Liverpool Mailbag: Tackling the ‘Soccer-Football’ Debate, Handicapping Reds’ Champions League Chances

Good morning/afternoon/night, folks. 

Let me start by saying I’m touched (a little overwhelmed even) by all the questions and messages in the mailbag. I greatly appreciate your readership, support and participation. There are so many letters. This must be how Santa feels. Thanks for them all.

I’m going to do this every Thursday, so keep them coming.

Now on to the questions.

When did Ray (Charles) record his rendition of YNWA?
–James Granaghan, Norwich, U.K.

Well, I have to answer the very first question in the mailbag, right? Thanks, James.

Ray Charles recorded this version in 1963, when he was achieving a good deal of mainstream success and No. 1’s. He was also struggling with addiction during this time. I decided to share that version because it’s personal. I’ve carried it on my phone for the last five years or so, and it’s helped me endure some tough times (no disrespect to Gerry and the Pacemakers, of course).

You have an O’ in your name. Irish connection? YNWA.
–Noel O’ Keeffe, Cork City, Ireland 

Yes and no. I’m a Bostonian. My Boston-born mother’s family came up in and around North Carolina, but my father’s side of the family hails from Antigua in the West Indies. My great-great grandfather was born a slave in Barbados. Upon his release from captivity, he took the last name of his Irish owner: O’Mard.

That’s where the name comes from. I’m not Irish, but I always seem to get along well with Irish men and women and look forward to visiting Ireland one day.

May I draw your attention to the term SOCCER? … Here in the UK and indeed throughout Europe the game is known as FOOTBALL.
– Walter Raybould

Ah, there were quite a few of these. I might as well address it. In America, we call the game soccer. I’m an American writer, working for an American media company, covering the game for a global audience.

They call it different names in different countries, but at the end of the day, we’re all talking about the same game. Twenty-two players, one ball, 90 minutes, most goals wins. I will try and sneak a couple “football” references into my work … just for you.

Continuing with Glen Johnson’s injury-ravaged Liverpool career, do you expect him to stay at Liverpool, or be sold in the winter for a discount price, especially now that we have two very promising right backs in our system (Martin Kelly and Jack Robinson)?
– Ryan Friend, Darien, Conn.

Glen Johnson‘s injury situation is unfortunate, but it won’t push him out the exit door in January.
Liverpool believes that he still has a lot to offer the club. It was only in July that he signed a new contract that runs until 2015. He’s also an experienced England international who, at age 27, is in the midst of what should be his peak years. That extension signals to potential suitors: Don’t even think about getting Johnson on the cheap. 

I expect him to struggle through November as he works to win his place in the team back. With the club expecting to earn a place in Europe next season, there should be plenty of games for all the right backs at the club.

Do you think Liverpool can qualify for the Champions League this season? Also, do you think further additions to the squad are needed in January?
 — Tom Harris, Milton Keynes, U.K.

Of course, they can qualify for the Champions League, but “will they?” is another question. Those games against the other top-four contenders will make all the difference. The 2-0 win over Arsenal is just one example. It puts all the pressure on Liverpool’s London rivals going forward. Obviously, the Reds will need to take maximum points off of the smaller teams, but those games against Manchester United and City, Chelsea and Arsenal will tell you all you need to know.

I think the squad, as currently constituted, is good enough to get them to that point, but only because there are no European distractions this season. If LFC were playing in continental competitions, I would say no. It’s a close call, though.

That’s all for now. Send in more questions and check back Thursday. 

Photo courtesy of Flickr/bigalf242229