The frankly outrageous actions of our previously lauded chairman seem to be what has sent mcdonaldtaf into a rage. His patience has snapped as he sees the Liverpool dying - nay, dead already - before his eyes.
A great deal of Liverpool fans will also agree with his positive action, his defiant plans to create such a commercial and public relations disaster for the owners, that they will have no option but to f**k off. I felt empowered and puffed my chest out in a big way as I read about the plans to stand firm and finally say enough is enough. I too was taken in by the Americans to begin with, taken in by Christian Purslow's charm and 'honesty', and so too it seems by Martin Broughton's apparent grace and dignity.
But I too have nagging doubts. I too am a businessman who would surely hope to conduct myself with better professionalism than these custodians of our great club. But something still doesn't sit right and it's not the humble pie I've been downing since all these revelations started coming to light.
First of all, why on earth would it take until Xmas 2010 to conclude a sale of the business? Of course these things take a while (due diligence, meetings, strategy formation etc) but even Kraft managed a hostile takeover of Cadburys in about 6 months of prominent discussions. Once genuine interest has been registered and a price agreed then its only paperwork left to do. If there IS no genuine interest and no prices agreed, then how can Tom Hicks suggest December may see a conclusion?
Perhaps they are waiting to see how the team fares in the opening weeks of the season, perhaps the interested buyers want to see the debt come down, or new sponsorships agreements in place, perhaps Gerrard and Torres do indeed need to be sold in August and the money reallocated before agreements can proceed? Perhaps >Hicks wants to offload his Texas Rangers first?*
All of the above reasons for delay relate to the final price on the table. Me, you and every other Liverpool fan would happily buy LFC for any price if we had the money, but businessmen aren't like that. Especially when they don't really care that much for the club. But anything that eases the debt raises the price H&G can ask, whilst increasing the likelihood of the sale. It also makes the club more stable and progressive, as doesa good start to the new season.
Which is where I can't (necessarily) condone the almost-miltant action. Don't get me wrong - I want to add my weight to seriously rip the floor from under H&G, but I have niggling doubts. Not renewing season tickets, not buying club merchandise, and creating a hell hole of an atmosphere doesn't help clear the debts, nor create a positive impression for any incoming owners. Unless of course that very message is conveyed from the outset (i.e. "Don't worry Mr Arab/Chinese/Indian man/conglomerate. You can have all our money the day you pick up the keys to Anfield").
Likewise, H&G selling the crown jewels also creates a ridiculous instability and poorer team that would not be attractive to buyers. Broughton's appointment was meant to show a united front and reduce buyers' fears that "all was not well". If we force the price down too much we may end up in technical bankruptcy and owned by none other than RBS and the government!
A calm exterior is paramount to H&G's plan to sell the club for a decent price. Even though part of me wants all hell to break loose.
*Chapter 11 bankruptcy is not quite as bad as it seems. It is a way out of paying off/getting rid of debts by promising to reorganise the company altogether. My experience comes from making a pretty penny on GSI Group who came out considerably stronger on the other side!
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