AS the festive season nears its end, and we warm our hands by the glow of the league table and savour the snug liqueur of two superb performances in three days, it’ll soon be back to business for most of us and, for many, the annual stock take will be high on the agenda.

As we’re always bring told, footie is big business now, so let’s stroll down to Anfield and see what we’ve got on the shelves.

Fast-moving goods: Robbie Keane and Albert Riera were brought into stock halfway through the year, with the former’s valuation considered a little high and significant depreciation therefore expected in the first few months.

The fall-off in value proved to be significantly greater however, and only now is the position stabilising following two sharp bursts of form.

Watch this item, but keep in stock for now.

As for Riera, he may well turn out to be a significant investment once he realises that shooting at goal is not an optional extra, but needs to be included with the basic product.

A difficult decision may lie ahead over another item in this category, the Babel; problems with reliability have led to several recalls to the shelves, but he could still become a leading line. Hold for now.

Slow-moving goods: Some good-value items here. Sami Hyypia is a customers’ favourite, despite his age.

May need to be written-off soon but a classic of his type. Dirk Kuyt, previously under-valued but showing his true worth in the last 12 months making a mockery of those who said he should be disposed of at the end of 2007.