Source: Telegraph
Liverpool saga timeline: Rick Parry the architect of his own downfall
FEBRUARY 2007Tom Hicks and George Gillett complete a £218.9 million takeover of Liverpool brokered by Rick Parry. The club's chief executive had originally brought the DIC Investment Group to the negotiating table, but changed his mind and recommended the US bid.[LNB]MAY 2007Rafa Benitez lashes out after Liverpool lose the Champions League final to AC Milan at the speed with which the club conducts its transfer business.[LNB]NOVEMBER 2007The club's owners and Benitez clash over plans for the January transfer window. Hicks and Gillett admit they are unwilling to commit funds until Liverpool have qualified for the next stage of the Champions League. When questioned, Benitez repeats "I am focused on coaching and training my team" 25 times.[LNB]NOVEMBER 2007It is revealed Hicks and Gillett met with Jurgen Klinsmann with a view to the German replacing Benitez. Parry denies any knowledge of the meetings to Benitez, but he later confirms he was present.[LNB]JANUARY 2008Liverpool's fans make their feelings about the situation perfectly clear with a protest on the Kop demanding Hicks and Gillett sell their shares in the club, displaying their support for Benitez as the club's power struggle continues.[LNB]APRIL 2008Tom Hicks describes Parry's tenure at Liverpool a "disaster" thanks to the club falling way behind Manchester United and Chelsea in their global marketing strategy. Hicks demands Parry hand in his resignation in the best interests of the club.[LNB]OCTOBER 2008Two months after Hicks's promised "spade in the ground" begins work on the club's new stadium on Stanley Park, construction stops amid difficult economic conditions. Reports suggest Hicks and Gillett will struggle to refinance their £350 million loan with RBS and Wachovia when it is due in June.[LNB]JANUARY 2009After agreeing personal terms on a four-year contract extension before Christmas, Benitez turns down two new renewed drafts of his new deal, amid reports he wants Parry removed from the process of transfer negotiations. Benitez had complained that Parry's lack of speed in negotiations had cost Liverpool the likes of Dani Alves and Gareth Barry.[LNB]FEBRUARY 2009Liverpool reveal Parry will leave his post at the end of the season, suggesting Benitez and Hicks have finally resolved the situation in their favour.[LNB][LNB]
