Dawning Of A New Era

6th February 2007 will go down into the history books of Liverpool as perhaps, one of the most important day in Liverpool's 115 years of history. From a family club which is ran by an Englishmen, we have moved on to be a franchise under new American owners, George Gillett and Tom Hicks as we sought out all possible ways to break the stranglehold that is held by Chelsea and Man United in recent times.

It's been 17 long years since we've won the English Championship (or the EPL in a more foreign term) and with the football world rapidly changing, it's time we move on from being a laid back family club to one that sought to dominate English football again with ruthlessness and aggressiveness.


Football have moved on. Money has taken front seat and like I've previously mentioned, changed from the cogs of the football machine to the very mechanism itself. Without money, nothing in football will run. Roman Abramovich came to England with his riches and dominated football with them. It does tell a story, that with money, you could buy instant successes.

Hicks and Gillett will surely not feel alone in the land just across the pond. Malcolm Glazer and Randy Lerner are the other two American chairmen. Have we seen a change in power in the English game? With more and more foreign tycoons and businessmen willing to spill their lucre in the land of hope and glory, it does certainly feel that football will never be the same again.

I, as a fan, can't tell the future and look through the crystal ball to tell you whether this two men will bring back the glory days of Liverpool or not. But I believe as a fan and supporter of the club, we should always stick with the team whatever their decision might be and this time, David Moores took a hard time to pass over this baton to the two Americans whom not many of us know but I believe he knows what he is doing.


It's never easy for us, fans, to quickly accept this two men with open arms as some of us actually sees them as devils' advocates and all they see in Liverpool are profits. But I guess the only thing that can actually convince all of us will be with time. We can only wait and see. From yesterday's press conference, they sounded like they are really passionate fans of sports and are not in this all just for the money and profits.

The club seemed to have stalled for a long time regarding the business side of the game and is in danger of lagging further behind with Manchester United the sure leaders and Chelsea not far away. Now with the two men on board, I'm sure they'll continue to build up the famous 'brand' of Liverpool. A club of our stature deserves much, much more.

The New Anfield stadium have been dragged on and on due to the fact that the club's board and shareholders are unable to fork out the massive amount of money to build the new stadium. The money needed to buy a new spiritual home for the Reds skyrocketed over the years and David Moores certainly felt he doesn't have the resources to take Liverpool into a new level.

But with stadium promised to be built by April, it's certainly a positive step for Liverpool, in the right direction at last. When it comes to moving away from Anfield, I can feel the pain of many Liverpudlians who have been there fore many years as have their forefathers. It's a ground where many laughed together, sang together and cried together. The sacred ground to many, will go into the history books and the legendary Kop End might not be able to be seen again.


To me, I'm positive of this move. The DIC's takeover sounded more promising due to their extensive PR work but I don't think it's right to threaten the club and it's board. Whatever the case, Mr. Moores have agreed to sell his family inheritance to the duo and all we can hope for is a bright red future for the club. It has been sleeping for far too long and only recently, through Rafa and his men, we could regain a bit of consciousness. Now it's time we open our eyes wide and compete with the big boys, head on.

Hopes:

The transfer kitty given to Rafa will be an important weapon. But I feel that the two men should NOT meddle with the transfer activities and let the manager himself to buy players he want. We've seen what happened to him during his days at Valencia and I certainly do not want it to happen again. Things and matters on the field, I hope the two Americans will give their full support to Rafa and his team.

As the new stadium is said to not have gotten a naming right, it means that the New Anfield could very well be a Coca Cola Astrodome or MacDonald's Stadium. To me, I prefer NOT to have these and stick to either Anfield or New Anfield. They have mentioned that if they could sign an extra world class player just because of the naming rights, I think we shouldn't go down that way but keep our club tradition where it is.

The Kop End must be within the stadium, no matter what. It's part of Liverpool that nobody can take away. It's a symbolism of football fanaticism, passion, love and support.


It's exciting times ahead of Liverpool. It'll be an unpredictable one, just like how DIC's deal fell through and the duo got it in the end. It might just be a blessing in disguise and we'll never know, until perhaps a few years down the road when we'll certainly talk about it again.

And finally, the deal is done and there will not be any more distractions for the players. This few months have been pretty distraction ones for the players as the club is involved in all these takeover talks. Now it is settled, the players can now go out to play without worries.

Significantly, I believe the takeover will inspire some players to up their ante. With money coming in, I think the players will fear for their future at the club and will have to be at their best or be replaced in the summer. That'll certainly spark the players to go from strength to strength.

As football and Liverpool have moved on, it's time for the fans to move on as well. We might bemoan the sale as selling the soul to the devil. But I believe this two men will bring Liverpool into the next level where Moores couldn't. Hang in there, tight!

Reds Agree Takeover Terms

From BBC:

American duo George Gillett and Tom Hicks have reached an agreement to buy Liverpool, the club have announced.

The club have called a news conference at 1400 GMT to announce the details of the takeover.

Liverpool chairman David Moores, who will become an honorary life president, said: "This is a great step forward for its shareholders and its fans."

Hicks and Gillett, who beat off Dubai International Capital for the Reds, are owners of NHL ice hockey teams.

The offer is worth £5,000 per share, valuing the club at £174.1m, and along with the club's £44.8m debt their offer is worth £218.9m.

But the pair are also thought to have guaranteed over £200m towards the cost of building a new stadium.

A club statement said: "Liverpool FC today announced that the board have agreed the terms of an offer for the club from Mr George Gillett and Mr Tom Hicks.

"The board are unanimously recommending that the club's shareholders accept this offer."

Moores added: "This club is my passion and forms a huge part of my life. After much careful consideration, I have agreed to sell my shares to assist in securing the investment needed for the new stadium and for the playing squad.

"I am also delighted to accept the offer from the Hicks and Gillett families to continue my involvement in the club by becoming honorary life president."

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry added: "This is great for Liverpool, our supporters and the shareholders - it is the beginning of a new era for the club.

"They are bringing to the table tremendous and relevant experience, a passion for sport, real resources and a strong commitment to the traditions of Liverpool.

"They have made clear their intention to move as quickly as practicable on the financing and construction of our proposed new stadium at Stanley Park and also to support investment in the playing squad.

"This has been an important time for the club. We now have the right partners for the future. I am absolutely certain we have now ended up in the right place, with owners who will help the club succeed and prosper.

Hicks, who also owns the Texas Rangers baseball team, joined forces with Gillett to gazump rival bidders DIC last week.

Arrangements over the future of Liverpool's new stadium appear to have clinched the deal.

Hicks has built up a reputation for developing state-of-the-art stadia for his teams.

But his presence apparently ensured that Liverpool will not have to share their new Stanley Park ground with neighbours, Everton.

Gillett has impressed Liverpool with his proposals and the speed at which he completed due diligence - the process of investigation by potential investors - in three days.

The 68-year-old American has also stressed his experience in running successful sporting operations.

It is thought to be the first time that two owners of rival sports clubs in one league have combined to purchase a club in another.

"We fully acknowledge and appreciate the unique heritage and rich history of Liverpool and intend to respect this heritage in the future.

"The Hicks family and the Gillett family are extremely excited about continuing the club's legacy and tradition.

"We are particularly pleased that David Moores and Rick Parry will have a continuing involvement in the club. For us continuity and stability are keys to the future."


Breakdown:

Total Share Capital: £174.1m
Clearing of debts: £44.8m
New Stadium Cost: £200m

Enterprise value: £218.9million

Drogballs: Point of note. There is reliable source that states the new stadium will start NEXT MONTH and we should be aware that Tom Hicks is an experienced sports franchise owner who builds state of the art stadia for his teams so I don't think we need to worry about the New Anfield.

Regarding sponsorship for next season, it will almost definitely not be Carlsberg and the source states that they have found a huge company to be our sponsor.

Hopefully, a bright and red future ahead of us. I shall reserve my comment to later and not jump to conclusion. But it is exciting times indeed.

Getting To Know Our New Owner

Extracted from RAWK.com:

What do you hope to achieve with Liverpool Football Club?

George Gillett: We had the privilege of spending some time last night with Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher and they delivered us the message. They are all about winning and all about the passion from the fans. They asked us three specific questions:

They wanted continuity of management with David and Rick. They have enormous regard for them. They also spoke extremely warmly about Rafa and made us aware that they feel this man is truly one of the great geniuses in the recent history of the sport. They wanted to communicate to us the feeling from the dressing room was of great respect for the management team.

Secondly, they wanted to talk about players and to encourage us to support Rick and Rafa's efforts in building the team.

They were also clear with their views on the stadium. They made us aware the sound, the energy and the passion that Anfield provides needs to be incorporated into the design of the new stadium.

They were the three messages they wanted us to hear and we heard them loud and clear.


Did you understand what Jamie Carragher was saying?

George Gillett: We did! He's definitely a scouser, that's for sure. The first thing the two players did was give us their shirts with a nice message so that was a special moment for us.

I'm sure he don't understand Carra, I'm sure.... And the monumental moment in Liverpool Football Club's long history is about to unfold. Sit tight and hang on!

You Must Wait To Get The Best

That line above sums up everything about Liverpool, isn't it? Once again, we're made to wait for not one, but two decisions, right at the eleventh hour. Both Javier Mascherano and Dubai Int. Corporation (DIC) are the losers of this round as one was made to wait along with Liverpool while the other one threw tantrum and left when they faced challenge from US billionaire, George Gillett.

Wait For Javier

Liverpool's protracted bid to sign West Ham midfielder Javier Mascherano has been drawn out further by the Premier League's decision to look more closely at the details of the transfer.

The Argentina midfielder was given special dispensation by world governing body FIFA to complete the transfer despite already played for two clubs competitively this season - the Hammers and Brazilian club Corinthians.

Liverpool submitted the player's registration documents to the Premier League ahead of the midnight transfer deadline but they cannot, as yet, call the player their own.

"The Premier League can confirm that, in accordance with its rules, Javier Mascherano's registration documents were received from Liverpool FC prior to the transfer window closing," said a statement from the Premier League.

"While Liverpool have met the required deadline the Premier League Board, consistent with its powers in this matter, has decided to take time to satisfy itself with the proposed arrangements before the registration can be effected and the player permitted to play for Liverpool FC.

"The board will consider the terms of the registration as quickly as possible and notify the parties involved of its decision accordingly.

Something which I cannot agree with and baffled. Right, so after a month of 'discussion', FIFA decides to let us go ahead with the signing of Mascherano from West Ham on loan. It's controversial as it's an exploit of the loophole in the 'rules' of the game as a player is not supposed to play for more than 2 clubs in a year. We had a point to argue and we made ourselves clear. Fair enough.

So it took FIFA around 30 days before they gave us an answer and by then, we had to submit the case to FAPL and now again, another 'investigation'. If the world football governing body has already dispensate the case, why do they need another round? Trying to show who's big daddy here?

Miles and miles of red tapes. Time wasted. A player's career I'm talking about here. Javier haven't played since December 8 and why? I don't know. Perhaps the shady company that owned him has the answer.

What to do? Wait, la.


Wait For Takeover

Boy A likes Girl A and his love reciprocated. But in comes Girl B and Boy A seemed impress by her. Seen talking to the new Girl B, Girl A got jealous and let with a note saying "Hope you have great fun with your new girl." and then a "hmmpf!" at the end of it.

Sounds familiar? Read the DIC statement on their decision to pull out of the deal.

"As businessmen, we move on. As fans, we hope that the new owners would share the same vision as we had for LFC."

It's really how you interpret their statement. Some thinks they're nice enough to say good luck. But then again, read between the lines, you could sense a little anger and annoyance. I could understand. To me, their CEO, Samir Al-Ansari seemed like a nice person with a passion for the Reds. Sadly, due to unforeseen circumstances, the board decided to reject the bid from them and out they went.

I'm disappointed, as you can see from my previous post. But then again I have to make myself clear that the post yesterday was more of a knee-jerk reaction (we all do, don't we?). Sometimes we just jump to conclusion to quickly and never really take a look at the bigger picture.

I cannot say I've seen the bigger picture, actually not much have been made available for fans, but I still believe Parry and Moores KNOWS what they're doing. And what can we do as fans? Trust in our board I guess. Nothing much we could do. Only the insiders know what's going on and the people on the outside like us, could only speculate all day lay blames and pointing fingers.

CEO RickParry has appealed to the fans to trust the board and I still think they know what they're doing. Not much have been known about this new American billionaire since he seemed to be in and out of the picture all the time and his didn't gain as much publicity as the DIC.

Even the FA Premier League Chief, Brian Barwick came forward and said about how clubs now have befallen into the hands of foreigners and has reinstated that clubs are not a passive thing but something that many have their lives attached to. He spoke as a passionate Liverpool fan and said "don't mess with the club I love".

And again, all we can do is, WAIT. Hopefully, not for long.

DIC Pull Out Of Liverpool Deal

The Dubai International Capital investment group have pulled out of a proposed takeover of Liverpool.

The group, owned by the Dubai government, had been examining the club's books with a view to a £156million buy-out.

And their decision to withdraw follows the failure of the Liverpool board to accept the offer last night, following a rival bid by American billionaire George Gillett.

A statement read: "Dubai International Capital LLC today announces that it has decided to end negotiations with Liverpool FC & Athletic Grounds plc about a possible investment in the club.

"Having completed due diligence, DIC submitted a comprehensive offer to the Liverpool board.

"The offer had been accepted in principle by majority shareholder David Moores. It appears that the Liverpool board and the majority shareholder David Moores were unable to approve these terms in order to allow DIC to make a formal offer to all shareholders."

The news prolongs Liverpool's long search for the outside investment they believe they need to compete at the top end of the Premiership and in Europe.

DIC had been their most likely suitor and entered into discussions with the club late last year.

The deal would have valued the club at £450million but the Dubai group have decided to withdraw following the board's decision to allow more time to consider the Gillett bid.

Gillett, owner of the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey team, has proposed a deal which is thought to offer shareholders more for their holdings.

Sameer Al Ansari, executive chairman and chief executive officer of DIC, said: "We are very disappointed to be making this announcement. DIC are a serious investor with considerable resources at our disposal.

"At the same time, we are supporters of the game and of the club. Liverpool's investment requirements have been well publicised and, after a huge amount of work, we proposed a deal that would provide the club with the funds it needs, both on and off the pitch.

"We were also prepared to offer shareholders a significant premium on the market price of the shares. However, we will not overpay for assets."

Drogballs: I seriously don't know what to say. After months of anticipating and waiting for that 'imminent' move, the board dillied and dallied, waited and waited and finally DIC says take this or f**k off.

And then the American Gillett decides to enter the picture from out of nowhere and offer another deal. With more money involved, the board seemed to sway towards him and that's it, two months of waiting, back to square one.

Sometimes I wonder whether our board are really a bunch of arrogant people who thinks that because they own Liverpool, a prestigious club, they have the f**king right to stop the world from spinning.

Reading Steven Gerrard's book on how the board dealt with his contract row makes me sick. Now this. Can we afford to wait again?

I don't know much about business takeovers and corporate stuff but I sincerely hope Parry, Moores and his lackeys know what they're doing. If they don't have a back up plan than go ahead, laugh at us.

Anyway New Anfield to be build in 2049 I assume. Gutted.

DIC & Mascherano

The takeover of Liverpool remains on course but is not expected to be completed until the end of the month or even early February.

The inspection of the club's accounts by the potential new owners Dubai International Capital (DIC) is continuing but Liverpool's directors have put off any idea of holding a board meeting until closer to the actual handover.

The due diligence process is now expected to be completed around the end of the month - meaning that the budget for any new signings for Rafael Benitez's side during the transfer window will have to be independent of any DIC cash.

Liverpool bosses decided against holding a board meeting on Tuesday and will wait until DIC have virtually completed the due diligence process before the directors get together to discuss the £450million takeover again.

Drogballs: So that virtually means we have not much money to spend this winter transfer window. Might be a bad news but of course nice to hear the takeover is still on course. I'll bring you the latest update.


FIFA PONDERING REDS' MASCHER APPEAL

FIFA's legal department are considering an appeal from Liverpool to overturn a ruling preventing Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano moving to Anfield from West Ham.

FIFA's rules state that players cannot appear from three clubs in any one year between July 1 and June 30 and Mascherano has already played for Corinthians and West Ham - but Liverpool have pointed out he has only played for the Hammers for six minutes since October.

FIFA are reconsidering the case but it will be a surprise if they overturn their own ruling.

Drogballs: Again, it's those useless rules and red tapes set by FIFA that makes it such a pain in the arse. Whatever it is, I hope we will get the benefit of doubt and sign him. If only they've set rules on players diving and cheating rather than how many clubs a player play a season.

The Takeover: Your Thoughts?

I sincerely hope that there will not be changes in the managerial level and Rick Parry to remain as our CEO.

I sincerely hope that Rafa will be given the right and power to buy whatever player he wants instead of being asked to buy a certain player by the boss. The reason he left Valencia was this and I do not want it to happen again.

I sincerely hope we do not become another Chelsea, splashing millions around blindly without thinking of the financial consequences. A sufficient budget for Rafa to utilise at the start of season and keep to it.

I sincerely hope that we keep to our principle in terms of spending. We do not over-pay.

I sincerely hope we do not need to name our new stadium the 'Dubai Anfield' or 'Al-Field'. Just keep to Anfield, or New Anfield. Period.

I sincerely hope we get to keep the Shankly Gates and place it outside the new stadium.

I sincerely hope they do not interfere with things at the club but rather, more on the business side. Keep the club in the black and let Rafa do his job.

I know the takeover won't please many fans out there because it's like selling our soul to the devil. I understand. Parry understands. We can't satisfy everyone. And I have full faith in Parry and Moores that the choice they made is justifiable and for the interest of the club.

I do not think David Moores will sell the stock of club so easily if he thinks this is not the right move. He even lowered the stakes and we all know the man loves the club. The Moores family have been in control since 1950s and he know he just can't let it go down the drain.

I also think that with the resources, Rafa will now be able to get who he wants instead of the 2nd or 3rd choices. How many times have we bought a Nunez instead of a Simao and a Pennant instead of Alves? If we continue to buy stop gaps, the gap will only widen and our distance with the big boys will only lengthen.

I fully understand the frustration of many Liverpool fans who are so against this move. But we have to accept a very sad but true fact that football is no more a sports but business. The football world is a reflection of what it is in the world today and we can't escape from it.

But through it all, I sincerely hope we still can keep the faith and love for the Reds. There is always something money can't buy and that's your passion for Liverpool. And let's hope that this will be the dawning of the new era.

But take note that the takeover won't be completed that soon. It will take quite some time. So we should still concentrate on supporting the team rather than worry about things off the field.

Is Keano Behind The Takeover?

Roy Keane

Sheikh Mohammed

Hahaha.....

Moving Closer To The Takeover

Liverpool are on the verge of a new era after the chairman and majority shareholder, David Moores, granted Dubai International Capital permission to undertake due diligence in anticipation of a £450m takeover of the Anfield club.

Moores and his chief executive, Rick Parry, have granted DIC, a company owned by Dubai's ruling Maktoum family, the exclusive right to study the club's books despite rival propositions drawn up by, among others, the US businessman George Gillett Jr - formerly owner of the Harlem Globetrotters - and the Belfast-based construction tycoon John Miskelly.

Although the finer details of any deal with DIC will only become clear once due diligence has been carried out, it is understood that Moores has agreed to drop his initial valuation of the club to about £170m. That will see him accept about £4,500 a share - rather than £6,000 - with his majority 51% stake to be diluted.

The Moores family has been involved with Liverpool since the 1950s and, rather than sever ties completely, Liverpool's chairman of 15 years is expected to be given an honorary role under the new regime. Parry may remain as chief executive, particularly given his heavy involvement in attempting to move the club to a new stadium in Stanley Park. Neither chairman nor chief executive will be on the flight to Istanbul today for the Champions League tie against Galatasaray.

No formal announcement of a takeover is anticipated before Christmas but Liverpool's three-year search for new money appears to be drawing to a successful conclusion. In that time they have courted potential investment from parties as diverse as the Kraft family and Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand.

DIC's chief executive, Samir al-Ansari, claims to be a supporter of the club but the company, although it has independent status, is ultimately owned by the Maktoums. They are willing to fund the £200m construction of a 60,000-seat stadium and will cover the club's long-term debts - about £80m - but it remains to be seen whether Rafael Benítez will benefit in the January transfer market.

From The Guardian

and other various sources. Not to be taken as rumours.