Skootzkitty's Litter Box of Stuff

Gillett attacks Liverpool co-owner Hicks

By ROB HARRIS, Associated Press Writer Apr 17, 3:51 pm EDT

• LONDON (AP)—George Gillett Jr. vowed never to sell his 50 percent stake in Liverpool to Tom Hicks and called on his partner to stop causing trouble.

Hicks last week called on Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry to resign and told Sky TV in an interview broadcast Thursday that Parry’s leadership was a “disaster.”

“I am saddened at this latest outburst from Tom Hicks,” Gillett said in a statement Thursday. “If Tom wanted a serious discussion on the issues to help the club move forward, he should bring his views to the board.”

Liverpool’s board includes Hicks, Tom Hicks Jr., Gillett, Foster Gillett, Parry and former owner David Moores, Parry said he can be removed only by the board.

“Here we are, a few days away from a vital Champions League semifinal match and Tom has once again created turmoil with his public comments,” Gillett said. “Tom should stop. He knows that Rick Parry has my support and that airing his comments in this way will not change my position. His failure to discuss this with the board or the management committee is significant.”

Hicks, who also owns the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars, said his goal was to relieve Liverpool of its debt except for the working capital needed to get the new stadium built.

“I want the finances of the club to be secure,” Hicks told Sky. “I want to be the majority owner of a group that buys the club and I have got a 25-year track record of being a very successful investor around the world. The fans don’t like the fact that we borrowed a lot of money to buy the club but I will fix that.”

For now, despite Hicks pledging to make Gillett an “attractive offer,” it appears the duo are stuck with each other.

“Tom needs to understand that I will not sell my shares to him and that we need to find a way forward that is properly funded and truly in the best interests of Liverpool Football Club,” Gillett said. “The real business of winning matches and running and developing the club is what we should all be focused on at this moment.”

Hicks reiterated his support for manager Rafa Benitez, saying he would secure the Spaniard’s future at the club if he was successful in buying out Gillett.

“The first thing I would do is offer Rafa a one-year extension,” Hicks told Sky. “Hopefully, we could have some success and then extend him again.”

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Part II of the Liverpool drama:

It's funny in a very sad sort of way. Anyone who knows Liverpool knows they have a history of keeping their dirty laundry in the bin. Meaning - they have rarely aired disputes in public, it has always been kept in the clubhouse. This is not America, this is not an American team, the rules aren't the same and you both need to realize this. Welcome to Footie and the world that goes with it gents. Respect the tradition of the Club, respect the fans who support you and you would be surprised what you will gain. STOP acting like spoiled little children! And while Gillett has the right to defend the attacks made previously by Hicks in the press, neither is endearing themselves to the fans with this latest bit. Liverpool fans are very vocal and they see this is THIER club, as they should - without fans any sports franchise can not survive. But this - if you read the fan boards all about the web, is not winning support for either side. The setiment now is 'YANKS GO HOME'. Mr Hicks has shown his disregard for the club, the fans, the tradition of football.

Hicks, who also owns the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars, said his goal was to relieve Liverpool of its debt except for the working capital needed to get the new stadium built.

“I want the finances of the club to be secure,” Hicks told Sky. “I want to be the majority owner of a group that buys the club and I have got a 25-year track record of being a very successful investor around the world. The fans don’t like the fact that we borrowed a lot of money to buy the club but I will fix that.”

Ok - um The Rangers, do you REALLY want to go there? The Stars - eh I'll give you this season. Relieve debt - yeah ok we are NOT going to go THERE, we did that yesterday. SPOT ON we don't like the debt you brought with you! You need to understand Tom - WE do NOT want you as MAJORITY owner! We don't WANT YOU period! What exactly do you not understand with this statement? Do I need to spell it out? Have you SEEN the 4,000+ signatures from around the world and from local Liverpool fans in majority on the petition? This is what I am talking about when I say 'disregard for the fans'. Do you even care who you step on along the way? I am thinking not.