Lecter

In all likelihood there is an agreement to give the partner some protection The agreement in place is probably something like "if a buyer bids for Gilletts shares then Hicks has the option so match that price and vice versa" Seriously doubt they will have fixed the future sale price during the inception of their partnership However the one thing that makes me think it is unlikely that one of them will buy the other out is the difficulty they had securing the loan

If DIC buy out either party, it will only hasten the departure of the other imo They would have 50% of the board room voting right (they would keep Parry & Moores on to give them the majority vote) then they would veto any dividnd payments to Kop holdings forcing their partner and themselves to service the debt out of their own pockets It would really test Hicks or Gilletts resolve imo

They aint doing a good job of either at the minute

I have the version with the quotes in my copy of the Echo

I agree I'd gladly sacrifice Rafa if it meant getting rid of Statler & Waldorf

But that might mean the owners will have to sell up an bugger off I dont want Rafa sacked yet but I'd quite happily sacrifice him if it meant getting rid of the current owners

Nothing I thought he was vastly overrated from day 1 Hes not a fullback because he has too many defensive frailties and he doesnt have the talent to be a wide player (unless its as a wingback which system we dont play) As for Mascherano I dont think hes the player hes been built up to be, yeah hes tigerish, covers ground and does a job but hes certainly no Alonso (who many people were advocting we should cash in on due to Mascheranos arrival)

I dont remember opposition fans jumping up and down when Whelan was substituted in the late 80's, didnt stop him being the best central midfield player at the club though

No he wasnt The Benitez comment at the end about wanting to use brains rather than heart didnt make sense for one reason and one reason only "Sissoko staying on" I reckon it was more to do with all our play going through Gerrard like I mentioned earlier

Correct the only way you can do it is get rid of Gerrard entirely which is insanity or buy players who are confident enough in their own ability that they dont have to rely on him to do their job Personally I think Torres takes things on his shoulders and Alonso doesnt shirk from grabbing the ball himself and trying other things however many of the others in our side are overrawed by Gerrard so much so that they look to him all the time even when they are in good positions themselves

I actually reckon the decision was made because Rafa believes when we are struggling in a game and pushing to win it everything we do is done through Gerrard. Thats not his fault its the players around him refuse to take responsibility themselves so irrespective of what position they are in they look for Gerrard. In essence hes a victim of his own talent because others are relying on him too much. Take him out of the equation and the other players have to take responsibility themselves and its probably one of the reasons why Mascheranos game seemed to improve when Gerrard went off. At the end of the day if others are taking responsibility themselves we have more options then if its all going through Gerrard. Its harder to mark 3 or 4 players than 1 Dont agree with the decision myself, I'd have kept Gerrard on (and removed Momo who was appalling), I thought it was a mental decision and Rafa got lucky but the above is what I reckon Rafa was thinking Dont think it was anything personal

EXCLUSIVE: Everton fans vote yes to Kirkby Aug 24 2007 by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo * WHAT do you think about the vote result? Have your say on our EFC forum EVERTONIANS have voted to move their club to Kirkby. A clear majority of the supporters who voted in the Blues poll agreed with the proposal, which could see a new 50,000-seater stad-ium built in the town in time for the 2010 season. Announcing the results of the landmark poll today, Everton said 59% (15,230 people) voted in favour, with 41% (10,468) against. The question they were asked was: “Are you in favour of relocating Everton football club to Kirkby?” Around 11,000 votes were not returned during the three-week ballot, making the response 70%. Everton thanked the season ticket holders, shareholders and fan club members who took part, saying they were “pleased” a positive result was achieved. The club will now continue neg-otiations with Tesco and Knowsley council to try to make the £400m plan for a new stadium and shopping district south of Kirkby town centre a reality. But fans and residents were today warned there was still a long way to go before the proposal achieved the final go-ahead. A club statement said: “Everton are pleased that a majority of those Evertonians who were eligible to vote in the ballot do support the club in its desire to relocate to a new home in Kirkby. “We are the only major club in Europe to have handed over a decision of such importance and magnitude to its fan base, something which simply serves to underscore the enormously high regard in which we hold our supporters. “We now have a mandate to carry on negotiations with Knowsley council and Tesco. “The club’s board of directors, the management staff and the players would like to thank all those who participated in the ballot. “We would also like to thank Electoral Reform Services, who ran the ballot on our behalf in a diligent and wholly professional manner.” Everton managed to win over the majority of eligible fans despite a hard-fought battle by opponents of the Kirkby move, who still hope to persuade the Blues to stay within the city boundaries. The club had said it would end all negotiations with Tesco and Knowsley council if it lost the poll. Over the past few weeks, two rival proposals emerged. The club statement said: “While the proposed move has undoubtedly provoked a heated debate, it is reassuring to know the majority of Evertonians support the club as it pursues its long-held desire to provide a world-class stad-ium for its world-class support. “The result comes at the end of a transparent, democratic process and we believe that now is the time for all supporters of Everton to set aside any differences of opinion. “We all want the same thing, a thriving, ambitious and prosperous club away from the field, and an attractive, competitive team on it.” The Kirkby proposal, described as “the deal of the century” by chief executive Keith Wyness, is still some way from certainty. Although the club and Tesco have unveiled images of how they want the development off Valley Road and Cherryfield Drive to look, Knowsley council must first draw up a new “vision” for Kirkby and consult residents for a second time. If that passes smoothly, a planning application will be submitted. If it gets the go-ahead, government officials will cast their eye over the proposal, which could be “called in” for further scrutiny. A council spokesman said: “The ballot result is clearly a step forward for Everton. The views of fans are important and so are those of the Kirkby community. “Although we welcome the fact that Everton fans think Kirkby would be a good place for the club, it is important to stress there is still a lot to be done.” Kirkby’s new centre PLANS unveiled this summer showed how Kirkby town centre would be completely transformed by the £400m arrival of Everton and Tesco. A 50,000-seater stadium would be built on open land off Valley Road, with the potential to increase capacity to 55,000 or 60,000 at a later date. It would have four distinct stands, rather than being bowl-shaped like the new Wembley or Arsenal FC’s Emirates Stadium. Designers believe this would help retain Goodison Park’s unique atmosphere. A multi-storey car park for 1,000 vehicles would be built north of the ground, with a 200-space coach park to the south. Tesco plans to double the size of the town centre by creating a shopping district on land currently occupied by playing fields, a small housing estate and All Saints Catholic high school. They include: A Tesco Extra store on the All Saints site, on stilts with a car park underneath. About 50 high street shops around a 3,500-space car park, with 1,000 spaces set aside for supporters on matchdays. A new public square on Cherryfield Drive, lined with a modernised bus station, new council offices, shops, restaurants and cafes. A central pedestrianised boulevard from the existing town centre into the new shopping development, three times wider than current walkways. Development Securities, which owns much of the current town centre, is now in talks with Tesco and Everton about how it can be improved. The Blue road to a future outside city Jun 15, 2006 - A multi-million pound plan to build a new stadium in Kirkby is revealed. Everton, Tesco and Knowsley council are talking about a 55,000-seater ground and shopping development near the town centre. Aug 23, 2006 - Liverpool council suggests two other sites in Speke and north Liverpool. Nov 3, 2006 - Everton have begun talks with leading stadium developer Barr about the Kirkby proposal. Dec 11, 2006 - Everton sign exclusivity deal with Tesco and Knowsley, meaning they cannot discuss any other site. Club agrees to hold a ballot. Mar 28, 2007 - Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley calls on Everton to re-enter talks with the city. Apr 26, 2007 - The Keep Everton In Our City (KEIOC) voices reasons why the club should not move to Kirkby. May 31, 2007 -Knowsley residents will be shown two options for Kirkby - with and without Everton. Jun 26, 2007 - The stadium location is unveiled - open land off Valley Road and Bewley Drive. Jul 16, 2007 - Everton announce that 33,000 season ticket holders, shareholders and fan club members will decide if the club should move. Jul 17, 2007 - Blues chief executive Keith Wyness says the move to Kirkby would leave the club virtually debt-free. Jul 21, 2007 - Cllr Bradley reveals three locations he can offer in Liverpool - Long Lane, Scotland Road and Speke Road. Aug 3, 2007 - KEIOC unveil two alternative proposal, a rebuilt Goodison Park or a new stadium off Scotland Road. Aug 11, 2007 - Tesco boss Sir Terry Leahy urges Evertonians to “let our heads guide our hearts” when voting on the move. Aug 21, 2007 - Knowsley’s consultation shows most residents want regeneration, some without Everton

Couldnt agree more with your comments re Riise I think you have hit the nail on the head regarding him He throws in well

Went to Paris for a week last Monday (19th) Daniel Agger was on the flight from Liverpool to Paris Saw Snoop Dog being mobbed near the Eiffel Tower and walked past Emmanuel Petit who was smoking outside a rare wines shop Hows that for celebrity spotting

IMO taking Bellamy off was a reaction to United bringing on Silvestre We played a lot of balls for Gerrard to win in the air against Evra and for Bellamy then to pick up the knockdowns and run the channel. Silvestre was brought on firstly to win the aerial battle against Gerrard and secondly for his pace to shut down the wide open channel

Rafa has said this in todays Football Echo "We brought Mascherano here because he's not like the other midfielders at the club said Benitez "Since Didi Hamann left we've not had what I'd call a specific holding midfielder" "Xabi Alonso, Steven Gerrard, Momo Sissoko and Bolo Zenden can all do this job when we need them, but it's not their speciality because they hve other qualities" "This is where Mascherano can help us. He is a midfielder who always stays in the same position just in front of the defence and helps move around the ball quickly from side to side" "I would say he's most similar to Xabi, but not the same. He is only 22 but already has a lot of experience with 22 Argentina caps and you could see his quality in the World Cup. Now he's been training with us for a few weeks and he's ready to play. I must decide when is the right time

We should never have sold Traore

NEWS STORY LIVERPOOL FC RECOMMENDS OFFER FOR CLUB Paul Eaton 06 February 2007 Liverpool FC today announced that the Board have agreed the terms of an offer for the Club from Mr George Gillett and Mr Tom Hicks. The Board are unanimously recommending that the Club?s shareholders accept this offer. Full details of the offer were announced earlier today to the Stock Exchange. Commenting on the offer, David Moores, Chairman of Liverpool said: ?I believe this is a great step forward for Liverpool, its shareholders and its fans. This Club is my passion and forms a huge part of my life. After much careful consideration, I have agreed to sell my shares to assist in securing the investment needed for the new stadium and for the playing squad. I urge all my fellow shareholders to do the same and to support the offer. By doing so, I believe you will be backing the successful future of Liverpool Football Club. "I am also delighted to accept the offer from the Hicks and Gillett families to continue my involvement in the Club by becoming Honorary Life President.? Rick Parry, Chief Executive of Liverpool, commented: ?This is great for Liverpool, our supporters and the shareholders ? it is the beginning of a new era for the Club. ?The partnership created by George and Tom is very special. They are bringing to the table tremendous and relevant experience, a passion for sport, real resources and a strong commitment to the traditions of Liverpool. Their approach represents exactly the sort of genuine partnership that Liverpool has been seeking over recent times. ?We know that George and Tom want a long-term relationship with Liverpool and that they also understand the importance of investing in our success both on and off the field. They have made clear their intention to move as quickly as practicable on the financing and construction of our proposed new stadium at Stanley Park and also to support investment in the playing squad. ?This has been an important time for the Club. We now have the right partners for the future. I am absolutely certain we have now ended up in the right place, with owners who will help the Club succeed and prosper.? Commenting on the offer, George Gillett and Tom Hicks said: ?Liverpool is a fantastic club with a remarkable history and a passionate fanbase. We fully acknowledge and appreciate the unique heritage and rich history of Liverpool and intend to respect this heritage in the future. The Hicks family and the Gillett family are extremely excited about continuing the Club?s legacy and tradition. ?We are particularly pleased that David Moores and Rick Parry will have a continuing involvement in the Club. For us continuity and stability are keys to the future.?

Reds to sell today Feb 6 2007 by Mike Hornby, Liverpool Echo AMERICAN moguls were at Anfield today to complete their historic buy-out of Liverpool FC. George Gillett and Tom Hicks arrived at the ground early this morning for final formalities of the £470m takeover. The ice hockey club owners were expected to be revealed as the first foreign owners of Liverpool FC today. The proposed deal will bring an end to three years of speculation about the club?s ownership. From TV companies to government of Thailand, builder Steve Morgan to Arab princes, the club has been widely recognised as one of the most significant sports investments of recent years. On the market at a bargain price - in global terms - and offering a history of success which is second to none, businessmen have quickly recognised the club?s potential. Despite being criticised by some fans for failing to move quickly enough, Rick Parry, urgently trying to raise enough cash for the spiralling bill to pay for a new stadium, has kept a level head and refused to be bounced into any quick deals. In March 2004, builder and Kopite Steve Morgan offered £50m towards building of Liverpool?s Stanley Park stadium in exchange for an increased shareholding and influence at the club. If Liverpool had accepted the money, it would have reduced their need to borrow heavily to fund the new stadium. Parry and chairman David Moores refused, saying the bid massively undervalued the price of the club and still left it in debt. In May 2004, he was invited to ?exploratory talks? in Bangkok with Thailand?s billionaire prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Parry stepped into the meeting room and saw before him not the legions of finance directors and lawyers which usually accompany such high level negotiations, but instead, a bank of press photographers and journalists ready to tell story to the world. He quickly realised that Thaksin was more interested in using the LFC brand for PR in his home country than investment in the UK and returned home. After a series of flirtations with Irish investors, the next big bid, worth £451 came from Dubai International Capital. But weeks of painstaking negotiations and ?due diligence? collapsed after the crunch board meeting last week, leaving the Americans to step into the breach.

They probably would have had a good chance of winning the European Cup in 85-86 but thats not the reason for their downfall there are other factors Successive manager spending huge amounts of money on decidedly average players being one of them Heysel imo offers a convenient excuse for their own shortcomings

OFFEREE: All New Video Plc 1p ordianry ISIN: GB00B067NJ44 NSI: 86,407,143 OFFEROR: iPoint-media Plc 0.25p ordinary ISIN: GB00B1FJP363 NSI: 91,434,240 ---- OFFEREE: American Opportunity Trust Plc 12.5p ordinary ISIN: GB0000373547 NSI: 16,201,469 OFFEROR: Oryx International Growth Fund Limited 50p ordinary ISIN: GB0006630163 NSI: 10,666,088 50p C shares ISIN: GB00B17SDZ90 NSI: 25,581,103

Dont think this means anything 500p is the nominal value of the shares in issue 34,823 is the actual shares in issue The other week it had this exact same information except it had OFFEROR: Dubai International Capital If an actual bid is made I think you will see a price / value under the OFFEROR's name

That article has obviously been released to calm some of the nervousness about him I do have worries about Gillett though and for some reason dont have them about DIC I'm not sure how wealthy Gillett is have heard some figures mentioned in the region of US$ 1 billion if thats true he'd have to mortgage himself up to the hilt to buy us. I also worry that he might do a Glazer ie buy us go into debt and then transfer the debt to the club

That reminds me how is Josemi doing these days

http://www.eurosport.com/football/la-liga/...to1070806.shtml Liverpool have continued their flurry of activity ahead of Wednesday night's transfer deadline by signing Deportivo La Coruna defender Alvaro Arbeloa. With Rafa Benitez targeting three signings over the next couple of days, the centre back is travelling to Merseyside to undergo a medical. Malaga's Francis Duran has agreed to his switch to Anfield and Javier Mascherano looks likely to obtain permission from FIFA to arrive from West Ham. Benitez has looked to his homeland again to swoop for Arbeloa after thrashing out a deal with Depor. "The club has got a very good investment," declared coach Joaquin Caparros in confirming the transfer. Real Madrid are entitled to 50 percent of the profit on the money earned on the 24-year-old, who has made 14 appearances this term, after he started his career with the capital club.