As part of a continuing dialogue between Kop Faithful and NESV, new chairman Tom Werner agreed to do a question and answer via email. The idea was to find out a little about the man himself, and obviously to put forward some questions about some of the issues surrounding the club that NESV will be addressing. We thank Mr Werner for his time, and hope to have a follow up to this in the not too distant future.
So tell us a bit about Tom Werner, what things interested you in your youth, Did you play any sports? If so which ones?
I have played and loved sports ever since I was a toddler, playing football, hockey, baseball, and golf in schools. A few years ago, I visited the Liverpool area for multiple rounds of golf, and my handicap is about 9.
Being brought up in NYC, were you a Mets or Yankees fan?
Growing up I was a Yankee fan. People often make mistakes when they are young!
You went on to Harvard and gained a degree in English, what was Harvard like and is it the best in US?
I wouldn't say that Harvard is the best college in the US, but it is a great institution. I enjoyed my time in Cambridge, where, when not playing sports, I worked for the humor magazine, The Harvard Lampoon.
What made you go into Television?
I always thought television was an extraordinary medium, with the power to reach tens of millions of people. When I was at a network in the 1980s, before going off to work on my own production outfit, we cast Robin Williams and Tom Hank in their first series. I also bought a number of formats from the UK, including MAN ABOUT THE HOUSE, which became the hit American series THREE'S COMPANY
What made you go into the world of sport in 1990 and why the San Diego Padres?
I bought the San Diego Padres in 1990 because I thought my understanding of entertainment and media, and my knowledge of sport, could be put to good use in managing a professional baseball enterprise.
How did you meet John Henry?
I was introduced to John Henry when I was putting together a group to purchase the Boston Red Sox. He is as fine a man as I will ever meet. His integrity and values are impeccable, and our relationship is such that I was the Best Man at his wedding to Linda. I hope to reciprocate one day!
When Red Sox became World Series Champions, that must have been a big thrill for NESV?
The passion and loyalty of Red Sox fans, as well as their knowledge, seems quite similar to supporters of LFC. It was an amazing feeling to have played a part in the World Series victories of the Red Sox, which, previous to our ownership, had not won a championship since 1918.
How disappointed were NESV when Christian Purslow stepped down from his role of CEO, and did you see it coming so early on in your reign?
We met with Christian Purslow shortly after we took over, and he told us that he wanted to return to his job in investment banking, where he has been so successful. He made an enormous contribution to the club,and he remains as an extremely valuable advisor to us.
How close are NESV in naming a new board at LFC.
We ought to have an announcement about the new board at LFC by year's end.
The club has clearly been badly run financially in recent years, to the point that the squad has been depleted for the last 4 transfer windows. While it's clear your long term strategy appears to be investment in youth, this will not solve our short term issue. What is your solution to pull the team to a position where your long term plans can come to fruition. If this is to involve investment in transfers and wages, have NESV set aside capital for this investment or is the intention to start building up debt like the previous owners?
As John Henry has stated, we will be looking for value and opportunity in the January transfer window...It doesn't make sense to say how much we might spend, but we need to improve the club both short-term and long-term. And no debt will be built up to fund this.
In a recent interview in our local paper Joe Anderson City Council said they had met with NESV regarding the stadium plans he could not wait to say ground share was mentioned. I think we stand for the vast majority of LFC supporters when we say we are fed up with the city council and Everton FC who will not let this subject go. Can you confirm to us that LFC will never share a stadium with Everton.
We did meet with Joe Anderson, and the subject of ground share was mentioned. We are certainly aware that there are strong feelings about this subject, and it is too soon to take any position at all. I will reiterate though that we are good listeners.
Whilst NESV have been in Liverpool how much of the immediate surrounding area of Anfield did they see ? And what are your thoughts.
We have walked around the immediate surrounding area multiple times, and are of course aware that any decision moving forward must take into account the redevelopment and regeneration of the neighborhood as well as the views of the neighbors.
What will Damien Comolli's main role be at the club?
Damien Comolli is a very knowledgeable man in football, having previously worked as a scout, coach, and director of football operations. I am sure most of the supporters know that he has signed many fine young players, including Gareth Bale. He will be part of the team moving the club forward, and he will be doing a full interview with LFC TV shortly to explain his role in greater depth.
How big a role will the Academy play in the future of our club?
We are studying many aspects of the club, including the Academy. As in baseball, the lifeblood of the organization is strengthening the system so talent is discovered and nurtured in early stages.
Will we be playing a pre season friendly game at Fenway Park in the near future? And can you give us enough notice so we can save up?
While a friendly game between Celtic and Porto was played last summer to a near capacity crowd, our present plans do not include a visit to Fenway for the club. We are excited about a potential trip to Asia next summer!
In the summer the club put a £50 admin fee in place to anybody who paid for their season ticket at the ticket office window. Supporters have been doing this for decades and this admin fee is a disgrace. Would the club recognise this mistake and re-emburse all those who paid this with a £50 reduction in next seasons, season ticket prices?
I was unaware of this, and we will look into it right away. There were a bunch of decisions made by the previous administration that need to be re-examined.
So tell us a bit about Tom Werner, what things interested you in your youth, Did you play any sports? If so which ones?
I have played and loved sports ever since I was a toddler, playing football, hockey, baseball, and golf in schools. A few years ago, I visited the Liverpool area for multiple rounds of golf, and my handicap is about 9.
Being brought up in NYC, were you a Mets or Yankees fan?
Growing up I was a Yankee fan. People often make mistakes when they are young!
You went on to Harvard and gained a degree in English, what was Harvard like and is it the best in US?
I wouldn't say that Harvard is the best college in the US, but it is a great institution. I enjoyed my time in Cambridge, where, when not playing sports, I worked for the humor magazine, The Harvard Lampoon.
What made you go into Television?
I always thought television was an extraordinary medium, with the power to reach tens of millions of people. When I was at a network in the 1980s, before going off to work on my own production outfit, we cast Robin Williams and Tom Hank in their first series. I also bought a number of formats from the UK, including MAN ABOUT THE HOUSE, which became the hit American series THREE'S COMPANY
What made you go into the world of sport in 1990 and why the San Diego Padres?
I bought the San Diego Padres in 1990 because I thought my understanding of entertainment and media, and my knowledge of sport, could be put to good use in managing a professional baseball enterprise.
How did you meet John Henry?
I was introduced to John Henry when I was putting together a group to purchase the Boston Red Sox. He is as fine a man as I will ever meet. His integrity and values are impeccable, and our relationship is such that I was the Best Man at his wedding to Linda. I hope to reciprocate one day!
When Red Sox became World Series Champions, that must have been a big thrill for NESV?
The passion and loyalty of Red Sox fans, as well as their knowledge, seems quite similar to supporters of LFC. It was an amazing feeling to have played a part in the World Series victories of the Red Sox, which, previous to our ownership, had not won a championship since 1918.
How disappointed were NESV when Christian Purslow stepped down from his role of CEO, and did you see it coming so early on in your reign?
We met with Christian Purslow shortly after we took over, and he told us that he wanted to return to his job in investment banking, where he has been so successful. He made an enormous contribution to the club,and he remains as an extremely valuable advisor to us.
How close are NESV in naming a new board at LFC.
We ought to have an announcement about the new board at LFC by year's end.
The club has clearly been badly run financially in recent years, to the point that the squad has been depleted for the last 4 transfer windows. While it's clear your long term strategy appears to be investment in youth, this will not solve our short term issue. What is your solution to pull the team to a position where your long term plans can come to fruition. If this is to involve investment in transfers and wages, have NESV set aside capital for this investment or is the intention to start building up debt like the previous owners?
As John Henry has stated, we will be looking for value and opportunity in the January transfer window...It doesn't make sense to say how much we might spend, but we need to improve the club both short-term and long-term. And no debt will be built up to fund this.
In a recent interview in our local paper Joe Anderson City Council said they had met with NESV regarding the stadium plans he could not wait to say ground share was mentioned. I think we stand for the vast majority of LFC supporters when we say we are fed up with the city council and Everton FC who will not let this subject go. Can you confirm to us that LFC will never share a stadium with Everton.
We did meet with Joe Anderson, and the subject of ground share was mentioned. We are certainly aware that there are strong feelings about this subject, and it is too soon to take any position at all. I will reiterate though that we are good listeners.
Whilst NESV have been in Liverpool how much of the immediate surrounding area of Anfield did they see ? And what are your thoughts.
We have walked around the immediate surrounding area multiple times, and are of course aware that any decision moving forward must take into account the redevelopment and regeneration of the neighborhood as well as the views of the neighbors.
What will Damien Comolli's main role be at the club?
Damien Comolli is a very knowledgeable man in football, having previously worked as a scout, coach, and director of football operations. I am sure most of the supporters know that he has signed many fine young players, including Gareth Bale. He will be part of the team moving the club forward, and he will be doing a full interview with LFC TV shortly to explain his role in greater depth.
How big a role will the Academy play in the future of our club?
We are studying many aspects of the club, including the Academy. As in baseball, the lifeblood of the organization is strengthening the system so talent is discovered and nurtured in early stages.
Will we be playing a pre season friendly game at Fenway Park in the near future? And can you give us enough notice so we can save up?
While a friendly game between Celtic and Porto was played last summer to a near capacity crowd, our present plans do not include a visit to Fenway for the club. We are excited about a potential trip to Asia next summer!
In the summer the club put a £50 admin fee in place to anybody who paid for their season ticket at the ticket office window. Supporters have been doing this for decades and this admin fee is a disgrace. Would the club recognise this mistake and re-emburse all those who paid this with a £50 reduction in next seasons, season ticket prices?
I was unaware of this, and we will look into it right away. There were a bunch of decisions made by the previous administration that need to be re-examined.
