It has taken many months, the loss of the Chief Executive and some fairly public debates, but Rafa Benitez has signed a new deal with Liverpool and which runs until 2014. Benitez arrived in 2004, so potentially his reign will run for a decade, if he sees out this current deal.
The media is reporting that the removal of Rick Parry as chief executive, an agreement to be paid in Euros rather than Sterling and a release clause if the club is purchased and he does not like the new owners have all been put in place at Rafa's urging and fulfills his requirements for staying on.
Benitez has told the Clubs Official Website:
"My heart is with Liverpool Football Club, so I'm delighted to sign this new deal," said Rafa. "I love the club, the fans and the city and with a club like this and supporters like this, I could never say no to staying. I always made clear I wanted to be here for a long time and when I complete my new contract it will mean I have spent over a decade in Liverpool.
"The club is greatly respected around the world due to its incredible history and tremendous heritage. It is my aim to uphold those values and help create a new chapter in our history.
"Throughout this process, I would like to thank the owners for their hard work in finalising the deal. All of us at the club want the same thing, which is to be successful by winning major trophies."
Attention will quickly turn to Liverpool's long run without a league title, and demands for Rafa to deliver. Should Man Utd equal Liverpool's record of 18 League triumphs by winning the Premier League this season the pressure for a serious title challenge next season will be the most intense in the clubs history.
Rafa Signs New Contract At Liverpool
19 Mar 2009
Should A Quota System Be Introduced In The Premier League?
10 Feb 2009
Rick Parry has revealed that the Premier League has held discussions on the possibility of introducing a quota system in an effort to limit the number of foreign players appearing in the Premier League and boost the standard of English Players available to the national team.
The Top Clubs who are regularly qualifying for The Champions League already have to abide to a quota system for European games, and would not have much difficulty in adopting a similar system for League matches. The Premier League did produce an analysis that concluded a lot of the clubs would not have too much difficulty in complying.
The Premier League would be the body imposing the quota, and there is no word on how the quote would work. It might be that by "home-grown" the definition will extend beyond England, to UK, and possibly Irish players.
Are you in favour of a quota system being introduced to the Premier League, and do you think your favourite Premier League Team will be able to adapt if the quota was introduced soon? Do you think the quality of the Premier League will be affected?
