sami Hyypia, he is probably one of Gerard Houllier's more successful signings.
Finnan holds the distinction of being the ONLY player in English League history to have appeared in every domestic divisions and every European Competitions (Champions League, UEFA Cup, Super Cup, World Club Championship and World Cup).
He was previously with Welling United (Nationwide Conference), Notts County (Third Division), and Fulham (Second, First Division and Premier League) before signing for Liverpool in 2003.
His character, mannerism and attitude is akin to the 'Liverpool culture', being modest and always putting in the extra effort.
Though it would not be an easy task to oust him from his position, age is not on his side and Rafa could not rely on him to be present throughout the whole season.
Nonetheless, he fully deserves the extended contract. Over the span of his illustrious career he has the championship medals of all the divisions but still one eludes him.
Lets just hope that his continual stay would help him complete his collections of trophies won.
Finnan’s name doesn’t lend itself well to the back-page headlines of ‘Gerronimo’ or ‘24 Carra Gold’ but nevertheless, he has been one of our most consistent players of the last few years.Everyone is quick to point out Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher after a good game, but Finnan makes the news as often as he makes a mistake. Does this bother him? The reds right-back says not.
"I’ve never minded not getting plaudits. It’s a question I’ve been asked many times, but I’m really not bothered," he says.
"It’s always been more important to me that the team plays well.
"There are other lads in the team who are playing well but don’t always get the praise. In football you always expect the lads who are getting the goals to get most attention, and they deserve it.
"I’m happy with how things are going for me, but more especially for the team."
Liverpool were looking hard at signing Daniel Alves, and with the arrival of Alvaro Arbeola (who is capable of playing right back), Finnan has been under pressure for his place before. The Irishman has already seen two right backs enter and leave Anfield, failing to take his place - Josemi and Jan Kromkamp. Now the player is looking at cementing his future at Anfield.
"I would definitely like to sign for more time, but that’s up to other people.""Everyone can see the club is heading in the right direction with the new owners. It’s an exciting time. Everyone wants to be a part of it, especially me."
The Irish international full-back will be offered better terms along with Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Jamie Carragher and Pepe Reina.
While all the focus remains on Anfield’s four big guns who are deep in negotiations, it’s emerged Finnan has joined the list of those Rafa Benitez wants to keep at the club.
It will be a just reward for the Irish international, who recovered from an uneasy start to his Liverpool career to become an unsung hero of the Champions League and FA Cup winning side.
The right-back has seen off the challenge of several new right sided defenders since joining from Fulham in 2003, and is now firmly established as the first choice full-back.
He turns 31 next week, but such has been his level of consistency and invaluable experience, Benitez was in no doubt the defender was worth an extension.
It’s a move which is sure to delight Finnan, who spoke only last week of his hope to extend his terms which have only a year left to run after this season.
The former Valencia boss paid tribute to the way in which Finnan has developed since Benitez took the reins at the club nearly three years ago.
"When I first arrived I did not know too much about Finnan," claims Benitez. "I'd had reports but the season before I arrived he was not playing well, or at least not at this level but he has improved, and for three years now he has been playing well.
"Maybe he has had to win me over but Gerard Houllier told me he was a very good player, even though he is not the sort of player people talk too much about. He has quality and understands the game. I have seen that all in these last few years."
The 31-year-old has probably been the Premiership's most consistent right-back this season and there is no way boss Rafael Benitez will allow him to leave for nothing at the end of next season.
Editor's Notes
The private man, Steve Finnan's contributions over the last couple of years will finally be rewarded with the offer of a new improved contract.Liverpool have seen players like Josemi and Jan Kromkamp coming to displaced him but without any success.
Together with Dietmar Hamann and Sami Hyypia, he is probably one of Gerard Houllier's more successful signings.
Finnan holds the distinction of being the ONLY player in English League history to have appeared in every domestic divisions and every European Competitions (Champions League, UEFA Cup, Super Cup, World Club Championship and World Cup).He was previously with Welling United (Nationwide Conference), Notts County (Third Division), and Fulham (Second, First Division and Premier League) before signing for Liverpool in 2003.
His character, mannerism and attitude is akin to the 'Liverpool culture', being modest and always putting in the extra effort.
Though it would not be an easy task to oust him from his position, age is not on his side and Rafa could not rely on him to be present throughout the whole season.Nonetheless, he fully deserves the extended contract. Over the span of his illustrious career he has the championship medals of all the divisions but still one eludes him.
Lets just hope that his continual stay would help him complete his collections of trophies won.
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