MPs stage coup over new Liverpool FC stadium

Oct 23 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

GORDON BROWN has been urged to topple the American owners of Liverpool Football Club, in an astonishing “coup bid” by six Merseyside MPs.

The MPs, led by Walton’s Peter Kilfoyle, want the Government – through the part-nationalisation of the Royal Bank of Scotland – to pull the plug on a £350m loan to Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

Their move came as Tom Hicks last night reiterated his desire not to sell Liverpool FC, despite suggestions investment bank Mer-rill Lynch has been instructed to find a buyer for the club.

A source close to the Texan said the bank was merely providing expertise in refinancing the existing debts, adding: “Tom is not looking to get out of Liverpool. It is an asset he likes and he doesn’t plan an exit.

“They have not engaged Merrill Lynch to sell the club. They have been an advisor of Tom’s for 12 months.”

It is believed Hicks and co-owner George Gillett will exercise a six-month extension on loans due in January, but the Mersey MPs believe they can put pressure on RBS to prevent such a move.

If RBS did stop an extension, the MPs – who are furious over the ongoing delay of plans for a new stadium – believe the pair would be forced to sell the club they took over 18 months ago.

Hicks and Gillett announced earlier this month that the Stanley Park scheme was delayed for one year, but it is feared the real hold-up will be much longer.