Saturday, March 08, 2008

Reds Fans Form Splinter Club


A group of Liverpool fans are looking to form a breakaway club in response to what they see as a decline in 'the Liverpool way'.

AFC Liverpool say there has been 'enormous' interest in the idea to start up a team in the North West Counties League next season, a move that would be similar to that made by Manchester United rebels FC United in 2005.

However as on-going protests towards the club's American owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks continue, AFC officials insist the idea is more geared toward making football affordable again rather than a reaction to the current state of the club.

Organiser Alun Parry, an Anfield season ticket holder for 17 years, said: "This is a pro-Liverpool idea rather than an anti-Liverpool one.

"The 39th game idea proved once and for all that the people in charge of football are not interested in the people. They are not interested in the integrity of the opposition.

"In real terms, football is now seven times more expensive to watch than it was in 1985 - three games now could buy you a season ticket then.

"Football is too expensive now for a lot of people and we want to give Reds fans the opportunity again to feel part of the club."

Parry added: "Despite the obvious rivalries we have in The Premier League, everyone at FC United have been really supportive and all the forums have urged us to go for it.

"It is about more than football, it is about the match becoming a 'day out' again.

"AFC Wimbledon have also been in touch and offered their help. Every non-league club we have spoken to have been really supportive."

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