Groundshare would get me lynched, says Reds chief Gillett
The Reds are looking to build a new ground on Stanley Park and reports have claimed that both clubs could be housed at the venue.
But Gillett dismissed the idea, claiming he would be ‘lynched’ if he proposed such a notion.
“I don’t know where these stories get started. I read this morning again that I had changed my mind, but if anyone from Everton’s management, or if anyone from Everton had seen George Gillett before or anyone had talked to George Gillett please let me know because it was my identical evil twin.
“I’ve not had any conversation with anyone from Everton, I’ve not engaged anyone as an intermediary. Let me make it really clear — never in any way have we tried to communicate with Everton.
“Let me say secondly that the first time I met Rick Parry I asked the question about ground-sharing. Rick looked at me and said ‘George, let me make something very clear. If that question is ever asked again of me in any way seriously, you have my resignation’.
“Then someone very close to the club told me if we ever proposed that idea again it would be the surest way in the world for me to be lynched.
Both Gillett and Tom Hicks stressed their commitment to maintaining the heritage and history of Liverpool FC and that profit was not their main motivation.
However Mr Gillett admitted they would consider selling the naming rights to the new ground if it would guarantee one top class player every season.
He said: “Money is nowhere near the top of our list of priorities. It would have legacy very near the top.”
There will be those who lament another English football institution falling into the hands of men whose first instinct, despite their protestations of “passion and commitment, respect and legacy” will be to make money. Men who describe Liverpool as a “wonderful franchise” and would probably not recognise Kenny Dalglish if he knocked on their door. However, the Americans are believed to have guaranteed to invest over £200m (€303m) in the club, even if they refused to discuss figures yesterday. Their offer is worth £5,000 (€7590) per share, valuing the club at £174.1m (€264.3m), and along with the club’s £44.8m (€68m) debt it values the club at £218.9m (€332.60m).
“We have purchased the club with no debt on the club,” said Gillett. “We believe in the future of the club, the future of the league, the new TV contracts are outstanding.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
