Liverpool Banter Archive October 06 2010

 

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06 Oct 2010 23:51:37

Right, let's all focus on the future of the club. Let's leave the right people to finalize the takeover, let's leave Roy to get on with his job, and now let's hope that the players concentrate on winning games and qualifying for CL. Oh and let's say bye to the Americans who let's be honest look more like two extras from broke back mountain.

Jefkid

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 23:47:04
JF from what you posted regarding spurs abroad your the deluded one from what you have posted you know very little about spurs abroad or any london based club for that matter, spurs have fan clubs in 7 out of the 10 largest citys in the U.S (3) in NY alone they have fan clubs in brazil, panama, uraguay, a big fan base in argentina, they have 3 in india, 5 in australia inc the 2 in sydney, one in NZ two in SA, a large base in norway, a hell of a lot in the greek isles esp cyprus, they have one in amsterdam and one in rotterdam as well as germany and spain ex packs so do do your homework before talking crap as so many of you do theres a good lad

 

 

06 Oct 2010 23:45:49
Roy Hodgson still has to leave after the Everton game. I have a feeling we will still lose. So we need to get ride of mr badluck.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 23:44:07
The New York Times Company owns 16.58% of this ESV so doesn't that mean rupert murdoch will be owning 16% of LFC and they also own SKY sports who provide sky football money.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 23:38:53
"To the t* t who posted this

Dzeko, suarez, forlan, turan, diarra, young etc etc for get it in terms of wealth you lot have just won a tenner on the lottery

f*ck off our site you Feckless Manure or Chavski PARASITE! ! ! ! ! ! ! "

Hi, im a liverpool fan, and i understand what the orginal poster is saying. This fund may or maynot have $500m, but since credit-crunch no one is sure how much they lost off the value. fans need to understand thay this investment vehicle could be carrying huge debts too. Its also not contructive to attack someone who is talking sense. We have not scored a marjor wealthy investor. Just someone who is able to rise 300m like Hicks did. These people are just like Hicks in terms of wealth. So im not really impressed with this deal.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 23:35:41

This page was last updated: 23:29:29 GMT+1
06 Oct 2010 23:28:30

To the t* t who posted this

Dzeko, suarez, forlan, turan, diarra, young etc etc for get it in terms of wealth you lot have just won a tenner on the lottery

f*ck off our site you Feckless Manure or Chavski PARASITE! ! ! ! ! ! !

We want a stable club not to BUY the title and not even EARN IT! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! {ed's note - it was a Spurs fan who posted it.}

((ok then
F* k off our site you feckless spurs piece of s* t
Lol
Harry5:)

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 23:31:21
New England Sports Ventures LLC is the parent company of the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. The Boston-based limited liability company also owns Fenway Park and the Fenway Sports Group (which in turn owns the Salem Red Sox of the Class A Carolina League, a minor league baseball franchise), plus 80 percent of the New England Sports Network and 50 percent of Roush Fenway Racing, a NASCAR team. On the 6th October 2010 Liverpool FC accepted a bid to take control of the club subject to a legal dispute. NESV was founded in 2001 when John W. Henry joined forces with Tom Werner, Les Otten, The New York Times Company (which owns 16.58 percent and other investors to successfully bid for the Red Sox.

On the 6th of October 2010 NESV agreed to purchase the English Premier League club - Liverpool Football Club

Does anyone know how much NESV is in debt by. It seems that we will now be tied into debt of MLB + Nascar and what ever else they may be in to. Seems we might be in more trouble.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 23:29:29
Ed Said:

"which Diarra are you two talking about?"

I am guessing Blair was talking about Lassana.

Sharkey. {ed's note - thanks for clearing that up, in which case I agree with your assessment fully. He is not someone I would like to see at the club at all.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 23:28:30

To the t* t who posted this

Dzeko, suarez, forlan, turan, diarra, young etc etc for get it in terms of wealth you lot have just won a tenner on the lottery

f*ck off our site you Feckless Manure or Chavski PARASITE! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

We want a stable club not to BUY the title and not even EARN IT! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! {ed's note - it was a Spurs fan who posted it.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 23:25:00

I have it on good authority that once the takeover is finalized, Roy will have until December to make an impression on the new owners. Once they get a feel for the club and the way the players and staff feel about the current set-up, they'll then see how the results play out. Perhaps the resolution to the ownership situation and the promise of better things to come and better players to be brought in settles things with the players and helps Roy with his plans, but regardless this is the squad we have until January and he'll have to find a way to at least get them somewhere near the top 4 until reinforcements come; they've played well below their level and have been alarmingly disheveled and unorganized for a Hodgson team.

But the general consensus is that Roy will work things out in due time, if not then ownership will have Klinsmann and O'Neill in the wings to replace him. Assuming he sorts it out by then and is still around in January, Arda Turan is a certainly, as Kenny's been waiting forever for the opportunity to bring him in as he's a Red all the way and would provide much needed skill and width; a world class player. Mata has been mentioned, but Turan is the first option on the left. The center midfield has been terrible, especially in the holding role as Mascherano's loss has seen Johnson exposed for cover and Poulsen and Lucas just not good enough to replace the best defensive mid the world. Three options are being considered: the most likely is a swoop for Lass Diarra, who's a custom made replacement for Masch and has already stated his desire to leave Madrid. If that doesn't go through, then we'll use our leverage with Juve with regards to Aquilani to bring back Momo Sissoko to the club. Long term target Defour is the third option, but is much less likely as he essentially is Standard Liege and they'll wait a while longer until they can get real value for him, most likely from United as a Scholes replacement as he's more offensive minded anyway.
Defensively expect reinforcements in the way of a young English CB, possibly Shawcross or Cahill.

The real excitement comes up front. Roy wants to run his 4-4-2 and run it the way he wants, and our relationship with Atletico will pay dividends. Forlan will be discussed, but the feeling is that he's on the older side and wasn't successful in English football to begin with. The real marquee signing of January will be Kun Aguero, who we'll snatch right from under Chelsea's nose and who Torres wants desperately to play with, and who we can get for around 25-30 million. If it doesn't happen in January, then expect the move over the summer.

Expect a squad that looks like this by February:

Reina
Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel/ Agger, Konchesky
Kuyt/ Turan, Diarra/ Meireles, Gerrard, Turan/ Cole
Aguero Torres

Good times are returning to Anfield. The only real concern is whether, upon redevelopment of Anfield or a move to Stanley Park, the owners will hike up prices to United/ Arsenal levels and price out those who make Anfield's atmosphere what it is.

YNWA

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 23:22:24
Everyone is getting a bit carried away with their lists of players the new owners should buy.

The new owners are not of the wealth of Chelsea or Man City and I wouldn't want them to be either.

I am looking for NESV to come in, clear the debts and put the club back on solid foundations. It is already a solid profit making company and with the right guidance could be even more so.

If they give a decent transfer budget each season of 30 - 40 million, with the right manager we will soon be challenging for all the honours again.

At the end of the storm there's a golden sky!

Fabain Treezle

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 23:16:11
Blair Mayne YNWA gave us his Christmas list at 06 Oct 2010 23:06:23:

"My realistic target's IF the takeover happens with sensible investment and player sales would be?

Suarez/ Dzeko
Turan (please)
Mata
Young
Contraro
Parker
Diarra

Not all of course but all very possible IF the price is right."

I think Arda has a very good chance of moving to Liverpool. Can't see Mata though. Diarra comes with significant baggage and maybe more trouble than he is worth.

Sharkey. {ed's note - which Diarra are you two talking about? I don't think either are worth looking at personally, but Lassana is a regular for Real Madrid, why would he move here? Mahamadou has had too many injuries recently to be worth buying, it would be too much of a risk when we have Torres and Aurelio taking up the treatment tables on a regular basis.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 23:12:34
Who ever the owners are.

Principles of the deal>

-The fans need a chairman that they can trust. Has intrest of club and not the owners.
-New stadium has to be put into motion, if the new owners don't build the stadium, they should lose ownership of the club. Its very important that work begins.
-placing more debt on the club.

trust, stadium and debt issues need to be figured out.

Whats to stop these people rasing bonds for 300m and getting their money out next week?

We have been burnt by promises and purslow lis looking after RBS.

i think we are in trouble

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 23:07:09

Guys i myt b wrong bt dnt you thnk broughton could have done a deal with someone alot wealthier thn this henry guy? i think he didn't want liverpool to be more powerful and our owner to be more wealthier thn chelsea thts y he has accptd this offer ftm henry guy whch mean we wil b stable but not like man city o chelsea wat fo u thnk to tht guys?? ? {ed's note - are you being serious?}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 23:06:23

My realistic target's IF the takeover happens with sensible investment and player sales would be?

Suarez/ Dzeko
Turan (please)
Mata
Young
Contraro
Parker
Diarra

Not all of course but all very possible IF the price is right.

Blair Mayne YNWA

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 22:42:29

Look at the bright side IT CAN'T GET ANY WORSE than it is right now with h and g. thank you to the three men that showed they have a pair of balls and stood up to those idiots.
These are the 2 people we need
Suarez st/ left winger-23
higuain st - 22
this will bring youth to our team and skil

 

 

06 Oct 2010 22:41:20
Thanks to the 3 muskateers all the blue s* *e have crawled back under there stones.
THESHANKLEYWAY

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 22:30:17
I am delighted that liverpool are near to be taken over but i for on do not want us to turn out like city or chelsea.
My team.
. . . . .reina. . . . .
johnson. . .agger. . .dann. . .konchesky
mata. . . meireles. . .gerrard. .cole
. . . . torres. . suarez. . . .

players in
Dann. .7 million
mata 15 million
suarez 20 million or 15 million plus babel as he is still well known in holland

wat ya think ed? {ed's note - looks good on paper, not sure I see the point in bringing in Dann, I would prefer to see Ayala brought back, he offers more to the team than Dann ever will. But Mata and Suarez are good shouts.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 22:26:51
Tom Hicks seems to have forgotten he is trying to pick a fight with the Chief Executive of arguably one of the world's biggest and most reputable companies in British Airways. I'm pretty certain Martin Broughton would know the law of what he can and can't do with regards to board matters. Unlucky Tommy Boy, go swivel!

 

 

06 Oct 2010 22:26:22

We should keep Torres only if we bring in Alonso in January. Apparently Torres can only scores from balls created by Alonso. If we don't/ can't bring in Alonso, then we probably should sell Torres, bring in Aguero or some other player with equal ability before the Spaniard becomes injured again. .

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 21:51:56

Thank u mr broughton for standing your ground and being confident. .the yanks are already packing.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 21:47:01

Hopefully we'll see an improvement on the pitch now, stability is all very well but the prospect of the manger having funds to spend in Jan. threatening a players position at the club seems to be what is really needed for some players to perform.

The club will be in court next week arguing that the sale price is fair, it will really come down to whether a Judge thinks it is or not. Broughton (playing a blinder) is already pushing the argument that as there were two real bids at close to the same valuation this demonstrates what value the market currently puts on the club. H&G will argue the club is worth more.

Kinda ironic that the poor start to the season and us being in the relegation zone actually helps the clubs agrument, as the dogs in the street know (including Judges) that the club is in trouble, hence lowering it's current value. If we had started the season well it would be harder to justify the current value. I've worked in the financial sector and will all the legal doumentation in the world and being convinced that you are right it really does come down to what judge you get on what day as to what decision he/ she will make.

Oh, one last point, to the poster who listed the Big Greek on his wish list of players to get out of the club, did you not see him at the weekend? OK, he's no Hansen but the guy would run through a wall for LFC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 21:15:19

This is my opinion but feel it is valid
can we please lay off roy and stop speculating on who is coming in especially MON.
Give Roy till christmas and see how we are and then make a judgement, maybe with the new owners possibly as soon as friday the team will settle the players must be feeling the same relief as we are and the whole feeling at anfield might just release the tension in the players an we can show teams that we are not as bad as our performances say we are at this moment.
everyone including Roy has been upset and concerned at our performances but we can all see the light now. no excuses available now , now is the time for the team to play like we know we can, players don't become bad overnight
my prediction is results will improve , a couple of good signings in january and 3 or 4 in the summer and an all out assault on the title next year as we will have the belief back

bigg2966

 

 

06 Oct 2010 21:14:11

Just a thought on the buyout of H & G. There is always a fear the the same situation will re-occur. The new yonks buy with cash then secure a loan for their money back secured on the assets.
Can LFC build in a restrictive covenant preventing any securitisation of debt against the club?
Any ideas ed?

{Editor's Note: Such a covenant would reduce the price of the club or scare away potential buyers. Most clubs are likely to have to maintain a manageable level of debt.}

 

 

06 Oct 2010 21:14:11

BOSTON (AP)—The Boston Red Sox owners have tried their hand in golf, auto racing, U.S. college sports and—of course—baseball.

They even kicked a little soccer around before making a deal to buy Liverpool of the English Premier League.

New England Sports Ventures, a holding company for the Red Sox, reached an agreement with the Liverpool board on Tuesday night to buy the team for $477 million.

It's not the ballclub's first investment outside of baseball.

The Red Sox are half-owners of Roush Fenway Racing, a team that competes on the NASCAR circuit. Through their Fenway Sports Group subsidiary, they have helped market Boston College football and basketball, professional beach volleyball, and Fulham, a lower-profile English soccer team.

This summer, they staged "Football at Fenway, " a soccer game at their historic ballpark between Sporting Lisbon and Glasgow Celtic.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 21:13:10

(PLO) have approved the take over!

Big_Welsh_Dave

Yasser Arrafat?

 

 

06 Oct 2010 21:12:10

Well, I for one reckon this group have been around the table for awhile now - I said in July that 2 ex players told me the front runners at that stage were supposedly american - and here we are on the verge of being sold to americans.

I personally believe we will have a sensible business model in place that invests sensibly rather than impulsivley. Just hope the ticket prices don't rise to a point where they become prohibitive to most of our current season ticket holders - I don't want the club to lose its identity with Liverpool people in the way the s*eep down the East Lancs have with Manc-chester.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 21:08:30

Does anyone have any idea who the Asian bid was from?

 

 

06 Oct 2010 21:05:31

Once again im trying to post but not getting through as i said earlier today this fella has not got as much money as hicks but is henry on his way up and is hicks on his way down (hope so) also could we all stop getting carried away we will not sign any massive players in jan and as for the fella that said none of rh signings were any good i like the look of mereiles give them all time to gel now that we have stability i thinks lfc will come back stronger now we have had a kick up the ass
YNWA (RED SOX) WHOOP WHOOP

MIKE
ps ed sorry what i wrote to you the other day i was totally pissed off with all this and just seen a pic of hicks i really hate him and wish him the worst in buisnees

 

 

06 Oct 2010 21:00:25

Ed how muchwould real madrid want for alonso?

{Editor's Note: He is contracted until 2014 - perhaps £30M.}

 

 

06 Oct 2010 20:56:50

Firstly i wish to pass on my thanks and gratitude to chairman Martin Broughton, commercial director Ian Ayre and managing director Christian Purslow for the great job they are doing for our great team and for choosing Mr John Henry and co to become our new owners, who i hope will install a new winning mentality to our team as they did with the red sox; winning is everything to them.
as for the court case why doesen't hicks realise he is only delaying the inevitable and he could save his self some more money by bowing out gracefully and let somebody who will care about the club, us its fans and our history, so please p* s off, but before you go MR H AND MR G PLEASE READ THIS LITTLE NOTE ABOUT OUR HISTORY, THIS ALSO GOES OUT TO ALL pool haters who said no one would buy us and that we would end up relegated:
league champs
1900-01 1905-06 1921-22 1922-23 1946-47 1963-64 1965-66 1972-73 1975-76 1976-77 1978-79 1979-80 1981-82 1982-83 1983-84 1985-86 1987-88 1989-90
fa cup wins
1964-65 1973-74 1985-86 1988-89 1991-92 2000-01 2005-06
euro super cup
1977 2001 2005
league cup
1980-81 1981-82 1982-83 1983-84 1994-95 2000-01 2002-03
uefa cup
1972-73 1975-76 2000-01
european cup winners
1976-77 1977-78 1980-81 1983-84 2004-05
now that's what you call history and who knows where the future will take us next.
welcome to our new owners- - - -y.n.w.a

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 20:53:52

Ed what about bringing raffa back an kenny as coach between them only good can come

{Editor's Note: Not a chance - I am glad to say.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 20:52:07

Ed,

Will NESV pay cash or loan against there other business's of whih won't we be in the same boat?
{Editor's note - It depends if he has the cash but there will probably be a loan involved}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 20:44:01

In reference to the tweet

I take back my previous hesitations. No matter how this all turns out, long term, I might owe the man a drink if I were to ever meet him, because with things running down to the wire and everything on the table Broughton is really letting it all hang out. Steven Colbert would approve.

On the events of yesterday, 5live has run a clip where a reporter managed a short conversation with Tom Hicks.

Hicks: "We legally reconstituted the board and we do not accept the transaction"

5Live: How can you do that?"

Hicks: "We have removed the board."

This was followed by a clarification from Broughton, recalling the end of the conversation thusly:

Broughton: "I'm told that you can't do that and the Liverpool board structure will remain the same."

Hicks: "I've just done it." [slams phone]

Classy to the end, that Hicks. On the suggestion that he didn't have the legal right to disband the board, he later texted Dan Roan of the BBC the delightful quote, "That's why there are courts." You lovable scamp, you. Losing £144M really couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

That's about the extent of the behind the scenes Hicks fireworks, but Broughton also touched on two points that will be of interest moving forward for Liverpool supporters. First, that the new ownership group will look to give Hodgson time, which I–and I suspect many of you–may have some reservations about. Talk of Dalglish returning, or of the Kop chanting Pelligrini, Pelligirini, Olé Olé Olé! some time soon, may be a bridge too far. But still, a January transfer apocalypse is a worry for the future, and there's plenty to concern ourselves with at present.

Second, he mentioned there is a commitment not necessarily to a new stadium, but certainly to a 60,000+ capacity stadium. That could either be in the shape of a new venue, or it could mean a major retrofitting of Anfield similar to what happened in Boston with Fenway Park. For those worried about this meaning more dithering, it is important to note that in Boston the retrofitting option was one supported by most of the fans and took place while there was heavy civic resistance to building a new park. It also cost nearly as much as a new stadium would have, so there's no sign there at least of cutting corners to save a buck, and if their experts think that Anfield could be modernized and expanded effectively without losing its history I at least have no problems with that option being considered.

Here's hoping, then, that Broughton's legal advice is better than Hicks'.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 20:34:06

What's about the 5live hicks thing
Explain

 

 

06 Oct 2010 20:32:07

In reference to the tweet read this

I take back my previous hesitations. No matter how this all turns out, long term, I might owe the man a drink if I were to ever meet him, because with things running down to the wire and everything on the table Broughton is really letting it all hang out. Steven Colbert would approve.

On the events of yesterday, 5live has run a clip where a reporter managed a short conversation with Tom Hicks.

Hicks: "We legally reconstituted the board and we do not accept the transaction"

5Live: How can you do that?"

Hicks: "We have removed the board."

This was followed by a clarification from Broughton, recalling the end of the conversation thusly:

Broughton: "I'm told that you can't do that and the Liverpool board structure will remain the same."

Hicks: "I've just done it." [slams phone]

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 20:28:12
Sorry lads couldn't resist, new players in come Jan.

Mata
Kranjcar
Dann
Shawcross
Tawio
Bangea

- - - - - -Torres- - - Mata

- - Kranjcar- - -Gerrard- - - Cole

- - - - - - - - -Bangea

- Tawio- - -Agger- - - Shawcross- -Johnson


Subs - Dann, Carra, Meireles, Kuyt, Ngog, Pacheco

Well, it's certainly working for me on Fifa 11

COME ON THE REDS! !

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 20:25:39

I told you so! I was speaking to glen johnson in duke street park , formby. The new owners will fund transfers (not like man city style). Hodgson will be sacked . King kenny to return. Y.N.W.A jimmy

Why the f*ck would glen be at duke street?

Glenn was probably watching the mighty FORMBY ath playing there!. or walking his dog!

* Well Formby Ath don't play there, especially not on a Wednesday. and he lives on the other side of Formby.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 20:12:46

All Liverpool need to but is a ST, Winger, CM.CB/ LB.
CB: Cahill
CM:Parker
RW:Payet/ Mata/ Young/ Elia
ST:Gomez.Carroll

Getting rid of Babel as part of Mata or Young, Lucas.

Team

Torres, Gomez
Young Cole
Gerrard Parker
Konchesky Johnson
Cahill Carragher

Bench
Jones
Agger,
Kelly
Meireles
Kuyt
Lucas
Maxi


But hopefully now that the takeover will soon be sorted and the problems will be aswell then the players and Liverpool can start focusing on playing and play like they can. Also with the the international break we can get it all back in order and if we can beat everton then that will really give us a lift.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 20:08:51

This is **e****** speaking
to the poster who wants to know were the £300million that hicks and gillett borrowed went, it went back into their own pockets as they first put their own money up to buy the club then they borrowed of the banks got their initial investment back then they put that debt onto the club making the club responsible for the repayments that way they h*cked us.they said they wouldn't do a leverage buyout which they didn't at first but when the time was right they borrowed of the banks to get their money back effectively getting the club for nothing, they are now getting h*ck all back which is why they are up in arms and challenging the sale

 

 

06 Oct 2010 20:05:25

Right take over to be done by next tuesday

Objectives:
1st.Clear all debts
2nd.Make new anfield
3rd.Make a sustanible fund for liverpool in future
4th.Rebuild the sqaud with 50mil to spend in january + player sales.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 20:04:23

Transfer Funds

Just to note lfc will have transfer funds from the profits and possibly owners investing in team.

lfc is the most profitable prem club without debt, and that debt will no longer exist.

These new owners are not the sheiks, so don't expect mad transfer fees.

This henry guy is just a figurehead, nothing more it is not just his company.

The company buying liverpool is cash rich and aparently invest in team and increase revenues, which in all cases is good for Lfc.

Anfield can be redisigned to cater for more capacity.

These new guys have a business plan and they seem to now what there doing.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 20:03:44

We don't need that much money - but we do need to purge the squad like Shankly did when he came in (he released twenty-four players he didn't think were worthy of playing for LFC):

Sell (deadwood):

Konchesky (1.5)
Jovanovic (3)
Kyrgiakos (1.5)
Maxi (3)
Babel (7)
Lucas (7)
Ngog (8)
Spearing (1.5)
Poulsen (2.5)
Itandje (r)
Darby (r)
Skrtel (5)

= 40m

Send back down (these guys aren't ready yet):

Bouzanis
Ince
Wisdom
Irwin
Hansen
Bruna

Buy:

Lahm (18)
Shawcross (10)
Aguero (25)
Turan (15)
Defour (12)
Owen (free)

=80m

Total Net Spend = 40m - not that much money compared to Chelsea/ City

Squad for 2011-2012 (I've assigned some numbers as my personal preference; it's really irrelevant). The squad number has been trimmed from thirty-seven players to twenty-six:

1. Jones
2. Johnson
4. Meireles
5. Agger
6. Aurelio
7. Aguero
8. Gerrard
9. Torres
10. Cole
11. Turan
12. Pacheco
13. Defour
16. Lahm
17. Shawcross
18. Kuyt
20. Owen
22. Wilson
23. Carragher
25. Reina
27. Mavinga
33. Shelvey
34. Kelly
39. Eccleston
40. Ayala
46. Amoo
49. Robinson

1st XI (home)

Reina
Johnson - Carragher - Shawcross - Lahm
Cole - Gerrard - Meireles - Turan
Torres - Aguero

Bench:

Jones
Kelly
Agger
Defour
Shelvey
Kuyt
Owen

1st XI (away)

Reina
Kelly - Carragher - Shawcross - Lahm
Gerrard - Meireles
Johnson - Cole - Turan
Torres

Bench:

Jones
Agger
Wilson
Defour
Shelvey
Kuyt
Aguero

I've tried to steer clear of fantasy signings (maybe Lahm is a bit ambitious) but I think the advantage of this squad is that it's full of quality young players - Kelly, Shawcross, Wilson, Mavinga, Shelvey, Defour, Amoo, Turan, Pacheco, Aguero - because the aim of the manager should be to create a new dynasty like Shankly. In a couple of years I envision Shelvey and Defour running the engine room in the middle, Shawcross and Wilson forming an unbreakable barrier at the back and Pacheco and Aguero in a deadly partnership together, with Amoo and Turan causing havoc when they come off their wings. This is the Liverpool of the future.

Thoughts, from the Editor especially?

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 19:48:25

Oneil would run us into the ground, much deeper than what Roy has already done
Of anyone get kenny

 

 

06 Oct 2010 19:43:57

I have a new favorite baseball team, go the red sox

 

 

06 Oct 2010 19:43:09

The one thing that worries me is the fact that these new owners are in favour of groundshare should Anfield can't be redeveloped or to costly

 

 

06 Oct 2010 19:40:38

I have done some research on NESV their are 18 principle characters involved in the financial backing of the company
John W. Henry, principal owner
Thomas C. Werner
David Ginsberg
Philip H. Morse
Larry Lucchino
Theodore Alfond
William Alfond
Thomas R. DiBenedetto
Michael Egan
Michael Gordon
John A. Kaneb
Seth Klarman
Henry F. McCance
The New York Times Company
Arthur E. Nicholas
Frank Resnek
Martin Trust
Jeffrey Vini
this company known for changing the fortunes of sport clubs most notably Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres and the Boston Red Sox the first 2 built new stadiums and the Red Sox re-developed fenway park.Going by their track record they will invest heavily in the squad and build new ground or re-develop anfield.Hopefully good times will return to liverpool fc.
ngs77

 

 

06 Oct 2010 19:40:17

How sweet would it be to see this deal go threw and see T&G get screwed after all they been trying to screw us for years:-)

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 19:31:59

Anybody know how to get in touch with Martin Broughton would like to send him a thank you card as I feel he has done us proud standing up to those 2 yank tw*(s. Thought about sending it to anfeild but won't his job be done now Dave holden

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 19:27:50

This is the formal statement from New England Sports Ventures:

"New England Sports Ventures ("NESV") can confirm that their bid for Liverpool FC has been selected by the Club's Board of Directors and agreement has been reached with the Board to purchase the Club.

NESV wishes to extend its appreciation to the Board for their diligence and their efforts on behalf of Liverpool FC and its supporters.

NESV wants to create a long-term financially solid foundation for Liverpool FC and is dedicated to ensuring that the Club has the resources to build for the future, including the removal of all acquisition debt. Our objective is to stabilise the Club and ultimately return Liverpool FC to its rightful place in English and European football, successfully competing for and winning trophies.

Since 2001, New England Sports Ventures has made successful investments in sports and entertainment properties. Our portfolio of companies, including the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Park, New England Sports Network, Fenway Sports Group and Roush Fenway Racing, are all committed to one common goal: winning. NESV wants to help bring back the culture of winning to Liverpool FC.

We have a proven track record, shown clearly with the Boston Red Sox. The team has won two World Series Championships over the past six years. We will bring the same kind of openness, passion, dedication and professionalism to Liverpool FC.

We are hopeful with regard to the pending legal and English Premier League procedures now underway; however, in light of these issues, we will respectfully refrain from comment or further actions at this time."

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 19:20:52
The first job for the new owners should be to sack Hodgson and get martin o neil in and as quick as they can. Hodgson couldn't win the league with all the money in the world. all the take over talk is coving a very week and tactically inept team.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 19:18:11

Another group of mad Yonks, panic sale to Americans who have less wealth than the other two muppets. .

Don't expect investment in players or a new stadium, they haven't got the wealth. The main man was only worth $860m before the crash and is worth a lot less now.

We all now the wealth needed to turn around the team and the players and quality needed (not carp), the stadium and to pay off the debt which will still remain at 60m.

Let's calm down and realise we will be in the same situation again in 2 years time.

How bad must the other bid have been.

Big Roge.

believable if you agree
Unbelievable if you don't.

Remember American's mean bad bad bad news!

whoever big roge is your a complete h*ck! what do you want? are yous never satisfied? theyve cleared the debt so the club will generate enough money to invest in players itself, and look at their track record theyve invest plenty on players in america, i just don't understand you fools who whinge and complain about h and g and now complain about this, not all americans are money hungs t* ts like the other two, its the best offer they had!

 

 

06 Oct 2010 19:13:52

How can people start thinking about new signings he's worth 580milion less than aston villas randy lerner, what i don't understand is how can he afford to pay half his wealth on paying our debt off? is there some body else in the fold like a partner? can somebody enlighten me please because am not up for this take over at the moment. . .

bengib welshscouse

{Editor's Note: John W Henry is head of the New England Sports Ventures company that has had the offer accepted - not him individually. It is NESV themselves who own the Red Sox and have made a number of other successful investments in sports and media.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 19:12:12
Al kharafi, al makthoum, prince al waleed
mukesh ambani, khalifa etc

If any of the above were honestly interested in purchasing LFC we would have heard so by now, I believe it was wishful thinking. All billionaires yes and £300 million would hardly break the bank for people of their wealth, however it's not all about who has the most money as Mr. Broughton stated when he became chairman it's about who has the best LONG term plan for Liverpool.
Once the debt is almost cleared out the revenue the club makes from merchandise and other outside activities which last season was a club record added to whatever the new owners want to add would elevate liverpool to be able compete with any other club in the world for the best players.
The new owners have a fantastic pedigree in sports management and I for one are extremely happy that at last we have potential new owners who are prepared to spend
there own money and return Liverpool FC back to where we belong.
Red AK1

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 19:10:07

*06 Oct 2010 13:41:00

Loan out
Ngog
Pacheco
Spearing
Darby

Sell
Babel – 8m
Poulsen – 3m
Aquilani – 12m
Jovanovic – 2m
Insua – 5m
Total = 30m

Buy
Forlan – 11m
Suarez – 20m
Hazard – 14m
Robben – 23m
Elia – 12m
Lass Diarra – 8m
Torosidis – 9m
Total = 97m

Net spend = 67m


Torres Suarez

Robben Diarra Gerrard Kuyt

Torosidis Agger Carra Johnson

Reina

Squad
Forlan
Hazard
Cole
Elia
Meireles
Lucas
Shelvey
Skrtel
Soto
Wilson
Aurelio
Konchesky
Kelly
Jones*

Even tough new owners are coming along, I doubt pool to turn into the new chelski. . And anyway, why buy Robben when u already got someone like Cole? I'd say he only needs a few more games, like rest of the top XI.
Think the new owners will go for a striker and a new midfielder in the winter, but not this sort of spending!

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 19:09:35

He walks his dog there and on formby beach lad

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 19:08:53

They might be American but cares as long as those two greedy sh$ep get out of our club
Back into the league of powerhouses by may wait and see

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 18:59:33

It is good to see the board accepting bid from a group who know how to run a club profitably and win trophies.
with the new rules laid out by the FA this seem a better deal.
but please not Liverpool Red Sox

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 18:50:12

In january we need:
a creative midfielder, a goal scoring striker, a speedy winger, a new right back, a new left back.
wiv the new owners in place we will be able to afford these players now.
in my opinion i wud buy: banega, dzeko or suarez, mata, marin or navas, try and get arbeloa bak as he can cover both lb and rb

january team:

Reina
Kelly Carragher Agger Arbeloa
J Cole Gerrard Banega Mata
Torres Dzeko

Subs: Jones, Johnson, Skrtel, Meireles, Rodriguez Jovanovic, Kuyt

Possible.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 18:41:32

Hopefully everything will go through fine. I am pretty confident these guys will be good for the club and run it the way we have had in the past (before H & G).

We are a very attractive proposition without the debt hanging around our necks.

I hope they do things the right way like Arsenal.

Hopefully know the players can relax a bit and start by beating Everton and climbing the table.

The pressure is off a bit know lads, lets have a beer tonight and chill out.

Macca

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 18:34:31

Liverpool FC is been destroyed by a debt that is as malignant as the hatred MUFC fans have for LFC.
If the Debt is got rid of, LFC can finiancially support itself as Anfield is filled every week almost to capacity.
Investment in redeveloping Anfield from a capacity of 45,000 to 60,000 seater will also significantly increase the yearly profit of the club and this will also cost alot less than building a new stadium in stanley park.
In the short term, LFC will have to buy players to strengthen the first team. LFC only require 4 players that can transform our fortunes on the pitch.
These players include
1) Gary Cahill
2) Ashley Young
3) Shaun Wright Phillips
4) Mario Gomez

All of these players would be a good investment for LFC as they have experience of playing at a high level for their clubs and countries. Most of the players above are potential targets as they have expressed a desire to leave their current clubs for newer challenges.

Also (hate saying this) Martin o Neill could replace Hodgson if he dossent find a new club and if Hodgson fails to get things right on pitch for LFC this season. O Neill would be a great signing.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 18:32:19

I have just heard form a bookmaker that he is suspending betting on the sale of Liverpool FC after information has come to light that New England Sports Ventures (NESV) have met with the Premier League Officials and they (PLO) have approved the take over!

Big_Welsh_Dave

 

 

06 Oct 2010 18:26:05

Ed
ive heard a rumour that 2 yonks are selling a former BIG club in england to some other yonks.
have you heard anything or will i have to wait until notw on sunday for the fake sheik to unveil this former big club that is willing to bend over to pesky americans?
also heard anfield to be expanded to 60,000. is this right because your crowds just now are not anywere near.
telling you like it is
the tiger

{Editor's Note: Liverpool mwill fill a 60k stadium.}

 

 

06 Oct 2010 18:24:37

I think people need to be realistic, We are still 18th but now we have got something to shout about. These people arn't mega-rich and you have to understand that so no Forlan, Aguero, Gourcuff all in one summer maybe only one but with many up and coming youths in the transfer windows. There main aim and what they did with the Red Sox was to bring through youths and buy younger stars and people who are good enough to last till there 30's. Expect young players but not expensive ones. We Liverpoolfc will soon return back to the top just the same way as we did in the 80's with our youth products doing it and don't forget we have got one of the best youth coaches in the world to aid us all we need is that manager.

KEEP THE FAITH!.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 18:22:58

Hi ed,
what do think regarding the takeover?
cause i have big doubts!
after all that turmoil i was expecting
al kharafi, al makthoum, prince al waleed
mukesh ambani, khalifa etc
so to be honest i, m a bit disapointed! !
what are your feelings?
thanks malta.

{Editor's Note: Somewhere further down the page you will see various comments from me. A couple of Americans (Sharkey and an unnamed fan) have said that they think that John Henry and his business will be good for the club and that Tom Werner will lend experience in media exploitation. It seems this has worked very well for Boston Red Sox. There was never going to be billionaire sugar dady that would help the club in the long term and what we really need to do is rid ourselves of major debt, stablise and work towards a successful future. It seems like these owners, if the deal goes through, will help.}

 

 

06 Oct 2010 18:22:48
ED? Can you tell me. How much is NESV worth?

{Editor's Note: Somewhere around the £1 billion mark.}

 

 

06 Oct 2010 18:22:27
{Editor's Note: Lahm would cost more than £20M - a great player but it seems like an awful lot of money. I am already on record as saying I think Dzeko is both overrated and over priced. Adebayor will leave if he can - probably to Italy, which suits me.}

Totally agree on Adebayor Ed, the most overrated striker in the premiership, disgusting glory hogging attitude i.e. he wants to be the main man, arrogant, cocky and needs about 15 attempts in a game before he finally scores.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 18:17:35

Well all still love site! I'm absolutely s*rttin it about new owners can't go through another period like last few years ed can we turn over sufficient funds to keep investing in new players etc. . Really need to hear from the new owners about how and how much they are gonna take us forward
Robbie fowler is god

{Editor's Note: The club is already profitable and sponsorship is strong. The problem has been needing to take money from these profits to pay the interest on the debts. With the debts removed or reduced, we should be in much better shape.}

 

 

06 Oct 2010 18:17:34

06 Oct 2010 17:37:37

With new owners imminent will they want there own man in charge especially after the start made under hodgeson. . . . Any thoughts??

Scotty

Big sam came out and said he could lead any big team to cups!

Realistic red

 

 

06 Oct 2010 18:10:40

Fantastic news to hear that consideration will be put into redeveloping Anfield if the new american owners buy LFC. 60,000 seater at Anfield would be amazing and would only cost a small fortune when compared to the cost of the new stadium at stanley park.
Its also dissapointing to hear that Hicks and Gillet will go to court over the proposed sale and because of this, LFC might not be parting from H&G anytime soon if H&G win the court settlement.

LFC fans will have to keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best that the best possible outcome will happen.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 18:00:49

"Ants Ref Riff" - touche Mr Editor
I'll see your anagram and raise you - "Ref Ran Stiff"

{Editor's Note: I thought that Blair would enjoy the original clue as he likes anagrams.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 17:55:53

06 Oct 2010 16:07:34
The New York Times are one of several backers in the New England Ventures. Carlos Slim is an investor in the NYT and will be part of the Liverpool ownership
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Is this true?

{Editor's Note: Not a chance. Slim did make a loan to the NY Times and there was some talk last week about it being paid back early. Liverpool could never generate enough of a return for Slim. If he did become involved I would suggest that you should be very nervous indeed.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 17:50:26

Anyone know when Evans is next on TalkSh* e? I'd love to see how he spins this.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Tony Evans was on Talk last night being overly agressive to callers and emailers who made points different to his. Emailers who clearly had read sites like this were put down quite rudely in my opinion. It was quite funny that the takeover news broke when he had just left the studio, after spouting his apocalyptic views about our future. It is absolutely ridiculous that his considered the font of all knowledge when talking Liverpool and you could tell there was some 'frostiness' between Evans and the journalist fron the Liverpool Echo.
Those in charge at Talksport should remember he was the one who 'went with' the publicity seeking sham that was the Kenny Haung story. Talksport should remeber this when they discuss Liverpool with balance rather continue with their anti Liverpool agenda.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I listened too. What annoys me is the freehand Evans has on Talksport. He isn't slapped down by the Liverpool hating Mark Saggers when he 'goes off on one' against a caller with a different opinion to his on Liverpool.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I emailed the show last night and because I suggested various groups were interested in buying Liverpool, were undertaking due dilligence and had signed confidentiality agreements meaning no publicity, Evans accused me of believing the Broughton and Purslow propaganda. Yet less than two hours later the takeover news broke. Evans was totally unbelievable really.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 17:48:57

Things are looking good and i bet most of us are thrilled with the progress if not a little nervous too. i was wondering how this will affect roy i.e will the new owners want roy, its obvious that all the s##t that has been going on is affecting everyone at the club. exciting times

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 17:47:24

"06 Oct 2010 15:04:41

"06 Oct 2010 13:07:51

06 Oct 2010 12:11:13

Blair Mayne is an undercover * * * * * *
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I'm an undercover what?

Ed can you share some light on what was said here please mate?

Blair Mayne YNWA

{Editor's Note: I don't for one minute think what he was suggesting is true. It is an anagram of "Tariffs Fern"}"

I'm seriously stumped, can you give us another clue? {ed's note - it wasn't me who edited it and I have to admit it has lost me too lol.}"

Phew, finally got it, it's "Ants Ref Riff". Haven't heard that one since i was swapping stickers and playing conkers (though to be fair that was last Tuesday)

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 17:37:37

With new owners imminent will they want there own man in charge especially after the start made under hodgeson. . . . Any thoughts?? ??

Scotty

 

 

06 Oct 2010 17:35:06
Thankyou lee.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 17:29:13
Just reacting to the news about the takeover. It all seems great; debts cleared, new stadium, commited to investment in players. But isn't this exactly what H&G said when they took over!?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
When Moores admitted since that when H&G took over, he and Parry had carried out a due diligence on Gillet, but when he brought Hicks into the deal they didn't carry out a seperate due diligence on Hicks, taking Gillet's vouching for him as enough proof of his ability to be part owner of LFC. .a critical error.
Difference this time seems to be the lengthly professional approach taken by the 3 directors in finding suitable owners that they are willing to fight H&G to see installed.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 17:25:11
Funny how no one knew anything about buyer, yet claim they have sources!
Bit of info you might not know:- Boston is a twined city of Liverpool. Also new stadium unlikely to happen now unless massive sponsor come forward i.e. Adidas Arena or something like that. Anfield being redeveloped is a real possibility. I can't see why it can't be upgraded to a 60,000 seater stadium. No point in having 80,000 seater stadium if you can't fill it week in week out!
Gav the red

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 17:21:18

Personally I would prefer to see the
expansion of Anfield to around 60,000
than a shared stadium, which could be more likely than everyone thinks. Two separate clubs should have
two different grounds. Separate
history''s separate futures.New owner please have mercy. . . . .


BASH LFC

 

 

06 Oct 2010 17:21:17

"Keep the faith"-Chairman Martin Broughton

Never have words so few saying so little been so reassuring.So much was said by the chairman, but those three words stuck the most and will, for all time to come, reverberate on me.

So many (unbecoming) things were said about the chairman, some even referring to him as "that Chelski fan Boughtman".Well, perhaps to a less extent I was also guilty of that crime.
But when I saw his interview this morning, I could feel myself wanting to shed a tear.

Here before me was a man of integrity, ethics and commitment.A man of great stature in his remit.A man who was brought in to do a certain job;a job when he set about doing the best way he knew how (which some other individuals were rather averse to) he got hounded, and was called all these sorts of names.

However, being the professional that he is, got on with his job.Today, he's on the verge of accomplishing that job, albeit certain difficulties (H&G) in his way.

So, fello Reds, I appeal to everyone us to stand by and support Broughton, Purslow and Ayre in what would in no doubt be the biggest fight we've and will probably ever fight.
All of us. .we from different backgrounds and walks of life.
But, 3 words brings us together:Liverpool Football Club.
Let's hold we hands, look in the same direction, and pull together.
Never has unity been so crucial.

So, as the chairman Mr Broughton pleaded, let's pull together and "keep the faith".

Gracias,
Lombardi Cazorla

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 17:19:07

06 Oct 2010 16:51:54

I would prefer owners who would make sure the club is on a sound financial footing rather than throw money at signing too many players in one go, Owners who have a plan to make LFC self reliant and able generate the cash to invest in the team, and a new stadium or Anfield improvement. I would prefer Owners who will understand the tradition and meaning of a club like LFC, who will try to steer it to success with dignity and pride. Who understand what it means to the supporters.

I hope/ think these prospective New Owners could be the type of owner we need for the club.

Lets give them a chance to prove it!

El Diablo!

{Editor's Note: Post of the Day - so far.}

Cheers Ed. Great site, I read it quiet a lot, post occassionally! Not in the know, just hoping for some happy times ahead! After the turmoil of the last few years, we need to think about the long term rather than demand instant success!
I still believe though, that we're good enough for at least top six, Just don't understand how things have gone so horrible on the pitch recently!

El Diablo!

{Editor's Note: I think they should ban the publication of leagues tables until at least ten games hve been played. The players need confidence and to start playing as a team. If a player can't be bothered to make the effort for the team - he shouldn't start.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 16:51:54

I would prefer owners who would make sure the club is on a sound financial footing rather than throw money at signing too many players in one go, Owners who have a plan to make LFC self reliant and able generate the cash to invest in the team, and a new stadium or Anfield improvement. I would prefer Owners who will understand the tradition and meaning of a club like LFC, who will try to steer it to success with dignity and pride. Who understand what it means to the supporters.

I hope/ think these prospective New Owners could be the type of owner we need for the club.

Lets give them a chance to prove it!

El Diablo!

{Editor's Note: Post of the Day - so far.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 16:46:35

Indeed. Full credit to macca. I have been one of those coming here to see some updates from him. The guy was absolutely right when he confidently said there will be an announcement by thursday!
Man are you Mr.broughton himself ?
Thanks alot mate. !

Breathtaking PHOENIX

Red for life!

 

 

06 Oct 2010 16:41:56

At last some positive news regarding the sales of the club although we will finally rejoice once it go through. After saying that what about the other bidder. The Chairman did not reveal or is not willing to reveal the other bidder. If rumours are true, the other bidder are presumably from Asia and though to be from Singapore and they is only one group that are earlier connected to Liverpool and it is the Temasek Group.
Temasek Group has the backing of Singapore government. Remember Liverpool fanbase in Singapore is massive. They might own a baseball club or won any title but surely they have lots of money at their disposal. Hope that the american are true to their words this time otherwise if it doesn't work only God can save our club.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 16:35:25
Blair Mayne YNWA shared his wisdom at 06 Oct 2010 16:20:58"

"No - smoke screens are an invention of Liverpool fans when they see something they don't like (e.g. Liverpool pretending to buy Christian Poulson simply as a smoke screen so they can get Aguero on the cheap).

Sharkey.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ridiculing LFC fans again Sharkey?

You santimonious A-HOLE!"

I couldn't help it Blair - sorry. I had sat down to read through what had been posted this afternoon only to find that great post suggesting the sale to the potential new owners was a smoke screen for something else. Great stuff.

If you do want my opinion though (if you don', stop reading now), I think these guys will provide a great solution for the club. I somehow doubt whether vast funding will be made available, but history shows that JWH runs his businesses all above board with investment coming as and when required. Decisions will be taken with the best interest of the club in mind and I expect that they will try to build a relationship with the fans, but financial considerations will be to the fore in any major decisions.

You will also recall some weeks ago that I mentioned that American investors will be looking at the club with a view to how they can grow and exploit related opportunities - specifically in the media. This is Tom Werner's area of expertise and something that I am sure we will see some significant movement on in the next couple of years. The Red Sox and Yankees have already proven that exploiting opportunities in media and, to a lesser extent, merchandising provides significant income to the club - certainly way more than ticket sales.

So as long as the fans don't drive these guys away, the future looks pretty good.

Sharkey.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 16:33:24

I work in the financial markets, these days i am self employed but i used to work for a large US Investment Bank that is now owned by another Bank. I was a Futures Broker, i would take orders from clients or the Banks salesmen and execute the trade on their behalf. If this is the same John Henry as the the John Henry Hedge Fund then we got ourselves a very smart guy leading the club forward. They were very aggressive in their trading, and right a hell of a lot of the time.I was watching the cult classic WALL STREET the other day, I just hope they are not Micheal Douglas

{Editor's Note: It is the same John W Henry.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 16:30:26

Is there likely any other bids would come in or do you know of anyone else who is still interested Ed?

{Editor's Note: In my view it is unlikely - but it is possible.}

 

 

06 Oct 2010 16:29:56

This is ******d* speaking
hope this is what the yonks get for trying to destroy our great club the pair of cowboys look set to lose £144 million between them and i hope they do read this:George Gillett and Tom Hicks stand to lose £144m from Liverpool sale• Value of John W Henry's Anfield takeover estimated at £300m
• Sale does not include repayment of co-owners' loans
David Conn guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 6 October 2010 15.00 BST Article history
Tom Hicks and George Gillett stand to lose the £144m they loaned to Liverpool if the club is sold to John W Henry.

The Liverpool co-owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, stand to lose their £144m loans in Liverpool if the proposed sale of the club to John W Henry's New England Sports Ventures group goes through next week.


The deal with Henry is valued at £300m which incorporates £200m to repay debt owed to the Royal Bank of Scotland, £40m to cover non-banking liabilities and £60m in debts relating to the planned development of the proposed new Anfield stadium in Stanley Park.


This leaves no room for the repayment of the loans which Hicks and Gillett made to Liverpool, which stood at £144m on 31 July 2009, the date of the club's last published accounts. With Hicks and Gillett having been keen also to turn a profit from any sale of their shares in Liverpool, the reality that they are now set to make a huge loss, makes it clear why the Americans are so resistant to the deal with Henry.


The Premier League released a statement this afternoon confirming Liverpool's intention to change owners. "We can confirm that Liverpool FC has formally notified the Premier League of an intended change of control and that the board has undertaken to complete all the necessary processes by Friday 8 October so that the sale of the club can proceed, " said a spokesperson.


Legal action is expected to proceed next week to decide on whether the Liverpool board acted validly in completing the sale of the club
hope this is true the pai r of greedy chappies.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 16:24:55

No - smoke screens are an invention of Liverpool fans when they see something they don't like (e.g. Liverpool pretending to buy Christian Poulson simply as a smoke screen so they can get Aguero on the cheap).

Sharkey.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ridiculing LFC fans again Sharkey?

You sanctimonious A-HOLE!

Blair Mayne YNWA

 

 

06 Oct 2010 16:22:06

Just reacting to the news about the takeover. It all seems great; debts cleared, new stadium, commited to investment in players. But isn't this exactly what H&G said when they took over!? The best bit about all this, if it does go through, is that it seems H&G won't make a penny profit! Indeed if the impending court case about their handling of board members goes against them (as it definitely should), they will undoubtedly make a loss. HAPPY DAYS! One things for sure though, if we don't stop our dull, predictable, toothless displays on the field then come january we won't be in a position to keep the few quality players we have, let alone attract the QUALITY players we so desperately need! I am not naive enough to believe any takeover will lead to instant success, but just knowing that those lying yonks hav gone for good must surely hav the same psychological effect on the squad as a big name signing!? It could all be done and dusted by the time we play again and who better to playing than our dear old neighbours in blue. Here we go again. .

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 16:20:58

No - smoke screens are an invention of Liverpool fans when they see something they don't like (e.g. Liverpool pretending to buy Christian Poulson simply as a smoke screen so they can get Aguero on the cheap).

Sharkey.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ridiculing LFC fans again Sharkey?

You santimonious A-HOLE!

Blair Mayne YNWA

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 16:11:17
The following piece of the record of the interview with Broughton is on the Liverpool website.

a) Will the debt burden be removed completely?

To all intents and purposes, yes. All of the acquisition debt that was involved in the current owners acquisition will be removed completely. We'll still have what we call normal working capital debt and there's a facility there for the new stadium which will remain in place, but to all intents and purposes all the major debt that has been causing our problem has been paid off.

I listened to it just to confirm and he does say that the debt has been paid off.

What do you think Ed?

Fabian Treezle {ed's note - I think that the new owners will be a huge improvement, a big step in the right direction. Let's just hope they can take the club forward, they do seem to have a great reputation in the US, unlike Hicks. We should be back on an even footing again and able to move on.}
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
What I meant Ed was that he said the debt has been paid off.

How could it already be paid off if the sale hasn't gone through yet? or do you think he was presuming everything will be fine with the sale?

Fabian Treezle

{Editor's Note: It has not "been" paid off. What MB meant was it "will be" paid off once the process is complete. Semantic analysis will not find any hidden messages in anything he says. I wish to emphasis that if this deal goes through Liverpool will be back on an even footing with responsible owners. Please don't expect money to be thrown around on new players.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 16:09:06

>>if these yanks take us over we will be a mid table
>>team for a long time , the only way to compete in
>>todays football is to have some financial clout
>>and go head to head with the chelski's and citys
>>and only a multi billionaire can do that

If you check I think you will see Rafa spent a quarter of a billion pounds on players and still did not build us a team that everyone is happy with. Even before getting Hicks and Gillett out you are saying that the new owners aren't good enough. What do you suggest, a protest at the next home game and bombarding them with emails until they withdraw their offer? No doubt SOS will be with you.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 16:09:02

It's not about billionaires, dear Editor. It's about someone at least a bit better than the yanks that are leaving. This year Red Sox pulled out of most of their target singings because of inability to meet valuation. How is it different from us not being able to find a couple of extra millions to sign Barry?
I hope I am wrong and it turns out to be a positive move for LFC. And, of course I will give chance and time to the new custodians. But as they say: 'Once bitten, twice shy'
RHI {ed's note - from what I can gather the whole of the MLB is in a bit of a state. But I would rather a club that is fairly debt free and can stand on its own two feet, if that means not buying players because they refuse to overspend then I have no problem with that. I would far rather have prudent careful owners that look after the club than a sheikh who splashes billions. The club is more than the sum of its titles or the value of its players.}"

Well said. Agree.
RHI

Guys, Your both a little off the mark here. A couple of facts about MLB.It is made up of 2 divisions, the AL (american league 14 teams) and the NL (national league 16teams) The league exists with 3 divisions in each league. 3 Division winners and the team with the best win/ loss record makes the playoffs. These 8 teams play out until each division has a champion and then the league champions play eachother in whats called the world series. Traditionally the AL east (red sox division) has been the most competitive over the last 10 years as they compete in same division as arch rivals NY Yankees. MLB does not have a salary cap like other professional sports in America but it does have what is called a Luxury Tax.In 2010 the the limit was 170million. What that means is a team(yankees comparible to Citeh)can spend what they want on player salaries but they must pay a luxury tax on every dollar over 170 million . This is a fine essentially that's paid to MLB office that is then split on a revenue share with all other 29 teams. Most owners will not pay this and decisions are made to stay with in the cap. Yankees are the only team consistently over the cap but with a new 1.2 billion stadium and their own exclusive TV rights they generally buy their success and over cap each year. Sox signing their targets would have evoked the luxury tax and they would have to pay fines to the league. Call it financial frugality if you want but it is very hard to compare MLB salary structure to the EPL. Hicks signed Alex Rodriguez from Seattle to a 10 year 250mill contract(richest ever) and when he wanted shot of him he traded him to the Yankees (Hicks' Rangers still were paying a big portion of his salary before they went to bankruptcy court and it was something that had to be worked out before new owners bought the Rangers through the courts)
Our club will be pretty much debt free when the deal is ratified and we can look forward to being a sustainable club moving forward. The stadium revamp or new construction will probably be borrowed but this will be managed simillar to Arsenal IMHO. Great work ED btw.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 16:08:26
People on here have seem to have forgotten that new UEFA regulations on spending come into effect in 2012. You cannot spend more than what you have made over the 3 previous years. So as long as the club is not saddled with debt then we will be competitive in the transfer market (obviously no where near the level of Man City)

{Editor's Note: 2012 is the year for which the first financial figures are counted. Also, there is nothing to stop clubs spending as much as they want, just that they could be excluded from UEFA competitions if the don't comply. It will be 2015 (I think) before any penalties can be applied.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 15:57:04

Lee said at 06 Oct 2010 14:48:38

"How come they have accepted a £300mill offer? After all the talk was always £4-600mill? Is this the price after debt cleared?"

It is not entirely clear what the deal is - all that was said is that it is worth about £300. As such, this is the price including the money owed to RBS and Wachovia. What is unclear is (a) the provisions for the additional debt owed to H&G - and I assume that there are none, and (b) how the purchase is being funded.

"Also could the new "American owners" just be a smoke screen for the real buyer?"

No - smoke screens are an invention of Liverpool fans when they see something they don't like (e.g. Liverpool pretending to buy Christian Poulson simply as a smoke screen so they can get Aguero on the cheap).

Sharkey.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 15:56:39

I don't believe this and I'm joking but I just wanted to be th first say Liverpool to sign aguairo in January.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 15:52:23

I can't believe that people are whinging already with regards to the situation over a new stadium. Beavis and Butthead haven't even left yet so let's see what the new owners are proposing. Like I said in a previous post, the possibility to expand Anfield to 60,000 (maybe more) is structually possible with hardly any disruption. This would mean expansion over a long period but the end result would look amazing and imposing as h*ck to any other team, reminding them that this IS Anfield. I also mentioned last night that maybe a January bid for Adebayor could be on as he would be significantly cheaper than when city bought him, and he might like a move as he is currently a very expensive bench warmer. I also think that the likes of Philip Lahm, Edin Dzeko etc could now be realistic targets for future aquisition. What do you think ed?

{Editor's Note: Lahm would cost more than £20M - a great player but it seems like an awful lot of money. I am already on recor as saying I think Dzeko is both overrated and over priced. Adebayor will leave if he can - probably to Italy, which suits me.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 15:44:38

06 Oct 2010 14:38:51
" "I am sorry, but this is not good enough: no commitment on the new stadium, not ALL of the debt will be cleared and custodians who, despite their good record, are skint in comparison to many others who own PL clubs.
Your thoughts, Ed or ed or whoever?. I just don't feel right about it. .
Red Herr Ingtotally agree mate wtf are they doing , if these yanks take us over we will be a mid table team for a long time , the only way to compete in todays football is to have some financial clout and go head to head with the chelski's and citys and only a multi billionaire can do that , i am so suprised one hasnt turned up at our front door waving the £300 mil in our faces , it just makes no sense, we are being sold for a bargain. . i for one have had now . .totally unacceptable grrrrr {ed's note - the club does not need a sugar daddy throwing money at it, it is a profitable enterprise that can invest its own money to buy players once the debt burden is removed.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 15:35:37

To the guy who said. .

"Just wanna tell yous guys, watch a movie called fever pitch, with drew barrymore.
Maybe give us some motivation from those red sox fans". . .yeah maybe but don't read the book its based on though, bit of a touchy subject for liverpool fans.

Welsh Steve

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 15:24:28
Does this mean we will get cheer leaders at games?

 

 

06 Oct 2010 15:20:05

I work in the financial markets, these days i am self employed but i used to work for a large US Investment Bank that is now owned by another Bank. I was a Futures Broker, i would take orders from clients or the Banks salesmen and execute the trade on their behalf. If this is the same John Henry as the the John Henry Hedge Fund then we got ourselves a very smart guy leading the club forward. They were very aggressive in their trading, and right a hell of a lot of the time.

Aside from that i am disappointed to here the goal is only a 60,000 stadium. I honestly think we should be looking at 80,000 state of the art stadium, something that will see is good for 50 years plus, not back to redeveloping in 10 yrs time.

Also wonder if they are buying LFC just because we have Red Socks.

ChrisE

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 15:13:31
Just a small addition to the discussion below:

"I'm assuming you had a good copy editor then? I'll have to take your CV on face value, but i'm afraid the number of well-informed sports journalists at any one time can usually be counted on one hand and unless you give a name claiming something on the net means nothing to anyone. I was the first man on the moon - there, see how easy it is. I also didn't say they had no fans outside London, (you may want to watch when misquoting someone if you consider yourself a decent journalist) just that it was a small number. Oh and how exactly is the idea that Spurs are a small club a bandwagon (note it's a single word)? I very much doubt you'll get anyone other than a Spurs fan even halfway convinced that you have one of the largest overseas fanbases. Chelsea in recent years have eclipsed the minuscule dent you've made in the foreign market and Arsenal are so far ahead that not to list them speaks volumes about your skewed view of your beloved club. It's nothing to be ashamed about, but i'm afraid it is you who is "deluded" if you think your club had any significant presence outside of England apart from a few minor ex-pat supporters clubs. I've seen hoards of Asian kids and African kids in Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal tops, but never a Spurs one. Sorry if this offend"

I completely agree with the retort above, but I just want to add something. Just come back from Croatia where Spurs are getting pretty big (guess why). They're referred to as "Crottenham Hotspur" - How funny is that! 100% agree though, Croatia aside, Spurs really are very poorly represented. Will always find a Liverpool, UTD, Arsenal, Chelsea shirt before a Spurs one. You'll also be surprised how well represented massive clubs like Leeds, Villa, Forest are overseas (all bigger clubs than Spurs, regardless of what they've won, where they play today).

JF

 

 

06 Oct 2010 15:12:48
Anyone who has been to Boston and the New England Area knows of the similarities of the people and values there to the British and Irish people (The towns all have English names, the people largely claim ancestors from these Islands).

From all I've read online today it appears that LFC's new owners have shown they could buy the Boston Red Sox and bring success back to the club after 83 years while understanding the clubs history and traditions and it's strong ties to it's stadium Fenway Park. this must be good news for all Liverpool fans.

If the Boston Red Sox were an English football side in the last 7/ 8 years since NESV took them over they would have won the league twice (four years apart), qualified for the Champions league every year (except this year as they seem to have had a fluke year with half the team injuryed) and be considered one of the 2 or three real favourites to win the title each year. . . I'd take that. .

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 15:07:10

Bit concerned about broughtons comments . . .sounds like the new owners will not commit to a new stadium and there aint goona be a decent amount of investment in players . . dear oh dear this sucks . .and £300 is the price of the club wtf where are the billionaires like mohammed and the chinese consortium ffs they are getting the club for a snip :(

 

 

06 Oct 2010 15:04:41

"06 Oct 2010 13:07:51

06 Oct 2010 12:11:13

Blair Mayne is an undercover * * * * * *
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I'm an undercover what?

Ed can you share some light on what was said here please mate?

Blair Mayne YNWA

{Editor's Note: I don't for one minute think what he was suggesting is true. It is an anagram of "Tariffs Fern"}"

I'm seriously stumped, can you give us another clue? {ed's note - it wasn't me who edited it and I have to admit it has lost me too lol.}

 

 

06 Oct 2010 15:03:22
" It's not about billionaires, dear Editor. It's about someone at least a bit better than the yanks that are leaving. This year Red Sox pulled out of most of their target singings because of inability to meet valuation. How is it different from us not being able to find a couple of extra millions to sign Barry?
I hope I am wrong and it turns out to be a positive move for LFC. And, of course I will give chance and time to the new custodians. But as they say: 'Once bitten, twice shy'
RHI {ed's note - from what I can gather the whole of the MLB is in a bit of a state. But I would rather a club that is fairly debt free and can stand on its own two feet, if that means not buying players because they refuse to overspend then I have no problem with that. I would far rather have prudent careful owners that look after the club than a sheikh who splashes billions. The club is more than the sum of its titles or the value of its players.}"

Well said. Agree.
RHI

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 15:00:33
" In reply to RHI, the redsox didn't finish with the 12th best record, they play in the best division in baseball with the yankess and the rays, (a major flaw in baseball 3 tops teams in one divsion and garbage in the others) they also had a very strange year as half of there team went down with injuries. The redsox are always a contender and have been since theve been owned buy henry. Understand that the redsox are the equivelent of consistent champions league football, with a chance to win it all as boston did 5 years ago. Also I'm a braves fan who made the playoffs and there aint a chance in hell we could compete with a healthy redsox team."

I hope you are right, man. Thanks for extra info ( I just quoated what I read online but obviously not everything you read online is correct)
RHI

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:56:55

This is exactly what I wanted. For the club to be bought for the correct price and not an inflated one.This will give the new company more money to inject into the club. We must now give credit to Mr Broughton, for his endeavour and honesty, when he told us at the conference, that Hicks and Gillet , could not stop the sale.The Ed was right for sticking up for the three directors, when some fans were having a dig. I myself was one who was saying the club would be in new hands by mid October, and for everyone to get behind the club.I think that the new companies record with the Red sox, looks good for LFC.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:48:29

Hey guys

Faizal here, from South Africa.
I woke up this morning to the sound of my mates ringing to tell me our beloved LFC has finaly been sold.
Music to my ears it was.
But I find myself thinking, more yanks.
I just hope they are not all the same.
Glazers at united, I wanna be positive, but won't rejoice just yet.

Just wanna tell yous guys, watch a movie called fever pitch, with drew barrymore.
Maybe give us some motivation from those red sox fans.

oh n credit to that guy who called the announcement happenin this week.

Happy times ahead - I hope

Faizal from SA

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:46:05

In reply to RHI, the redsox didn't finish with the 12th best record, they play in the best division in baseball with the yankess and the rays, (a major flaw in baseball 3 tops teams in one divsion and garbage in the others) they also had a very strange year as half of there team went down with injuries. The redsox are always a contender and have been since theve been owned buy henry. Understand that the redsox are the equivelent of consistent champions league football, with a chance to win it all as boston did 5 years ago. Also I'm a braves fan who made the playoffs and there aint a chance in hell we could compete with a healthy redsox team.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:45:20

"06 Oct 2010 13:31:24
Spurs no fans outside london! the guy that wrote this is either very deluded or has no clue about football and jumps on any band wagon that rolls along! i am a supporter of london football i hace a middle of the road cv, wrote for total football, one of the red tops a few english matchday programmes as well for itv and i can assure you behind you and man utd spurs have the largest overseas fan base AND they are not that far behind your good selves"

I'm assuming you had a good copy editor then? I'll have to take your CV on face value, but i'm afraid the number of well-informed sports journalists at any one time can usually be counted on one hand and unless you give a name claiming something on the net means nothing to anyone. I was the first man on the moon - there, see how easy it is. I also didn't say they had no fans outside London, (you may want to watch when misquoting someone if you consider yourself a decent journalist) just that it was a small number. Oh and how exactly is the idea that Spurs are a small club a bandwagon (note it's a single word)? I very much doubt you'll get anyone other than a Spurs fan even halfway convinced that you have one of the largest overseas fanbases. Chelsea in recent years have eclipsed the minuscule dent you've made in the foreign market and Arsenal are so far ahead that not to list them speaks volumes about your skewed view of your beloved club. It's nothing to be ashamed about, but i'm afraid it is you who is "deluded" if you think your club had any significant presence outside of England apart from a few minor ex-pat supporters clubs. I've seen hoards of Asian kids and African kids in Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal tops, but never a Spurs one. Sorry if this offends you, but a dose of reality is never a bad thing.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:39:58

I have been a Liverpool fan since 1973 and have lived in Boston since 1996. First time poster.
The Boston Red Sox are a very well run sports franchise with an amazing history. Their fans are the closest in spirit, fanaticism, enthusiasm and dedication to their team as those of our beloved LFC.
It is not just a team to support but an integral part of their lives. There are a large amount of Liverpool fans in Boston, there is even a Boston Liverpool Supporters Fan Club. The Red Sox also have a fierce rivalry with the New York Yankees (who have a "relationship" with Man U) that compares to ours and Man U/ Everton. They expect to be challenging for major honours just as we do and they will not accept mediocrity. The parallels between the two teams and cities are clear to see.
I was very surprised to see them bid on Liverpool but am optimistic and excited about how they will restore Liverpool to its rightful place at the top of the league. They have turned things around at the Red Sox since taking over, hopefully they will do the same for us. It's amazing that the 2 sports teams I follow are now partners, I'm psyched!
They maybe American but they are by no means another H & G.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:38:51
" "I am sorry, but this is not good enough: no commitment on the new stadium, not ALL of the debt will be cleared and custodians who, despite their good record, are skint in comparison to many others who own PL clubs.
Your thoughts, Ed or ed or whoever?. I just don't feel right about it. .
Red Herr Ing

{Editor's Note: It didn't take long for the fans to start on the potential new owners did it. So you are not giving tem any chance at all?}"

But giving chance means at least another 3 years. That's how long it took H&G to be found out. If we get it wrong this time, then the fate of Leeds definitely awaits us. Do we have 3 years to waste?
I am just very, very cautios. .
Also, is it possible some more late bids will come in and can be accepted as well?
Red Herr Gerund

{Editor's Note: It is perfectly possible for late bids to come in. Just as it is possible for H&G to clear the debts when they fall due. Equally they might find another owner themselves, or even refinance. But an offer has been accepted. Clearly at least some of the fans are unhappy that it is not a billionaire with money to throw around.}"


It's not about billionaires, dear Editor. It's about someone at least a bit better than the yanks that are leaving. This year Red Sox pulled out of most of their target singings because of inability to meet valuation. How is it different from us not being able to find a couple of extra millions to sign Barry?
I hope I am wrong and it turns out to be a positive move for LFC. And, of course I will give chance and time to the new custodians. But as they say: 'Once bitten, twice shy'
RHI {ed's note - from what I can gather the whole of the MLB is in a bit of a state. But I would rather a club that is fairly debt free and can stand on its own two feet, if that means not buying players because they refuse to overspend then I have no problem with that. I would far rather have prudent careful owners that look after the club than a sheikh who splashes billions. The club is more than the sum of its titles or the value of its players.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:31:00
It appears that the board have acted with integrity, H&G have not. Fans need to watch the Chairman's interview with Robert Peston and listen carefully to HIM and NOT the speculation online.
Personally I hope for a refit of Anfield which will also help regenerate the area. Kenny for Chairman and a reasonable length of time for Roy to turn it around.
Investment, Success and Peace for us all.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:29:48
To the person who said: "I can tell you as an english man living in the u.s. that the boston red sox are ran extremely well, great minor league system, (ran very well from bringing in young top talent. I have noticed they will splash the cash for the right players. the owners have spend money to enhance the stadium dramatically. This guy is a passioante sports fan who is known for running successful sport business. Also in nascar. While you won't see man city type purchases you will see purchases for what we need.
The Boston Redsox have been a powerhouse for years winning a world series not too long ago. This would be a massive improvement from the current american owners who run every business in to the ground"

What happened to Red Sox this year? Why were they 12th in their league? Why did they have to pull out of signing most of their targets because they couldn't meet asking prices?
RHI

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:28:44

Liverpool player of the month for September: Broughton.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 5/ 10/ 10 was a great day. Liverpool F.C. the phoenix of English football today rose from its ashes. NESV will prove to be genuine and great custodians of our club. Don't expect to see citeh or chavski type of spending but something along the lines of the gooners. The stadium will be the main decision that this group will take on. Fenway was an iconic park in the world of MLB. NESV looked into a new stadium and decided with the rich heritage and history of Fenway it made more sense to keep tradition and add seating and concession stands. the upgrade allowed them to keep tix prices within the wheelhouse of their traditional working class baseball fan, while allowing them to increase overall revenue. I think we will see something similar.
These guys hire the best(Theo Epstein) and build solid foundations while keeping the fingers on the pulse of the loyal fans. There will be a statement from this group soon and the Kopite Army will rejoice.

Liverpool F.C.: Built by Shanks, Destroyed by W*nks, Rebuilt by Yanks

Apologies for the typo. Happy Days are here again.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:27:51

Some info re. John W Henry/ NESV & Red Sox (from RTE (Irish TV station) News website)

Who is John W Henry?

While some Liverpool fans may be wary of another American owner, John W Henry seems to have spent his money wisely with regard to his sporting passions.

The quiet, reserved 61-year-old made his fortune in hedge funds, but has used it to indulge his sporting interests, most famously with the Boston Red Sox baseball team, but also in the NASCAR motorsport series.

The self-made multi-millionaire does not have the serious money of the Premier League's wealthiest owners, with his fortune rated at $860 million before dipping in the credit crunch, but he does have an excellent track record of success with his teams.

After owning a number of minor league teams, and briefly controlling the Florida Marlins, Henry and his partners in New England Sports Ventures, Tom Werner and the New York Times Company, bought the Red Sox in 2002.

In doing so, they acquired one of the game's most famous names but a team who could not translate their wealth and prominence into championships thanks to one of baseball's most endearing tales - 'the curse of the Bambino'.

The Red Sox won the World Series in 1918, but immediately afterwards sold emerging star Babe Ruth to their arch rivals, the New York Yankees.

While Ruth smashed baseball's records to establish the Yankees as the pre-eminent franchise in the game, the Red Sox suffered calamity after calamity as they bid to end their curse and win another title.

As entire generations of Red Sox fans passed without ever seeing their team win, many wondered if the curse was here to stay.
But within two years of Henry's acquisition the drought came to an end as they won their first World Series title in 86 years.
Three years later, they won the title again.

Henry has achieved this success while staying true to the rich traditions of the Red Sox.

Any temptation to move out of historic but restrictive Fenway Park, baseball's oldest ballpark, has been resisted, with the club instead finding inventive ways to maximise revenues in order to remain competitive with the Yankees.

The fortunes of the Roush Fenway Racing team have likewise risen since Henry bought into the NASCAR team in 2007, with the team winning their first Daytona 500 in 2009 with Matt Kenseth.
But it is the Red Sox model that Liverpool fans will be most keen to replicate.

If Henry can show the same respect for history in handling the stadium issue, and more importantly find a way to end the club's long title drought, Americans will suddenly become very welcome at Anfield once again

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:26:24
The following piece of the record of the interview with Broughton is on the Liverpool website.

a) Will the debt burden be removed completely?

To all intents and purposes, yes. All of the acquisition debt that was involved in the current owners acquisition will be removed completely. We'll still have what we call normal working capital debt and there's a facility there for the new stadium which will remain in place, but to all intents and purposes all the major debt that has been causing our problem has been paid off.

I listened to it just to confirm and he does say that the debt has been paid off.

What do you think Ed?

Fabian Treezle {ed's note - I think that the new owners will be a huge improvement, a big step in the right direction. Let's just hope they can take the club forward, they do seem to have a great reputation in the US, unlike Hicks. We should be back on an even footing again and able to move on.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:24:34

Not a rumour but would like to see any of the following names come in.


Lahm (LB) Replace Konchesky, Insua (both s* t)
Gonzalo Rodrigues (CD) Replace Skirtel (lost it)
Ever Banega (DMF) Replace Poulsen, Lucas (s* t)
Turan (R or L MF) Replace Maxi, Bable, Jova ( Not up for it)
Alex Sanchez (R or L MF) As above
Eden Hazard (RMF) As above
Diego Ribas da Cunha (ATMF) (some one who can unlock defences)
Mata (RMF)
Aguero (Forward) Replace Kuyt even though i really like him as a player i just don't see him adding any more to the team in terms of attacking football, to slow
Gomez (Forward) Loan out Ngog
Tevez (forward) If Torres does decide to go which i hope not then why not ask for Tevez and 30m.

We would piss the league with this lot

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:16:33

06 Oct 2010 14:10:14

Ed, when Kenny put his name forward for the managers job in the summer wasn't he told there was a bigger job lined up for him or a job with more longevgity? When the take over is eventually completed i would imagine Broughton at least will move on and maybe purslow and ayre. Do you think Kenny will be moved to board room level?

Mick 1980 {ed's note - I do think he will be involved at that level, I always thought it was the intention to get him involved higher up in the running of the club, a bit like the German model.}

It would be great to have somebody the fans can relate to on the board. And a great PR move by the new owners (who ever they may be). Although i still believe he should be given the managerial post when Roy is moved on, even if its only an interim solution.

Mick 1980

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:15:10

"Spurs no fans outside london! the guy that wrote this is either very deluded or has no clue about football and jumps on any band wagon that rolls along! i am a supporter of london football i hace a middle of the road cv, wrote for total football, one of the red tops a few english matchday programmes as well for itv and i can assure you behind you and man utd spurs have the largest overseas fan base AND they are not that far behind your good selves"

Wrote for Total Football? More like The Guardian with grammar like that. I reckon you're full of it mate.

Adam

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:14:10

I can tell you as an english man living in the u.s. that the boston red sox are ran extremely well, great minor league system, (ran very well from bringing in young top talent. I have noticed they will splash the cash for the right players. the owners have spend money to enhance the stadium dramatically. This guy is a passioante sports fan who is known for running successful sport business. Also in nascar. While you won't see man city type purchases you will see purchases for what we need.
The Boston Redsox have been a powerhouse for years winning a world series not too long ago. This would be a massive improvement from the current american owners who run every business in to the ground

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:14:06

The Company Articles for The Liverpool Football Club and Athletic Grounds Limited set out the rules for the removal of directors in clauses 81 and 83.

Clause 83 gives a list of valid reasons for the removal of a director, such as being disqualified by law, mental illness etc, none of which apply is this instance.

Therefore a Director can only be removed in accordance with clause 81, which states "Any appointment or removal shall be made in writing and signed by the then current Chairman"

THIS ^^
surely. . dumb and dumber just got dumber they stand no chance they wrote and agreed to these clauses.
why don't they just accept it they lost and ffs jog on t*rts

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:13:31

Too true. Lets keep feet on the ground. Had 3 years of h&g. Maybe 7 days of the cowboys left. Martin broughton sounded confident about outcome. Would rather invest in renovation of anfield to 65000. Keep the faith. Not long now! Ynwa.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:13:04

Liverpool player of the month for September: Broughton.

Ladies and Gentlemen, 5/ 10/ 10 was a great day. Liverpool F.C. the phoenix of English football today rose from its ashes. NESV will prove to be genuine and great custodians of our club. Don't expect to see citeh or chavski type of spending but something along the lines of the gooners. The stadium will be the main decision that this group will take on. Fenway was an iconic park in the world of MLB. NESV looked into a new stadium and decided with the rich heritage and history of Fenway it made more sense to keep tradition and add seating and concession stands. the upgrade allowed them to keep tix prices within the wheelhouse of their traditional working class baseball fan, while allowing them to increase overall revenue. I think we will see something similar.
These guys hire the best(Theo Epstein) and build solid foundations while keeping the fingers on the pulse of the loyal fans. There will be a statement from this group soon and the Kopite Army will rejoice.

Liverpool F.C.: Built by Shanks, Destroyed by W*nks, Rebuilt by Yonks

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:09:50

What brounton said , hicks and gillett promised when they appointed broungton , they would not interfear with the sale and only he can change the boardroom. so i take it h&g have got any back up. let them go 2 court waste there own money when they know they can't win ynwa

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 14:00:07

I have seen on here that some of you are complaining about the potential new onwers not beinf found on forbes richest men. that's becasue not a single person will own the club it will be nesv which is now ranked tenth on forbes list of most valuable sports brands

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:57:04

06 Oct 2010 12:02:11

I've just watched the Broughton interview on SSN and he spoke about the Stadium and importantly for me he said there will be a 60 odd thousand Stadium weither it be a new one or redevelopment of Anfield.

I would be estactic IF they could bring Anfield up to at least 60,000 but can someone tell me IF it can be done. Imagine it new investment in a bigger Anfield i for one will be happy.

Blair Mayne YNWA

Blair, yes it could be done, certainly a new tier on top of the Anfield road stand, there isn't anything behind it and the centenary stand as well could be made bigger. The massive problem is always going to be the infastructure, i.e 15000+ fans extra travelling to/ from anfield. If the new owners are prepared to spend money on the logistics/ transport, i.e roads, bus lanes etc. . .Anfield could well get to at least 55,000 definitely. I think most people would rather Anfield is extended rather than build a new stadium.

Hope this answers your question mate.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:54:36

Just seen the interview with that Toffee nose p*rk Tom Cannon did with SSN.

He is absolutely gutted and is praying that Hicks can find a new investor to back him.

I've got a funny feeling that by the end of next week that we could probably hear of more investors that would interest H&G more than NESV. There's somthing telling me that somone else will show their hand. That's not me being pessimestic but i believe there's still a few more twists and turns in this saga.

Blair Mayne YNWA

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:53:19

Can anyone tell me is this it, barring the legal challenge from Dumb and Dumber is the Red Sox accepted? Or can counter offers now come in from other parties which may be more attractive.

Where would we stand if someone came in offering to clear debt, and build 70k stadium plus x amount for January window? Could it be accepted or are the club committed to the Red Sox now?

ChrisE

{Editor's Note: The board have accepted the offer from NESV. Until the ownership is transferred the options are as I see it (a) H&G to clear the debt through refinancing via a third party or otherwise raising the funds required; (b) H&G to find a buyer of their own who are willing to pay more (although this seems unlikely and might well end up in court); (c) the board to change their mind and cancel the agreement with NESV (although I don't know what get out clauses there are, there will be something); (d) NESV deciding not to proceed with the deal.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:52:00

Not a rumor, just wanted to point out that the Boston Red Sox big rivalry is with the New York Yankees, who have a merchandising deal with Manure. . sounds like this new ownership group is going to work out really well! :-)

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:47:11
mickreds said AND JUST WANT TO GIVE SOME CREDIT TO MACCA, think a few people owe him an apology!

Macca kept getting our hopes up be saying the club will be sold in one day or two days. Then he stopped and last said club would be sold in two or three months. Maccca was more wrong than anyone. This proves he knows nothing. Lee

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:35:36

For those slagging off these potential new owners, be happy that h and g are gone, be happy that we have owners who want success and to develop the club not just make a dollar out of it. i wonder what some of you expected? this can only improve the club! and to those who constantly slagged off broughton purslow and ayre, well are you happy now. AND JUST WANT TO GIVE SOME CREDIT TO MACCA, think a few people owe him an apology!
mickreds

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:31:53
Blair Mayne wrote at 06 Oct 2010 12:02:11 - "I would be estactic IF they could bring Anfield up to at least 60,000 but can someone tell me IF it can be done. Imagine it new investment in a bigger Anfield i for one will be happy."

Yes in theory and practice it can be done. The surrounding houses have been getting bought up by Anfield for years so it should be fairly routine to make the remaining occupants a very decent offer. level them and build out and up with a cantilever-type structure with possibly second tier seating. The problem is you won't get much bigger than that 60-65K I don't think and also the council may oppose it on the grounds that it's up to another 20K people in very confined streets on match days not to mention the extra cars and coaches in the immediate vicinity.

To be frank, a new stadium is needed in an open and accessible area and Stanley Park is the ideal. We should be thinking big - 75K with the ability to expand. We wouldn;t have much problem filling it - the waiting list for season tickets shows that.

RED LENIN

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:31:24
Spurs no fans outside london! the guy that wrote this is either very deluded or has no clue about football and jumps on any band wagon that rolls along! i am a supporter of london football i hace a middle of the road cv, wrote for total football, one of the red tops a few english matchday programmes as well for itv and i can assure you behind you and man utd spurs have the largest overseas fan base AND they are not that far behind your good selves

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:29:56

Just a question .? ?

It was said last that that we had two attractive bids one was the ammerican the other asian

What happened to the asian bid? * Could have been Kirdi he did back out yesterday.

Also if the americans are buying the club for £300 million surely there would have been other parties who would love to have owned Liverpoll at that price? * Possibly but these guys have a good history in sports ownership.

Although there appears to have been several meeting Boston london liverpool have we rushed into this? * Nope, don't really know why you would think this.

Would we have been better to have waited and look at any other bids? * These guys have a good history in sports ownership, just look at the improvement in the Red Sox since they took over.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:27:06
Broughton seems very confident this deal will go through by next week I think this will be a good thing as its NESV which is made up of many investors not just J.W.Henry, these will have people in place to help the deal go through aswell
On another note i personally like the idea of turning anfield into a 60000 stadium why move its our spiritual home.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:26:23

Yonks out - Yonks In
However, I would not call these Americans Yankees because the New York Yankees are to the Boston Red Sox what Manure is to us.

I hope everyone will give these Americans a chance because they certainly know what they are doing in their American sports franchises. Boston Red Sox is a successful and self-sufficient club. I think that is where Liverpool could be headed. People always wonder how much investment there will be into the team. This is important at the present time and I think there will be some investment but I think when they build the stadium that will increase our profits so significantly that we will have a portion of that to put back into the squad every year. I also think that the new owners will appoint a GM who is familiar with the club and english football (not one of their sons).

Of course we cannot know how they will turn out but I think we should give them a chance to put into action their plan for the club without us declaring them unfit to own the club solely based on the fact that they are from the US.
-An American Red

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:26:10

I am sorry, but this is not good enough: no commitment on the new stadium, not ALL of the debt will be cleared and custodians who, despite their good record, are skint in comparison to many others who own PL clubs.
Your thoughts, Ed or ed or whoever?. I just don't feel right about it. .
Red Herr Ing

Try reading Liverpools official website and the liverpool echo website and it will give you more info.

After read when Broughton has to say and that everything goes throughly quickly and smoothly I think its good news for all us reds. Just becuase we've had a bad experience with 2 yonks its doesn't mean the new owners will be as bad.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:24:44

Im not too worried if LFC do not get a new stadium in the near future. If the new owners eliminate the debt the club is in, then the club will start to make profit anyway cause Anfield will always be filled.

In my opinion, a stronger focus should be aimed towards buying new players. Now that there is money to spend maby Gomez or Dzeko could be LFC players in the new year.

 

 

Why have the fans already turned on the new owners. I can see the fans driving them away before the 15th. It really is disgraceful.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:20:40

It just proves that the likes of Evans and Jim Boardman are doom & gloom merchants at best. I would go further & say that they along with certain other so called fans are actually working against the club & teams best interest. Personal grudges interlaced have no place in our club

clubfirst.com

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:17:18

BROUGHTONS REPLY TO QUESTION ABOUT REMOVING PURSLOW AND AYRES:


We don't think it was valid to do it. Essentially when I took the role they gave a couple of written undertakings to Royal Bank of Scotland. Those written undertakings included that I was the only person entitled to change the board and that was written into the articles of the covenants, and also that they would take no action to frustrate any reasonable sale. And I think they flagrantly abused both of those written undertakings.

not 1 leg to stand on! bye H&G.
only a matter of time now. . . . .
PIDDY YNWA

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:13:35

To the person who said. .
All this nonesence about Purslow and Ian being removed from the board is all bulls* *. There all in on it. etc.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Can we all please stop this nonsense, I posted months ago that Martin Broughton, Christian Purslow and Ian Ayre were the quality of directors we had needed for decades and yet we continually knocked them for their efforts as the conducted their business in a private professional manner. Now that Hicks and Gillets backs are to the wall and they are desperately going back on their agreements and trying to remove two to the directors there seem to be some so called fans out there who still don't get it. There comes a time that we must trust again and stand with the directors as they try and save the club.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Here here - I've been sick to death of Liverpool fans having a go at Purslow and Ayre. Purlsow is a third generation Liverpool season ticket holder and clearly has the clubs best interests at heart and the deal Ayre did in bringing the Standard Chartered deal to the club was phenominal. The fact of the matter is, H&G only ever did one good thing for the club, and that was get rid of Parry and bring in these two. Then when it transpired that they would not be bottom licking yes men, H&G have tried to have them removed.

So let's hope that we can get on to a sensible ownership structure (a bit like the Arsenal one sounds good to me), with a a strong sense of purpose both on and off the pitch. Yes we will have to right off this season and Torres will go (he does not look happy) but we can then invest the money we generate into attracting good quality players who want to play and win for our great club.

Scouser Tommy

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:10:36

So something is happening at our beloved Liverpool FC?.
I have watched Sky news from when the news first broke and i was dubious to say the least. . Now after i have taken it all in and seen the interviews of various people associated with the club i honestly believe we are going to be ok.
I really think Broughton, Ayres and Purslow are working for the greater benefit of the club and not just selling to someone who can show they have billions in the bank.
Our club i feel will be run how it should be run, We will have money for players, We will have a new stadium or a revamped Anfield, Either way it will benefit our club.
The whole process has been done the Liverpool way. . in secret and out of the public gaze, When you think back to when we were the real power in English football. .Everything was done behind closed doors and never in the public view. .This transaction has been done this way IN PRIVATE.
So my fellow Liverpool supporters let us look more positively and look to the future and lets give a good old two fingered salute to the out going Americans H&G and with them nothing but bad luck for the rest of there days.
Lets hope we can now start to play football again and climb the table.
LIVERPOOL FC The real peoples club.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:08:51

Fellow LFC Fans, although nobody can 100% say what would happen in an eventual court case but can only state what is most likely with the facts.

Apologies to fellow fans who already know the workings of company legislation, but for those who need more info hopefully this will help.

When forming a company the voting rights attached to shareholders and board members is written in the articles (rules) of the company which are called Table A. The standard version of these means that share holders have to ratify (agree) to the appointment of a shareholder. Any major decision requires board approvement and the chariman will have the deciding vote in the event of deadlock.

The two owners were therefore always able to block any potential sales etc. Also if one shareholder wants to sell then the other shareholder has right to first refusal on those shares.

When RBS decided to refinance they obviously wanted to ensure that the refinance on the condition that a sale will be actively pursued. They did not want the vetos (blocking power) that the shareholders had as a result of Table A conditions attached to their rights. The condition at that point was that LFC had to have a change of boardroom roles with an independent chairman who was the only one with the right to then make any reasonable changes to the board. MB was brought in and as a result to make this stick there had to be additions made to Table A conditions in which the rights of the shares was removed and thus leaving just one vote per board member with the casting vote with the chairman in the even of deadlock.

As MB has revealed the owners also made written undertakings. For those who have had legal dealing you will know a written undertaking is something the MUST be adhered to. An example is like when somebody is promising their lender that they will give certain information or funds by a certain date in a certain day. If they make a written undertaking and it has been drafted correctly and executed correctly then the person cannot go against that written undertaking without the express written permission from who they made the undertaking to. In this case if RBS waived the conditions made in the written undertaking then H&G would be successful in this challenge, if RBS do not waive the conditions within the written undertaking then H&G will not be successful. They will try to argue that by selling at the 'low price' it is not in the interest of the shareholders or the company as it devalues the club which is detrimental to the owners and the club.

They will argue the board have not discharged their duty in looking out for the owners and the club. They will try to argue that if refinancing took place with collateral against assets of the club that would allow the RBS deadline to be met and allow the club to function in other areas while also meeting their valuation of the club.

They will therefore say that due to not pursuing this line then CP and IA were rightly sacked for gross misconduct. Their whole argument will hinge on stating that the board have not acted correctly by blocking a refinance based on club assets.

Personally I do not think the argument is very strong although if you get the wrong judge on the wrong mood then the case could go against us as fans.

Also quickly about the new owners their significant squad investment will only happen in January as the new UEFA rules will come in force in summer which will put us in a strong position as all expenditure is linked to income. We are very profitable without the debt. Also this profit is all without ticket sales from a larger capacity stadium. If we are guaranteed a stadium of 60000+ then we are in a very strong position in terms of squad investment.

Sorry to all of you for the length in writing this piece and also if it sounds patronising in anyway or has caused offense. I just wanted to give the correct technical advice as I am legally trained in Corporate Law.

I hope this helped.
YNWA

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:07:51

06 Oct 2010 12:11:13

Blair Mayne is an undercover * * * * * *
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I'm an undercover what?

Ed can you share some light on what was said here please mate?

Blair Mayne YNWA

{Editor's Note: I don't for one minute think what he was suggesting is true. It is an anagram of "Tariffs Fern"}

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:07:11
"I am sorry, but this is not good enough: no commitment on the new stadium, not ALL of the debt will be cleared and custodians who, despite their good record, are skint in comparison to many others who own PL clubs.
Your thoughts, Ed or ed or whoever?. I just don't feel right about it. .
Red Herr Ing

{Editor's Note: It didn't take long for the fans to start on the potential new owners did it. So you are not giving tem any chance at all?}"

But giving chance means at least another 3 years. That's how long it took H&G to be found out. If we get it wrong this time, then the fate of Leeds definitely awaits us. Do we have 3 years to waste?
I am just very, very cautios. .
Also, is it possible some more late bids will come in and can be accepted as well?
Red Herr Gerund

{Editor's Note: It is perfectly possible for late bids to come in. Just as it is possible for H&G to clear the debts when they fall due. Equally they might find another owner themselves, or even refinance. But an offer has been accepted. Clearly at least some of the fans are unhappy that it is not a billionaire with money to throw around.}

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:06:06

In response to the person who responded to me (unsigned)

06 Oct 2010 09:18:12

To Scouse Brown.

In response to:
"This is the number for the boston redsox front desk, they will put you through to an operator ask to speak to either john henry or thomas werner its shut now but unsure of time difference, im gunna pretend im a uk journalist and see if i can get put through to the press office in the morning and see if there is any truth- -001- 617-* * * *
good luck fellow reds"

Yeah, that's right - bombard them with phone calls and you never know, they might pull out becuase fanatics like you scare them off, and we'll be stuck with Dumb & Dumberer!

Please hit believeable if you think this was a moronic idea as well?!. .

hmmm now did i say to you go out and ring the number and give them abuse? no ididnt
did i tell you to miver the life out of them?. no i didnt.
and do you honestly think a few people (if any has really rang the number) trying to find out a bit of info would scare these billionaires out of buying liverpool? so i say your reply was more moronic than my original post, and have the b* ls to sign your posts m8ty!
scouse brown

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:05:41
Written undertaking to rbs that only broughton could change the board and that they wouldn`t interfere with the sale process. .surely they`re ******* then?

the rev

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:03:23

I CANNOT SEE BOSTON RED SOX OWNER BUYING LFC, THIS IS YET ANOTHER SMOKESCREEN PUT IN PLACE BUY G&H TO TRY AND GET MORE BIDDERS INVOLVED AND TO UP THE PRICE OF LFC.BUT HAVE HEARD THEY WILL WALK AWAY FROM LFC, BUT NOT FOR LESS THAN 350M, THERE RELYING ON A MIDDLE EAST BIDDER TO SHOW HIS HAND.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 13:01:01

Well i've read most of the articles from skysports and lfc.tv and from what i can tell, hick is trying to block the deal which everyone must have expected. and by the looks of things broughton is a much better business man. i feel he and the rest of the board will ultimately win the battel to sell the club, and if its true that only broughton has the power to remove board members then i see no problems. surely everyone can see that hicks is trying to replace the board with yes men. also why is there so much attention being directed at this john w. henry, is he not just 1 of many at NESV.
ed am i right or have i totally missed the point

always a red

{Editor's Note: Once the debt is due and assuming H&G cannot repay it, then it is likely that the situation could be forced. It is of course not just about Henry, but about NESV, and particularly Tom Werner and media exploitation.}

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:59:24

If you haven't already I sugget you goto the liverpool offical website (when you've finished reading this excellent webiste, obviously) and read the Broughton Q&A section. Assuming all goes well my fellow Reds the future finally looks bright! !

Many people have had their doubts about Broughton, Purslow & Ayres but it looks like they may of done a good job

RedDan

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:52:58

See Broughton Q&A on liverpoolfc.tv. he reckons legals out of the way by next week and H&G likely to be sent packing by courts.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:46:41

A good way to repay these new owners is at the Everton game all wear large red football socks on the outside of your kex. . . .SMF. . and change the ***** banner you owe broughton an apology.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:42:00

If Broughton, Ayres and Purslow pull this off and get H & G out of our club then they should be given the freedom of the City

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:34:47

Broughton has announced the new owners will look to redevelop Anfield rather than build a new stadium. SOURCE: Sky sports news.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:33:30

Professor Rogan Taylor of Liverpool University who is also a founder member of ShareLiverpoolFC added: "Henry took over a club that was in an old stadium and that only had 30,000 in it. Every other bidder for club was talking about how they would build a huge new stadium.

"But John Henry simply refurbished the existing one, spent about £100m doing it, and has made a business that I think is second only to the New York outfit."

Hopefully he'll adopt this philosophy when dealing with expansion of stadia!

keep the faith

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:31:53
Saw Broughton on Sky News saying the new owners are committed to getting a stadium of over 60,000 capacity in place but will look at whether this would be in a new stadium or a redveloped Anfield (wouldn't that be great). While I know people would rather see committements on timeframe, we got all that from Gillett and Hicks and it was all BS. At least new owners aren't giving false promises.

I think when we see where the club is at at the moment by far the most important aspect of any sale is that debt is reduced and the club's foundations are restored to a sound state for the players, managment, directors etc. to build on. It's not about new signings/ stadium it's about having solid owners with a strong track record of success on the field and in the boardroom.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:31:26

I posted a message on Sunday night, but wasn't sure it made it past the reviewing stage. It was basically informing people that an announcement would be made this week with regards to the takeover and also there will be something mentioned about Roy Hodgson soon as well. This will probably be next week now. Cheers

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:25:53
Very true, but i hate to think of how many investors may have been scared off due to the rabid conspiracy theories that helped whip fans up into a flag-burning anti-American frenzy. Looking at the pictures from foreign media outlets - we were depicted as thugs, and i for one can't blame them. We had members of a board, one of whom was vouched for by Kenny, who have fought against the owners on our behalf, yet they were still booed, ridiculed and the butt of improper criticism and banners till the end. If that's supporting your club then i'd rather be seen as a naive fool.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I agree, I don't believe that these kind of protests help our club and the way the club is viewed across the world. They are almost contradictory to what we are trying to uphold. I do however believe in the right to protest, but it must be done in the correct manner. A good point regarding the appointment of Purslow - we should trust Kenny. I do however still remain cautious.

Fabian Treezle

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:23:35

I am sorry, but this is not good enough: no commitment on the new stadium, not ALL of the debt will be cleared and custodians who, despite their good record, are skint in comparison to many others who own PL clubs.
Your thoughts, Ed or ed or whoever?. I just don't feel right about it. .
Red Herr Ing

{Editor's Note: It didn't take long for the fans to start on the potential new owners did it. So you are not giving tem any chance at all?}

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:18:06

Just confirmed on Liverpoolfc.tv, New Owners have plans to either build new stadium or to build on Anfield. They also are willing to fund transfer moves. No word on whether or not Roy will stay manager or not.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:16:37

THANK H*CK! Them 2 dumb apses are going! i just hope the new owners can do what the 2 b*ck f*ads couldn't do and back the manager with the funds to make us win the premiership.

YNWA

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:15:34

I heard a rumour that if we don't stop worrying about ownership, which should be left to the people who do this professionally as the fans generally lack in the area of politics and economics of a business, then we could seriously go down this season, it is the players not the owners of the chairman or the board or the manager who are letting us down, you look out at the players on match day and not once this season have i felt proud of a performance, the big greek coming closest to my view of what a liverpool player should be doing, christian poulsen; who ever told him he can play football was lying n he needs to jib it, lucas plays far better in the position, get rid of 'captain fantastic' his heads not in it he looks bored of trying to bring a struggling team through games and although i love torres its just not worth it anymore when we could buy two players with money gained from him who would get us 20+ goals a season each, rant over

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:11:13

Blair Mayne is an undercover **** *******

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:10:36

Broughton did a q&a on liverpool fc tv on the website go read

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:08:17

Broughton also said that Kop Holdings/ H&G had giving written undertakings to RBS that they would not get involved in the sales process. In which Broughton says IF they do proceed with legal proceedings then they will be breaking these written agreements.

Sounds good.

Blair Mayne YNWA

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:07:04

At random, I picked one of the 12 NESV owners' names and came up with this

- - -

THOMAS RICHARD DIBENEDETTO
Thomas R. DiBenedetto is Chairman of the Board of Jefferson Waterman International. He is also president and majority owner of Junction Investors, Ltd., a private equity firm and its affiliates Boston International Group, a money management company, and Athena Holdings, LLC.

Mr. DiBenedetto has been investing in private equity for over 25 years and has been active in telecommunications, technology, real estate, and mining ventures. He is managing director of WT Junction China Growth Investment Fund, a direct equity fund that makes investments in the Peoples Republic of China, and a major shareholder in ITI International, LLC, a leading provider of secure communications software in Russia and Europe. In addition, Mr. DiBenedetto is a director of Alexander's, Inc., a New York-based real estate investment trust; Detwiler Mitchell & Co., an NASD broker dealer; NWH, Inc., an electronic and commerce communications company; and Voice Signal Technologies, Inc., a leading international voice recognition company. Mr. DiBenedetto is also a limited partner of the Boston Red Sox Baseball Club.

Prior to forming Boston International Group in 1983, Mr. DiBenedetto was an investment banker at Allen & Company, Inc., Salomon Brothers, and Morgan Stanley. He has served on the leadership council of the JFK Center for Business and Government at Harvard University and as a trustee of Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. He is also a trustee of Boston Biomedical Research Institute, the Canterbury School in Ft. Myers, Florida, and the Ted Williams Museum in Citrus Hills, Florida.

Mr. DiBenedetto holds a B.A. with honors in economics from Trinity College and a M.B.A. from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and was a research fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

- - -

Anyone working for Salomon Bros in the 1980s is going to be seriously wealthy. Spreading the risk and resourcing across several individuals such as this has to be good for LFC, certainly compared with where we are now, and maybe in the future. Who wants to be at the mercy of a fickle Sheik or oil billionaire?

Grayswood

 

 

06 Oct 2010 12:02:11

I've just watched the Broughton interview on SSN and he spoke about the Stadium and importantly for me he said there will be a 60 odd thousand Stadium weither it be a new one or redevelopment of Anfield.

I would be estactic IF they could bring Anfield up to at least 60,000 but can someone tell me IF it can be done. Imagine it new investment in a bigger Anfield i for one will be happy.

Blair Mayne YNWA

 

 

06 Oct 2010 11:49:18
Whatever happens with the takeover there wll be no new signings until January. In the meantime Liverpool have a lot of games to play. Roy Hodgson has said that six new players are needed. To me this means that there are players in the first team who shouldn't be there. To me we don't need to BUY six players - we need to give the younger ones a chance. Kelly, Wilson, Pacheco, Spearing, Shelvey, Mavinga, etc should be used instead of the likes of Babel and Poulsen. Lucas and Babel have been at the club for several seasons now and have not shown any sign of real improvement. N'gog misses too many chances and even Dirkje is not ideal. We are allowed to name SEVEN substitutes every match. I have said before that a goalkeeper is not always necessary so there is room for at least FOUR of the youngserts. Sterling and Suso are a little young but I would put them on the bench every now and then and if the opportunity arrives (leading 4-0 - I wish! !) put them on the field. Anyway lets hope that the takeover comes to a quick and successful conclusion.
Mal 10

 

 

06 Oct 2010 11:37:34

Have just been on the Red Sox site and found this.

While we fell short of our annual goal of reaching the postseason, we are proud nonetheless of the way this team conducted itself through serious adversity - showing grit, determination and a team-first attitude.

We are also proud of you, our loyal fans. Through injury (and more injuries) and after hard-to-swallow losses, you continued to fill Fenway Park and support the team. When the kids were called up, you learned their names, their stories, and applauded them as your own. When you saw our veterans playing though their bodies weren't cooperating, you took note and appreciated their heart and spirit. When we were struggling, you were there. When we had walk-off wins, you were there

Hicks and Gillet this is how you treat your fanbse . If you had been like this you mave have left with your heads held high
We work for you. Our players play for you. It gives us immense pride to do so. You are the rock on which this franchise is built.

We know the best way to honor you is not merely to thank you, but to go out and honor our fundamental commitment to field an excellent team in 2011, another one worthy of your avid support.

We can do better. We will do better. We are committed to winning. For you, for us, for the whole of Red Sox Nation.

Once more, we say "Thank You."

Pitchers and catchers report in 132 days,

John Henry Tom Werner Larry Lucchino
Thats how you treat your fanbase not like Hicks and Gillet

 

 

06 Oct 2010 11:36:56

I am from Boston but my dad was born in Liverpool. The Red Soxs ended a 85 plus year drought of championships under these owners and won it twice in 3 years. They buy the best players out there. I just hope they do the same at Liverpool

 

 

06 Oct 2010 11:32:57

Been following this site for a while.

Not a rumour as such but more of a comment.

Does the fact that the red sox owners are taking over have anything to do with a certain club down the M62 having close links with the New York Yankee baseball team - the great rivals of the Red Sox (goes way back to the trade for Babe Ruth)?

 

 

06 Oct 2010 11:29:46

"I think most of us fans thought this takeover was the beginning of a great period in our history and a possible return to our glory days. How wrong we were!

I am happy that it seems to be the end for H&G, but I am wary and cautious over the new ownership. I would like to know more details of their plans, although judging from the above only time will tell if they are honourable.

I hope we've got it right this time.

Fabian Treezle"

Your wariness is understandable, and i'll reserve judgement until i hear some future plans and just how the bid is financed. However, the key difference between then and now is down to whether you trust Broughton, Purslow and Ayre in comparison to Moores and Parry. I for one think the calibre of business minds we currently have at the club to be significantly higher, so i'm cautiously optimistic that they can spot a bad bid for the club - the very fact that they are in opposition to the current owners shows arguably more integrity and acumen than Parry and Moores did during their tenure.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 11:23:13

There is still lot of uncertanities lying with regards to sale process. . . but I am happy that atleast we have some positive news after long time. .

I just hope this positivity trickle down to our players and staffs so that our performance improves and also our league position. .

wat say ED! {ed's note - I am looking forward to the boost that this should give the playing staff, hopefully it will also raise the spirits of the fans and get them in good voice.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 11:23:01
BBC News reel on 6 February 2007

'American tycoons George Gillett and Tom Hicks have reached an agreement to take over Liverpool.

Hicks and Gillett will be co-chairmen but will leave existing chief executive Rick Parry to run the club.

Liverpool chairman David Moores, who will become an honorary life president, said: "This is a great step forward for its shareholders and its fans."

The pair, who each own NHL ice hockey teams, beat off competition from Dubai International Capital.

Their offer is worth £5,000 per share, valuing the club at £174.1m, and along with the club's £44.8m debt it values the club at £218.9m.

But the pair are also believed to have guaranteed to invest over £200m in the club, but they refused to discuss figures.

They confirmed they will make funds available, both for team strengthening and the building of the club's new stadium in Stanley Park and denied they had secured the club on borrowed money.

606: DEBATE
I'm happy with the takeover, although a bit wary, as I guess all fans probably are at first

"We have purchased the club with no debt on the club, " said Gillett. "We believe in the future of the club, the future of the league, the new TV contracts are outstanding and we are proud to be a part of it.

"This is truly the largest sport in the world, the most important sport in the world, and this is the most important club in the most important sport in the world.

"What a privilege we have to be associated with it and we hope that with the good graces of Rick and his team that we will have on-the-pitch success and economic success."

They said the club would consider selling the naming rights to the new stadium.

Gillett added: "If the naming rights are worth one great player a year in transfer spending, we will certainly look at that as a serious option."

But both Gillett and Hicks vowed to safeguard the legacy of the club and leave Parry and manager Rafa Benitez to do their jobs.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Note the 606 poster - he was content but wary.

I think most of us fans thought this takeover was the beginning of a great period in our history and a possible return to our glory days. How wrong we were!

I am happy that it seems to be the end for H&G, but I am wary and cautious over the new ownership. I would like to know more details of their plans, although judging from the above only time will tell if they are honourable.

I hope we've got it right this time.

Fabian Treezle

 

 

06 Oct 2010 11:22:52

"06 Oct 2010 11:02:59

Can we all please stop this nonsense, I posted months ago that Martin Broughton, Christian Purslow and Ian Ayre were the quality of directors we had needed for decades and yet we continually knocked them for their efforts as the conducted their business in a private professional manner. Now that Hicks and Gillets backs are to the wall and they are desperately going back on their agreements and trying to remove two to the directors there seem to be some so called fans out there who still don't get it. There comes a time that we must trust again and stand with the directors as they try and save the club.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Trust is a thing that must be earned through time not just overnight. True Liverpool fans are rightfully wary and cautious about any move at boardroom level after 3 years of lies and deceit. I hope like every other Liverpool fan that this is the right move for the club in the long term, but only time will tell. Do not be too trusting just yet.

Fabian Treezle"

Very true, but i hate to think of how many investors may have been scared off due to the rabid conspiracy theories that helped whip fans up into a flag-burning anti-American frenzy. Looking at the pictures from foreign media outlets - we were depicted as thugs, and i for one can't blame them. We had members of a board, one of whom was vouched for by Kenny, who have fought against the owners on our behalf, yet they were still booed, ridiculed and the butt of improper criticism and banners till the end. If that's supporting your club then i'd rather be seen as a naive fool.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 11:16:42

I just hope that the issue with ownership gets sorted out quickly, I think that with new owners who can stabalise our situation and get us to run properly then times will begin to sort themselves out. I personally don't want to see 200 million spent on the squad, but we do need to think about three maybe four quality signings. These players can be achieved between the 15-20 mil mark and get rid of those who just don't cut it. I.E recoup money from sales. If we got 60mil to add the likes of Turan , and Roy or whoever may be manager spends wisely and in the right area we will become a contender again!

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 11:06:49

"06 Oct 2010 10:43:13

Hope it works for out for you! but he is not even a billionair! a long way behind roman (cfc) the city arabs and their billions n billions, ismanov of arsenal, even spurs have joe lewis a multi billionair as well as enics billions, so don't get to carried away posting who your going to buy cause its just a list of who you won't buy but welcome to the side table you may well join the big table one day with the billionairs"

It hardly matters with the new fair play regulations starting to be applied. As for Spurs being at the big table, well i'm afraid they are far from being a big club let alone at the big table - the other clubs mentioned are worldwide brands like Liverpool, Spurs barely have a fan outside of London, let alone outside the country.

Also bear in mind how Arsenal and Utd have remained competitive without having to rely on shareholder handouts, that's how football should be. All the petty fans will jump up and down screaming for marquee signings, but the teams that play the best and most fluid football have usually made big stars rather than simply signing them at their peak. City haven't won anything yet and Madrid's millions spent still look insubstantial in comparison to Barca's conveyor belt of young talent. If Liverpool can emulate one tenth of the success of La Masia i'd take that over Madrid, City and Chelsea's unsustainable displays of wealth in a second. I just want us to play good football and be free to spend what we make on player development as well as transfers. If the new owner/ s bring that alone i'll be happy.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 11:02:59

Can we all please stop this nonsense, I posted months ago that Martin Broughton, Christian Purslow and Ian Ayre were the quality of directors we had needed for decades and yet we continually knocked them for their efforts as the conducted their business in a private professional manner. Now that Hicks and Gillets backs are to the wall and they are desperately going back on their agreements and trying to remove two to the directors there seem to be some so called fans out there who still don't get it. There comes a time that we must trust again and stand with the directors as they try and save the club.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Trust is a thing that must be earned through time not just overnight. True Liverpool fans are rightfully wary and cautious about any move at boardroom level after 3 years of lies and deceit. I hope like every other Liverpool fan that this is the right move for the club in the long term, but only time will tell. Do not be too trusting just yet.

Fabian Treezle

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 10:45:46

Im glad we are getting rid of H&G. .1st and foremost! :) but altho the statement said the new owners would relieve the debt and would invest in the team. ther is no mention of the stadium! i thought that's what we were after most of all. .?

 

 

06 Oct 2010 10:43:13

Hope it works for out for you! but he is not even a billionair! a long way behind roman (cfc) the city arabs and their billions n billions, ismanov of arsenal, even spurs have joe lewis a multi billionair as well as enics billions, so don't get to carried away posting who your going to buy cause its just a list of who you won't buy but welcome to the side table you may well join the big table one day with the billionairs

 

 

06 Oct 2010 10:42:12
Do these yonks offer a new groung?

 

 

06 Oct 2010 10:41:06
Poulsen is still a Usless lazy tr$t - The poorest player I, ve seen in 35 years of going to anfield

 

 

06 Oct 2010 10:40:21

I hope that this sale goes through as quickly as possible.

Re: New Stadium, I woud prefer a revamping of our beloved Anfield. It is steeped in history and I think that the atmosphere and memories etc cannot easily be replaced. Too many buildings are being destroyed. I recently took the Anfield tour and felt that it was a privilage to see it.
There is a substantial amount of land surrounding Anfield and I am sure that the size could be increased to provide more seating, new facilities etc. without destroying the landmark and essence that is LFC.

Hopefully good times ahead.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 10:39:05

Comrades!

The key to all of this now is not Hicks, nor is it Purslow, Ayres and Broughton. It is Gillette. He is the one. Should he side with Hicks this will almost certainly go to Court. If he should announce 'neutrality' - or better still agree to the sale then Hicks has no argument in Court.

RED LENIN

 

 

06 Oct 2010 10:38:42

Ed, another unusual aspect of this sale is that whilst it may have been agreed in principle by the directors to effect an actual sale at law there is a requirement for the shareholders i.e. Hicks and Gillette to sign the stock transfer forms and share sale agreement by which the shares are transferred to the buyers. The directors cannot sign these documents. If Hicks and Gillette refuse to sign these documents the only away around this is for RBS to enforce its security for the loan. This security will include a charge over the shares given by Hicks and Gillette to RBS. RBS will need to wait until there is a default of the loan (apparently its due to be repaid on 15 October) to enable them to transfer the shares into RBS's name and then simultaneously transfer the shares to the new owners. In the meantime Hicks is likely to be doing his best to stop the sale. The only realistic way out for him however is to somehow find the £300m himself between now and 15 October. This is highly unlikely. Reality Red.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 10:37:39
Yanks in, Yanks out, shake it all about.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 10:31:41
Poulsen now giving quotes to the dirty rag - get out of our club you useless lazy tw$t {ed's note - I don't think he gave direct quotes to them, I think it was them taking quotes he gave to assembled sports media at a Denmark training session. S*n journos are sneaky scumbags, they will often pretend to be from a different publication in order to try and speak to people connected with the club.}

 

 

06 Oct 2010 10:31:03

From the city, live and breath liverpool, happy to hopefully see the back of H&G but very cautious of new american owners!
A couple of thing liverpool fans want and the club need are the following; debts clear! Investment in player and most of all a new stadium. Apprehensive if the potential owners can provide liverpool with what we need.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 10:30:29

This "best interest of the shareholders" malarky. There are only two shareholders are there not? - Hicks & Gillette. It could be argued by a QC that it is in their interests that the club be sold now for 300M on the grounds that the longer this goes on and the longer it affects the players as it is doing, then by season's end we could be looking at no European football 11/ 12, and an exodus of star players thereby significantly reducing the value to well below 300M. Therefore it is in their interest that they take a small loss now as opposed to a gargantuan one by May.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 10:20:55

Heres my opinion on this. . . i can't c us getting rid of H&G that easy just yet. . . i suspect that there using this hole board dismisal as a smoke screen so they have time to get more investment which is what i believe they will get - we just hope the RBS step in b4 then and take control of the offers and accept 1 and not allow H&G but RBS are only after 1 thing and that's there £ back! !
i don't think the type of owners we need are the current owners of the boston red sox. . . you can clearly see they havent got the money to clear the debt with there own money and why wud any1 spend half there fortune on buying liverpool which he has no love for! they'll clear this debt and rack up more debt which will leave us in the same situation in 4 years time. . . there won't b massive amounts of money to spend on players which torres, gerrard and reina were promised and come the summer (if not even Jan) there'll all want out! !
time to rebuild without our big star players. . . we started a new era under rafa 6years ago and now it wud seem we need to start another 1 which seems further away from a league title than we was then!
we can only wonder wot situation and wot honours we'd of won if the D.I.C offer was chosen instead of the b* * rds that are H&G

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 10:12:52

I hope the takeover goes through although i won't get excited yet until it is all done and dusted

some people are worried about the money that john henry as now a simple google of new england sports ventures shows you who is partners are im sure there is plenty of money in that group

it isn't john henry alone it is new england sports ventures

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 10:08:36

Ed, do u think new stadium to be buiit?do u think fund will be given during new transfer window? I think at least 30m.sell aqua 10m and maxi 1m. We have to sell lucas, babel and kuyt for 25m. Buy inler 12m, arda 14m, gomez 16m, shaqiri 2m, hamsik 18m, a full back for 4m. Ed, this square good enough?realistic? {ed's note - I would fully expect the stadium issue to be resolved quickly, it has to be to make the club viable. I don't know if the sale process will be concluded in time to give funds to spend in January, it really depends on Hicks and how far he takes the fight to hang on to the club.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 09:59:43

To the person who wrote this:

"I think we should make a bid for rooney in january just to piss of fergie (even though it will never happen)".

You are a muppet.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 09:55:53

It sounds like alot of fans are getting a bit to excited about the takeover. Yes it would be great to se the back of hicks and gillet but it is not 100 per cent confirmed that they are gona go without kicking up a stink. i think we all need to be patient and hope that they go without a fuss. And if they do kick up then hope that RBS drain them out of as much money as they have got in court.
All im saying is lets wait till the have completley packed there bags and gone until we celebrate.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 09:54:45

What a relief !
Its almost tangible
The deal will now go though - whatever Hicks tries to do in his death throes !
It feels like a new era is starting - I feel its going to be a good one.
hopefully starting with a win v everton

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 09:52:39

Everyone needs to chill!

Announced at 7am and already people starting to doubt there motives. Its been said already that they understand sport and how it works. Does it matter how rich they are?? They will clear the debt, and start the new stadium, with no crippling interest payments to make, the clubs profits will go towards new players, which is exactly how it should be! !

Dont get me wrong i understand the people being worried about other americans, but lets at least give em a chance! !

Spaceman

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 09:42:55

Does anyone know the the wealth of the New England Sports Ventures. ive really got a bad feeling about this. They chose hicks and g over dic last time i hope this does not turn out in the same result,
Harry5 !

 

 

06 Oct 2010 09:42:21

Just entered the red sox owners name in google , his current compnay in in difficulty . alarm bells are ringing , iv heard this when hicks took over , this is not good lads !

 

 

06 Oct 2010 09:40:25

Great news on the agreement with NESV. I'm sure Purslow, Ayre & Broughton have chosen this bid as it has the best vision for the future of LFC. Shame Moores & Parry screwed us over 3 years ago! We know the Planks won't go quietly. Lets just hope this sale goes through!

From one redman hoping for a brighter future.

Justice for the 96 YNWA

Justin

 

 

06 Oct 2010 09:35:16
Further to my post last night, looks like I have a reason to be excited!

Christmas is here!

Realistic red - ynwa

 

 

06 Oct 2010 09:29:21

Its the last final struggle of a dying wasp. One last sting before the cold of winter, its not going to work, there's going to be a new era at Anfield, a new hope, a freshness i can feel the weight of this torterous time lift of this Great Club. Well done Martin Broughton, Ian Ayre and Mr. Purslow, be brave and see this through!

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 09:18:39

The most important thing is that this crippling debt is resolved and there is significant team investment. This may not leave much in the way of funds for a new stadium, so why not expand Anfield? The club own a large number of properties and associated land surrounding the stadium, and a bit of clever planning and engineering could get our capacity up to 60,000. I've seen how this can be done on the internet and it looks great. Maybe this could be a viable option, as neither Goofy or the Texas ranger were ever going to build a new stadium, and the prospect of a ground share with Everton is just as unpleasent. what do you reckon ed? {ed's note - it was possible to expand Anfield during the Moores era, it involved turning the pitch round by 90 degrees if I remember rightly. Moores just bottled it because it would have cost a few quid, that might have affected his salary and bonuses, he was never going to let that happen! I don't see why the option can't be looked at again at least.}

 

 

06 Oct 2010 09:16:16
Thank god this is nearly over, I can go back to watching porn again.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 09:14:49
Its just a matter of how much H&G can screw out of the new owners, that will slow down the deal, I think at some stage the board will have to come to a compromise with them to further the deal, if only to hurry the process through, it could drag on a bit but it will be worth the wait, but not much will change in the short term, Liverpool will still struggle for the rest of the season, so bide your time and give your new owners a chanceto bed in. A Chelsea and football fan.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 09:12:26

John William Henry II (born September 13, 1949) is a futures and foreign exchange trading advisor who founded John W. Henry & Company (JWH). He is the principal owner of the Boston Red Sox and co-owner of Roush Fenway Racing and ableenterprises.co.uk. In March 2006, Boston Magazine estimated his net worth at $860 million, but noted that his company had recently experienced difficulties.[1] In May 2007, reports in the Wall Street Journal[2] and Bloomberg noted further difficulties with the firm.

SHOULD OUR BOARD NOT HAVE AT LEAST GOOGLED THIS LADS NAME . HIS COMPANY IS IN DIFFICULTY AT THE MOMENT , ALARM BELLS ARE RINGING! !

 

 

06 Oct 2010 09:12:19

Well, if anyone's looking for a new chant, there's a old country blues song about a "John Henry." It's called "Spike Drive Blues" by Mississippi John Hurt.

"John Henry's he's left his hammer
layin side the road,
laying side the road.

John Henry he's left his hammer
all painted in red
all painted in red."

Not sure it'll really make a sing-along anthem though.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:59:59

I would like to congratulate messers Broughton, Perslow and Ayres for their efforts. They have stood up for our club and this morning is the result of all their hard work.

Well done to the three of you.

Cathal (Life long Irish Red)

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:57:36

Just listening to ssn this new owner has not got more money than kicks but is he on his way up and is hicks on his way down (hope so) either way if he can clear debt so we can invest in the team that's good news we don't need sugwr daddy we are liverpool football club we can do it on our own all we need now is the players to stop protesting and give us the flare they can play with

YNWA

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:57:15

I would personally like to thank Martin Broughton, Ian Ayres and Christian Purslow - for the honour, dignity and integrity that they have publicly demonstrated throughout the sales process of my beloved club LFC.

Despite numerous attempts by many to slur, dishonour and drag through the mud by many - I think they have brought LFC back from the brink.

Particular thanks go to Mr. Broughton - thank you for standing up to H&G and not falling for their last minute shenanigans. Without you - the sale would never have happened.

YNWA

RedTed

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:50:52

I reckon it's a rookie mistake by the English Board Members, to sell now. This will allow the Yanks (T&G) to pursue legal action. This legal action could result in the repayment date next week Friday being Frozen by the courts. If they do this, they will be able to elongate the legal battle for months, if not years. In the process preventing a sale from coming to fruition

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:49:42

Do we really want more american owners they wouldn't even make the top15 richest club owners in brittain nobodys spoke about the other offer from the asians do we no who they are i think there will be more twists and turns ahead what do you think

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:47:06

Some perspective please. .

The cruelty I am seeing from fans here is absurd!
Tom and George OWN the club and have the right to sell to whom they wish. You would not like to be selling your house only for the estate agent to agree a sale at less than half the asking price!

Tom and George have invested millions into the club and deserve a return on their investment the franchise is in much better shape thanks to their hard work.

This week I have been invovled at my parties conference and can tell you we passionately believe in private ownership and anything that underminds this principle is wrong! These board members should be sacked and Tom and George allowed time and patience to sell THEIR CLUB AT THEIR PRICE.

ETON RIFLES

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:43:31

Boston red sox? wtf . . . will they have the financial muscle to compete with utd , chelsea, and city . .uummmmmm i don't think so . . oh ive had it more bloody yanks . .:((((((((

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:41:56

Just saw this posted on the Liverpoolfc website this morning. .

Liverpool Football Club today announces that the Board has agreed the sale of the Club to New England Sports Ventures (NESV).

New England Sports Ventures currently owns a portfolio of companies including the Boston Red Sox, New England Sports Network, Fenway Sports Group and Roush Fenway Racing.

Aussie Red

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:35:19

Another YANK does not sound promising to me. SAF the stupid is carrying it on his own at OT else the yanks there would have made a mess of OT too. Besides we know what the American owner did to MON at Aston Villa.

Maybe we are just too shortsighted to celebrate the removal of Hicks and Gillet but I would personally not celebrate untill I see STANLEY PARK getting done.

YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:33:06

ALL LIVERPOOL FANS! !
PLEASE READ THE BACKGROUND
BEHIND THE GROUP BUYING THE
CLUB.
THIS IS A GOOD MOVE, YES THEY ARE
AMERICAN , BUT THEY KNOW SPORT ,
THEY ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN
WINNING, THEY SPEND BIG ONLY
WHEN THE MONEY IS WORTH
SPENDING, not on rubbish players,
THEY MAY NOT BUILD A NEW
STADIUM STRAIGHT AWAY BUT LETS
GET THE CLUB SORTED FIRST, AND
WINNING AGAIN.
GIVE THEM A CHANCE, NOT ALL
AMERICANS ARE LIARS,


BASH LFC

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:24:57

I know many people will be concerned about yet another set of Americans buying the club, as am I.
I have been a fan of the Red Sox since 2004, my first visit to the US (family ties - who all support RedSox) and have been to Fenway Park (to me it felt the baseball's version of Anfield). After going decades without winning anything, the Red Sox have won the World Series twice (2004 & 2007) and consistently made the playoffs, except for this year, duemianly to injuries to key players (sound familiar). However the management have tried to invest wisely, signing good players for the positions they needed, and bringing through some of the younger players from their farm system (A philosophy needed at Liverpool!)
Now as long as they have someone in charge of the club who understands football, and Liverpool, I think these guys will be a much better and more stable option than Hicks and Co!
Why he doesn't realise that the more he holds on the less the club will be worth is beyond explanation!

Fellow Kopites - A Brighter Future could be just around the corner. Lets hope Hicks loses his legal fight, and and leaves without so much as a whimper!

(I'm going to get my Father in Law to get me some info on the Red Sox owners - if he comes through I'll post anything interesting)

El Diablo!

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:20:55

It seems that we are jumping from the frying pan and into the fire.
american ownership of premiership teams has been disasterous.
man utd, villa, ourselves have all found this out the hard way.
i have a sneaky suspicion that these guys will balance the books, start preliminary works on a new stadium then sell the club on for a big profit.
the club will be a much more attractive proposition with no dedt, construction under way for a bigger stadium and a football club that is making money behiind the scenes.
i hope i am wrong but more yank owners scare the life out of me.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:20:31

Club sold, new American owners. . out of the frying pan and into the fire. . .thoughts?

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:19:39
Manuewer are tied to new york yanks and we get tied to boston red socks – so we can spit at each other on our holidays – happy days.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:13:38

Morning liverpool fans! WE HAV BEEN SOLD OVER NIGHT AND OUR DEBTS REPAID, JUST HEARD IT ON THE RADIO! GOOD TIMES AGAIN AS THIS WILL SURELY RAISE ON FIELD MORALE!

E.H LFC

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:13:08
GO YOU RED SOX! !

OMG, could this be a case of out of the frying pan and into the fire OR the Mighty Red Liverbird rising from the ashes ?

Let's hope that Broughton and Purslow have done their homework and not landed us in the same mire that we are already in. . i can only presume that the new owners will remove the massive debt from the club, or at least reduce it to a sensible level (we are actually a very profitable club, it was the interest payments that have been crippling us). Presumably they have given guarantees that work on the new stadium will begin soon.

Hopefully good times ahead ?

G SPOT

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:10:06

Like everyone else I am delighted that H&G are gone but personally I am a bit apprehensive that the new owners are also American. I do not know of any club owned by Americans that is rolling in money, including Man U.Let's hope these guys are genuine and are in it for the right reasons

 

 

06 Oct 2010 08:09:00

Have we not learned from one set of yank owners. hopefully NESV don't f* * us about in a year or so after they takeover we will have to wait and see.

its one thing them plowing money into the boston red sox and another to do whats needed to have liverpool challenging again.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 07:56:27

Now that the takeover is completed, who would you like to see? For me I would like: Keisuke Honda 12m(hard worker and very versatile. Not to mention help us in marketing in asia) Gregory van der Wiel 12m( replacement for johnson as he is sh1te) Fabio Coentrao 15m(better than konchesky, who is at best only a squad player) Demy de Zeeuw 8m(replacement for Poulsen) Arda Turan 11m (wants to play for us and is very good too) Edin Dzeko 30m(will add a different dimensio to our attack. More of a targetman) Luis Suarez 30m(another torres) and either Bryan Ruiz or Alexis Sanchez 15m both maxi replacement

get rid of: poulsen(anywhere) johnson(inter) kygriakos, max, darby, babel, ngog, jovanovic

what do you think people

 

 

06 Oct 2010 07:53:32
Hang on to your "Yanks Out" banners

 

 

06 Oct 2010 07:52:52

Looks like Lee was right. . Although we're not there quite yet. . . I still expect things to get worse before they get better. . . G&H are a cancer that need cutting from our club all together as soon as possible before it dies. .

StevieW

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 07:33:07
Why go for "the juggler?"
Poor man was only trying to keep his balls in the air.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 07:18:51

Liverpool Football Club today announces that the Board has agreed the sale of the Club to New England Sports Ventures (NESV).

New England Sports Ventures currently owns a portfolio of companies including the Boston Red Sox, New England Sports Network, Fenway Sports Group and Rousch Fenway Racing.

Martin Broughton, Liverpool FC Chairman, said:

"I am delighted that we have been able to successfully conclude the sale process which has been thorough and extensive. The Board decided to accept NESV's proposal on the basis that it best met the criteria we set out originally for a suitable new owner. NESV's philosophy is all about winning and they have fully demonstrated that at Red Sox.

"We've met them in Boston, London and Liverpool over several weeks and I am immensely impressed with what they have achieved and with their vision for Liverpool Football Club.

"By removing the burden of acquisition debt, this offer allows us to focus on investment in the team. I am only disappointed that the owners have tried everything to prevent the deal from happening and that we need to go through legal proceedings in order to complete the sale."

Note to editors:

The sale is conditional on Premier League approval, resolution of the dispute concerning Board membership and other matters.

Off the official LFC website

 

 

06 Oct 2010 07:18:45

The time is now my fellow reds. . . we have to go for the juggler now and not buy any tickets or merchandise for the next few games as phil thompson said " if you go and support the club, purchasing tickets, then you are supporting the owners, so no, I won't do it, I am not going to go because the more money I put into the club the longer I could possibly keep them there. . . come on lets go nuts! ! ! ! ! !. . . . . . .another thing which concerns me is another american bid? no thanks. . lets go for the asian bid they are much more passionate and understand what liverpool football club stands for . . . ynwa. . . . . . . . . .we should also organise a huge march on the city in protest , but we need the amount of people that lined the streets after istanbul . . so if your from liverpool, yorkshire, london .wales , norway, hong kong . . .you have to attend this march . . we the people can do this! ! !

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 07:15:31

Its done! ! its over! h&g are out!

 

 

06 Oct 2010 07:13:28

This is not a rumour but anywhere fans has to remember and accept that Liverpool Fc belongs to H & G. Thats a FACT. There is no way that the 2 scums will surrender without a fight. The obvious possible way for the club to be sold is for RBS to reposses the club and sale it to viable party to recovered their money. Hick will find every possible way to delay or to stop any sale of the club unless he gets a hefty profit from the sale. The way i see it , it will be still along way until Liverpool Fc will have a new owner. The intention of Hick to sack Purslow and Ian is just the beginning. Admit it , the blocking of sale by Hick is expected.

By the way, Kenny Huang is not heading the Far East Consortium as rumour. i am from far East.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 07:04:06

Its done! the yanks are gone! anouncement to be made at 7am that we have been sold to the red sox bidder.
we can finally all breath a massive collective sigh of relief! !
live now on sky news.

ITS FINALLY OVER EVERYONE! ! ! ! ! ! !

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 07:03:14
"I don't want another American in charge of lfc, i spit on the american flat every morning. I think we should go with the other china based bid. I havnt met a dis-honourble china man yet. Unluck those yanks who make me sick."

Ok first of all you spit on an American house every morning?

You've never met a dishonorable "china man" yet?
Wot gives gov, is this like 1890?

First off master the King's English, before you go cutting down "yanks". I am beginning to think you were a "dishonorable discharge", hence the lack of chromosomes. There are people like you in America, who have a sister/ mothers kind of like Hicks.

What makes me sick is you can't even write like an adult, I can understand blind rage, but stupid rage?

John W Henry II knows how to run a club. First thing he did was give the Boston Redsox their pride back. Then he gave them the tools they needed to win. Then he gave them their first Championship since 1918, two years after owning them. Then another three years later.

I think the Chinese want LFC just to make 50,000,000 cheap Gerrard bobble heads, painted with lead paint to make a buck.

Get a grip, and a dictionary. Go to night school, and stay out of pubs. Read a book, and maybe, just maybe you can add to the adults conversation.

Oh and if you have any pride try "LFC". In capital letters, like you mean it.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 06:53:31

Breaking news Liverpool have agreed takeover deal in principle with the owners of the Boston Red Sox

Lets hope they have got it right this time and that these Americans are better than the last!

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 06:47:00

Gillett appears to have no influence left but strangely finds himself in a powerful situation. Hicks appears to be the instigator of the "Get rid of Purslow & Ayre" bid and is prepared to make a legal argument to get his way but Gillett has one last chance to stab Hicks in the back. All he has to do is make a public statement that he will not support any attempt to oust the two Board members and the legal argument loses credibility with an owner split. Gillett knows his days at Liverpool are numbered and is financially stuffed and unlikely to make any cash from the club sale. He can walk away from this club after giving the fans one great farewell present - Thomas O Hicks head on a plate with an apple in his mouth.
Will he have the backbone to stand up against Hicks?

 

 

06 Oct 2010 06:37:49
Ed, I am sorry the first I sent you had some mispellings in it. This is the full, and proper version of a letter sent to Mr. Hicks. I would like you to print this for all the supporters to see.

Mr. Hicks,

You have in 3 years time done what most would think impossible, destroy Liverpool Football Club. You may think you have every right to do what you will with this club, but in all reality you really don't. LFC is not "owned" by you, no more then one could own the ocean, the sky, or the moon. Even though you may have a piece of paper with writing on it that claims ownership, in reality it is owned by the working class people of Liverpool. The ones who scrimp and save to buy tickets, kits, and any other things that can be associated with our glorious club. The common men and women who have lived through triumph such as the miracle in Istanbul, to the tragedy at Hillsborough. This is not a Rolex, a BMW, or a yacht, THIS IS ANFIELD. This was before you were born, and still will be long after you have meet your end. This is more then just the profit that you seek, this represents the lives, hopes, dreams, and pride of the people of Liverpool. I would ask if you have any shame, but it is more the apparent that you indeed do not.Every sports franchise you have touched has turned to rot, the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Stars, and now Liverpool FC. Does that not tell you something? Your are dabbling in a business that is sir to put it kindly, above your vocation. You want to keep the club, buy out your partner so be it. But we the fans will no longer tolerate your stewardship of this club. I am sure we would all see it torn down to the ground, before you make a dime. You've broken every promise to the people of Liverpool, and to every fan world wide.If need be I will start a campaign to make sure not one kit is bought, not one seat filled, and make it my personal goal to make sure the value of the club drops so low that the change in my pocket will be worth more.You may try to laugh this aside, but a tide is beginning to grow. It is not you against the board, it is you against millions. The ones who pay money to watch

"your" club. The ones who put money into "your" club. You sir will not have two nickels to rub together from LFC before this is through. We can boycott sponsors, games, merchandise, LFCTV, and any number of things associated with the club. Once it is worthless, someone who knows the value of what it really is worth, and not in monetary terms will come in, the fans will come back, and we will rebuild. WE ARE LIVERPOOL FC. I think the only part of this that is justice is that you have once again proved your inability to run a sports franchise, and pay your debts. I sir may not be as "wealthy" as you, but unlike you I pay my debts, and keep my word. If you would like your son to respond with a profanity filled tirade, please feel free. You have enough negative publicity, why not more. Better yet if you would be so kind as to want to discuss this face to face, I reside in Texas. You can bring him along as well, any place of your liking. I am sure you lack the spine to do so, but let it be mentioned that I did indeed extend the offer. I am sure there are many other supporters who would love to meet you as well. I do not threaten violence, what could be gained from beating up an already beaten and defeated old man, or his son who has a legacy of failure to look forward to inheriting. Violence is the last resort of a desperate man, and we supporters are really not that desperate. That would be more along the lines of your son, just because you have a college degree does not make you smart. His previous tirade more then supports that as fact.I think in the future you should invest in things you know about, but that tends to make one ponder, can you invest in nothing and make a profit? Sell, sell quickly. The longer you wait, the more painful it will be for you, and your lot. The value of this club can sink faster the the Tiatanic, it just takes the resolve of the fans to walk away from that we so dearly love, just long enough to make your shares not worth the paper they are printed on. You've started this process in motion, yes it will be painful for Liverpool and the supporters. Possibly for longer then we would like. Put this to shall pass, whilst your shame will be ever immortal. The man with the reverse Midas touch, everything he puts his greed ridden fingers on turns to rot.Life has a funny way of paying you back, and it most assuredly will pay you back. With dividends, as well as intrest. Though I feel you may not like what you receive.One parting question, do you consider yourself a religious man? If so just remember Galatians chapter 6, verse 7 ; "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."You can reach him at thicks@hicksholdings.com
Keep it civil, but keep it real. Lets let him know that it won't be our money he is going to use to destroy our beloved club.

As the Spartans, "Give them nothing! But take from them everything!"

 

 

06 Oct 2010 06:31:19

Sky news (not sports) at 06.27 said that a statement is expected in the next half-hour stating that a sale of the club has been provisionally agreed with the owner of the Boston Red Sox.

Its been a long time coming but it looks like its done.

Congratulations fellow reds and. .

DONT LET THE DOOR HIT YOU ON THE ARSE ON THE WAY OUT MESSRS HICKS AND GILLETT

brf

 

 

06 Oct 2010 06:21:33
I knew last week that 2 new buffers were looking at buying LFC, but I understand there is a 3rd bidder biding there time. Could this be the bidder fronted by Kieth Harris? All I know is there will be an emergency meeting at Andield today & the likely event of a sale this month.
My only question is, why would they refuse a bid knowing that in a few weeks the club could be taken off them anyway?

Gav the red

 

 

06 Oct 2010 05:47:21
This 100m wage bill issue and loaning most of our playing staff out. It seems like a false economy if we can't win a game. They shaved 14m or more off the playing staff wages, but where playing way too much to players that are at best average premiership players.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 05:36:49
Hicks is playing for time by ousting the board. He must still be looking for 300m in cash from one of his friends.

I guess you only really know who your friends are when you try to borrow money from them.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 05:33:16
Is it possible to have Hicks removed from the sale process some how? does anyone know if we can get him out of way?

i thought he made a nice little profit on the texas land sale around the stadium. he sold the land to would-be- buyers and promissed to sell the club to them for next to nothing before it went into bankrupy and the bidding process increased the price the new-guys had to pay in the end. But Hicks is always in it for himself.

Why don't Gordon Gekko of this world stick to banking selector. they can make a mess of that and leave sports alone. Greed is good gordon, greed is good.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 04:52:50

Time for every Liverpool fan to get behind Broughton, Purslow and Ayre. Some of us doubted their integrity and commitment, , for what was right for our beloved club. In whatever way we can, let's let them know we support them in their brave stance. For many a year the fans have been known as the 12th man well this is the most important moment in our history, so let the board know we support them and they have a 4th man behind them all the way. YNWA

 

 

06 Oct 2010 04:30:31

RE: his actions during the recent sale of the (I think) Texas Rangers led to the MLB removing him from the process and forcing through a sale, apparently.}

Ed is there any chance the FA can take similar action or are they toothless (cowards) ?
Surely they can't stand back and let hicks make a mockery of the Board process. Didn't other chairman
want to put forward Broughton for the head of the FA last week. Is it time for all Liverpool fans to lobby the FA
and the Premier League to put a stop to this disgraceful
carry on by Hicks, a greedy meglomaniac.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 03:57:29

Macca, may yau ask Ian what is going on?lol

 

 

06 Oct 2010 03:49:04
As a passionate supporter of LFC and the Red Sox, John Henry would be a great owner. He has to compete with the NY Yankees who have City money in an old stadium. He took a team who hadn't won anything in 82 years and won two World Series, while keeping ticket prices reasonable. He knows sports. Furthermore not all us Yanks are the greedy like H&G are. There are lot of passionate LFC supporters here.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 02:57:55

It has become clear over the past few days that there are serious efforts being made to continue to mislead Liverpool fans, to constantly agitate a difficult situation and to agitate matters concerning the players and the coaching staff in some misguided attempt to oust the existing owners. Somehow, it has been forgotten that the owners are attempting to sell the club and the efforts of the fans are making matters worse. The fans should be bright enough to figure that out. They should also be bright enough to figure out that the team and the staff need the fan's support at games, but they continue to make life difficult.

Sharkey.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Definately agree with this, the protests are only hurting us in term of taking emphasis off supporting the team. Protests will prove nothing or change nothing in any takeover situation. Business is business & protests will not change a thing.
Sorry but i'm in total agreement with the above statement from "Sharkey".
Irish Kev
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I totally disagree with what Sharkey has said!

We know for a fact that Hicks has been trying to refinance. Blackstone told Hicks were to go they said "It was a buisness decision" which was a lie as one of their top men (can't rember his name) had telephoned a member of a fans group and said they couldn't believe the response i.e e.mails and telephone calls they have recieved from irrate LFC fans about the reprecussions IF they did refinance Hicks. So if this is true (which i think it is) then how can you say Sharkey "have we forgot that the owners are trying to sell the club" and at the same time they are trying to refinance.

It's simple Sharkey if the owners wern't trying to refinance then there would be no protests.

Have you forgot that the owners put the club up for sale in April and then tried to refinance in June only to be blocked by the other members of the board.

Blair Mayne YNWA
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I'd say if you were in an empty room all on your own you'd start arguing with the 4 walls & the floor to be honest. Are you ever agreeable? Doubt it!
Would post my name but can't be bothered arguing with ya as i don't find your posts to be very informed.
But if you can guess who i am i'll be up for a bit of banter. I'm a fairly regular poster so bring it on Blair. . . . .if you dare!

 

 

06 Oct 2010 02:51:18

This was copied from the Boston RED SOX web site. . fan page. . . . . . . . .

As a Liverpool fan living in Boston this would be great for me. However the current ownership of Hicks ( former owner Texas Rangers)and Gillete (former owner of Montreal Canadiens)are vehemently hated by Liverpool fans because of their mismanagement and lack of investment in the club. Since they have become the owners of the club they have failed to invest in players and a new stadium which was part of the original purchase has failed to materialize.
As a fan of this legendary sports club I would plead with Mr. Henry, Mr. Werner and Mr. Lucchino do not buy this club unless you will be fully vested to bring success to the club. A commitment of at least $100million dollars is required immediately for new players! You need to supply the manager with a budget to bring world class players to the club on a continuous basis! You need to build a new stadium before 2014!
Do not make the mistakes Mr.Lerner (Cleveland Browns) has made since the purchase of Aston Villa. Do not make the mistakes the Glazer family (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) has made since the purchase of Man Utd.
If you do all this and be honest with the fans you will be successful, you will have the undying loyalty of fan base spread worldwide.
Good luck with you bid.

It's so good to here not all Americans are lying and cheating, and that some think. . .and are honest. . .
Dave THE CHEF

 

 

06 Oct 2010 01:54:15

What should the fans do to support Purslow, Ayres and Broughton in getting hicks out of the club?

any suggestions.


Just leave em do their jobs mate & stop protesting.
This is all coming to a head soon enough.
They're professionals & need to be left at it.
I said on here a week or so ago that i personally trust Purslow & am even more sure now.
Cheers,
Irish Kev.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 01:50:51

I reckon in the next few days a couple of sheeps eyes eating Arabs and chinese monkey brain eaters will enter the frame too.

They could eat babies, kittens and marmite. .for all i care , just buy the effin club. .SMF
by the way , do you know what goes in mackiedees?


No, and please don't tell us SMF.
Ed, if he posts what goes in McD's or anyone else for that matter please DO NOT post it or i'll be very upset & may have to start eating properly which i'm not comfortable with right now :~)
Cheers,
Irish Kev.

 

 

06 Oct 2010 01:46:44

What a cheek! the owners have invested $270 million dollars! yeah right. what you, ve done is dump $270 million dollars of debt on the club, ian ayre & christian purslow sorted out new sponsership. you, ve done nothing.! ! GET LOST YOU IDIOTS!
YNWA. END IN SIGHT. :)

 

 

06 Oct 2010 01:43:40

Tom Hicks was removed by Major League Baseball during the sale of the Texas Rangers. He defaulted on loans of $525 million dollars in 2009, thus making the franchise bankrupt. MLB loaned the club $70 million to pay salaries for the 2010 season. The club actually went to auction and was sold not to the highest bidder. Hicks tried everything in his power to recoup money he had borrowed, holding up the process of sale. I am hoping that RBS and/ or the board witnessed this process and will follow suit.

A deal to sell the Texas Rangers was blocked in bankruptcy after the chief restructuring officer appointed by the lenders objected to Mr. Hicks walking away with more than $75 million in cash while several of his lenders would have received nothing.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 01:16:06
What should the fans do to support Purslow, Ayres and Broughton in getting hicks out of the club?

any suggestions.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 01:08:34

Ed from what i can read hicks wasnt removed from the sale of the rangers but the mlb told him he could only negotiate with one bidder because he led them on that he was selling to them all along and then changed it at the last minute. the when he filed for bankruptcy after defaulting on something like 525 million dollars in loans he lost the team in the bankruptcy and they were sold in court at an auction as an american i really do not want to see another american owner of that team i don't want the team to be ruined by any more people that have no love for the game and club but do know that all people from americas are not that stupid and there are some of us who generally care about the club and its going ons so please don't hold it against all americans. i just wish we knew who the other bidders were from asia. i can say that the redsox a year ago were in a major bidding war for a great player in the mlb but would not buythe player because of what the ticket prices would do to fans so i can say that would would probably have the best in thier minds for the club and it should also be pointed out that they put the right people in charge and took a team that had not won the worldseries in 86 years and won 2 in the past decade so hopefully if they pick the us bidders then they will prove to be fit owners

 

 

06 Oct 2010 01:03:44
Its very possible that liverpool could be -3 points on the foot of the table come the everton game, having played 7 and being -4 on goal differance.

The way Hicks is carrying on is stupid. Why doesn't he just leave. im supprised someone hasnt stabbed him yet, people get done over for far less. It is possible that we go into administration as Hicks now tries to oust the board.

I don't want another American in charge of lfc, i spit on the american flat every morning. I think we should go with the other china based bid. I havnt met a dis-honourble china man yet. Unluck those yanks who make me sick.

Will Hodgson get the boot if we are 3- points and on the foot of the table? I can't see him getting us out of this hole with those players. Also is it possible to get our loan players back aspa, if the club is sold and funds are their to pay players. we will have the whole squad back to help us out this hole?

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 00:47:14

Guys I think the law says if someone is employed by a company they can be removed only if they have broken the company policy as I believe none of the two members did. Suppose if the matter go to court Ian and purslow will win as they haven't done anything wrong for the club. Hickly and gikly let them play their card as well even though they know they are going to loose. I personally hope RBS call the debt today. One more reason for this action of these two dic* * *s is may be they are getting finance from somewhere else that's why they taken this action so that they can get time I hope I m wrong. What do u think ed. {ed's note - they can't refinance without the board's backing. While the majority of the board opposes them it is pretty much out of their hands.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 00:35:18

God i am knackered but can't go to bed yet, excitement and hope rising all the time.
is this the end for those 2 cancers?
we can only hope Purslow, Ayre and Broughton stand firm and fight them all the way.
"the bids seriously undervalue the club" in whose valuation . .Hicks your having a laugh, bottom 3 in the epl out of 1 cup comp already and you think the club is undervalued-only in your warped little mind.
take the money offered as you won't have lost or suffer the indignation of being reposessed by RBS(please god let RBS do the right thing afterall we the taxpayers bailed them out, time for a little payback at least to all the taxpayers that support LFC).
take your greedy hands off OUR club and remember you were the custodians of this great empire andd you have failed it, lied to it and most of all abused it so GO NOW and let the empire rebuild and get back to where it belongs renowned throughout the world as the greatesgt club with the greatest fans and fighting to win trophies

bigg2966 {ed's note - I am shattered, I couldn't sleep last night at all and I was all ready for bed when this broke. No chance of getting any sleep now! I never thought Purslow, Ayres and Broughton would be forced into going public like that.}

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 00:31:26
Them 2 yank t* ts have just released a press statement on ssn saying there fully commited to selling the club . . are they f*cking messing!

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 00:29:22

I'm not even sure that I can post links here so I won't, but for this news to break 5/ 6 hours after the release of the 'Dear Mr Hicks. .' video has brought me to tears.

I'm not a scouser but my old man was and moved to Plymouth before I was born. I grew up on Rush and Dalglish, then Barnes, Beardsley and Aldridge. .

Officially, I'm an OOT. I get to three or four home games a season and my first born nine year old son had his first Anfield experience at Carra's testimonial (how great it was to see Jerzy and Little Luis). My little girl is 4 years old this December, we decided to conceive on the 25th of May 2005, with the understanding that, whether boy or girl, we pay homage to that night. I give you Stevie Geraldine Booth.

I pray this works out because the Premier League, Liverpool Football Club but most importantly the people of Liverpool deserve the best.

Love to you all!

The Booter

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 00:22:30

Hopefully the end is near for the 2 unwanted Americans. But be aware, we've heard it all before. Hope Purslow & Co. tread carefully with the best intentions of the club at heart. Can only hope & pray this comes to an end quite swiftly.

Down but never out. LFC4Eva.

 

 

 

 

06 Oct 2010 00:05:22

Will everyone who keeps putting "hope these new owners have loads of money" ect ect ect! ! !

If those to oxygen theive pricks manage to sack board members we are trully trully trully f*cked! ! ! ! ! ! !

We need to concentrate on this issue first! ! ! ! ! !