by Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo
IT'S safe to say that Stan Collymore is not a big fan of this column - which is fair enough because the feeling is mutual.
On November 24 last year, Collymore used his own newspaper column to tell readers that Liverpool would not win the league if Rafa Benitez continued to tinker with his team.
He wrote: "I fear Rafa Benitez does not have what it takes to win the one trophy that Liverpool fans want to win above all others - the domestic title. And it all boils down to Rafa's tinkering once again. In the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard, Benitez chose to play Lucas in midfield instead of Xabi Alonso - one of Liverpool's best players this season - a decision I couldn't work out." Those comments came in the wake of a disappointing 0-0 draw with Fulham at Anfield.
Last Sunday, Benitez tinkered with his team to the point in which Robbie Keane was surprisingly left out, Lucas again started in midfield at Alonso's expense and Liverpool ran out 5-1 winners against Newcastle.
Stan the man's response? "Liverpool will win the league after Fernando Torres returns from injury". "I now believe the title will be finally heading back to Merseyside for the first time since 1990," he added.
As a columnist, it's fair to say Collymore is about as consistent as he was as a player.
