Hicks Calls Parry's Tenure A Disaster, Discusses Gillett

Hicks Calls Tenure Of Liverpool's CEO A Disaster

English Premier League club Liverpool co-Owner Tom Hicks “has slammed” Liverpool CEO Rick Parry’s tenure with the team, labeling it a "disaster," according to James Dall of SKY SPORTS. Hicks: "We have fallen so far behind the other top clubs. The new stadium should have been built three or four years ago. We have two sponsors, maybe three. We should have 12 or 15. We are not doing anything in Asia the way Manchester United and Barcelona are. ... Rick needs to resign from [Liverpool]. He's put his heart into it, but it is time for a change." Meanwhile, Hicks indicated that his relationship with co-Owner George Gillett has "completely broken down." Hicks: "At this point it is unworkable. We started this as friends but 50-50 is a difficult business proposition because you cannot do anything without your partner's approval. We had a good honeymoon but, over a period of time, there have been issues, the stadium being the main one. If George doesn't sell -- because I am not going to sell -- I guess we stay in this position that we are in. It's complicated but it's going to happen (Hicks buying Gillett out) although I can't force George to accept. I am planning to make him a very attractive offer." Hicks added Dubai Int'l Capital, which "failed with a possible purchase of a minority stake in the club in March,"  has "no seat at the table. They are masters of the British tabloid spin. They want to stir the pot of Liverpool to create dissension" (SKYSPORTS.com, 4/17).

PARRY SPEAKS: Parry today said he plans to remain with Liverpool, indicating that Hicks "was in no position to ask him to leave the club." Parry: "It's a matter for the board. I report to the board. If the board want to talk to me about resigning I will talk to the board -- that's it." He added he "has a duty to the fans" to stay with the team (TIMESONLINE.co.uk, 4/17). Gillett "has offered his support to Parry and revealed last week that any attempt to remove him would need the approval of the full board" (ESPNSOCCERNET.com, 4/17).