Scouser

Rereleased in memory of Jan Gorski-Mescir. Jim Boardman was joined by Jan for a chat that sometimes gets onto football. They talked about what sets Liverpool apart from the rest of England, at least in their view, and they don’t mean Covid restrictions, and how the current Reds boss compares to the man who turned the club around so much in the sixties, Bill Shankly. Also, did the Premier League clubs get right with the PPV plan - or could it have been even worse?

After what felt like the longest international break in football history, Jim Boardman and Jay Reid are back for another episode of Scouser Tommies, as the Reds get back to winning ways and move another step closer to league title number 20, despite the PGMOL's best efforts. The win came courtesy of Diogo Jota’s Merseyside Derby goal, one with a tinge of controversy. Liverpool’s 1-0 win extended David Moyes’s miserable Anfield record - he’s won as many games at Anfield as Everton had shots on target in this match. What’s that about proving you don’t have to win to win trophies to be a winner? The controversy over Jota’s goal was minor, and as Jim and Jay point out, easily explained. According to the laws of the game, Luis Diaz wasn’t interfering from an offside position, although miserable Moyesie might need it explaining to him a few more times. Less minor was the controversy over James Tarkowski’s tackle on Alexie Mac Allister. When even Duncan Ferguson is calling it a straight red card, there’s not much room for manoeuvre. Or at least you’d think so, but many a blue will be defending that for years to come, if asked. Just before they start to rattle on about the ‘offside’ goal. Another one for their long list. The PGMOL did point out the following day that Tarkowski’s horror show should have been a red, but there was no sign of an explanation as to how Greater Manchester referee Paul Tierney, on VAR duty, failed to spot what everyone else did. Liverpool’s next ref is from even closer to the city of Manchester. As discussed in the show, the derby win was much-needed and it really sets the Reds up well, and Jay discusses where Liverpool could be playing if and when they do finish the job. Not that the job is finished yet of course, and as Jim points out, next opponents Fulham aren’t always an easy team to beat at their own place. As well as the highs of the derby win there’s time to discuss the defeat at Wembley just before this break, and Jim wonders if maybe we are taking these occasions for granted. However, as Jay points out, the disappointment of losing that game will fade into nowhere if the Reds do complete the job in the competition that matters most, one we’ve not been able to take for granted for many a year. In addition this week, Jay and Jim discuss the Scouser in the team, Curtis Jones, who played at right-back in the derby and was on the receiving end of a lot of praise from his boss. There’s also a discussion on the Scouser out injured, Trent Alexander Arnold, whose future was under even more of a spotlight during the international break. Has he already played his last game for his boyhood club? With this show coming so close to a derby, there was always going to be a mention of the neighbours and their comedic acts.

Jim Boardman and Jay Reid return with an episode of Scouser Tommies that rides the highs and lows of a rollercoaster week for Liverpool. It stung to be knocked out of the Champions League, but with a League title still very much in our own hands, thoughts now turn to the potential glory of a Wembley final. The midweek clash with PSG ended in the bitter disappointment of the lottery that is a penalty shootout, one that didn't go the Reds' way. Despite the disappointment, Jay and Jim reflect on a campaign that exceeded expectations, even if it ended in a game that might have been a final were it not for UEFA’s weird seeding system. Darwin was one of the heroes of the first-leg, but when it came to the shootout did the Uruguayan striker sense the collective anxiety of a packed Anfield Stadium? Before that the Reds faced Southampton in the league, and went behind after an uncharacteristic mix-up between two of the stalwarts at the back for LFC. But something we’ve seen from Arne Slot since he took the reins at Anfield is his ability to make key changes during a match, especially at half time, and that’s exactly what he did this time, with Darwin on a rollercoaster and ending the day with a smile. The league game before that saw the Reds beat Newcastle 2-0 in a convincing victory under the floodlights. Now Wembley is calling and that’s who stands in the way of League Cup glory for the second year in a row for the Reds. Also for the second year in a row, Trent is out injured. With Ibou also a worry, Jay and Jim discuss LFC’s squad depth and tactical flexibility. Is Quansah ready to fill in at right-back, or will Arne Slot’s suggestion of playing one of the left-backs there come into being? Liverpool fans always find a way, but once again there have been travel woes for those lucky enough to be heading to Wembley, including a train strike that was called off yet hardly made things better. And, for some reason, it seems there’s been a lot more good will shown to the Toon Army than anything the travelling Kop has ever had when it comes to public transport options for the journey south. That said, the costs involved are eye-watering whichever side of the Pennines you’re travelling from. As for the final itself, Jay and Jim are confident as long as Liverpool are at their best, the way they’ve been for most of this season. Hopefully there’s enough experience in there for nerves not to be an issue. Next up for the Reds is a long break from matches, at least domestically, before the Anfield derby next month, and if Slot’s men do bring that Milk Cup home, maybe it would be a good time to show it off to the fans. Maybe one person in particular could show it off…

Jim Boardman and Jay Reid are back to discuss all things LFC from Liverpool, as the Reds move a little bit closer to a Premier League title and get ready for a tough trip across the channel for their first Champions League knockout game of the season. The Reds are now in a very strong position to win the league, having won crucial games against Manchester City and Newcastle. They are now 13 points clear at the top of the table, having played a game more, but as Jay and Jim discuss, at least some of that can be credited to a certain side from North London failing to capitalise whenever Arne Slot’s men did have a blip.If you can call it a blip. It’s been good to see the players are talking about a job still to be done, rather than talking like it’s a formality, but what has stood out to Jim and Jay has been the efficiency of the performances and the ability to do exactly what is needed to win games, game by game. It’s not always the same recipe. They also talk about the upcoming Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain, the first of the two legs being an away one. For those fans who are travelling for the away leg it will bring back fresh memories of a traumatic experience off the pitch. On the pitch it might be the most difficult opponent so far in this competition, one having a very similar season to the Reds domestically, but if Liverpool approach the two legs the right way they can progress to the quarters. That said, Jay wonders if maybe the seeding system needs a rethink. Also this week we got to hear the latest financial figures as Liverpool released the annual report. With a loss of £57 million is it something to be worried about, and with the explanations given by the club what should it mean for the current period? There’s also some discussion of the upcoming change in kit supplier from Nike to Adidas, a return to the manufacturer that was with us through so many iconic moments. As always, we can rely on the neighbours to give us something extra to smile about.

In the latest episode of the Scouser Tommies Podcast, Jim Boardman and Jay Reid have loads to discuss, including the Champions League draw, the trips to Man City and Newcastle, the games against Wolves and Villa, and some comedy from the neighbours. It was hardly a surprise when the draw was made that Liverpool got PSG, and so Liverpool fans are facing another trip to a city that was the opposite of welcoming last time the club were there. Those were different circumstances, a final no less, but being back there will stir some unhappy memories that had nothing to do with football. As for the football itself, Jay and Jim are broadly in agreement with Arne Slot about what the challenge will be, and how those trophies don’t win themselves. Our words not his. Before any of that though there’s a trip to the far side of Manchester for the game against Pep’s faltering heroes. Fresh from embarrassment against Real Madrid, is this one of the worst times to play them? The league table suggests their hopes of silverware this season rests completely on the FA Cup, but they won’t want to make life easy for the team currently in prime position to take that Premier League title from them. Recent games for Liverpool, whilst not including a single league defeat, haven’t exactly shown the Reds at their Arne Slot best. But is that not just been Liverpool’s way for years when playing against supposedly easier foes? As Arne points out, unlike other European leagues, there’s quality all the way through the Premier League, but at times it does feel like that message hasn’t got through to the players, and, sometimes, the fans. By the time players have turned up and the crowd has turned it up the fight has already started and damage has been done. When it comes to the biggest games, there’s a version of LFC that is capable of beating anyone, anywhere. Here’s hoping it’s the one that turns up down the M62 this weekend. Those last two games include a win against Wolves, albeit with a slightly nervy ending, and a draw against fellow members of the Champions League top eight, Aston Villa. Jay and Jim discuss those games, and as a result the injury list that is just starting to grow. Despite Cody Gakpo missing through injury and Darwin Nunez just missing, there are still players to choose from up front, even without sticking Curtis Jones up there as an experiment. But it’s at the back where it feels like there may be worrying times ahead. So far so good in terms of how well the squad has coped with the never-ending list of back-to-back fixtures, but it’s hard not to think Liverpool have been tempting fate by keeping their hands in their pockets during the most recent transfer windows. And it’s not just in terms of having cover and competition for the positions where the Reds have some of the world’s best players. It’s about having options when up against different types of team. As for Darwin, is it time to accept he’s not going to become the player we thought he might, or is there still something there? And are we handling him right as a club? Now we know when the Champions League games will be played we have a clearer view of how the fixtures are going to pan out for the Reds from now into April, and none of it looks particularly easy - but nobody ever said it was easy to win cups. As always, that lot from across the park (soon to be that lot from the middle of nowhere down by the docks), provide us with plenty to chuckle about.

This week’s episode of Scouser Tommies sees Jim Boardman and Jay Reid discuss Liverpool’s derby ‘defeat’ at Goodison Park. Well, you’d think it was, given the celebrations afterwards. There’s also a brief mention of the FA Cup and a look ahead to games against West Midlands sides Wolves and Aston Villa. That game against the neighbours was the final derby at the Blue’s second home ground, before they move even further from Everton to their third home ground next season. It was always going to have some kind of controversy to it, and no doubt some refereeing involvement in those controversies. For decades now, not just the three since Everton last won any silverware, all we’ve heard from the blue quarter of the city is how it’s somehow our fault, with our Kopite behaviour and our own army of referees, that they’ve been as bad as they are. Evertonians have a talent for remembering 12th minute throw-ins, incorrectly awarded, that start a chain reaction that results in a Liverpool winner five minutes from the end. Even if they weren’t actually born when it allegedly happened. This time, however, it wasn’t Everton who were hard-done-to by a referee. They got a goal from a free kick that wasn’t a foul. They were beneficiaries of the first ‘next goal wins’ bit of timekeeping in a Premier League derby. They didn’t get their manager sent off for offering to shake hands with the referee. And many more. Not according to them, though, as Jay points out, recalling some conversations you’d call unbelievable if you’d never encountered a Blue before. They have their own logic, you see, with LFC in the centre of all the equations. How did the game compare to the same fixture last season? Both ended in disappointment, but were there still plusses to be had this time? Did the defeat against Plymouth have any bearing on things? Next up is the visit of Wolves, a chance to get back to how it was before these two trips to what some people might call smaller clubs, having their cup finals. Back at home, it’s an opportunity to make the most of that world renowned Anfield support, and hopefully only a couple of players unavailable. Liverpool are now seven points clear, despite the ‘loss’ during the week, but as Jim points out, it’s not won yet, there’s still a lot of work to do and the best way to do it is probably to stick to the age-old Reds adage of taking it one game at a time, Wolves first. Also this week, Jay and Jim talk about how different clubs welcome their players to the pitch, and the extremely different but equally embarrassing ways some of them do it. There’s also a couple of ideas on how maybe the Anfield atmosphere could be made even stronger, small tweaks that could make a huge difference. As always, despite the result, there’s always plenty to laugh about from across the park.

Jim Boardman and Jay Reid are back with another episode of Scouser Tommies, to discuss the latest goings-on with the Reds - from a Mersey perspective. This week’s show comes as Slot’s men book a place at Anfield South, and with the last Merseyside Derby at Woodison looming not too far in the distance. It’s not been all that long since the last episode but a lot has happened since then, including the securing of the top spot in the Champions League mega league phase and the cementing of a comfy six-point cushion at the top of the Premier League - with a game in hand. Most recent of all was the visit of Spurs, a goal up on aggregate, for the second leg of the League Cup semi-final. Jay and Jim discuss the demolition of a Spurs side that looked like it had accepted its fate before the game even kicked off. A certain old song got a few more airings from the Kop, ‘re-released’ quite recently, and maybe there’s some significance to that, it certainly feels that way. The only Tottenham player who looked up for it was the former Blue, Richarlison, who tried to give his all, because he’s Everton, isn’t he? As Jay and Jim discuss, there aren’t many ex-Blues who have taken the Everton imprint on board so strongly. Much was said about Spurs injuries but Liverpool didn’t use a single player brought to the club by Arne Slot. There is only a single player brought to the club by Arne, of course, and he was an unused sub this time. Even that must have wound Spurs up, as Jay points out in the show. Yet this is all part of Slot’s revolution, with the changes implemented by him and his team ensuring Liverpool’s injury record is noticeably improved compared to recent seasons. As discussed on the show, the way they play, train and prepare for games has been tweaked to get the best out of each player. By booking one trip to Anfield South - other people call it Wembley - Liverpool have handed Arne Slot a really early chance to pick up his first silverware for the Reds, although a certain side from the North East will be trying to make sure he doesn’t. Will Liverpool get a second trip to the capital for a cup final? It’s unlikely to be Slot’s strongest eleven that turns out against Plymouth, but so far he’s shown he’s not the type to throw a load of kids in at the deep end either. Then again, Liverpool are about to embark on a tough run of league games in a packed February, so maybe he’ll be more cautious this time. That tough run of games starts of course with a visit to the neighbours. It feels like a different proposition to what it would have been had the storm not caused the game to be called off last time. Back then it was Dyche, now Moyes is back - and they’re on a run of three wins in a row, at least in the league. Could it be the toughest game so far for the Reds this side of Christmas? There’s always something different about a derby, whatever is happening in the league to either side, but most Blues seem to be quietly lacking in any confidence about this one, at least when you chat to them on their own. With the hype we’ve heard from Blues we fully expected the Everton side to be filled with a raft of new signings now they’ve got new owners, but they only brought one loan signing in, so maybe they’re not as flush as they thought. Whatever happens, it’s going to be a reminder of many a game to remember, even if it’s not one itself.

Jim Boardman and Jay Reid are back with another episode of Scouser Tommies, and as always there is a lot to talk about, and plenty of tangents from it. Liverpool’s recent run of mixed results, including draws against the Mancs and Forest and a League Cup semi-final first leg loss to Spurs, could be seen as something of a blip, with the FA Cup win against Accrington the only victory so far of 2025. Then again, 2025 is only two weeks old, it just feels longer given how much football has already been crammed in. What’s behind this relative dip? Tough opponents, a potential lack of squad depth, players not performing consistently? Whatever it is, it could do with coming to an end, before the four point gap with a game in hand gets eaten away. As Jay points out, some parts of North London already think it has been. The year started with the dropped points at home to the Mancs, and Trent Alexander Arnold's struggles in that game saw him getting much more stick from matchgoing fans than he might be used to. Was it deserved? As Jim points out, the draw against Forest was maybe a decent point, as opposed to two dropped, because they aren’t flirting with the top of table by fluke, it’s earned. For Jay, that game brought home just how much the Reds could do with adding a couple of more physical and "street-smart" players to complement the current technically gifted group, players who can come in when up against certain types of opponent. Like those with players who are built like, well, have a listen… Groundhog Day is a couple of weeks away but still we wake up to rumours about those three players who are soon to be out of contract. The same rumours about the same three, over and over again. For Jay and Jim, it’s time to end the uncertainty and all the difficulties that brings. Also this week, the expected new kit deal with Adidas has now got to the leaked kit designs stage, including a green third kit which brings back memories both good and bad. There’s also a look ahead to the Reds’ next couple of games, namely a trip to Brenftord and the visit of Lille. A week wouldn’t go by on Merseyside though without some comedy from across the park. This time they proved they’re the kings of comedic timing, sacking one manager practically whilst the players were still tying their boots before kick-off, as part of their new found desire for stability. As if that wasn’t enough, they then bring back a man who had a double-barreled name last time he was there, known to many of their supporters as David Moyes-Out. Of course the appointment adds even more hype to the last-ever-Goodison-derby, which will now be under the floodlights having been postponed before Christmas. A strong performance will be needed from the Reds, as it will in the return, and if Slot’s men can do that it could be a chance to recreate at least one memorable Moyes derby moment from the past.

Jim Boardman and Jay Reid are back for the first Scouser Tommies of the New Year, as Liverpool get ready to face the old enemy from down the Lancs, Man United. Another year over, one that ended on a huge high for the Reds, two more victories over the Christmas period placing Arne’s men firmly at the top of the tree with a six point gap and a game in hand. A 3-1 win at home to Leicester despite the Boxing Day fog, then a 5-0 hammering of the Hammers, ensured the Reds saw 2024 out in style. As Jay points out, if that West Ham game had been a boxing match, the referee might have called time on it, or at least let the trainer know it was time to throw the towel in. A week before a similar performance against Spurs saw the Reds win handsomely with six goals, but still concede three, something the boss was far from happy with. As Jim mentions, there was very little evidence of the foot being taken off the gas and the sheet was kept clean. Next up though is one of those games that is massive regardless of what the league table says. The visit of the Mancs, not to be confused with their neighbours, a clash that conjures up so many memories of previous battles. This is a true North West derby, one of the first games fans of either side will look for when the fixtures come out. It’s fair to say neither set of fans expected the gulf to be this big when that calendar was first confirmed - league leaders Liverpool have more than double the points tally of United, who are in 14th place only five points above Everton, having played a game more than both Merseyside clubs. This fixture does not care about any of that though, and whilst Jay and Jim have different memories growing up of why these battles were so big, both know that nothing can be taken for granted. Victory for the Reds is not a done deal, there’s work to be done. The game is going ahead at a reasonable hour too, 4:30pm in the UK, under the floodlights, which should ensure the atmosphere is as it’s meant to be for such a huge tie. Maybe authorities in Merseyside are more confident of their abilities to handle an event like this than their counterparts in Manchester, who always seem to insist on breakfast football. As good as it is to watch the football right now as a Red, talking about it inevitably turns to the contract situation of three of the club’s biggest names and more deals yet to be done. Christmas Day didn’t bring us a photo of ‘three kings’ holding up new contracts in front of the tree. But January 1st didn’t turn out to be a day where hangovers were mixed with the headaches of announcements of which club away from Anfield the three would be playing for next season. Maybe that's still to come, and very few people really know what’s going on, but as Jay explains, the longer it drags on the more damaging the situation will become, regardless of the end result. Also this week, a brief look ahead to the League Cup semi first leg against Spurs, but it’s hard to think of that with such a big match on the horizon. With heavy snow forecast, let’s just hope the weather doesn’t steal it from us…

Join Jim Boardman and Jay Reid for a festive edition of Scouser Tommies as they look back at Liverpool's dominant 6-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, look ahead to the holiday fixtures and discuss the generous favours from the neighbours, what's in every Red's letter to Santa, and this year's Christmas No.1. (No, not the best-selling single of the week, the side that's still top of the table.) The win over Spurs was far more one-sided than the score line suggests, with a brace of braces - one each for Mo and Luis - and Mo also getting a brace of assists to compliment yet more broken records. With performances from front to back that really underlined LFC's title credentials, it was a momentous victory, but, in true Ronnie Moran style, Arne Slot has clearly made it a priority that all his players keep their feet firmly on the ground. As Jay points out, post-match interviews point to players having already been told in no uncertain terms that letting in three just will not do. Fans are able to lift their feet off the ground now and again though, and Jay and Jim are happy to do that after the manner of that win, certainly when focussing on LFC's dominance throughout the largest part of that game. Whilst the focus of the joy of the win is on the three Liverpool goal scorers, there was very little to fault with any of the players in Red, and Jay and Jim are quick to recognise the improvement from some who might not have had too much praise in recent weeks. Boxing Day wouldn't feel right without football and this time it's a home fixture for Liverpool, who play host to Leicester. Then it's a trip to the capital again to meet West Ham. Both games are ones that Slot's side will be expected to win, but nothing is ever a foregone conclusion in the Premier League. These are, as Jay and Jim discuss, the last two fixtures before Mo, Virgil and Trent are able to talk to other clubs about where they might be playing next season. Time really is running out to try and tie at least two of them to Liverpool, but given it takes less time to sign your name than it does to score a goal, all three could sign new deals on the pitch in front of a packed Anfield on the 26th. What a present that would be for Reds fans. Over to you LFC. Doing that would, of course, leave January free for sorting out new signings, because as Jim and Jay point out, this squad has been stretched to its limits already. It being the season of goodwill, it's been nice, if a little surprising, to see Everton happily doing Liverpool favours by taking points off both the club's most realistic title rivals, Arsenal and Chelsea. Jay and Jim aren't sure if the neighbours are too happy about it though: the conflict of knowing they've helped their most despised rivals at the same time as dragging themselves a little bit further away from the drop zone is more like torture. That said, the neighbours are on too much of a high to be worrying about the current state of the league table. No, they've got new owners, and all is rosy in the new Everton. The Grinch, in the form of Moshiri, didn't get to steal Christmas, instead they've got their saviours, the very people who will put them back where they believe they belong, which as far as they are concerned is anywhere as long as it's above Liverpool. Whatever you do, don't mention protests in Rome or even joke about feeder clubs. As for laughs, well that lot from across the park have competition. Two lots of it. From down the East Lancs. Plenty to discuss as always on Scouser Tommies. All the best.