Liverpool FC's chief executive search aims to match Peter Robinson success

IT is becoming a cliche of the modern game for football clubs to proclaim the appointment of some high-powered administrator as 'the most important signing of the season.'In the case of Liverpool's search for a new chief executive officer, the cliche underestimates the significance of the appointment.Even the most cursory of glances at recent Anfield history tells you that many of the misfortunes to befall Liverpool FC over the last decade occurred away from the pitch.New owners New England Sports Ventures won control of a proud club that suffered financial humiliation during the dying days of the previous regime of US businessman Tom Hicks and George Gillett. The decision of Christian Purslow to resign from a temporary position as managing director at Anfield left NESV looking for a man to direct the day-to-day running of the Anfield business and help restore the reputation of a club that continues to boast a vast worldwide fan base and passionately committed local following.The days when Premier League clubs would simply expand the duties of the secretary to those of a chief executive are long gone - although in Liverpool's case the last man to do that, Peter Robinson, set a benchmark for handling the challenges of unprecedented success and tragedy at Anfield with a sureness of touch that may never be matched.The chief executive officer of the modern era will usually have a business and financial background as well as a sporting one. NESV were specific. 'The focus for the appointment will be business leaders with experience in and experience of football,' they said.

Source: Liverpool_Echo