Tom Hicks promises 'best' stadium ... but won't rule out future shares sale

Jan 28 2008 by David Higgerson, Liverpool Daily Post

ONE of Liverpool Football Club’s American owners has refused to rule out selling off a minority stake in the club if more capital was needed to move the team on in the future.

But Tom Hicks insisted he “could not think of a price” which would lead to him selling his stake in Liverpool, despite intense speculation over the past weeks he had planned to do so.

Mr Hicks, speaking in a radio interview, confirmed that there were discussions with Dubai International Capital, the organisation he and business partner George Gillett beat to the ownership of Liverpool FC last year, about a 10 to 15% stake.

He told BBC FiveLive: “I did talk to them about a 10-15% participation but that was months ago.

“We gave them a valuation as a min- ority investor but they thought the price was too high. We have had no conversations since then. We would have used that capital towards the new stadium but we will find other ways.

“We have the capital. I have put in a lot of money and we will put more in if need be. I am very excited about the future of the club. This will be the finest football stadium in the world. People should be proud of it and I want to win the support of Liverpool fans with my actions.”

Asked if he may consider selling part of his stake, he added: “You can’t predict the future, but our plan now is to build the best football stadium in the world, support the manager, Rafa, and take the club forward.

“The stadium we unveiled last week will be the finest in the world, that is our statement of intent. I know there has been a lot of consternation from the fans, but what I would say to them is watch our actions, not words printed by other people.

“I have three clubs, and I love them all. I love English football.” He also ruled out any suggestion that Mr Gillett may instead sell up because the pair cannot agree on a way forward for Liverpool.

He said: “No. George and I get on fine. We have disagreements, but that is what happens in all partnerships.”

Asked if he expected to still be Liverpool FC’s owner in five years, he said: “There is no question in my mind” that he would.

Mr Hicks was speaking less than 48 hours after it was confirmed he and Mr Gillett had secured a refinancing deal which will enable them to fund the building of the new 71,000-seater stadium in Stanley Park.

That deal does involve placing more than £100m debt on the club’s books, but Mr Hicks appeared unequivocal in his determination to keep supporting Rafa Benitez.

Dismissing his controversial “insurance plan” to line up Jurgen Klinsmann as a replacement for Benitez as “in the past”, Mr Hicks said: “Rafa has a contract for two more years. He will be here for at least the length of it and hopefully longer than that.

“He has our full support. He has been a gentleman and we have had much better communication.

“We have never turned down Rafa’s requests when he has asked for players.”

Asked if that support would included making the £17m available to complete the signing of Javier Mascherano, currently on a loan deal at Anfield, Hicks replied: “Absolutely.”

davidhiggerson