Friday the 13th is usually associated with bad luck but to Sashidaran Nair and other Liverpool fans, it was as if Christmas came early.
Manager Jurgen Klopp signed a contract extension until 2024, hours after it was revealed Japanese playmaker Takumi Minamino could be a Liverpool player in January – if he passes a medical test – which he did earlier today.
To make it a triple joy, ‘Uncle’ James Milner, the oldest player in the squad also signed an extension and is staying until 2022.
The following day, Liverpool went 10 points clear at the top of the English Premier League as it goes in search of its first league title since 1990.
“What a great time to be a Liverpool fan,” said Sashidaran, president of the KL Kopites.
“I have been following Liverpool for more than 30 years and although we may not have won many trophies in the past decade this is the happiest I’ve been.
“The team is playing and I’m amazed as to how well the club is managed – not just by Klopp but also by the owners.
“It is good Klopp is staying on as there will be stability in the team and the potential new signings are great news.”
Sashidaran, who has met Klopp and many of those associated with the club, recently returned from a trip to Anfield where he watched the matches against Brighton and Everton.
Liverpool won both, meaning Sashidaran has watched his beloved club win at Anfield 12 times through the years.
He was joined 15 other KL Kopites members – Datuk Gooi Hoe Soon, Rajes Nagalingam, Shashitharan Naidu, Keith Goh, Sathiyan Sidambaram, Muhilan Murali, Agilandeswaran Gopal, Mathiyalagan Maniam, Sateesh Waran Patmanathen, Jeffrey Yew, Rick Segour Supramaniam, Danam Patchamuthoo, Anandharajoo Mookkapillai, Jeya Anandharajoo and Ken Lim Wai – on his latest trip.
The journey had a special meaning as the Official LFC Supporters Club presented donations to the LFC Foundation and Jamie Carragher’s 23 Foundation.
The money was raised from a gala dinner attended by 1,000 people and former Liverpool defender Dominic Matteo which was organised by the KL Kopites last May
“We usually collect money for local charities but this year went a step further by donating to the LFC and Jamie Carragher foundations,” said Sashidaran.
“We took up the challenge when we were informed no fan club from this region had donated to them.
“As such, for this year, we donated to two local charities and to two from Liverpool.”
Sashidaran presented a cheque to Liverpool CEO Peter Moore and another to Mike Lepic, head of 23 Foundation.
“We had some discussions about future events but I can assure you we will continue having events next year for our local community.”
As for this season’s title charge, Sashidaran said he is just enjoying the ride and the optimistic vibes surrounding the club.
