LIVERPOOL'S world has come crashing down around them in a disastrous four days, signalling the end of a great era for the club and English soccer.
The team whose name has been synonymous with success for three decades look almost certain not to qualify for European competition at the end of this season for the first time since 1964.
Out of both domestic cups, the 1992 FA Cup winners are closer to the relegation zone than finishing high enough in the Premier League to qualify for the UEFA Cup.
Bookmakers' odds against Liverpool dropping into the First Division were shortened from 10-1 to 8-1 after their 2-0 defeat at Wimbledon on Saturday.
Liverpool remained in 12th place, only eight points ahead of bottom club Nottingham Forest and 13 adrift of leaders Norwich.
The defeat followed Liverpool's humiliating exit from the FA Cup last Wednesday at the hands of Second Division Bolton.