The Interview

[Roboklopp]

WILLIAM HILL has opened the book on who will be the majority shareholder(s) of Liverpool FC on the first day of the 2008/9 Premiership season and offer 4/7 that it will still be the Hicks-Gillett combination with a 50-50 share; 15/8 that Hicks alone will be majority shareholder; 6/1 that D.I.C. will by then be the majority shareholder; 66/1 that Share Liverpool, the supporters' group,will have the majority shareholding.

http://www.williamhillmedia.com/index_template.asp?file=9905

[Pacman]

An agenda? Possibly that he is going to make Gillett an offer very shortly, and he wants it known, so that if GG turns it down, Hicks has already fired the first shots and the onus falls on GG as the man who is holding LFC back.

Also, if Parry is indeed messing up finiancially, then you'd want him out the way well before the Transfer window opens, as all dealings will be done before then, or should be with a competent CEO in place.

I personally think TH has the funding he needs already in place (I'll expect Lecter along soon to refute this suggestion, don't worry) and is getting his bid ready, and has as such started his PR assault now.

Maybe he is going to make on offer which is poor compared to what DIC put on the table and he is looking for fan support.

We all know Parry must go we have known this for years and what Hicks has said is correct however the only reason he wants rid is to have control of the boardroom.

I think TH has funding but not as much as you think he has.

[DannyMan2006]

A means to an end. In the US it's called managing someone out. You basically ask them to do a job which they can't do (as Parry has shown) and then use their non-performance to get rid of them.

Accept the position we are in is not performance related. It is power related.

Gillet wants Parry to stay as Parry has clearly sided with Gillet. That means one extra board room vote in his favour.

Hicks wants Parry out as Parry is one extra vote against him.

I can guarantee now to all on this site - If Parry had sided with Hicks, he would not have been asked to resign, at least, not by Hicks anyhow!

[Roboklopp]

But it isn't forcing the issue to a resolution. All we have is boardmembers and executives slagging each other off, and fans jumping down the throats of each other, taking sides.

For example, people are now beginning to say, on Hick's words, that Parry is allied with Gillett, and he is allied with Rafa, and that Hicks wanted Parry out six months ago. However, this to me is spin, because we already know at that time Hicks was leading the charge telling Rafa to pipe down and leave the management to Rick in public.

George seems to be getting a bad rep with some fans, because he is keeping quiet. Isn't that what we regard as the 'Liverpool way'. I don't know who is right, but Hick's using the media, and apparently trying to re-write history, puts me off him completely.

Every time I read another comment from him, the line from John Barnes comes to mind "always yapping".

As other posters have said, Why is he so keen to get LFC debt free, apart from working capital when leveraged deals have been his way of working since the 80's. Why would he change his intention with Liverpool, or is it just part of the charm offensive.

Couldnt agree more- just because GG isnt to be trusted & TH is pointing that fact out, doesnt mean that TH is suddenly the club's best bet.

We fell for his spin 1st time around, why make the same mistake?

[DannyMan2006]

WILLIAM HILL has opened the book on who will be the majority shareholder(s) of Liverpool FC on the first day of the 2008/9 Premiership season and offer 4/7 that it will still be the Hicks-Gillett combination with a 50-50 share; 15/8 that Hicks alone will be majority shareholder; 6/1 that D.I.C. will by then be the majority shareholder; 66/1 that Share Liverpool, the supporters' group,will have the majority shareholding.

http://www.williamhillmedia.com/inde....asp?file=9905

If I was a betting man I would say same situation, followed by DIC, then Hicks, then Gillet and lastly Share Liverpool.

[Roboklopp]

Accept the position we are in is not performance related. It is power related.

Gillet wants Parry to stay as Parry has clearly sided with Gillet. That means one extra board room vote in his favour.

Hicks wants Parry out as Parry is one extra vote against him.

I can guarantee now to all on this site - If Parry had sided with Hicks, he would not have been asked to resign, at least, not by Hicks anyhow!

Sums it all up really.

[Roboklopp]

Waited all that time for the interview and it revealed nothing that he hadn't already mentioned through the media.

First of let's wipe away the spin and forget about the open log fire and family watching the game with scarfs on. What we should be concentrating on is what he said.

What he said about Parry is correct. And I'm sure we all agree, which is no suprise as he is oly telling us what we want to hear. There was a reason behind the E-Mail contacts with Joe Average you know.

So what has he shown in the first part?

Well he has tried to show he is a fan of the club, which we all say about DIC, and he has tried to show that he will take the club forward and will bring in a team who will bring that success. Again this is something that we all liked about DIC.

So he has clearly shown that he is trying to level up the playing field.

What else has he said?

That Gillet instigated the Klinsmann fiasco. Doesn't really matter who did. He obviously didn't rate Rafa at the time or he would not have bothered meeting Jurgen. Nor would he continue to liase with Jurgen and ask his opinion on Rafa's transfer targets if he rated him now - but that is hearsay so we'll leave that bit out. Anyhow, I did a poll in January asking who wanted Rafa to remain in charge at the end of the season. about 40% said decide at the end of the season, 30% said sack him and 30% said back him regardless.

I was in the back him regardless camp, but I fail to see why some people are so upset that they met with another manager, I mean FFS, you wanted Rafa to get the boot! What do you suggest? Start searching in May?

Anyway, Hicks also said that he wants to give Rafa a one year extension. Again this is just giving the fans what they want. Mind 1 year is hardly a massive sway of faith in Rafa is it?

One thing I mus comment on is this. People are saying that if that's good enough for Rafa then it is good enough for them. Fair enough, Rafa will have met him and listened to his plans you would think.

BUT. There is no evidence to suggest that Rafa likes the long term plans of Hicks. Nor is there any evidence to suggest Rafa would sign a contract extension if offered by Hicks. I have seen no commenst by Hicks saying that Rafa has bought into his plans. Nor have I seen anything said by Rafa suggesting that he has took sides..

-----------------------------------------------

So in my opinion this interview that "has shook the face of football" has really shown us nothing we didn't already know.

We still don't know who is the best bet, Gillet or Hicks. We still don't know what DIC will bring. We still have to trust the sources we most believe. And those sources tell me that DIC are still the best bet.

And don't think that we do not have a say in this power struggle. We do. Even by posting on a forum you are having a say. Because where do you think people look to gauge an opinion of the fans. They don't go round asking every fan on match days. They ask a few randoms on the street on Sky Sports, the rest they look on fans forums or by exchanging E-Mails.

No doubt the Hicks PR machine will love some of the comments they have read on the forums today, if Est is anything to go by. Just like the opposition to the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers ownership, he sees it is begininning to crumble. He has wore people down by dragging the club through the media. And he will continue to do so, because it is working.

Last December he would be lucky to have a 10% backing. Now I think he could be as high as 50% of fans who would accept a full takeover by Hicks as opposed to waiting for DIC.

So expect more PR rubbish. Because you've asked for it, like it or not.

[DannyMan2006]

So far, the list of lies I asked for consists of not putting debt on the club, and we don't even know that was his decision. Has anyone got a more exhaustive list of Hicks' evil lies?

As none of us have personally spoken to either party it's difficult to say who said what. Therefore we can not say 100% who lied and who didn't.

I suppose that is what you are getting at. Still, I would say we wanted the club sold as Moores couldn't take the club forward without putting huge debt on the club. We needed a stadium, so we needed new owners.

When the TWO Americans came in they said there would be no debt on the club and that the stadium would be started within a month. BOTH of them said this. BOTH of them lied equally.

So in effect, the reason we needed Moores out, is the very reason we need both of the Yanks out! We have gone full circle!

How do you expect Hicks to get the debt off the club when he needs to buy out Gillets share and come up with £400m for the stadium. By the time they start building the ****ing thing it will probably cost £500m!

I don't know how Hicks can own 51% of the club and earn £600m or so by selling 49%, because that's what he would need to do to get a stadium and take debt of the club.

Still, he didn't exactly put a timescale on any of this did he.............

[RedsFan83]

Look what I just found stored away amongst my emails ...

23 February 2007

Dear Supporter,

Re: Acquisition of Liverpool Football Club.

This month has seen an important milestone in the history of Liverpool Football Club following the announcement that Mr. George Gillett and Mr. Tom Hicks have acquired the majority shareholding of our Chairman, David Moores.

As we embark on a new and exciting era at Liverpool, I feel it is important that I write to you as a supporter to explain the decision behind the takeover, as well as sharing some initial thoughts on how we intend to move forward from here.

The search for the right investor has been an exhaustive process. The recent developments were the culmination of almost three years' intensive activity to secure a partner that would respect and uphold the traditions of a unique "football institution". From the start, this was our unequivocal goal. Allied to this, any prospective partner also had to match our passion and commitment to winning trophies. The approach from George Gillett and Tom Hicks demonstrated these qualities in abundance. "Success breeds success" is a philosophy that runs right throughout Anfield and with the additional knowledge, resources and credibility that both George and Tom bring to the Club, I am convinced our enviable record of honours and silverware will continue to grow over the years to come.

From the perspective of ownership, I believe the future of the Club is in very safe hands. The Gillett and Hicks families possess a tremendous regard and admiration for the standing that Liverpool is privileged to hold in football - not just here in England, but throughout the world. To them, our virtues, heritage and culture are precious assets that will help to inspire everyone connected with us to continue to strive for further success - both on and off the field. And yet in many ways the new acquisition spells "business as usual". Both George and Tom have expressed a tremendous faith and confidence in the people and resources that serve the Club so well, and I know that I speak for everyone in expressing my delight that David Moores has agreed to become Honorary Life - President, retaining a seat on the Board of Directors.

From the team perspective, funds will be made available for the manager to further strengthen what is already an excellent playing squad. In tandem with this, building work will start very soon on our new stadium complex in Stanley Park - the first tangible sign of the financial commitment and expertise in the construction and management of world-class sporting arenas that George and Tom provide.

In conclusion, I have every confidence that the time-honoured values of Liverpool Football Club will remain under careful stewardship as we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in our remarkable history. By the same token, I very much hope the Club can rely on the truly unique and outstanding support it is privileged to receive from all our supporters in the UK and around the world. It is on your incredible loyalty that Liverpool's success and reputation has been built.

If you have any questions or thoughts over the coming weeks, please do not hesitate to feed back to me via our Customer Services Department at [email protected]

Yours sincerely,

Rick Parry
Chief Executive, Liverpool Football Club


Makes for shameful reading now :-(

[dom9]

I know but it all comes down to hard work and that in return means that I win more money on my bets. Four, five hours a day looking at stats, injury reports, reading paper after paper, looking at I don't know how many games and league tables isn't that fun.

Are you serious?

[AFII]

Look what I just found stored away amongst my emails ...

23 February 2007

Dear Supporter,

Re: Acquisition of Liverpool Football Club.

This month has seen an important milestone in the history of Liverpool Football Club following the announcement that Mr. Statler and Mr. Waldorf have acquired the majority shareholding of our Chairman, David "silver spoon" Moores.

As we embark on a new and exciting era at Liverpool, I feel it is important that I write to you as a money supporter to explain the decision behind the takeover, as well as sharing some initial thoughts on how we intend to move backward from here.

The search for the right investor has been no process at all. The recent developments were the culmination of almost three years' sitting on our asses activity to secure a partner that would disrespect the traditions of a unique "football institution". From the start, this was our unequivocal goal. Allied to this, any prospective partner also had to match our passion and commitment to winning trophies and earn Mr Silver Spoon and Red Ferrari a good pay day. The approach from Statler and Waldorf demonstrated these qualities in abundance. "Success breeds success" is a philosophy that runs right throughout Anfield and with the additional spin, debt and Magpie philosophy that both Statler and Waldorf bring to the Club, I am convinced our enviable record of honours and debts will continue to grow over the years to come.

From the perspective of ownership, I believe the future of the Club is in very, very safe dicks sorry hands. The Statler and Waldorf families possess a tremendous regard and admiration for the standing that the Liverpool Reds is privileged to hold in soccer - not just here in England, but throughout the world. To them, our virtues, heritage and culture are precious money assets that will help to inspire everyone connected with us to continue to strive for further money success - both on and off the field. And yet in many ways the new acquisition spells "business as usual". Both Statler and Waldorf have expressed a tremendous faith and no confidence in the people and resources that serve the Club so well, and I know that I speak for everyone interesting in making a profit expressing my delight that Silver spoon has agreed to become Honorary Life silver spoon - President, retaining a seat on the Board of fools.

From the team perspective, funds will be made available from the banks for the manager to further strengthen what is already an excellent playing squad. In tandem with this, building work will start next century on our new mini stadium complex in Stanley Park - the first tangible sign of the no financial commitment and expertise in the construction and management of world-class sketches that Statler and Waldorf provide.

In conclusion, I have every confidence that the time-honoured values of Liverpool soccer Club will remain under careful stewardship as we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in our remarkable history. By the same token, I very much hope the Club can rely on the truly unique and outstanding support it is privileged to receive from all our supporters in the UK and around the world. It is on your incredible loyalty that Liverpool's success and reputation has been sold down the river.

If you have any questions or thoughts over the coming weeks, please do not feed back to me via our Customer Services Department at [email protected]

Yours sincerely,

Red Ferrari
Clown Executive, Liverpool Soccer Club


Makes for shameful reading now :-(

I made some "improvements" I hope that you don't mind.

[Lecter]

Neither has Hicks. It's like moving a balance from one of your credit cards to another.

Just one point

Hicks wont be paying off the balance

[Lecter]

Still think it's highly likely that it was GG who couldn't stump up the collateral required, and forced Hicks to go down this route.


We shall see when GG is gone, and Hicks remains in control...cos i think that is what will happen, whether it is this summer, or in 12 months time when a new loan deal needs to be structured and GG is still hanging in there, stubbornly refusing to sell to TH, and realises he is up that notorious creek without a paddle, as he can't afford more collateral to refinance the deal.

You think so I dont

"When I was in the leverage buy-out business we bought Weetabix and we leveraged it up to make our return. You could say that anyone who was eating Weetabix was paying for our purchase of Weetabix. It was just business. It is the same for Liverpool" - Tom Hicks

[Skillz]

I'm broadly with you but I do think the interview is a mistake on his part and forms part of a pattern. Conducting business via the press is not what any of the fans want to see and open civil war is helping no one at the minute.
I've been arguing for a while that we possibly don't have enough evidence to judge either of the owners in isolation for a while. However for every time they seem to be getting on with things (such as the Mascher transfer) there is another example of how they are ruining the image and hence potential advertising value of the club like this interview.

Large parts of it seem to be down to a culture clash and failure to understand what European football fans want to see and in particular what LFC fans want to see.

In response to AFIIs point about Hicks and stability. I thought only Corinthians had had stability problems in a real way in the others the problem was more one of stagnation. We have already seen pretty substantial investment in the team under the current ownership which would indicate that they have on some levels seen that this investment requires different things to their other ones to make it work for them.

I would say though that the way to convince fans of their worth is to get on with the likes of planning the stadium and working out a time table for decisions such as how to proceed with the ownership problem and not to keep blathering on in the media.

Some of the decisions that Hicks seems to want for example about Parry and Rafa would have been met with joy when they first took over. They remain sound choices in my book. However currently they just appear to be tactics in the battle for ownership of the club.

firstly the whole post reflects my thoughts as well. The bit I have in bold is because it is worth mentioning that it was Gillett's interview that raised this embarrassing spat back into the limelight. Please correct me if I am wrong and please do not accuse me of supporting Hicks.

I support Rafa and his vision. I am disappointed that Hicks is promising a 1 year extension, that to me is a token gesture to get fans on board. I am more disappointed that DIC have not stated their intention to back Rafa. If they came out today and said Rafa will get a 2 year extension to his contract they would have me at Hello.

We have a bunch of self righteous cunts owning/trying to own LFC and I am now starting to see that none of these parties give 2 flying ****s to what happens on the pitch. All they see is $$$$$$$, all I see is cunts.

[Scratch]

You think so I dont

"When I was in the leverage buy-out business we bought Weetabix and we leveraged it up to make our return. You could say that anyone who was eating Weetabix was paying for our purchase of Weetabix. It was just business. It is the same for Liverpool" - Tom Hicks

So he's going to let the club pay for itself then? What's wrong with that? Doesn't mean he hasn't got the money though, just that he's knows what makes good business sence.

Also, note he say "When i was in" which implies that his business practices have changed somewhat, but he can use past experiences to help guide him now.