We’re thrilled at all of this

May 21 2007 by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

Beating AC Milan would represent a monumental first step, although Hicks admits he’ll be accepting little of the credit if European Cup number six is on parade around the city come Thursday.

“I feel a little guilty,” said Hicks as he prepared to join the exodus to Greece.

“I’ve told friends it’s like buying a baseball team and then being a game from winning the World Series. I have nothing to do with it. I’ve always been a little lucky.

“But I’m just thrilled George and I have such a fantastic opportunity to get off to a great start.

“It’s all been a bit of a blur. This will be my sixth trip to Europe since January, and it’s surreal to have been talking to David Moores just a few months ago about our desire to become custodians on the deal, and all of a sudden we’d closed the deal and found ourselves in Barcelona. From that point on, despite not knowing a lot about English football, I knew we had the chance to contend for the European Cup. It’s been exciting to be part of it.

“We’ve had nothing to do with this success, but if we win we’ll bask in the glory and have fun with David, Rick Parry, their families and everyone else.

“I won the Stanley Cup once in hockey but haven’t won it since, so I know how special these moments are. They can happen again in the near future or a long time from now, but hopefully not too long, so we’re going to make the most of it.”

The process of adapting to the peculiarities of English football, and British culture in general, could mean the seemingly smooth transition becomes more difficult in the months to come.

Foster Gillett, for example, will have to wait until August to receive a visa to work in this country, while the equity the American owners vowed to pump into the club as a condition of their deal must arrive before Benitez starts to bid for players – otherwise the club’s overdraft will keep growing.

Both owners have shown they are well aware of the expectation of a club which, even on the eve of a major final, is looking to next season.

“It’s intriguing to see the multiple championships,” said Hicks.

“Obviously the Premiership is the traditional one which we haven’t won for 17 years and then you have the FA Cup and the Champions League.

“I’m not sure how the fans rank each, but I see the Champions League as highly prestigious and it would be a wonderful start to a new era by bringing home that trophy.

“It’s funny, but Manchester United fans are probably wishing they were performing better in the Champions League.

“Both the clubs have achieved unique status, but the Champions League will continue to add to its glamour.”