This is designed as an accompaniment piece to my latest article for the LFC website, which I've submitted today. The explanations of the figures are in that article.
(I've updated the figures to include most of the well-known home-grown players from all teams, and added Zoran Tosic to United's figures; the Guardian said he and another player (Adam Ljajic) cost £17m as a double deal, so I took a figure of £9m as an estimate, even though he was the star name and therefore likely to have cost £11m or £12m, if the £17m is correct.
I didn't bother to calculate the cost of other squads, but feel fairly certain that none would cost as much as Liverpool's in 5th place. I'm guessing Villa's and Newcastle's cost a fair bit, and when I get time I will try to add them and Arsenal.)
1. Chelsea
4. Manchester City
"Tomkins not only shows why he is a prolific, talented writer but also cements his status as very knowledgeable and passionate Red. In my opinion this is Tomkins' best work to date; a thoroughly excellent read."
Vic Gill, Shanks' son-in-law and former LFC trainee
“The project that Tomkins has taken on here is highly ambitious: assessing each of Liverpool’s managers since Bill Shankly. He does this in his own irrepressible style of analyzing in detail every area that falls within a manager’s remit. And whilst Tomkins has a talent for such a task, where he excels here is in approaching each manager without any apparent pre-conceived ideas.”
Paul Grech, Squarefootball.net
"A unique analysis of the club's managers, which is no mean feat given the extensive bibliography of the club… informative … another perspective on the last 50 years at Liverpool."
Programme & Football Collectable Monthly
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