UEFA have announced that the 2015 Europa League winners will gain entry to the 2015/2016 Champions League.

Subsequently, it provoked discussion on the radio yesterday as to how the Premier League and FA could follow suit to make winning one of our domestic cups a more attractive proposition.

It's been the common practice of many clubs to regularly field extremely weakened side when competing in the FA Cup and League Cup, this has had a somewhat adverse effect on how fans actually view these competitions.

From the conversations being had on the radio, I believe that the UEFA co-efficient points system decides how many Champions League slots each country is entitled to, but each countries governing body decides (or at least can submit proposals to UEFA) how those slots are allocated. 

Obviously the current system is the most simple one, where the top 4 league sides gain entry, but I believe a 5th slot would become available if the club who won the Europa League also finished inside the top 4, then the 5th placed side would gain entry.

Anyway, the discussion taking place yesterday threw out  suggestions in an attempt to make winning domestic cups more attractive.

So the idea on the table is that only the top 3 league places would secure a place in the following seasons Champions League, with a couple of alternative proposals.

1. The 4th placed side and the FA Cup winners would play off for the final Champions League slot.

2. The 4th placed and 5th placed sides would play off with the FA Cup and League Cup winners.

Not saying these are necessarily my views, it could be argued that ideas like this will further devalue the Champions League, but let's be honest, it's been a money making farce for many years already.

What it may do is eradicate snobbery or even contempt that our domestic cups are shown by clubs and fans alike these days, and bring back the excitement and importance of winning one of these cups.

We'd be far less likely to see teams like Bradford in the League Cup final, or teams like Wigan actually winning the FA Cup, and if they do then fair play to them as they'll have played and beaten strongly fielded top sides to do so.

Views?

This thread will concentrate on Liverpool FC's official staff & player recruitments, sales, contract renewals, releases & retirements.

If I miss anyone, staff or player, please point them out to me & I will add them.

I think it a fitting tribute to Jamie Carragher that he gets this thread started.

JAMIE CARRAGHER

[Retired]

The ultimate one-club player, and with one of the biggest hearts in football, Jamie Carragher is Mr Liverpool.

Our vice-captain has been instrumental in the Reds' success over the last 16 years, during which he's made more than 700 appearances.

One of the heroes of Istanbul, it's hard to imagine that famous comeback occurring without him.

At the age of 35, Carragher is set to retire from professional football at the end of 2012-13.

Sadly for Liverpool fans, Carragher announced in February 2013 that there would be no more pre-seasons for him, as he confirmed that he would retire at the end of 2012-13.

Off the field, Carragher gives back to the city he loves through the 23 Foundation.

Visit www.jamiecarragher.org to find out how you can help disadvantaged children in Merseyside and beyond.

YNWA Jamie Carragher

Lloyd Jones

[Contract Renewed]

Lloyd Jones made the switch from Plymouth to Merseyside in time for the 2011-12 campaign during which he was a constant feature for the Reds' U16s.

Jones has been capped as a Welsh international for both his country's U17s and U18s sides.

A powerful centre-back, Jones is extremely talented in the air. Never one to shirk a challenge, the Welshman is also a cultured defender, who is confident enough to play the ball out from the back. His heading and aerial abilities mean Jones is a highly-rated member of the Reds' set-up.

Happily, the club has offered Lloyd a new 3 year deal, keeping him at the club for the foreseable future.

Nathan Quirk

[Released]

Nathan Quirk is an offensive midfielder who arrived at the Academy at the age of nine.

The technically gifted youngster could operate in a variety of positions but prefered to play in a role just off the striker.

However, sadly for Nathan, he's been released by the club.

Nathan recently had trials with Norwich & Birmingham, but so far hasn't found the club that is right for him.

Best wishes Nathan.

Jamie Stephens

[Released]

Jamie Stephens arrived from Swindon Town in April 2010 after forging a reputation as one of the best young goalkeeping talents in the country.

Jamie landed the Barclays Premier Academy League's save of the season gong for 2010-11 following an outstanding stop in an away victory at Manchester United.

Stephens' progress was hindered slightly by injuries problems throughout the 2011-12 season & recently he used his twitter account to inform Liverpool fans he was leaving the club.

nathan quirk ‏@nathanquirk 15 May

been a great 10 years at liverpool for me enjoyed every bit best club in the world hopefully onto better things now. america #YNWA

Best Wishes Jamie

Tyrell Belford

[Released]

Tyrell Belford came to the Academy in 2009 after Liverpool swooped to sign him from Coventry City.

The highly-regarded 'keeper has earned international recognition at a number of levels and was involved in England U17s' World Cup squad in Mexico in the summer of 2011.

Belford battled it out with Jamie Stephens for the No.1 spot during the 2010-11 season and was commended for his shot-stopping ability and communication skills.

However, Tyrell has informed Liverpool fans that he is being relased from the club.

Tyrell Belford ‏@tybelford 15 May

"After 4 great years at @LFC sad to say I'm leaving the club at the end of the season. Great club, great people, great memories #YNWA"

YNWA Tyrell
 

Niall Heaton

[Released]

Niall Heaton joined Liverpool’s Academy ranks from Bradford City as an U15.

He played in the Victory Shield for a victorious England side while establishing himself as a mainstay in the Reds’ U16s side.

Niall plays at left centre half and is a strong, powerful defender, who can read the game brilliantly.

However, sadly for Niall, he recently announced that he was leaving the club, but good news soon followed, because on the 23rd May, he re-signed for Bradford City as a second-year apprentice with Steve Thornber's youth team.

Good luck with your new career at City mate.

Player Recruits:

Player Sales:

Players Released:

• Nathan Quirk: Midfielder
• Jamie Stephens: Goalkeeper
• Tyrell Belford: Goalkeeper
• Niall Heaton: Centre Half

Contract Renewals:

• Lloyd Jones: Defender

Staff Recruits:

Retirements:

• Jamie Carragher: Defender