Source: Daily_Mail
ANFIELD POWER BATTLE: Rafa boost as Parry is set to leave as Liverpool chief executive
Rick Parry is leaving Liverpool [LNB]in a shock development that is being widely interpreted as a personal triumph for Rafa Benitez in the behind-the-scenes infighting at Anfield.[LNB]The Liverpool chief executive has agreed to stand down and will quit his post at the end of the season by mutual consent.[LNB]Benitez has been at loggerheads with the former Premier League boss for the past couple of seasons and is now more likely than ever to sign a new four-and-a-half year deal, in the wake of his departure. [LNB] Divided: Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry (left) and honorary life president David Moores[LNB]The news comes just four days after Parry's 54th birthday and should clear the way for Benitez to secure his long-term future after months of haggling over the content of his next contract.[LNB]There were reports on Wednesday that Benitez was about to quit, but the Spaniard insisted he was going nowhere after the magnificent victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.[LNB] Benitez: Should he stay or should he go? The arguments over whether Liverpool stick or twist on Rafa[LNB]Former Chelsea boss Mourinho on the Anfield radar if Benitez leaves Liverpool[LNB]HATCHET MAN: If Liverpool send for Mourinho it will be Benitez's own fault - at least Jose knows how to sign contracts and win Premier League titles[LNB]LIVERPOOL FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB]HATCHET MAN: Cut out the mock shock Rafa - you're no naive victim in the Liverpool contract battle[LNB][LNB]Instead it is Parry who will go, and the former Premier League chief executive chose to wish Benitez luck today.[LNB]'I have had 12 very exciting years at Liverpool and am extremely proud of what has been achieved by the club over that period,' said Parry. [LNB] Cheers: Benitez hears the news that Parry is leaving[LNB]'The victory in Madrid was a wonderful reminder of the many high points we have experienced and adds to the moments that make Liverpool and its magnificent fans so special. [LNB]'It has been a privilege to serve the club and as a lifelong supporter I wish the owners, Rafa, the players and the wonderful staff all the very best for the future. [LNB]'I will be leaving at the end of the season knowing that the Club remains strong and with a set of supporters who deserve success in all that Liverpool does.'[LNB]Benitez has a history of falling out with key boardroom figures and left Valencia to take over at Liverpool after complaining bitterly of a lack of support from Mestalla officials over transfers.[LNB]The early signs at Anfield suggested a more harmonious working relationship with Parry. After one Champions League away game, they were sitting side-by-side on Liverpool's charter jet, deep in conversation over strategy and transfer targets.[LNB]Cracks soon began to appear, though, over what Benitez perceived as a lack of urgency over pursuing players he had earmarked. [LNB]After Liverpool's Champions League final defeat by AC Milan in Athens in 2007, Benitez poured out his frustration and warned the club were in danger of being left behind by the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United unless the problem was addressed.[LNB]Parry came under further fire when co-owner Tom Hicks turned against him and called his reign as chief executive a 'disaster'. Despite being urged to quit by Hicks, Parry stood firm and continued to negotiate potential transfer deals for the likes of Gareth Barry and Robbie Keane.[LNB]While Keane was duly recruited from Tottenham, Aston Villa's £18million asking price for Barry proved a stumbling block that prevented any deal being completed. [LNB]The owners let it be known they were unconvinced about Barry representing value for money, but Parry did not escape Benitez's wrath for failing to deliver the Anfield boss' main summer target.[LNB] [LNB] Liverpool united: Parry with Gillett (left) and Hicks (right) shortly after the Americans' takeover in July 2007[LNB]The animosity has now ended with Parry falling on his sword and Benitez notching up another victory that could just end all the uncertainty about his position.[LNB]Jose Mourinho has been sounded out about the Liverpool manager's post in case Benitez does not renew his contract. Sportsmail understands that the former Chelsea manager is growing increasingly disenchanted at Inter Milan and has been made aware by intermediaries albeit unofficial of potential interest from Liverpool. [LNB]Parry had divided the club's feuding American co-owners. Tom Hicks publicly called for Parry to resign last April.[LNB]The embattled supremo was closer to George Gillett in the continuing power struggle but the pair are believed to have fallen out recently.[LNB]However, Gillett today said: 'I would like to thank Rick for his significant service to the club and the assistance he has given us since we joined Liverpool. [LNB]'He has been integral to the club's success over the past decade and leaves with our best wishes for the future.'[LNB]Liverpool hope to have a new man lined up before the end of the season. Hicks said: 'Rick's commitment to Liverpool Football Club is epitomised by his desire to ensure that this transitional period is managed efficiently and we are grateful to him for his help. He will always remain a friend of the football club.'[LNB] Benitez: Should he stay or should he go? The arguments over whether Liverpool stick or twist on Rafa[LNB]Former Chelsea boss Mourinho on the Anfield radar if Benitez leaves Liverpool[LNB]HATCHET MAN: If Liverpool send for Mourinho it will be Benitez's own fault - at least Jose knows how to sign contracts and win Premier League titles[LNB]LIVERPOOL FC NEWS FROM ACROSS THE NET[LNB]HATCHET MAN: Cut out the mock shock Rafa - you're no naive victim in the Liverpool contract battle[LNB][LNB] [LNB]
