Tigers deserve September finish

The Tigers of old? Source: News Limited

RICHMOND president Gary March says he was glad the Tigers fully deserved their breakthrough finals appearance, winning 15 games this season.

The club compared to Fitzroy for its on-field struggles only four years ago will today hit a major milestone taking on Carlton in the Tigers' first September showdown since 2001.

Richmond signed autographs for about 1000 fans at Punt Rd Oval after completing an incident-free training run yesterday.

While controversy surrounds Carlton's path to the finals, having replaced a disqualified Essendon in the eight, March said the Tigers' earned their place in September this year.

March said the club's own research into its list profile indicated the team was ready to compete on the big stage.

"Some people might have expected us to get there last year, but the numbers say we would have cheated, because were under average 90- games (per player)," March said.

"History tells you that you need to be at 90-plus and that's where we are at now.

"I'm just pleased we didn't limp into the finals. We won 15 games and we deserve our place.''

The Blues were handed their spot in the eight with 11 wins after Essendon was booted out of finals as part of its supplement scandal punishment.

While there were excited scenes at Richmond training yesterday, there was heartbreak for midfielder Nathan Foley, who put on a brave face despite being dropped for the eliminator.

As he signed autographs for sympathetic fans, Foley said it was a good sign he was a victim of the club's improved depth.

March said he owed the club's recruiting team, led by Francis Jackson and free agency specialist Blair Hartley, a "few dinners" for helping overhaul the list in quick time.

But he said the team's progress this year was reward for their long-suffering fans who stood by the club through its darkest hours.

"We are pretty proud of where the club has got to, but we are not there yet, there is still a lot of work to do,'' March said.

"It was probably only a few years ago that quite a few people were comparing us to Fitzroy but it just proves if you stick to the path, footy can change.

"I'm just pleased for the supporters who kept coming to the games when we were getting beaten in all those games.''

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Can Blues ruin Richmond fairytale?

Will Carlton play the villain? Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

EVERY great fairytale needs a knight on a white steed and an evil enemy hell-bent on destruction.

Richmond is the feel-good story of this year's finals series, and Carlton is happy to play the dastardly villain from Visy Park.

The Tigers haven't played finals since 12 years; have six of the top seven players on the list of most AFL games without a final.

Carlton, meanwhile, was dead and buried six weeks ago and only is only playing finals because of Essendon's peptides scandal.

So while the Richmond army stampeded to Punt Rd on Saturday, a single rousing version of the Old Dark Navy Blue was Carlton's concession to finals.

Mick Malthouse was keeping a low-key presence in a short training session, but assistant coach Brad Green was happy to concede the Blues' role as the villain.

Nothing would be sweeter for Carlton than dumping their inner-city rivals from September after so much talk and so much hype.

"It is the romance of Chris (Newman) and not playing finals, and Richmond haven't played finals in a while," Green said.

"I hope (Chris does play) ... it's great for footy and it's great for him.

"But we are looking to knock them off, no doubt about that. It is finals footy, the atmosphere is going to be red-hot. It is a contested game, finals footy, and our boys have got to be ready for it, and I have got no doubt they are."

The Tigers might have won 16 of their 22 finals against the Blues, but that is ancient history right now.

More relevant is Carlton's record of 11 of the past 12 wins, with that record only tainted by a Round 1 Chris Yarran miss that denied the Blues.

The best part for the Blues is that they haven't even had to beat Richmond in recent years when they have faced off in Round 1.

Instead they bunker down, let Richmond over-hype themselves, then watch on with glee as the Tigers implode on game day.

The Blues have tried that tactic again this week, refusing all but the most limited media opportunities and locking out fans from their mid-week session.

The edge between these two sides was evident when Richmond boxing coach John Vickery turfed out a Carlton spy from Tigers training this week.

But the Blues know this is a different Richmond side, a flint-hard Tigers team boasting 15 wins and a host of matchwinners.

Green reeled off the names - Dan Jackson, Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio and Dustin Martin.

Cotchin was trounced by Ed Curnow just a month back with Martin worked over by Zach Tuohy.

Green made no promises about repeating the dose with those match-ups, but you can be assured Carlton won't gift Richmond another fast start this time.

Back in Round 21 Josh Bootsma was obliterated by Jack Riewoldt early - Malthouse won't make that mistake again.

On Saturday Malthouse was seen but not heard, but Green said he had his fingerprints all over the week.

"Look, he's got a lot of finals experience, he has been great. Mick has been Mick. He has kept it a normal week. He's kept it pretty calm towards the boys. No doubt he has got them firing up and ready to go."

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Bowen given dream home farewell

Matt Bowen leads the Cowboys out against the Tigers. Source: Ian Hitchcock / Getty Images

QUEENSLAND'S hopes of ending a seven-season NRL premiership drought rests solely with the Cowboys.

9 Tries 4
Robert Lui 5'	James Tedesco 8'
Wayne Ulugia 23'	Curtis Sironen 31'
Johnathan Thurston 37'	Tim Simona 47'
Wayne Ulugia 40'	James Tedesco 49'
Jason Taumalolo 60'
Antonio Winterstein 64'
Matthew Bowen 69'
Matthew Bowen 74'
Wayne Ulugia 76'
7 Conversions 3
Johnathan Thurston 6'	Benji Marshall 9'
Johnathan Thurston 38'	Benji Marshall 48'
Johnathan Thurston 40'	Benji Marshall 50'
Johnathan Thurston 61'
Johnathan Thurston 66'
Johnathan Thurston 70'
Matthew Bowen 75'

And while they will have to do it from seventh at best, after Saturday night's 50-22 demolition of the Wests Tigers at 1300SMILES Stadium swept them to a sixth straight triumph, the state could hardly be in better hands.

Just as importantly, though, champion Cowboy Matt Bowen got a deserving send-off in his final hit-out in front of his faithful ahead of his retirement at the end of the finals campaign.

Almost 20,000 packed in to pay tribute to the greatest Cowboy there has ever been and their cheers could be heard as far north as Cairns when he sealed the victory with a trademark stepping and jinking try 12 minutes from time.

Five minutes later he was at it again, latching onto a Robert Lui grubber to make it two.

They were Bowen's 129th and 130th career tries in his 269th NRL game - both North Queensland club records.

Then, just to cap it off, he kicked the conversion for his second to send Townsville into party mode.

Despite the comfortable margin, the Cowboys were given a fright by the out-of-contention Tigers.

After North Queensland went to halftime looking comfortable when two late tries put them up by 12 points, the Tigers gave them a giant jolt when Tim Simona and James Tedesco went bang, bang to level the scores at 22-all.

But a powerful run and put-down by Jason Taumalolo all but ended the Tigers' charge.

Within 16 minutes of the young gun's four pointer a level score had become a blow-out.

Cowboys rookie winger Wayne Ulugia finished with his first career hat-trick.

There was a concern for North Queensland, though, with Brent Tate forced from the field with a shoulder injury and Joel Riethmuller also forced from the field with what appeared a rib complaint.

While it was fitting last hurrah for Bowen, it was a sad way for Benji Marshall to farewell the Tigers before his journey to rugby.

The Cowboys knew before kick-off their finals place was assured, with the Warriors and the Titans losing in the earlier games.

But there was still reason to perform as they looked to farewell Bowen and, while there were a couple of lapses to worry about, everything was going to plan at halftime as North Queensland led 22-10.

It was an emotional start, with Bowen making his way out through a guard of honour filled with family and friends, fireworks and an enormous roar from the Townsville faithful while carrying his children Diaz and Matthew Jr.

The sentiment may have taken its toll early too, as the teams went try for try in and were locked at 10-all after 30 minutes.

But an unfortunate intercept pass thrown by Robbie Farah, who had set up both of the Tigers' tries, appeared to turn the tide.

Johnathan Thurston latched onto the ball and ran 70m to cross before rookie winger Wayne Ulugia scored right on halftime to give the home team a 22-10 lead at halftime.

Tiger Ben Murdoch-Masila was put on report for a 57th minute high shot on Bowen. 

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Lyon bristles at target claims

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FIRED-UP Fremantle coach Ross Lyon angrily defended Zac Dawson as his Dockers threw the AFL premiership race wide open.

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While many had Hawthorn and Geelong pencilled in for the flag decider, the physical and well-drilled Dockers thumbed their nose at convention, inflicting just the Cats' second loss in 45 matches over six years at their home ground.

The stunning 15-point win wound Fremantle into a $4 second favourite for the flag by pitching the arch rival Hawks and Cats into the same half of the draw and giving the WA team its first home preliminary final.

But while Lyon urged his team to "stay incredibly focused", he bristled at suggestions he'd charged Dawson - and others - with the task to intimidate the Cats physically.

Dawson gave away a free-kick and was booked for a clash with Geelong forward James Podsiadly before the opening siren.

The pair jostled several times during the match and the former Saint was also involved in a clash with Geelong skipper Joel Selwood that could come under scrutiny.

But Lyon stood by his full-back, saying the Cats had contributed their fair share to the physical clash.

"(That's) out of line because what I saw was some Docker players go down off the ball," he said.

"It is silly question – we played within the rules. Just go to the behind-the-goals footage and have a look, you'll see what comes out.

"I reviewed them (as) marginal free-kicks at best (with) some body work.

"I just happen to be the coach of the team. I have behind-the-goal vision, I have broadcast vision that I replay and I saw them and they were incredibly marginal, marginal free-kicks.

"That is OK if they get paid, but to then focus on them is really disappointing in the context of the effort we have delivered."

The Dockers will also sweat on a clash, one of several, between gun forward Chris Mayne and Geelong's Steve Johnson, who was left lying on the ground after intitial contact between the pair propelled the Cat into Geelong runner Nigel Lappin.

Lyon was "really pleased for the players that they created an opportunity" after admitting to a mistake in sending chief tagger Ryan Crowley to Mathew Stokes while Johnson threatened to tear apart the game early.

"It was a powerful response in face of a great challenge by the team. We want to be `anywhere-anytime' team and this is a significant challenge and they got it done today."

Lyon walked away from the "garbage" of the debate about playing a final in Geelong for the first time since the 19th century, and also said resting half his team in Round 23 had likely been beneficial.

"It's hard to measure, but the analogy I used is I watched Hawthorn win last night and (then) everyone espouses that they have got a week off to freshen up for a preliminary final, so in theory it is the same model," he said.

"You would not want to be doing it every week, but after 22 home-and-away rounds, it clearly helped."

Lyon said the decision to play key defender Luke McPharlin for the first time in two months after a Round 15 calf injury had been "bold and strong".

Utility Nick Suban was subbed off with an ankle injury, but was walking around without discomfort in the rooms afterwards.

Lyon said Freo had "some sore boys that had plenty of whacks ... and there was plenty of on and off ball things that will probably be looked at I would suggest".

He said big man Aaron Sandilands played his best game of an injury-cruelled season.

"I thought he was significant when he went forward ... a real threat.

"They threw some challenges at him on spread, but we're really confident we can handle that.

"A few of the things they were doing we certainly adjusted to and it was needed ... and then (he and Zac Clarke) were able to play to their strengths, rather than having their strengths taken off them and chasing around opposition ruckmen."

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Tomic's father guilty of assault

Thomas Drouet with his bandaged nose from an altercation with Bernard Tomic's dad. Source: AFP

THE father of tennis ace Bernard Tomic has been found guilty of an assault on another player and handed a suspended eight months sentence.

A court in Madrid today ruled Ivana John Tomic did headbutt Bernard Tomic's French tennis practice partner Thomas Drouet in May this year outside a hotel in the Spanish capital.

While he was sentenced to eight months jail, the sentence was suspended for him to be of good behaviour for a set period of time.

But the sentence is likely to see Tomic Snr, who is still listed as his son's coach, banned from all ATP tournaments. The ATP had banned him pending the outcome of the court case.

"This is good news," Drouet, 30, said today of the sentence.

"He should never be allowed to attend matches again."

The sentence will come as a crushing blow to world No.41 Bernard Tomic who recently bemoaned the fact his father was being treated unfairly for being banned.

Last month a court in Madrid heard how Drouet, who had been a member of Team Tomic for seven months, had been complaining about how Tomic Snr had been treating him.

The dispute began in Nice in southern France and continued all the way to the check-in desk of a hotel in Madrid. Tomic Snr then asked Drouet to step aside for a quiet word, Drouet followed expecting to receive an apology but instead was spat in the face by Tomic and then headbutted unconscious to the ground.

He suffered a broken nose and a bruised vertebrae and has had to have corrective surgery. The assault saw him unable to work for a number of weeks; he also worked as a part-time model but has been told his crooked nose may now end that career.

Drouet will be seeking damages in the civil court.

During the hearing Tomic Snr burst into tears as he denied the allegations and said it was Tomic who appeared to want to assault him. But he could not explain how the French man ended up on the ground.

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Out of exile Carney targets 'Roos

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AFTER a year out of the game, David Carney is back - a little older, a little wiser, and a little more determined to regain his Socceroo spot in the face of increased competition.

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Carney, who's just signed a deal to play with New York Red Bulls in America's MLS, has endured a rollercoaster twelve months, after his stint in Uzbekistan with Bunyodkor came to a close.

His attempts to kick start his career stalled because of injuries, broken promises and - by his own admission - some questionable choices.

"I had interest from New York a few months ago, but I'd already agreed something with another overseas club.  Then, the coach of the club I was due to join left, and it all fell to bits," says Carney, speaking from the Big Apple.

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The unnamed club wasn't the only one interested in Carney's services.

"Coming home was an option. Tony Popovic was keen on me at Western Sydney Wanderers, Sydney FC were interested too, and before that, Central Coast Mariners wanted me to play in the Asian Champions League.

At the time though, I didn't think I needed to come home - but the longer it went on, I did wonder if I'd made the right decision. I regret not making decisions eight months ago, but I can't change that now." says Carney.

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"I also spoke to Esteghlal in Iran - agreeing terms, but when I got there it just wasn't for me." he added.

Carney spent his year away from the game overcoming a long-term injury, training for a while with his old club, Blackpool, and he feels he's now stronger than ever.

"I worked a lot on my strength and conditioning - and on my shoulder (he's had three reconstructions).  I'm not frightened about it popping out any more," says Carney.

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Now, the former Sydney FC winger has found a home alongside fellow Socceroo, Tim Cahill and ex-Arsenal star, Thierry Henry. He made his debut in the 2-1 win over DC United last weekend, and is grateful to his national team colleagues for helping smooth the way for his move to the States.

"The Sporting Director, Andy Roxburgh, played a big part - I think he spoke with Holger (Osieck), and Tim (Cahill) spoke to me about the move. They did their research, and now I'm here for three months with the chance of a longer-term deal.  It's not much of a gamble for them, and it's up to me to prove myself," says Carney.

If he can earn a regular slot, then attentions will turn to the World Cup in Brazil next year - but with Matt McKay, Michael Zullo, and, potentially, Adama Traore, all in the frame, competition for the left-back role is fiercer than for some time. Carney however, remains confident in his own abilities.

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"I think when I'm fully fit, I can get that spot back. Matt is a clever player, and Michael is up and coming.  I've made it harder for myself but Holger is always pushing me. He is happy I've signed here, and says he wants me back in the squad if I'm playing well," says Carney.

At nearly 30, it's probably now or never for Carney, who has made just 60 senior appearances at club level since leaving Sydney FC in 2007. It's a stark reminder of a talent that remains largely unfulfilled.

"I didn't know that. Look, three shoulder reconstructions haven't helped, and I played for some good teams too.

Twente in Holland, Blackpool in the Premier League.  I'd never change those experiences, but there's nothing like playing. It's a World Cup year, and I want to be in it. It's the best tournament in the world, but I have to take one step at a time," says Carney.

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Paper Talk: WAG storm hits England

England players' WAGs are famous for causing disruption. Source: AAP

DESPITE an absence of Premier League action this weekend, the English football press have been keeping busy with matters off the field.

But before we get into that, check out this solo golazo from Botafogo's Hyuri in the Brazilian Serie A.

WAG STORM HITS ENGLAND

The Three Lions play host in lowly ranked Moldova in World Cup qualifier on Saturday morning (EST), but the pre-match hype has revolved around a WAG storm hitting Roy Hodgson's camp.

In what would have been banned under previous boss Fabio Capello's strict reign, the glamorous wives and girlfriends of England players have checked into the same hotel less than 24 hours before kick-off.

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand complained the national team had turned into a circus when the same thing happened at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

WAGS were banned from staying with the English team in South Africa in 2010, but that has changed under new boss Hodgson, who'll be hoping the lovely ladies don't distract his players.

UNITED DOWN AND OUT… IN SEPTEMBER

BBC football pundit Robbie Savage says Manchester United can kiss goodbye their Premier League title.

Despite the season only being three games old, the former United junior has already ruled out the Red Devils following their transfer window shortcomings.

"I am concerned that Manchester United will live to regret their deadline-day scramble - because I think they can already kiss goodbye to being No.1 in the Premier League," Savage wrote in the Daily Mail.

"From what I saw against Chelsea and last weekend at Liverpool, when United struggled to unlock two resolute defences instead of slicing them open with surgical passing, Mesut Ozil - who was available before he signed for Arsenal - would have been a better fit." 

NANI STAYING ON

His hot and cold nature has seen him fall down the pecking order at Manchester United, but David Moyes has re-signed Nani for a further five years.

The Portuguese's re-signing is a baffling one. No one doubts his talent, but injury and inconsistency have punctuated his time at the club.

There was no shortage of suitors lining up for the winger during the transfer window either, with Monaco, Juventus and Galatasaray all sniffing about, yet Moyes has elected to keep the faith.

Will it pay off?

STEVIE G IN THE ANFIELD DUGOUT

In news to warm the hearts of Merseysiders everywhere, Steven Gerrard has revealed his desire to manage Liverpool when he hangs up the boots.

"The dream come true would be to manage Liverpool, when the Liverpool job becomes available," the Reds legend told twentyfour7 Football magazine.

"I definitely see myself as a manager rather than a coach, but that could change. I remember speaking to Jamie Carragher and he really fancied it but he's decided media is what he wants to do.

"It's strange seeing him on Sky but I'm really delighted he's doing it… He can leave managing Liverpool to me!"

Stevie G should be aware of the pitfalls though. Great players don't always become great managers. Just ask Roy Keane and Paul Ince…

CURIOUS CASE OF DEMICHELIS

Atletico Madrid must be laughing all the way to the bank.

Just a month after signing Martin Demichelis on a free transfer, the Spanish club offloaded the Argentina international to Manchester City for $7 million.

It gets better.

Now Demichelis – who City signed as cover for injured skipper Vincent Kompany – will be out of action for six weeks after damaging knee ligaments in training.

Atletico couldn't have timed it better, City have serious problems.

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Rebels sign All Blacks centre

Ellison is a fantastic addition to the Rebels backline. Source: AFP

MELBOURNE Rebels have pulled off a major coup with the signing of Highlanders centre Tamati Ellison on a one-year deal.

Ellison, who has played four Tests for the All Blacks, will add a wealth of experience to the Rebels' backline following the departures of Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor.

The former Highlanders star is currently playing with the Ricoh Black Rams in Japan's Top League.

New Rebels coach Tony McGahan was thrilled to have secured Ellison for next season.

"Tamati has the ability to play at a high level across a number of positions in the backline, which makes him a very important part of a Super XV squad in such a fast and demanding competition," McGahan said.

"He is a player who likes to express himself on the rugby field, and with this he will fit into the type of rugby we aim to play next season."

Ellison has 77 caps for the Highlanders and will link up with the Rebels in their 2014 pre-season.

"My family and I are really excited about moving to Melbourne and the new opportunities that lay ahead," Ellison said from Japan.

"The Rebels are building a very competitive team, and I'm looking forward to being a part of that."

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Why Paul Roos will pay his way

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THE killjoys were in full voice 24 hours after it became apparent Paul Roos was likely to become the next coach of Melbourne.

Was the potential $1.5 million price tag worth it, considering the AFL was bailing out the Demons to the tune of $2.7 million?

But that money will be mainly used for redundancies and payouts to staff, not for paying Roos.

And the AFL is prepared to endorse that type of salary because the bail-out is a one-off, not annual.

The recruitment of Roos would be a game-changer for the Dees and could set off a ripple effect, stopping the club being an "impediment" to the league.

RETAINING PLAYERS

Anyone who saw Jack Watts on The Footy Show would believe he is on his way out.

Anyone who has seen the powerful effect Roos has on players would know Watts will stay if Roos signs.

It is not to say Roos is the best coach ever, because his Sydney support staff, which included John Longmire and Ross Lyon, might be the greatest in the modern era.

But players want to be in his company, and surely his first task would be to sit down with Watts. Free agent Colin Sylvia is also in that bracket.

The leadership group that met Roos last week would have spread positive feedback.

A side that lost Brent Moloney, Jared Rivers and Stefan Martin last year would be confident it could prevent more bleeding.

RECRUITING

Melbourne was the laughing stock of the trade and free agency market last year because it wanted everyone, but players wouldn't even talk to them. That included midfielders Sharrod Wellingham and Josh Caddy.

Roos not only would ensure the Demons did not pay massive overs for those who did sign (think Chris Dawes), but if he could recruit Swans talent-spotter George Stone, he could effectively get the band back together.

No Victorian side has bigger salary cap room, and more need for genuine midfielders.

The pick No.2 they will receive in the draft is said to be on the table if they can secure a 22-to-24-year-old star. And it might not just be players they recruit. With Roos in charge, surely Geoff Walsh would think favourably about joining Melbourne as football manager.

MAJOR SPONSOR

Melbourne must find a new major co-sponsor after car company Opel pulled the plug in August. Those deals are worth $2 million-plus. With Roos on board, the Demons could ask for the kind of money that might bridge the gap between the $1 million many coaches require and the $1.5 million it might cost to get him.

CROWDS/MEMBERS

Melbourne looked at its fixture this year and immediately stripped $1 million from its bottom line, so bad did it look from a commercial viewpoint.

Then the side started playing, and those home crowds slumped to an embarrassing 35-year low.

The Demons had 33,177 members this year, one of only two sides to lose members (down 6 per cent).

Even Demons legend Garry Lyon said he could not get his kids to go to the footy this year. The Roos name, plus the expected improvement, could not fail to swell the coffers. An extra 5000 members would cover the premium to get him.

PRIORITY PICK

Does Melbourne deserve a priority pick after it was fined in February for trying to tank? Maybe not. But there is no doubt an AFL Commission keen for Melbourne to stop being a basket case would look more favourably on a side that was coached by Roos.

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan has said the Demons have a "pretty strong argument", but it will still be a hard sell to rival clubs.

Demons coach Neil Craig speaks to his team at quarter-time. Source: Getty Images

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Transfer dealings show Utd cracks

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IF a week is a long time in politics, 24 hours can be life-changing in football. Not just any 24 hours, but the final gripping spasms of the transfer window. Rarely has so much action off the field acted as a window on shifting fortunes off it.

If Arsenal created the most striking deadline headline by landing Mesut Ozil, it's tempting to see the bigger story unfolding in the background of hairline cracks appearing in the edifice of Manchester United.

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So much went so wrong for the champions, on the last day of dealing, as it has throughout the transfer window, that the eventual signing of Marouane Fellaini felt like a consolation prize - and an expensive one at that.

When David Moyes succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson there was strong talk from within United of a "statement signing" to stamp the new man's authority - and that of Ed Woodward, the club's new CEO.

Instead, after the forlorn pursuit of various names including Cesc Fabregas, United just looked bewildered and then out of their depth on the final day.

The pursuit of Athletic Bilbao's Ander Herrera became mired in farce - not just in trying to persuade Atletico to take a fee lower than Herrera's buyout clause, but in the bizarre involvement of a gang of officials who tried to seal the deal in Spain but were denounced as imposters by the English club.

Unfairly that just adds to the sense that United's aura is shrinking. After a limp start to the season, United's need for outstanding creativity sits uneasily with Moyes's purchase of Fellaini - imposing and skilful but no Fabregas, let alone no Ozil.

The great irony is that the growing list of names that Arsene Wenger had chased and lost for Arsenal was becoming the story of the off-season - but in one fell swoop Arsene the Ascetic has become Wenger the Spender, and made United look bumbling by comparison.

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Ozil is indisputably world class, and exciting enough to mute suggestions that what Wenger needed most of all was a top drawer striker.

You could argue that Arsenal created rather alot of chances last season that went unfinished, but his signing adds more than just creativity - it harks back to that of Dennis Bergamp in 1995, a move that changed perceptions of Arsenal. Finally Wenger's team are buyers again, not just sellers.

There is a similar well of optimism at Liverpool, thanks to the club's best start to a season since 1994 and the fact they faced down Luiz Suarez and won.

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On deadline day Liverpool spent again, though with little fanfare - acquiring central defenders Mamadou Sakho and Tiago Ilori plus winger Victor Moses on loan from Chelsea.

But most of Brendan Rodgers' spending for Liverpool was done earlier in the window, as it was with Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City.

The fact that so few clubs felt the need to go to the wire - Real Madrid's purchase of Gareth Bale was finally confirmed late on but Spurs had already bought seven players against the money they knew was coming for Bale - just highlighted United's indecision.

One window does not make a season, but the uncertainty of transition was already lapping around the feet of Moyes and United. In 24 hours the pressure accruing on Wenger has shifted north to Old Trafford.

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