Nostalgia For An Age Yet To Come - Say's Marc Brekau A Red Down Under

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Destination Sydney, New South Wales (NSW) and the city widely regarded by visitors and locals alike as the nation’s ‘unofficial’ capital and, rather surprisingly, the final destination on Liverpool’s 2016/17 pre and post season fixture list. Scheduled to celebrate the clubs 125th anniversary, upon hearing the news I did wonder about the clubs decision given their celebratory and economic adventure was set to: a) occur just three days after our final game against Middlesbrough; b) be played using a hastily arranged and somewhat conceptual first team lineup; c) would occur at the seasons end, as opposed the usual pre-season schedule.

Facing a plethora of first team challenges, primarily due to injury and international commitments, it seemed at first that Jurgen and Co would be hard pressed to assemble a squad capable of mounting a challenge to their opponents, recently crowned A-League Champions Sydney FC. Over time, and under the anniversary moniker, said manager would assemble and reveal a first team featuring the familiar, the aspiring, the unfamiliar, the unknown and the ‘legends’.

As befits an event of this nature, an assortment of PR and marketing types sprang into life to promote the game and inspire some 70,000 diehards to enthusiastically respond in return. So much so that by May the match had almost sold out, and with their primary role complete said types changed their modus operandi to promote the club via media interviews and promotional teasers featuring Mr Klopp and various players past and present. Among their ranks stood one Craig Johnston, an adopted Aussie and football alumni of fine repute and yet someone whose profile and contribution has faded from involvement and association with the domestic game. Sadly, it’s now extremely rare to hear or see him beyond events that allow him to reminisce and comment on the club as a former player.