Liverpool’s new shirt sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered is undoubtedly a major coup.
Few clubs could attract such a lucrative agreement, especially considering the recent economic downturn.
It highlights that after years of underachievement Liverpool now possess a commercial team capable of ensuring that off the pitch the club realises its potential.
However, supporters will rightly reserve their praise until they see where the bundles of cash end up.
Managing director Christian Purslow made all the right noises this week, insisting Rafa Benitez’s transfer kitty will be “hugely enhanced”.
But until that happens, the fear is that money will be swallowed up by paying off debts and servicing the massive interest repayments.
There is no reason to doubt the promise of lifelong fan Purslow, but after two and a half years of American ownership trust is in short supply.
Co-owner Tom Hicks joined the charm offensive this week as he praised the club’s financial strength.
Hicks’ declaration that everything is sweet at Anfield has fuelled criticism aimed at him from the other side of the Atlantic by angry fans of his baseball club Texas Rangars.
The Rangers have had to borrow $15million from Major League Baseball just to stay afloat and in the words of club president Nolan Ryan are “kind of hamstrung”.
They have missed out on big signings and there are major fears next season’s payroll will be slashed back.
Few clubs could attract such a lucrative agreement, especially considering the recent economic downturn.
It highlights that after years of underachievement Liverpool now possess a commercial team capable of ensuring that off the pitch the club realises its potential.
However, supporters will rightly reserve their praise until they see where the bundles of cash end up.
Managing director Christian Purslow made all the right noises this week, insisting Rafa Benitez’s transfer kitty will be “hugely enhanced”.
But until that happens, the fear is that money will be swallowed up by paying off debts and servicing the massive interest repayments.
There is no reason to doubt the promise of lifelong fan Purslow, but after two and a half years of American ownership trust is in short supply.
Co-owner Tom Hicks joined the charm offensive this week as he praised the club’s financial strength.
Hicks’ declaration that everything is sweet at Anfield has fuelled criticism aimed at him from the other side of the Atlantic by angry fans of his baseball club Texas Rangars.
The Rangers have had to borrow $15million from Major League Baseball just to stay afloat and in the words of club president Nolan Ryan are “kind of hamstrung”.
They have missed out on big signings and there are major fears next season’s payroll will be slashed back.
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