Jason McAteer has announced his retirement from professional football – BBC article.

So to celebrate, here are some great Jason McAteer stories:

Jason McAteer’s nickname before he went to Liverpool football club was ‘Trigger’ – after the Only Fools And Horses character because Jason isn’t very bright. However at Liverpool they give the least bright person in the team the nickname ‘Trigger’ and the person who had that name when McAteer arrived was Rob Jones. So after a short while at Anfield the players found out what Jason was like and decided to give him the nickname of ‘Double Trigger’

There are a couple of stories about Jason McAteer’s exploits. Apparently Jason was in a Dublin nightclub and saw Jimmy White and decided to say hello by yelling a catchphrase that Jimmy would instantly recognize and so Jason yelled out the cry of – ‘One hundred and eighty’

Another rumour is that Jason was filling out a credit card application and is confused as to what to put in the space marked ‘Position In Company’ his source of confusion is revealed when he says to a Liverpool team mate – ‘I’m a central midfielder but the boss is playing me at right wing back’

Another story has Alan Thompson an ex-Bolton team mate of Jason asking Jason to – ‘pass the tomato ketchup’ and the answer Alan gets back from Jason is – ‘Red or brown’

And finally, a quote from the man himself:

“From now on, I want to be known as Captain Sensible. I’m known for being a fool and they called me Trigger. I once bought a pizza and was asked if I wanted it sliced into four or eight. I said just four because I couldn’t manage eight slices!”

Jason McAteer retiring, jasus, now I feel old!

Jason McAteer @ Wikipedia: HERE

Champions League final
Date: Wednesday, 23 May
Kick-off: 1945 BST
Venue: Olympic Stadium, Athens

Liverpool departed from John Lennon airport this morning heading for Athens, Greece ready for the Champions League Final on Wednesday.

Manager Rafa Benitez has a virtually fully fit squad to choose from ahead of the game, but as usual he will play his cards close to his chest. So, now I will put the mockers on it and give you my predictions. At least it is date stamped and you can all point and larf “ahahahaha” if I get it all wrongety wrong.

I go with a 4 4 1 1 formation

GK: Reina
LB: Finnan
CB: Carra
CB: Agger
RB: Riise
RM: Pennant
CM: Mascherano
CM: Alonso
LM: Kewell (Yes – from the start)
CF: Peter Crouch

With the main man, Steven Gerrard floating in the space between MF and forward, able to revert to a five man midfield when necc, but also free to attack and maraud at will.

I say, AC Milan 0-2 Liverpool at half time after Liverpool fly out the blocks and get an early goal in the first 10 minutes, putting AC Milan on the back foot from the start. I’d then revert to a 10 man defence in the second half with a large corrugated barrier in front to hold back Kaka and Gattuso.

Sorted – see if I’m not right, disagree I dare ya.

Your thoughts welcome as always, doesn’t mean I will display then though if I don’t agree

More sensible opinion and knowledgeable opinion is available at the Liverpool Echo site Athens special.

Liverpool win the FA Youth Cup tonight beating Manchester United 4-3 in a penalty shoot-out at the end of the second leg at Old Trafford.

Sam Hewson blasted United’s fifth penalty over the bar to ensure holders Liverpool retained their trophy.

Each of Liverpool’s penalty takers were successful in their attempts.

Robbie Threlfall had scored the only goal of the game in the 56th minute, volleying in from just inside the box to make the aggregate score 2-2.

The shape of things to come, fantastic result for Steve Highways lads who have been together since the age of 10 at the academy.

Lets see the senior team take a spur from this to ensure they arrive in Athens in May to beat Man Utd again in the 2007 Champions League final. Only a 0 -1 deficit to make up against Chelski @ Anfield next Tuesday.

YNWA