Our latest review is published this morning, with a look at Liverpool’s programme for the 2021/22 season. Read our full review below and click here for all the Premier League issues for the year.
In recent years, we’ve come to expect at least one lengthy feature within Liverpool’s programme, and this season is no exception, with a well-written article called ’30 Years of the Premier League’. This looks at a story from Liverpool’s more recent history, covering six pages. For example, in the Newcastle issue, the focus was on former player Stan Collymore, who so memorably scored the winning goal in the classic clash between the teams in the 1995/96 season. The article takes that goal as a starting point to explore Collymore’s wider record with the club.
Other content includes a couple of interviews with current players and the familiar ‘Anfield Extra’ – an eight-page fan-focused section. ‘Different League’ turns the attention to goings-on in other countries, with various Liverpool-related updates. There are also a few pages that provide a reminder of recent games against Liverpool’s opponents, as well as ‘Countdown to Kick Off’ and ‘Head 2 Head’, which preview the day’s fixture with stats and news.
The section on the visitors to Anfield has just five dedicated pages. The opening columns provide a brief scene-setter, with an image from a recent game, together with information on the players featured. There follows an article on the team’s form, as well as a squad list and a manager profile. A sidebar features information on an item of interest for the visitors, such as the history of their club crest or a look at their kits for the current season. In related content, ‘Back Story’ looks at a past meeting between the two teams with pictures from the day and a report on the game. In the Newcastle issue the article turned back the clock to Kevin Keegan’s return to Anfield with the Magpies in a 1984 FA Cup tie.
In terms of club information, each issue offers a page of news for the Academy and women’s teams, plus a separate page of results and fixtures for the under-23s, under-18s, and Liverpool Women. Previous match coverage includes a report, stats, and line-up details, while there is a five-page first-team stats section, and the usual columns from manager and captain.
Unfortunately, the programme has lost a few of the features that were included in last season’s issue, and the overall feel of the issue suffers as a result.