George Gillett has spoken publicly for the first time about his well documented fall-out with co-owner Tom Hicks.
Gillett is believed to have fallen out with Hicks over a series of comments he made which helped turn fans against the Americans.
Gillett's son, Foster, who had been appointed as the American duo's man at Anfield, has not been seen at the club since December, prompting speculation Gilett was looking for a way out.
That speculation proved correct when, late on Friday, Gillett agreed to sell his half of Liverpool to suitors DIC.
During an address to a sports conference in California, Gillett was asked whether he would remain a co-owner of Liverpool.
He responded: “I would say, choose your partners wisely,” before adding, “he (Hicks) is a great guy – but he has just got a different perspective on the media.”
That deal to sell out appears to have been scupperd by Hicks, who apparently has the power to veto any potential sale.
Hicks has denied claims he blocked the sale, which would have led to him by 1% of Gillett's stake to have overall control at Anfield, because DIC wants a fan on the club's board.
Meanwhile, conflicting reports emerged today over whether Hicks was scheduled to speak at a trade fair.
The Texan denied pulling out of a public appearance on the Liverpool stand at Mipim which is being staged in Cannes
He said he never agreed to address delegates at the property and investment fair.
But Liverpool council insisted the businessman was part of the schedule.
A council spokesman said: “We spoke to Tom Hicks’s office. We planned him into the schedule and fully understood when he had to withdraw because of pressure of other things, which is understandable for an international businessman of his stature with his interests.”
A spokesman for Hicks said: “Mr Hicks at no point agreed to speak, nor was he ever scheduled to speak, at the Mipim trade fair.”
Fiona McFadden, associate vice president of FD Tamesis PR, whose parent company Financial Dynamics includes Tom Hicks among its clients, said: “They were invited to come along. His name appeared on literature but we maybe jumped the gun a little bit.
“They were invited but I can’t say if they declined or accepted. It was a miscommunication. I can’t talk on behalf of his office.”
He was one of a dozen people whose name was discussed.
“We sent a letter of invitation to him but I cannot confirm he confirmed (his attendance) or didn’t. I understand that to be the case that a previous event clashed and he wasn’t able to attend.”
Gillett is believed to have fallen out with Hicks over a series of comments he made which helped turn fans against the Americans.
Gillett's son, Foster, who had been appointed as the American duo's man at Anfield, has not been seen at the club since December, prompting speculation Gilett was looking for a way out.
That speculation proved correct when, late on Friday, Gillett agreed to sell his half of Liverpool to suitors DIC.
During an address to a sports conference in California, Gillett was asked whether he would remain a co-owner of Liverpool.
He responded: “I would say, choose your partners wisely,” before adding, “he (Hicks) is a great guy – but he has just got a different perspective on the media.”
That deal to sell out appears to have been scupperd by Hicks, who apparently has the power to veto any potential sale.
Hicks has denied claims he blocked the sale, which would have led to him by 1% of Gillett's stake to have overall control at Anfield, because DIC wants a fan on the club's board.
Meanwhile, conflicting reports emerged today over whether Hicks was scheduled to speak at a trade fair.
The Texan denied pulling out of a public appearance on the Liverpool stand at Mipim which is being staged in Cannes
He said he never agreed to address delegates at the property and investment fair.
But Liverpool council insisted the businessman was part of the schedule.
A council spokesman said: “We spoke to Tom Hicks’s office. We planned him into the schedule and fully understood when he had to withdraw because of pressure of other things, which is understandable for an international businessman of his stature with his interests.”
A spokesman for Hicks said: “Mr Hicks at no point agreed to speak, nor was he ever scheduled to speak, at the Mipim trade fair.”
Fiona McFadden, associate vice president of FD Tamesis PR, whose parent company Financial Dynamics includes Tom Hicks among its clients, said: “They were invited to come along. His name appeared on literature but we maybe jumped the gun a little bit.
“They were invited but I can’t say if they declined or accepted. It was a miscommunication. I can’t talk on behalf of his office.”
He was one of a dozen people whose name was discussed.
“We sent a letter of invitation to him but I cannot confirm he confirmed (his attendance) or didn’t. I understand that to be the case that a previous event clashed and he wasn’t able to attend.”
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