League Managers' Association confirm Rafa Benitez contact

Jan 23 2008

Rafa Benitez

The financial package is expected to help the American duo repay money borrowed for their original £218.9million takeover.

They would also then be able to repay loans used to sign players last summer and start work on a re-scaled plan for a new stadium.

And Hicks will also feel he will be in a stronger position should he decide to sell in the future, dealing a blow to DIC's hopes of mounting a swift bid to take control at Anfield.

Hicks and Gillett were the target of crowd demonstrations from Liverpool supporters unhappy with their regime during Monday's televised game against Aston Villa, with banners calling for DIC to mount a bid.
But Hicks, in particular, has remained defiant in the face of protests and insisted he had no intention of selling his 50% stake in the club.

However, DIC could well play a waiting game with some City sources believing the new deal, and its interest payments, will only be a financial "sticking plaster."

The Dubai group could wait to see if there are further problems for Hicks and Gillett while maintaining an interest in buying Liverpool.

Any financial moves to stay in control by the Americans will not please Liverpool's support.

A poll in the Liverpool Daily Post showed that 89% of fans who voted wanted DIC to run the club, while 94% wanted Benitez to stay.

The Liverpool Echo's poll revealed that 92% wanted Hicks and Gillett to sell.

Richie Pedder, chairman of the Liverpool FC Supporters club, said: "The Americans should sell. Something has got to give now. In the past, the directors have always stayed in the background, but it is not the case with these two.

"With the Klinsmann revelation, and the line about it being an insurance policy - that is not kidding anybody. Let Benitez get on with managing. I have not met anyone who wants them to stay. Our confidence in them has been broken."