Phil Thompson and John Aldridge sign up to fans' buyout

Feb 28 2008

TWO Liverpool FC legends today signed up to a proposed fans’ buyout of the club.

Phil Thompson and John Aldridge are backing Share Liverpool FC’s idea to purchase the club from its current American owners.

The former Kop idols have pledged £5,000 each as the group aims to persuade 100,000 fans to stump up the same amount to raise a total of £500m.

So far, 9,500 people have pledged to give £5,000 each, while another 9,000 state they are interested but need more information.

Phil Thompson said: “Liverpool Football Club has always needed its fans, now more than ever. Not if, but when our current owners decide to sell, we as fans need to be in a position to help.

“The biggest thing that people ask is: ‘Can the Share Liverpool scheme really work?’ To this I say one word: Istanbul.

“That fantastic victory could only have happened to a club like Liverpool. Why? Because the fans believed it could happen – and with their help we pulled off one the greatest miracles in the history of club football.

“So, if we believe we can make Share Liverpool work, it will happen, too. Get on to the website now and pledge your support just as I am doing.”

Ex-striker John Aldridge said: “What a great concept. I’m glad to sign for Share Liverpool FC. This is a fantastic opportunity for the fans who dearly love the club to own it for themselves – and set the standard for other fans to follow.

“It would be terrific if it led to other fans owning their clubs too.”

A two-pronged steering group, comprising 18 members, has now been set up to deal with financial, regulatory and legal matters.

Among the group are the financial director of clothing chain Ethel Austin, a senior partner of Price Waterhouse Cooper and a communications guru from superstore Asda.

A representative from newly-formed supporters union Sons of Shankly has also taken a place on the steering committee.

Among the first tasks of the steering group will be to outline a constitution, agree a definitive package in return for the £5,000 payment, and clarify a number of regulatory issues.

A formal letter could soon be sent to the Liverpool FC board to state Share Liverpool FC’s intention to buy the club.

With a bid from Dubai International Capital rumoured to be on the horizon, the Share Liverpool group say they are keen to progress with their plan.

Rogan Taylor, director of the Football Industry Group at Liverpool university, and lifelong Red, is leading the scheme.

He said: “This puts Share Liverpool FC on to a proper footing. We have brought together the different skill sets in areas such as finance, law and marketing that are needed if we are going to succeed in this venture.”

The member-share scheme is based on a continental-style model, in which fans own a large or total stake in the club, similar to the way FC Barcelona operates.

The move was unveiled last month as it emerged that the club would have to pay £30m-a-year interest on new loans taken out by American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Liverpool fans buying a share in Share Liverpool would be entitled to a vote on who runs the club with an elected official responsible for all major decisions at Anfield.

The project has been backed by national fans group Supporters Direct and law firm Cobbetts, who are providing legal guidance

To register your interest visit www.share liverpoolFC.com