us think more of what is often
referenced as the ‘team behind
the team’: the staff at Melwood.
Melwood, our training ground,
has a life of its own. It’s hard to
put into words what it’s like to
work there, but from the moment
we drive in through the gates
the players are surrounded by
brilliant people and professionals
who are there to help us be the
best we can on the pitch.
Probably because they’re the
most visible, the coaching staff
and medical team are often in
the public eye: they’re seen in
pictures either on the training
ground or on matchday. But ask
any of the players in our dressing
room and they’ll tell you that
they are just one part of a very
important group of people we
see on a daily basis.
From the staff on the security
gate to the kit and laundry guys,
the reception and admin staff,
the ground staff, the cleaners
and the canteen team, they are
all very much unsung heroes.
These are the people who make
Melwood what it is and help us
each and every day.
I noticed recently there was an
article on the official club website
about Carole and Caroline, who
are the heart and soul of the
canteen at Melwood. They’re
part of the furniture there and
would do anything for anyone.
I loved reading that article,
not because it gave Carol and
Caroline publicity but because it
highlighted that a football club is
about far more than just people
like us, the players and coaches,
who get all the limelight and
credit when things are going well.
Carol and Caroline represent
the sort of humour and spirit
that gives Melwood warmth and
personality as a place to go into
work. Right through the building
and outside working on the
pitches and across the facility,
we are blessed with brilliant
individuals.
The reason it hits home at this
time of year is because these
guys make similar sacrifices to
us as players but without the
same benefits we are lucky to
have. When we’re in, they’re
in – simple as that. They work
all through Christmas and New
Year and never once do you
hear any complaining. They allare so proud to work for Liverpool
and the club is very lucky to
have them.
Aside from Melwood, there
will be staff who will have
worked right through Christmas
at Anfield as well, so that the
game today can go ahead as
normal. Again, these guys work
incredibly hard during a time of
year when the majority of people
can wind down.
I suppose it’s to be expected
that the team will always hog the
limelight and attention, but on
behalf of all the players I wanted
to use these Boxing Day notes
to say how much we appreciate
the work done by huge numbers
of staff from across the club that
make it such a special place.
To the ones we see at
Melwood we can say thanks
and Merry Christmas personally.
To the army of Anfield workers,
the team is just as appreciative
of your crucial role as well.Caroline and Carol
(below) at Melwood