Anfield fans fear 'Glazer-type' control
The American entrepreneur George Gillett could win the battle for control of Liverpool within days – a development which is already causing concern among fans.
They included fears that he could be Liverpool’s equivalent of Malcolm Glazer at Manchester United, buying the club and allowing his family to run it.
But Gillett has gazumped Dubai International Capital – who earlier today withdrew their own bid – and is now the only player left in the race for control of the club.
It is expected his offer to chairman David Moores will be made this week and quickly agreed.
A Liverpool spokesman said: “There is a process underway with Mr Gillett, and a decision can be expected in the next few days.”
Sources close to the club expressed confidence that a deal with Gillett is now imminent.
As well as offering more money, the clincher has been that Gillett now accepts that Liverpool will not share their new stadium.
The directors and major shareholders have also been impressed by the speed with which he has carried out due diligence investigations.The length of time taken by DIC to study the accounts had created some nervousness within the club.
Moores had been preparing to give DIC a formal response late this afternoon, but the Dubai group did not wait to hear it before pulling out.
Club fans were confused and worried about the turn of events, with many message boards full of attacks on Moores for the way the Dubai deal broke down.
It is also believed that the Dubai organisation were furious with the way last night’s Liverpool board meeting developed, expecting approval for their bid.
Les Lawson, spokesman for the Liverpool Supporters’ Club, said: “I must admit to being surprised. We had come to terms with the Dubai bid and what it entailed, and the fans accepted that they were fans of the club of long standing and understood the history and heritage of Liverpool.
“Then Gillett comes along and muddies the water. We are worried now about the future and the fact that the Dubai bid had gone on so long and now we are in another period of uncertainty.
“This has been going on for years. Surely it should have been clear by now what the Dubai people wanted.
“The Dubai group were big fans, but we do not know too much about this guy, who it seems has tried to buy other clubs.
“The Dubai deal had been sold to us as being one from people who understood the traditions and heritage of the club. Rick Parry (chief executive) said that was one of the key issues, that the Dubai people did appreciate our history.
“Now we are going to have to wait and see what Gillett wants and does in the future.”
