We are in ideal position to challenge for title, insists Parry

Sep 28 2007 by Ian Doyle, Liverpool Daily Post

RICK PARRY believes Liverpool are better placed than at any previous time to win their first championship since 1990.

The unbeaten Anfield outfit have made their finest start to a season under Rafael Benitez, sitting in the top four of the Premier League while securing progress in the Champions League and the Carling Cup.

Backed by American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks, Benitez splashed out in excess of £40million during the summer transfer window.

And Liverpool chief executive Parry yesterday mirrored the optimism of supporters encouraged by the early signs of the expensive new-look team.

“I think there is more excitement and belief around the club now with everything that has gone on at the club,” said Parry, who was speaking at the official launch of the LFC TV channel. “Expectation levels are always high and always will be, and rightly so.

“But there is a difference and a belief, that we and the supporters share, that maybe this can be the year. There will be no foolish predictions because that is not our style, but the main thing for us to try to ensure that we are in contention for the Premier League and not out of the running by Christmas.

“We are happy with the business that we did over the summer and the backing provided by our new owners. The backing in the summer has been phenomenal and nobody could question that.

“We felt, when we decided to go with them (Hicks and Gillett), that they shared our passion on the pitch and genuinely wanted to see results on the pitch. They have definitely put their money where their mouths are during the summer and it’s been a case of so far, so good. We are excit-ed with the start that we have made and we are optimistic.”

In contrast to prosperous the opening weeks of both Liverpool and Arsenal, title favourites Manchester United and Chelsea have struggled to find their form.

The Londoners are coming to terms with life after the departed Jose Mourinho, with rumours suggesting club owner Roman Abramovich is exerting his influence on team selection.

Parry, though, reckons Liverpool co-chairmen Gillett and Hicks are not about to follow suit.