And so the story continues. Following today's court case it seems likely that Hicks & Gillett will suffer from a schoolboy error in signing over effective control of their club to 3 men with no loyalty to them. Lee Dixon once scored a cracking own goal by chipping David Seaman, but this one is surely top of the charts.
And whilst I don't WANT a 9 point deduction - as there are better ways to avoid this - I do know that it will act as a rocket up the rear to kickstart our season.
The single biggest problem that Liverpool Football Club are suffering from at the moment is a lack of focus. Whether the players feel it or not I don't know, but all the fans can talk about is the ownership issue. Yes there have been discussions about Hodgson's tactical suitablility, whether Johnson should actually play as a winger, and whether Carraghers best days are behind him. But the biggest substitution needs to be that of the owners.
On one hand they should be creditted with admitting defeat in ownership - albeit eventually. But their general demeanour throughout has done nothing to endear them to even the most reasonable of Liverpool fans. Their awkward - nay obstropolous - activities aimed at gaining them at least SOME money out of the deal had only delayed proceedings and labelled them as crooks. But who can blame them really? We all know that globally LFC is worth the £/$800 million they are after, we just don't want to admit it. We are the most profitable team in the division after great work from the Commercial Team, but all the cash going into the bucket is cascading out of the bottom instantly in debt repayments.
Rectifying this issue will focus the fans and players minds on positive issues - winning Saturday and Thursday games. Nothing more nothing less. All other business concerns will be footnotes to 3 points gained. And should we get to the horrible situation of being a further 3 wins behind everyone else thanks to the League's strict rules - we should remember Istanbul and Olympiakos.
Liverpool love being up against it.
-- Might I also take this opportunity to levy some cyncism at critics of Broughton and Purslow back in July. I am neither their fan nor foe, but what I do respect is that like a government facing war, you don't tell the world everything. I accept that I am merely a season ticket paying fan, and whilst I can claim emotional ownership of the club, until I get myself a damn good job that affords a purchase of the club, I also have very little say. --
Showing posts with label Martin Broughton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Martin Broughton. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Monday, August 02, 2010
When Patience is a Virtue, but Impatience can be part of the plan for Liverpool Fans
This news is bound to excite, and certainly fills me with a little more hope than 2 weeks ago (although I've always had a quiet faith that the situation would rectify itself) but I refuse to get carried away. Not because of any particular lack of faith in Gillett & Hicks, nor any doubting of Broughton, but simply because of the way business works. Hence I wanted to explain my own take on how things might transpire - I conduct a lot of contract negotiations in my job, and this experience tells me that it won't go quite as smoothly as the impatient Liverpool fans will want.
In any negotiations there are two sides; although in this case there may be several. Three on the side of Liverpool (RBS, Broughton, Gillett & Hicks) and no doubt several on the bidding side. Broughton himself has stated that he expects an auction process across several parties, and one that *might* finish before Aug 31st, and given his almost impartial position, I would take him at his experienced word. Kenneth Huang has merely kicked the bidding war off - in a game of poker he has simply raised the pot.
George Gillett is rumoured to be trying to introduce a former Syrian international footballer, Yahya Kirdi, and his group to the table as a viable alternative, possibly because they would stand to make more money back on LFC. Irrespective of this though, he is basically standing behind Kirdi and telling him to call the raise, and raise a bit more. And it won't be the last party to play a hand either, as the bidding raises and raises and then suddenly disappears altogether.
Therein lies the position from the point of the LFC fans, and indeed Gillett & Hicks - get the priciest bid, and the richest group with it. However, there are threatening cards to be played by Hodgson, the star players, and most likely Broughton as well - "Take too long and we'll have no star players at the club by September". These threats in themselves would ultimately devalue the club (we'd take lower, 'desperate' fees) which is a situation Gillett & Hicks desperately want to avoid. So don't be surprised if Hodgson, Broughton et al also put pressure on a quick sale.
The buyers need to close the deal ASAP to give the greatest amount of time to Hodgson in the transfer market (though I promise there were be 'conditional offers' made to players right now - indeed I suggest Cole arriving and Torres/Gerrard so far staying are based on this takeover). Huang has already played the PR game and tried to appeal to the powerful Liverpool fans' groups in saying this, but it does not mean he is the best option.
So I fully expect these negotiations to go back and forth til approx August 28th before closure. But you should also trust that Hodgson/Purslow will have talked to each group and gained authority to conduct *conditional* player transfer negotiations so they can be acted upon as soon as possible after August 28th.
So who do Liverpool fans want to see at the club on August 31st? I'd take Fernando Torres right now.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Liverpool could be wearing B&W stripes in 2012/13
And so we have become Newcastle United.
The torrid summer most fans predicted is still coming true in stages, with the latest being the appointment of 'true gent' Roy Hodgson. Here we have a man who will no doubt bring respectability back to Anfield, the kind of dignity not seen since pre-2007, and the kind of post-match interviews not laden with irony, sarcasm or political intrigue. I like Roy Hodsgon as a man and will sing and cheer his name from the Kop next season, but only because that is what Liverpool fans do - support. As soon as the verse finishes though, daggers will be cast at the Board in retribution for where they have placed us. The problem is not the manager, it is much bigger than that.
With all due respect to Mr Hodgson, he exudes the quality of a Top 10 manager - still one of the best in the country - but not the Top 2 manager that Liverpool fans wanted. I also don't believe that he will have the real determination and 'pull' to keep Steven Gerrard at the club for another 2 seasons. And once the leader has gone, so might the others follow namely Torres, Kuyt and potentially Johnson (given that Masch is almost certain to leave). So we could be left without Champions League football, Gerrard Torres and Mascherano, Jovanovic and Ngog upfront and the kind of desperation etched on Newcastle United faces back in 2004 when Sir Bobby Robson was relieved of his position.
My biggest problem with Hodgson being named manager has very little to do with the man himself. His appointment (no doubt short term as reflected in his previous roles and whilst the club is being sold) is symptomatic of the DIRE state our club is in. Kop Holdings Ltd are shedding 110k per week in interest payments, whose only asset (LFC) maintains an unrealistic valuation by greedy owners wanting to recoup other losses though a huge profit on the international brand of Liverpool Football Club.
The best thing about Hodgson's appointment is that is is very likely a short term option. He had a rolling 12 month contract at Fulham and kept them afloat at very difficult times. His career is littered with stand-in, bridging jobs, and for me that can only mean he is more than happy to help Liverpool out when we need his most. Any new owners are bound to have a new manager in their sights (and indeed may have influenced this 'temporary' move) as has been seen at Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid over the years.
So let's write off next year as a time to blood promising youngsters, play exciting football and perhaps win a cup. Let's focus on the long-term and accept that Roy Hodgson may well be helping Liverpool FC out in more subtle ways that we could ever imagine. Let's not be England and Newcastle and look at panicky short-term fixes - getting rid of the current board is the real job, the big job and the only job I care about.
And it's everything Manchester United have around the corner as well ;)
The torrid summer most fans predicted is still coming true in stages, with the latest being the appointment of 'true gent' Roy Hodgson. Here we have a man who will no doubt bring respectability back to Anfield, the kind of dignity not seen since pre-2007, and the kind of post-match interviews not laden with irony, sarcasm or political intrigue. I like Roy Hodsgon as a man and will sing and cheer his name from the Kop next season, but only because that is what Liverpool fans do - support. As soon as the verse finishes though, daggers will be cast at the Board in retribution for where they have placed us. The problem is not the manager, it is much bigger than that.
With all due respect to Mr Hodgson, he exudes the quality of a Top 10 manager - still one of the best in the country - but not the Top 2 manager that Liverpool fans wanted. I also don't believe that he will have the real determination and 'pull' to keep Steven Gerrard at the club for another 2 seasons. And once the leader has gone, so might the others follow namely Torres, Kuyt and potentially Johnson (given that Masch is almost certain to leave). So we could be left without Champions League football, Gerrard Torres and Mascherano, Jovanovic and Ngog upfront and the kind of desperation etched on Newcastle United faces back in 2004 when Sir Bobby Robson was relieved of his position.
My biggest problem with Hodgson being named manager has very little to do with the man himself. His appointment (no doubt short term as reflected in his previous roles and whilst the club is being sold) is symptomatic of the DIRE state our club is in. Kop Holdings Ltd are shedding 110k per week in interest payments, whose only asset (LFC) maintains an unrealistic valuation by greedy owners wanting to recoup other losses though a huge profit on the international brand of Liverpool Football Club.
The best thing about Hodgson's appointment is that is is very likely a short term option. He had a rolling 12 month contract at Fulham and kept them afloat at very difficult times. His career is littered with stand-in, bridging jobs, and for me that can only mean he is more than happy to help Liverpool out when we need his most. Any new owners are bound to have a new manager in their sights (and indeed may have influenced this 'temporary' move) as has been seen at Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid over the years.
So let's write off next year as a time to blood promising youngsters, play exciting football and perhaps win a cup. Let's focus on the long-term and accept that Roy Hodgson may well be helping Liverpool FC out in more subtle ways that we could ever imagine. Let's not be England and Newcastle and look at panicky short-term fixes - getting rid of the current board is the real job, the big job and the only job I care about.
And it's everything Manchester United have around the corner as well ;)
Monday, May 31, 2010
Hell Hath no Fury like a Scouser Scorned
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!
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!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Lowest Point in 15 years
A great deal has happened since I last blogged, and I have been avidly following every twist and turn expecting each one to end in a huge revelation I could offer an opinion on. Instead we find ourselves in a horrible state of limbo.
Owners
As our Player of the Year Pepe Reina neatly put it, a change in ownership is vital to Liverpool's progression. For all of Rafa's ills and annoyances, the element without debate is the uncertainty, the lack of actual investment and vacancy of direction provided by Messrs Gillett and Hicks. In taking on Martin Broughton to sell the club and act as a central figurehead whilst their worlds crumble around them, the club is officially up for sale. And judging by the conversations on the Kop, the 'I don't know' press conferences of Rafa Benitez, and the complete feeling of hopelessness and despair etched on the faces of Carragher, Gerrard and Reina this season - it cannot come too soon.
I will say however, that for all the desire in the world to get new owners, it must be 100% correct as we cannot bear another 3 years like this.
Benitez
I've not been a fan of Rafa these last few weeks - my turning point was the defeat to Reading, on the back of 6 months of bereft confidence that should have been turned around earlier. I've always been happy with his transfers, I've always believed that he loves the club, but have been befuddled by his tactics and man-management.
Right now a change in ownership is far more important as it immediately affects the players, the fans, the manager, the international footballing brand that is Liverpool and the ongoing history of the club. A change in manager only really affects a couple of those factors and he's done *enough* in the last few years to be given another chance within a proper club environment. when you rebuild a house you need to start at the foundations, not at the colour of the front door.
Gerrard
Recently I have heard fans call for Gerrard to be sold - to cash in on a great asset and move on. Those same fans need shooting.
Captain Fantastic, Mister Liverpool and in my opinion the greatest player to wear the red shirt, has not had a good season. He's been in and out of the team due to injury, openly admits it takes him a while to come back to form, and has then been saddled with an unstable and unconfident team within which to find his form. Put simply you do not sell your best players in order to be the best. A strong club would merely give Gerrard a rest and gentle route back into the team whilst replacing him with a player of equal stature. Like Chelsea can do with Ballack/Lampard, Man City with Tevez/Bellamy, even Tottenham have done this season with Defoe/Pavlyuchenko. Knee jerk reactions like these can make you pull a muscle yourself.
Owners
As our Player of the Year Pepe Reina neatly put it, a change in ownership is vital to Liverpool's progression. For all of Rafa's ills and annoyances, the element without debate is the uncertainty, the lack of actual investment and vacancy of direction provided by Messrs Gillett and Hicks. In taking on Martin Broughton to sell the club and act as a central figurehead whilst their worlds crumble around them, the club is officially up for sale. And judging by the conversations on the Kop, the 'I don't know' press conferences of Rafa Benitez, and the complete feeling of hopelessness and despair etched on the faces of Carragher, Gerrard and Reina this season - it cannot come too soon.
I will say however, that for all the desire in the world to get new owners, it must be 100% correct as we cannot bear another 3 years like this.
Benitez
I've not been a fan of Rafa these last few weeks - my turning point was the defeat to Reading, on the back of 6 months of bereft confidence that should have been turned around earlier. I've always been happy with his transfers, I've always believed that he loves the club, but have been befuddled by his tactics and man-management.
Right now a change in ownership is far more important as it immediately affects the players, the fans, the manager, the international footballing brand that is Liverpool and the ongoing history of the club. A change in manager only really affects a couple of those factors and he's done *enough* in the last few years to be given another chance within a proper club environment. when you rebuild a house you need to start at the foundations, not at the colour of the front door.
Gerrard
Recently I have heard fans call for Gerrard to be sold - to cash in on a great asset and move on. Those same fans need shooting.
Captain Fantastic, Mister Liverpool and in my opinion the greatest player to wear the red shirt, has not had a good season. He's been in and out of the team due to injury, openly admits it takes him a while to come back to form, and has then been saddled with an unstable and unconfident team within which to find his form. Put simply you do not sell your best players in order to be the best. A strong club would merely give Gerrard a rest and gentle route back into the team whilst replacing him with a player of equal stature. Like Chelsea can do with Ballack/Lampard, Man City with Tevez/Bellamy, even Tottenham have done this season with Defoe/Pavlyuchenko. Knee jerk reactions like these can make you pull a muscle yourself.
Friday, April 09, 2010
One for all, and all 4-1
First of all, congratulations to the team and staff for getting us to another European semi-final. Whilst I was tentative before the Benfica game and had doubts throughout, and yes the score flattered us a little, I was very pleased to see players running around smiling.
Javier Mascherano was immense for me, and clearly captain material. Kuyt did excellently and seems back on top form, and whilst Torres will no doubt get the plaudits, congratulations should also go to Lucas whose positive running set himself up a goal and who was constantly involved.
Steve Gerrard looked like his form is levelling out as 'good but not great' but frankly that was the best news of the night for me. When players like Masch, Kuyt, Torres et al step up to the plate, I'm really happy that Gerrard can finally be more of a passenger - we've waited a long time for that.
Interestingly both George Gillett and Tom Hicks were at the game last night (Hicks looking rather ill if I may say) and I'm almost sorry it ended 4-1 in case it gave them a false impression that everything is rosy. Reports today state that both parties are conducting meetings in London regarding new finance and the possibility of an 'independant' chairman, possibly Martin Broughton of British Airways.
To me this move indicates one of two things - either they genuinely want someone to chair board meetings (though why Christian Purslow can't do that I don't know), or another party has made it a requirement of them buying into Liverpool. given the brief history of their stewardship, any new party would not want Hicks or Gillett dictating things completely. So new finance may be forthcoming after all, especially given that our great keeper Pepe Reina today penned a new 6 year deal.
What I also found interesting was Benitez leaving Torres on despite a knee injury - very different to Sunday's game. It made me think whether Benitez - canny as he is - doesn't mind missing out on the Champions League next year, as it may reduce the asking price for part-club ownership and therefore ultimately work to get rid of the American owners. It's been such a ridiculous season that I really wouldn't put it past him - winning the Europa League would keep the fans on his side for one more year.
However I did cast that theory aside on the basis that Hicks can certainly afford to pay RBS off having sold his Texas Rangers last year in a deal rumoured to be worth $310 million. But whilst he seems to avidly see the potential of both Raarfa and the Liverpool Empire - does he really want to stick around now?
Javier Mascherano was immense for me, and clearly captain material. Kuyt did excellently and seems back on top form, and whilst Torres will no doubt get the plaudits, congratulations should also go to Lucas whose positive running set himself up a goal and who was constantly involved.
Steve Gerrard looked like his form is levelling out as 'good but not great' but frankly that was the best news of the night for me. When players like Masch, Kuyt, Torres et al step up to the plate, I'm really happy that Gerrard can finally be more of a passenger - we've waited a long time for that.
Interestingly both George Gillett and Tom Hicks were at the game last night (Hicks looking rather ill if I may say) and I'm almost sorry it ended 4-1 in case it gave them a false impression that everything is rosy. Reports today state that both parties are conducting meetings in London regarding new finance and the possibility of an 'independant' chairman, possibly Martin Broughton of British Airways.
To me this move indicates one of two things - either they genuinely want someone to chair board meetings (though why Christian Purslow can't do that I don't know), or another party has made it a requirement of them buying into Liverpool. given the brief history of their stewardship, any new party would not want Hicks or Gillett dictating things completely. So new finance may be forthcoming after all, especially given that our great keeper Pepe Reina today penned a new 6 year deal.
What I also found interesting was Benitez leaving Torres on despite a knee injury - very different to Sunday's game. It made me think whether Benitez - canny as he is - doesn't mind missing out on the Champions League next year, as it may reduce the asking price for part-club ownership and therefore ultimately work to get rid of the American owners. It's been such a ridiculous season that I really wouldn't put it past him - winning the Europa League would keep the fans on his side for one more year.
However I did cast that theory aside on the basis that Hicks can certainly afford to pay RBS off having sold his Texas Rangers last year in a deal rumoured to be worth $310 million. But whilst he seems to avidly see the potential of both Raarfa and the Liverpool Empire - does he really want to stick around now?
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