Gillett reveals Reds unrest

American hints at problems with Hicks

Last updated: 12th March 2008

George Gillett and Tom Hicks Liverpool

Gillett: Hinting at unrest

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Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has finally broken his silence on his strained relationship with Tom Hicks.

Gillett has not made a public statement on the current takeover turmoil at the club since the controversial financial repackaging of the loans Hicks and Gillett took out to buy the club last year.

Gillett's son Foster - a board member - was withdrawn from the day-to-day operations at Anfield as Gillett prepared to sell his 50 per cent stake to Dubai International Capital.

Gillett, who also owns the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey club, was speaking at a sports conference in California when - answering a question on whether he would remain a co-owner of Liverpool - he said: "I would say, choose your partners wisely."

That remark explained much about the differences between Hicks and Gillett.

Gillett was appearing at the IMG world sports conference in California.

He also said: "He (Tom Hicks) is a great guy - but he has just got a different perspective on the media."

Hicks has this week been critical of DIC's use of the media to support their plans to buy out Gillett.

Dallas-based Hicks has criticised DIC's tactics and terminated talks with the Dubai-based sports empire on Monday.

This followed his complaints about leaked documents and comments from DIC that implied they would want management control despite only buying a 49 per cent stake.

He was also upset with what was considered triumphant comments that suggested DIC would soon buy his stake.

For Gillett to suggest he did not choose his partner wisely when he bought the club from former chairman David Moores says much about the current situation.

Gillett initially wanted to buy the club on his own, but brought in Hicks' financial muscle when he could not do the deal himself.

Comments

Sam Genen (Liverpool fan) says...

For the life of me I cannot understand why Hicks refuses to sell his stake - he obviously would make a profit if he sold to DIC. He is not even a LFC fan, he doesn't care about the club the fans or the passion that we represent. I think he should just leave us in peace DIC are at least liverpool fans, we don't need all this hassle mid-season. What a disgraceful way to operate a business by Mr Hicks. I am sad to call myself American and a Liverpool fan because of those two Yanks.

Posted 22:32 13th March 2008

Drew Bradbury (Liverpool fan) says...

I feel that Liverpool have great support in the UK and it is Benitez and the squad that make us great not two over paid Americans that joined in the craze of owning a top Premiership team. I hope they sell up to someone that has a real passion for football and the mighty Reds of Anfield.

Posted 18:25 13th March 2008

Kevin Doyle (Liverpool fan) says...

Why do the Americans keep making fools out of each other. Doing there dirty laundry in the press. I still think DIC will buy the club. They just need to make an offer they both can't refuse.Let's face it they will both never show there face at Anfield again. We as fans should keep the protest going at every game until they both sell.

Posted 17:43 13th March 2008

Susanne Rigby (Liverpool fan) says...

Both Hicks and Gillett should sell, they have demoralised the team, the fans, benitez, everyone who lives and breathes lfc. Even Aldo put his name down for shareliverpool, what does that say? Neither Hicks or Gillett has done any good but make money out of us, we have worked hard in the champions league and are coming back on form in the preimiership, down to us, over here, in england - the team, benitez, the fans! They only come over to talk about selling or when the s**t hits the fan!

Posted 23:20 12th March 2008

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