Queen Elizabeth II (you remember her, she’s the reigning monarch no-one really cares about any more) claimed that 1992 was an annus horribilis. In other words, a truly horrible year.
It wasn’t that great for the Reds either, sixth in the league and dumped out of every cup early on but if you’re looking for a truly horribilis annus for the reds, then 2010 will surely take some beating. 
But hush, it’s all behind us now. The Northampton Town, Reading and Blackpool debacles (to name many, many others) are all behind us. Put them at the back of the cupboard like that shoebox of old letters from your first girlfriend.
There are many reasons to look forward to in 2011 and as it’s the time of year for that kind of thing, here’s our top five:
5. Raul Meireles
A great buy, struggles out wide but comes to life anchoring the middle and links Gerrard and everyone else beautifully. More games in the Premier League will see him grow in stature.
4. Danny Wilson
OK, 2011 might be too early for the young Scottish centre back to really shine, but this lad has already made (and scored on) his full international debut. Looks class. The new Jocky? I’m sticking my neck out and saying yes, I think so.
3. The Academy
One big problem with Rafa was his lack of confidence in the well-regarded and absolutely crucial LFC Academy. It’s not a conveyor belt of talent – it’s not meant to be – but one Martin Kelly a season will do me just fine.
2. NESV
John Henry and his NESV team have done everything right so far. They stood up to Dumb & Dumber and chased them out of town and the horses they rode in on, then listened to and spoke up for the fans. It’s early days of course, but talk to any Boston Red Sox fan or baseball fan in general and they’ll tell you these guys know that the fans are the heart of any club.
1. Spirit & Destiny
In a weak moment over Christmas, I happened to glance over at the missus who was reading pseudo-psychic horoscope-porn periodical Spirit & Destiny and their predictions for 2011. And guess what? They’ve picked us for the FA Cup.
Getting through the 3rd Round would certainly be a great start to the New Year. Come on you psychic red men!
