George Gillet (owner of the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club) and Tom Hicks (owner of the Texas Rangers [baseball] and Dallas Stars [Hockey]) have agreed to pay £470M for FC Liverpool. Each will be a 50% owner.
Sorry it's in french, but what I said above pretty much sums it all up.
http://www.rds.ca/soccer/chroniques/222721.html
As an avid fan of the Montreal Canadiens which has been under the owner of Gillet for some years now, I can say that he isn't exactly cheap, but don't expect him to spend top dollars on the best players either. Not sure about Hicks tho.
Full Version: [EPL] Liverpool sold
With all these people buying Premiership clubs now, you have to wonder how badly the clubs are being run at the moment. Let's face it, these people are obvisouly coming in to make money and it looks like they think they can. I wonder what this will do to Liverpools plans for a new stadium?
Oh and should any multi-millionaires be reading this, do you fancy ploughing some money into a football club? How about Leeds United?...... please!
Oh and should any multi-millionaires be reading this, do you fancy ploughing some money into a football club? How about Leeds United?...... please!
Actually, I was reading up on Hicks. It seems like he has enough money and isnt interested in flipping a profit. Buying up sports teams has become more of a hobby. For Gillet on the other hand, it's a business. I'd actually like to see how these two work out together since they are 50/50 owners.
Good news for Liverpool fans who had to face the prospect of sharing their stadium with rivals Everton. 
That's a staggering amount of money 
It aint been announced officially yet, but it looks like it will be going through in the next few days.
To be honest I am not very happy about it, I would prefer the club to remain in scouse hands. I was dissapointed that the DIC bid failed as well, as that seemed very promising. I think it is pretty sad what is happening to football these days, but in todays game you need money to move forward. As people have been saving, Tom Hicks seems the right kind of person in this take over, but this Gilett dude has been bankrupt in the past and is only intent (judging on his past dealings) on making a profit.
To be honest I am not very happy about it, I would prefer the club to remain in scouse hands. I was dissapointed that the DIC bid failed as well, as that seemed very promising. I think it is pretty sad what is happening to football these days, but in todays game you need money to move forward. As people have been saving, Tom Hicks seems the right kind of person in this take over, but this Gilett dude has been bankrupt in the past and is only intent (judging on his past dealings) on making a profit.
Just seems the norm these days to buy out clubs in the premiership...shame there goes the English feel of the EPL 
Well the deal has gone through, and having watched some of the interviews I am much more confident that this is the right decision for the club. The great thing is though, Gillett and Hicks will be backing the club and be on the board room, but they are very much going to carry on running the club in the way it is being run, ensuring the stability of the club. David Moores is staying on as an Honourary Life member of the board, and Rick Parry will still be chief executive.
Good stuff!
Good stuff!
what a shame... wheres the protests 
i'm glad what Arsenal have or will achieve is with their own cash or i would seriously have to question my support
The Tv money for Premiership next season is crazy anyway... catching up with the other European superleagues.
i'm glad what Arsenal have or will achieve is with their own cash or i would seriously have to question my support
The Tv money for Premiership next season is crazy anyway... catching up with the other European superleagues.
Quote - (Martyn @ Feb 6 2007, 17:54) [snapback]588297440[/snapback]
Well the deal has gone through, and having watched some of the interviews I am much more confident that this is the right decision for the club. The great thing is though, Gillett and Hicks will be backing the club and be on the board room, but they are very much going to carry on running the club in the way it is being run, ensuring the stability of the club. David Moores is staying on as an Honourary Life member of the board, and Rick Parry will still be chief executive.
Good stuff!
Good stuff!
It's good that Parry will stay on these clubs that are taken over need someone they know to help drive them forward...unlike West Ham
Quote - (Andy07 @ Feb 6 2007, 19:37) [snapback]588297736[/snapback]
what a shame... wheres the protests
i'm glad what Arsenal have or will achieve is with their own cash or i would seriously have to question my support
The Tv money for Premiership next season is crazy anyway... catching up with the other European superleagues.
i'm glad what Arsenal have or will achieve is with their own cash or i would seriously have to question my support
The Tv money for Premiership next season is crazy anyway... catching up with the other European superleagues.
The thing with Liverpool is that it (was) run by David Moores, who has served the club very well in the past 16 years or so, and you would be hard pressed to find a bigger Liverpool fan. Even though is rich, he is not rich enough to splash out £270 million on a new stadium, and he knew this was the key to Liverpool's success in the future so he had to sell his share in the club to benefit Liverpool because in the end he only had so much money available to pump into the club. Apparently he was in tears when he agreed to sell.
David Moores, we salute you.
Quote - (Martyn @ Feb 6 2007, 21:33) [snapback]588298086[/snapback]
The thing with Liverpool is that it (was) run by David Moores, who has served the club very well in the past 16 years or so, and you would be hard pressed to find a bigger Liverpool fan. Even though is rich, he is not rich enough to splash out £270 million on a new stadium, and he knew this was the key to Liverpool's success in the future so he had to sell his share in the club to benefit Liverpool because in the end he only had so much money available to pump into the club. Apparently he was in tears when he agreed to sell.
David Moores, we salute you.
David Moores, we salute you.
I see.. well as long as its to help fund a new stadium that would be great for Liverpool who really need a higher gate... but if they start buying players with silly money like Chelsea i willl have no respect for them. That kind of behaviour only unbalances the league, why should smaller teams like sheffield united even bother to turn up to play an international dream team.
The question now is how long will Moores stay for?
He may end up getting pressure from the owners and be forced to quit.
You never know
He may end up getting pressure from the owners and be forced to quit.
You never know
Quote - (Shibby @ Feb 7 2007, 03:03) [snapback]588299078[/snapback]
The question now is how long will Moores stay for?
He may end up getting pressure from the owners and be forced to quit.
You never know
He may end up getting pressure from the owners and be forced to quit.
You never know
I think they will stay for a long time...unless these owners are pressurizing because it could effect the club if they left...
The only way this makes sense is to push FC Liverpool as a major international brand like Man U (which Chelsea is also trying to do, btw). The thing is, how many major international brands can the EPL have? I mean, there is only one New York Yankees. There really can be only one definitive EPL club. Somebody else has to lose out.
p.s. "There can be only one" sounds like some lame line from "the Highlander".
p.s. "There can be only one" sounds like some lame line from "the Highlander".
Quote - (Fred Derf @ Feb 7 2007, 23:38) [snapback]588301742[/snapback]
The only way this makes sense is to push FC Liverpool as a major international brand like Man U (which Chelsea is also trying to do, btw). The thing is, how many major international brands can the EPL have? I mean, there is only one New York Yankees. There really can be only one definitive EPL club. Somebody else has to lose out.
p.s. "There can be only one" sounds like some lame line from "the Highlander".
p.s. "There can be only one" sounds like some lame line from "the Highlander".
Has long as it doesn't mean you have to cut your opponents head off to get their power then its all good
Quote - (Fred Derf @ Feb 7 2007, 23:38) [snapback]588301742[/snapback]
The only way this makes sense is to push FC Liverpool as a major international brand like Man U (which Chelsea is also trying to do, btw). The thing is, how many major international brands can the EPL have? I mean, there is only one New York Yankees. There really can be only one definitive EPL club. Somebody else has to lose out.
p.s. "There can be only one" sounds like some lame line from "the Highlander".
p.s. "There can be only one" sounds like some lame line from "the Highlander".
I think there is room for more than one, all you seem to hear about in England at the moment is stuff about the "top four".
Good for Liverpool!
They are gonna have over 100m to spend on new players... yet another team unbalancing the fairness of the game. I think Fifa should introduce a wage cap in all Euro leagues or the transfer budget should be set by club revenue. You have to look at the big picture here and make the league fair and competitive for all 20 clubs.
Quote - (Andy07 @ Feb 8 2007, 20:35) [snapback]588304231[/snapback]
They are gonna have over 100m to spend on new players... yet another team unbalancing the fairness of the game. I think Fifa should introduce a wage cap in all Euro leagues or the transfer budget should be set by club revenue. You have to look at the big picture here and make the league fair and competitive for all 20 clubs.
Says who. There is no budget, simply if Rafa would like a player who would benefit the team then there would be a discussion about it. There is no way we are going to go out and spend as much as Chelsea did, maybe we will spend on Man Utd's level (but I doubt we would pay 18 million for a Carrick or 30 million for a Ferdinand). Rafa is not the type of person to pay over the odds for players.
Arsenal have more money than a lot of teams, but Wenger does simply not believe in in spending millions of current talent, he prefers investing in the future.
Yeah i like the wenger way. invest in youth and talent and nurture them. similar to what alex did with giggs,scholes,beckham at united.
chelesea money power only and now certain cracks are also appearing in their system
chelesea money power only and now certain cracks are also appearing in their system
This is great news for Liverpool...Hopefully they will be able to challenge the top teams better now 
Quote -
Bayern Leverkusen striker Andrei Voronin has reportedly clinched a deal to join Liverpool in the summer.
The Ukrainian international is out of contract at the end of the season and has reached a agreement that will see him join The Reds on a four-year contract in June.
Voronin had been linked with a move to Celtic in December but will now join Craig Bellamy, Peter Crouch, Robbie Fowler and Dirk Kuyt in Rafa Benitez's plans at Anfield.
The 27-year-old has bagged six goals in 20 league appearances for the German club this season and, following Bayer's 1-0 defeat to Hannover on Saturday, it was announced that the striker will pursue a career in England come the end of the season.
Voronin is keen to widen his experiences after spending a decade in Germany since joining Borussia Dortmund as an 18-year-old from his native Ukraine.
"I have been in Germany for ten years now, that is a long time," said Voronin in Kicker. "I want to see something else."
Voronin's prospective arrival could provoke fresh doubts over Fowler's future at Anfield, as the Reds hero also sees his contract expire at the end of the season.
The Ukrainian international is out of contract at the end of the season and has reached a agreement that will see him join The Reds on a four-year contract in June.
Voronin had been linked with a move to Celtic in December but will now join Craig Bellamy, Peter Crouch, Robbie Fowler and Dirk Kuyt in Rafa Benitez's plans at Anfield.
The 27-year-old has bagged six goals in 20 league appearances for the German club this season and, following Bayer's 1-0 defeat to Hannover on Saturday, it was announced that the striker will pursue a career in England come the end of the season.
Voronin is keen to widen his experiences after spending a decade in Germany since joining Borussia Dortmund as an 18-year-old from his native Ukraine.
"I have been in Germany for ten years now, that is a long time," said Voronin in Kicker. "I want to see something else."
Voronin's prospective arrival could provoke fresh doubts over Fowler's future at Anfield, as the Reds hero also sees his contract expire at the end of the season.
That Voronin is crap, I cant see why we have gone after him to be honest. I would rather have Fowler, who still scores when you play him and has genuine passion for Liverpool or Sinama Pongolle as our 4th striker.
Quote - (Martyn @ Feb 18 2007, 11:34) [snapback]588330908[/snapback]
That Voronin is crap, I cant see why we have gone after him to be honest. I would rather have Fowler, who still scores when you play him and has genuine passion for Liverpool or Sinama Pongolle as our 4th striker.
Seems Skysports confirms it...well the agent does...makes it interesting about Fowlers future
I think Fowler will leave Liverpool at the end of the season. I think he might go to America like Beckham has, or simply retire from football. He does not really need the money, as he has made a lot of investments throughout his career.
Liverpool legend.
Liverpool legend.
woo, fav hockey and soccer team under one owner (and 2-1 aggy on barce today )
and i hope fowler does leave, effin cry baby "i don't get enough playing time" goes to man city and his career takes a dump.
and they need to play crouch more...
)and i hope fowler does leave, effin cry baby "i don't get enough playing time" goes to man city and his career takes a dump.
and they need to play crouch more...
Quote - (rajputwarrior @ Feb 22 2007, 00:42) [snapback]588340780[/snapback]
and i hope fowler does leave, effin cry baby "i don't get enough playing time" goes to man city and his career takes a dump.
Erm...what are you on about? When has Fowler said that recently, he just knuckles down and gets on with things such is his love for Liverpool, he never wanted to leave Liverpool in the first place, Houllier just forced him out. If Fowler had remained fit and stayed at Liverpool then I could of seen him overtaking Rush in terms of goals for the club. Oh, and when he played for Man City and Leeds he did well. Fowler is a Liverpool legend, and if you do not think that then you are not a Liverpool fan.
I thought the reason he left because of the "line" on the pitch.
Quote - (Shibby @ Feb 22 2007, 16:20) [snapback]588342194[/snapback]
I thought the reason he left because of the "line" on the pitch.
You mean when he sniffed the touchline to get back at all those people who called him a crack head? That was against Everton as well! Legend. No he left because Houllier liked to use Heskey and Owen up front and he knew he could get a lot of money for Fowler, so in the end he forced him out. By the way, see if you can get hold of his autobiography, it is a great read
.
Quote - (Martyn @ Feb 22 2007, 10:22) [snapback]588341613[/snapback]
Erm...what are you on about? When has Fowler said that recently, he just knuckles down and gets on with things such is his love for Liverpool, he never wanted to leave Liverpool in the first place, Houllier just forced him out. If Fowler had remained fit and stayed at Liverpool then I could of seen him overtaking Rush in terms of goals for the club. Oh, and when he played for Man City and Leeds he did well. Fowler is a Liverpool legend, and if you do not think that then you are not a Liverpool fan.
Quote - (Martyn @ Feb 22 2007, 17:48) [snapback]588342425[/snapback]
You mean when he sniffed the touchline to get back at all those people who called him a crack head? That was against Everton as well! Legend. No he left because Houllier liked to use Heskey and Owen up front and he knew he could get a lot of money for Fowler, so in the end he forced him out. By the way, see if you can get hold of his autobiography, it is a great read .
.Exactly...
Robbie is a legend...when offered to return to LFC he jumped at it, nearly bit Rafas arm off at the offer. He has had his ups and downs in and out of footy; but he has always loved the club, even after the way Houllier and Thommo treated him. Would like to think that he will finish his career with Liverpool...and I dream here, but i would love nothing more than to see him score his last goal in front of the Kop in his last game...
I just thought I would share the official email I received from the club .
The Liverpool Football Club
& Athletic Grounds Plc
Anfield Road, Liverpool L4 0TH
Tel: 0151263 2361 Fax: 0151260 8813
www.liverpoolfc.tv
23 February 2007
Dear Supporter,
Re: Acquisition of Liverpool Football Club.
This month has seen an important milestone in the history of Liverpool Football Club following the announcement that Mr. George Gillett and Mr. Tom Hicks have acquired the majority shareholding of our Chairman, David Moores.
As we embark on a new and exciting era at Liverpool, I feel it is important that I write to you as a supporter to explain the decision behind the takeover, as well as sharing some initial thoughts on how we intend to move forward from here.
The search for the right investor has been an exhaustive process. The recent developments were the culmination of almost three years' intensive activity to secure a partner that would respect and uphold the traditions of a unique "football institution". From the start, this was our unequivocal goal. Allied to this, any prospective partner also had to match our passion and commitment to winning trophies. The approach from George Gillett and Tom Hicks demonstrated these qualities in abundance. "Success breeds success" is a philosophy that runs right throughout Anfield and with the additional knowledge, resources and credibility that both George and Tom bring to the Club, I am convinced our enviable record of honours and silverware will continue to grow over the years to come.
From the perspective of ownership, I believe the future of the Club is in very safe hands. The Gillett and Hicks families possess a tremendous regard and admiration for the standing that Liverpool is privileged to hold in football - not just here in England, but throughout the world. To them, our virtues, heritage and culture are precious assets that will help to inspire everyone connected with us to continue to strive for further success - both on and off the field. And yet in many ways the new acquisition spells "business as usual". Both George and Tom have expressed a tremendous faith and confidence in the people and resources that serve the Club so well, and I know that I speak for everyone in expressing my delight that David Moores has agreed to become Honorary Life - President, retaining a seat on the Board of Directors.
From the team perspective, funds will be made available for the manager to further strengthen what is already an excellent playing squad. In tandem with this, building work will start very soon on our new stadium complex in Stanley Park - the first tangible sign of the financial commitment and expertise in the construction and management of world-class sporting arenas that George and Tom provide.
In conclusion, I have every confidence that the time-honoured values of Liverpool Football Club will remain under careful stewardship as we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in our remarkable history. By the same token, I very much hope the Club can rely on the truly unique and outstanding support it is privileged to receive from all our supporters in the UK and around the world. It is on your incredible loyalty that Liverpool's success and reputation has been built.
If you have any questions or thoughts over the coming weeks, please do not hesitate to feed back to me via our Customer Services Department at customerservices@liverpoolfc.tv
Yours sincerely,
Rick Parry
Chief Executive, Liverpool Football Club
.Quote -
The Liverpool Football Club
& Athletic Grounds Plc
Anfield Road, Liverpool L4 0TH
Tel: 0151263 2361 Fax: 0151260 8813
www.liverpoolfc.tv
23 February 2007
Dear Supporter,
Re: Acquisition of Liverpool Football Club.
This month has seen an important milestone in the history of Liverpool Football Club following the announcement that Mr. George Gillett and Mr. Tom Hicks have acquired the majority shareholding of our Chairman, David Moores.
As we embark on a new and exciting era at Liverpool, I feel it is important that I write to you as a supporter to explain the decision behind the takeover, as well as sharing some initial thoughts on how we intend to move forward from here.
The search for the right investor has been an exhaustive process. The recent developments were the culmination of almost three years' intensive activity to secure a partner that would respect and uphold the traditions of a unique "football institution". From the start, this was our unequivocal goal. Allied to this, any prospective partner also had to match our passion and commitment to winning trophies. The approach from George Gillett and Tom Hicks demonstrated these qualities in abundance. "Success breeds success" is a philosophy that runs right throughout Anfield and with the additional knowledge, resources and credibility that both George and Tom bring to the Club, I am convinced our enviable record of honours and silverware will continue to grow over the years to come.
From the perspective of ownership, I believe the future of the Club is in very safe hands. The Gillett and Hicks families possess a tremendous regard and admiration for the standing that Liverpool is privileged to hold in football - not just here in England, but throughout the world. To them, our virtues, heritage and culture are precious assets that will help to inspire everyone connected with us to continue to strive for further success - both on and off the field. And yet in many ways the new acquisition spells "business as usual". Both George and Tom have expressed a tremendous faith and confidence in the people and resources that serve the Club so well, and I know that I speak for everyone in expressing my delight that David Moores has agreed to become Honorary Life - President, retaining a seat on the Board of Directors.
From the team perspective, funds will be made available for the manager to further strengthen what is already an excellent playing squad. In tandem with this, building work will start very soon on our new stadium complex in Stanley Park - the first tangible sign of the financial commitment and expertise in the construction and management of world-class sporting arenas that George and Tom provide.
In conclusion, I have every confidence that the time-honoured values of Liverpool Football Club will remain under careful stewardship as we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in our remarkable history. By the same token, I very much hope the Club can rely on the truly unique and outstanding support it is privileged to receive from all our supporters in the UK and around the world. It is on your incredible loyalty that Liverpool's success and reputation has been built.
If you have any questions or thoughts over the coming weeks, please do not hesitate to feed back to me via our Customer Services Department at customerservices@liverpoolfc.tv
Yours sincerely,
Rick Parry
Chief Executive, Liverpool Football Club
The takeover officially went through today...
Hicks and Gillett now own 98.6% of the club, which means they can compulsary buy the remaining shares.
Hicks and Gillett now own 98.6% of the club, which means they can compulsary buy the remaining shares.
Quote - (Martyn @ Mar 27 2007, 17:32) [snapback]588429551[/snapback]
The takeover officially went through today...
Hicks and Gillett now own 98.6% of the club, which means they can compulsary buy the remaining shares.
Hicks and Gillett now own 98.6% of the club, which means they can compulsary buy the remaining shares.
Cool...any word on the new stadium? I heard they wanted to increase the capacity even before it was built
Quote - (Rappy @ Mar 27 2007, 18:54) [snapback]588429735[/snapback]
Cool...any word on the new stadium? I heard they wanted to increase the capacity even before it was built
Well Hicks and Gillett are getting the architects who did the stadiums in the USA to have a look at the current plans for the stadium, to see if any improvements could be made. Which is a good thing
.
yeah i hope gillette keeps anfield. Gillette is all about the fans, it is clear to anyone who follows the canadiens. He is going to be an awesome owner.
Quote - (rajputwarrior @ Apr 4 2007, 06:18) [snapback]588450401[/snapback]
yeah i hope gillette keeps anfield. Gillette is all about the fans, it is clear to anyone who follows the canadiens. He is going to be an awesome owner.
There is no way that we can keep anfield and move onwards as a club. The capacity is not there and there is no where to expand. Much as we all would love to stay at anfield it is just not possible.
As for Fowler, hows this.....
85th minute of the champions league final against the scum in athens, on comes fowler and scores to make it 1-0 to the mighty LFC, we become 6 times champions and fowler retires even more of a hero than he is already. When does he get his sainthood??
Quote - (spa2k @ Apr 15 2007, 14:12) [snapback]588479436[/snapback]
As for Fowler, hows this.....
85th minute of the champions league final against the scum in athens, on comes fowler and scores to make it 1-0 to the mighty LFC, we become 6 times champions and fowler retires even more of a hero than he is already. When does he get his sainthood??
85th minute of the champions league final against the scum in athens, on comes fowler and scores to make it 1-0 to the mighty LFC, we become 6 times champions and fowler retires even more of a hero than he is already. When does he get his sainthood??
So true
! I was trying to work out what would be better the other day; a 90th minute Fowler winner in Athens or a 90th minute Gary Neville own goal .
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