Recently by Dan Kay

LIVERPOOL FC bosses today answered criticism of the club's new membership scheme, insisting fans need not join to watch football at Anfield.

Initial reports speculated the new system, which costs £29 for adults and replaces the old £3 fancards, was the only way supporters could buy match tickets.

But the club today confirmed the same policy for match-by-match sales with a general sale for fans would apply

Story by Mike Chapple

IT IS summer 1975 and at Liverpool FC's sun-drenched training ground, Melwood, 17- year-old Brian Reade is experiencing the most pivotal moment of his young life: an audience with the man who helped to turn the club into one of the most powerful in the world - Bill Shankly.

Thirty-three years on and an iconic image of that meeting between master and acolyte makes up the front cover for the former Daily Post journalist's long-awaited homage to the great man and the club which has brought him so much joy - and pain.

Long-awaited because the book, 43 years With The Same Bird: A Liverpudlian Love Affair, is already top of the Amazon mail order best seller list two days before its official publication on Friday.

Story by Laura Sharpe

ANGRY fans last night criticised Liverpool FC after it was revealed those wishing to join the long waiting list for season tickets at the club would now have to pay for the privilege.

Only those joining the club's new membership scheme at a cost of £29 every year will be allowed on the list.

Fan forums on the internet were full of angry reaction forcing the club to stress that the thousands of fans already on the waiting list will not have to pay.

Story by David Bartlett

THE Northwest Development Agency has refused to hand over a £9m grant for Liverpool FC's new stadium project until the club proves it has got the money for the £350m scheme.

Steve Broomhead, chief executive of the NWDA, spoke to Kop Holdings - the owners of LFC - yesterday over the funding of the stadium.

The agency had previously agreed to provide a £9m grant for the scheme which includes regenerating the park and a community partnership centre.

Story by Laura Sharpe

LIVERPOOL FC chief executive Rick Parry yesterday said he still saw his future at "the best club in the world" as he picked up an honorary degree.

Parry donned a cap and gown yesterday to pick up his honour from the University of Liverpool.

The football executive, a Liverpool maths graduate in 1976, was awarded an honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws at a ceremony at the Philharmonic Hall.