Source: SKY_Sports
Reds hierarchy plan future
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks is confident he will remain at Anfield for at least another five years, but is unable to vouch for the future of business partner George Gillett.[LNB] The American duo's time with the Reds has proved difficult since successfully taking over the Premier League club in February 2007.[LNB]Rumour has constantly suggested that Hicks and Gillett are willing to listen to offers to sell their stakes, with the latter reportedly the more eager to severe his ties.[LNB]A Kuwaiti investment consortium headed by the Al-Kharafi family has been linked with a bid for Liverpool, however, after seeing manager Rafa Benitez sign a new five-year contract, Hicks insists he is planning for the long term. [LNB]"Rafa is going to be here for the next five years and I know I am going to be here for the next five years," he told Sky Sports News.[LNB]Hicks, though, confesses that he is not sure if Gillett is as keen to remain on Merseyside. [LNB]Arrangements"George, I think, will be here for the next five years. I can't speak for George," he added.[LNB]Meanwhile, Hicks has assured Liverpool fans that arrangements for a new stadium in Stanley Park have not been shelved, although a date has not been set for construction either.[LNB]Planning permission and designs have been agreed, but the project has been put on hold due to the current worldwide economic crisis.[LNB]Hicks insists he is still committed to the building process, but the Texas-based businessman confesses he is unable to set a timescale for completion.[LNB]"I am hesitant to pick a date because I can't predict the capital markets," he continued.[LNB]"It is important for the fans to know that it is still something that we plan to do. We work on it every week.[LNB]"It continues to progress. It is not being mothballed. It is going to happen."[LNB]
