Why the Football League shouldn't compromise Kenny

“ALL change, please”, and with those weary words from the conductor comes the hustle and the bustle beneath the world.

And with the bustle and hustle comes the inquisitive glances at the giant, multi-coloured web on the wall; the impromptu formation of a human barricade in the middle of rush hour; scorn from commuting Londoners as the eternal question of how many Scousers it takes to operate an automated ticket machine is answered through gritted teeth.

Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston. For some who travel that route, those six words needle at them. London Euston. London. The Tube, the prices, John Terry. If the banners and songs don’t demonstrate their disdain for those things, the conversations on the train will.

But those conversations - so voluble and repetitive rattling past Stafford, Rugby and Milton Keynes - cease as the train approaches London itself.

Behind the desolate, graffiti’d walls to nowhere appears an arch, high above the chimneys of the terraced houses clustered together so tightly. The train stops inside, looks up and nods towards the window. Wembley. As the arch disappears, so does the silence. Normality is restored.

For some Liverpool fans, the furore over Wembley is incomprehensible. It’s just an eyesore with an arch, some say; there’s no atmosphere and no words to describe those who regularly attend. Worst of all, it’s in London. 

But it’s Wembley. It’s a stadium which lingers in the subconscious of every football supporter across the country. From Bedlington Terriers to Blackburn Rovers, the chance to watch your team in an FA Vase Trophy final, League Cup final or FA Cup final is one of the most enticing.

The club supporters’ thoughts will remain there long after the spotlight’s glare on the national team fades; long after the final replay of Lampard’s goal. Those thoughts remain there because of glories past; they remain there because of glories ahead.

It matters not Wembley lacks atmosphere, looks soulless or is situated in London - Wembley, in its old incarnation, represents so much of Liverpool’s history.

As the Twin Towers dismantled over a decade ago, so too were some of the club’s most famous days.

The head of St. John, the voice of Bruce Forsyth and the delicate touch of Kenny Dalglish; four consecutive League Cups, two wins over Everton and a delightful McManaman double -  they are just some of the moments which gave Wembley the same allure as Stadio Olimpico, Parc des Princes and the Ataturk.

It’s unimaginable that Liverpool are yet to forge history in the new Wembley. It’s unimaginable the Football League are compromising their opportunity to do so by making the club play twice in three days.

But that’s the Football League - no thought to the supporters who must attend two games in three days, no thought to the welfare of the modern footballer. Lucas Leiva and Luis Suarez, so important to Liverpool’s progress throughout the Carling Cup, have already played a combined 44 times since the Copa America started in July.

The Football League - along with other organisational bodies in this country - cares little for context, however; they care little about what actions are right. They merely act to placate those in power.

Liverpool face two games in three games; even more crucially to how the season is shaped, they face three games in 10 games – Manchester City at Anfield sandwiched between two trips to Stamford Bridge. Kenny Dalglish has to make some crucial decisions; some crucial, unwelcome, unfair decisions.

The mantra repeated by many supporters pre-season was of a top four finish. It makes sense to, financially and spiritually.

It allows an opportunity to be reacquainted with the club’s greatest nights; a chance to watch Kenny Dalglish lead his Liverpool side out at some of Europe’s grandest stages; a moment for 'Zadok the Priest' to infiltrate the Anfield air once more.

It’s a no-brainer until the graffiti-strewn wall en route to Euston emerges from the subconscious; until the arch slowly comes into the mind’s view.

Liverpool at Wembley again. Kenny Dalglish leading Liverpool out at Wembley again. The ultimate chance to end a trophyless five years under a new symbol of success with the travelling Kop’s chorus of Dalglish in the background.

That’s not to say Liverpool aren’t capable of both this season; that’s not to say Liverpool aren’t capable of three wins in 10 days against two quality sides. The squad has been assembled with a long season in mind.

Whether Lucas and Suarez, near ever-presents in the League Cup, are able to play against Manchester City and then against Chelsea two days later remains to be seen.

But Kenny has begun to build a strong group of players, both mentally and physically. The attacking talent of Henderson, Downing, Adam, Gerrard, Bellamy, Kuyt, Carroll and Suarez gives Dalglish an array of options, while the acquisitions of Coates and Enrique ensure the team remains defensively sound.

Even if he plays the more youthful members of the squad against Chelsea, as he threatened to in his recent press conference, players such as Flanagan, Robinson and Kelly have proven themselves at that level.

But the fact remains Dalglish should not have to make those decisions. He should feel free to select his best team in both league and cup. To force a man so driven by success compromise those values is wrong, as is forcing supporters to choose a preferred match for victory.

Thankfully for Liverpool Football Club, winning is the only way Dalglish knows. Regardless of personnel against Manchester City and Chelsea, the attitude will remain consistent.

Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston. The term might rankle some, but it will sound sweet if heard next February. When they reach their destination, they may as well turn back around – not because it’s London, but because next stop is