DUBAI TO MAKE BID

[Spy Bee]

How many names has he had recently? He was banned as Arbeloa only a couple of weeks ago in the last cull...was he also Romana Polizia ? I think Stu Monty got rid of that tosser the other night...is he now back again?

 

Yeah - twice.

[Captain]

Momo

 

Am I getting paranoid, or am I just fucking ace at spotting him?

 

I'd refer to him as Raddy. Our Momo doesn't deserve that connotation.

[hamstrung]

shamelessly pinched from another forum

 

[King Emlyn]

The fat faced bastard wont sell, no way.We're stuck in this nightmare. David Moores, i will hate you with a passion untill the day i die.

[Dirk]

I agree with that - although you could double-barrel it to Momo-Raddy or whatever.

 

Boomerang - no matter how hard you try to fuck the cunt off, the fucker always comes back.

[Elite]

You would think Parry would get some better ties. He's been slated by the fans for years cos of it.

[Mr Moustache]

I have a brother in the UAE and he is saying that the media out there are reporting that Ansari will want his own management team and Mourhino is favorite.

 

I have a mate who works for BAE Systems and he said the girl who thickens the scouse in the canteen has heard that Rafa is going nowhere but plans to bring in John Bumstead as his No.2.

[Elite]

I have a mate who works for BAE Systems and he said the girl who thickens the scouse in the canteen has heard that Rafa is going nowhere but plans to bring in John Bumstead as his No.2.

 

haha

[BENIRL]

I have a mate who works for BAE Systems and he said the girl who thickens the scouse in the canteen has heard that Rafa is going nowhere but plans to bring in John Bumstead as his No.2.

 

Never heard that! Glad I logged on tonight.

[Guest Stevo]

Americans dismiss Anfield rift

James Ducker

 

George Gillett Jr and Tom Hicks, the co-chairmen at Anfield, moved to reassure supporters last night that Liverpool would not be sold for the second time in less than a year.

 

However, serious questions remain over the future ownership of English football’s most successful club. Although the Americans are said to remain “fully committed” to Liverpool, it appears that Dubai International Capital (DIC) is prepared to back Gillett as he weighs up whether to make an offer to buy out the 50 per cent shareholding of his compatriot in the latest twist to the power struggle at Anfield.

 

If Gillett is bold enough to present such an offer to his partner — and there remain serious doubts that he will — the success of the move, unthinkable when they bought the club in February last year, would be dependent on Hicks agreeing to sell, although such a scenario was given short shrift last night.

 

A spokesman for the Americans said: “Any suggestion that Messrs Hicks and Gillett are contemplating a sale of the club or any portion thereof to DIC or anyone else is categorically untrue.”

 

Despite their desire to show a united front, the relationship between the pair is becoming increasingly strained and could be pushed to breaking point if Gillett, who alone does not have the funds to acquire Hicks’s stake, pursues the opening afforded by DIC, the private-equity arm of the Arab state, which nearly bought the club last year.

 

Sources have indicated that there is only a slim chance of Gillett putting the offer to Hicks and that he may instead approve a controversial £350 million refinancing plan for a new stadium that is expected to be ratified early next week. But even then, it is hard to see how they can carry on working together beyond the short to medium term.

 

Gillett was furious with Hicks for admitting this week that Jürgen Klinsmann had been offered the chance to succeed Rafael Benítez as manager and, by showing a willingness to speak to DIC, he has hardly shown much confidence in his partner.

 

With the refinancing deal close to being agreed — Hicks wants to replace the £270 million Royal Bank of Scotland loan that they used to buy the club with a £350 million advance that will allow Liverpool to proceed with the construction of a 70,000- capacity stadium in Stanley Park — the window of opportunity for Gillett to manoeuvre is small. However, DIC, which was established in 2004 effectively as an investment vehicle for Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, the world’s fifth-richest man, is unlikely to be permanently dissuaded in its attempts to buy into Liverpool in the event that a deal cannot be struck.

 

DIC tried unsuccessfully to buy a portion of new shares in the club in November and has the backing of the majority of Liverpool supporters, who, upset about the Americans’ treatment of Benítez, made their feelings known during the 5-0 FA Cup third-round replay victory over Luton Town on Tuesday. A recent poll showed that 83 per cent of fans were in favour of DIC buying the club.

 

A change of ownership would not necessarily play into Benítez’s hands, however, as it has been mooted that DIC would favour appointing its own man. Similarly, Rick Parry, the chief executive, may also find himself between a rock and a hard place.

 

Like Gillett, Parry is uncomfortable with the refinancing package being proposed, but having given his backing to the Americans over DIC last year, he may find he has little support from the consortium, which had previously stated a desire to appoint its own chief executive

[Stu Monty]

Hahaha.

 

"Reasure supporters they aren't going to sell"

 

I'll sleep easy tonight then.

[EmilHamilton]

I laughed at that part as well.

 

George Gillett Jr and Tom Hicks, the co-chairmen at Anfield, moved to threaten supporters last night that Liverpool would not be sold.

 

More accurate that.

[rek]

Americans dismiss Anfield rift

James Ducker

 

George Gillett Jr and Tom Hicks, the co-chairmen at Anfield, moved to reassure supporters last night that Liverpool would not be sold for the second time in less than a year.

 

 

Phew ...and heres me worrying that someone might buy MY club that isn't an absolute twatting embarrassment.

 

:wallbutt:

[philyhamann]

It'll be interesting to hear if Bascombe has anything to say about it.

[Jayesh1987]

Liverpool ponder move to buy out Hicks

 

 

Gillett considers a future without his co-owner

 

Americans fall out over plans for re-financing

 

Andy Hunter

Friday January 18, 2008

The Guardian

 

Liverpool's co-owner George Gillett will spend the next few days deciding whether to support a plan to buy out his partner Tom Hicks or throw his weight behind a refinancing package that would strengthen Hicks's hold on the club.

 

Gillett and his co-chairman Hicks have almost finalised terms on a £350m loan that would allow them to repay money borrowed for their £218.9m takeover, repay loans acquired to sign players last summer and commence work on their revised plans for a new stadium. The deal, with the Royal Bank of Scotland and US investment firm Wachovia, could be completed early next week providing the two Americans sign the terms on offer.

 

After a period of instability unprecedented in Liverpool's recent history, Gillett is understood to have grave misgivings over his continued involvement with Hicks, the man he brought on board to secure the takeover last February but who has proved far from the silent partner he originally envisaged. A fresh dilemma for Gillett is that Dubai International Capital, the investment arm of the Dubai government, is now prepared to provide him with the financial backing to make an offer for Hicks's 50% stake in Liverpool.

 

DIC lost out in the pursuit of the former chairman David Moores' majority shareholding last February when its failure to meet agreed deadlines for the takeover enabled the Americans to succeed with a late and more lucrative bid. Though it withdrew acrimoniously from negotiations DIC has maintained its interest and, having baulked at a £150m asking price for a 15% stake last October, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum's investment company now hopes to capitalise on the disunity in the hierarchy.

DIC is willing to join forces with Gillett in an attempt to persuade Hicks to sell his interest in Liverpool for a substantial profit. A source confirmed yesterday that a deal has been drawn up in principle and will be presented to the Americans before they put their signatures to the £350m loan. "It is a very delicate situation but DIC has reignited its interest," said the source. "The terms of the offer, which will be made to Tom Hicks, have been agreed and DIC are hopeful they will be finally be able to invest in Liverpool."

 

Major obstacles remain in the way of DIC gaining a financial interest in Liverpool, however, not least Hicks's insistence that he has no intention of selling up. There is also doubt over Gillett's determination to attempt to oust his business partner by agreeing terms with DIC. Gillett and Hicks both have an option to purchase the other's stake in Liverpool, although the former would require backing from Dubai to achieve that goal.

Hicks, owner of the Texas Rangers baseball franchise and the Dallas Stars ice hockey team, created further problems for the American regime this week with the revelation that both he and Gillett, owner of the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey franchise, had approached Jürgen Klinsmann last November as "an insurance policy" against the possible departure of the Liverpool manager, Rafael Benítez.

 

What was an attempt by the Texan to draw a line under the uncertainty surrounding the future of Benítez has proved hugely embarrassing for Gillett, who is disturbed by the furious reaction among Liverpool supporters it provoked, but it is how much of the £350m loan should be placed on to the club's books that is the fundamental problem.

 

Both Moores, who became honorary life president of Liverpool under the terms of the takeover, and the chief executive, Rick Parry, have blocked attempts to load all of the debt on to the club amid concerns at annual interest payments of £30m. Under the terms of the loan it is anticipated half will be burdened on the club and the rest secured against Kop Holdings, Gillett and Hicks's parent company, although that still represents a U-turn on their promise to use their own funds and not to adopt the Glazers' handling of Manchester United. The Americans will still require a further £300m loan at a later date to complete work on a proposed new stadium.

 

Gillett could exert pressure on Hicks to sell next week by refusing to commit to the refinancing package. Should Gillett agree to the loan, and sources yesterday insisted that he remains undecided, then Hicks - the driving force behind the stadium and the biggest threat to Benítez - will be empowered in his plans to bring the development to fruition in 2011 when he can demand a higher price for his stake.

 

Football: Liverpool ponder move to buy out Hicks | News | Guardian Unlimited Football

[Thants]

Gillett could exert pressure on Hicks to sell next week by refusing to commit to the refinancing package.

 

With 'friends' like these . . . .

[Jonte]

With 'friends' like these . . . .

 

I guess Hicks isn't the best friend himself.

[sh#t waffle]

Liverpool ponder move to buy out Hicks

 

 

Gillett considers a future without his co-owner

 

Americans fall out over plans for re-financing

 

Andy Hunter

Friday January 18, 2008

The Guardian

 

Liverpool's co-owner George Gillett will spend the next few days deciding whether to support a plan to buy out his partner Tom Hicks or throw his weight behind a refinancing package that would strengthen Hicks's hold on the club.

 

Gillett and his co-chairman Hicks have almost finalised terms on a £350m loan that would allow them to repay money borrowed for their £218.9m takeover, repay loans acquired to sign players last summer and commence work on their revised plans for a new stadium. The deal, with the Royal Bank of Scotland and US investment firm Wachovia, could be completed early next week providing the two Americans sign the terms on offer.

 

After a period of instability unprecedented in Liverpool's recent history, Gillett is understood to have grave misgivings over his continued involvement with Hicks, the man he brought on board to secure the takeover last February but who has proved far from the silent partner he originally envisaged. A fresh dilemma for Gillett is that Dubai International Capital, the investment arm of the Dubai government, is now prepared to provide him with the financial backing to make an offer for Hicks's 50% stake in Liverpool.

 

DIC lost out in the pursuit of the former chairman David Moores' majority shareholding last February when its failure to meet agreed deadlines for the takeover enabled the Americans to succeed with a late and more lucrative bid. Though it withdrew acrimoniously from negotiations DIC has maintained its interest and, having baulked at a £150m asking price for a 15% stake last October, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum's investment company now hopes to capitalise on the disunity in the hierarchy.

DIC is willing to join forces with Gillett in an attempt to persuade Hicks to sell his interest in Liverpool for a substantial profit. A source confirmed yesterday that a deal has been drawn up in principle and will be presented to the Americans before they put their signatures to the £350m loan. "It is a very delicate situation but DIC has reignited its interest," said the source. "The terms of the offer, which will be made to Tom Hicks, have been agreed and DIC are hopeful they will be finally be able to invest in Liverpool."

 

Major obstacles remain in the way of DIC gaining a financial interest in Liverpool, however, not least Hicks's insistence that he has no intention of selling up. There is also doubt over Gillett's determination to attempt to oust his business partner by agreeing terms with DIC. Gillett and Hicks both have an option to purchase the other's stake in Liverpool, although the former would require backing from Dubai to achieve that goal.

Hicks, owner of the Texas Rangers baseball franchise and the Dallas Stars ice hockey team, created further problems for the American regime this week with the revelation that both he and Gillett, owner of the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey franchise, had approached Jürgen Klinsmann last November as "an insurance policy" against the possible departure of the Liverpool manager, Rafael Benítez.

 

What was an attempt by the Texan to draw a line under the uncertainty surrounding the future of Benítez has proved hugely embarrassing for Gillett, who is disturbed by the furious reaction among Liverpool supporters it provoked, but it is how much of the £350m loan should be placed on to the club's books that is the fundamental problem.

 

Both Moores, who became honorary life president of Liverpool under the terms of the takeover, and the chief executive, Rick Parry, have blocked attempts to load all of the debt on to the club amid concerns at annual interest payments of £30m. Under the terms of the loan it is anticipated half will be burdened on the club and the rest secured against Kop Holdings, Gillett and Hicks's parent company, although that still represents a U-turn on their promise to use their own funds and not to adopt the Glazers' handling of Manchester United. The Americans will still require a further £300m loan at a later date to complete work on a proposed new stadium.

 

Gillett could exert pressure on Hicks to sell next week by refusing to commit to the refinancing package. Should Gillett agree to the loan, and sources yesterday insisted that he remains undecided, then Hicks - the driving force behind the stadium and the biggest threat to Benítez - will be empowered in his plans to bring the development to fruition in 2011 when he can demand a higher price for his stake.

 

Football: Liverpool ponder move to buy out Hicks | News | Guardian Unlimited Football

 

To be honest, that reads like someone who has spent the whole of yesterday trawling every forum and compiles all the titbits of rumour and conjecture that he finds. It's self perpetuating though, as this article will undoubtedly fuel more rumour and conjecture on the forums today, which in turn will write tomorrow's piece. Piece of piss this journalism lark.

[fivetimes]

Hicks wont sell as I have said previously and he seems the type that pressure from Gillette and DIC will only harden his resolve against selling out. You dont get that much money in business without being a horrible stubborn cunt.

[coop]

Hicks bid to keep control

 

EXCLUSIVE

 

By David Maddock 18/01/2008

 

Tom Hicks insisted last night he is determined to ride out the storm of protest building against him and resist any offer to buy his stake in Liverpool.

 

And the American billionaire (above) indicated that he and partner George Gillett will announce plans within the next few days relating to a new stadium and the finance to build it.

 

That will rule out any opportunity for Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, the world's richest man, to buy into the club. Sources within Anfield yesterday suggested that the events of the next few days will prove to be some of the most important in the club's long history.

 

Gillett is understoo0064 to have major doubts about his partnership with Hicks, and is now seriously considering an attempt to persuade his fellow American to sell out to DIC, the investment arm of the Dubai Government, with whom he hopes to join forces.

 

Dic still want to buy into Liverpool - despite losing out to the Americans a year ago, and it is understood that they are preparing a £150million bid for Hicks' 50 per cent stake.

 

That bid would carry weight if Gillett threw himself firmly behind it, by stating publicly what it is understood he believes privately: that his relationship with his fellow American has collapsed.

 

Certainly, Gillett has so far failed to fully support Hicks' plans to raise cash to pay for shares and the stadium build, leading to further speculation that he instead wants DIC to come in. But Gillett is wavering, and last night it appeared he was reluctant to go that far.

 

If Texan Hicks decides to sell, then the Arabs have promised to invest significant funds into the club, and help pay for the construction of a new

 

70,000-capacity stadium that will finally bring in desperately needed extra revenue.

 

But if - as seems likely - he holds on to his investment, the future of Liverpool will take a very different turn.

 

That would effectively signal that Hicks has won control of the powerbase at Anfield, and would then decide the direction the club will take.

It would also not only spell the end for manager Rafael Benitez - but also honorary life president David Moores, and chief executive Rick Parry, who oppose Hicks' plans to borrow heavily against Liverpool to pay for the stadium and the purchase of the club.

 

Last night a spokesman for Hicks insisted that the Texan was adamant he would not sell - despite DIC's renewed interest.

 

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...9520-20289532/

[coop]

Owners insist Liverpool are not for sale

 

By David Bond

Last Updated: 1:51am GMT 18/01/2008

 

Liverpool co-chairman Tom Hicks attempted to restore a sense of calm to the chaos engulfing Anfield last night as a spokesman for the Texan billionaire issued a strong denial that he or his partner, George Gillett Jnr, was preparing to sell the club.

 

The comments came after reports emerged claiming Dubai International Capital, the investment arm of the oil-rich state's royal family, were preparing to bid for Liverpool.

 

"Any suggestion that Messrs Hicks and Gillett are contemplating a sale of the club, or any portion thereof, to DIC or anyone else is categorically untrue," said Roy Winnick, a New York-based spokesman for Hicks.

 

Hicks is determined to drive through a plan to refinance around £270 million of debt by taking out a new £350 million loan with the Royal Bank of Scotland and America's fourth largest bank, Wachovia.

 

According to City sources, negotiations between the Americans and the banks remain on track with an announcement promised for early next week. But, significantly, Gillett maintained his dignified silence yesterday about a possible takeover or the refinancing.

 

The relationship between the two US sports tycoons has deteriorated in recent months following problems with the refinancing and an interview Hicks gave this week in which he confirmed an approach had been made to Jurgen Klinsmann to take over from Rafael Benitez as manager.

 

The success of the refinancing now depends on whether Gillett is able or willing to raise the £20 million in cash needed to secure the new loans, which are largely required to cover a one-year facility arranged with RBS last February to fund the Americans' £220 million takeover.

 

It also hinges on whether Gillett is prepared to approve plans to load at least half of the new debt on to the club's balance sheet.

 

If Gillett approves the refinancing deal then the Americans will shore up their position on Merseyside. If he refuses, DIC will have their chance to launch a £350 million takeover bid.

 

Although DIC are understood to be working on a deal, City sources indicated last night that reports of them being ready to launch their bid were premature.

 

The instability around the club has already led to a major backlash against the Americans from supporters who are angry at their treatment of Benitez. Yesterday that anger spread to the dressing room as midfielder John Arne Riise broke ranks to tell a Norwegian newspaper: "Benitez has given this club many trophies. He deserves to be treated with more respect."

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/mai.../sfnliv118.xml

[fivetimes]

So it all seems that its Hicks who is the horrible little cunt who is going to drive this club into the floor so that he can make a few more dollars.

 

I am now prepared to say, politely for once, I hope something very, very bad happens to him.

[Rashid]

Hicks bankrolled George Bush, he also has organisation set up against him. What a lovely man.

[Rashid]

 

Read and Sign the Rangers Fans Against Hicks Petition!

 

It’s time for baseball fans in North Texas and Texas Rangers fans around the globe to stand up and demand better management of the Texas Rangers! Sign the Rangers Fans Against Hicks petition today!

 

Since Tom Hicks bought a contending team 10 years ago, his mis-management as owner and chief executive of the Rangers has left fans with a team that has placed 3rd or 4th in a 4-team division for 7 consecutive seasons. The team’s 2007 performance shows continued decline with no hope in sight for a championship season.

 

Additionally, he continues to rip off fans and the City of Arlington to line his billionaire pockets. Despite rising ticket, parking and concession prices at The Ballpark, more ads at the Ballpark and constant annoying sponsorships and ads during radio and TV broadcasts, the team’s salary, especially as compared to other MLB team salaries, has disproportionately declined while the local market has rapidly grown.

 

The talent in the Rangers organization has been drastically depleted under Hicks’ tenure due to frequent swings of strategic vision and changes amongst coaching, development and scouting personnel combined with bad trades, poor free agent signings, and bad decisions to not re-sign talented players or acquire better free agents. Hicks has left the Rangers void of the talent necessary to compete for a division title, much less a World Championship, and has shown a complete lack of vision or capability to turn the team around.

 

With all this and more in mind, you are encouraged to sign a petition to voice displeasure with Tom Hicks as owner of the Texas Rangers and insist that he sell the team ASAP to an owner committed to winning. Click here or on the link show below now to read and sign the petition: The Texas Rangers Need a New Owner Petition : [ powered by iPetitions.com ]

 

PLEASE FORWARD EMAIL THIS PAGE TO OTHERS AND SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THE PETITION!

[coop]

Fuck the Texas Rangers i only care about Liverpool.