“IT’S his fault we’re here!” exclaims John W Henry as he turns to the man sat to his right alongside Tom Werner.

While Henry, principal owner of New England Sports Ventures, and Werner, the group’s chairman, have dominated the spotlight since the £300million takeover was finalised on Friday, there has been another driving force behind the deal.

Step forward Joe Januszewski, the Senior Vice President, Corporate Sales and Fenway Enterprises, and one of Boston’s most rabid Liverpool supporters.

Christian Purslow and Martin Broughton may have been the ones feted on the steps of the High Court last week, but it’s unlikely any of that would have happened but for Januszewski tapping out a simple message to Henry from his Boston Red Sox office.

“I sent an email to John and Larry Luccinho (Red Sox CEO) a couple of months ago and told them to monitor the ownership situation,” says Januszewski.

“It was as a fan really. But also as a businessman who follows sport.

“I told him that maybe we should take a look at this opportunity.

“I told him my bags are always packed for Liverpool, I know a great couple of places if you need a tour guide.”