DAVID RANDLES: Eye-catching Liverpool FC display raises Anfield spirits against Portsmouth

BEFORE a sombre mood was lifted by one of the outstanding performances of the season, a banner in the Anfield Road said it all.Held between an obliging visiting fan and a concerned local in the home section, the message was simple.'Leeds Pompey Liverpool?'The question mark provided a teaser for Reds supporters that doesn't bear thinking about.At the other end of the ground another one read 'Liverpool FC Built by Shanks Broke by Yanks'.The warnings took on extra meaning as the financially stricken Pompey limped into town.If the result wasn't so important for Liverpool last night, it would have been easy to get immersed in the gloom that has enveloped Portsmouth.After becoming the first Premier League club to enter administration, a nine-point deduction now hangs precariously over them.With most of their crown jewels auctioned off to the highest bidders, reality hit home with the loss of 85 jobs at the club this week.Compared to Portsmouth, Liverpool's ills are superficial.But like any ailment that goes unchecked for too long, the threat of what some deem as potentially terminal continues to lurk in the background.While Liverpool and Portsmouth are two very different animals, the mismanagement at Fratton Park should provide a watershed for those living beyond their means.Three years ago it was inconceivable for a club of Liverpool's heritage and stature to go the same way.But that was under another regime in what now appears an age of innocence.News of interest from US private equity firm, Rhone Group, this week will be welcomed by those handing out the 'Debt Lies & Cowboys' leaflets around the ground before kick-off.Liverpool are likely to attract the kind of investment Portsmouth can only dream of.

Source: Liverpool_Echo