Liverpool FC co-owner Tom Hicks insists new Anfield will happen – telling fans “we’re going to build that sucker”.
But the Texan was unable to say exactly when the new stadium would be ready.
He blamed delays on the closure of the world’s money markets.
The Americans need £400 million even to restart building work in Stanley Park.
Hicks has hinted at his ability to get cash together – claiming he will be at Liverpool for as long as Rafa Benitez.
The Spaniard’s new five-year deal keeps him at the club until 2014.
But for Hicks and co-owner George Gillett to stay in control they must re-finance £300m of loans in July.
Hicks could replace Gillett, thought to want to sell his stake, although he hinted his fellow American could stay.
He insisted the world’s financial markets would reopen and the pair would get the money.
“The stadium is very much something we plan to do. It is not being mothballed, it is going to happen.”
But fan groups have hit out at “more broken promises” from Hicks and Gillett, calling them “naive” to think Benitez’s new deal will win over supporters.
Last August the club said the new 60,000 stadium would be ready for 2012/13 – a year delay on previous dates.
When Hicks and George Gillett bought Liverpool two years ago they promised to start work within 60 days.
The club and the city council are yet to sign an agreed 999-year lease on Stanley Park.
Council leader Warren Bradley has warned the club to “sort itself out” or face losing the right to build on the park.
Chair of Liverpool’s Supporters’ Club Richard Pedder said: “I don’t believe a word Hicks says. He won’t be here as long as Rafa.
“I believe he’ll be forced to leave in July and it will be a hat-trick of success for Liverpool FC.”
Anfield councillor Brian Dowling said: “The people of Anfield deserve better than what they’re getting.
“Hicks living in his big house in America has no idea what it’s like for people in Anfield.”
But the Texan was unable to say exactly when the new stadium would be ready.
He blamed delays on the closure of the world’s money markets.
The Americans need £400 million even to restart building work in Stanley Park.
Hicks has hinted at his ability to get cash together – claiming he will be at Liverpool for as long as Rafa Benitez.
The Spaniard’s new five-year deal keeps him at the club until 2014.
But for Hicks and co-owner George Gillett to stay in control they must re-finance £300m of loans in July.
Hicks could replace Gillett, thought to want to sell his stake, although he hinted his fellow American could stay.
He insisted the world’s financial markets would reopen and the pair would get the money.
“The stadium is very much something we plan to do. It is not being mothballed, it is going to happen.”
But fan groups have hit out at “more broken promises” from Hicks and Gillett, calling them “naive” to think Benitez’s new deal will win over supporters.
Last August the club said the new 60,000 stadium would be ready for 2012/13 – a year delay on previous dates.
When Hicks and George Gillett bought Liverpool two years ago they promised to start work within 60 days.
The club and the city council are yet to sign an agreed 999-year lease on Stanley Park.
Council leader Warren Bradley has warned the club to “sort itself out” or face losing the right to build on the park.
Chair of Liverpool’s Supporters’ Club Richard Pedder said: “I don’t believe a word Hicks says. He won’t be here as long as Rafa.
“I believe he’ll be forced to leave in July and it will be a hat-trick of success for Liverpool FC.”
Anfield councillor Brian Dowling said: “The people of Anfield deserve better than what they’re getting.
“Hicks living in his big house in America has no idea what it’s like for people in Anfield.”
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