Sunday, April 13, 2008

Hicks Slams 'Arrogant' Parry

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has explained his decision to call for chief executive Rick Parry's resignation, slamming his 'arrogance' and 'inability to manage an organisation'.

The Anfield club has found itself in the headlines for the wrong reasons again in recent days, as the conflict between co-owners Hicks and George Gillett escalates.

The latest twist to the boardroom wrangling came on Thursday when Hicks issued a letter to Parry calling for him to step down.

And in an interview with the Mail on Sunday, the American businessman has hit out at Parry's tenure, while outlining his plans to install a replacement as early as next month.

Hicks said: "Rick Parry has been Liverpool's CEO for 10 years and we haven't won a league championship under his leadership.

"Our commercial revenues have not kept up with other top clubs during that time, which has made it very difficult to compete for the Premier League.

"After watching him operate, I came to the conclusion it was time to ask him to resign, due to his inability to manage an organisation, his seemingly arrogant attitude to our supporters and his lack of communication with [manager] Rafa (Benitez).

"I reached my decision a few weeks ago but waited until after the games against Everton and Arsenal. It is important to try to have a new CEO in place by May so we can begin working with Rafa on player transfers."

But Parry has strongly defended his work on Merseyside, saying: "I stand by my track record in English football and as chief executive of Liverpool Football club.

"It would be inappropriate for me to comment in detail on these allegations - that should be a matter for the Liverpool board.

"In fact, I would welcome an opportunity to discuss these matters with our co-owners and board colleagues.

"This continuous airing of issues in the media is clearly not helpful at this crucial stage of our season."

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