Ian Ayre is gone!

[Ne Moe Imya]

Ian Ayre to step down as CEO in May 2017

LFC

Liverpool Football Club today announced that Ian Ayre is to step down as chief executive officer at the end of May 2017, when his current contract expires.

Ayre joined the club in 2007 as commercial director and the club’s board of directors in 2009, before being promoted to managing director in 2011 and chief executive in 2013. He is also the vice-chair of the Liverpool FC Foundation, the club’s official charity. His tenure has been characterised by leading a radical modernisation across the club and bringing much-needed stability following the Fenway Sports Group takeover in October 2010.

Highlights of Ayre’s leadership so far include overseeing a complete transformation of the club’s financial, commercial and operational structure; playing a pivotal role in progressing the redevelopment of Anfield stadium and regeneration of the local area; and successfully restoring Liverpool’s reputation as one of the leading clubs in English football.

Commenting on Ian’s decision, principal owner John W. Henry, chairman Tom Werner and president Mike Gordon said: "Ian advised us of his intention to step down as CEO a few months ago.  

"We asked him on several occasions to take some time to reconsider his decision, but have been unable to convince him to remain as CEO beyond May 2017. We will at some point in the near future begin identifying and recruiting a worthy successor to continue to build on the outstanding foundations which have been laid by Ian. 

"Under his leadership, we have seen Liverpool transform from a club that was on the brink of bankruptcy, to one which today enjoys strong financial and operational health.

"Stability is a commodity often under-valued in sporting organisations, but it has been a fundamental hallmark of Ian’s time in charge. Liverpool will reap the benefits of his outstanding work for many years to come.

"We have always found Ian to be dedicated, honest, passionate and committed to doing the right thing for the long-term interests of the football club. These fit with our own values as owners and we owe him greatly for the personal sacrifices he has made for the club.

"It is typical of the person he is, once again, Ian is putting the club ahead of his own interest in wanting to announce his decision 15 months before he steps down. This now provides us with plenty of time and space to find a suitable successor."

“There will continue to be important milestones for Liverpool over the next 15 months, not least the completion of the redevelopment at Anfield stadium, and we are grateful that Ian will continue his leadership through to May 2017."

Ian Ayre, chief executive officer, added: "If becoming chief executive of Liverpool Football Club was the greatest honour of my professional life, then deciding to step down at the end of my current contract is by far the most difficult.

"Having the privilege to lead this great club comes with huge responsibility and challenge but one which I have relished and I feel proud of my achievements in the role. I believe the end of next season is the right time to pass the CEO baton on to a new person, who will take on the challenges and opportunities with a fresh enthusiasm and vigour. They will do so supported by what I believe to be the best ownership group in world sport and by a truly excellent team of staff throughout the football club.

"Having been brought up in the shadow of Anfield, I have found it the most profound privilege to serve the club I have supported all my life. The driving principle behind every decision I have taken during my time here has been to do the best for the long-term stability and health of this great football club. In the remaining 15 months I have as CEO, I will continue to provide FSG, Jürgen, the players and all the brilliant staff at Liverpool ongoing strategic leadership and a smooth transition."

 

[Arl arse]

Thank the fuckin Lord.

[Ne Moe Imya]

Get in!!!!!!!!!!

[Grinch]

Who we going to blame for every single thing that goes wrong now?

[Lee909]

Goodbye fucknut

[skend04]

End of next season no?

[Nelly-Szoboszlai]

Get Zorc!

[VERBAL DIARRHEA]

Might shut that boring pseudo Somalian up for a bit. But I wouldn't hold your breath

[Strontium]

So they finally opened Rodgers' envelopes.

[Arl arse]

So the Yesman finally said no.

[Ne Moe Imya]

End of next season no?

 

Only just noticed that.  That takes some of the gloss off the announcement for sure.

 

Still and all, the Night of the Long Knives has seemingly begun already.  I sense a Director of Football announcement in the next month or so, followed by Klopp walking into our dressing room right after the season ends and just going

[setreal]

[Trumo]

In 14 months. Yay. *sarcastic thumbs up*

[Rick Sanchez C-137]

Who's going to convince the Bentekes of tomorrow? Maybe we should get a smoking hot blonde big titted knockout in, send her on a harley to 'get the deed done'. IfyouknowwhatImean.

[navbasi]

Who we going to blame for every single thing that goes wrong now?

Nobody because we won't get anything wrong!!

[Anubis]

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye.....

[Strontium]

Not all good news as I imagine Ayre will be involved in interviews to find his successor.

 

"Okay, so it says you have an MBA from Harvard, very nice... how are you at giving someone a piggyback?"

[Bobby Hundreds]

Might actually begin to negotiate contracts without being ripped off or fleeced. Pomade turnip.

[bonesman]

'Zorc calling Jurgen,

Come in Jurgen'

[Walter Sobchak]

Bet Xerxes is off somewhere having a cry wank over this.

[ritchie]

Is that the maggot jumping before he was pushed? His pathetic handling of another problem over the ticket prices, and underestimating the fans feelings, surely must have been the final straw for FSG with this muppet. 

 

I struggle to believe he'd leave his 7 figure salary, expenses and jollies to Florida entirely of his own accord. 

[Ginny]

We need to get TOKYO SEXWALE

[Strontium]

In 14 months. Yay. *sarcastic thumbs up*

 

He probably put an 18 month notice period in his own contract.

[Arl arse]

We need to get TOKYO SEXWALE

We need Nightcat

[cloggypop]

We need to get TOKYO SEXWALE

They are in the middle of a world tour.