Parry on Chelsea and Hillsborough

Liverpool fans have every right to be elated with our progress to the semi-finals and our two games against Chelsea will be massive.

You can picture them turning on one or two incidents and so focus and concentration will be absolutely crucial in both legs. Clearly, we are confident and in-form. We also know that we are capable of going through.

Equally, as we always say, they are a very good side, with a good squad and top class players. Both clubs know it will be tight.

On our side, the experience of having won the trophy, with everything that surrounds it, will be a major driving force for everyone connected with the club. For some teams, occasions like Istanbul happen once in a lifetime.

We have every right to dream and believe it can happen to us again. It's an opportunity for players and fans alike to become part of the folklore of our great club.

Everyone remembers where they were when a hugely significant event happens. Those of a certain age can pinpoint exactly where they were when President Kennedy was shot, even though it was 40 years ago.

Certainly, Liverpudlians will always have instant recall about Istanbul. Those who were there will never forget it. Those who were following events at home will have their own evocative memories.

This can act as a driving force, not least for the players. There will be two categories, those who won in Istanbul and those who wish they had been here on that famous day.

Those who paraded the trophy in the Ataturk Stadium will be even more desperate to relive that kind of glory all over again. Those who didn't will be determined to have their chance.

Peter Crouch has been quoted recently as saying his big regret is that he didn't join us before that incredible Istanbul experience unfolded. He will not be alone.

The whole face of the club has changed since then with a tremendous number of new faces at the club. These include the likes of Pepe Reina, Craig Bellamy, Peter Crouch, Dirk Kuyt, Jermaine Pennant, Momo Sissoko, Javier Mascherano, Daniel Agger, and Alvaro Arbeloa.

Clearly, we haven't been standing still. We have been making real progress and we have the opportunity to drive on further.

For me, the atmosphere at Anfield the last time we met Chelsea in the Champions League semi-final was the best ever. People talk about Inter Milan in the Sixties, San Etienne in the Seventies and Roma in more recent times when Gerard Houllier returned after illness.

The Chelsea Champions League semi-final surpassed all of these legendary nights with sustained noise before, during and after the game. It was extraordinary. My ears were still ringing the following morning, as if I'd been to a rock concert.

We are all looking forward to two special matches and one special occasion when Anfield will erupt once more.

With Manchester United involved against AC Milan in the other semi-final, English football sits at the pinnacle of the European game. We have never had three representatives in the semis before and it is a tribute to the quality of the Premiership.

I was Chief Executive of the Premier League when it launched in 1992/93. At that time, our master plan was to turn the English league into the best in Europe. It's always subjective and difficult to assess when you try to compare the games great leagues like Serie A, La Liga and the Bundesliga.

However, the facts speak for themselves right now and there is no doubt that the success of Liverpool, Chelsea and United in reaching this stage will have a major effect on the Premiership in general where the reflected glory will be immense.

People have been saying that for our domestic football to flourish it is crucial for the England team to do well. I would say that it's equally important for our top clubs to be asserting themselves on the European scene. It adds to the excitement and glamour of our club football and is crucial to the further development of the game.

* We have just experienced another moving Memorial event to remember the 96 who died following the Hillsborough Disaster in 1989.

The memories are as powerful and emotive as ever. Indeed, in recent times there has been a resurgence of activity with the families and other fans focused on the justice campaign. Where we can facilitate any show of solidarity, we do so.

The most graphic example this season was the Arsenal game at Anfield when the fans applauded for six minutes at the start to recall the time frame that elapsed before play against Nottingham Forest was finally suspended as the Disaster unfolded.

That demonstration of fan power was unique. You couldn't imagine it happening anywhere else. It certainly made a big impression on Arsene Wenger who commented on the special atmosphere, as did Thierry Henry after the game.

Many clubs have supported us down the years and we have obviously had a special bond with Celtic since Hillsborough.

The Kop said it all with a giant banner recently that said: "Thank You Celtic Fans. We've Never Walked Alone."

Celtic supporters had asked if they could come down to present a flag to our fans at half-time ahead of the Memorial event. It was a gesture everybody understood and appreciated and the Kop's response said it all.

Many people have asked about the Hillsborough Memorial and what will happen with it when we move into Stanley Park. It will remain an integral part of the club, but the families will decide what to do. There is an option to leave it where it is and possibly encompass it in some sort of memorial garden. They may wish to move it to a site alongside the new stadium. Whatever the decision is, we will support their wishes.