Monday, October 11, 2010

Dalglish Warns Potential Owners Of Expectations

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has warned Liverpool's potential new owners that their task of rebuilding fans' faith in the club's hierarchy will be tough.

The Merseyside club are subject to a take-over saga with New England Sports Ventures attempting to buy out current Anfield co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

But it's Hicks and Gillett's time at Liverpool, which has been shrouded with ill-feeling since their arrival in 2007, that has seen the club saddled with unmanageable debts.

And now, a High Court battle is the last resort the current owners have taken to keep control of the club, which has only added to the animosity.

Dalglish, in particular, has been saddened with the events surrounding the club, and is desperate to see a conclusion.

The former Scotland international, who has been reported to be a possible replacement for under-fire Reds manager Roy Hodgson, said in his column in the Daily Mail: "These have been depressing times at Anfield.

"It is never nice when your football club are making as many headlines on the front pages as the back.

"This week looks set to be huge for Liverpool but there is still a feeling of uncertainty because nobody can guarantee what is going to happen next.

"I feel particularly for the fans, who must find it difficult to know which way to turn. I am sure the majority of them are quite happy that the club might be sold but what they really want is to see Liverpool move onwards and upwards from here.

"Let's hope we can and that things work out. Liverpool is usually a glass half-full kind of city, and The Kop are renowned throughout the world for their humour and spirit."

Dalglish added: "It is essential for any potential new owners to assure the supporters they have a long-term plan for the club that will see the club's debt problem resolved, investment made for new players and a solution found where Liverpool's match-day revenues increase either at an enlarged Anfield or a new stadium.

"Fans stop me in the street and ask me what is going to happen. I can't give them a precise answer but I do know this club's DNA will ensure they survive and are successful in the future.

"Just don't expect the scepticism from supporters to disappear overnight, not after the journey they've been on."

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