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Exclusive: George Gillett to sell half his stake in Liverpool to Arab investor
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is flying to Saudi Arabia next week for talks in a bid to sell his 50 per cent stake to Prince Faisal bin Fahd.
Gillett is due to arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday and is scheduled for a three-day stay to sort out the deal with the Prince's advisers and his financial company F6 Sports.
Prince Faisal has been at Anfield as a guest of Gillett and - despite the American's denials - a sale is top of the agenda to be done rather than just an investment.
Gillett can sell his half of the Kop and leave the Arabs to deal with his partner Tom Hicks if they want complete control – or they may prefer to work with the Texan.
The 70-year-old Gillett is so keen to sell up that he is going to travel to the Arab's territory to conclude the transaction - with sources in the Middle East convinced that this will happen.
Prince Faisal's investment company has allies in the banking world and they would look at Liverpool as a club to make their name - and with potential for development down the line.
The Arab is looking to become a major player and building a new Anfield would make the business world look up to him. He certainly has the cash behind him to fulfil the plans that the Americans gave up on.
There are no figures being released on what Gillett is looking to get for his share in Liverpool but it is anticipated that the deal will be good enough to get him out of his current hole.
Gillett has tried to appease the club's fans but he knows that his lack of funds leaves Liverpool's support frustrated - and puts a strain on their bid to stay as a top four force.
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is flying to Saudi Arabia next week for talks in a bid to sell his 50 per cent stake to Prince Faisal bin Fahd.
Gillett is due to arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday and is scheduled for a three-day stay to sort out the deal with the Prince's advisers and his financial company F6 Sports.
Prince Faisal has been at Anfield as a guest of Gillett and - despite the American's denials - a sale is top of the agenda to be done rather than just an investment.
Gillett can sell his half of the Kop and leave the Arabs to deal with his partner Tom Hicks if they want complete control – or they may prefer to work with the Texan.
The 70-year-old Gillett is so keen to sell up that he is going to travel to the Arab's territory to conclude the transaction - with sources in the Middle East convinced that this will happen.
Prince Faisal's investment company has allies in the banking world and they would look at Liverpool as a club to make their name - and with potential for development down the line.
The Arab is looking to become a major player and building a new Anfield would make the business world look up to him. He certainly has the cash behind him to fulfil the plans that the Americans gave up on.
There are no figures being released on what Gillett is looking to get for his share in Liverpool but it is anticipated that the deal will be good enough to get him out of his current hole.
Gillett has tried to appease the club's fans but he knows that his lack of funds leaves Liverpool's support frustrated - and puts a strain on their bid to stay as a top four force.
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=36295.msg959692#msg959692 date=1254986881]
Exclusive: George Gillett to sell half his stake in Liverpool to Arab investor
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is flying to Saudi Arabia next week for talks in a bid to sell his 50 per cent stake to Prince Faisal bin Fahd.
Gillett is due to arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday and is scheduled for a three-day stay to sort out the deal with the Prince's advisers and his financial company F6 Sports.
Prince Faisal has been at Anfield as a guest of Gillett and - despite the American's denials - a sale is top of the agenda to be done rather than just an investment.
Gillett can sell his half of the Kop and leave the Arabs to deal with his partner Tom Hicks if they want complete control – or they may prefer to work with the Texan.
The 70-year-old Gillett is so keen to sell up that he is going to travel to the Arab's territory to conclude the transaction - with sources in the Middle East convinced that this will happen.
Prince Faisal's investment company has allies in the banking world and they would look at Liverpool as a club to make their name - and with potential for development down the line.
The Arab is looking to become a major player and building a new Anfield would make the business world look up to him. He certainly has the cash behind him to fulfil the plans that the Americans gave up on.
There are no figures being released on what Gillett is looking to get for his share in Liverpool but it is anticipated that the deal will be good enough to get him out of his current hole.
Gillett has tried to appease the club's fans but he knows that his lack of funds leaves Liverpool's support frustrated - and puts a strain on their bid to stay as a top four force.
[/quote]
Sauce?
Exclusive: George Gillett to sell half his stake in Liverpool to Arab investor
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is flying to Saudi Arabia next week for talks in a bid to sell his 50 per cent stake to Prince Faisal bin Fahd.
Gillett is due to arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday and is scheduled for a three-day stay to sort out the deal with the Prince's advisers and his financial company F6 Sports.
Prince Faisal has been at Anfield as a guest of Gillett and - despite the American's denials - a sale is top of the agenda to be done rather than just an investment.
Gillett can sell his half of the Kop and leave the Arabs to deal with his partner Tom Hicks if they want complete control – or they may prefer to work with the Texan.
The 70-year-old Gillett is so keen to sell up that he is going to travel to the Arab's territory to conclude the transaction - with sources in the Middle East convinced that this will happen.
Prince Faisal's investment company has allies in the banking world and they would look at Liverpool as a club to make their name - and with potential for development down the line.
The Arab is looking to become a major player and building a new Anfield would make the business world look up to him. He certainly has the cash behind him to fulfil the plans that the Americans gave up on.
There are no figures being released on what Gillett is looking to get for his share in Liverpool but it is anticipated that the deal will be good enough to get him out of his current hole.
Gillett has tried to appease the club's fans but he knows that his lack of funds leaves Liverpool's support frustrated - and puts a strain on their bid to stay as a top four force.
[/quote]
Sauce?
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=36295.msg959692#msg959692 date=1254986881]
Exclusive: George Gillett to sell half his stake in Liverpool to Arab investor
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is flying to Saudi Arabia next week for talks in a bid to sell his 50 per cent stake to Prince Faisal bin Fahd.
Gillett is due to arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday and is scheduled for a three-day stay to sort out the deal with the Prince's advisers and his financial company F6 Sports.
Prince Faisal has been at Anfield as a guest of Gillett and - despite the American's denials - a sale is top of the agenda to be done rather than just an investment.
Gillett can sell his half of the Kop and leave the Arabs to deal with his partner Tom Hicks if they want complete control – or they may prefer to work with the Texan.
The 70-year-old Gillett is so keen to sell up that he is going to travel to the Arab's territory to conclude the transaction - with sources in the Middle East convinced that this will happen.
Prince Faisal's investment company has allies in the banking world and they would look at Liverpool as a club to make their name - and with potential for development down the line.
The Arab is looking to become a major player and building a new Anfield would make the business world look up to him. He certainly has the cash behind him to fulfil the plans that the Americans gave up on.
There are no figures being released on what Gillett is looking to get for his share in Liverpool but it is anticipated that the deal will be good enough to get him out of his current hole.
Gillett has tried to appease the club's fans but he knows that his lack of funds leaves Liverpool's support frustrated - and puts a strain on their bid to stay as a top four force.
[/quote]
I fully expect the owner (whoever it will be) to be the same kind of businessman as the yanks are. If we are waiting for a sugar daddy in Abramovich's or the Citeh sheikh's mould we're going to be disappointed. Every owner will see us as a business and will be looking to make money out of it. Because we, the fans, don't see the club as a business we'll never be happy with any owners I guess.
Exclusive: George Gillett to sell half his stake in Liverpool to Arab investor
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is flying to Saudi Arabia next week for talks in a bid to sell his 50 per cent stake to Prince Faisal bin Fahd.
Gillett is due to arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday and is scheduled for a three-day stay to sort out the deal with the Prince's advisers and his financial company F6 Sports.
Prince Faisal has been at Anfield as a guest of Gillett and - despite the American's denials - a sale is top of the agenda to be done rather than just an investment.
Gillett can sell his half of the Kop and leave the Arabs to deal with his partner Tom Hicks if they want complete control – or they may prefer to work with the Texan.
The 70-year-old Gillett is so keen to sell up that he is going to travel to the Arab's territory to conclude the transaction - with sources in the Middle East convinced that this will happen.
Prince Faisal's investment company has allies in the banking world and they would look at Liverpool as a club to make their name - and with potential for development down the line.
The Arab is looking to become a major player and building a new Anfield would make the business world look up to him. He certainly has the cash behind him to fulfil the plans that the Americans gave up on.
There are no figures being released on what Gillett is looking to get for his share in Liverpool but it is anticipated that the deal will be good enough to get him out of his current hole.
Gillett has tried to appease the club's fans but he knows that his lack of funds leaves Liverpool's support frustrated - and puts a strain on their bid to stay as a top four force.
[/quote]
I fully expect the owner (whoever it will be) to be the same kind of businessman as the yanks are. If we are waiting for a sugar daddy in Abramovich's or the Citeh sheikh's mould we're going to be disappointed. Every owner will see us as a business and will be looking to make money out of it. Because we, the fans, don't see the club as a business we'll never be happy with any owners I guess.
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=36295.msg959653#msg959653 date=1254974203]
[quote author=Molbystwin link=topic=36295.msg959538#msg959538 date=1254940574]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=36295.msg959490#msg959490 date=1254932108]
They are counting the new contracts as expenditure.
The reported prices we paid are pretty much correct.
[/quote]
But how can that be squiggs?? surely they didnt just pay the contracts up front in one big lump sum did they?? Don't you find it a little bit disingenuous to say "oh ive ploughed in 128M in the last 18 months" in an interview discussing what happened and talks at length about the transfer funds for the manager??
They haven't spent it on transfers and they haven't spent on a new stadium so what have they spent it on exactly?? Big fat loan repayments that they took out I bet.... gee thanks George...
Did you think we were going to sign somebody as well as Johnson this summer? What did you think Reina was saying when he said the players were resigned to the situation? 128M?? WHERE?? On what ?? Its basically just a blatant fucking lie isn't it.
If you must insist on defending them by all means do so it is your perogative but i would really love to know how what he said there is either true or indeed vaguely helpful to the manager and the team. I might add that a few are pretty fucking sharpish to jump down Rafas throat whenever he says something which the press can twist, not a peep when its Gillette eh??
It was at best dozy interview, at worst a fucking ill timed PR session full of porky pies.
How is Gillette dropping the manager in the shit and his co-owner while lying through his back fucking teeth good for the club??
No your right... they are top fucking notch them boys they really are....
[/quote]
I hope you feel better now after yet another rant but my comment wasn't in defence of the owners at all.
[/quote]
I understood dude. It was a response to my rather incoherent post.
My apologies....Molby just misunderstood and went on a rant.
[quote author=Molbystwin link=topic=36295.msg959538#msg959538 date=1254940574]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=36295.msg959490#msg959490 date=1254932108]
They are counting the new contracts as expenditure.
The reported prices we paid are pretty much correct.
[/quote]
But how can that be squiggs?? surely they didnt just pay the contracts up front in one big lump sum did they?? Don't you find it a little bit disingenuous to say "oh ive ploughed in 128M in the last 18 months" in an interview discussing what happened and talks at length about the transfer funds for the manager??
They haven't spent it on transfers and they haven't spent on a new stadium so what have they spent it on exactly?? Big fat loan repayments that they took out I bet.... gee thanks George...
Did you think we were going to sign somebody as well as Johnson this summer? What did you think Reina was saying when he said the players were resigned to the situation? 128M?? WHERE?? On what ?? Its basically just a blatant fucking lie isn't it.
If you must insist on defending them by all means do so it is your perogative but i would really love to know how what he said there is either true or indeed vaguely helpful to the manager and the team. I might add that a few are pretty fucking sharpish to jump down Rafas throat whenever he says something which the press can twist, not a peep when its Gillette eh??
It was at best dozy interview, at worst a fucking ill timed PR session full of porky pies.
How is Gillette dropping the manager in the shit and his co-owner while lying through his back fucking teeth good for the club??
No your right... they are top fucking notch them boys they really are....
[/quote]
I hope you feel better now after yet another rant but my comment wasn't in defence of the owners at all.
[/quote]
I understood dude. It was a response to my rather incoherent post.
My apologies....Molby just misunderstood and went on a rant.
I thought Gillett was not allowed, contractually, to sell his 50% without Hicks' permission?
[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=36295.msg959723#msg959723 date=1254990966]
I thought Gillett was not allowed, contractually, to sell his 50% without Hicks' permission?
[/quote]
Maybe they are so much fed up with each other that Hicks has signalled to permit the sale.
I thought Gillett was not allowed, contractually, to sell his 50% without Hicks' permission?
[/quote]
Maybe they are so much fed up with each other that Hicks has signalled to permit the sale.
[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=36295.msg959723#msg959723 date=1254990966]
I thought Gillett was not allowed, contractually, to sell his 50% without Hicks' permission?
[/quote]
That was indeed the case when they had their initial disagreement.
Tom must have given permission.
It seems to me George is falling on his sword, and has had enough.
It puts Hicks in a stronger position as regards his half of the Club, and he would now expect to realise more than Gillet for his share.
I can't in a million years see a Texan and and Arab working together in tandem, it is a complete clash of cultures.
I agree with Mouse, whoever buys us is not doing it for the love of the club, we sold our soul along with the club. Moores and Parry for all their bumbling ways were not in it for the money, they loved the place. They knew that for the greater good they had to sell, and this is the price we have to pay, and the chance we have to take.
So everyone, don't expect everything to be rosy. I don't expect them to be so tolerant of any managerial outbursts (if he finds it necessary) either
I would not say the arabs are going to be any better at the job than the Yanks, the plus point is they will have access to plenty of money.
regards
I thought Gillett was not allowed, contractually, to sell his 50% without Hicks' permission?
[/quote]
That was indeed the case when they had their initial disagreement.
Tom must have given permission.
It seems to me George is falling on his sword, and has had enough.
It puts Hicks in a stronger position as regards his half of the Club, and he would now expect to realise more than Gillet for his share.
I can't in a million years see a Texan and and Arab working together in tandem, it is a complete clash of cultures.
I agree with Mouse, whoever buys us is not doing it for the love of the club, we sold our soul along with the club. Moores and Parry for all their bumbling ways were not in it for the money, they loved the place. They knew that for the greater good they had to sell, and this is the price we have to pay, and the chance we have to take.
So everyone, don't expect everything to be rosy. I don't expect them to be so tolerant of any managerial outbursts (if he finds it necessary) either
I would not say the arabs are going to be any better at the job than the Yanks, the plus point is they will have access to plenty of money.
regards
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=36295.msg959695#msg959695 date=1254987563]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=36295.msg959692#msg959692 date=1254986881]
Exclusive: George Gillett to sell half his stake in Liverpool to Arab investor
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is flying to Saudi Arabia next week for talks in a bid to sell his 50 per cent stake to Prince Faisal bin Fahd.
Gillett is due to arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday and is scheduled for a three-day stay to sort out the deal with the Prince's advisers and his financial company F6 Sports.
Prince Faisal has been at Anfield as a guest of Gillett and - despite the American's denials - a sale is top of the agenda to be done rather than just an investment.
Gillett can sell his half of the Kop and leave the Arabs to deal with his partner Tom Hicks if they want complete control – or they may prefer to work with the Texan.
The 70-year-old Gillett is so keen to sell up that he is going to travel to the Arab's territory to conclude the transaction - with sources in the Middle East convinced that this will happen.
Prince Faisal's investment company has allies in the banking world and they would look at Liverpool as a club to make their name - and with potential for development down the line.
The Arab is looking to become a major player and building a new Anfield would make the business world look up to him. He certainly has the cash behind him to fulfil the plans that the Americans gave up on.
There are no figures being released on what Gillett is looking to get for his share in Liverpool but it is anticipated that the deal will be good enough to get him out of his current hole.
Gillett has tried to appease the club's fans but he knows that his lack of funds leaves Liverpool's support frustrated - and puts a strain on their bid to stay as a top four force.
[/quote]
Sauce?
[/quote]
More Daddies Tomato Ketchup than Beurre blanc.
The Mirror.
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=36295.msg959692#msg959692 date=1254986881]
Exclusive: George Gillett to sell half his stake in Liverpool to Arab investor
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is flying to Saudi Arabia next week for talks in a bid to sell his 50 per cent stake to Prince Faisal bin Fahd.
Gillett is due to arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday and is scheduled for a three-day stay to sort out the deal with the Prince's advisers and his financial company F6 Sports.
Prince Faisal has been at Anfield as a guest of Gillett and - despite the American's denials - a sale is top of the agenda to be done rather than just an investment.
Gillett can sell his half of the Kop and leave the Arabs to deal with his partner Tom Hicks if they want complete control – or they may prefer to work with the Texan.
The 70-year-old Gillett is so keen to sell up that he is going to travel to the Arab's territory to conclude the transaction - with sources in the Middle East convinced that this will happen.
Prince Faisal's investment company has allies in the banking world and they would look at Liverpool as a club to make their name - and with potential for development down the line.
The Arab is looking to become a major player and building a new Anfield would make the business world look up to him. He certainly has the cash behind him to fulfil the plans that the Americans gave up on.
There are no figures being released on what Gillett is looking to get for his share in Liverpool but it is anticipated that the deal will be good enough to get him out of his current hole.
Gillett has tried to appease the club's fans but he knows that his lack of funds leaves Liverpool's support frustrated - and puts a strain on their bid to stay as a top four force.
[/quote]
Sauce?
[/quote]
More Daddies Tomato Ketchup than Beurre blanc.
The Mirror.
S
Squiggles
Guest
[quote author=Doped White Mouse link=topic=36295.msg959705#msg959705 date=1254988358]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=36295.msg959692#msg959692 date=1254986881]
Exclusive: George Gillett to sell half his stake in Liverpool to Arab investor
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is flying to Saudi Arabia next week for talks in a bid to sell his 50 per cent stake to Prince Faisal bin Fahd.
Gillett is due to arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday and is scheduled for a three-day stay to sort out the deal with the Prince's advisers and his financial company F6 Sports.
Prince Faisal has been at Anfield as a guest of Gillett and - despite the American's denials - a sale is top of the agenda to be done rather than just an investment.
Gillett can sell his half of the Kop and leave the Arabs to deal with his partner Tom Hicks if they want complete control – or they may prefer to work with the Texan.
The 70-year-old Gillett is so keen to sell up that he is going to travel to the Arab's territory to conclude the transaction - with sources in the Middle East convinced that this will happen.
Prince Faisal's investment company has allies in the banking world and they would look at Liverpool as a club to make their name - and with potential for development down the line.
The Arab is looking to become a major player and building a new Anfield would make the business world look up to him. He certainly has the cash behind him to fulfil the plans that the Americans gave up on.
There are no figures being released on what Gillett is looking to get for his share in Liverpool but it is anticipated that the deal will be good enough to get him out of his current hole.
Gillett has tried to appease the club's fans but he knows that his lack of funds leaves Liverpool's support frustrated - and puts a strain on their bid to stay as a top four force.
[/quote]
I fully expect the owner (whoever it will be) to be the same kind of businessman as the yanks are. If we are waiting for a sugar daddy in Abramovich's or the Citeh sheikh's mould we're going to be disappointed. Every owner will see us as a business and will be looking to make money out of it. Because we, the fans, don't see the club as a business we'll never be happy with any owners I guess.
[/quote]
You portray the fans as more naive than they are. I doubt anyone actually expects some Arabic Sugardaddy to come in and finance Real Madrid-esque summers of spending. If anything the reverse is true; because of our current situation, I suspect the fans have the lowest expectations they can hold from any potential new owners.
People want owners they can trust, who publicly get along, help the stadium build, and don't lie or twist statistics to the fans - which isn't asking for a lot, really.
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=36295.msg959692#msg959692 date=1254986881]
Exclusive: George Gillett to sell half his stake in Liverpool to Arab investor
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is flying to Saudi Arabia next week for talks in a bid to sell his 50 per cent stake to Prince Faisal bin Fahd.
Gillett is due to arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday and is scheduled for a three-day stay to sort out the deal with the Prince's advisers and his financial company F6 Sports.
Prince Faisal has been at Anfield as a guest of Gillett and - despite the American's denials - a sale is top of the agenda to be done rather than just an investment.
Gillett can sell his half of the Kop and leave the Arabs to deal with his partner Tom Hicks if they want complete control – or they may prefer to work with the Texan.
The 70-year-old Gillett is so keen to sell up that he is going to travel to the Arab's territory to conclude the transaction - with sources in the Middle East convinced that this will happen.
Prince Faisal's investment company has allies in the banking world and they would look at Liverpool as a club to make their name - and with potential for development down the line.
The Arab is looking to become a major player and building a new Anfield would make the business world look up to him. He certainly has the cash behind him to fulfil the plans that the Americans gave up on.
There are no figures being released on what Gillett is looking to get for his share in Liverpool but it is anticipated that the deal will be good enough to get him out of his current hole.
Gillett has tried to appease the club's fans but he knows that his lack of funds leaves Liverpool's support frustrated - and puts a strain on their bid to stay as a top four force.
[/quote]
I fully expect the owner (whoever it will be) to be the same kind of businessman as the yanks are. If we are waiting for a sugar daddy in Abramovich's or the Citeh sheikh's mould we're going to be disappointed. Every owner will see us as a business and will be looking to make money out of it. Because we, the fans, don't see the club as a business we'll never be happy with any owners I guess.
[/quote]
You portray the fans as more naive than they are. I doubt anyone actually expects some Arabic Sugardaddy to come in and finance Real Madrid-esque summers of spending. If anything the reverse is true; because of our current situation, I suspect the fans have the lowest expectations they can hold from any potential new owners.
People want owners they can trust, who publicly get along, help the stadium build, and don't lie or twist statistics to the fans - which isn't asking for a lot, really.
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=36295.msg959775#msg959775 date=1254996064]
[quote author=Doped White Mouse link=topic=36295.msg959705#msg959705 date=1254988358]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=36295.msg959692#msg959692 date=1254986881]
Exclusive: George Gillett to sell half his stake in Liverpool to Arab investor
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is flying to Saudi Arabia next week for talks in a bid to sell his 50 per cent stake to Prince Faisal bin Fahd.
Gillett is due to arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday and is scheduled for a three-day stay to sort out the deal with the Prince's advisers and his financial company F6 Sports.
Prince Faisal has been at Anfield as a guest of Gillett and - despite the American's denials - a sale is top of the agenda to be done rather than just an investment.
Gillett can sell his half of the Kop and leave the Arabs to deal with his partner Tom Hicks if they want complete control – or they may prefer to work with the Texan.
The 70-year-old Gillett is so keen to sell up that he is going to travel to the Arab's territory to conclude the transaction - with sources in the Middle East convinced that this will happen.
Prince Faisal's investment company has allies in the banking world and they would look at Liverpool as a club to make their name - and with potential for development down the line.
The Arab is looking to become a major player and building a new Anfield would make the business world look up to him. He certainly has the cash behind him to fulfil the plans that the Americans gave up on.
There are no figures being released on what Gillett is looking to get for his share in Liverpool but it is anticipated that the deal will be good enough to get him out of his current hole.
Gillett has tried to appease the club's fans but he knows that his lack of funds leaves Liverpool's support frustrated - and puts a strain on their bid to stay as a top four force.
[/quote]
I fully expect the owner (whoever it will be) to be the same kind of businessman as the yanks are. If we are waiting for a sugar daddy in Abramovich's or the Citeh sheikh's mould we're going to be disappointed. Every owner will see us as a business and will be looking to make money out of it. Because we, the fans, don't see the club as a business we'll never be happy with any owners I guess.
[/quote]
You portray the fans as more naive than they are. I doubt anyone actually expects some Arabic Sugardaddy to come in and finance Real Madrid-esque summers of spending. If anything the reverse is true; because of our current situation, I suspect the fans have the lowest expectations they can hold from any potential new owners.
People want owners they can trust, who publicly get along, help the stadium build, and don't lie or twist statistics to the fans - which isn't asking for a lot, really.
[/quote]
Is spot on.
If Gillette is looking to sell, and i will believe it when i see it, then perhaps slagging of Hicks publicly is a masterstroke.
Either way he does seem tired of the negative attention he recieves.
[quote author=Doped White Mouse link=topic=36295.msg959705#msg959705 date=1254988358]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=36295.msg959692#msg959692 date=1254986881]
Exclusive: George Gillett to sell half his stake in Liverpool to Arab investor
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is flying to Saudi Arabia next week for talks in a bid to sell his 50 per cent stake to Prince Faisal bin Fahd.
Gillett is due to arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday and is scheduled for a three-day stay to sort out the deal with the Prince's advisers and his financial company F6 Sports.
Prince Faisal has been at Anfield as a guest of Gillett and - despite the American's denials - a sale is top of the agenda to be done rather than just an investment.
Gillett can sell his half of the Kop and leave the Arabs to deal with his partner Tom Hicks if they want complete control – or they may prefer to work with the Texan.
The 70-year-old Gillett is so keen to sell up that he is going to travel to the Arab's territory to conclude the transaction - with sources in the Middle East convinced that this will happen.
Prince Faisal's investment company has allies in the banking world and they would look at Liverpool as a club to make their name - and with potential for development down the line.
The Arab is looking to become a major player and building a new Anfield would make the business world look up to him. He certainly has the cash behind him to fulfil the plans that the Americans gave up on.
There are no figures being released on what Gillett is looking to get for his share in Liverpool but it is anticipated that the deal will be good enough to get him out of his current hole.
Gillett has tried to appease the club's fans but he knows that his lack of funds leaves Liverpool's support frustrated - and puts a strain on their bid to stay as a top four force.
[/quote]
I fully expect the owner (whoever it will be) to be the same kind of businessman as the yanks are. If we are waiting for a sugar daddy in Abramovich's or the Citeh sheikh's mould we're going to be disappointed. Every owner will see us as a business and will be looking to make money out of it. Because we, the fans, don't see the club as a business we'll never be happy with any owners I guess.
[/quote]
You portray the fans as more naive than they are. I doubt anyone actually expects some Arabic Sugardaddy to come in and finance Real Madrid-esque summers of spending. If anything the reverse is true; because of our current situation, I suspect the fans have the lowest expectations they can hold from any potential new owners.
People want owners they can trust, who publicly get along, help the stadium build, and don't lie or twist statistics to the fans - which isn't asking for a lot, really.
[/quote]
Is spot on.
If Gillette is looking to sell, and i will believe it when i see it, then perhaps slagging of Hicks publicly is a masterstroke.
Either way he does seem tired of the negative attention he recieves.
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=36295.msg959775#msg959775 date=1254996064]
[quote author=Doped White Mouse link=topic=36295.msg959705#msg959705 date=1254988358]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=36295.msg959692#msg959692 date=1254986881]
Exclusive: George Gillett to sell half his stake in Liverpool to Arab investor
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is flying to Saudi Arabia next week for talks in a bid to sell his 50 per cent stake to Prince Faisal bin Fahd.
Gillett is due to arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday and is scheduled for a three-day stay to sort out the deal with the Prince's advisers and his financial company F6 Sports.
Prince Faisal has been at Anfield as a guest of Gillett and - despite the American's denials - a sale is top of the agenda to be done rather than just an investment.
Gillett can sell his half of the Kop and leave the Arabs to deal with his partner Tom Hicks if they want complete control – or they may prefer to work with the Texan.
The 70-year-old Gillett is so keen to sell up that he is going to travel to the Arab's territory to conclude the transaction - with sources in the Middle East convinced that this will happen.
Prince Faisal's investment company has allies in the banking world and they would look at Liverpool as a club to make their name - and with potential for development down the line.
The Arab is looking to become a major player and building a new Anfield would make the business world look up to him. He certainly has the cash behind him to fulfil the plans that the Americans gave up on.
There are no figures being released on what Gillett is looking to get for his share in Liverpool but it is anticipated that the deal will be good enough to get him out of his current hole.
Gillett has tried to appease the club's fans but he knows that his lack of funds leaves Liverpool's support frustrated - and puts a strain on their bid to stay as a top four force.
[/quote]
I fully expect the owner (whoever it will be) to be the same kind of businessman as the yanks are. If we are waiting for a sugar daddy in Abramovich's or the Citeh sheikh's mould we're going to be disappointed. Every owner will see us as a business and will be looking to make money out of it. Because we, the fans, don't see the club as a business we'll never be happy with any owners I guess.
[/quote]
You portray the fans as more naive than they are. I doubt anyone actually expects some Arabic Sugardaddy to come in and finance Real Madrid-esque summers of spending. If anything the reverse is true; because of our current situation, I suspect the fans have the lowest expectations they can hold from any potential new owners.
People want owners they can trust, who publicly get along, help the stadium build, and don't lie or twist statistics to the fans - which isn't asking for a lot, really.
[/quote]
I think you misunderstood me a bit. I don't think that fans are naive. I just think that sometimes G&H are blamed for things which every other owner would do too. They get criticized for being and acting like businessmen.
[quote author=Doped White Mouse link=topic=36295.msg959705#msg959705 date=1254988358]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=36295.msg959692#msg959692 date=1254986881]
Exclusive: George Gillett to sell half his stake in Liverpool to Arab investor
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is flying to Saudi Arabia next week for talks in a bid to sell his 50 per cent stake to Prince Faisal bin Fahd.
Gillett is due to arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday and is scheduled for a three-day stay to sort out the deal with the Prince's advisers and his financial company F6 Sports.
Prince Faisal has been at Anfield as a guest of Gillett and - despite the American's denials - a sale is top of the agenda to be done rather than just an investment.
Gillett can sell his half of the Kop and leave the Arabs to deal with his partner Tom Hicks if they want complete control – or they may prefer to work with the Texan.
The 70-year-old Gillett is so keen to sell up that he is going to travel to the Arab's territory to conclude the transaction - with sources in the Middle East convinced that this will happen.
Prince Faisal's investment company has allies in the banking world and they would look at Liverpool as a club to make their name - and with potential for development down the line.
The Arab is looking to become a major player and building a new Anfield would make the business world look up to him. He certainly has the cash behind him to fulfil the plans that the Americans gave up on.
There are no figures being released on what Gillett is looking to get for his share in Liverpool but it is anticipated that the deal will be good enough to get him out of his current hole.
Gillett has tried to appease the club's fans but he knows that his lack of funds leaves Liverpool's support frustrated - and puts a strain on their bid to stay as a top four force.
[/quote]
I fully expect the owner (whoever it will be) to be the same kind of businessman as the yanks are. If we are waiting for a sugar daddy in Abramovich's or the Citeh sheikh's mould we're going to be disappointed. Every owner will see us as a business and will be looking to make money out of it. Because we, the fans, don't see the club as a business we'll never be happy with any owners I guess.
[/quote]
You portray the fans as more naive than they are. I doubt anyone actually expects some Arabic Sugardaddy to come in and finance Real Madrid-esque summers of spending. If anything the reverse is true; because of our current situation, I suspect the fans have the lowest expectations they can hold from any potential new owners.
People want owners they can trust, who publicly get along, help the stadium build, and don't lie or twist statistics to the fans - which isn't asking for a lot, really.
[/quote]
I think you misunderstood me a bit. I don't think that fans are naive. I just think that sometimes G&H are blamed for things which every other owner would do too. They get criticized for being and acting like businessmen.
[quote author=themn link=topic=36295.msg959792#msg959792 date=1254999262]
[quote author=Sunny link=topic=36295.msg959788#msg959788 date=1254998933]
[/quote]
Good to hear. But what is good for 'them' is good for him too, isn't it?
The part about the high level of debt is worrying me more.
[quote author=Sunny link=topic=36295.msg959788#msg959788 date=1254998933]
[/quote]
[/quote]
Good to hear. But what is good for 'them' is good for him too, isn't it?
The part about the high level of debt is worrying me more.
[quote author=Doped White Mouse link=topic=36295.msg959804#msg959804 date=1255001777]
[ I don't think that fans are naive. I just think that sometimes G&H are blamed for things which every other owner would do too. They get criticized for being and acting like businessmen.
[/quote]
Yes, but I think sometimes they are rightly criticised for NOT acting like businessmen. Their conduct over the past few months certainly hasn't made them look like shrewd operators. They seem more confused and illogical as each month goes on. Especially Gillett.
[ I don't think that fans are naive. I just think that sometimes G&H are blamed for things which every other owner would do too. They get criticized for being and acting like businessmen.
[/quote]
Yes, but I think sometimes they are rightly criticised for NOT acting like businessmen. Their conduct over the past few months certainly hasn't made them look like shrewd operators. They seem more confused and illogical as each month goes on. Especially Gillett.
[quote author=gkmacca link=topic=36295.msg959809#msg959809 date=1255002071]
[quote author=Doped White Mouse link=topic=36295.msg959804#msg959804 date=1255001777]
[ I don't think that fans are naive. I just think that sometimes G&H are blamed for things which every other owner would do too. They get criticized for being and acting like businessmen.
[/quote]
Yes, but I think sometimes they are rightly criticised for NOT acting like businessmen. Their conduct over the past few months certainly hasn't made them look like shrewd operators. They seem more confused and illogical as each month goes on. Especially Gillett.
[/quote]
I agree to some extent. But on the other hand it's quite difficult to judge someone's 'economical abilities' with the knowledge about the facts we, the fans, have. Don't you think? I mean we don't really know much about the backgrounds of their decisions. So how can we judge them?
What really would improve the situation is better PR work. Give the fans information and don't keep them in the dark and force them to speculate.
[quote author=Doped White Mouse link=topic=36295.msg959804#msg959804 date=1255001777]
[ I don't think that fans are naive. I just think that sometimes G&H are blamed for things which every other owner would do too. They get criticized for being and acting like businessmen.
[/quote]
Yes, but I think sometimes they are rightly criticised for NOT acting like businessmen. Their conduct over the past few months certainly hasn't made them look like shrewd operators. They seem more confused and illogical as each month goes on. Especially Gillett.
[/quote]
I agree to some extent. But on the other hand it's quite difficult to judge someone's 'economical abilities' with the knowledge about the facts we, the fans, have. Don't you think? I mean we don't really know much about the backgrounds of their decisions. So how can we judge them?
What really would improve the situation is better PR work. Give the fans information and don't keep them in the dark and force them to speculate.
S
Squiggles
Guest
[quote author=Doped White Mouse link=topic=36295.msg959804#msg959804 date=1255001777]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=36295.msg959775#msg959775 date=1254996064]
[quote author=Doped White Mouse link=topic=36295.msg959705#msg959705 date=1254988358]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=36295.msg959692#msg959692 date=1254986881]
Exclusive: George Gillett to sell half his stake in Liverpool to Arab investor
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is flying to Saudi Arabia next week for talks in a bid to sell his 50 per cent stake to Prince Faisal bin Fahd.
Gillett is due to arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday and is scheduled for a three-day stay to sort out the deal with the Prince's advisers and his financial company F6 Sports.
Prince Faisal has been at Anfield as a guest of Gillett and - despite the American's denials - a sale is top of the agenda to be done rather than just an investment.
Gillett can sell his half of the Kop and leave the Arabs to deal with his partner Tom Hicks if they want complete control – or they may prefer to work with the Texan.
The 70-year-old Gillett is so keen to sell up that he is going to travel to the Arab's territory to conclude the transaction - with sources in the Middle East convinced that this will happen.
Prince Faisal's investment company has allies in the banking world and they would look at Liverpool as a club to make their name - and with potential for development down the line.
The Arab is looking to become a major player and building a new Anfield would make the business world look up to him. He certainly has the cash behind him to fulfil the plans that the Americans gave up on.
There are no figures being released on what Gillett is looking to get for his share in Liverpool but it is anticipated that the deal will be good enough to get him out of his current hole.
Gillett has tried to appease the club's fans but he knows that his lack of funds leaves Liverpool's support frustrated - and puts a strain on their bid to stay as a top four force.
[/quote]
I fully expect the owner (whoever it will be) to be the same kind of businessman as the yanks are. If we are waiting for a sugar daddy in Abramovich's or the Citeh sheikh's mould we're going to be disappointed. Every owner will see us as a business and will be looking to make money out of it. Because we, the fans, don't see the club as a business we'll never be happy with any owners I guess.
[/quote]
You portray the fans as more naive than they are. I doubt anyone actually expects some Arabic Sugardaddy to come in and finance Real Madrid-esque summers of spending. If anything the reverse is true; because of our current situation, I suspect the fans have the lowest expectations they can hold from any potential new owners.
People want owners they can trust, who publicly get along, help the stadium build, and don't lie or twist statistics to the fans - which isn't asking for a lot, really.
[/quote]
I think you misunderstood me a bit. I don't think that fans are naive. I just think that sometimes G&H are blamed for things which every other owner would do too. They get criticized for being and acting like businessmen.
[/quote]
And I think the fans know Liverpool FC has to be run like a business. It's not something new to the supporters, I mean under what ownership has it ever been any different?
You're right to point out that the owners do sometimes receive unfair criticism but I refute the notion this is a result of the the fans expecting a non-business approach to running Liverpool football
As I said, the fans only want some owners with cash, creditability and an honest bone in their body.
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=36295.msg959775#msg959775 date=1254996064]
[quote author=Doped White Mouse link=topic=36295.msg959705#msg959705 date=1254988358]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=36295.msg959692#msg959692 date=1254986881]
Exclusive: George Gillett to sell half his stake in Liverpool to Arab investor
Liverpool co-owner George Gillett is flying to Saudi Arabia next week for talks in a bid to sell his 50 per cent stake to Prince Faisal bin Fahd.
Gillett is due to arrive in the Middle East on Wednesday and is scheduled for a three-day stay to sort out the deal with the Prince's advisers and his financial company F6 Sports.
Prince Faisal has been at Anfield as a guest of Gillett and - despite the American's denials - a sale is top of the agenda to be done rather than just an investment.
Gillett can sell his half of the Kop and leave the Arabs to deal with his partner Tom Hicks if they want complete control – or they may prefer to work with the Texan.
The 70-year-old Gillett is so keen to sell up that he is going to travel to the Arab's territory to conclude the transaction - with sources in the Middle East convinced that this will happen.
Prince Faisal's investment company has allies in the banking world and they would look at Liverpool as a club to make their name - and with potential for development down the line.
The Arab is looking to become a major player and building a new Anfield would make the business world look up to him. He certainly has the cash behind him to fulfil the plans that the Americans gave up on.
There are no figures being released on what Gillett is looking to get for his share in Liverpool but it is anticipated that the deal will be good enough to get him out of his current hole.
Gillett has tried to appease the club's fans but he knows that his lack of funds leaves Liverpool's support frustrated - and puts a strain on their bid to stay as a top four force.
[/quote]
I fully expect the owner (whoever it will be) to be the same kind of businessman as the yanks are. If we are waiting for a sugar daddy in Abramovich's or the Citeh sheikh's mould we're going to be disappointed. Every owner will see us as a business and will be looking to make money out of it. Because we, the fans, don't see the club as a business we'll never be happy with any owners I guess.
[/quote]
You portray the fans as more naive than they are. I doubt anyone actually expects some Arabic Sugardaddy to come in and finance Real Madrid-esque summers of spending. If anything the reverse is true; because of our current situation, I suspect the fans have the lowest expectations they can hold from any potential new owners.
People want owners they can trust, who publicly get along, help the stadium build, and don't lie or twist statistics to the fans - which isn't asking for a lot, really.
[/quote]
I think you misunderstood me a bit. I don't think that fans are naive. I just think that sometimes G&H are blamed for things which every other owner would do too. They get criticized for being and acting like businessmen.
[/quote]
And I think the fans know Liverpool FC has to be run like a business. It's not something new to the supporters, I mean under what ownership has it ever been any different?
You're right to point out that the owners do sometimes receive unfair criticism but I refute the notion this is a result of the the fans expecting a non-business approach to running Liverpool football
As I said, the fans only want some owners with cash, creditability and an honest bone in their body.
I don't get why the arabs are so concerned about this debt issue.
The debt is the value of the club itself.
It's only the same as a mortgage on a house. If/when they buy us they will have to settle the debt with RBS first, and then Tom and George take their profit of £50m each or whatever and run.
regards
The debt is the value of the club itself.
It's only the same as a mortgage on a house. If/when they buy us they will have to settle the debt with RBS first, and then Tom and George take their profit of £50m each or whatever and run.
regards
[quote author=gkmacca link=topic=36295.msg959809#msg959809 date=1255002071]
[quote author=Doped White Mouse link=topic=36295.msg959804#msg959804 date=1255001777]
[ I don't think that fans are naive. I just think that sometimes G&H are blamed for things which every other owner would do too. They get criticized for being and acting like businessmen.
[/quote]
Yes, but I think sometimes they are rightly criticised for NOT acting like businessmen. Their conduct over the past few months certainly hasn't made them look like shrewd operators. They seem more confused and illogical as each month goes on. Especially Gillett.
[/quote]
I think Gillett does not want to be the owner anymore. I think he will willingly take the money and run. Thats the reason he has been behaving weirdly. Hicks wants to hold on to us by any means possible.
He is doing the same with the Texas Rangers. He is backed against the wall there. The MLB is paying the wages. He still has not sold
it despite multiple interests. Part of the reason could be that if he sells the rangers he looses connection with the rich Texan republicans. Or he does not want to sell any of his assets unless he gets a ridiculous price.
[quote author=Doped White Mouse link=topic=36295.msg959804#msg959804 date=1255001777]
[ I don't think that fans are naive. I just think that sometimes G&H are blamed for things which every other owner would do too. They get criticized for being and acting like businessmen.
[/quote]
Yes, but I think sometimes they are rightly criticised for NOT acting like businessmen. Their conduct over the past few months certainly hasn't made them look like shrewd operators. They seem more confused and illogical as each month goes on. Especially Gillett.
[/quote]
I think Gillett does not want to be the owner anymore. I think he will willingly take the money and run. Thats the reason he has been behaving weirdly. Hicks wants to hold on to us by any means possible.
He is doing the same with the Texas Rangers. He is backed against the wall there. The MLB is paying the wages. He still has not sold
it despite multiple interests. Part of the reason could be that if he sells the rangers he looses connection with the rich Texan republicans. Or he does not want to sell any of his assets unless he gets a ridiculous price.
[quote author=Doped White Mouse link=topic=36295.msg959805#msg959805 date=1255001938]
[quote author=themn link=topic=36295.msg959792#msg959792 date=1254999262]
[quote author=Sunny link=topic=36295.msg959788#msg959788 date=1254998933]
[/quote]
Good to hear. But what is good for 'them' is good for him too, isn't it?
The part about the high level of debt is worrying me more.
[/quote]
I meant it as a warning against bullshit, not an advocation of fact.
[quote author=themn link=topic=36295.msg959792#msg959792 date=1254999262]
[quote author=Sunny link=topic=36295.msg959788#msg959788 date=1254998933]
[/quote]
[/quote]
Good to hear. But what is good for 'them' is good for him too, isn't it?
The part about the high level of debt is worrying me more.
[/quote]
I meant it as a warning against bullshit, not an advocation of fact.
[quote author=Vlads Quiff link=topic=36295.msg959728#msg959728 date=1254991813]
[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=36295.msg959723#msg959723 date=1254990966]
I thought Gillett was not allowed, contractually, to sell his 50% without Hicks' permission?
[/quote]
That was indeed the case when they had their initial disagreement.
Tom must have given permission.
It seems to me George is falling on his sword, and has had enough.
It puts Hicks in a stronger position as regards his half of the Club, and he would now expect to realise more than Gillet for his share.
I can't in a million years see a Texan and and Arab working together in tandem, it is a complete clash of cultures.
I agree with Mouse, whoever buys us is not doing it for the love of the club, we sold our soul along with the club. Moores and Parry for all their bumbling ways were not in it for the money, they loved the place. They knew that for the greater good they had to sell, and this is the price we have to pay, and the chance we have to take.
So everyone, don't expect everything to be rosy. I don't expect them to be so tolerant of any managerial outbursts (if he finds it necessary) either
I would not say the arabs are going to be any better at the job than the Yanks, the plus point is they will have access to plenty of money.
regards
[/quote]
Not all Texans are the same, but I can see your point about Hicks specifically. Even then, though, I don't regard a parting of the ways as nailed on, given that clashing with George hasn't shifted him. The saving grace in this is that Hicks must reckon the club is a real money-spinner, at least potentially, to have clung on so stubbornly up till now.
[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=36295.msg959723#msg959723 date=1254990966]
I thought Gillett was not allowed, contractually, to sell his 50% without Hicks' permission?
[/quote]
That was indeed the case when they had their initial disagreement.
Tom must have given permission.
It seems to me George is falling on his sword, and has had enough.
It puts Hicks in a stronger position as regards his half of the Club, and he would now expect to realise more than Gillet for his share.
I can't in a million years see a Texan and and Arab working together in tandem, it is a complete clash of cultures.
I agree with Mouse, whoever buys us is not doing it for the love of the club, we sold our soul along with the club. Moores and Parry for all their bumbling ways were not in it for the money, they loved the place. They knew that for the greater good they had to sell, and this is the price we have to pay, and the chance we have to take.
So everyone, don't expect everything to be rosy. I don't expect them to be so tolerant of any managerial outbursts (if he finds it necessary) either
I would not say the arabs are going to be any better at the job than the Yanks, the plus point is they will have access to plenty of money.
regards
[/quote]
Not all Texans are the same, but I can see your point about Hicks specifically. Even then, though, I don't regard a parting of the ways as nailed on, given that clashing with George hasn't shifted him. The saving grace in this is that Hicks must reckon the club is a real money-spinner, at least potentially, to have clung on so stubbornly up till now.
[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=36295.msg959834#msg959834 date=1255005106]
I don't think Liverpool fans have a problem with G&H acting like business men, it's the lies and manipulation and the sheer fact they seem think we're idiots who can't see through their bullshit.
There's not much worse they can do than insult our intelligence.
[/quote]
I think information is key. If we'd get proper information I assume we'd be intelligent enought to judge their decisions as right or wrong in an economical sense.
Otherwise it's, well, lies and manipulation.
I don't think Liverpool fans have a problem with G&H acting like business men, it's the lies and manipulation and the sheer fact they seem think we're idiots who can't see through their bullshit.
There's not much worse they can do than insult our intelligence.
[/quote]
I think information is key. If we'd get proper information I assume we'd be intelligent enought to judge their decisions as right or wrong in an economical sense.
Otherwise it's, well, lies and manipulation.
It's the lies and failing to deliver on promises that irritates me. I think we all understand it has to be run as a business. Most business would invest capital short-term (i.e. the stadium) if they knew full well it would grow their long term revenue, which they do. The recession has caused a two sided argument with regards the stadium. The cost of borrowing the money to build it is considerably more. The cost of building the stadium however has dropped due to the downturn. What the difference is to the final figure though is a mystery to me. Regardless, it was promised and not delivered. In my view, that's a lie.
I'm probably wrong, but in joint and equal ownership, doesn't one have to shell in as much cash as the other?
My issue with the owners isn't that they lied - because the way they bought the club was standard practice, and why not, even though it was made unsustainable because they bet too aggressively and had bad timing, they still are going to make a lot when they sell.
My issue is with their not communicating with each other, and their horrible PR, both of which are completely unprofessional and have caused uncertainty at the club. The fact that they still can't get it together, even when they are courting the investment that would either allow for a sustainable business model or a way out and a pretty pay day, is just mind boggling to me, and is a very toxic situation.
My issue is with their not communicating with each other, and their horrible PR, both of which are completely unprofessional and have caused uncertainty at the club. The fact that they still can't get it together, even when they are courting the investment that would either allow for a sustainable business model or a way out and a pretty pay day, is just mind boggling to me, and is a very toxic situation.
Yes, the way Gillett has been behaving during the past year is just exasperating. Because he's not bothered to do any real PR, the impression we've been left to acquire is of a man in a sulk. Obviously it's far more complicated than that - for all I know he spends every day trying to find a solution and every night praying for forgiveness, but while he's been quite happy to phone up radio stations, do TV interviews and waffle away to journalists in the States about his ice hockey and racing interests, he's only dealt with Liverpool's media via snapped remarks on his way to the airport and impromptu waffle sessions with dougie fecking doins! That is an outrageous way to deal - or appear to deal - with such a high profile investment. The man has fewer friends than Dr Shipman in an old folks' home and yet he seems to have abandoned all efforts to explain himself, or even win some sympathy. I just don't see that as logical behaviour for a good businessman.
George Gillett's Liverpool statements don't stack up
By Brian Reade
A fan can accept football illiteracy from its owners because they know the vast majority are only in it for kudos or profit.
They can also excuse a lack of cash, if, like Bill Kenwright, they're in it mostly for love. Fans can even live with pig-headedness, aloofness and a poor knowledge of the club. But they cannot accept having the truth distorted or hidden from them.
Which is what George Gillett, and his estranged partner in crime, have been doing for almost three years.
This week alone, thanks to a leaked exchange with the fans group Spirit of Shankly, the former owner of Montreal Canadians ice-hockey team, came out with four statements which do not hold up to scrutiny.
(1) "The club's debt situation is very sound." It was £44.8 million when Hicks and Gillett took over. It's now £245 million.
(2) "It wasn't me who said we'd start building a new stadium in 60 days, it was Hicks." Check You Tube. It's you.
(3) "We've spent £128 million on top of what's come in over the past 18 months to buy players." Rafa Benitez's net spend in that time has been £20 million.
(4) "Liverpool is in an extraordinarily good financial position." So how come the banks have told you to find new investment, sell-up or they'll re-possess the club?
This opportunistic, former bit-part player in a small-time North American sport has been found to be totally out of his depth in English football. His deceit merely adds insult to injury.
As they say in ice-hockey, it's time to get the puck out of here.
By Brian Reade
A fan can accept football illiteracy from its owners because they know the vast majority are only in it for kudos or profit.
They can also excuse a lack of cash, if, like Bill Kenwright, they're in it mostly for love. Fans can even live with pig-headedness, aloofness and a poor knowledge of the club. But they cannot accept having the truth distorted or hidden from them.
Which is what George Gillett, and his estranged partner in crime, have been doing for almost three years.
This week alone, thanks to a leaked exchange with the fans group Spirit of Shankly, the former owner of Montreal Canadians ice-hockey team, came out with four statements which do not hold up to scrutiny.
(1) "The club's debt situation is very sound." It was £44.8 million when Hicks and Gillett took over. It's now £245 million.
(2) "It wasn't me who said we'd start building a new stadium in 60 days, it was Hicks." Check You Tube. It's you.
(3) "We've spent £128 million on top of what's come in over the past 18 months to buy players." Rafa Benitez's net spend in that time has been £20 million.
(4) "Liverpool is in an extraordinarily good financial position." So how come the banks have told you to find new investment, sell-up or they'll re-possess the club?
This opportunistic, former bit-part player in a small-time North American sport has been found to be totally out of his depth in English football. His deceit merely adds insult to injury.
As they say in ice-hockey, it's time to get the puck out of here.
- Status
