Dubai International to make bid for Liverpool FC

[disco]

You boring fecker. Could've indulged me a bit on a sunday night...

No different from the 'Hick speaks' thread above - bickering about SpeedyG's fake e-mail (and reply) to Bascombe saying he'd never heard of Rashid

[MascheredUp]

Tom Hicks unable to quell whispers

Oliver Kay

Tom Hicks suggested yesterday that he intended to adopt a lower profile and to start winning over Liverpool’s supporters with actions rather than words, but there are whispers from within Anfield about the significance of the continuing silence from his co-chairman, George Gillett Jr.

Gillett, owner of the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey franchise, was the catalyst for the American duo’s takeover of Liverpool last February, but Hicks, who was widely regarded as the silent partner when he came on board late in the bidding process, has had a far more visible public presence during the club’s troubles of the past two months. Gillett’s name was absent from separate statements about the club’s £350 million refinancing deal and its proposed new stadium on Friday and, with Hicks admitting yesterday that “sometimes we don’t agree”, there are growing indications that the pair’s partnership is on borrowed time.

It emerged this month that Gillett has spoken to Dubai International Capital (DIC), the private-equity investment arm of the Dubai Government, about a partnership that would either lead to them buying out Hicks’s 50 per cent stake or the entire club. Hicks maintains that this is not on the agenda, despite confirming yesterday that he and Gillett held talks in October about a deal that would have led to the group becoming 15 per cent investors in the club, but while Friday’s refinancing deal appeared to have stabilised their regime for the immediate future, Anfield sources believe that the Hicks-Gillett partnership cannot survive in its present form. It remains possible that DIC will look to take over the club, either in a joint venture with Gillett or by buying out the two Americans, with the Arab group unconvinced by Hicks’s claim that he will not sell his stake at any price.

Doubts persist about the long-term future of Rafael BenÍtez for as long as Hicks is in place, but, after their very public fallout in November, the Texan is now at least offering the manager his backing in public. “We had a lot of consternation about Rafa,” Hicks said, “but after our meeting on December 16, where he really showed his strong intent to do the right things with us and by the club, we’ve had much better communication. He’s got our total backing. I’ve made that very clear.

“We’ve funded transfer requests in January and we are talking about things for the summer. Rafa’s got a contract here for two more years and hopefully longer than that.”

BenÍtez will be allowed to pursue the signing of Javier Mascherano on a long-term deal once Mohamed Sissoko has completed his expected £9 million move to Juventus, while the Liverpool manager also hopes to proceed with a bid to sign Pablo Aimar, the former Valencia playmaker, from Real Zaragoza.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/liverpool/article3261496.ece

[Rashid]

By the way lads, Olly Kay is very good mates with David Moores - close enough to attend family functions.

[paulcooper4]

By the way lads, Olly Kay is very good mates with David Moores - close enough to attend family functions.

nice one

[MascheredUp]

where the **** is Gillett

His silence has been deafening.

All the pointers seem to suggest he wants out and fast.

Can anyone see a Hicks and DIC partnership working?

[Radar]

Following the takeover, Manchester United has continued to thrive, with the 2005-06 season seeing Old Trafford's capacity being expanded and a lucrative new shirt sponsorship deal signed in April with American company AIG (which, coincidentally, has a large stake in a hedge fund company which helped to fund Malcolm Glazer's takeover of United). Increased revenue from TV rights to nearly each competition United participates in, as well as its successful apparel deal with Nike, has also boosted the club's profitability. This came despite fears among many supporters that the debt incurred in buying the club could lead to insolvency.

Also contrary to the fears of many fans, the Glazers promptly took action to ensure that Gill and veteran manager Alex Ferguson remained at the club, citing the duo's outstanding success.

In 2006, Malcolm Glazer made strong indications that he was at Manchester United for the long haul by appointing his other two sons, Kevin and Edward Glazer, along with his daughter, Darcie Glazer, to the Manchester United board as non-executive directors.

[edit] Refinancing

In July 2006 the club announced a refinancing package. The debt taken on by the Glazers to finance the club was split between the club and the family, Approximately £256 million is secured against Manchester United's assets. [7] The total amount will be £660 million, on which interest payments will be £62 million a year. The club stated, "The value of Manchester United has increased in the last year, which is why lenders want to invest in the club.... 'This move represents good housekeeping and it ensures that Sir Alex Ferguson will be provided with sufficient funds to compete in the transfer market." The Manchester United Supporters Trust responded, "'The amount of money needed to be repaid overall is huge.... 'The interest payment is one thing but what about the actual £660million? It is difficult to see how these sums can be reached without significant increases in ticket prices, which, as we always suspected, means the fans will effectively be paying for someone to borrow money to own their club."[1]

[CAD]

"This move represents good housekeeping and it ensures that Sir Alex Ferguson will be provided with sufficient funds to compete in the transfer market."

I don't believe for one second that G&H don't understand and priorities funding the manager. I think we will see good action in the summer window. I think Mascher will be signed very soon.

[desertscouser]

"This move represents good housekeeping and it ensures that Sir Alex Ferguson will be provided with sufficient funds to compete in the transfer market."

I don't believe for one second that G&H don't understand and priorities funding the manager. I think we will see good action in the summer window. I think Mascher will be signed very soon.

I guess we can all live in hope.

As for Mascherano, are the rumours of the 17 million fee being inclusive of his wages true? If so, he represents very good value for money and MSI are clowns.

[CAD]

Tom Hicks vows to find funds for transfersJan 28 2008




by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post


TOM HICKS has insisted Liverpool are ready to back Rafael Benitez’s future transfer plans – starting with the £17million signing of Javier Mascherano.

The Anfield co-owner also reiterated the club’s support for the manager and hopes the Spaniard will remain in his position “for two more years and hopefully longer than that”.

Hicks and fellow owner George Gillett last week secured a new £350m loan deal while unveiling revised plans for a new 71,000-capacity stadium on Stanley Park.

Hicks also underlined his backing for Benitez despite admitting earlier this month that Jurgen Klinsmann had been approached in November with a view to taking over as manager at Anfield.

The American duo have already rubber-stamped the £6.5m signing of centre-back Martin Skrtel during this month’s transfer window.




Story continues

ADVERTISEMENT


And they have now intimated they will follow that by releasing funds to make Mascherano’s 18-month loan deal, which expires at the end of the season, a permanent move.


“The fans should know we are building the best football ground in the world in Stanley Park and we’ve got a great manager in Rafael Benitez who has our support,” said Hicks yesterday.


“We had a lot of consternation about Rafa. But after our meeting on December 16 with Rafa, where he really showed his strong intent to do the right things with us and by the club, he’s been a gentleman ever since and we’ve had much better communication.


“He’s got our total backing. I’ve made that very clear. We’ve funded transfer requests in January and we are talking about things for the summer.


“Rafa’s going to be our manager. He’s got a contract here for two more years and hopefully longer than that.


“As far as I’m concerned Rafa Benitez will be here for at least the length of his contract.”


Asked if Liverpool were prepared to endorse the transfer for Mascherano, Hicks added: “Absolutely. We have never turned down Rafa’s request for money on any player he has asked for. If you look at the signings last summer and this month it shows that.


“We are already having conversations about the summer. You’ll have to ask Rafa about that but we’ve never turned him down.”


Liverpool reached the Champions League final within months of Hicks and Gillett taking control of the club last February, but have struggled in the Premier League this season and sit in sixth place, outside the Champions League qualification places.


And Hicks admitted: “We can do better. The club knows that, the players know that and Rafa knows that. That’s what it’s all about – the players and what happens on the pitch.


“The tabloids like to have lots of fun with other issues but it’s all about how we play and it’s time for this club to win.”


Hicks and Gillett have been hugely criticised by many Liverpool supporters in recent weeks over their stewardship of the club and their treatment of Benitez.


But Hicks believes he will still own the club in five years, and said: “There is no question in my mind. I want to win the support of our fans with my actions. I want to get out of the tabloids, out of the blogs. I just want them to watch my actions and not read somebody else’s words.


“I own three clubs and I have a real passion for all three of them. I think it’s a great way to invest my money. I believe in what is going to happen with global television and internet growth for teams.


“I love it. I’m a big fan and I watch all the games on television. I couldn’t watch the Havant game because it wasn’t on TV but I got the reports on the website.


“I wish I could come over for every game but it’s a long way. I plan to come to more. I love baseball, I love hockey and I love football.”


Hicks added: “We are on our way. We are going to build the greatest football stadium in the world. We’ve got a great manager, great fans and it’s time to put all the press frenzy behind us and move down the road.”

[AFII]

We need to continue our protests against G&H so it should be....

Get behind the team, the manager and get the clowns out(not our players even that some of them have played like ones in the latest games).

[GBT]

lastest from dmjn100 on football.co.uk, looks lke gillett is doing his bit !!!

he goings on within Anfield at the moment are quite outstanding.

Let me be clear from the off –

D.I.C or Dubai International Capital – Remain intent on securing Liverpool.

Regardless of what Tom Hicks said on Sportsweek on Sunday morning, which for me was at best vague, there remain serious divisions between Hicks & George Gillett.

George Gillett did sign the new finance deal, as so to safeguard his own ‘investment’ (loosely used term there) – but the relationship between the pair is at crisis point.

George Gillett’s son has LEFT Anfield at his fathers request & it’s understood by those within Anfield, he will not be returning.

George Gillett was said to be ‘outraged’ by Hick’s public comments about the approach made for Jurgen Klinsmann & pulling his son out from Anfield was a public show of his anger.

However with Foster leaving, big problems will arise as he was responsible for all the communication between the American owners & Roffa’.

I understand he got on very well with Foster & he was responsible impart for Benitez not walking out just recently. Benitez was made aware he had Gillett seniors full support, where as Hicks, as I said in another post – wanted him sacked.

Gillett vetoed the move & a power struggle ensued.

Gillett’s refusal to back Hick’s caused problems, on top of the big problems that already exist due to the financing.

George Gillett is it seems quite a decent chap. From the people I have spoken with who know him or have knowledge of him, he sounds affable, charming & I suppose most importantly, has a genuine liking for Liverpool.

Gillett wants to remain true to his word. When he promised Mr. Moore’s & the board members, his intention was not to saddle the club with debt, he meant it, but when he was gifted his opportunity to buy Liverpool, it fast became obvious he wouldn’t be able to do it on his own.

He’s paper rich – not cash rich, so as a result he approached Tom Hicks & a plan was put together quicker than a weeks holiday & the lack of initial groundwork is proving severely ill-advised.

George Gillett is said to favour doing a deal with D.I.C, as he has realised the ‘Project’ is going to prove impossible with the limited finances they have.

He understands that:

Yes – they have the money to as Tom Hicks said ‘Start digging’ but that is just about it. They do not have the means to pay for a further minimum £300+ million it will take to complete the stadium.

This is something that Tom Hicks is all too well known for.

Promising the earth – delivering nothing.

Many thousands of Texas Rangers fans would testify to that.

Promising to build the worlds best this and that’ – instead bleeding the companies of every single Dollar, Dime & Cent.

He sells club assets – from the clubs land to the best players. He minimizes wage bills & raises costs for real fans astronomically.

For any Liverpool fan who wants to see the degree of hate felt towards this man – read this:

http://rangersorrobbers.wordpress.com/2007/07/11/rangers-fans-against-hicks/

Many people are of the view that it is only a matter of time before George Gillett makes public his intention to do business with D.I.C.

Gillett knows if he forces Hicks to sell his share of Liverpool to him, then he can sell the whole package on to D.I.C, which in turn will stand to make Gillett a massive profit.

He is the one individual who can realise D.I.C’s dream.

Mr. David Moore’s held recent meetings with Gillett, with the sole intention of making it clear how deeply he disapproves of what’s gone on at the club in recent months & weeks.

He called on Gillett to honour the original terms of the takeover & has even sought legal advice, even though that avenue would achieve little in real terms.

Moore’s is seriously worried his name is turning to mud in Liverpool & is determined to win back the fans he still regards as his own. He doesn’t want to go down in Liverpool’s proud history as the man that managed to help sink Liverpool FC.

When Moore’s made his feelings known to Gillett, Gillett promised he would either live up to the original promise but if that proved impossible, he would look to do a deal with Dubai International Capital.

My friend told me Moore’s was promised Tom Hicks does not & would not have carte blanche over what happens to Liverpool.

Only last week discussions between Tom Hicks, George Gillett & D.I.C regarding the sale of Liverpool FC were ongoing – regardless of what Hicks claims.

Those negotiations are said to be ongoing as we speak.

D.I.C are determined to gain hold of Liverpool, but do not want to be seen or be perceived to be paying massively over the odds for the club. They think that would set a dangerous precedent & send out the wrong message to people who they deal with in the future.

But no matter how vitriolic the statements Hicks makes regarding selling, the facts are:

He is hanging on to his piece of Liverpool by a thread.

When D.I.C make there move and come to agreement with Gillett, Hicks will have no choice but to re-evaluate his options.

So Liverpool FC Fans.

Don’t panic.

There really is a bright light at the end of this ugly tunnel & that light in the form of D.I.C will make recent events pale into insignificance & resign Tom Hicks to his rightful place:

The history books.

[Armchairkopite]

Yes – they have the money to as Tom Hicks said ‘Start digging’ but that is just about it. They do not have the means to pay for a further minimum £300+ million it will take to complete the stadium.

This is something that Tom Hicks is all too well known for.

Promising the earth – delivering nothing.

Many thousands of Texas Rangers fans would testify to that.

Promising to build the worlds best this and that’ – instead bleeding the companies of every single Dollar, Dime & Cent.

He sells club assets – from the clubs land to the best players. He minimizes wage bills & raises costs for real fans astronomically.

This is a fact and any dillusional fans on here who think we should back Hicks should read this twice.

[CAD]

"Gillett knows if he forces Hicks to sell his share of Liverpool to him, then he can sell the whole package on to D.I.C, which in turn will stand to make Gillett a massive profit."

Utter ****ing nonsense. The whole piece must be written by a 4 year old.

[coop]

Heard somewhere else that the funding of the new stadium should be straight forward due to putting the loan against future profits and naming rights much like Arsenal have done.

[Roboklopp]

aye, that bit is nonsense. he couldnt afford the club by hineslf in the 1st place, so why could he now?