[Red Nick]

Tom Hicks: I'll buy out George Gillett to save Rafa Benitez' skin
By David Maddock 18/04/2008


(What's this?)Liverpool's crisis deepened last night, as both owners insisted the crippling stalemate that is destroying the club will continue.

Texan billionaire Tom Hicks gave an emotional interview yesterday, outlining his plans to buy out co-owner George Gillett and give manager Rafa Benitez a new contract.

Hicks says that the money will soon be in place to take a controlling interest in Anfield and that he will never sell his 50 per cent share. He will instead "make a very attractive offer" for his partner to sell out.

But Gillett immediately poured cold water on that idea by insisting that he will never sell to Hicks which effectively leaves the club rudderless. Both men have an equal 50 per cent stake in Liverpool and both have the power of veto over each other.

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That means no decisions can be made over the club's future.

Benitez hoped to bring the situation to a head earlier in the week when he made clear his intention to walk out in the summer unless he gets the full backing of both men.

But even though Hicks has pledged his complete support, Gillett has instead put his weight behind chief executive Rick Parry, who has seen his relationship with the manager break down.

That leaves Liverpool in crisis with the manager looking certain to leave as the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and AC Milan circle with interest.

Hicks has tried to avert that situation by asking for the removal of Parry and suggesting he buy out Gillett.

But last night his partner hit back: "Tom needs to understand that I will not sell my shares to him and that we need to find a way forward that is properly funded and truly in the best interests of Liverpool Football Club.

"I am saddened by this latest outburst from Tom Hicks. If Tom wanted a serious discussion on the issues to help the club move forward, he should bring his views to the board and not to Sky Sports.

"Tom should stop. He knows that Rick Parry has my support and that airing his comments in this way will not change my position."

But Hicks also remained defiant last night when he too insisted that he will not give up his 50 per cent stake. He argued that of the two Americans, only he had the financial clout to put Liverpool on an even keel.

Hicks went on the offensive yesterday claiming:

Parry's leadership has been a disaster that has seen Liverpool fall 10 years behind the other top Premier League clubs.

The new stadium should have been built four years ago.

Benitez has missed out on top players because of dithering by Parry.

The chief executive cannot work with the manager.

Gillett made an approach to his friend Jurgen Klinsmann about becoming manager.

His American partner doesn't support Benitez.

Gillett doesn't have the money to support ambitious plans at Anfield.

He claims he is ready to find a silent partner to take control of Liverpool, and if he does, then the American explained that he will back the Spanish coach fully by offering him a new contract.

"I'm working on the money to make Liverpool's finances more sound. I can't force George to accept but I can make him an attractive offer soon," he said.

"If I'm the majority owner I can put more capital in. I know of investors who want to be a minority investor with me.

"My goal is to take the debt off the club, except the normal working capital needs, and get the permanent financing in place for the stadium."

Hicks claimed that he fell out with Gillett because of plans to build a state-of-the-art 75,000-seat stadium that his business partner simply couldn't afford to finance.

And he claims that Gillett is only backing Parry because he is an ally against Benitez.

Hicks said: "If you look at what has happened under Rick's leadership it's been a disaster to fall so far behind other top clubs.

"The new stadium should have been built three or four years ago.

We've got the top brand in the world of football, we just don't know how to commercialise it."

Rafa Benitez Manager. Likes Hicks. Hates Gillett, doesn't like Parry.. or Klinsmann!!

Jurgen Klinsmann Interviewed about the Liverpool job. Likes, er, diving!

George Gillett 50 per cent owner. Hates Hicks, backs Parry and Rafa, loves Klinsmann

Rick Parry Chief executive. Hates Hicks, likes Gillett, difficult relationship with Rafa

Tom Hicks 50 per cent owner. Hates Gillett & Parry. Likes Rafa. Doesn't know who Klinsmann is