Parry bemused by snub

Rick Parry is bemused Liverpool players were overlooked in the New Year's Honours List.

The Anfield chief believes the decision to overlook last season's remarkable triumph in the UEFA Champions League by The Reds is another snub by the British establishment to the Merseyside outfit.

Parry compared the scenario to that of former Liverpool boss Bob Paisley, who also failed to receive similar recognition after leading the club to three European Cup titles.

"The decision to overlook key Liverpool players from the New Year's Honours List, despite our magnificent achievement in winning the most prestigious club tournament in the world, was frustrating to say the least," Parry told Liverpool's official magazine. 

"It raises a simple question: Just what do you have to do in a football sense to be recognised by the powers that be?

"I don't want to take anything away from the England cricketers and their wonderful Ashes win against Australia, but the fact the inspirational efforts of the likes of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher in helping us win the UEFA Champions League were effectively dismissed is little short of staggering.

"Of course, we have been there before. The achievements of the legendary Bob Paisley, who was the most successful English club manager of all time and a three-time European Cup winner, were never truly recognised.

"Alex Ferguson was knighted in 1999 after Manchester United won the treble of the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League, but that European Cup triumph remains Alex's sole success in this most prestigious of tournaments.

"Matt Busby was knighted after United's 1968 European Cup success. Both honours were richly deserved, but Liverpudlians continue to write to the club and the local media expressing bemusement about the oversight on Bob.

"My own bemusement now comes full circle to encompass the failure to recognise the achievements of the Anfield boys of 2005."

Meanwhile, Milton Keynes Dons goalkeeper David Martin is nearing a move to Liverpool.

The League One club announced on Wednesday that Martin was due to have a medical and discuss personal terms with The Reds this week.