On this day 25 years ago, Gerard Houllier effectively ended the Liverpool career of Sander Westerveld when he signed not one, but two goalkeepers on transfer deadline day. The Dutchman, who had been a key figure in the Reds' 2001 cup treble, was left 'absolutely disgusted' after being ruthlessly kicked out.
Record signing and early success
Westerveld joined Liverpool in 1999 from Vitesse Arnhem for £4m, a British record for a goalkeeper at the time. He was one of seven summer signings as Houllier revamped his squad with a £30m spending spree, and was instantly installed as first-choice keeper, despite not being the club's initial target.
Liverpool had originally targeted Edwin van der Sar, but he chose Juventus. Westerveld later revealed that Van der Sar played a part in his own transfer, saying: "Yes, Edwin played his part in the transfer. Liverpool had a few goalkeepers in mind to replace David James in 1999, and Edwin was their first choice. They came to Amsterdam to watch him play for Ajax against my team, Vitesse. We beat Ajax 1-0 and I had a good game."
Westerveld impressed in his first season, making 36 Premier League appearances and keeping 14 clean sheets. He was only denied an ever-present campaign by a red card against Everton in September 1999, but Houllier was impressed by his attitude, telling him: "You showed you had the determination and will to win. You could see how important the derby was for you, and I need players with this mentality."
Cup treble and growing doubts
In 2000/01, Liverpool won a historic cup treble, with Westerveld starting 61 of 63 matches and saving the decisive penalty from Andy Johnson in the League Cup final shoot-out win over Birmingham City. However, mistakes were beginning to creep into his game, including an own goal against Chelsea and a performance in the 5-4 UEFA Cup final win over Alaves.
Rumours of a new goalkeeper emerged, with links to Jerzy Dudek and Chris Kirkland. Westerveld initially dismissed them, saying: "I've been assured by Gerard Houllier that Liverpool haven't made a bid for Chris Kirkland. I believe what the gaffer has told me and I was pleased to hear it."
Transfer deadline day and aftermath
Westerveld made an error in a 2-1 defeat at Bolton in August 2001, letting a Dean Holdsworth shot squirm under his body. Although Houllier initially defended him, on transfer deadline day he signed both Dudek and Kirkland. Houllier said: "It has always been our aim to strengthen every area of the team. That is why we have ensured the signing of these two major goalkeeping talents."
Westerveld was furious, saying: "I am very upset by what has happened. Houllier promised I would be his number one keeper, whatever happened. I'm absolutely disgusted with that. There's no point going back for more talks. I'm looking for a new club as of now. There's no use staying at Liverpool as long as Gerard Houllier is there."
He later learned that Liverpool had only intended to sign Dudek, but a problem with his medical led them to also sign Kirkland, while Feyenoord kept Liverpool to their deal for Dudek. Westerveld said: "Still, I don't understand why I didn't get the opportunity to fight for my position. Instead, Houllier ruthlessly kicked me out. I thought about quitting football."
He eventually left Liverpool for Real Sociedad in December 2001 for £3.4m, and later played for Portsmouth, Almeria, Sparta Rotterdam, Monza and Ajax Cape Town before retiring in 2013. He also had a brief loan spell at Everton in 2005. He later buried the hatchet with Houllier, saying: "I really disliked him for a long period, but my wife said, 'be grateful to him for bringing you to your dream club - you were at Liverpool thanks to him'. I just hold on to that thought."
