Skootzkitty's Litter Box of Stuff

New San Jose Earthquakes signing Darren Huckerby's dinner might have been with the dog when he returned from an interview on American TV.

When asked: "Do you have a famous girlfriend - anybody we can help promote?" The former Norwich and Coventry striker replied: "I am married but is a bit late for her - she is too old." (Daily Mail)

Can we say - open mouth, insert foot to hip? Moron

Hicks' Anfield takeover plans threatened by credit crunch

Andy Hunter The Guardian, Friday May 16 2008

 Liverpool's ownership saga is unlikely to be resolved until the start of next season despite the first public admission from Tom Hicks that the global credit crunch is taking its toll on his finances. The Liverpool co-chairman gave credence to the belief among the club's prospective owners, Dubai International Capital, that he will struggle to raise funds to complete a new stadium on Stanley Park yesterday when he postponed a £500m development in Dallas.

Hicks, the owner of the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars, is to revise plans for a 1.2m square-foot "Glorypark" of hotels, housing, office-space, shopping and entertainment next to the Rangers' stadium in Arlington after failing to secure the necessary financing. "We're in the most difficult credit crunch I've seen in 20 years," the Texan millionaire told the Dallas Morning News. However, despite the economic climate and Hicks' need to borrow a further £300m to complete Liverpool's new stadium by August 2011, events in Dallas will not affect Liverpool in the short term.

Under the terms of the £350m refinancing package that Hicks and co-owner George Gillett secured in January, £60m has been designated for the initial stadium work on Stanley Park. The revised project, scaled down by Hicks earlier this year, was granted planning permission for the third time last week and the existing funds will enable the club to meet development costs until October. That is when Hicks' ability to finance his ambitions for Liverpool and, by extension, pursue his aim of becoming the majority owner will be determined.

The Texan blocked Gillett's attempts to sell his 50% stake in Liverpool to DIC in March and the latter cannot break Hicks' power of veto over his holding. But Hicks now has only four months to raise the money needed to continue work on the new stadium and, with interest rates higher in the UK than in the United States, the project and the club's ownership issue remains clouded in uncertainty. DIC have long maintained that the fractured business relationship between Gillett and Hicks and the financial pressures of the stadium project would eventually force Hicks back to the negotiating table. The investment arm of the Dubai government has been encouraged by yesterday's announcement but while the postponement is an embarrassment to Hicks it does not signal the demise of his business empire.

 The former Liverpool player and first- team coach Sammy Lee, meanwhile, will become the club's new assistant manager. Lee has been out of work since being sacked as Bolton manager last season.

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YES! One small victory!

Celtic's Burns loses cancer fight

Celtic legend Tommy Burns has died at the age of 51 after losing his long-running battle against cancer. Burns had been undergoing treatment in both Glasgow and France in recent weeks after being diagnosed in March. The former Scotland midfielder was treated for skin cancer in 2006, but it returned earlier this year. Burns played for Celtic from 1974 to 1989, had a spell as manager in the mid-1990s and was the club's first-team coach before being granted leave. A statement from Celtic said: "Tommy, a true Celtic legend and wonderful man will be sadly missed by us all. Clearly, our thoughts are very much with Tommy's wife, Rosemary, and his family at this extremely difficult time." YOUR TRIBUTES Tommy was as honest and dignified as any man could ever hope to be EH Burns was an influential member of the side that won the Scottish Premier Division championship and Scottish Cup in the club's centenary year under the management of Billy McNeill. Having won eight caps for Scotland, he bid an emotional farewell to Celtic after agreeing a £50,000 move to Kilmarnock, becoming manager at Rugby Park four years later. Having guided the club back into the top flight, he was appointed as boss of Celtic in July 1994 and eventually helped the club to end a six-year trophy famine by lifting the Scottish Cup final against Airdrieonians at Hampden. After parting company in 1997, he had spells as manager at Reading and assistant at Newcastle United before eventually returning to Glasgow. Gordon Strachan is devastated at the loss of Tommy Burns He worked in a variety of roles at Celtic - in youth development and with the first team - as well as serving as a member of the Scotland coaching set-up, before his untimely death. Celtic chairman John Reid said Burns' death would be mourned by everyone connected with the club. "Tommy is someone who was loved by so many of us," he said. "He was a man of true integrity and dignity. "As a Celtic player, manager and coach, Tommy served Celtic with distinction and true professionalism. "He was a true gentleman and someone who had the ability to connect and engage with anyone he met. "As Celtic supporters, we recognised Tommy as one of our own and Tommy in turn was always delighted to spend time in the company of fellow fans. He was a fantastic football player. He was effective, so effective. Former team-mate Alan McInally "It was a privilege to know Tommy Burns. He was a man who gave so much to the club he loved over so many years. "Tommy's passing will be mourned by the entire Celtic family. He will be hugely missed by us all, but he is someone we will never, ever forget." Peter Rafferty, Secretary of the Association of Celtic Supporters' Clubs, mirrored Reid's comments. "Celtic was a big part of his life, but the biggest part of his life was his family. He became a grandfather a few weeks ago and that is the biggest tragedy," Rafferty said. "Legend is a word that is used quite a lot these days, but he was. He was a great player with Celtic first and foremost. "He was a manager who played football the way Celtic supporters like to see it." The SFA, who Burns served as a national team coach under Scotland managers Berti Vogts and Walter Smith, described him as a "magnificent ambassador" to the game. Tommy Burns was a Celtic legend - Peter Lawwell "Everyone at the Scottish FA would like to pass on their condolences to the family of Tommy Burns at this very sad time," a statement read. "Tommy's passing is a great loss and he will be sadly missed by us all. He was a true gentleman and a magnificent ambassador for Scottish football." Alan McInally, who played alongside Burns at Celtic and under him at Kilmarnock, added: "He was a fantastic football player. "He was effective, so effective. I think that's why as a coach and a manager he did so well."

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Football has lost one of its greats with Tommy Burns' passing that happened so quickly!  It is truely a sad day for Celtic fans and football fans worldwide who were lucky enough to watch him play. Gods bless you Tommy Burns!!

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=4787701&page=
1

"These things are our family," Jones said. "We put everything into them that we have. They've given us everything they have. They put their life on the damn line, and she was glad to do it."

What got me is the last lines in this story. These THINGS?!  Wow, pretty dang impersonal aren't you Mr Jones? I never refer to my beasties who ARE part of my family as THINGS. They put their damn life on the line? She was a race horse - she wasn't in combat she was in a race. A Race that would have made YOU a pretty penny. Guess since she can't do that from the Rainbow Bridge, she is now just a thing.

Thierry Henry has insisted he is happy at Barcelona - and suggested he would only return to the Premier League if he could play for his former club Arsenal.

The France striker, 30, has been linked with a move back to England after an unsuccessful first season in Spain.

He told the BBC's Football Focus: "I'm happy - I don't regret leaving Arsenal.

"But there's only one team in England for me. Everybody knows the love and affection I have for Arsenal. I was so into it, I became a fan."

The Frenchman left north London in a £16.1m move in June 2007 but his inaugural season in La Liga has been ravaged by injuries, the most recent being a back problem.

Henry, who scored 174 Premier League goals in 254 appearances for Arsenal, has been a shadow of his former self at the Nou Camp - scoring only seven goals in 25 appearances.

And he has been heavily criticised for some ineffective performances, particularly in the recent Champions League quarter-final, second leg win against Schalke.

Despite all this, the former Monaco and Juventus player claims he has no intention of leaving the Spanish club.

"People who know me will tell you, I'm the same in training, I'm the same in life - I cannot act. If I'm not happy, I'm not happy," he said.

Newcastle are reportedly keen to bring Henry back to England in the summer, while he has also been linked with a possible move to Major League Soccer in the United States.

But asked if he would return to play in the Premier League, Henry replied: "I don't know. I'm happy here at Barcelona. I still have three years of my contract left with Barcelona.

"But England... I watch every game that I see on TV. I was watching Stoke City versus Crystal Palace. I will always miss it.

"There has been since I arrived here a lot of speculation from day one but, hey, go back where? There's only one team for me in my heart. It took me a while to understand what that club, Arsenal, meant."

Henry insisted he is not remorseful over any of the decisions he has made.

He said: "I don't regret stuff in my life. Stuff happens for a reason. You don't regret stuff that you thought about. I don't regret it."

Watch the full interview on Football Focus, Saturday 26 April, BBC One, 1210 BST (UK only)

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Oh this would so make my year! To have him come back to Arsenal! Sweet! : )

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.

Tom Hicks on Wednesday branded Rick Parry’s time as Liverpool chief executive “a disaster” and warned co-owner George Gillett that the stalemate over the club’s future will continue until he agrees to sell his stake.

Hicks has demanded Parry’s resignation and vowed that his top priority if Gillett were to sell to him would be to offer Reds manager Rafael Benitez a one-year extension to his current deal.

The Texan also revealed that he plans to rid the club of all debt by heading up a group of financial backers willing to invest in the club.

Hicks, who revealed that Parry had taken part in the meeting with Jurgen Klinsmann that undermined Benitez, blamed him for Liverpool’s failure to compete commercially with their Premier League rivals in a Sky Sports News interview.

“Look at what’s happened under Rick. It has been a disaster,” Hicks said. “We have fallen so far behind the other leading clubs. We should have the stadium built by now. We have a few major sponsors when we should have 15. We have still got the top brand in the world of football, but that’s no good if you don’t know how to commercialize it.

“Rick needs to resign from Liverpool FC. He has put his heart into it but it is time for a change. You have to be able to work with the manager and Rick has proved he can’t do that.”

Hicks also mentioned the meeting in New York last year in regard to Klinsmann becoming manager.

“George became good friends with him (Klinsmann) a year ago,” Hicks said. “I get this call from George out of the blue in which he says, ‘Have your people do their research on Klinsmann.’ He and Rick set up the meeting in New York. I did go to the meeting along with my son Tom. Rick Parry had already met with Jurgen alone for a couple of hours when we arrived. We all then spoke to him for another four hours.

“Afterwards I told the truth to a reporter who asked the question and suddenly it is ‘Tom Hicks tried to get Jurgen Klinsmann.’ George initiated it but we all participated.”

Hicks and Gillett took over the club in February 2007 but Hicks admitted their relationship has now completely broken down.

“At this point it is unworkable,” he told Sky Sports News. “We started this as friends but 50-50 is a difficult business proposition because you cannot do anything without your partner’s approval.

“We had a good honeymoon but, over a period of time, there have been issues, the stadium being the main one. If George doesn’t sell - because I am not going to sell - I guess we stay in this position that we are in. It’s complicated but it’s going to happen (Hicks buying Gillett out) although I can’t force George to accept.”

Gillett has offered his support to Parry and revealed last week that any attempt to remove the chief executive would need the approval of the full board.

“It’s for the board to ask me to resign and they haven’t,” Parry told Radio Four’s Today program. “I’m accountable to the board and this is not something the board has discussed with me. … I have a duty at the moment to try and keep things on an even keel when there’s turmoil off the pitch. I just want to do my best for the club.

“I’m focusing on the day-to-day. We have a Champions League semifinal coming up. There are a lot of important things to be done at the club and that’s the focus.”

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So I ask myself, being the Footie fan I am 'WHY?!' Why is Tom Hicks even invloved with a 50% stake in an EPL team? Why on earth did this man think he knew ANYTHING about football and could own a team? Why has he sunk this wonderful club into deep debt? Why does he continue to undermine not only his partner in the doomed venture, but the chief executive of the club in the press. Does he seriously think this will win him love from the fans? Hate to tell you Mr Hicks, but most of us who LOVE the Beautiful Game and who have followed Liverpool for years, well we don't like you at all. Matter of fact we blame YOU for what has happened this season with your constant attacks and undermining. You have a plan to get us out of debt?! Really, this should be good, can't wait to hear this brilliant plan of yours. If I remember it took last minute financing THIS year to pull your behind out of the debt fire, to the tune of some 200 million if memory serves me. YES we should have a stadium by now, but gee, you didn't find that a priority earlier did you? YES we could use more Sponsorship [altho frankly in MHO, it makes the jersey's look tacky] but if you were a Corporate Sponsor, would YOU sponsor YOU? I know I would sponsor the team but would hate having you involved. Do us all a favour...leave, please, leave.....