DESPITE the big-money signing of Glen Johnson, and for all the speculation linking us with Villa, Silva, Ribery and the like, it’s just possible that the most significant signings for the long-term health of the club were made when Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby agreed new deals earlier this month.
Assuming that this move has not been made just to ensure a larger transfer fee when they follow many of their feted predecessors to the dark regions of the lower leagues, this demonstration of confidence in these local products of the Academy system will gladden the heart of many a Kopite and hopefully inspire others in our junior sides to knuckle down and prove they have the talent and the cojones to play for Liverpool in earnest.
Many of us were disappointed not to see Spearing on the bench for more than one Premier League game last season, never mind the odd appearance or two.
The reception he got when coming on as substitute against Real Madrid at Anfield was truly amazing; I can’t remember such a reception for a previously unheralded player in all my time as a Red.
The fact that this seemed to inspire rather than faze him must surely have been noted by Rafa and co. and it’s to be hoped that he gets more opportunities to shine this season, particularly as Alonso seems increasingly likely to assume the role of bag-carrier for Ronaldo and Kaka.
Darby has had a somewhat lower profile than Spearing, though at least he sneaked in a couple of substitute appearances in cup competitions last year.
He’s captained both the youth side and the reserves, and has regularly picked up man-of-the-match awards at all levels.
Whatever your views on the arrival of Johnson, his presence and that of Darby should enable Rafa to cash in on Arbeloa and raise funds for other parts of the team.
No doubt both players will get a chance to impress in the pre-season friendlies, but they’re at a stage now when they need to start tasting first-team football in matches that count – and I don’t mean loaned out to Blackpool or Barnsley for ‘experience’ – too often a euphemism for ‘try before you buy’.
