Liverpool

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Ready to quit


STEVEN GERRARD has emerged as Real Madrid's top target for next summer.
SunSport can reveal Real president Florentino Perez will launch an audacious ?30million bid for the Liverpool skipper. A top Madrid source said: "It's no secret Gerrard is a player Perez and technical director Jorge Valdano admire. "There is a shortlist for next season and Gerrard is the first name on it."

That will worry Kop fans ahead of tomorrow's titanic clash with arch-rivals Manchester United.
And it is certain to pile on the misery for under-fire boss Rafa Benitez, whose side have lost four games on the bounce. Perez has already raided Benitez's team. Last summer, he grabbed midfielder Xabi Alonso in a ?28.8m switch. Perez put out feelers for Gerrard in January - even before he returned as Real president - to see if he would be prepared to sign for Madrid.

Back then, Gerrard dismissed any talk of leaving Anfield, with Liverpool involved in a tight title race with United. Yet the club's reversal of fortunes could now affect the captain's thinking. Liverpool's demise this season means another year of frustration for Gerrard, 29, who is desperate to lead his beloved club to Premier League glory and end their 20-year hoodoo. The England midfielder, struggling with a groin injury, almost quit Anfield in 2005 when he came within a whisker of joining Chelsea. But he had a last-minute change of heart and snubbed Blues owner Roman Abramovich.

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Cometh the saviour

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Will Liverpool stick or twist?


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Mour problems for Liverpool ... ... time for a Golden Guus?

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Liverpool are in a real mess

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Can't look, won't look ... ... Tores feels the strain away to Wigan

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The archetypal team group shot prior to a European fixture as Liverpool face Lille, minus their sponsors.


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Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez prepares for kick-off in France.



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Legrottaglie celebrates with his team-mates.



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Fernardo Torres looks to get into the game.

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Lille celebrate the goal which gives them a famous win.



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Torres baada ya kipigo

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Liverpool can't afford to sack Rafa Benitez!
Firing would trigger £16m pay-off clause


Rafa Benitez will have £16million paid immediately into his bank account if Liverpool sack him this summer. The under-fire Anfield manager has a clause in the five-year contract he signed in March 2009 which dictates that his £4m-a-season deal is paid up in full within 24 hours of him being dismissed.


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In doubt: Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard could move on in the summer

Benitez and his representatives negotiated the terms when he was in a position of strength at the club, having won the battle for power with former chief executive Rick Parry and gained control of all transfer business. It helped that the team were also performing well en route to finishing runners-up to Manchester United in the league last season.


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Pay-off: Benitez would be owed £16m by Liverpool if they sack him in the summer

Now, however, the clause is one of the reasons Benitez remains in his job after what has been a disastrous seven months for Liverpool. Their poor league form and early elimination from the Champions League have led to doubts about the Anfield futures of Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard and put Benitez under enormous pressure. But Anfield's American owners have not stuck by Benitez out of loyalty and the belief that he can turn things around at the club but because of the expense of getting rid of him.

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Liverpool suspend Albert Riera
over outspoken criticism of Rafael Benitez

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Long-distance relationship: Riera has criticised the lack of communication from Benitez


Albert Riera has been suspended by Liverpool and told not to return to training until Monday after the Spain winger launched an attack on Rafael Benítez, the Liverpool manager. Riera, who has lost his position on Liverpool’s left flank after a series of poor performances, told Radio Marca that Benítez is uncommunicative with his players and claimed that the brand of football employed by the Spaniard would make him an unsuitable replacement for Manuel Pellegrini, who is under pressure as coach of Real Madrid.

In recent weeks Riera has become increasingly bemused by his non-selection and has suggested that Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina, his team-mates for club and country, have told him that he deserves to be in the side. The outburst from the 27-year-old is likely to hasten his departure, with Benítez willing to listen to offers for the player — once on loan to Manchester City — who was signed from Espanyol for £8 million 18 months ago. ... ...

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Torres anashindwa kuwaokoa Loserfools.

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La kwanza refa kawapa penati ya uwongo, Lingine Mkorea aliotea
si mmecheki wenyewe El Nino alivyowatungua kwa kichwa??
-Mdau wa Bwawazzzzzzz....
Picha Credit - Michuzi blog

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DANIEL AGGER was upstaged by an Oscar-winning performance in Lisbon last night. Agger's superb ninth-minute flick gave Liverpool a crucial away goal from the first leg of a fiery Europa League quarter-final clash with Benfica. But Rafa Benitez and his men were left rocking by an Oscar Cardozo penalty double and Ryan Babel's idiotic sending-off. Liverpool faced a cauldron of hate at the Estadio da Luz. Swedish ref Jonas Eriksson even threatened to stop the game after a barrage of fireworks from home fans. But it was Babel who took the award for the biggest April Fool with the daftest dismissal you will see all season. Liverpool were a goal to the good, coping well enough with the Benfica bombardment and bang on course for their finest victory of the season.

Cue Babel for a 31st-minute moment of madness that will haunt him for years - after an incident which left his own side with the free-kick. ... ... ..

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LIVERPOOL are again sweating on the fitness of Fernando Torres. The Reds hitman yesterday returned to Spain for a scan on his troublesome knee. And club chiefs are growing increasingly worried the injury will sideline him for the bulk of the run-in. Liverpool will today discover the full extent of the problem, with Torres staying in his homeland this week for treatment. Club chiefs are still hopeful it will NOT end his campaign. But a Kop source revealed: "Fernando was examined by a knee specialist in Spain this afternoon. "He had treatment and will continue to do so over the next few days, with the injury being reassessed later this week." The Reds face Torres' old club Atletico Madrid in next week's Europa League semi-final but now face the prospect of having to pick and choose their fragile striker's games.

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Yanks put reds on the markert

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SELLING UP ... American duo George Gillett and Tom Hicks




LIVERPOOL owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have confirmed the club is up for sale.
The American duo have appointed British Airways supremo Martin Broughton as chairman to oversee any potential deal. A joint statement from Hicks and Gillett said: "Owning Liverpool Football Club over these past three years has been a rewarding and exciting experience for us and our families. "Having grown the club this far we have now decided together to look to sell to owners committed to take Liverpool through the next level of growth and development. "We are delighted that Martin has agreed to take the position of chairman, working alongside the club's excellent senior management team.

"Martin is a distinguished business leader of excellent judgment and with a great reputation. "He is a genuine football supporter and will seek to oversee the sales process in the best interests of the club and its supporters." Broughton added: "I am excited and honoured to be taking up this position. Liverpool are a great club with a fantastic history. "I will run this sale process in the right way, for the benefit of the club and its fans. "Liverpool are one of the world's greatest clubs and my aim is to try and ensure we find new owners who are able to build on the recent improved financial performance." Reds boss Rafa Benitez gave the news a guarded welcome. The Spaniard has yet to speak to Broughton to discuss his ideas for the future and was reluctant to speak at length on what significance a takeover could have. He said: "We have a new chairman and he is in charge of these issues. "At this moment, for me as a manager, I have to concentrate on the West Ham game on Monday.

"I think the club is moving forward and that is positive. It could be good news."

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Rafael Benitez's six-year reign as Liverpool manager looks to be over after the club discussed offering him a £3m compensation package to quit with immediate effect. Anfield chiefs could turn to Roy Hodgson in their search for a new boss.

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He's off: Rafa Benitez


Rafa Banitez's six-year reign as Liverpool manager ended tonight. The Spaniard was summoned to an emergency board meeting and told he had lost the confidence off both the players and the board. Benitez, who signed a lucrative five-year contract in March 2009, was offered just £3m to walk away following a disappointing season.

Rafa is walking alone ... ....

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Rafael Benitez's Liverpool reign


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Having won La Liga twice and the Uefa Cup with Valencia,
Rafael Benitez replaces Gerard Houllier as Liverpool manager in June 2004




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The fans will forever be indebted for Benitez's capture of a Spanish striker,
first name Fernando. However, it's not Morientes, who struggles to justify
a £6.6m fee and leaves having scored only 12 times




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Despite questionable transfer dealings, the Reds prosper on the pitch and reach
the Champions League final, though trailling 3-0 to AC Milan at half-time
hopes of winning the trophy for a fifth time appear slim





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The rest, though, is history. A tweak of tactics here, a change of attitude there
and Liverpool score three unanswered goals and then win on penalties

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Benitez wins another trophy the following season with an FA Cup final victory against West Ham,
but perhaps in an omen of things to come the cup slips from his grasp.
He does not win another major trophy at Anfield




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George Gillett and Tom Hicks complete a protracted takeover in February 2007
and initially the signs are encouraging with money available
to Benitez and another European run developing




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In 2007, just as two years before, Benitez faces a Champions League
semi-final against Jose Mourinho's Chelsea and, as in 2005, he comes out on top again





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However this time there is to be no fairytale ending as Liverpool lose 2-1 to an ageing Milan.
Benitez asks for transfer funds to be made available in the wake of the defeat

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You don't ask, you don't get - Benitez is given a warchest which he uses to sign Andriy Voronin,
Ryan Babel and, more successfully, Fernando Torres for £26.5m





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Babel flatters to deceive, Voronin falters, but Torres is superb and when he scores in a 4-1 win
at Manchester United to help Liverpool finish second a title challenge appears inevitable





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Many pundits are tipping Liverpool to end a 20-year title drought, but Benitez sees playmaker
Xavi Alonso leave for Real Madrid and injury-hit £20m signing Alberto Aquilani struggle to fill the void





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And in a terrible final season, Benitez's side crash out of the Champions League in the group stages,
while their league campaign is derailed by poor form and the odd bit of beachball-related ill fortune

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Some Liverpool fans protest outside Anfield following Benitez's departure,
with the banners making it clear where loyalties lie

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Premier League - Hodgson
signs three-year deal at Liverpool




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Roy Hodgson was tasked with reviving Liverpool's flagging fortunes when the much-travelled 62-year-old was confirmed as the club's new manager after resigning from Fulham.





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Roy Hodgson holds up the famous Liverpool shirt as he is unveiled as the new boss at Anfield.





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The former Fulham boss and LMA Manager of the Year looks forward to writing his name into Liverpool's history books.





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Roy poses for some pictures on the famous Anfield terraces.

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In the press conference, the new manager shakes hands with Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton.




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The two face the cameras for some pictures and a display of unity as the club go forward.




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Hodgson says holding onto the likes of Gerrard and Torres is vital to Liverpool
and the club is anxious to hang on to its best players.





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The chairman Martin Broughton steps in to ensure supporters there is no need for Liverpool to sell their big name players.

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Javier Mascherano confirmed Roy Hodgson's worst fears on Monday when he told the Liverpool boss: 'I'm off'. The Argentina captain has been linked with a reunion with former boss Rafael Benitez at Inter Milan, who are set to make a £25m bid

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Chinese businessman Kenny Huang has pledged to invest heavily in Liverpool should his ownership bid succeed. The tycoon hopes for a quick deal amid talks with RBS and promises funds for the transfer market and new stadium.

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Liverpool striker Fernando Torres says he is "committed to the club and fans" and is "looking forward to working with new Reds manager Roy Hodgson". Torres, 26, had been linked to Chelsea and Manchester City ever since the club failed to qualify for this season's Champions League.
"I am looking forward to the challenge ahead," Torres told the club's website. "My commitment and loyalty to the club and to the fans is the same as it was on my first day when I signed." The Spain international returned to training on Monday after helping his nation win the World Cup in South Africa in July. ..... ..... .

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Man City celebrate as Liverpool's Steven Gerrard looks dejected


The Argentine apparently refused to play for Liverpool at Manchester City as he tried to force through a move to Barcelona. Hodgson is playing hardball, and hauled Mascherano into training this morning while insisting Liverpool will not be bullied into selling. The logical conclusion if Barca fail to stump up the cash and Mascherano's informal strike continues? He remains a Liverpool player but is no longer considered for first-team action since he has shown such a clear lack of commitment.


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Javier Mascherano has agreed terms on an £85,000 a week contract with Barcelona, it has been claimed. The Reds have rejected a £16m offer that included Alexander Hleb, but the clubs could soon find some common ground. Liverpool have offered the Argentina captain a new contract that would see his earnings jump dramatically from £30,000 to £100,000 a week.

Mascherano, who reported in at Liverpool's Melwood training ground on Tuesday, indicated last season he was happy to stay and eager to sign a new deal. However, he performed a U-turn earlier this month by insisting he wanted to quit the country. Hodgson revealed that the former West Ham midfielder’s wife had not settled on Merseyside. Barca’s four-year offer may be lower than that on the table from Liverpool, but Mascherano expects he would fit in well at the Nou Camp and has a huge dressing room ally in Lionel Messi. Guardiola confirmed he was trying to off-load Hleb and the Belarus international is understood to be keen to join Liverpool, but Hodgson may seek a straight cash deal. Real Madrid’s Mahamadou Diarra could be signed from Real Madrid as a direct replacement for Mascherano.

Barca wana fujo sana msimu huu, pesa hawana wanataka dezo.

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Its goner be worse ... ..Boss Roy Hodgson fighting from the bottom three

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What is going on? Raul Meireles can't quite believe
Liverpool lost to Blackpool





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Downcast: Liverpool's Steven Gerrard (left) and Sotirios Kyrgiakos
during the defeat against Blackpool

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The big Question Boss Roy Hodgson atamaliza siku 100 .... ..... .... .... hadi sasa ana siku kama 90 hivi tangu alipochaguliwa .... khe khe kheeee follow the bee.

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Liverpool are to be sold to the owners
of the Boston Red Sox baseball team.



But the takeover by the New England Sports Ventures (NESV) is subject to the resolution of a legal dispute with US owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. The Premier League, who have refused to comment at this stage, will also have to approve the latest American buyout. Earlier Hicks and Gillett tried to sack managing director Christian Purslow and commercial director Ian Ayre in a last-ditch bid to keep control of the club. In an attempt to block any sale and regain control of the crisis-hit club, Liverpool's much criticised owners tried to replace Purslow and Ayre with Hicks's son, Mack Hicks, and Lori Kay McCutcheon, a vice president at Hicks Holdings. Hicks and Gillett are understood to have argued that the club's English directors were not acting in the best interests of Liverpool and that the NESV bid - as well another undisclosed offer from Asia - "dramatically undervalued the club".

Purslow, Ayre and chairman Martin Broughton are now consulting lawyers over whether they can resist the owners' attempts to replace them and force through a sale. "I am delighted that we have been able to successfully conclude the sale process which has been thorough and extensive," said Broughton. "The Board decided to accept NESV's proposal on the basis that it best met the criteria we set out originally for a suitable new owner. NESV's philosophy is all about winning and they have fully demonstrated that at Red Sox. "We've met them in Boston, London and Liverpool over several weeks and I am immensely impressed with what they have achieved and with their vision for Liverpool Football Club. "By removing the burden of acquisition debt, this offer allows us to focus on investment in the team. "I am only disappointed that the owners have tried everything to prevent the deal from happening and that we need to go through legal proceedings in order to complete the sale." NESV currently owns a portfolio of companies including the Boston Red Sox, New England Sports Network, Fenway Sports Group and Rousch Fenway Racing. They are partly owned by futures and foreign exchange trading advisor John W. Henry who has an estimated fortune of £540m. Henry, 61, made his fortune in hedge funds, but has used it to indulge his sporting interests, most famously with the Boston Red Sox baseball team, but also in the NASCAR motorsport series.

The self-made multi-millionaire from Illinois does not have the serious money of the Premier League's wealthiest owners but he does have an excellent track record of success with his teams. After owning a number of minor league teams, and briefly controlling the Florida Marlins, Henry and his partners in New England Sports Ventures, Tom Werner and the New York Times Company, bought the Red Sox in 2002. Within two years of Henry's acquisition their 86-year wait to win the World Series title came to an end. Three years later, they won the title again. NESV are thought to be offering about £300m for the club, enough to pay back the £240m of loans and £40m of fees owed to Royal Bank of Scotland, which must be settled at the end of next week. However, this valuation falls well short of the £600m that Hicks and Gillett are thought to want for the club, hence their opposition. Liverpool were put up for sale by Hicks and Gillett in April with debts of £351.4m.

They initially sought an asking price of about £800m, a figure they subsequently dropped to £600m. In August, there were abortive bids from Hong Kong businessman Kenny Huang while a consortium fronted by Syrian businessman Yahya Kirdi also expressed an interest. The owners paid £174.1m to buy the club in 2007, while also agreeing to take on the club's debt of £44.8m. Many fans have become increasingly outraged at the pair's ownership of the club, which is said to be currently £237.4m in debt, and their failure to carry through promises to build a new stadium.

The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) has set a deadline of 15 October for that debt to be repaid or a penalty fee of £60m will be due. The bank has the option of extending the deadline once again, or calling it in, taking control and then selling the club to the highest bidder. Liverpool's troubles off the pitch have coincided with the Anfield club making their worst start to a league campaign since 1953-54, when they were relegated. The Reds are currently wallowing in 18th place in the Premier League.




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Liverpool are currently in the Premier League relegation places

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UP FOR SALE ... Liverpool FC



Liverpool agree Red Sox


CRISIS club Liverpool are to be sold to the owners of the Boston Red Sox baseball team in a £300million deal. The takeover - by New England Sports Ventures - is subject to the outcome of a legal dispute with US owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. The Premier League will also have to approve the American buyout. Hicks and Gillet are unlikely to go quietly however, after last night's bitter power struggle saw them try to sack managing director Christian Purslow and commercial director Ian Ayre.

The club's two American owners are unhappy at the bid, feeling the club has been "dramatically undervalued". But Purslow, Ayre and chairman Martin Broughton will fight attempts to replace them legally, and force through the sale to NESV and their principal owner John Henry. Broughton said: "I am delighted that we have been able to successfully conclude the sale process which has been thorough and extensive. "The Board decided to accept NESV's proposal on the basis that it best met the criteria we set out originally for a suitable new owner. "NESV's philosophy is all about winning and they have fully demonstrated that at Red Sox.

"We've met them in Boston, London and Liverpool over several weeks and I am immensely impressed with what they have achieved and with their vision for Liverpool Football Club. "By removing the burden of acquisition debt, this offer allows us to focus on investment in the team. "I am only disappointed that the owners have tried everything to prevent the deal from happening and that we need to go through legal proceedings in order to complete the sale." NESV currently owns a portfolio of companies including the Boston Red Sox baseball team, New England Sports Network, Fenway Sports Group and Rousch Fenway Racing.

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So, just who is John William Henry ll...
the man set to take control of Liverpool?


Liverpool fans may be wary of another American owner, but in John William Henry II they have a very different breed to Tom Hicks and George Gillett. The quiet, reserved 61-year-old made his fortune in hedge funds, but has used it to indulge his sporting interests, most famously with the Boston Red Sox baseball team, but also in the NASCAR motorsport series.


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Moving in: John Henry celebrates Boston Red Sox winning the 2007 World Series

The self-made multi-millionaire does not have the serious money of the Premier League's wealthiest owners, with his fortune rated at $860 million (£540m) before dipping in the credit crunch, but he does have an excellent track record of success with his teams. After owning a number of minor league teams, and briefly controlling the Florida Marlins, Henry and his partners in New England Sports Ventures, Tom Werner and the New York Times Company, bought the Red Sox in 2002. In doing so, they acquired one of the game's most famous names but a team who could not translate their wealth and prominence into championships thanks to one of baseball's most endearing tales - 'the curse of the Bambino'.



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Happy couple: Henry with wife Linds

The Red Sox won the World Series in 1918, but immediately afterwards sold emerging star Babe Ruth to their arch rivals, the New York Yankees. While Ruth smashed baseball's records to establish the Yankees as the pre-eminent franchise in the game, the Red Sox suffered calamity after calamity as they bid to end their curse and win another title. As entire generations of Red Sox fans passed without ever seeing their team win, many wondered if the curse was here to stay. But within two years of Henry's acquisition the drought came to an end as they won their first World Series title in 86 years.

Three years later, they won the title again. Henry has achieved this success while staying true to the rich traditions of the Red Sox. Any temptation to move out of historic but restrictive Fenway Park, baseball's oldest ballpark, has been resisted, with the club instead finding inventive ways to maximise revenues in order to remain competitive with the Yankees. The fortunes of the Roush Fenway Racing team have likewise risen since Henry bought into the NASCAR team in 2007, with the team winning their first Daytona 500 in 2009 with Matt Kenseth. But it is the Red Sox model that Liverpool fans will be most keen to replicate. If Henry can show the same respect for history in handling the stadium issue, and more importantly find a way to end the club's long title drought, Americans will suddenly become very welcome at Anfield once again.



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Liverpool takeover Q&A



Q: Why is there a crisis at Liverpool?

A: The board, led by independent chairman Martin Broughton, have accepted a £300m offer for the club from New England Sports Venture. Kop owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett oppose the offer.

Q: What have Hicks and Gillett done about it?

A: They have taken legal action to try to overturn the board's call. They have also attempted to sack two board members and install their own people.

Q: Why are Hicks and Gillett against the offer?

A: They believe £300m grossly undervalues the club and because they would each take a massive financial hit.

Q: Isn't £300m far more than they paid for the club in 2007?

A: They paid £219m, funded by bank loans. But debts have risen to £280m and they have invested £144.4m into Kop Holdings, which was lent to Liverpool.

Q: What would Hicks and Gillett be left with if the buy-out goes ahead?

A: Around £200m would go towards paying off banks debts. RBS may leave around £30m of the debt as a credit facility for the new owners. Only after all the other creditors are paid would any left-over cash go to Hicks and Gillett.

Q: What about penalty fees Hicks and Gillett have built up with RBS?

A: They total around £45m but they would no doubt be subject to legal challenges too.

Q: So what size of loss are Hicks and Gillett contemplating?

A: A sizeable one - as much as £144m.

Q: What is the next step?

A: If they sack the board, RBS would claim that would put the Yanks in breach of their refinancing agreement signed in April.

Q: What if they succeed?

A: Even if they succeed, unless they have raised funds to pay off their debts by October 15 then RBS will assume control of the club, put Kop Holdings into administration and sell Liverpool - most likely to NESV.

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9 points at stake?

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A defining week for liverpool the court case


an attempt by tom hicks and george gillett (above left) to block the sale to new england sports ventures (nesv) for £300m will be heard in the high court this week.
Chairman martin broughton says the sale was agreed by a majority of the board.

if broughton wins

nesv, fronted by boston red sox owner john w henry, will become the new owners and immediately work on their pledge of removing the club's acquisition debt of £237m.

if hicks wins

he will have until friday to pay back rbs an estimated £280m. If he doesn't, the bank can call in the debt, which would leave liverpool in administration and facing a nine-point deduction.

hodgson and the players

already in the bottom three, fans don't want to see the players and manager use off-field turmoil as an excuse for poor performances. Defeat at everton next sunday will only increase the pressure.

best-case scenario

the ownership issue is sorted out before friday and investment can be made in new players in january.

worst-case scenario

the club goes into administration and liverpool face relegation, which would lead to a leeds united-style downward spiral.

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Anfield in crisis: Rescuing Liverpool
is like trying to stop the Titanic from sinking



In the champagne bars of the City of London, where the fates of great football clubs that were once-potent symbols of working- class pride are now decided, the mood was one of wellrehearsed bravado. The salvation of Liverpool Football Club was nigh, according to Martin Broughton, the suave businessman and Chelsea fan, brought in last April on a reported £500,000 bonus to sell the club. With scant regard for splitting infinitives, a statement said he was 'delighted to successfully conclude the sale of the club' to New England Sports Ventures, the company headed by John W Henry, the flamboyant commodities trader, who revitalised the world-famous Boston Red Sox baseball team.



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Captain of the sinking ship: Steven Gerrard's side is in deep trouble



The pressing point of a legal challenge to the £300million sale by the club's owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillett, was treated as something of a formality. But now it emerges that the situation is more complex than that. Despite the outward display of confidence, sources close to advisors working on Broughton's behalf acknowledge that they have only a '50-50' chance of winning the High Court hearing in which Hicks, who is driving the case, will attempt to block the sale on the grounds that the board which voted it through was not lawfully constituted. Last week it was assumed that, should Broughton's audacious bid to sell against the owners' wishes fail, then the club's bank, RBS, who are owed £237m by the club, would take over, put Liverpool in administration and execute the deal with NESV.

But that assumption also now has its complications, namely the ninepoint penalty that would be imposed by the Premier League as the required punishment for a club placed in administration. Last night it emerged if the points penalty is incurred, NESV will walk away from a deal with RBS, leaving the club - and the bank - with no potential buyers and Championship football looming. That threat may well re-focus the mind of RBS, who had appeared to be ready to put the club in administration on the basis that it would not jeopardise a deal.

After all, it had been widely assumed that by placing the club's holding company, Kop Holdings, rather than the football club into administration, Liverpool would avoid incurring a points penalty. The Premier League have since confirmed that this is unlikely to be the case and one Premier League club chairman said: 'I don't think the League could allow that to happen because the clubs wouldn't go along with it. It would really smell.

We are talking about trying to make the game transparent and clean. It would be fundamentally wrong as the Kop Holdings company is simply a device; it is one and the same as Liverpool Football Club.' RBS recognise that placing the club in administration represents a nightmare scenario, with the stateowned bank being cast as the public executioners of the club. If it were to happen on Friday, the day the bank's £237m debt is due, it would put the club at the bottom of the Premier League on minus-three points on the weekend they face Everton in the Merseyside derby, although in reality RBS would wait until an appeal was heard before taking such a draconian action.




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Digging in: George Gillett (right) and Tom Hicks


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Laughing all the way to the bank:
Liverpool's Chairman Martin Broughton with MD Christian Puslow


Nevertheless, NESV see this unwelcome new development as a deal breaker. Having already had doubts about the £300m price they were paying, which was increased in negotiations when Broughton raised the prospect of an alternative sale to a Singapore consortium, due diligence had already revealed the problematic nature of turning the club around. Buying Liverpool is a project NESV appear keen to embark on, but not at any cost.

Ironically, the mood of the new Americans chimes with that of insiders at Anfield and Melwood. It might have been expected that they would also be toasting the deal to sell the club. Curiously there was no such euphoria. Those who have known the club through generations, rather than the six months that Broughton has been involved, were cautious and concerned. It is not just because they have been down this route before, when Hicks and Gillett rolled into town three years ago, that scepticism abounded. It is also because they are aware that there is an awfully long road ahead, whoever ends up in control.



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American revolution: Liverpool fans have never taken to Gillett and Hicks

For the mismanagement and utter lack of vision at Liverpool over the past 20 years cannot be better illustrated than by comparing the match-day revenues generated at Anfield and Old Trafford. On the most recent comparable figures available, the 2008-09 season, Manchester United made £108.8m on match-days at Old Trafford, while at Anfield Liverpool managed only £42.7m. Suddenly there is fresh talk of redeveloping Anfield. The fact that NESV did the same at Fenway Park, the iconic home of the Red Sox, has been presented as a sign of their sensitivity to the history of the club rather than the cheapest option.

'If we invested heavily in a 60,000-plus stadium at Anfield to expand the current stadium, why would that be a bad thing?' asked Broughton. Keith Harris, chairman of investment bank Seymour Pierce and the architect of buy-outs at Chelsea, Aston Villa, Manchester City and West Ham, disagrees. He said: 'Everybody knows that Liverpool without a new stadium is a dying duck. The other problem is that I'm equally sure Hicks and Gillett will dig their heels in to frustrate them with every ounce of their strength. If you are weighing up this deal, you have to ask, "Is the damage done such that the football business is holed beneath the waterline?"'

Indeed, saving Liverpool is beginning to seem like trying to stop the Titanic sinking. Losses up to July 2009 were £54.9m. Although there has been some respite, in a reduction of the overall debt since then, this season's failure to participate in the Champions League is likely to cost the club around £20m.

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Sox appeal: John W Henry high fives Boston Red Sox fans after
winning baseball's World Series in 2007



Removing the annual interest payments on the debt, which were £40.1m in 2009, as NESV plan to do, would be a huge step forward towards stabilising the club but it would still be almost impossible to challenge the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City without a new stadium. That would imply a long-term vision and if new owners do eventually proceed with a 60,000-seat stadium in Stanley Park, on which more than £30m has already been spent, they would have to borrow the majority of the £400m estimated building costs.

That would at least represent productive debt, investing in the future of the club, but as Arsenal's experience in building a new stadium shows, it could also mean sacrificing football ambitions. Although now a hugely successful club in many regards, Arsenal are without a trophy for five years. In short, Liverpool need enormous investment but revitalising a club in a sport with no salary cap would be considerably harder than the turnaround achieved by NESV at the Red Sox.

The architect of today's Liverpool Football Club, Bill Shankly, is commemorated in a statue outside Anfield. 'He made the people happy,' reads the epitaph. Maybe one day they will erect something similar for John W Henry outside a new stadium at Stanley Park, acknowledging that he re-ignited Shankly's vision. For now though, some of the people remain sceptical.


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Walk on with hope in your heart: Liverpool fans unfurl a flag at the Kop end



The big question .. ... will the sox fit the cops?

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Liverpool takeover D-Day: High Court to hear Tom Hicks
and George Gillett's legal challenge on Tuesday




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Torrid time: Gerrard and Co have endured a difficult start to the season

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Liverpool takeover struggle takes fresh twist as Peter Lim
places biggest offer on table on day of High Court drama



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Improved offer: Peter Lim wants to buy Liverpool




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Support: Fans stand outside the courthouse on the opening day



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Pet sounds: A dog is draped in a Liverpool flag outside the court

Mr Justice Floyd is expected to give a ruling this afternoon.

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Justice Floyd has decided to make a ruling tomorrow morning ... ... ... Kops keep waiting ... ...

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A HIGH COURT judge has ruled against Liverpool co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett — paving the way for the sale of the club. The Americans had asked to delay the hearing of an application by creditors Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) for mandatory orders which could have led to a possible sale this week. But their plea was rejected by Mr Justice Floyd, sitting at the High Court in London.

He said: "I am not prepared to grant any relief. If I did it would risk stopping the sale and purchase agreement going ahead." Keith Oliver, a senior partner with solicitors Peters & Peters, who are acting for the club's owners said there was still room for appeal. Mr Oliver added: "We are obviously disappointed with the judge's decision. "Mr Hicks and Mr Gillett will now be considering their next steps, and that will include whether to make an application to the court of appeal." This was a big victory for Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton, who has been trying to arrange the sale of the Anfield outfit. He said: "I am absolutely elated, it's a very important day for our club. "This will clear the way for the sale, we will have a board meeting this evening and proceed with the sale.

"It has been an anxious time but we have been confident. But when you go to court you can ever be sure." Regarding the possible sale to New England Sports Ventures (NESV), Broughton added: "The board has to be reconstituted and I can't prejudge what the board is going to say. "It would be inappropriate to prejudge what the board may say. "I want to thank the fans for their support through a difficult time. We hope to have the board meeting this evening. We will get the right owners for the fans. "It was an excellent outcome and I will be very pleased when the process we came in to do is completed." At RBS's request, the judge has imposed injunctions on Hicks and Gillett requiring them to restore the original constitutions of the companies and managing directors.

This has now opened up the possibility of a £300million takeover by NESV, which would see the RBS recoup its original £237m loan to Hicks and Gillett when they bought the club in March 2007.

Will the Hick and Gillet appeal ... ....

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LIVERPOOL'S board was last night battling to sell the club to New England Sports Ventures after a shock lawsuit from owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. The High Court gave the go-ahead to NESV's £300million deal yesterday morning after ruling the American duo had no right to block the takeover.

Jubilant Kop fans hoped the sale to John W Henry's company would be rubber-stamped at a board meeting in London last night. But furious Hicks and Gillett refused to go quietly and issued a £1BILLION claim against Liverpool creditors Royal Bank of Scotland, chairman Martin Broughton, chief executive Christian Purslow, board member Ian Ayre, financial director Philip Nash and NESV - accusing them of an 'epic swindle'. They also obtained an injunction from the court in Dallas, Texas, which claimed to stop the sale of Liverpool going through.

The American court has pencilled in a hearing for October 25. Hicks and Gillett's move was a hammer blow for the Liverpool board, which was forced to postpone announcing the deal to fight the injunction. The board meeting, with NESV chief Henry in attendance, began in London at 8pm. Shortly after 11pm a club statement was issued which read: "Following the successful conclusion of High Court proceedings today, the Boards of Directors of Kop Football and Kop Holdings met and resolved to complete the sale of Liverpool FC to NESV. "Regrettably, Thomas Hicks and George Gillett have tonight obtained a Temporary Restraining Order against the independent directors, Royal Bank of Scotland PLC and NESV to prevent the transaction being completed. "The independent directors consider the restraining order to be unwarranted and damaging and will move as swiftly as possible to have it removed."

A statement from the owners' lawyers Fish and Richardson read: "The suit lays out the defendants' 'epic swindle' in which they conspired to devise and execute a scheme to sell LFC to NESV at a price they know to be hundreds of millions of dollars below true market value. "It describes how the defendants excluded the owners from meetings, discussions and communications regarding the potential sale to NESV and interfered with efforts by the owners to obtain financing for Liverpool FC."
Singapore businessman Peter Lim still insists he has a chance of taking control of the club. A spokesman for Lim, who has tabled a £360m bid, said: "The situation is in flux, Peter is monitoring the latest developments. He remains interested in buying Liverpool."

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BACK WE GO ... Martin Broughton,
Ian Ayre and Christian Purslow face more legal battles today




Lim out of Liverpool

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I'M OUT ... Peter Lim has been left frustrated
by the Liverpool board




SINGAPORE tycoon Peter Lim has withdrawn from the race to buy Liverpool after becoming frustrated at having his offer ignored by their board. Lim, who claimed to have tabled a £360million deal, believes chairman Martin Broughton and the Reds board are determined to sell the club to New England Sports Ventures. He said in a statement: "It has become clear to me that the board is intent on selling the club to New England Sports Ventures to the exclusion of all other parties, regardless of the merits of their bids.

"In these circumstances, I am not able to proceed with my intention to acquire the club."

Hick and Gillet have been asked by the High court in London today to cancel their inunction filed in USA demanding a payment of 1 billion pounds as the USA law does not have jurisdiction in the UK .... .....


Ngoma bado mbichi hapa na kesho RBS watataka mpunga wao .. .... .... Je Liverpool watakuwa docked 9 points? Nini hatima ya Liverpool? .... .... ..

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Hooray, Henry is new Kop


NEW ENGLAND SPORTS VENTURES have completed the £300million takeover of Liverpool. John W Henry and the owners of the Boston Red Sox have taken control of the club after previous American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett were defeated in their legal battle to stop the takeover. Henry said: "I am proud and humble. Now we have a lot of work to do. "I cannot tell you how happy I am to finally complete the deal. "We're not going to have a lot to say, our actions will speak for us.

"We're here to win. We have a tradition of winning and we will do whatever's necessary." Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton added: "It's been very stressful but we've always been very confident that we would get there." When asked how he was funding the purchase of Liverpool, Henry said: "With pounds." A joint statement from New England Sports Ventures and Liverpool Football Club read:

''New England Sports Ventures (NESV) today announces that it has completed the purchase of Liverpool Football Club. NESV wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to the board of Liverpool FC for their diligence and their efforts on behalf of the club and its supporters. ''The transaction values the club at £300m and eliminates all of the acquisition debt placed on LFC by its previous owners, reducing the Club's debt servicing obligations from £25m-£30m a year to £2m-£3m. ''New England Sports Ventures is committed to winning and currently owns a portfolio of companies, including the Boston Red Sox, New England Sports Network, Fenway Sports Group and Roush Fenway Racing.'' NESV principal owner John W Henry said: "On behalf of the entire NESV partnership, I want to express how incredibly proud and humbled we are to be confirmed as the new owners of Liverpool FC.

''We regard our role as that of stewards for the club with a primary focus on returning the club to greatness on and off the field for the long-term. ''We are committed first and foremost to winning. We have a history of winning, and today we want LFC supporters to know that this approach is what we intend to bring to this great club." Liverpool FC chairman Martin Broughton, said: "I am delighted that we have been able to successfully conclude the sale process which has been thorough and extensive.
''The board decided to accept NESV's offer on the basis that it best met the criteria we set out originally for a new owner.

''NESV is buying Liverpoo l in order to put it on an excellent financial footing and continue to develop it internationally. ''This is a good deal which comprehensively resolves the pressing issue of the club's debt and should give staff, players and fans great confidence regarding the future of Liverpool FC."


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I've fone it! ... .... ....
New Liverpool owner John W Henry


From Yanks to Yanks

The happiest people aren't Liverpool supporters et al but the lawyers who go to the bank laughing ... ... .and its not yet over until is over ..... ..

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Kenny Dalglish presents his two new signings to the press.




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Luis Suarez faces the press the day after his goalscoring debut.





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Andy Carroll gives his thoughts to the press...




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...but Liverpool's record signing must make to wait his debut.

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Dalglish leads Suarez and Carroll onto the Anfield pitch...





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...before posing for one last picture for the cameras.

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Forget your appeal, Luis,
just say sorry to Evra and take the ban




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Flashpoint: Luis Suarez and Patrice Evra clash at Anfield




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Banned: Suarez faces missing eight games if he fails to appeal or his ban is upheld