Reds move into new era
07 Feb 2007 - 07:36:04
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry believes the takeover of the club by American businessmen George Gillett and Tom Hicks is the beginning of a new era.
Parry, speaking at a press conference to welcome the pair after the Liverpool board approved the duo's joint bid to the club's shareholders, believes the move is the right one for the long-term future of the Reds.
"It is a great deal for Liverpool, our supporters and the shareholders and it is the beginning of a new era for the club," said Parry, who will remain in his role of chief executive with current chairman David Moores becoming life president.
"The partnership created by George and Tom is a very special one. They're bringing to the table tremendous and relevant experience, a passion for the sport, real resources and a strong commitment and understanding of the traditions of Liverpool.
"We know George and Tom want a long-term relationship with Liverpool. They've shown this in our talks on the future and in the focus that they've brought to the takeover process.
"They've made their intentions clear to move quickly on our new stadium in Stanley Park and also to support investment in the playing staff."
Meanwhile, Gillett - who will be co-chairman with Hicks - has vowed not to make any rash changes to the way the Anfield club is run.
He confirmed: "This is a very well-run club. It is not a club that has a lot of obvious problems.
"With Rick and with Rafael Benitez as the manager they have been very successful on the pitch.
"That means there are no plans to make immediate or radical changes at the club.
"There's no urgency to do something short-term or foolish.@
Gillett also confirmed that he and Hicks had completed the purchase without the need to borrow money - unlike fellow American Malcolm Glazer who completed a similar takeover at Manchester United last year.
"We have purchased the club with no debt on the club, so I think in that regard it is different (to the Glazer acquisition)," he continued.
"We believe in the future of the club, the future of the league, the new TV contracts are outstanding and we are proud to be a part of it."
However, Gillett did admit that the new owners would consider selling naming rights to the new stadium at Stanley Park.
He added: "If the naming rights are worth one great player a year in transfer spending, we will certainly look at that as a serious option."