By LFC Vancouver member Keith Perkins, 08 December 06.

LFC Vancouver lost a good friend this week with the passing of Pete McIntee. It is a sudden and tragic loss that has deeply saddened all of us who knew him.

We first met Pete at one of our early Saturday morning matches last season at Library Square. He had volunteered to come in early to open up for us and let us in to watch the live broadcast. It wasn’t long before he became “our” barman, as he was there for almost every match after that. The season ended with the FA Cup Final, and as we were all leaving (with smiles on our faces) we wondered when we would all see each other again. Would it be some time over the summer, or would we not see each other again until the start of the next season? Pete came around to a few of us, shook our hands and said “See you down here for the World Cup?” Of course, we should have thought of that, but Pete already had it in mind to be there for the early morning openings once again.

By this time Pete had learned most of our names and, as with any bartender worth his pay, he knew what each of us wanted to drink. That included those who wanted tea or coffee rather than beer. “English breakfast tea for you Donna?”, “Ready for another Guinness Keith?” and so on. It was those little things that made all the difference.

Immediately after England’s exit from the World Cup, we went through the same routine of saying goodbye to each other, and once again Pete was there among us shaking our hands and saying “See you next season then.” “Should be the Charity Shield coming up as our first match, Pete. Will you be there to open up for us for that one?” “Let me know when and I’ll do my best for you.” What more can you say?

As this season got under way, the close relationship between all of us and Pete became even stronger. It seemed that there was never a day when we were there that Pete wasn’t. Once again, we had some early openings and once again it was Pete who was there to open the doors and set up the TV screens for us to watch the live broadcasts. As if that wasn’t enough, Pete also had pots of coffee and tea ready for us, with trays of cups and plenty of cream and sugar. “Just help yourselves, and let me know when those pots are empty or if you need anything.” Again, what more can you say?

Just a few weeks ago, we were making plans for the future of the supporters club and had put forward a couple of ideas. One of these suggestions was to offer “Honorary Membership” to some individuals who were not actual Liverpool supporters but had provided services to the club in one form or another. The first name to be put forward, and unanimously supported, was Pete. It was decided that we would wait until January, so that we could make up some form of certificate or document to make it official. We would also give him a Liverpool scarf or a hat or some souvenir, which he could wear at our games. We had already started thinking of Pete as one of us, and with this honorary membership he really would be.

The other suggestion was that we should have some form of Christmas party. It was obviously too late to have some properly organised event, besides which we had no idea how many members would want to attend. At a recent match I mentioned it to Pete and said that a few of us might just come down for an evening to get together informally. We then talked about how it would be possible to let us have a section of the pub just for us, with one or two TV screens to ourselves so that we could watch a classic match or such. Also, we could have the sound system playing our music (provided by members) to really make it a Liverpool theme night. Pete really loved the idea and so I said that we’d check with him and see if we could arrange it on a night that he would be working. His answer was “Let me know when you’re coming and I’ll change my shift if necessary to be there with you guys.” Yet again, what more can you say?

Then came last Tuesday’s Galatasaray match. A few of us were there to watch that one, and I took the opportunity to ask manager Steve if we could come down for the early broadcast of Liverpool v Fulham this Saturday. He said he would see if he could arrange it and would let me know. I should have realised then that something was up, but instead simply asked if Pete would be available to open up for us as usual. Steve gave me the bad news that Pete had been in an accident and was in intensive care. He went on to say that Pete was in rough shape and would probably not survive the injuries, but that of course everybody was hoping for the best. That evening, we sent flowers and picked up a card to take with us on Wednesday to get as many people as possible to sign it.

After some more checking around, we found how to get permission to visit Pete, and so Donna and I made our way down to the hospital on Thursday afternoon. There had been some encouraging news about his condition from the day before and so we were feeling optimistic as we drove into town. I had the card with me, and I had also brought a scarf that I was going to give him, that had “You’ll Never Walk Alone” prominently displayed on it. Even if he was not in a fit state right now, I’m sure he would have appreciated it later on.

When we arrived at the hospital information desk, we asked for directions to intensive care and after confirming the name we were sent up a couple of floors. On entering the department, we had to call on an intercom and ask for permission to enter the ward. I gave Pete’s name, our names, and the contact names that I had been given, and then a voice on the other end said “I’m sorry to tell you that Mr. McIntee passed away last night.” How horribly icy cold is that? It’s not their fault of course; they are doing what they have to do to protect the patients. But couldn’t somebody come and break it to us gently? There was a moment or two of stunned silence from me, apart from “Oh, er.., thank-you.” I hung up the intercom and told Donna. She broke down and wept on my shoulder, while I somehow held back. Damn it all to hell, why couldn’t we have been there the day before? But of course we didn’t have permission at that time. Shit! It was then a seemingly long and very depressingly silent drive home. Once we were at home in private I couldn’t hold back any longer and let it all out. This time it was Donna holding onto me. It’s a feeling of sadness and emptiness that’s beyond description. It just doesn’t seem fair that a great guy like Pete is gone. Of course there’s no explanation for that, we’ll just have to accept the injustice for now and deal with it as best we can, each in our own way.

Farewell Pete. You’ll be missed by all of us. It just won’t be the same watching the match without you there with us. May you rest in peace.

This Saturday’s match v Fulham (live at 7am at LSPH) will be dedicated to Pete. We’ll hold a minute’s silence at half-time, and will sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in his memory. Please be there if you can, and sing your hearts out for a departed friend. We’ll try to provide details on funeral arrangements etc. as soon as we have them. Once again, it would be greatly appreciated if some of you could attend.

By LFC Vancouver member Steven Speed, 08 December 06.

It’s been a busy week for the mighty reds in the last seven days. On the field we finally scored from open play away from home in the Premiership and Fowler broke his Champions League duck. However the biggest talking point this week concerned the probable 450 million pound investment from Dubai Investment Capital, fronted by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, or ‘Sheikh Mo’ to his mates!

Just like buses we waited four months for an away goal (from open play) and we got four in the space of 45 minutes. It was a terrific performance in the first half as we absolutely blew Wigan apart. Man of the match Craig Bellamy finally showed us what we’ve all seen him do hundreds of times in the past. He says that the court case he has over his head hasn’t been affecting him on the pitch but I think it must of. His performance on Saturday, particularly in the first half, was terrific and showed how relieved he must be after the case was thrown out of court. He took his two goals superbly before unselfishly passing to Kuyt who was in a better position to score, despite being on a hat-trick himself.

Gerrard proved why he must remain in central midfield, not just for his role in Bellamy’s second & Kuyt’s goal. If you get a chance to see highlights of the game you will see how he drags defenders away time and time again, creating space for the attackers to get in on goal. A few dodgy defensive errors almost let Wigan back into the game as Emile Heskey hit the post and Lee McCulloch blasted over from close range, but on the whole it was a great and positive display.

While it’s never good to see Liverpool lose in any game, regardless whether it’s a friendly, a cup match or a league game, I was still almost a happy man after Wednesday’s Champions League loss to Galatasaray.

It was not a happy return to the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul for Jerzy Dudek who once again conceded three goals but that aside I was rather pleased with matters at the other end of the pitch. Being a massive Fowler fan it was shirt of dancing round the room time as he finally scored his first ever goal in the Champions League. Sure it went in off his backside but I doubt he was arsed about that! I feel confident The Growler will score whenever he starts a game as proved three times this season against Sheffield Utd, Reading and Galatasaray. If he doesn’t start this weekend (and I highly doubt he will) I think he may get a chance for his fourth goal-scoring start this season in the Carling Cup match against Arsenal. We all know what a terrific record he has against The Gunners, not just for us but for Leeds and Man City too, so I wouldn’t bet against that run continuing.

At least two of the goals we conceded were very sloppy indeed, Alonso’s terrible back-pass comes instantly to mind. However the result really wasn’t important in the long run and it was a useful to be able to let some of our youngsters like Lee Peltier get some European experience.

I must confess I don’t know a great deal about these Dubai investors but it does sound exciting and it’s good to know that David Moores will be remaining in some capacity. I like the idea that is being spoken of regarding them funding our new stadium. I would suggest that rather than going for sixty thousand capacity we should go for maybe sixty-five thousand instead & make the other five thousand seats available to non season ticket holders. I will talk further on this at a later date as that’s another article in itself for another time.

I’m hoping that we will also be given funds for new players too and if the deal goes through in time I’m wondering if we will be linked with any big names. Until the full details of this deal are made public everything is all going to be speculation of course.

To close this week I want to just mention the sad news of LSPH barman Pete’s passing on Wednesday evening. Pete will be missed by myself and everybody who knew him. He was a smashing fella and as far as I am concerned early morning Saturdays will never be the same again now he won’t be there to look after us. It would have been a great honor to of made him our first ‘honorary member’ but sadly that was not to be. All the best Pete and thanks for everything.

What do you think? Give Ste your comments at steSpeed [at] lfcvancouver.com.

Submitted By LFC Vancouver member Keith Perkins, 06 December 06.

To the tune of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”:

Hark! the Kopite voices sing
Glory to the new-born King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
Scoring problems reconciled!
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the GIANT of the skies
With the Anfield host proclaim
Fowler scores, and scores again!

(Of course, you can substitute Bellamy for last Saturday or go with Fowler for this week’s Champs League, or Crouch or Kuyt if you wish, as long as everybody sings the same.)

What do you think? Can you do better? Give Keith your comments at Keith [at] lfcvancouver.com.

Standings as of 08 December 06.

Rank	Member	Points
1	Kevin	16
2	Lance	13
3	Ste	12
4	Glenn Whyte	10
5	Andy	9
6	Dave Curits	8
7	Dennis	5
8	Quentin	4
8	Mark Ashton	4
8	Keith	4
10	Glenn Whitt.	3

To enter the members contest see the rules below.

RULES:

• Only open to paid LFC Vancouver Members.
• You list the names of the players you think will start the next LFC match.
• You must submit your list to lfcvancouver [at] gmail.com at least 12 hours before kick-off.
• This contest will include every match that LFC plays this season. Starting with Blackburn.
• The member(s) that correctly guess the starting XI will be awarded 5 points.
• At the end of the season the player with the most points will win the prize.
• What is the prize? It is a surprise!
• The standings will be included in each week’s newsletter.

Scoring System:

• 11 Correct picks = 5 points.
• 10 Correct picks = 3 points.
• 9 Correct picks = 1 point.
• 0-8 Correct picks = 0 points.

YNWA/JFT 96,

Andy Neumann