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George Gillett: My Anfield dream is over

Premier League Liverpool
by TheRed1892 (U8327721) 28 March 2008
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This is only a brief extract on the Daily echo website, the full radio interview is availble there to be heard. I get the impression that things are going to change soon.


LIVERPOOL co-owner George Gillett today admitted his partnership with Tom Hicks had completely broken down and was beyond repair.

And he told of the death threats he and his family had been receiving from fans amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Anfield.

Gillett revealed he had also recently offered Hicks the chance to buy out his half share in the Reds but that he had run out of time.

He also declared that Hicks had tried to veto him selling to Dubai International Capital – whom he said would make ‘very responsible owners’ of the trouble-torn club.

The Dubai company has already had a recent £400m bid for Anfield turned down by Hicks, who insists he is not interested in selling his stake.

Gillett spoke at length for the first time of the crisis at Anfield in an interview in Canada with radio station Fan590, where he admitted he may now pursue an interest in establishing a soccer club in Montreal which would play in America’s MLS.

The owner of the Montreal Canadiens ice hockey team did not reveal what he planned to do with his half share of Liverpool now, but said there were ‘pieces on the chess board moving’.

Said Gillett: “There are things going on - there are pieces on the chess board moving but it would not be helpful for us to comment.”

Referring to Hicks revelation in the Echo last month that the pair had approached Jurgen Klinsmann to line him up as a potential successor to Rafael Benitez, he added: “We get as many as 2,000 emails a week.

“Ninety five per cent of them have been directed at some of the comments made by my partner.

“The fans don’t want him to have even one share of my stake in the club, based on what they are sending to me.

“As a result of that we have received many phone calls in the middle of the night threatening our lives – death threats.

“A number came to the office and my son Foster and daughter-in-law Lauren have received them.”

Referring to his joint ownership with Texan billionaire Hicks, Colorado-based Gillett admitted: “This partnership has been unworkable for some time.

“We gave our partner a long period of time to try to make arrangements to buy us out.

“We didn’t put pressure on him but he ultimately did not get to the finishing line.

“Because of the things he said, the fans’ reaction has been so negative to him that if we sold to him it has been made untenable for us.

“He threatened to block me selling to Dubai - that was certainly one of the things that made the fans upset.

“Lord knows DIC have the means with the oil prices going up every day that money was not even an issue.

“I think they would have been very responsible owners.

“But making that not possible or difficult didn’t endear him to the fans.

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comment by liverbird_42 (U10931833)

posted Mar 29, 2008

Just saying,if Rafa has to take heat everyone should answer.

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comment by patterdalesforus (U8447358)

posted Mar 29, 2008

Sorry Scousers,

We seem to have gone off the subject slightly which was a comment:-

" My Anfield dream is over".

So tell me guys..What's it like scrapping around for points to finish FOURTH in the premiership.

Big game tomorrow against your fiercest of rivals Everton.I bet if Everton win then the Yanks and good old fat Rafa will be packing their bags for a sunny flight home.Just keep looking up at the top of that league when you read the papers and realise that this year yet again......and this must really gut all you die hard LFC fans


YOUR DREAM IS OVER

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comment by liverbird_42 (U10931833)

posted Mar 29, 2008

The only thing I realise is the Premier league ruined English football for the sake of a few teams.Anyways,George Gillett and his son get the 2 thumbs up for me.Hicks and Parry get the 2 boots up.

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comment by solid gone (U11240039)

posted Mar 29, 2008

"Yet we're turning in the most revenue, only second to Real Madrid."

That's what happens when you choose corporate weasels over true fans. Enjoy your prawn cocktail and 1st class seat back to London.

Those banging on about Ronaldo should be using his first PL season if you want to compare like for like. Torres will never be despised by all for his Olympic-standard diving. He's already more disciplined and far less arrogant.

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comment by Scholes = God (U10762897)

posted Mar 29, 2008

"That's what happens when you choose corporate weasels over true fans. Enjoy your prawn cocktail and 1st class seat back to London."

Funny that, because corporate weasels have helped turn our club inito one of the most attractive in the world, and our fans get to see some of the best football played in England. I know which one I'd rather have.

"Those banging on about Ronaldo should be using his first PL season if you want to compare like for like. Torres will never be despised by all for his Olympic-standard diving. He's already more disciplined and far less arrogant."


There's a difference between confidence and arrogance. He's never come out and said he is the best player in the world, he always talks about the team's benefits first. So don't let your bitterness or jealousy get in the way of your opinions.

You're correct, he wasn't as good as Torres in his first season. But that is just a testament to Ferguson, he knows how to groom players into potential world class. Rafa just bought an already proven talent.

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comment by cyberlancer (U9348939)

posted Mar 29, 2008

George Gillett: My Anfield dream is over...SO SOD OFF THEN!! Everybody is sick and tired of the slimey Gillet. He should go and sell his stake to Hicks - a TRUE fan of the club. DIC - keep your stinking money, the fans will GLADLY pay off the debt. Gillet out - DIC fu ck off...Hicks for LIFE ok

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comment by Scholes = God (U10762897)

posted Mar 29, 2008

Good points raised there Cyber laugh

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comment by liverbird_42 (U10931833)

posted Mar 29, 2008

Why did he look up a couple of times.

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comment by DONGA DARKO (U1744936)

posted Mar 29, 2008

Is the the Torres who was in Rio's Pocket at both Anfield and Old Trafford ?.
---------------------

No, and it wasn't the Bennett who was in Ferguson's pocket either. It was the the Torres who was kicked, elbowed and punched by almost every United player with the complete conivance of the said Bennett.

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comment by GodPoacher (U11248214)

posted Mar 29, 2008

yes, thank you for pointing out that steve bennett is an absolute god

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