Scouser Tommies: ONE HUGE WEEKEND
Join Jim Boardman and Jay Reid as they soak in the incredible atmosphere enveloping the city of Liverpool ahead of a monumental Bank Holiday weekend. The city is buzzing with events, from Radio One's Big Weekend to cruise liners docking, but most important of all it’s the final game of the season - a formality to go through before that long-awaited trophy lift, ahead of the victory parade through the city’s streets on Monday.
For Jay, that trophy lift is an especially poignant moment; it’s the first time in his lifetime he'll witness Liverpool lift the league trophy at Anfield – a ticket he wouldn't sell for any price. It’s the first time the Reds have lifted the league trophy in front of fans at Anfield for 35 years, so a large chunk of the Liverpool support are in the same boat. Two of the greatest centre-backs in football history will be on the pitch as the trophy gets lifted, with true club legend Alan Hansen set to present the trophy to future club legend Virgil Van Dijk, adding to the symbolism of the occasion.
Jurgen Klopp will be there too, keeping to his promise of coming back but not in a way that would interfere with the work of Arne Slot. No surprise he’s there; he’s as big a fan as any of us, and every fan wants to be there.
If only - but Anfield, as big as it now is, can’t possibly contain every Red who wants to be there on Sunday. In fact, if estimates of how many people are heading into the city for the weekend are true, 16 Anfields wouldn’t be enough. No problem though; the city is ready to showcase its unique, welcoming spirit and show how it throws a party, as the Reds' heroes show that trophy off from the top of a bus!
The last match itself sees Liverpool host Crystal Palace. With both teams in a celebratory mood (Palace fresh from their own FA Cup triumph), Jay and Jim are wondering if it’s even worth bothering with the footy itself.
Jim and Jay reflect on a season where Liverpool exceeded expectations to clinch that title, but with transfer windows set to open, work needs to be done to ensure new expectations are met. No Red expected Slot to be so successful so soon - but all Reds want more of the same. The hosts briefly discuss some of the transfer rumours swirling around potential incomings like Frimpong and Kerkez, and possible departures including the respected Joe Gomez and potentially Darwin Nunez. Since the show was recorded, rumours about Florian Wirtz leaving Germany for Merseyside have gathered pace, but until he’s had his photo holding up his new shirt, Jay and Jim are assuming nothing.
There's also discussion on manager Arne Slot's latest press conference, particularly his comments on Trent Alexander-Arnold's training and defensive application, and how the media has portrayed this. The hosts touch on how Trent might be received and the importance of focusing on the collective celebration. What advice would the hosts give Arne, if he asked, on how to handle this last bit with Trent?
As for that victory parade, the hosts offer some tips for fans wanting to catch a glimpse of the champions. It's a time to savour the moment, celebrate a hard-won title, and look forward to what the future holds for the Reds.
As always, there’s plenty to laugh about from across the park, although you aren’t likely to find any of them there as the A55 clogs up under the weight of a blue-tinged exodus to North Wales.
Sunday will also mark the final match for George Sephton, the iconic 'Voice of Anfield'. His voice has boomed around Anfield for decades, since the days the Reds were winning titles almost every season. He really is and has been part of Anfield - he’s been there for the good times and the bad, and it really won’t be the same without him. Thanks for everything, George, from all of us.
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