I’VE always been more of an ambitions man than a resolution man. I like to sit down and contemplate what would be good to do in any 12-month period. What would you fancy over the next 12 months? Try to keep them plausible and reasonable. Actionable. This year I came up with the following:

• Go to Marrakesh
• Read and broadcast the whole script of London Spy in all the different voices
• Interview another former Liverpool manager
• Cover One Of Those Things by Dexy’s Midnight Runners with Steve Graves
• Find a pair of trousers that vaguely suit me that aren’t jeans or a suit.

On the latter I don’t hold out much hope but the other four feel very achievable. To such an extent in fact, that I have the middle one done. On February 26 I will be speaking with Gerard Houllier about his time at Liverpool.

It’s the Friday before the Capital One Cup final — a remarkably appropriate time to be speaking to him, really. This season had treble season-y hints about it, at least up until The Reds went to West Ham United. Gerard won two League Cups as Liverpool manager.

The people kind enough to ask me to do this are from the LFC Foundation College. They are doing astonishing work in a time of Tory-ism (I can say that, they can’t even if they’d want to) and so everyone can come to listen to the conversation with Gerard at the Crowne Plaza and do so in the knowledge all proceeds will benefit grassroots football and local youngsters giving them life-changing opportunities.

The idea for the event came from David James, Head Student Experience Manager at LFC Foundation College (SALT is commissioned by LFC Foundation to deliver Education and Football Programmes for youngsters through the LFC Foundation College) and chair of HFSG Margaret Aspinall. Dave said: “At a recent Steering Group we decided to put an event on to support the local youngsters and grassroots football. To have Gerard Houllier flying over especially for the dinner is really exciting.”

It is really exciting. I was 20 years old in 2001. 20. A mere slip of a lad, going home and away to watch Liverpool, going to Leeds what felt like a thousand times, a heartbreaking 4-3 reversal, a galvanising 0-2 win, a magnificent 0-4 thrashing. When you look back on these times, it is marvellous to remember what a football team that was. All the trophies lined up. All the songs.

So please come. I want friends in the room because more than any Liverpool manager Gerard sort of intimidates me. He has that seniority. And I’m sure he will have endless interesting things to say.

Tickets are £60 or £600 for a table of 10 people for a three-course meal.

There is a VIP which has limited availability for £85 (£850 for a table of 10) including a meet and greet with Gerard, photograph and complimentary drinks sponsored by Liverpool Gin.

That sounds nice as well.

To reserve your place email [email protected] or call 0151724493 and 07919541270

Now to work on London Spy…