POSITIV Team Complete Skateboards

POSITIV Team Complete Skateboards

Product Description

Ride the rails and air out like the guys in the POSITIV skateboard team--Rodney Jones, Andy Macdonald, and Carlos De Andrade--with these complete boards. Every POSITIV deck is manufactured to the demanding specifications of Skate One using its proprietary AirLam skateboard presses and birch veneer source. The AirLam process fuses multiple plys of wood together using waterproof glue, sealed against other moisture, and the bottom is coated with an SST slide treatment to improve the length of your slides. Other features include super high-rebound 54mm/99a polyurethane wheels, trucks with high-rebound polyurethane cushions for easy turning, precision double-rubber shielded chromium steel bearings

Andy Macdonald

Rodney Jones

Carlos De Andrade

Sandro Dias

Team

lubricated with Bones Speed Cream, and super sticky grips with a die-cut POSITIV logo. Andy Macdonald

• Deck Shape: 112
• Concave: K12
• Deck Dimensions: 31.75 x 7.75 inches
• Wheelbase: 14 inches
• Nose: 6.875 inches
• Tail: 6.625 inches
• Bottom: Screened
• Wheel Diameter: 54mm
• Hardness: 99a
• Formula: Positiv Super High Rebound
• Core: No
• Surface: Smooth
• Truck Width: 7.63 inches

Rodney Jones:

• Deck Shape: 126
• Concave: K12
• Deck Dimensions: 31.625 x 7.625 inches
• Wheelbase: 13.75 inches
• Nose: 7 inches
• Tail: 6.625 inches
• Bottom: Screened
• Wheel Diameter: 54mm
• Hardness: 99a
• Formula: Positiv Super High Rebound
• Core: No
• Surface: Smooth
• Truck Width: 7.63 inches

Carlos De Andrade:

• Deck Shape: 124
• Concave: K12
• Deck Dimensions: 31.375 x 7.5 inches
• Wheelbase: 13.875 inches
• Nose: 6.75 inches
• Tail: 6.5 inches
• Wheel Diameter: 54mm
• Hardness: 99a
• Formula: Positiv Super High Rebound
• Core: No
• Surface: Smooth
• Truck Width: 7.5 inches

Sandro Dias:

• Deck Shape: 126
• Concave: K12
• Deck Dimensions: 31.625 x 7.625 inches
• Wheelbase: 13.75 inches
• Nose: 7 inches
• Tail: 6.625 inches
• Wheel Diameter: 54mm
• Hardness: 99a
• Formula: Positiv Super High Rebound
• Core: No
• Surface: Smooth
• Truck Width: 7.63 inches

Team:

• Deck Shape: 124
• Concave: K12
• Deck Dimensions: 31.375 x 7.5 inches
• Wheelbase: 13.875 inches
• Nose: 6.75 inches
• Tail: 6.5 inches
• Wheel Diameter: 54mm
• Hardness: 99a
• Formula: Positiv Super High Rebound
• Core: No
• Surface: Smooth
• Truck Width: 7.5 inches

Manufacturer's Warranty
All Skate One manufactured products are warranted against delamination and/or manufacturing defects for the useful life of the skateboard.

Customer Reviews

Well-made and light enough, April 10, 2009

I bought this for my son's 8th birthday. Having been a skater in a previous life, I knew a bit about what I was looking for. It needed to be light enough for his size, have a decent concave, and the bearings needed to be smooth. I was confident about all but the last of these before ordering since I went to the all the all-in-one manufacturers' sites to compare stats. The bearings are fine, thankfully. So far, my son has been happy with the board. It is probably a little heavy for him yet, but he's not far off. Anyway, he's got a few more lessons in balance to learn before he starts doing any tricks. Overall, it's a good skateboard. These all-in-one decks are nothing like the pieces of junk they sold as all-in-one when I was a kid. I do wish they came with rails, but the object of the game is to have the most beaten up looking board, I guess!

I wouldn't recommend this for kids under 8. It is probably a little big. Of course, that would depend on how dexterous your kid is too. For the average kid, 8~9 +, I'd say.

Steaua: Every angle covered Latest News

Steaua: Every angle covered

A much changed Liverpool line-up got their Europa League group stage off to a flying start after a 4-1 win over Steaua Bucharest, and we have nine videos for your entertainment online now.

Steaua under the spotlight

Liverpool get their Europa League group-stage challenge up and running with an Anfield clash against Steaua Bucharest tonight.
It's only the second time the two teams have met in a European tie, with the previous encounter coming in the UEFA Cup during the 2003-04 campaign.

After a 1-1 first-leg draw in Romania, in which Djimi Traore struck his first and only Reds goal, Harry
Kewell settled the tie with the winner in the return leg at Anfield - a game from which Steven Gerrard is the only player who remains at either club that played in that meeting in front of the Kop.

Liverpool did cross swords with Romanian opposition in last season's Europa League competition in the form of Unirea Urziceni, with the Reds progressing 4-1 on aggregate.

Steaua come into the fixture on the back of a 1-0 defeat at Unirea on Saturday, though they are level on points at the top of the Romanian league with two other Bucharest-based clubs - Rapid and Dinamo - on 14 points.

They qualified for the group stage of the competition after seeing off Swiss side Grasshoppers in the play-off round.

After claiming a 1-0 first-leg victory at the Steaua Stadium thanks to Bogdan Stancu's late strike, Steaua lost the return meeting by the same scoreline in Switzerland meaning they required a dramatic 4-3 penalty shoot-out triumph in order to secure their progression.

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson confirmed on Wednesday he would shuffle his pack for the encounter with the Romanian outfit ahead of the weekend trip to Manchester United.

The Reds are able to select Joe Cole for the contest with the playmaker available again following his domestic suspension.

However, Dirk Kuyt remains sidelined with a shoulder injury while Fabio Aurelio will also again be absent due to injury.

The Militarii are coached by former Tottenham Hotspur striker Ilie Dumitrescu, who spent the 1994-95 season at White Hart Lane after impressing for Romania at the World Cup finals in the USA.

The 41-year-old, who also had a spell at West Ham United, took up the reins last month and believes his side are in for a tough test whoever Hodgson decides to call upon this evening.

He said: "Even if Stevie Gerrard and Torres do not play the other players are important - Joe Cole, David Ngog, Milan Jovanovic all played against Arsenal (on the opening day of the season).

"We are not underestimated, Liverpool have a very important game against Manchester United.

"It will be an important game and we are going to meet a very strong team."

He added: "The best part of my career was here in the Premier League. I know the British mentality and I know Liverpool is a club of tradition.

"We are looking forward to the game. We will try our best but I didn't come here to defend.

"I've come here with a team of young players but I trust in their capacity.

"In my opinion we have a very strong group, a group which could easily be in the Champions League.
Liverpool are favourites in this group, by far."

Steaua are without four players this evening - defenders George Galamaz and Pablo Brandan and strikers Marius Onofras and Marius Bilasco are all ineligible after figuring for Unirea in the Champions League qualifiers.

Roy: Torres has focus (News Update)

Roy Hodgson is confident Fernando Torres will shrug off recent criticism and believes the striker is 100 per cent focused on enjoying a successful season with Liverpool.

The Spain star came under media scrutiny following a low key display in Sunday's goalless draw with Birmingham City but the boss feels the No.9 is ready to bounce back.

"I'm afraid criticism is something he will have to learn to live with," Hodgson told his pre-match press conference.

"We bear strong expectations at this club and everyone is interested in us. We fill newspapers and fill air time. Everything that happens at the club is put under a microscope and that includes player performances.

"Fernando Torres has no problems with that. He's an excellent player and is very much committed and focused on this season. It's very wrong for people to read into his state of mind from watching 90 minutes of football.

"I think you'd have to be some wonder psychologist to do that.

"I can't watch a player and tell you what state of mind he is in."

# Liverpool FC news I Jovanovic's Reds vow

Milan Jovanovic believes Liverpool fans are yet to see the best of him - but the Serbia forward has vowed to do all he can to hit top form.

The 29-year-old produced perhaps his best performance in a Red jersey during Sunday's goalless draw at Birmingham City with an enterprising left-wing display.

Jovanovic feels he is making steady progress as he continues to find his feet in the Barclays Premier League following his arrival from Standard Liege in the summer, though he is adamant he still has much more to offer Roy Hodgson's contingent.

"I am much more positive," he said. "I am always honest. If I am bad, I will admit it and I will not be happy but I am at Liverpool and that means I will always, always give my best for this team.

"I was happy with how I played against Birmingham but I know I can do better. I haven't made an assist or scored a goal but I am trying to turn it around.

"I am disciplined and trying to build an understanding with the other players. I am not in the best form but I feel I am getting better and this is very important.

"I can play better than I have shown so far. I know I can score goals and make assists for this team. I'm sure I can. When it does, I will be the happiest, luckiest man in the world."

Sunday's stalemate in the Midlands left Liverpool in 13th position after collecting five points from their opening four league matches in 2010-11.

However, Jovanovic believes there were positives to be taken from the Birmingham draw and he is convinced he has seen enough to suggest the Reds will soon start to ascend the table.

"It was a difficult game but I think we did well," he reflected. "We controlled things well in some parts but need to improve in other areas. But we need to play with this kind of intensity.

"If we keep the ball and control the match, it will be much easier for us to make chances and we will become more dangerous in attack. Even still, I think it was better than the last two games.

"We played hard, we had discipline and we really tried to be dangerous in attack. It is going to take time because there are a lot of new players.

"But if we can keep getting the ball to Stevie, Liverpool will be much better. I have no doubts that we will climb the table. The Premier League is tough but we are Liverpool. That is what matters.

"We have got to try and win every game and hopefully we can start on Thursday night. It will be difficult but we will be doing our best as always."

Why Raul will be Kop star

New signing Raul Meireles is in contention to make his Liverpool debut at Birmingham City today - but what can we expect from Portugal's World Cup star?
We enlisted the expert view of journalist Luis Pedro Ferreira, a reporter for popular Portugese football website Maisfutebol.pt, to find out more about our new No.4.

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Meireles. Mr Raul Meireles. He was a masseur at Boavista, a well-known club from Oporto.

Those 'weird shirts' - as they were once described - created an impression on Europe during the 90s. The club was finally crowned Portuguese champions in 2001 but then started to fall.

However, as Boavista receded down the tiers, the stock of Mr Meireles's son was rising and rising.

First he conquered the Portuguese league and now he'll try to win over Anfield. Can he do it? I'm confident he will, unless he returns to his former career as an electrician...

Raul Meireles is a product of Boavista's youth system. His father accompanied his career in the early stages, though he never dreamt his son would forge such a successful career in professional football.

While at Boavista's academy, Raul studied and worked as a car electrician. But then he became an U16 European champion with Portugal and with it a career in football opened up ahead of him.

Cars and electricity would have to wait.

First, he was loaned to Desportivo das Aves, where he was known as the star of the team.

His Aves spell in the Portuguese second division lasted two seasons before he rejoined Boavista in 2003-04.

20-plus games later he was transferred to FC Porto. In 2004-05, he was used mainly as a substitute as the Dragons endured one of their worst seasons of the last decade.

But when Dutch coach Co Adriaanse took charge of the team at the end of that season, the former Ajax manager gambled on Meireles. And won.

Adriaanse played with a 3-4-3 system, which is unusual in Portuguese football. Meireles coped with the change in tactical setup even if he was, and perhaps still is, used to playing in a 4-3-3 - the system he has operated in (almost) all his life.

So, is Meireles a defensive or an offensive midfielder? Neither. And both.

Roy Hodgson said earlier this week Raul was an all-round midfield player. He was spot on.

Last season, Liverpool often played with Lucas Leiva and Javier Mascherano as holding central midfielders - but Meireles is different from the pair as he tends to attack a lot more, but is always aware of his defensive duties.

If you were to ask me, I believe he should be deployed a bit further forward in the space between Lucas or Christian Poulsen and Steven Gerrard, allowing him to help the Brazilian defensively while assisting the captain in building up attacks.

Raul is what we call in Portugal a 'transition player'. He is very strong when he gets the ball from the opposition and launches attacks. With one pass, he can get the ball quickly upfront and provide good service for the strikers.

Meireles is a simple footballer, he plays simple. He is not a player with lots of skills or tricks.

He has a good shot from range and covers a lot of grass - one of the reasons he so often appears in the penalty box to score.

Meireles also has a strong mentality and never hides. He played for FC Porto, and mental toughness is a club trademark.

Off the field, Meireles is renowned for being quite a character - with a fondness for tattoos. A warm and friendly guy away from the pitch, but the hardest of workers on it.

Naturally, of course, he will need time to adapt to the Premier League pace. Once he does that, you will find out that he knows all about being in the right place at the right time.

Roy : Why Babel didn't leave LFC

Roy Hodgson admits Liverpool had more than one offer for Ryan Babel in the transfer window.

The Dutchman was even allowed to speak to other clubs - but only on the understanding that a deal was dependent on Liverpool signing another striker.


Hodgson explained: "When there were offers for him we were prepared for him to go down and speak to those clubs, but we made it perfectly clear that other things would have to slot into place for us to be able to allow him to go.

"Those things did not slot into place.

"You've got to remember that for two years here he hasn't had much of a look-in.

"He was brought into the club with a lot of pomp and ceremony after winning the European U21 Championships and was being chased by clubs all over Europe at the time.

"Unfortunately he hasn't fulfilled that potential or had chance to."

Hodgson has been delighted with Babel's application in training over the last few weeks - and has challenged the 23-year-old to now make a go of things in L4.

He said: "I've got to say that I'm more than happy to work with Ryan Babel and it's up to him to convince me. No doubt if he hasn't done that by January he'll have to accept that maybe we'll be in that transfer market for a centre-forward once again, but at least he's got this period of time.

"He's working very hard and is very determined to take this chance he's got."

Roy rejects England job talk

Roy Hodgson today insisted he has no desire to take over the England job once Fabio Capello steps down in 2012.

The Italian's announcement earlier this week that he will leave the FA after the next European Championships has prompted speculation over who will be his successor.


Hodgson's name has been mentioned in some sections of the media - but the man himself has no desire to be considered.

He told reporters: "My job is at Liverpool Football Club and I'm very happy with my job.

"I would like to make it very clear that I intend to make no comments whatsoever on the England national team other than to congratulate them on their last two matches.

"I'm really looking forward to my job here, so I don't understand the questions and have no comment to make."

Roy reflects on summer deals

Roy Hodgson today declared himself satisfied with Liverpool's summer transfer dealings - and insisted new boys Raul Meireles and Paul Konchesky will prove to be quality additions to his squad.

With the transfer window now closed until January and Liverpool having submitted their Barclays Premier League squad, Hodgson insists he is happy with the players at his disposal and is pleased the Reds were able to act quickly to fill the midfield gap left by Javier Mascherano.


"It was important to sign a quality midfielder when we lost Javier," said Hodgson. "We had half prepared for his departure by jumping in to sign Christian Poulsen when he became available, but it was important for us to keep strong in that area.

"We loaned out Alberto Aquilani and so we are pleased to have been able to bring in Meireles. He is experienced in the Champions League, in international football and has had proven success at Porto. He is an all-round midfielder who is capable of playing in all three of the central midfield positions.

He has a pedigree which we researched, followed and studied. I followed him at my previous club so it was good when I heard he could be available and that we could do the business quickly.

"He has played a lot of international football so settling into the English game won't be a major problem. Our public are sensible people and they realise that having played all of his career in Portugal, it may take a bit of time. We have that time. He will adjust, but whether it's from the first moment we'll have to wait and see."

One player who won't need time to adjust to life in the Barclays Premier League is fellow new boy Paul Konchesky, who arrived from Fulham on transfer deadline day.

Despite speculation for many weeks that the England defender would be Anfield bound, Hodgson admits he was delighted to finally welcome his former player to the club.

Babel: How I'll repay Roy

Ryan Babel today revealed how Roy Hodgson has assured him he will get more playing time in his favoured striking position - and the Dutchman is determined to repay the boss by realising his full potential.

The 23-year-old believes the arrival of the new manager has presented him with a fresh opportunity to showcase his talents at Anfield.


It is a chance he is eager to grasp with both hands, though he is well aware training hard at Melwood is the first step on the road towards a regular first-team berth.

"It's clear when a new manager comes in, everyone's chances are equal again with others," Babel told Liverpoolfc.tv. "It is positive for me and maybe everybody who was in a difficult situation.

"I hope this is a chance for me to establish myself, but the first test for me is to work hard in every training session and try to show what I can do. In the end, it is the manager's decision if he uses me or not.

"I am very confident and positive - I feel well and have been training well. Hopefully it is just a matter of time before I can get some confidence back to finally show everybody what I can do."

Babel was deployed in his preferred position of striker by Hodgson in the first leg of last month's Europa League qualifier against Trabzonspor at Anfield - and he claimed the only goal of the game with a clinically-taken effort on the stroke of half-time.

Ngog, Kuyt and Aurelio News Update

Roy Hodgson is hopeful David Ngog will shake off a hamstring injury in time to be available for selection against Birmingham on SunDay.

The French striker was withdrawn from his country's U21 squad after picking up the minor knock, but Hodgson today reported his in-form striker is winning his race to be fit for the clash at St Andrews.

"He has been nursing a problem but is much better now," said the Liverpool boss. "We were obliged to withdraw him from the French U21 squad because when they got together 10 days ago he wasn't fit.

"The French people were very good about that and realised there was a problem. I am hoping that he will recover in time for this weekend. We have nursed him through and hopefully he will train either today or Friday."

While Ngog could be available for Sunday's game, one player who will definitely miss out is Dirk Kuyt after the Dutch striker sustained a shoulder injury while training with his national team.

Initial reports are that Kuyt faces four weeks on the sidelines, but Hodgson fears his absence could stretch to even longer.

"It could be more than four weeks," he said. "It's one of those injuries where it's very difficult for the doctor to say and I think four weeks is a very conservative estimate. If we're lucky it could be earlier, but it could be longer. We have to be very careful because it's the type of injury that has to be treated with a lot of respect.

"It's a great blow for us because Dirk is an important member of our first team. He does a job which is not easy to replace because he has all the qualities required for that role on the field. I was very sad to see such a thing happen, especially in a training session. It would have been bad enough to happen playing for the national team in a competitive match, but for it to happen in training was even more of a blow.

"He's a quick mender and he has a great mentality and attitude towards recovery, so he will be back as quick as is humanly possible. But we're looking at at least a month and possibly longer."

Apart from Kuyt, the only other player definitely out of this weekend's game is Fabio Aurelio as the Brazilian contnues to nurse an achilles problem.
"Fabio is making very good progress and is definitely moving in the right direction," said Hodgson. "It was a relatively minor problem but one we had to nip in the bud because achilles injuries can be very problematic."

Roy's Pacheco challenge

Roy Hodgson has challenged Daniel Pacheco to fight for a place in his first team.


With Dirk Kuyt ruled out of action for four weeks with a shoulder injury and David Ngog a doubt for Sunday's trip to Birmingham City with a hamstring problem, the Spanish starlet could get an opportunity.

Liverpool's No.12 is highly rated by Hodgson and he is hoping the former Barcelona youngster will take his chance.

"I thought Dani did very well when he came on against Manchester City in the five or six minutes he played," said Hodgson.

"I also thought he did very well when he came on against Trabzonspor and he made a difference. He is a player that we really believe in.

"He is young but it is great that can keep giving him these opportunities and moments on the field and I think these moments will get even longer as the season progresses.

"Now we are in the Europa League, it is good for me too that I will be able to give chances to the likes of him, (Jay) Spearing and (Jonjo) Shelvey.

"They need games and we will have plenty of opportunities in the coming months."

Pacheco also has a burning desire to repay his manager's faith and added: "I hope I will play a big part.

"I know that I have to keep working very hard in training and I will have to take the chances that the manager will give to me."

Kuyt injury news from Melwood

Dirk Kuyt will be out of action for four weeks with a shoulder injury, Liverpool Football Club can confirm.


The club's medical team examined the Dutchman following his early return from international duty yesterday.

Dr Peter Brukner said: "Dirk has damaged his shoulder at the A-C joint, which is between the collar bone and the shoulder. He is likely to be out for four weeks."

The Dutch media have reported that the injury was sustained after Kuyt fell awkwardly in training.

The 30-year-old now appears likely to miss games against Birmingham, Steaua Bucharest, Manchester United, Northampton, Sunderland and an emotional return to former club Utrecht

'Kuyt out for several weeks'

Dirk Kuyt will be out for several weeks with a shoulder injury, according to reports in the Dutch media.


De Telegraaf has reported that the 30-year-old was sent to hospital for scans after he sprained a joint landing awkwardly stretching to reach a cross.

Kuyt started Friday's 5-0 Euro 2012 qualifying thumping of San Marino but has been ruled out of Tuesday's clash against Finland.

Manager Bert Van Marwijk is quoted as saying: "He will probably have a few weeks off and at 4pm today he will step on to the plane to Liverpool."

Torres makes fitness pledge

Fernando Torres today assured Liverpool fans that he is ready to return to top form as he nears 100 per cent fitness.


The 26-year-old followed his goal against West Brom last weekend with a double for Spain in their 4-0 thrashing of Liechtenstein on Friday night.

All this after a deliberately drawn-out recuperation following the injuries which marred last season and his World Cup.

Torres said: "The recuperation is perfect and we have waited our time.

"I am still not 100 per cent, but the people will soon see the best Torres.

"Each time I am recuperating sensations and I hope to obtain success with Liverpool this season."

'Time to promote Steven Gerrard

Danny Murphy has called on Fabio Capello to make Steven Gerrard the permanent captain of England.


The Liverpool skipper is temporarily wearing the armband in place of the injured Rio Ferdinand.

But after a series of stand-out performances from our No.8, former teammate Murphy thinks it's time to make the change permanent.


"I believe there is the strongest possible case for Steven carrying on, regardless of Rio's fitness," said the Fulham man.


"He leads by example, as he has shown in the last two games, and is the best player in the England team.


"He is emerging as our real leader. He carried the armband through the World Cup and has been a real inspiration in the two opening games.


"There is no one better for the job. This is not me having a pop at Rio in any way. He has done absolutely nothing wrong but, given his unfortunate injury record, he will be grateful to be back in the squad.


"Just being named in an England party again will be plenty for him to be going on with."

Konchesky ready for Reds challenge

Paul Konchesky reflected on his first appearance in a Liverpool shirt and insisted: "I can't wait for the real action to begin."


The Liverpool defender, who completed his transfer from Fulham to Anfield on deadline day last week, enjoyed a second half run-out for the Reds in Jamie Carragher's testimonial on Saturday afternoon as Roy Hodgson's men cruised to a 4-1 victory.


But now he's focusing on the real action which lies ahead - starting next weekend when he could be in line for his full debut at Birmingham.

"I'm 29 and this is my last chance to play at the highest level," said the 29-year-old. "That is what Liverpool are and I am really looking forward to it.

"I'm looking forward to getting a new lease of life and playing at a very high standard.

"I can't wait to pull on a Liverpool shirt in the Premier League, it is a massive club and it is a big step for me. I just want to give it my all and go from there.

"I've had three or four days' training and although there have not been a lot of players there it has been a good week and I am hopefully going to enjoy it soon.

"It was good to be involved in Jamie's testimonial and put a Liverpool shirt on."

He added: "You look at the history they have got behind them it is unbelievable and there are some great players here," he added.

"If we can bring that back to the side this year in something like the Europa League then this team can go a long way.

"The testimonial was a bit slower than the Premier League but it was good for Jamie.

"I'm glad all the players came back for him; they obviously respect him a lot and he is well respected within the team. He looks fit and I think he has a few more years left in him - and hopefully it will be at Liverpool."

Update Photo special: Stars back for JC

Liverpool stars past and present turned out to honour Jamie Carragher at his testimonial on Saturday. Here are the best of our pictures.during and after match

Fixture changes for Reds

Liverpool have confirmed the following Barclays Premier League fixture changes due to their participation in the Europa League.


Our Anfield meeting with Blackpool, originally scheduled for Saturday, October 2, will now be played on Sunday, October 3 at 3pm.

The home game against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, October 23 has been changed to Sunday, October 24 at 3pm.
Supporters should also note our Anfield clash with Aston Villa, scheduled for Saturday, December 4 will also be moved.
The new date, which could be Sunday, December 5, will only be confirmed when the TV companies select their next round of matches for Barclays Premier League coverage at the end of September/early October.
To avoid causing any invonvenience or confusion supporters are advised not to make plans until this game is confirmed

Photo special: Stars back for JC

Liverpool stars past and present turned out to honour Jamie Carragher at his testimonial on Saturday. Here are the best of our pictures.
We'll be uploading pictures throughout the match so keep refreshing this story

Gerrard: Why I owe Carra

Steven Gerrard today said it has a huge debt of football with Jamie Carragher.


On the eve of 32 years, testifies on Saturday, the captain admits to not having nearly as many medals in his personal collection, were it not for the number 23 in Liverpool.

And in this frank and revealing interview on his close friend, Gerrard is reflected in their early life together, and the contribution of Carragher in Istanbul and what the future may hold for the Bootle-born defender.

Do you remember the first time I met Jamie?

Yes, I was a boy, and Jamie was doing his apprenticeship. I do work experience for a couple of weeks and my job was to put his game out and mopping the floors. Obviously I, but the training has to get used to They Were other jobs because the jobs that would be doing when I left school.

How did you do then?

He was a boy down to earth. Obviously, he knew that I was a local boy, so, David Thompson, Jamie Cassidy and the rest of the guys took me under his wing and showed me some jokes. He looked after me.

There are a couple of years with you - saw a lot of them these days?
Not in the early years, no. My companions at that stage were Michael Owen and Stephen Wright - were my age group. Jamie had his friends in their own living, but we met a couple of times. I also went to see a little 'for the reserves and youth teams. I was very aware of who he was and knew it was a good player early.

When she saw him at that moment she felt as if someone were to have a career at Anfield?
Yes, but the first time I looked, there were only 16 or 17 years. Even at this age is difficult to know if someone is going to go through. But of course, made sense in your game. He felt at once that he was a leader and a good organizer. Technically it was good too, but I would be lying if I said that I immediately knew it was going all the way to the top.
Remember his debut in 1997 against Aston Villa - and what did you think when he scored?

Yes, I was at the game because Steve Heighway had given me tickets. Robbie Fowler has been a great hero of mine at the time and I was anxious to see him play. It was not until I got to play I heard another local boy is making his debut. I knew it was Carragher, and from that moment he had spoken with him about Melwood. Seeing his chance was fantastic, not only for himself but for myself, because it showed that the club was giving local kids a chance. When I saw the goal and then his reaction, I just wanted to follow the example and do the same.
And in the years ahead, you agree that perhaps did not get the recognition he deserved?

Yes, certainly. For too long the first time, broke into the team that was underrated. People really do not appreciate the work he was doing. Maybe it was because he was transferred from one hand position-wise. But since its debut until now, no one can criticize the attitude of Carra, effort and commitment to this football club.

What was the turning point in your opinion? Why suddenly become a Kop hero?
The Liverpool fans, the first thing they want is if someone is giving 100 percent and the shirt with pride. Over time, Jamie has done this and proved as a legend in the club. But for me, I trained with him every day. I have seen first hand and perhaps enjoy a bit 'faster.

Liverpool have won many titles in the last 10 years or so - Jamie How was crucial in all this?
Without going into the top, certainly would not have the collection of medals that I have not played the role of Jamie. The trophies we have won together was the first triple in 2001. He played a huge role in that, because the team was based on a strong defense under Gerard Houllier. Obviously, then played a huge role in the Champions League final and certainly would not win the trophy without him. Together we helped each other a lot and played an important role in the trophies that we have collected so much

Raul will be a revelation

Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz is tipping Raul Meireles to be a revelation at Anfield.

The former Porto midfielder was unveiled as a Liverpool player ahead of the 1-0 win over West Brom and Queiroz feels he has all the attributes to be a success in L4.
"I think Raul Meireles is a fantastic player in the national team," said Queiroz.

"He's one of the pillars of the Portugal team. He's a great player and an excellent professional. He has all the conditions to be a success in English football at Liverpool.

"They have just signed the services of a player who stands out for his application, his professional dedication, his technical and footballing quality, and will be very successful for the Liverpool team.

"He's a box-to-box midfielder, he's hard-working, creative, is a good finisher, he's consistent, very solid, a great team player. He's a great person who is serious, he's a player who has a lot of capacity to communicate. He'll be a great reinforcement for the Liverpool team."

First words with our new boys

It's been a busy summer of transfer activity for Liverpool Football Club with 11 new arrivals sweeping through the Melwood entrance.
For many, the chance to wear a liverbird upon their chest is quite literally a dream come true and an opportunity to make a name for themselves with one of the biggest clubs in world football.
Here we look at some of our new recruits and recall what they said in their first interview with the club's official website.

Jonjo Shelvey - arrived from Charlton in May, 2010
"Being at Liverpool is what every kid dreams of. When I was in school and in the playground I used to pretend to be players like Steven Gerrard, so it's unreal to think I'll be training with these players day in and day out."
Milan Jovanovic - arrived from Standard Liege in July, 2010

"Liverpool was always my biggest wish and to be here is a great day in my career and in my life. I knew they were following my games for Standard Liege and also the Serbian national side and when they first made contact with me I was very happy. Liverpool was my only choice and I'm pleased the negotiations were successful."

Joe Cole - arrived from Chelsea in July, 2010

"This is a massive club. I tried to take everything out of the equation, take the financial and location side out and just thought in football terms. I thought about the semi-final of the Champions League in 2005 when I ran onto the field and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I was thinking about playing in that atmosphere every week and that swung it for me."

Danny Wilson - arrived from Rangers in July, 2010

"This is a massive challenge for me. This is one of the best leagues in the world and I will be playing for one of the biggest teams in the world. Coming here from Scotland, people may say I might not be ready for this, but that is a challenge I want to put on myself and that's the reason I came here.

Fabio Aurelio - Re-signed in July, 2010

"It was a strange situation. I didn't really want to leave but it just happened that my contract finished and that was it. So when the opportunity came around to sign again, I was absolutely delighted.


Christian Poulsen - arrived from Juventus in August, 2010
"Roy (Hodgson) didn't have to say that much because Liverpool Football Club is known all around the world, and for people in Denmark, Liverpool are the biggest club in England."

Brad Jones - arrived from Middlesbrough in August, 2010"Obviously rumours fly around but I heard of the interest a couple of weeks ago. Growing up with a mum who's a Scouser, Liverpool was drilled into me and Liverpool's my team. It didn't take too long to think coming here through!"

Raul Meireles - arrived from FC Porto in August, 2010


"Liverpool are an historic club and I am happy for the move. Roy Hodgson was key because he worked so hard to get me. I hope the fans will one day remember me for my success at Liverpool. It has been a long time coming but finally I have achieved my dream of playing in England."

Paul Konchesky - arrived from Fulham in August, 2010

"Danny Murphy spoke very highly of this club. He told me how well it's run, how good it is and how special it is to play for. He told me I am going to love every minute of it."