The Liverpool Way: Houllier, Anfield and the New Global Game

by John Williams

In the wake of the 2002 World Cup finals and still recovering from a life-threatening illness, Gerard Houllier tried to build on the affection he drew from Liverpool fans by winning three major trophies in his first full season in charge. Houllier seemed destined to bring title success in 2002-03 after another bout of pre-season spending brought to the club the exciting Senegalese World Cup stars, Diouf and Diao. But doubts soon started to take over, and it wasn't long before fans began to question the manager's philosophy and style. Was his direct way of playing really "the Liverpool way," mapping a connection right back to Tom Watson's time at the club in the early part of the 20th century? This book assesses Houllier's Liverpool and also examines the general state of English football at present. It covers aspects of the history of the club, its fans and its players, and takes a wider look at how the soccer world has changed for players, managers ,and referees in recent years. Drawing on exclusive interview material, travel with the Reds, and discussions with fans and other football experts, The Liverpool Way charts Houllier's attempt to lead his increasingly global roster of expensive stars to the highest levels of the European game.

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

John Williams is Senior Researcher at the Sir Norman Chester Centre for Football Research at Leicester University, UK

He is a Bootle-born Liverpool fan and professional academic who researches and writes on sport, especially football. He often appears on TV and radio talking about the game. He has published widely on Liverpool FC, including the best-selling Into The Red, The Liverpool Way, Kennedy's Way, The Miracle of Istanbul and Red Men. He has also co-written three books on the sport: Passing Rhythms, Football Nation and The Game.