Official Liverpool FC Supporters Thread

[Randhir]

Congrats dude. Can only hope that something this good happens at United.

[SinghDude]

End of the day if you are the owner of a business and u being screwd over how would u feel ?

Well 'em yanks deserve it.

They had a flawed business model and it NEVER was in the interests of all the Scousers.

[hawker]

Congrats dude. Can only hope that something this good happens at United.

Well, it's by no means a done deal yet. But hopefully it will go through!

[SinghDude]

hell yeah, if liverpool supporters think they they are in a financial conundrum..well go take a look at the Glaziers and the amount in interest that UTD owes...

it almost makes me wanna LOL...

[poolmania]

Liverpool FC Agrees Sale To Red Sox Owners

Out with the YANKS. Hoping for a fresh start.

The potential new owners are Yanks.

[hawker]

The potential new owners are Yanks.

Thats not really a bad thing, if they actually care about the club.

[poolmania]

With regards to the new owners.......

The Red Sox had not won a world series in 86 years. These guys took over, they won the world series and have become one of the most successful baseball teams of the last decade.....

They are still yanks..but have some credentials!

Let's not fall into that trap again like we did with the current two. I still remember a banner on the kop in 2006/2007 reading: "For everything else, there's Tom and George".

[Casanova]

The potential new owners are Yanks.

Oops :sick: Forgot that. Out with G&H.
Out with the Texan's in with Boston's
Apparently the Boston LFC Fans are quite happy with this move.

[Casanova]

The board of Liverpool Football Club has agreed the sale of the club to New England Sports Ventures (NESV), a statement on the official website confirmed today.

New England Sports Ventures currently owns a portfolio of companies including the Boston Red Sox, New England Sports Network, Fenway Sports Group and Rousch Fenway Racing.

LFC Chairman Martin Broughton said: "I am delighted that we have been able to successfully conclude the sale process which has been thorough and extensive.

"The Board decided to accept NESV's proposal on the basis that it best met the criteria we set out originally for a suitable new owner. NESV's philosophy is all about winning and they have fully demonstrated that at Red Sox.

"We've met them in Boston, London and Liverpool over several weeks and I am immensely impressed with what they have achieved and with their vision for Liverpool Football Club.

"By removing the burden of acquisition debt, this offer allows us to focus on investment in the team. I am only disappointed that the owners have tried everything to prevent the deal from happening and that we need to go through legal proceedings in order to complete the sale."

The statement also said the sale is conditional on Premier League approval, as well as resolution of the boardroom dispute and other matters.



Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2010/10/06/liverpool-fc-sold-to-new-england-sports-ventures-100252-27411806/#ixzz11Z1lb0pW

[poolmania]

This is not final yet so we shouldn't be cracking open the beers yet.

[Casanova]

This is not final yet so we shouldn't be cracking open the beers yet.


The statement also said the sale is conditional on Premier League approval, as well as resolution of the boardroom dispute and other matters.

Yup, The above might take a while.

[hawker]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RO55BazkiZ4

[Wall]

Broughtan on Sky now said something along the lines of: there will be stadium development, either Anfield re-developed or new. he understands fans wanting to know things regarding the sale process but he promised to do things quietly and he has.americans are not bad owners but leverage buy outs are bad. and asked fans to keep the faith and trust the boards decision as they were the best owners.

i will paste the full transcript of sky when it's available.

[Wall]

Liverpool FC Chairman Martin Broughton has spoken about why he believes New England Sports Ventures are the perfect fit for LFC and why he's confident the sale decision could be completed by close of business next week.


In an exclusive interview with LFC TV, Broughton also thanked fans for their patience during the sales process and outlined the potential new owner's plans for the club.

Martin, it's been quite a dramatic 24 hours in terms of the sales process. Can you explain exactly what the situation is right now?

It certainly has been dramatic. The latest position is that we have a sale agreement in place, we've agreed the sale to New England Sports Ventures, that sale is subject to a number of conditions like Premier League approval and other normal conditions. The specific additional condition is that it's subject to confirmation that the Board acted validly in drawing up the sale documents.

Last night fans read a statement on the official website claiming that the owners had sought to remove Christian Purslow and Ian Ayre from the Board. What was the reasoning behind this and were the owners successful?

The court will ultimately decide whether the owners were successful. The reasoning behind it was that the owners felt we were reviewing two bids which they considered undervalued the club and therefore they wished to remove Christian and Ian and replace them with Mack Hicks, who is Tom's son, and Lori McCutcheon, who also works with him.

We don't think it was valid to do it. Essentially when I took the role they gave a couple of written undertakings to Royal Bank of Scotland. Those written undertakings included that I was the only person entitled to change the board and that was written into the articles of the covenants, and also that they would take no action to frustrate any reasonable sale. And I think they flagrantly abused both of those written undertakings.

You announced on Tuesday night that the club received two excellent offers. Why, in your opinion, is New England Sports Ventures the right new owner for Liverpool Football Club?

I think both of them would have been excellent new owners. New England have a lot of experience in developing, investing in and taking Boston Red Sox - as the closest parallel - from being a club with a wonderful history, a wonderful tradition that had lost the winning way, and bringing it back to being a winner. Their commitment to winning is what it's all about there and they've extended it from Boston Red Sox to Nascar and other things, but Red Sox is the main one.

I have been meeting them now for several weeks in Boston, in Liverpool, in London, and I feel they are totally committed to supporting and getting the winning mentality back into the team.

Is their winning mentality the thing which has impressed you most about them during this period?

Yes. Their commitment is to winning on the pitch and that helps you win off the pitch too. The two are mutually reinforcing.

Fans have already got lots of questions, with three of the main ones being:

a) Will the debt burden be removed completely?

To all intents and purposes, yes. All of the acquisition debt that was involved in the current owners acquisition will be removed completely. We'll still have what we call normal working capital debt and there's a facility there for the new stadium which will remain in place, but to all intents and purposes all the major debt that has been causing our problem has been paid off.

b) Have the proposed new owners committed to investing in the playing squad?

Yes. They don't want any hostages to fortune, very sensibly, so they're not going to make any comments about how much or anything like that. But this goes back to the winning mentality. I think the demonstration is: let's look at what they have done at Boston, what they said in Boston, what they have done in terms of investing in players - and I think you get a high degree of confidence of their willingness to do that.

c) Is there a commitment from them to progress the new stadium project?

Yes, there's definitely a commitment to invest in a stadium and we will finish up with a 60,000+ seater stadium. Where they haven't finalised their view is whether that should be the new stadium or whether there are still opportunities to build at Anfield itself. They have done both. The people involved have built the new stadium at Baltimore Orioles, for example, and at Fenway Park they looked at the two options and decided that actually redevelopment with all of the tradition was better than a new stadium. So they have done both, they are committed to looking at both very professionally and seeing which is the best option, but there will be stadium development.

Just to clarify, what needs to happen now for the sale to be finalised?

The key thing is the court case. We need to go to the court to get a declaratory judgement, which is for the court to declare that we did act validly in completing the sale agreement, and then the buyers can complete the sale. We have to get Premier League approval and I'm certain that's not going to be an issue. There are one or two minor things like that but the key issue is the court, which should meet I would think next week sometime. That is the most likely time, in short order.

Can the owners block the sale of LFC to New England Sports Ventures?

Well, we have to win the court case. So effectively yes, if they win the court case they can block the sale. But then we may have one or two other thoughts in mind as well.

Could the sale process be dragged through the courts for months before a resolution is reached?

No, I don't think so. We should get a declaratory judgement I would have thought probably by the end of next week, in short order. There is an appeal process but that is also very fast.

How confident are you that Liverpool Football Club will soon be officially under new ownership?

I am confident. I wouldn't have taken the Board through that process yesterday if I hadn't been confident. I wouldn't have exposed everybody to that risk if I hadn't been confident, but you can never be certain. These things are legal judgements. We have been properly advised and I am confident.

Looking back, how thorough has the process been to identify the best new owners for the Club and how pleased are you with the final outcome?

Ideally one would have had buyers who were not only the best buyers but also satisfied the owners. That's what we were looking for and we haven't managed to do that second piece of it. Has it been exhaustive? Absolutely. We have, first of all through BarCap, contacted every plausible buyer. The media coverage has meant that you would have to be living on Planet Zog not to know that Liverpool was for sale and so if you had any interest in it you had the opportunity. We've talked to lots of potential people. At the end of the day, with the deadline for debt repayment looming we had two bidders, both very viable bidders. I think they were competing, there was competitive tension there and I think that demonstrates that we have the market price.

Finally Martin, what is your message to the Liverpool fans?

Keep the faith. We said we would deliver the best buyers for the club and I think we have delivered exactly that. I know they've been frustrated by not getting a running commentary and I know a fan wants to know what's going on. I thank them for their patience because I do believe the only way you really get these things done is out of the media glare and it's difficult to do it out of the media glare, but we've found the right owners. I thank them for their patience, their support, keep the faith, this is going to work. They're with us
soruce: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/broughton-takeover-q-a

[Wall]

Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton has spoken exclusively to Sky Sports News about the proposed sale of the club.

Broughton has confirmed that the agreed deal with New England Sports Ventures (NESV), the parent company of the Boston Red Sox baseball club, is worth around £300million.

Broughton believes it will take a week for the deal to go through with current owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett challenging the sale via the courts, with the offer significantly under their own valuation of the Merseyside club.

While Broughton admits he is disappointed by the American duo's stance, he does not expect them to hinder NESV's projected takeover of the club.

"This was their last chance to leave with their heads high, it's a pity they have chosen this route," said the Reds chairman.

"Part of the terms of me taking on the role was that they gave a written undertaking that only I could change the board and they would not interfere and frustrate any reasonable sale.

"And this is frankly an abuse of these undertakings."

Winning mentality

Broughton revealed Liverpool had only received two bids that they deemed valid, with NESV's track record with the Red Sox proving a key factor in their decision.

He also confirmed that the potential new owners plan to invest in new players in January, as well as exploring the prospect of a new stadium.

"They want to be judged by what they do rather than what they say and can demonstrate what they plan to do by what they have done," added Broughton.

"If you look at the Boston Red Sox as a classic example of taking a very famous, historic, major team that has seen better days and restored them to their glory, I think that is a parallel that demonstrates action.

"Their mentality is all about winning. They have invested a lot of money in players [at the Red Sox] and they have committed to making the necessary investment in players at Liverpool."
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_6431042,00.html

[hawker]

Lets hope this stuff gets concluded quite quickly.

[Wall]

Lets hope this stuff gets concluded quite quickly.

I AM ****ING THRILLED THAT WE ARE ON THE VERGE OF GETTING RID OF THESE LEECHES!!!!!!!!! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

now let's pray our soon to be new owners are not like the H&G :(

[Casanova]

Yeah I too hope they are'nt like G&H.

Had a laugh earlier when another guy said -
Built by Shanks
Broke by Yanks
Sold to more Yanks

[hawker]

I AM ****ING THRILLED THAT WE ARE ON THE VERGE OF GETTING RID OF THESE LEECHES!!!!!!!!! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

now let's pray our soon to be new owners are not like the H&G :(

I doubt it. They haven't made any huge promises like H&G did.

Just look at their history with the Red Sox, I've been doing some reading, and I really think they are not a bad group to be buying our football club.

[Wall]

Fellow LFC Fans, although nobody can 100% say what would happen in an eventual court case but can only state what is most likely with the facts.

Apologies to fellow fans who already know the workings of company legislation, but for those who need more info hopefully this will help.

When forming a company the voting rights attached to shareholders and board members is written in the articles (rules) of the company which are called Table A. The standard version of these means that share holders have to ratify (agree) to the appointment of a shareholder. Any major decision requires board approvement and the chariman will have the deciding vote in the event of deadlock.

The two owners were therefore always able to block any potential sales etc. Also if one shareholder wants to sell then the other shareholder has right to first refusal on those shares.

When RBS decided to refinance they obviously wanted to ensure that the refinance on the condition that a sale will be actively pursued. They did not want the vetos (blocking power) that the shareholders had as a result of Table A conditions attached to their rights. The condition at that point was that LFC had to have a change of boardroom roles with an independent chairman who was the only one with the right to then make any reasonable changes to the board. MB was brought in and as a result to make this stick there had to be additions made to Table A conditions in which the rights of the shares was removed and thus leaving just one vote per board member with the casting vote with the chairman in the even of deadlock.

As MB has revealed the owners also made written undertakings. For those who have had legal dealing you will know a written undertaking is something the MUST be adhered to. An example is like when somebody is promising their lender that they will give certain information or funds by a certain date in a certain day. If they make a written undertaking and it has been drafted correctly and executed correctly then the person cannot go against that written undertaking without the express written permission from who they made the undertaking to. In this case if RBS waived the conditions made in the written undertaking then H&G would be successful in this challenge, if RBS do not waive the conditions within the written undertaking then H&G will not be successful. They will try to argue that by selling at the 'low price' it is not in the interest of the shareholders or the company as it devalues the club which is detrimental to the owners and the club.

They will argue the board have not discharged their duty in looking out for the owners and the club. They will try to argue that if refinancing took place with collateral against assets of the club that would allow the RBS deadline to be met and allow the club to function in other areas while also meeting their valuation of the club.

They will therefore say that due to not pursuing this line then CP and IA were rightly sacked for gross misconduct. Their whole argument will hinge on stating that the board have not acted correctly by blocking a refinance based on club assets.

Personally I do not think the argument is very strong although if you get the wrong judge on the wrong mood then the case could go against us as fans.

Also quickly about the new owners their significant squad investment will only happen in January as the new UEFA rules will come in force in summer which will put us in a strong position as all expenditure is linked to income. We are very profitable without the debt. Also this profit is all without ticket sales from a larger capacity stadium. If we are guaranteed a stadium of 60000+ then we are in a very strong position in terms of squad investment.

Sorry to all of you for the length in writing this piece and also if it sounds patronising in anyway or has caused offense. I just wanted to give the correct technical advice as I am legally trained in Corporate Law.

I hope this helped.
YNWA

copied of another forum

[Icarium]

Woohoo, the owners of my favourite baseball club buying out my favourite footie club? Me likey.

*Disclaimer, I prefer baseball to football, but as a business Red Sox are rock solid.

[Venomous]

What are the time frames for the legal battle? In other words, when will the deal finally be signed, sealed and delivered?

[MickeyD]

Your guess is as good as mine but as a YNWA member I hope it is sooner rather than later!

[smokey]

What are the time frames for the legal battle? In other words, when will the deal finally be signed, sealed and delivered?

The real question is will the bank wait for the legal issues to end before putting LFC into administration? (Yeah, I know that they won't put it into admin if it is sold to these guy promptly, but still...)

[Venomous]

And then we have the little issue of the Derby this weekend...

[R13...]

And then we have the little issue of the Derby this weekend...
I think you mean next weekend.

[millennia]

And then we have the little issue of the Derby this weekend...

Uh, next. Internationals this weekend ;)

[SinghDude]

The new yank seems to be in same shoes as Gillet and Hicks... He will want a a return on his investment.The dude was a futures trader, its all about ROI, whether that means sound financial decisons on player aquisitions remain to be seen....

Now we have to wait for the courtroom saga to start...

YNWA

[Wall]

Prospective new owners New England Sports Ventures promise to bring stability and trophies to Liverpool FC

LIVERPOOL FC’s prospective new owners have pledged to return the Reds to their rightful place – competing for and winning English and European trophies.

New England Sports Ventures (NESV) said it wants to bring the same “openness, passion, dedication and professionalism” to LFC that it has done during its nine year ownership of the Boston Red Sox which has seen the baseball team win two World Series.

As their £300m bid for Liverpool was accepted – subject to the legal challenge from co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett – the group led by financier John Henry spoke of their long term ambitions with the Reds.

“NESV wants to create a long-term financially solid foundation for Liverpool FC and is dedicated to ensuring that the Club has the resources to build for the future, including the removal of all acquisition debt,” it said in a statement.

“Our objective is to stabilise the Club and ultimately return Liverpool FC to its rightful place in English and European football, successfully competing for and winning trophies.”

While those words will sound all too familiar to Liverpool fans – echoing the words of Gillett and Hicks in 2007 – there are crucial differences to this deal.

NESV makes little information about its operations and profits public, but the ECHO understands it has financed the deal by taking money off its own balance sheet.

That is not money which could ever be put on LFC as debt, something which crippled the club’s progress under the current owners.

Liverpool fans are also likely to be heartened to learn that in the group’s nine-year ownership of the Red Sox NESV has never taken a dividend from the baseball club.

Created in 2001 NESV is one of the largest sports, media, and entertainment companies in the world. It owns outright the Red Sox, 80% of the New England Sports Network, an American regional sports TV network, 50% of the Roush Fenway Racing NASCAR team, and 100% of Fenway Sports Group.

NESV is led by principal owner John Henry, a respected multi-millionaire hedge fund manager, and chairman Tom Werner.

The pair jointly have more than 30 years of experience as owners in Major League Baseball (MLB).

NESV have been voted best owners in the MLB by the readers of the Sports Business Journal in each of the past two years, and in 2009 Sports Illustrated selected this group as the number one ownership group in MLB.

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber yesterday declared that Liverpool would be in good hands if the sale to NESV is completed. “They (NESV) have a tremendously robust understanding of the sports business and how to protect and enhance the legacy of the historic brand.

“That’s in essence what they have done with the ownership of the Red Sox. There is something called the Red Sox Nation, a brand supported by fans going back generations, similar to Liverpool supporters.

“The ownership has not only graced that but enhanced it, they have enhanced and renovated the stadium, they have brought modern technology to improve the fans experience.

“They have put championship teams on the field and managed their enterprise with an eye to profitability, so they are tremendous pro-sports team owners.

“If you are a sports fan in the USA, pick two or three of the most revered and successful clubs in our nation’s sporting history and the Red Sox are one of them.

“I don’t know if you could say the same about the teams owned by Mr Gillett and Mr Hicks.”

NESV are understood to be keen to develop Liverpool FC’s academy in a similar way to what they have done with the Red Sox.

Anfield bosses consider that the people behind NESV will also be keen to be seen taking an active interest in the club.

Figures from the company are likely to be seen going to matches much more frequently than Hicks and Gillett who have rarely been seen at Anfield.

Mr Henry is said to attend around 80% of Red Sox games and is clearly a huge sports fan. He was formerly involved in the New York Yankees and owned the Florida Marlins.

NESV chairman Tom Werner is also a keen sports fan and is former owner of the San Diego Padres.

He produced some of America’s biggest television hits including the Cosby Show, Roseanne, 3rd Rock from the Sun, and That 70s Show.

The NESV consortium is made up of 17 investors which includes the New York Times Company, which owns the newspaper of the same name – interestingly a rival to the Rupert Murdoch-owned New York Post – and the Boston Globe.

New York Times Company, which invested $75m in NESV in 2002, owns 16.6% of the company and has been looking to offload its shareholding to raise $200m.

That would value NESV at $1.2bn. In April it sold 1.15% of its shareholding to Henry F. McCance, a retired Boston venture capitalist.

soruce:http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2010/10/07/prospective-new-owners-new-england-sports-ventures-promise-to-bring-stability-and-trophies-to-liverpool-fc-92534-27419586/3/

[Casanova]

Roy Hodgson's future secure at Liverpool, says Martin Broughton

• Chairman says potential owners are happy with the manager
• 'Stadium investment' is high on the agenda

Liverpool's prospective new owners have told Roy Hodgson his position is secure, despite him overseeing the club's worst start to a season for 57 years. Anfield turned against the new manager during Sunday's defeat by Blackpool but while a swift overhaul of the squad is unlikely under New England Sports Venture, the 63-year-old has been guaranteed an opportunity to lead the club's recovery.

Hodgson is under pressure after a dreadful start that has left Liverpool in the relegation zone, with just one league win this season. The former Fulham manager is believed to have a compensation clause in his three-year contract should new owners wish to make their own appointment, but the chairman, Martin Broughton, insists there is no desire from John W Henry, NESV's principal investor, or within the group, for a change. "There is a commitment to the manager," said the Liverpool chairman. "They are very happy that this manager is the right person to take this club forward." Beyond Hodgson's position, the impact of the NESV proposal on the on-field fortunes is expected to be significant, albeit that Broughton confirmed it is not a takeover in the mould of Roman Abramovich at Chelsea or sheikh Mansour at Manchester City – "That is right," he said – and is linked to the development of a stadium. The US proposal includes a commitment to pay off £240m debt in cash, drastically reducing Liverpool's interest repayments, which stood at almost £40m for the year ending 30 July 2009. "It means the club has vast profits available to the levels it always should have had available to invest in the business instead of servicing loans," said Broughton. "Whatever happens, it's massive progress."

There are potentially sizeable revenues to be tapped. "George [Gillett] and Tom [Hicks] have not been all bad," Broughton said of the current owners. "There is this perception that they did nothing at all and were a complete disaster, but if you look at the commercial side of the business they have appointed Ian Ayre, they gave him a mandate and the freedom to do his job as a commercial director, and he has more than tripled revenues. If they had not been leveraged then they would have started the [new]stadium, and we wouldn't being saying what terrible guys these are."

With Uefa's financial fair-play rules due to commence in 2012 – whereby clubs must break even over a rolling three-year period to qualify for European competition – a debt-reduced Liverpool would regain a powerful financial position once a stadium is built. Failing to fulfil the promise to "put a spade in the ground" within 60 days of their takeover cost Hicks and Gillett credibility and trust among Liverpool fans, and the issue was an integral part of NESV's negotiations with Broughton.

"They are committed to stadium development," Broughton said. "It may be through a Fenway-like development [the rebuilt home of the Boston Red Sox] that gets us to a 60,000 stadium at Anfield. It may be a new stadium. They haven't yet been able to make that call because they haven't been able to do sufficient homework to be absolutely clear on the right way forward. They haven't had direct conversations with local councillors, for example, which might be necessary. They are very willing to have those discussions and to have those investigations done as a matter of urgency because they do commit to stadium development.

"They just want to be sure it is the right stadium development. They will fund it with a sensible, normal level of debt and equity. They have had discussions with RBS about financing a stadium, but they are premature, because they don't know what is happening yet."

The Anfield area has suffered badly waiting for the club to meet its stadium promises and, according to the leader of the City council Joe Anderson, redevelopment must be a priority. "While fans will no doubt welcome this as the path to changing fortunes on the pitch, the delays in starting the new stadium have been a huge concern to the city council, and the effect this is having on the wider role of the regeneration of the Anfield community," Anderson said. "Investment in a new stadium must be an immediate priority and I look forward to holding talks with new owners as soon as possible to press home the need for the work to start."

The prospective takeover was welcomed by the defender Jamie Carragher. "Everyone knows it'll be a good thing for the club," he said. "Hopefully it will be sorted sooner rather than later and we can start looking forward on the pitch and start improving results, which is what we need to do."

Broughton indicated that Ayre and the chief executive, Christian Purslow, the two directors Hicks sought to remove from the board before the agreement was reached with NESV, may remain in situ under the prospective new owners.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/oct/07/liverpool-nesv-broughton-martin-anfield

[Venomous]

I think you mean next weekend.


Uh, next. Internationals this weekend ;)

It was late at night....

/goes to see the schedule

[Wall]

took this off another forum

the key sections is in the public domain as its a document published under the Companies Act.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4746910/LFC%20company%20articles.pdf

"Appointment and Retirement of Directors

81. (a) Each director appointed to the office of chairman of the board of directors of the Company may appoint any person as director of the Company and may remove and director (other than George N. Gillett Jnr and/or Thomas O Hicks). Any appointment or removal shall be made in writing and signed by the then current chairman."

The Current chairman being Martin Broughton.

The timing of this deal being made known is also important as 10 days are required to change the structure of the board so if Hicks found a way to do so he'd still run out of time before the RBS loan repayment deadline kicked in. The
deal was made known 9 days before that deadline.

This was followed by a comment from a Guardian writer:

That 81a) is exactly the paragraph in Liverpool's articles of association which Broughton is relying on. They were changed on May 28, which has to be done with the approval of 75% of a company's shareholders, which means for them to be valid, Hicks and Gillett had to approve them.

Broughton insisted on that as a condition of taking over - that only he has the right to change directors. That meant he, Purslow and Ayre would always have a majority on the board.

He is also saying, confirmed by RBS yesterday, that Hicks and Gillette signed undertakings with the bank to commit to a sale and not do anything to frustrate "best endeavours" to find a buyer.

Broughton will say in court that he and the board clearly made "best endeavours" because they had a team at Barclays Capital working full time on it, and everybody in the world has known Liverpool is for sale. Throughout the whole search, this US consortium and the other, unnamed Asian one, were the only solid ones which came through, with proof of funds and a genuine commitment to buy.

Despite the brief and not very clear statement from Hicks' US-based spokesman yesterday, it is not at all clear what he is going to argue against that. Possibly claiming that he never approved the articles of association change - even though they require the approval of shareholders. Perhaps that he never actually gave those undertakings to the bank, or that Broughton's efforts do not add up to "best endeavours."

[millennia]

And now for some comedy relief...

How do you know if you're reading the newspaper upside down??























































Liverpool are in the top 3!

:P

[dbecks]

And now for some comedy relief...

How do you know if you're reading the newspaper upside down?


Liverpool are in the top 3!

:PWaaaaaahahahahaha

[fishfly]

And now for some comedy relief...

How do you know if you're reading the newspaper upside down??

Liverpool are in the top 3!

:P

ROFLMAO mill shame dude your team may be relagated soon :p

[millennia]

Not gonna happen fishy, not gonna happen ;)

[nivek]

Deluded Liverpool fans off-target
http://threeandin.com/2010/10/07/deluded-liverpool-fans-off-target/

[Alan]

Deluded Liverpool fans off-target
http://threeandin.com/2010/10/07/deluded-liverpool-fans-off-target/

Well he does make a good point or two. The fans have trully disgraced themselves with the anti American bigotry. This along with the Rafa idol whorship that made them the laughing stock of the league.

The most disheartening fact of this whole episode has been the behaviour of our fellow fans.


Liverpool supporters were supposed to be knowledgeable fans who acted with dignity. That image has now been largely eroded which is a shame.

[arf9999]

Well he does make a good point or two. The fans have trully disgraced themselves with the anti American bigotry. This along with the Rafa idol whorship that made them the laughing stock of the league.

The most disheartening fact of this whole episode has been the behaviour of our fellow fans.

I think that that article is satire. There are too many stupid factual errors for it to be genuine.

I agree about the fans attitude, but to be fair to them, there has been a legitimate gripe with H & G since they took over. Their leveraged buyout is what drove the club into near receivership.

The only good thing about the offer from Boston, is that it includes capital - not debt.


I see lots of ManU fans chuckling about Liverpoool's problems, but they should look in their own backyard. The Glazers have loaded United with so much debt that it won't take much to knock down the house of cards there either.


Other clubs have tapped the bond markets to raise money. Manchester United and Arsenal have issued securities worth £500m and £245m respectively, secured on club assets. Bonds tend to have a longer maturity than bank debt. In Arsenal's case, the club is locked in at a reasonable interest rate for 20 years. But some bonds are kinder than others. United's recent offering gives them just seven years in which to repay the money, and at a higher rate of interest.

Yet the most expensive debt in the Premier League is the £200m so-called "payment-in-kind notes" which the Glazer family took out when they acquired United in 2005. This summer the annual interest rate on that tranche of borrowing will rise to an astonishing 16.5 per cent, with full repayment due in 2017. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/the-debt-league-how-much-do-clubs-owe-1912244.html

[nivek]

I think that that article is satire. There are too many stupid factual errors for it to be genuine.

I agree about the fans attitude, but to be fair to them, there has been a legitimate gripe with H & G since they took over. Their leveraged buyout is what drove the club into near receivership.

The only good thing about the offer from Boston, is that it includes capital - not debt.


I see lots of ManU fans chuckling about Liverpoool's problems, but they should look in their own backyard. The Glazers have loaded United with so much debt that it won't take much to knock down the house of cards there either.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/the-debt-league-how-much-do-clubs-owe-1912244.html

Yea I'm not sure whether its satire or not, because while he accuses Torres of being Italian, and Pennant still being at Liverpool, he does have an overall valid point
Reading the comments section below he admits to confusing Pennant and Kuyt all the time

I've read some of this guys blogs in the past and hes a bit of a tool

[SinghDude]

Latest update www.bbc.co.uk/sport

Seems as if this courtroom saga continues, Liverpool will go under administration and with a 9 point deduction.....

This is turning out to be some season in the history of LFC

YNWA

[MickeyD]

http://www.sport24.co.za/Soccer/EnglishPremiership/EPL-approves-Reds-takeover-20101008


EPL approves Reds takeover

London - Boston Red Sox owner John W Henry was cleared to continue his proposed takeover of Liverpool on Friday by the Premier League but the future of England's most successful club will almost certainly be settled in court.

The Premier League said in a statement that New England Sports Ventures (NESV) had met its stringent requirements laid down for would-be owners of clubs.

"The Premier League is satisfied, with the information provided, that the individuals NESV intend to put in place in the event they complete their takeover of Liverpool FC meet the criteria set out in our Owners' and Directors' Test," the statement said.

While rubber-stamping NESV's credentials for the 300 million pounds takeover, the Premier League was at pains to stress that the deal was far from done.

Liverpool's current owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett mounted a legal challenge to the takeover agreed by chairman Martin Broughton, managing director Christian Purslow and Ian Ayre, the club's commercial director.

"The Board of the Premier League will continue working with Liverpool FC in regard to this process, however, we are aware that the formal completion of this takeover is yet to be resolved and it is therefore inappropriate for us to offer any further comment at this time," the Premier League said.

Hicks and Gillett, who bought the club in February 2007 for 218.9 million pounds, sought to replace two members of the club's five-man board on Tuesday in a bid to retain control, saying NESV's offer "dramatically" under-valued the club.

NESV's offer would cover the club's debts, estimated at 237 million pounds and would lift the spectre of the five-times European champions going into administration.

Hicks and Gillett have an Oct. 15 deadline to either re-finance debts of around 200 million pounds to Royal Bank of Scotland or sell the club. Failure to do so could result in the club's holding company Kop Holdings to go into administration, triggering a nine-point penalty under Premier League rules.

Liverpool have endured one of their worst starts to a Premier League campaign and after seven matches are in the bottom three with six points.

Think the two ****ers will deliberately delay the sale so that we lose 9 points? If they do they had better NEVER visit Liverpool again!!

[poolmania]

Well he does make a good point or two. The fans have trully disgraced themselves with the anti American bigotry. This along with the Rafa idol whorship that made them the laughing stock of the league.

The most disheartening fact of this whole episode has been the behaviour of our fellow fans.


Liverpool supporters were supposed to be knowledgeable fans who acted with dignity. That image has now been largely eroded which is a shame.

I read your comments yesterday and I didn't have a chance to respond. I have been really disturbed since yesterday by your comments.

"Instead they blame a pair of businessmen who have always tried to do their best for Liverpool Football Club".

Did their best. Lumped our club with near 300 million in debt having to pay 40 odd million a year on interest payments and the potential of being thrown into administration. This a first in the history of this club.

......and you want to have a pop at your fellow supporters. It's ****ing disgusting.

You have no clue at all, when was the last time you were in Liverpool, had a day out in the town, went to a local on the way to Anfield.

I am simply astonished at your view here, it is not only about winning things you know. It's about supporting your club. Our club was/is on the brink of adminsitration, who's fault is that?

I've said enough.

[poolmania]

"Liverpool supporters were supposed to be knowledgeable fans who acted with dignity. That image has now been largely eroded which is a shame."

WTF Alan. So the sky generation media know everything and have destroyed our image. In your eyes maybe which is disappointing. The unfortunate thing is that there are many out there like you. It's ****ing unbelievable.

Who gives a **** what the media are saying.

[Alan]

I never said that particular point was valid :rolleyes:

But if you think offensive bigoted banners, burning flags and spitting on people is acceptable behaviour....... I though will continue to have a "pop" at supporters who behave like that.

Disgusting.

[arf9999]

Reading the comments section below he admits to confusing Pennant and Kuyt all the time

I've read some of this guys blogs in the past and hes a bit of a toolI can see how he gets confused...
http://img.skysports.com/08/10/800x600/Jermaine-Pennant-Liverpool-2008_1366755.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3a/Dirk_Kuijt%2C_July_2009_-_The_Prime_Minister_of_Thailand_Photo.jpg/200px-Dirk_Kuijt%2C_July_2009_-_The_Prime_Minister_of_Thailand_Photo.jpg

[Alan]

The guy is colour blind :erm:

[smokey]

Bru, they're like twins :cool:

[Alan]

A rare ray of optimism for the Anfield lot...

In the words of The Times, this week will feature 'the most important five days' in Liverpool's history.

The court case in which the club's board will strive to prove they have the right to approve a sale to New England Sports Ventures will begin on Tuesday and has already been dogged by talk of the club falling into administration if the case is lost and NESV abandoning their bid if Pool are deducted nine points.

However, here's a twist in the tale:

'Liverpool's chairman Martin Broughton has an as yet undisclosed "Plan B" to ensure that the club's sale to New England Sports Ventures (NESV) goes through without Liverpool going into administration, and that is one reason for confidence that the club will avoid a nine-point penalty, a source close to the situation has told The Independent.'

According to the newspaper, despite Broughton's own admission that administration was a possibility, 'the club won't get anywhere close to administration.'

And why's that?

'One reason is that Broughton has what are being described as "fallback" options ("a Plan B and Plan C", says a source), which he believes can force through a sale to NESV without administration. The details of these are not known but would involve convoluted legal mechanisms, with Royal Bank of Scotland probably extending its nominal 15 October deadline while they were being played out. These would only come into play if Broughton loses.
'In any case, given that RBS would ultimately trigger administration, and that there is no logical benefit to RBS of Liverpool going into administration, it is hard to see that Liverpool will end up there.'

And to ask again, why?

'Because, with Liverpool in administration, RBS would no longer be guaranteed to get all its money back; it would lose control of the situation. Theoretically, it could end up with 20p in the pound or similar.

'Also, the bank now knows administration will trigger a points penalty, and that a penalty will increase the chances of the club being relegated, and therefore slash the club's value, decreasing the chance of RBS getting its money back via a post-administration sale.'

To be fair, unless we are missing something profound, The Indy makes a convincing case.

But let's go back to The Times. They are less bullish about the state of the club and remark that 'Royal Bank of Scotland could take control of the club on Friday should Hicks and Gillett prevail in the High Court but find themselves unable to repay their outstanding £282 million debts to their creditors.'

RBS are very much the mystery element in this tangled web because there hasn't been a single word from the partially-state-owned bank as to their potential responses.

A second line of note from The Times:

'The uncertainty that continues to dog Liverpool extends to the manager's position, with Broughton and Purslow apparently at odds over whether the potential new owner can remove Roy Hodgson according to the terms of a clause in his contract.'

Finally, here's Pepe Reina's slightly optimistic view on the situation:

"It's still too soon to talk about the takeover because there is still some chaos down there," said Reina.

"I'm worried. I'm worried because of the situation of the club. But I am also optimistic and I think we're going to bounce back and be our best in a few months. At least that's what I hope.

"The only thing we can do is play football and the things that are going on around the club, the ownership situation and all that, is out of our hands.

"All that we can do now is hope and pray for a good finish and a very good ending."

....

[akescpt]

*sigh*..its like someone has taken something you love and the trolls have started publicly destroying it bit by bit and you being powerless to stop it...you are just compelled to watch the destruction happen...

[poolmania]

*sigh*..its like someone has taken something you love and the trolls have started publicly destroying it bit by bit and you being powerless to stop it...you are just compelled to watch the destruction happen...

I don't think we're powerless. That's why the SOS started. The supporters have had a part to play in the reasons the Club is on the brink of a takeover. Hicks has been desperately been trying to Refinance the loan from RBS but has not been winning due to numerous campaigns against hicks. These campaigns have spread through the media and have made banks and companies wary of helping Hicks to Finance. This has been crucial.

[poolmania]

Court case is tomorrow morning @ 10h30 BST.

The twist........The case is titled: Royal Bank of Scotland vs Hicks.

That means that Liverpool FC have defaulted already on the loan. RBS are actually doing us a service here because they could of put us in administration last week already. It all makes sense now because despite some reports which said that RBS were going to call in the debt on the 15th October, the original reports of the 6th October were the actual dates. That is why Liverpool announced the agreed takeover deal with NESV at the 11th hour on the 6th October. RBS accepted this and since Hicks is challenging it, it is up to RBS to fight it.

It's also in RBS best interests to settle this without us going into administration.

[millennia]

So today is the day...

RBS also released a statement yesterday stating that Hicks wasn't allowed to interfere with the board :D Seems like this should be pretty straightforward today. Apart from the new guy who wants to lodge a higher bid all of a sudden :/

[akescpt]

So today is the day...

RBS also released a statement yesterday stating that Hicks wasn't allowed to interfere with the board :D Seems like this should be pretty straightforward today. Apart from the new guy who wants to lodge a higher bid all of a sudden :/

certainly sounds straight forward...new guy is apparently a manure supporter (unconfirmed) and i doubt they will entertain another bid now. they chose the NESV bid over his bid the first time so why would more money make a difference. the criteria should be whats best for the future. LLHHG!!

[Casanova]

certainly sounds straight forward...new guy is apparently a manure supporter (unconfirmed) and i doubt they will entertain another bid now. they chose the NESV bid over his bid the first time so why would more money make a difference. the criteria should be whats best for the future. LLHHG!!

Yeah apparently this bidder owns a few ManU bars.

[Randhir]

Liverpool FC sale: High court hearing live coverage (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/oct/12/liverpool-fc-rbs-hicks-gillett-john-w-henry)

[Alan]

Nobody minds being popular and in-demand, do they? So the news that a second rival bidder, in the form of Singapore billionaire Peter Lim, for Liverpool has returned to the fray has to be good news, doesn't it?

Err, not necessarily.

It adds another layer of uncertainty to an already-complicated situation and The Guardian declares:

'Although Lim's intervention will be immaterial if RBS wins the case, which could take several days to resolve, it may prove problematic for RBS and Liverpool if it aids the argument of Hicks and Gillett, that they could have achieved a higher price for the club they still own.

And in the words of The Times:

'But the deal could still collapse after it emerged last night that Peter Lim, who submitted a rival bid rejected by the Anfield board, is preparing to increase his offer. If he does, the directors may be duty-bound to consider it, despite their agreement with NESV.'

There are some other aspects to the Lim takeover that are worth noting:

According to the BBC, 'sources close to Mr Lim [say] he was the club's preferred bidder in the closing stages of the auction. He had talks with Liverpool's chairman about how to announce his takeover, such was the apparent confidence that he would win the contest.'

And according to The Daily Mirror, Lim would also 'put almost £40m on the table for Roy Hodgson to strengthen his squad.'

Eish what a way for a prospective new owner to endear to himself to the supporters :o

[Wall]

Eish what a way for a prospective new owner to endear to himself to the supporters :o

I was actually thinking this might be a ploy that Hicks is using in an attempt to stay the club. but i can't see how it benefits him

[Randhir]

12.42pm: The secondary offer that H&G's representatives refer to is from Mill Financial. The offer includes repaying all debts and putting £100m towards the new stadium. Mill Financial took over some of Gillett's stake. Mill Financial were meant to meet Broughton last Thursday to discuss a possible takeover but it was cancelled. Hicks and Gillett's representative wants to know why this meeting was cancelled. Mill Financial remain interested in buying Liverpool.

I wonder if there are board members personally benefitting from the NESV sale?

[Wall]

**** OFF HICKS!!! YOU ARE JUST STALLING!!! **** OFF

[Wall]

I wonder if there are board members personally benefitting from the NESV sale?

I doubt it, I think the owners are just stalling, i wouldn't want mill as our owners.

[Wall]

2.46pm: From court: G&H QC dismisses Friday's deadline and says that instead the owners and RBS are "locked into an agreement" until 1 November

[akescpt]

stupid yankee trolls...going to be placed by more yankee trolls...it all leaves a bad taste in the mouth..my dear liverpool fc..what the hell happened to you?

[smokey]

So wait... it's a stalemate until 1st November?

[poolmania]

there is a ruling tomorrow so let's see.

[Randhir]

2.46pm: From court: G&H QC dismisses Friday's deadline and says that instead the owners and RBS are "locked into an agreement" until 1 November


So wait... it's a stalemate until 1st November?

G&H QC refers to the barrister acting on behalf of the owners, no judgement has been made yet, the ruling will be announced tomorrow.

[SinghDude]

LFC should be owned by people that understand football, tradition , and winning. However most clubs are now focussed on profitabilty and the bottom line is all that counts. The new owners will pretend to have the clubs best interest at heart, however football has evolved into a business...big business and all investors want huge returns on their investment.

Lets pray that LFC can get through these tough times and return to its former glory days soon!!!!!

[akescpt]

this situation is just so lame..

[SinghDude]

One can only hope that Man UTD scum suffer a similar fate.... coz they are in worse debt then LFC. That will make me feel a tad better.....

[akescpt]

One can only hope that Man UTD scum suffer a similar fate.... coz they are in worse debt then LFC. That will make me feel a tad better.....

knowing that manure has more debt than us makes me feel in no way better about the fiasco that has become LFC!! LLHHG!!

[poolmania]

I know we have a fierce rivalry with Man United but it stops at football. I wouldn't wish this on any club including Man United.

[akescpt]

I know we have a fierce rivalry with Man United but it stops at football. I wouldn't wish this on any club including Man United.

+1

[RexxGrim]

Hope this is resolved soon and Liverpool gets things together on the pitch. Need you guys to take some points off Chelsea. :D

Seems both Kuyt and Agger injured. Apparently Kuyt left the field in an ambulance.

[akescpt]

Hope this is resolved soon and Liverpool gets things together on the pitch. Need you guys to take some points off Chelsea. :D

Seems both Kuyt and Agger injured. Apparently Kuyt left the field in an ambulance.

kuyt is in hospital - might be out for 2 months apparently..and agger is not a loss cos roy doesnt seem to use him anyway...

[nivek]

One can only hope that Man UTD scum suffer a similar fate.... coz they are in worse debt then LFC. That will make me feel a tad better.....

Man United arent in as bad a situation as first appears, just read swiss rambles blog from yesterday for more insight

[SinghDude]

Man United arent in as bad a situation as first appears, just read swiss rambles blog from yesterday for more insight

Their business model is based similarly. Man U are still using huge amounts of income to service their debts. If you understand compound interest you will know that their interest payments will be more than income generated.

[nivek]

Their business model is based similarly. Man U are still using huge amounts of income to service their debts. If you understand compound interest you will know that their interest payments will be more than income generated.

Their situation is bad, but they arent going into administration

http://swissramble.blogspot.com/2010/10/united-we-stand-divided-we-fall.html

[RexxGrim]

Breaking News:

All Chilean miners will be signed by Liverpool with the sole purpose of advising Roy Hodgson how to get out of a big f'ing hole before Christmas.

[nivek]

RBS wins their case G&H

[Datura]

Breaking News:

All Chilean miners will be signed by Liverpool with the sole purpose of advising Roy Hodgson how to get out of a big f'ing hole before Christmas.

Damn, you beat me to it :D:D

[akescpt]

liverpools future is in peoples hands who dont love LFC. how did this happen? should neva happen. LLHHG!!!

[Casanova]

The high court today granted injunctions that could open the way for the prompt sale of Liverpool.

The club's owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett asked a judge to delay the hearing of an application by creditors Royal Bank of Scotland for mandatory orders paving the way for a possible sale this week. But the plea was rejected by Mr Justice

At RBS's request, the judge imposed injunctions on the two men requiring them to restore the original constitutions of the companies and managing directors.

This removes the final stumbling block to a £300m takeover by New England Sports Ventures which will see the RBS recoup its original £237m loan to Mr Hicks and Mr Gillett when they bought the club in March 2007.

[Casanova]

The board also want court costs paid by H&G.

[akescpt]

not sure if i am happy. getting rid of bad owners. no way of knowing whether we getting good ones...

[millennia]

no way of knowing whether we getting good ones...
Their track record with the red sox means something at least...

[Casanova]

NESV want a Declatory Judgement stating that the sale to them will be allowed. The Judge today set the date for Thursday October 21st.

[Wall]

NESV want a Declatory Judgement stating that the sale to them will be allowed. The Judge today set the date for Thursday October 21st.

the sale will go through tonight, that's my understanding of it. why do we need a declatory judgement? the board has been re-constituted. they have a board meeting at 8pm tonight.

[arf9999]

Declaratory

[smokey]

Declaratory

teehee

[Alan]

As if Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson didn't have enough on-field problems to contend with, Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger were both injured on international duty on Tuesday night.

And the news on Kuyt and his damaged ankle sounds particularly concerning.

After being stretched off on the half-hour mark, Kuyt was taken to hospital and Dutch boss Bert van Marwijk has been quoted as saying:

"The doctor's first opinion is it could be very serious and keep him sidelined for a long time."

Agger, making his comeback from a groin problem, lasted only 39 minutes of Denmark's game against Cyprus.

So far, therere's been no update on the condition of either player by Liverpool other than a statement on the club's website declaring that 'Both Kuyt and Agger will be assessed now when they return to Melwood to see whether they will be available for Sunday's Merseyside derby'.

You know you're in a rut when even Kuyt starts going down with injuries :(

[Randhir]

Liverpool to fight Hicks's and Gillett's 'damaging' injunction (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/oct/13/liverpool-board-meeting)



Tom Hicks and George Gillett tried last night to derail Liverpool's sale to the owners of the Boston Red Sox by obtaining a temporary injunction in a Dallas court, claiming $1.6bn (£1bn) in damages and calling the sale an "epic swindle". The club immediately responded by vowing to overturn the "unwarranted and damaging" order as talks with New England Sports Ventures continued into the early hours after yesterday's resounding victory in the high court.

As Liverpool's reconstituted board met NESV, on the verge of a deal to buy the club for £300m and bring the tenure of Hicks and Gillett to a close, the pair launched a desperate bid to reopen the sale process. The restraining order appears to prevent a sale taking place before the hearing on 25 October. Now the boards of Kop Football and Kop Holdings accept they must fight to have it removed in order to proceed with the sale to NESV.


But the added delay could bring the spectre of administration back into play and the possibility of a nine-point penalty being imposed by the Premier League. The court date of 25 October is more than a week after the RBS loans are due.

[MickeyD]

Liverpool to fight Hicks's and Gillett's 'damaging' injunction (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/oct/13/liverpool-board-meeting)

Un-be-fscking=lievable!!!! When will they two ******s realise that their time is over?

[akescpt]

i think they will lose 140 million pounds if the nesv sale goes through. thats roughly 1.5 billion rand. from their angle they are getting screwed out of alot of money and it was always their intention to make a huge profit from the sale of livepool. but alas their tactics might still backfire. if rbs chooses to call in this loan tomorrow. we will most likely be docked 9 points but i assume the yankee trolls will lose also. i reckon they banking on rbs not calling in that loan. if they do the club will lose more value and they might not get their money back. nesv has already said that should the club go into administration they will withdraw their offer.

[Wall]

i ****ing hope HICKS ****ing has a ****ing slow and ****ing painful ****ing death, that ****ing ****. he is a vermin and the sooner we get rid of this **** the beta
:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad

[Nimz]

i ****ing hope HICKS ****ing has a ****ing slow and ****ing painful ****ing death, that ****ing ****. he is a vermin and the sooner we get rid of this **** the beta
:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad

I agree....btw im sure i saw the word P*** in this post

[millennia]

nesv has already said that should the club go into administration they will withdraw their offer.
RBS don't care, they know that Lim is waiting in the background...

As for those 2 ****s, i hope that they die a horrible death. Soon.

[Wall]

I agree....btw im sure i saw the word P*** in this post

yeah, it didn't get sensored and i thought that might be a banning offence, so i amended it.

[smokey]

Wow, some epic hate in this thread...

[Wall]

Wow, some epic hate in this thread...

HATE DOES NOT DESCRIBE HOW I FEEL!!! I wish him a thousand flees in his arsehole and nails that aren't long enough to take them out!

[SinghDude]

Oh well.... remember my earlier posts... If you guys put a few million quid and then told to fck off with $0... Will you not explore every avenue to get your money back ????

Hicks & Gillit are businessman... they want a return on their investment...they would care less if LFC got relegated.

Only hope now is , if a train runs them over and they dont survive.....

[poolmania]

It's all very confusing why a court in Texas is able to stop a sale of a British Company.

Here is some info that may explain what the **** is going on.


Attorney and expert at litigation at us law firm BandH

BBC: Hicks claim injuction stops the sale, is that true?
TC - Not true for the long term, stops it until october 25 or earlier time if the directors and bank ask for an earlier hearing. Was a texas ambush after the high court ruled in favour of LFC and RBS. H&G filed for TRO at noon Dallas time and judge ruled in their favor 2 and a half hours later. Thing to remember it´s subject to immediate review by this judge himself, and if this judge himself attempts to restrain the sale, a court of appeal can immediatly review it as well.

BBC: So it could have to go right through the Texas court system?
TC - It may have to, but there is one essential point that is completely missed. When H&G showed up in Dallas the other side the directors and RBS had no notice. A TRO under Texas law is basically an emergency measure where life or liberty is at issue, and that is why it has to expire within 14 days. More importantly texas law requires that security be posted, as I´m staring at the document here the whopping amount of 15,000$ was posted, and I don´t quite think that is enough to secure the RBS 237 mill pound loan.

BBC: Thats very strange given that they are also trying to claim a large compensation as well?
TC - they are indeed. They are claiming 1 bill pounds in losses in the law suit. Owners looking at Hobsons choice cant stop sale then claim the damage. Judge wrote carefully on documents that he is basing this solely on the unsubstantiated allegations from H&G, was a one sided match today in Dallas. On October 25 the other side will have their day in court. Most importantly even in Texas courts the judges will respect when they know about the full ruling from the High Court.

BBC: Whats the significance of Texas, why not Poland? Kop Holding is british, could the RBS and new owners ignore it?
TC - No because RBS they have assets at risk in Texas. The jurisdiction only extends to those persons and business who conduct business in the state of Texas. H&G have formed a network of corporations, and since a part of it is based in Texas, they are arguing that court has Jurisdiction. TC says this is a very thin argument that will be challenged on October 25th.

BBC: Liverpool on verge of administration which will be very serious, will the TRO interfere with the administration?
TC - That is why TRO or injunction needs security for defendants, since RBS would loose value of colatoral/value of football club. Thats the point if RBS convince the court, might do so promptly even as quick as tomorrow. Would urge Texas judge to move quickly to resolve situation.

[poolmania]

Some more info:


So I just heard a Texas lawyer talking on Radio 5 Live's Wake Up To Money programme (not sure if there's a listen again option available).

He laid out some very interesting points - all in all he found it very amusing to be honest.

What happened is as follows:

Following on from the High Court's decision yesterday, H&G approached the Texas court at 12noon and ended up getting this injunction in their favour by 14:30pm Texas time.

This injunction was done solely on the assumption that H&G's liberty was being breached - absolutely NO evidence on our directors side was provided.

This is why it expires in 14 days.

As part of the action H&G had to put done some money, to 'secure' their case and potential losses for RBS.

They put down a whopping $15,000. Thats FIFTEEN THOUSAND USD. Essentially valuing the club at that price.

If the judge is convinced that H&G have a leg to stand on, I think this could be taken to a higher court.

Now this is where it becomes interesting.

Our directors WILL get their day in court, and there is NO way the Texas Court will just IGNORE the High Court's ruling.

Furthermore, what happens in the next 24 hours is crucial.

If RBS can prove that they stand to lose money on their loan if the club is not sold by Friday (by us going into administration), then the case can essentially be thrown out, assuming the judge sees sense.

With regards to jurisdiction, I didn't catch on to everything he said. But as things stand I think it all depends if this goes to a higher court or not.

Apologies if I missed out on anything but I'll try have a listen to what this guy had to say again.

This smacks of desperation - there must be something we don't know about what happens on Friday - I can't see why else H&G have gone down this route.

[poolmania]

Restraining order documentation:

http://www.scribd.com/doc/39284612/Liverpool-TRO

[poolmania]

Taken from RAWK:


This is an explanation as to what is going on with the RO issued today (for me still today as I am in Iowa, US):

As a practicing attorney and a partner at a good size firm in the US, in Iowa, I can tell you the following:

Getting a restraining order is not that difficult.

If you are a member of your bar in good standing getting any order from a judge (as long as you prepared it yourself and the judge just needs to sign) is also not very difficult. I take my job seriously but I can tell you from experience, I have had 100s of orders signed by judges in the courts I practice and not once has one been denied or actually read in any detail by any judge who signed it. As long as you are in a reputable firm and your reputation is good judges sign no questions asked.

The judge in TX signed the order but he also apparently read the order in detail that was prepared by Hicks’ attorney. Read the order that many have now linked to. Judge everywhere hand wrote the word “solely”, meaning that he wanted everyone to be clear that he is basing this only on the info given to him by Hicks’ attorney. This also means that the judge was as uncomfortable as heck doing this. However, if I came to a district court judge here in Iowa (one I knew) I could get it signed as well, and I know the judge would be sweating doing that.

These judges are not legal geniuses. As soon as a reputable attorney for RBS, LFC, NESV makes a good legal argument that this case should not be heard in Texas or anywhere else in the US (for reasons in my previous post #1338) the judge will drop this case like a hot potato. He may have even indicated so to Hicks’ lawyer. I’ve heard judges say to lawyers, “You better not get me in trouble with this!” There is no reason any judge in TX state court would want to sit and listen to arguments or a trial over an English club, being bought by someone from New England, in danger of administration by Royal Bank of Scotland where all contracts, loans and undertakings were done in England with English laws.

Then there’s the choice of forum (and perhaps choice of law as well) in the loan documents signed initially by H&G, and extension docs signed recently as well as undertakings signed apparently in April of this year. They all seemed iron clad to the High Court Judge yesterday in England. It would be royally stupid to think that those same documents do not state that all disputes arising out of these documents, transactions and contemplated dealings and transactions are to be heard only in England in XYZ court by applying laws of ABC. RBS would never be so stupid as not to include those. Any RBS lawyer would be guilty of malpractice if he did not include choice of forum and law terms.

SO RELAX, this can be likely promptly removed and dismissed by a competent local counsel hired by RBS, NESV, LFC so that NESV and LFC board have no uneasy feelings signing the documents and tendering over money to RBS to wipe out loans.

Last but not least Hicks' lawyer at the end of the order tried to include a provision that no outside court can interfere with this RO once given and the judge specifically struck out that provision. Again, everyone please read the order as the link has been poster 15-20 times by now. That judge was uncomfortable signing that paper evidenced by deletions, additions etc.


So everyone on this side of the Atlantic, go to bed and sleep well.

[Randhir]

3.58pm: LIVERPOOL FC HAVE BEEN BOUGHT BY NEW ENGLAND SPORTS VENTURES, Owen Gibson confirms that the deal is done. (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/oct/15/liverpool-fc-sale-live-coverage-dallas-hicks-henry)

[MickeyD]

Hopefully this signals a fresh start to a woeful season to date!

Now that the shackles have been broken, let's see an improvement on the park!!!!

YNWA

[akescpt]

what will the new era bring? YNWA!!!!!!!

[smokey]

what will the new era bring? YNWA!!!!!!!

Let's hope so! You'll Never Win Away!

Everton 2 - 0 Liverpool

[nivek]

what will the new era bring? YNWA!!!!!!!

no you wont, 2 other teams will be joining you for relegation :D

[MickeyD]

no you wont, 2 other teams will be joining you for relegation :D
Dream on.

[nivek]

henrywinter Classic...John W Henry standing in directors' box at h-t when #EFC fan calls his name. Henry waves. 'You bought the wrong club!' shouts fan

^ lol

[B@rrels]

You know the old saying "Never kick a man(team) when he's down.":o

[hawker]

Meh, all the Man U, Arsenal and Chelsea fans that keep giving me crap about my club should really just keep quiet now. It's allright when everyone is doing allright, but now the constant riling is starting to get me down. They don't understand what it's like to be a Liverpool supporter at the moment.

[Randhir]

Meh, all the Man U, Arsenal and Chelsea fans that keep giving me crap about my club should really just keep quiet now. It's allright when everyone is doing allright, but now the constant riling is starting to get me down. They don't understand what it's like to be a Liverpool supporter at the moment.

If you've ever uttered the phrase "4-1" in a disparaging way to a United fan, you'll take your lumps and like it laddie.

[Randhir]

Let's hope so! You'll Never Win Away!

Everton 2 - 0 Liverpool

I thought that was a prediction! Lol. Ouchie, 19th in the League.

Welcome to Liverpool John W Henry...

[nivek]

Meh, all the Man U, Arsenal and Chelsea fans that keep giving me crap about my club should really just keep quiet now. It's allright when everyone is doing allright, but now the constant riling is starting to get me down. They don't understand what it's like to be a Liverpool supporter at the moment.

Sorry man
You want a tissue?

Try enduring a scouser during rosey times, all you hear is 'YNWA', 'Most trophies in europe', 'most league titles'.. atleast being 18th keeps you all quiet ;)

[MickeyD]

/me sees plenty of remarks after a quiet time after yesterday's games... deflecting the pain of dropping points?

[Randhir]

atleast being 18th keeps you all quiet ;)

This isn't the Wolves thread, Liverpool are 19th. :p


/me sees plenty of remarks after a quiet time after yesterday's games... deflecting the pain of dropping points?

Ummm... Yeah... How many points dropped today again?

8 matches, 6 points.

What's really amusing to me is the constant refrain of "Oh the board is having problems, and it reflects on the pitch". What nonsense. What's the excuse now boys?

[MickeyD]

What's really amusing to me is the constant refrain of "Oh the board is having problems, and it reflects on the pitch". What nonsense. What's the excuse now boys?
Top 10 by New year...

[smokey]

Meh, all the Man U, Arsenal and Chelsea fans that keep giving me crap about my club should really just keep quiet now. It's allright when everyone is doing allright, but now the constant riling is starting to get me down. They don't understand what it's like to be a Liverpool supporter at the moment.

Well, consider it payback for all the schit I got from you bloody scousers when I started supporting Chelsea. Oh yeah, and that was a good 7 years before Roman bought club and I had to endure the same schit. "You guys are going to go bankrupt from buying all those foreign players and you'll get relegated immediately", "You'll never win anything, Liverpool will demolish everyone next year".

I'm pretty happy with how things worked out... you?

[akescpt]

Roy couldn't get this team up even if they took viagra ....call Martin ...he has some free time...

[SinghDude]

Sorry man
You want a tissue?

Try enduring a scouser during rosey times, all you hear is 'YNWA', 'Most trophies in europe', 'most league titles'.. atleast being 18th keeps you all quiet ;)

wait till season end then find out if we still 18th....

[SinghDude]

Top 10 by New year...

well Mickey... we gotta look on the bright side... how much lower can LFC go ?

its all on the way up from here on end....

Just gotta get rid of hodgson

[dbecks]

wait till season end then find out if we still 18th....So in other words, we should wait till end of the season to see if you guys have moved up a place..:D

[superskully]

There is one plus. The only way forward is UP.
But seriously, Roy has taken my patience. I mean Maxi, really. The guy hides from the ball. Whenever Carragher had the ball on the right, Maxi hides from it. When he does get the ball, all he seems to do is make a simple small pass and hopes the other player does something. He has been a waste, yet Roy does not give Babel or Pacheco or even Jova a chance.
It seems Gerrard must do everthing for them - no other player really deserves a mention except the defence (for once).
I must add, Carragher was solid at right back, far far better than Johnson, there were almost no attacks from that side.

[SinghDude]

So in other words, we should wait till end of the season to see if you guys have moved up a place..:D

yeah keep waiting and wonder about L'pool.
Its great to know Utd fans care ....

[SinghDude]

IMHO johnson aint worth 18million quid... he really is a pathetic defender..highly overated... Carragher might be abit slow but his football brain and committment makes him an excellent defender... a loyal servant of LFC

[nivek]

wait till season end then find out if we still 18th....

Exactly
Which is why we have to milk it while the times are good
;)

[Casanova]

I can only imagine what would have happend if Uncle Roy had to play Paulsen (apparently has flu) yesterday.

[Tarantula]

IMHO johnson aint worth 18million quid... he really is a pathetic defender..highly overated... Carragher might be abit slow but his football brain and committment makes him an excellent defender... a loyal servant of LFC

I think that is the problem with Liverpool. They are hanging onto these "loyal servants of LFCs" when they should be shown the door. Carragher, Gerrard and Torres must all go. You will get a good chunk of change for these players (bar Carragher) which can go to survival of the club and buying some young talented players to fill their boots for relatively cheap. Liverpool needs a fresh breath of youth in their team. Gone are the days when you can buy established and experienced players who cost a fortune.

Take the Arsenal route, focus on youth and youth academy.

[zoopy3]

There is one plus. The only way forward is UP.
But seriously, Roy has taken my patience. I mean Maxi, really. The guy hides from the ball. Whenever Carragher had the ball on the right, Maxi hides from it. When he does get the ball, all he seems to do is make a simple small pass and hopes the other player does something. He has been a waste, yet Roy does not give Babel or Pacheco or even Jova a chance.
It seems Gerrard must do everthing for them - no other player really deserves a mention except the defence (for once).
I must add, Carragher was solid at right back, far far better than Johnson, there were almost no attacks from that side.
Reina has been saving yrl alot from the start of the season.

[smokey]

Ahem, just to correct some of you optimists... Liverpool are currently 19th and can definitely go down another notch.

That is all.

[smokey]

Double post. MyBB gremlins FTL... :mad:

[Alan]

What's the point of keeping an employee that does the exact same thing you fired the previous employee for doing?

[SinghDude]

I think that is the problem with Liverpool. They are hanging onto these "loyal servants of LFCs" when they should be shown the door. Carragher, Gerrard and Torres must all go. You will get a good chunk of change for these players (bar Carragher) which can go to survival of the club and buying some young talented players to fill their boots for relatively cheap. Liverpool needs a fresh breath of youth in their team. Gone are the days when you can buy established and experienced players who cost a fortune.

Take the Arsenal route, focus on youth and youth academy.

Gunners havent won a trophy in 5years playing wonderful asthetic 'carpet football'.....

Its not always about youth....there needs to be a blend of experience as well....

ask Paulo Maldini....

[SinghDude]

What's the point of keeping an employee that does the exact same thing you fired the previous employee for doing?

yep..fire Roy's @$$ as well.... SOON

[smokey]

What's the point of keeping an employee that does the exact same thing you fired the previous employee for doing?

The point, sir, is to please the rest of the premier league supporters. Like myself.

YNWA! Never get rid of the manager and all that...

[theone]

Everytime Roy opens his mouth I cringe inside. He keeps on making excuses for his own short comings, the man is delusional as witnessed by his response at the conference yesterday. Judge me after ten games he said, well he has had fifteen games in charge, everyone of them rubbish.

[Alan]

Soon opposition fans will be singing....

You look like Woy Hodgson
Walk like Woy Hodgson
Talk like Woy Hodgson
But we got wise.......

You're Rafa in disguise
Oh yes you are
Rafa in disguise....

[smokey]

@scouserinexile

We swapped Aquilani, Insua and Rafael Benitez for Poulsen, Konchesky and Roy Hodgson... And £18million. #LFC

[nivek]

Gunners havent won a trophy in 5years playing wonderful asthetic 'carpet football'.....

Its not always about youth....there needs to be a blend of experience as well....

ask Paulo Maldini....

Dont know where asthetic fits into your arguement, Arsenal hasnt won anything due to the team being rebuilt, and made up mostly of youth (as you pointed out), but those same youth team players are maturing now. This team will only get better as time goes on, its a process..
Arsenal have won trophies by playing 'asthetic' football in the past.. and they will in the future, you guys just worry about survival ok? :D

[smokey]

Dont know where asthetic fits into your arguement, Arsenal hasnt won anything due to the team being rebuilt, and made up mostly of youth (as you pointed out), but those same youth team players are maturing now. This team will only get better as time goes on, its a process..
Arsenal have won trophies by playing 'asthetic' football in the past.. and they will in the future, you guys just worry about survival ok? :D

At least you don't play Liverpool's ascetic football...

Ascetic - a person who dedicates his or her life to a pursuit of contemplative ideals and practices extreme self-denial or self-mortification for religious reasons.

Self-denying themselves points to religiously demonstrate against both Rafa and H&G even though both are gone...

[Alan]

Dont know where asthetic fits into your arguement, Arsenal hasnt won anything due to the team being rebuilt, and made up mostly of youth (as you pointed out), but those same youth team players are maturing now. This team will only get better as time goes on, its a process..
Arsenal have won trophies by playing 'asthetic' football in the past.. and they will in the future, you guys just worry about survival ok? :D

Oh if I had a dollar for every time I've heard that :P

[nivek]

Oh if I had a dollar for every time I've heard that :P

hehe
it is quite a decent excuse ;)
But anyway, i'm confident in the team we have now

And when we sign Rooney in January it'll be even better ;)

[smokey]

hehe
it is quite a decent excuse ;)
But anyway, i'm confident in the team we have now

And when we sign Rooney in January it'll be even better ;)

Do you really need another petty striker who misses boatloads of chances? Keep Bentdner... at least he's tall.

[nivek]

Do you really need another petty striker who misses boatloads of chances? Keep Bentdner... at least he's tall.

Rooney is easily 1 of the best strikers in the world.. so yes please :D

Arshavin(or RVP) / Rooney / Chamakh up front, with nasri, cesc, wilshere supporting, hell ****ing yes~!

[smokey]

Rooney is easily 1 of the best strikers in the world.. so yes please :D

Arshavin(or RVP) / Rooney / Chamakh up front, with nasri, cesc, wilshere supporting, hell ****ing yes~!

Yep... and if you average it over a 5 year contract, he'll give you about as many good games as RvP. That'll teach you.

[Randhir]

And when we sign Rooney in January it'll be even better ;)

Wenger hates spending 5 bucks, dunno how you think he'll buy Rooney.

[poolmania]

Careful now smokey, you're starting to sound like a manc.....;)

[smokey]

Careful now smokey, you're starting to sound like a manc.....;)

:p

[Wall]

this is truly depressing guys! Roy seriously needs to be shipped out. I can't stand his comments and his attitude any longer. he is being found out at the top level and it's not nice too see. I am also tired of hearing that he inherited a poor team! FFS before he made any changes that team finished 7th. Now we are 19th??? **** sake man we are not a relegation team. The team is poor in most areas,granted but it is not the 2nd worst squad in the division.

We can't defend, one of his strong tactical qualities, supposedly and we sure as hell can't find the back of the ****ing net!
there's a pole on .tv regarding if we will win our next match and 45% said we will lose. 33% said we will win. even our supporters are expecting defeat!

pathetic, depressing days indeed.

[Wall]

why can't babel start ahead of maxi? maxi is doing nothing of note in team. he offer **** all

[Casanova]

why can't babel start ahead of maxi? maxi is doing nothing of note in team. he offer **** all

This was my question on Sunday - Also Roy rather takes off Cole instead of Maxi who didnt even see the ball.

[Wall]

This was my question on Sunday - Also Roy rather takes off Cole instead of Maxi who didnt even see the ball.

It's sooo painful watching us recently. It's like being heartbroken, only worse.

[Alan]

Rafael Benitez has launched a cryptic attack on Liverpool's ousted owners and current managing director Christian Purslow.

Benitez, whose six-year reign as manager ended in the summer, hit out at former co-owner Tom Hicks' claim that he was largely to blame for the Reds' worst ever start to the Barclays Premier League this season.

Hicks pointed the finger at Benitez for wasting much of the money he was given to spend during the latter half of his tenure.

But a clearly irked Benitez insisted the Americans were to blame, citing their of appointment Purslow in the summer of last year as the beginning of a downward spiral that ended in the Spaniard's exit.

In an outburst reminiscent of Eric Cantona's famous quote featuring seagulls and trawlers, Inter Milan boss Benitez compared events leading up to his departure to a bottle of milk.

"I prefer not to talk too much about Liverpool," said Benitez, who watched his former club's Merseyside derby defeat on Sunday which left them second bottom of the table.

"I prefer not to talk about this because I feel really sorry for the fans.

"I was watching the fans and I was really sad after the defeat the other day.

"We have a saying in Spanish, which is: 'White liquid in a bottle has to be milk'."

Benitez, who led Liverpool to second place in the Premier League in 2009 but could only manage seventh last term, added: "What does this mean? It means that after 86 points and finishing second in the league, what changed?

"The Americans, they chose a new managing director and everything changed.

"So, what changed?

"The managing director is involved in all the decisions: new lawyer, new chief of press, new manager, nine new players, new medical staff, new fitness coaches - they changed everything.

"At the beginning, they changed the managing director who was talking with some players, and they changed everything that we were doing in the past.

"So, if you want to ask again what was going on, it's simple: they changed something and, at the end, they changed everything.

"So, white liquid in a bottle: milk. You will know who is to blame."

Pressed further on the matter, Benitez would only say: "White liquid in a bottle. If I see John the milkman in the Wirral, where I was living, with this bottle, I'd say, 'It's milk, sure'."


The truth revealed. It was Purslow who upset Alonso so much he decided to leave, it was Purslow who wasted around 50mill on a crocked Aqualani and the simpleton defender who can't tackle Glen Johnson......

[SinghDude]

Wenger hates spending 5 bucks, dunno how you think he'll buy Rooney.

Fergie is using the media to protect Rooney.... coz all the tabloids have rooneys face splashed alongside prozzies.....

Rooney is going no where.... Man U are just trying to divert attention from the fact that rooney is a $lut....

and the boy doesnt play well when there is so much negative hype.....

[Wall]

Fergie is using the media to protect Rooney.... coz all the tabloids have rooneys face splashed alongside prozzies.....

Rooney is going no where.... Man U are just trying to divert attention from the fact that rooney is a $lut....

and the boy doesnt play well when there is so much negative hype.....

really? go to bbc or sky and see the top story? rooney wants out, confirmed by Fergie himself.

[Randhir]

and the boy doesnt play well when there is so much negative hype.....

By that logic how do you think he'll play with this much hostility toward him from the fans?

[poolmania]

Alan, the least you can do is get your facts right before posting.

[nivek]

By that logic how do you think he'll play with this much hostility toward him from the fans?

Exactly, thought the same..

Crazy theory and wrong in so many ways

[SinghDude]

Exactly, thought the same..

Crazy theory and wrong in so many ways

Alright then...lets wait and see when rooney goes....

[nivek]

Alright then...lets wait and see when rooney goes....

Even if Rooney were to decide to stay, there is no chance Ferguson would pull a stunt like this and have all of Uniteds fans on his case.. This is 100x worse for both United, and Rooneys reputation amongst United fans than him banging grannies

Did you watch SAF's press conference? It was on supersport yesterday

[R13...]

Even if Rooney were to decide to stay, there is no chance Ferguson would pull a stunt like this and have all of Uniteds fans on his case.. This is 100x worse for both United, and Rooneys reputation amongst United fans than him banging grannies

Did you watch SAF's press conference? It was on supersport yesterday
SAF wouldn't have done it if he had some other option. He clearly wants to set the pressure on Rooney and let the fans know what's going on.

[nivek]

SAF wouldn't have done it if he had some other option. He clearly wants to set the pressure on Rooney and let the fans know what's going on.

Yea, just replying to SD's theory that SAF is pulling this whole stunt to divert attention from Rooneys sex life

[R13...]

Yea, just replying to SD's theory that SAF is pulling this whole stunt to divert attention from Rooneys sex life
Oh... I see. That's a load of BS, you're right calling a press conference is worse that the newspaper allegations & bad for Wayne's ability to focus on his game. The fans may even turn on him if he turns in a few bad performances and SAF would be shooting himself in the foot.

[SinghDude]

Fergie is a master when handling the press.....


Watch this space.

[SinghDude]

Even if Rooney were to decide to stay, there is no chance Ferguson would pull a stunt like this and have all of Uniteds fans on his case.. This is 100x worse for both United, and Rooneys reputation amongst United fans than him banging grannies

Did you watch SAF's press conference? It was on supersport yesterday

hmmm..the boy loved banging even from a young age...didnt matter if it was grannies :-)

Maybe rooney is a $ex addict ( Tiger in disguise) or something like that.... he may be over working/****ing hence the poor onfield performances.....

[nivek]

hmmm..the boy loved banging even from a young age...didnt matter if it was grannies :-)

Maybe rooney is a $ex addict ( Tiger in disguise) or something like that.... he may be over working/****ing hence the poor onfield performances.....

haha

[nivek]

Rijkaard leaves Galatasaray, with speculation hes going to l'pool, always said you guys should get him

[Randhir]

Christian Purslow stands down as Liverpool managing director (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/oct/20/christian-purslow-liverpool-managing-director)

[Casanova]

paul_tomkins Paul Tomkins
RT @SiClancy: There's an ever growing rumour that Roy Hodgson will be stepping down by mutual consent after the Napoli game.
3 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply



@Kopsource (twitter)

Roy's time is nearing an end. We have it on good authority that he will be stepping down before Monday

[SinghDude]

poor ROY...

he really WONT be missed....

[Alan]

Hmm Rijkaard can't do worse. At least he has the right attacking mentality.

[smokey]

Hmm Rijkaard can't do worse. At least he has the right attacking mentality.

Famous last words?

[Alan]

Wanna wager?

[Randhir]

Well, they did say about Roy - he can't do worse then Benitex last season... 12 places lower = worse...

[smokey]

Wanna wager?

Yeah. If he doesn't pull you out of the slump (and by pull you out I mean get you into at least the top 6 by the end of the season) then you have to put "Proud supporter of Barack Obama. We CAN change!" in your sig for three months. Deal? Whatever you want me to put in my sig, just name it (though there is a line of course).

[Nimz]

Rijkaard leaves Galatasaray, with speculation hes going to l'pool, always said you guys should get him

Source?

[smokey]

Source?

Simple deductive reasoning. It's not a government secret that Liverpool have been doing badly due to an overly defensive attitude and Rijkaard is know for playing attacking footy. He's free and it looks like Roy's going. Simple.

[superskully]

The fundamental mistake that Roy has made is not replacing Masch.
Masch was the spine of the team, he protects the defence and give others players more freedom.
Its a fundamental concept of football that each team has a CDM.
Chelsea have Essien and Mikel and they make Terry look good.
LFC had hamann to Sissokho to Masch.
Alonso vs ***a in the famous final proves my point - game changed when Hamann (who played all the previous UCL games to the final) came in.
Roy brought in Poulsen who is slower than Lucas and Meireles (an attack minded player - even though Gerrard and Cole (youth Spearing and Shelvey) could fill that role.
Lucas vs Coleman for the first goal is another eg., Masch would have never let that happen.
And Diarra and de Jong were ripe for the taking.

Lastly, for the guys that mention that we should give Roy more time as he is ... we are f___ 2nd last and truly deserve to be there (could have been worse as we were thankful to Reina against WBA and one moment of magic from Nando)

[Nimz]

Simple deductive reasoning. It's not a government secret that Liverpool have been doing badly due to an overly defensive attitude and Rijkaard is know for playing attacking footy. He's free and it looks like Roy's going. Simple.

Infact it is not that simple unless Roy steps down....Liverpool have never sacked a manager before....will have to wait and see how Roy plays this

[nivek]

Infact it is not that simple unless Roy steps down....Liverpool have never sacked a manager before....will have to wait and see how Roy plays this

And what exactly is left of Liverpool?

New owners, new management, new coaching staff, the only thing that hasnt changed really is the fans

[smokey]

@nimz - it really is that simple. Maybe Liverpool did things the sneaky way and forced them to "resign with mutual consent" but a spade is still a spade.

@superskrully - Top teams have absolutely no need to play with DMs against the weak teams. All you need to do is show your quality in attack and have a decent backline. DMs are only needed when playing against teams with great attackers or when you are so focused on attack that you need one guy who is dedicated to staying back (like at Barca). Otherwise, in the majority of games a DM is worthless.

[Alan]

The fundamental mistake that Roy has made is not replacing Masch.



What smokey said......


Yeah. If he doesn't pull you out of the slump (and by pull you out I mean get you into at least the top 6 by the end of the season) then you have to put "Proud supporter of Barack Obama. We CAN change!" in your sig for three months. Deal? Whatever you want me to put in my sig, just name it (though there is a line of course).

Top 6!!! hmm I don't think Woy could get into the top 10 the way he's been managing the club.


And what exactly is left of Liverpool?

New owners, new management, new coaching staff, the only thing that hasnt changed really is the fans

A complete clean out is needed. Break the link to past incompetence. That means the manager, most of backroom staff and players must go.

IMO the only players who should still be around at the start of next season are Torres, Gerrard, Carra, Reina and Cole. That's it, the rest out the door. Hopefully raise 30 to 40 mill from sales plus 100 mill investment say around 150mill for a new squad.

Realistically a few stragglers will remain as squad players like Agger and Ngog is a decent prospect fora future cash in.

[superskully]

@nimz - it really is that simple. Maybe Liverpool did things the sneaky way and forced them to "resign with mutual consent" but a spade is still a spade.

@superskrully - Top teams have absolutely no need to play with DMs against the weak teams. All you need to do is show your quality in attack and have a decent backline. DMs are only needed when playing against teams with great attackers or when you are so focused on attack that you need one guy who is dedicated to staying back (like at Barca). Otherwise, in the majority of games a DM is worthless.

Disagree. If that is true then why do Chelsea, Arsenal, Man U, Spurs, City... all play with CDM against weaker teams.
CDM's are just not there to stop attacking midfielders, but also wingers, i.e. to provide cover or aid the wingbacks/wingers.
So this should allow players like Cole, Kuyt, Babel ... to provide support for Torres...
Saying that, there are so many things wrong with the current team... no creativity except for gerrard, no width... no team cohesion and most importantly no motivation.

[nivek]

A complete clean out is needed. Break the link to past incompetence. That means the manager, most of backroom staff and players must go.

IMO the only players who should still be around at the start of next season are Torres, Gerrard, Carra, Reina and Cole. That's it, the rest out the door. Hopefully raise 30 to 40 mill from sales plus 100 mill investment say around 150mill for a new squad.

Realistically a few stragglers will remain as squad players like Agger and Ngog is a decent prospect fora future cash in.

Yea, agree.. get Rijkaard in, he's got 2 months to assess the team and scout a few buys for Jan

[Alan]

Disagree. If that is true then why do Chelsea, Arsenal, Man U, Spurs, City... all play with CDM against weaker teams.
CDM's are just not there to stop attacking midfielders, but also wingers, i.e. to provide cover or aid the wingbacks/wingers.
So this should allow players like Cole, Kuyt, Babel ... to provide support for Torres...
Saying that, there are so many things wrong with the current team... no creativity except for gerrard, no width... no team cohesion and most importantly no motivation.


When Masch was here the "wingers" never got forward anyway. I'd rather have a winger or stricker over a DM thanks.

Arsenal get by with Song and Man Utd have Fletcher even Chelsea use Mikel. Not exactly quality DMs

[Randhir]

Man Utd have Fletcher even Chelsea use Mikel. Not exactly quality DMs

He's definitely no Poulsen :)

[Alan]

He's definitely no Poulsen :)

Agreed. No Masch either :p

[MickeyD]

7pm kick off tonight (SS3)

[smokey]

Disagree. If that is true then why do Chelsea, Arsenal, Man U, Spurs, City... all play with CDM against weaker teams.
CDM's are just not there to stop attacking midfielders, but also wingers, i.e. to provide cover or aid the wingbacks/wingers.
So this should allow players like Cole, Kuyt, Babel ... to provide support for Torres...
Saying that, there are so many things wrong with the current team... no creativity except for gerrard, no width... no team cohesion and most importantly no motivation.

Mikel plays in that role because Ancelotti likes a deeper lying dictator, hardly a "defensive" strat that. Chelsea don't play with "wingers", Anelka/Malouda are more akin to strikers and our width comes from the fullbacks bombing forward. However, the cover is provided by the striker/wingers when needed and by the midfielders on either side of Mikel (Essien on the right and Lampard/Ramires on the left) moreso than Mikel himself. Seriously, Mikel is not there for his sterling defensive performances. Against the weaker teams. Mikel goes forward more than he stays back.

In the absence of a truly decent defensive powerhouse, Liverpool would be wise to ditch the DM altogether and rather put Gerrard and Meireles as classic CMs instead of Poulsen and Lucas to take up two position in the team and do f-all.

[smokey]

@alan

1. I meant the bet if Rijkaard got the job. I wouldn't want to add insult to injury by suggesting that Roy could pull you guys up to any level other than the one you are already at.

2. Meireles has been good for you guys, and if given his proper position in the centre of midfield would be awesome. Dunno why you think he needs to be shipped out. Poulsen and Lucas on the other hand... :erm:

[SinghDude]

...So i woke up this morning and found Roy still in charge.... Is he going through the emotions again? Why cant he leave through mutual consent... He cant cut it at LFC.

Are we going to wait for a few more draws or losses ..then realise his @$$ should have been fired alot earlier ?

[MickeyD]

...So i woke up this morning and found Roy still in charge.... Is he going through the emotions again? Why cant he leave through mutual consent... He cant cut it at LFC.

Are we going to wait for a few more draws or losses ..then realise his @$$ should have been fired alot earlier ?
IMO Sunday is do-or-die for Woy.
He specially rested Gerrard, Torres and co from last night's game in preparation for Sunday. So if Sunday is a disaster, then I predict that he will get a DCM. (don't come Monday!)

[Wall]

We looked good in certain areas last night. jonjo looks class and he has a bright future ahead of him. Babel is pathetic and I can't believe i wanted to see him in the team against Everton. What a shambolic performance that was.

It was also nice to see Fabio back in the team. God he looks so much better than Konchesky. when he came on he owned that position.

good point gained away from home.

[SinghDude]

We looked good in certain areas last night. jonjo looks class and he has a bright future ahead of him. Babel is pathetic and I can't believe i wanted to see him in the team against Everton. What a shambolic performance that was.

It was also nice to see Fabio back in the team. God he looks so much better than Konchesky. when he came on he owned that position.

good point gained away from home.

+1

Fabio at LB ' when fit' is class :-)

we need a decent RB now

[akescpt]

babel should have scored...idiot..his time might be at an end come january...at one point he didnt even chase that ball..he just stopped and let it run out..i would have walked to the lined and crapped him out..preferrbly onfront on the telly so that he can watch it over and over on sky news. he is 'fighting' to get into the team and his attitude is unbeleavable..what a tosser...

would have liked to have seen pacheco as well...roy the idiot taking carragher off at halftime...why didnt he put in wilson to give him some playing time...kelly looks to have gone backwards but that may just be lack of game time..jonjo at 18...yes please...cant believe konchesky is first choice at left back...

[hawker]

I saw Spearing had a good game, play him instead of Poulsen/Lucas!

[akescpt]

I saw Spearing had a good game, play him instead of Poulsen/Lucas!

his passing can be bad sometimes. if you play there your passing must be better. and physically he cant compete. but yes he is a local option to those two foreigners..

[smokey]

...So i woke up this morning and found Roy still in charge.... Is he going through the emotions again? Why cant he leave through mutual consent... He cant cut it at LFC.

Are we going to wait for a few more draws or losses ..then realise his @$$ should have been fired alot earlier ?

My 2c...

Write a letter telling your directors to grow a pair and fire him. That is all.

[hawker]

his passing can be bad sometimes. if you play there your passing must be better. and physically he cant compete. but yes he is a local option to those two foreigners..

Poulsen's passing is rubbish, Poulsen doesn't even feature in the midfield. So I'd still rather have spearing than Poulsen. Lucas is a bit better.

[superskully]

+1

Fabio at LB ' when fit' is class :-)

we need a decent RB now

Kelly or Carragher.
I think Johnson should be converted into a right winger (aka Bale) cos he is a very good attacker, just he cant defend.

[hawker]

Kelly or Carragher.
I think Johnson should be converted into a right winger (aka Bale) cos he is a very good attacker, just he cant defend.

Agree with your comment about Johnson. His Defending is rubbish, but he isn't too bad playing down the sideline.

[Wall]

Agree with your comment about Johnson. His Defending is rubbish, but he isn't too bad playing down the sideline.

swap Johnson and Kuyt and you will have a perfect combination

[SinghDude]

My 2c...

Write a letter telling your directors to grow a pair and fire him. That is all.

if only they would listen......

[SinghDude]

swap Johnson and Kuyt and you will have a perfect combination

Kuyt as RB ????

i dont think so.....

[SinghDude]

Poulsen's passing is rubbish, Poulsen doesn't even feature in the midfield. So I'd still rather have spearing than Poulsen. Lucas is a bit better.

erm...both are useless... no where near macherano

[MickeyD]

if only they would listen......
With all the exits do you still know to whom to address the letter? :twisted:

[Wall]

Kuyt as RB ????

i dont think so.....
It was in jest, Kuyt the workhorse, Johnson the attacker

[Randhir]

Babel is pathetic and I can't believe i wanted to see him in the team against Everton. What a shambolic performance that was.


I can't blame him, he gets a game every other month, must be hard to stay match fit. Did Pacheco feature at all last night, and if not, anyone know why?

[SinghDude]

Even if Rooney were to decide to stay, there is no chance Ferguson would pull a stunt like this and have all of Uniteds fans on his case.. This is 100x worse for both United, and Rooneys reputation amongst United fans than him banging grannies

Did you watch SAF's press conference? It was on supersport yesterday

told most of u guys.....:p

this is a media circus and fergie rooney and man u played everybody...:whistle::whistle::whistle:

Attention surrounding rooney's prostitution habits will be quickly forgiven now me'thinks...:D:D:D

[SinghDude]

really? go to bbc or sky and see the top story? rooney wants out, confirmed by Fergie himself.

told u wallsend .......

[akescpt]

Poulsen's passing is rubbish, Poulsen doesn't even feature in the midfield. So I'd still rather have spearing than Poulsen. Lucas is a bit better.

we having a debate about mediocrity. all 3 cant hold a candle to masch or xabi..unfortunately that is the level of players we have lost over 2 years. they will not be easy to replace. since we dont have this class anymore lfc should stop playing rafas system. its not sustainable with current personnel. gerard and marieles is the only acceptable combination in the centre now. they can perform at the required level. but if you look around this team you will find too much mediocre players. we lost xabi and got lucas. we lost masch and got poulsen.

the centre of our defense is a real concern. we mainly have a combination of soto+skrtl+carra. i dont include agger since roy doesnt like ball carrying cb's *sigh*. since i witnessed arsenals kids rape soto+skrtl in the league cup they are off my christmas list. carra's carreer end is now fast approaching. a wonderful servant of lfc and the testimonial he got is evidence of that. why he got a just got a 2 year deal *sigh* is hard to understand if we are busy rebuilding the squad. he would however be a good example to the lads coming through..

i could go on with other positions but its too a depressing a thought...*sigh*...i sometimes cannot believe we find ourselves in this situation..

[hawker]

we having a debate about mediocrity. all 3 cant hold a candle to masch or xabi..unfortunately that is the level of players we have lost over 2 years. they will not be easy to replace. since we dont have this class anymore lfc should stop playing rafas system. its not sustainable with current personnel. gerard and marieles is the only acceptable combination in the centre now. they can perform at the required level. but if you look around this team you will find too much mediocre players. we lost xabi and got lucas. we lost masch and got poulsen.

the centre of our defense is a real concern. we mainly have a combination of soto+skrtl+carra. i dont include agger since roy doesnt like ball carrying cb's *sigh*. since i witnessed arsenals kids rape soto+skrtl in the league cup they are off my christmas list. carra's carreer end is now fast approaching. a wonderful servant of lfc and the testimonial he got is evidence of that. why he got a just got a 2 year deal *sigh* is hard to understand if we are busy rebuilding the squad. he would however be a good example to the lads coming through..

i could go on with other positions but its too a depressing a thought...*sigh*...i sometimes cannot believe we find ourselves in this situation..

Agree with everything you say.

My ideal 2 center backs would be Agger and Skrtel. I wish we would play 4-4-2. With Gerrard and Meriles in the center of midfield and have Torres + Kuyt/Ngog/Pacheco up front.

[akescpt]

Agree with everything you say.

My ideal 2 center backs would be Agger and Skrtel. I wish we would play 4-4-2. With Gerrard and Meriles in the center of midfield and have Torres + Kuyt/Ngog/Pacheco up front.

skrtl is ohk but he can have a brilliant game then all of the sudden leave a forward alone in the box. he has lapses and usually they cost us a goal. i would have liked to have seen danny wilson play last night as well as pacheco. pacheco had a brilliant youth championship during the break but is not featuring that much for us which i find strange. he may be injured but like a say there is not alot of infor about him.

[Korn1]

The ref is one die hard Liverpool fan ;) Must say you are killing us :( But im glad for the indivdual performance some of my players are showing ie Salgado,Robbo and Jones.

[MickeyD]

The ref is one die hard Liverpool fan ;) Must say you are killing us :( But im glad for the indivdual performance some of my players are showing ie Salgado,Robbo and Jones.
You have an injury problem that is going to catch up with you in terms of changing formation later.
At least Liverpool look hungry for goals again...

[superskully]

Credit to where it goes, as Lucas was superb yesterday. No small simple passes, but passes that provided the forwards with time and space. if only he can do this every week, it will make such a difference.
Hopefully the goal will lift Torres's confidence as otherwise he was quite poor yesterday though he did look to have a better apetitite.
Maxi also one of the most improved players.
Skrtel is yet again a liability. Great defending but prone to losses in concentration - how did he let Benjani get passed him so easily for Blackburn's goal.
Hopefully with confidence now the many goals we should have scored yesterday, we will start to now.

[superskully]

The ref is one die hard Liverpool fan ;) Must say you are killing us :( But im glad for the indivdual performance some of my players are showing ie Salgado,Robbo and Jones.

If you are talking abt the LFC vs Blackburn game - your eyes are decieving you, as there were two clear penalties against the Big Greek.

[Wall]

Unfortunately i didn't watch the game, but from all the match reports i read we played extremely well.

hopefully this gives us the confidence we need to push on

[MickeyD]

Unfortunately i didn't watch the game, but from all the match reports i read we played extremely well.

hopefully this gives us the confidence we need to push on
First 75 minutes was good - attacking football.
Then we let them back into the game for the last 15 minutes... heart attack time!

[superskully]

First 75 minutes was good - attacking football.
Then we let them back into the game for the last 15 minutes... heart attack time!

True, but even in those 15 minutes, Blackburn never had a sniff at goal.
For once i wont blame Woy Woy, as he was on the touchline telling his players to get up the pitch.
LFC still for me defend to deep - and that allows the opposition more room in midfield.
Hopefully now players will have more confidence to score goals as i think the entire team (except Skrtel and Carra) had good chances to score.
Carra must stay ahead of Johnson, better defender, not a dribbler but he put in some very good crosses.

[MickeyD]

True, but even in those 15 minutes, Blackburn never had a sniff at goal.
For once i wont blame Woy Woy, as he was on the touchline telling his players to get up the pitch.
LFC still for me defend to deep - and that allows the opposition more room in midfield.
Hopefully now players will have more confidence to score goals as i think the entire team (except Skrtel and Carra) had good chances to score.
Carra must stay ahead of Johnson, better defender, not a dribbler but he put in some very good crosses.
All true... Good to see Woy Woy showing some emotion for a change!

[Wall]

First 75 minutes was good - attacking football.
Then we let them back into the game for the last 15 minutes... heart attack time!

But that's the norm with us. We always sit back when we have a lead allowing the opposition time and space to attack us.

[superskully]

But that's the norm with us. We always sit back when we have a lead allowing the opposition time and space to attack us.

We don't seem to get the 2 goal or more advantage. Something that comes from Rafa's era.
If we do get 2, then we concede 1 quickly and nervousness again.

[poolmania]

We need to invite Gerry Marsden for every home game.

[Casanova]

We need to invite Gerry Marsden for every home game.

I think so too - Got the fans going too and that was a boost for the players. YNWA

[akescpt]

YNWA. need to build on from this. pity we still in the zone.

[Alan]

But that's the norm with us. We always sit back when we have a lead allowing the opposition time and space to attack us.

Nothing on the field has changed since Rafa left.....


YNWA. need to build on from this. pity we still in the zone.

But we won't. Next away game we'll play like Blackburn did......

[superskully]

YNWA. need to build on from this. pity we still in the zone.

Next week is an away game - Bolton - and we have not done well away from home in a long time.
Then Chelsea.
Atleast then we can say we have played the new Big 4 as in Man U, City, Arsenal and Chelsea.

[akescpt]

Next week is an away game - Bolton - and we have not done well away from home in a long time.
Then Chelsea.
Atleast then we can say we have played the new Big 4 as in Man U, City, Arsenal and Chelsea.

lost against city (hiding), loss against manure (closer than it should have been, had manure been better it would have been a hiding), draw against arsenal (bloody butter fingers!!), chelsea - could be staring down the barrel to be honest.
i'm not roy's biggest fan. not sure he can take us back to where we should be. his assessment of the everton game is bothersome if the reports are to be believed (stupid dstv agents). if he cant shake the small club mentality its going to be a struggle. he needs to try to win all games and not aim for a bloody draw. here hoping we get more results like yesterday..

[SEF]

Been following liverpool from about the age of 10. Will be joining the supporters club soon in South Africa. I was prepared to give Roy Hodgson a chance, but i now and as previously, i think it's a huge mistake to have appointed him. Of course, i would have wanted Jose Mourinho as Liverpool manager, and he has said England is the best place to be a manager in football. So, he might return to England sooner than later.

Happy to see we beat Blackburn though.

[SEF]

John Henry looks like a guy with his head screwed on straight. Anyone seen the interview with him ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXwN70lHzWQ

[SinghDude]

Well 3points in the bag ... boys need to just play with more confidence and that should get them playing better...

We need to beat Bolton and a draw with chel$ki will suffice :-0

[Casanova]

I think Roy was ill, he didnt start with Paulsen.

[Alan]

NESV is believed to have been concerned by the millions of pounds haemorrhaged on transfer fees and wages by the club in recent years as it examined Liverpool's finances as part of the due diligence process carried out before the £300 million purchase of the Anfield side was completed.

Under Rafael Benítez, Liverpool spent more than £230 million in six years on fees alone – though much of that was recouped in sales – while the purchases of the likes of Raul Meireles, Christian Poulsen, Brad Jones and Paul Konchesky totalled £25 million in Hodgson's first summer at the club.



Though NESV's takeover freed up £36 million a year of revenue that had previously been used to service Liverpool's £282 million debts to be reinvested into the club, and though its offer did make provision for an immediate injection of funds into the playing staff, the American consortium has made it clear it expects value for money, both from fees and salaries.

"We have to be smart," John W Henry, NESV's principal backer, who will assume a place on Liverpool's board, said after the deal was completed.

"We have to be more efficient. When we spend a dollar it has to be wisely. We cannot afford player contracts that do not make long-term sense. We have to be smart, bold, aggressive. It's a great challenge."

Henry will take an active role in football matters at Anfield, assessing both Hodgson's suggested transfer targets and setting budgets for contract renegotiations of players already at the club.

The 61 year-old has already expressed his concern at the wages earned by older players on long-term, high-value contracts.

NESV's approach – applied with great success at the Boston Red Sox – is likely to rule Liverpool out of the glamour signings which many fans hoped would follow the eviction of previous owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Instead, the club's recent scouting activity suggests they intend to follow the Arsenal model – for which NESV has been keen to stress its admiration – or, perhaps more pertinently, institute on an informal basis the transfer policy employed at Manchester United, where premium fees are only paid for younger players with resale potential.

"At the Boston Red Sox, we invested a lot in management and the scouting system," said NESV chairman Tom Werner.

"We believe the foundation of any good sports club has to be the experience, valuation and understanding of scouting, so we will invest in that as well."

Those players assessed by Hodgson and his scouting team in recent weeks include Steven Defour, the Standard Liège captain and a long-term target for the Liverpool manager.

At 22, and around £12 million, Defour represents minimum risk for maximum reward.

Likewise Ibrahim Afellay, the PSV Eindhoven winger Liverpool whom have assessed on several occasions.

Already a Dutch international at 24 and heralded for several years as one of the brightest prospects in Europe, Afellay would fall within Liverpool's budget, while his wage demands would remain comparatively modest.

More expensive would be Eden Hazard, Defour's Belgian international team-mate, currently with Lille.

The 19 year-old has attracted interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea and United, and could cost as much as £18 million.

However, Liverpool believe they can tempt the player – who is likely to be advised by his agent to seek a move to a club where he will play regular first-team football – and Kenny Dalglish was watching when the French side played Levski Sofia in the Europa League last Thursday.

Hodgson will not be allowed to add any players, though, without first trimming the squad. Liverpool boast the fourth-highest wage bill in the Premier League – standing at £107 million in 2009, according to football finance analysts Deloitte – but find themselves marooned in 18th place in the table, having finished seventh in Benítez's last campaign.

NESV does not blame Hodgson for that poor performance so far this season, but rather interprets it as evidence that many of the squad do not warrant either their reputations or their earnings.

Henry's experience as a futures trader, as well as his noted obsession with both sporting and financial statistics, put him in a perfect position to analyse such information.

He is acutely aware that figures suggest that, with almost unerring accuracy, a club's league position is defined by their wage bill. That Liverpool's key statistics are so discordant suggests the money is not being spent wisely.

He is also a devotee of Sabermetrics, the statistical analysis of the value of baseball players, pioneered by Bill James and which led Henry to appoint Theo Epstein as a general manager of the Boston Red Sox in 2002 at the age of 28.

Epstein applied James's principles – which are designed to help poorer teams identify value-for-money acquisitions – to lead the franchise to two World Series with a squad largely composed of bargain purchases.

Initial impressions of his time at Liverpool suggest he retains his faith in the method.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/8088587/Liverpool-to-stay-clear-of-big-money-signings-in-January-transfer-window.html

*facepalm*

The Arsenal approach. Young players who can't win anything but without the entertaining attacking football just Woy's cynical crap.

Then again would you trust Woy with your money after 15mill spent on Poulsen and Meireles :erm:

[akescpt]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/8088587/Liverpool-to-stay-clear-of-big-money-signings-in-January-transfer-window.html

*facepalm*

The Arsenal approach. Young players who can't win anything but without the entertaining attacking football just Woy's cynical crap.

Then again would you trust Woy with your money after 15mill spent on Poulsen and Meireles :erm:

poulsen is wasted space but raul is a good player got at a good price..

[Alan]

For 11.5 mill!!!! I think not

[Casanova]

poulsen is wasted space but raul is a good player got at a good price..

You Beat me to it :twisted:
Meireles was brilliant on Sunday.

below from another forum:


Thats what I read into Henry's comments "We have to be more efficient. When we spend a dollar, it has to be wisely. We cannot afford player contracts that do not make long-term sense."

There was an American guy on local radio shortly after the takeover talking about NESV he knew nothing about footie he asked the radio presenter a couple of questions

He asked what was the prime age for a footballer and when the radio presenter said 27-31 he said that NESV would target players of around 22-24 because when you sign those players you get them moving into their prime and someone who would potentially have a resale value. Whereas someone who was signed in their prime they cost more and chances are you are only going to lose money on them after a season or two

The good news for us is he also asked about the age of Roy and when he was told Roy was 63 but a young coach could be early 40's he said Roy did not fit the NESV model at all

[smokey]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/8088587/Liverpool-to-stay-clear-of-big-money-signings-in-January-transfer-window.html

*facepalm*

The Arsenal approach. Young players who can't win anything but without the entertaining attacking football just Woy's cynical crap.

Then again would you trust Woy with your money after 15mill spent on Poulsen and Meireles :erm:

Oh come on Auntie Al, you can't really say much against Meireles. The guy was good at the World Cup and (barring the last three game which I didn't watch) was one of the best players in your team in the matches I did watch. Poulsen sucks though. BIG TIME.

[hawker]

Raul is a quality player, and he has been playing well for us.

Poulsen on the other hand is rubbish!

[akescpt]

You Beat me to it :twisted:
Meireles was brilliant on Sunday.

below from another forum:

i cant for the life of me understand why they gave carra another extended deal. on his form this season its obvious he is past his best. tey should be spending that money on a new young center back and according to the article he must be angry about that new contract...considering age and all...

[Casanova]

Is there any way of getting Aqualani outta his Loan deal ?

[akescpt]

For 11.5 mill!!!! I think not

i reckon in todays transfer terms a bargain..considering his experience and ability..

[akescpt]

Is there any way of getting Aqualani outta his Loan deal ?

ohk i read this so with a bit of salt and all that..apparently liverpool paid very little up front for him - only way they could afford it...the repayment terms is closely related to appearance fees so i reckon the manager didnt make that call, the money men did. the team is screaming out for a player of his ability but money is the problem...

[Alan]

I never said Meireles was not good. I said he's not worth 90% of our spending budget. If our budget was 40mill then yes 11.5 is not too bad but when it's 15mill and you have only 1 quality striker and absolutely no wingers 11.5mill is bonkers

Anyway now here is a player worth a look.....



Fabio Coentrao has been linked with a move to Liverpool Football Club.

The 22-year-old earned rave reviews during the summer, when he was arguably the best player in Carlos Queiroz’s Portugal squad at the World Cup Finals.

Reports in the English Sunday tabloids claim Roy Hodgson is interested in taking the Benfica fullback to Anfield when the window reopens in the New Year.

The Reds boss is hoping for a healthy budget for the winter, and he would love to have Coentrao bombing down the left and Glen Johnson on the right.

Such a capture would be a huge coup for the struggling Premier League side, as the player was heavily linked with both Chelsea and Real Madrid in the summer.


I see in the Telegraph link we're interested in a few Belgian youngsters. What's with the all quality coming out of that country suddenly.

[akescpt]

I never said Meireles was not good. I said he's not worth 90% of our spending budget. If our budget was 40mill then yes 11.5 is not too bad but when it's 15mill and you have only 1 quality striker and absolutely no wingers 11.5mill is bonkers

Anyway now here is a player worth a look.....




I see in the Telegraph link we're interested in a few Belgian youngsters. What's with the all quality coming out of that country suddenly.

is this the left back? didnt he just buy konchesky? WTH is wrong with this bloke? no wonder they dont want to give him the budget. he buys konchesky even though we have aurelio and agger who is better than him...so is agger gonna leave cos roy doesnt like him...

[smokey]

Stay Woy stay!

EDIT: Yeah - every ten or so years a lot of talent comes out of Belgium.

[SEF]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/8088587/Liverpool-to-stay-clear-of-big-money-signings-in-January-transfer-window.html

*facepalm*

The Arsenal approach. Young players who can't win anything but without the entertaining attacking football just Woy's cynical crap.

Then again would you trust Woy with your money after 15mill spent on Poulsen and Meireles :erm:

Liverpool are basically starting from scratch. So, i will give this a chance to develop. We need a great manager with young talent. Some experience is also obviously needed.

[Alan]

Agger is too offensive for Woy. He doesn't want his widemen going forward and here's a CB thinking he can do it.

Time to ship him out........