Moores to face scrutiny at Liverpool AGM

Liverpool shareholders are set to show their support to boss Rafael Benitez at the club’s annual general meeting – but chairman David Moores faces further scrutiny.

Last year’s AGM deteriorated into a heated argument between Moores and Steve Morgan, the club’s third largest shareholder, who launched a fierce attack on Moores’ control of the club and his refusal to seriously discuss Morgan’s desire to be a director and have a larger stake at Anfield.

Morgan has since made four bids, to either buy out Moores or instigate a share issue, and is currently still in negotiations having gone through the period of due diligence over his most recent bid which allowed him to see the club’s books.

Morgan is unlikely to attack Moores in public again and is not allowed legally to disclose the financial information he has seen.

But shareholders are preparing to quiz Moores on the spiralling cost of the proposed new stadium in Stanley Park. The club are also subject to a groundsharing proposal with Everton, but few at tomorrow’s meeting are in favour.

Other issues include failure to secure outside investment, and the cost of the financial settlement with former boss Gerard Houllier and his coaching staff.

Moores offered to quit the club at last year’s meeting if results did not improve – but similar rowdy scenes are not expected.

Benitez is due to give his first manager’s report and can expect an enthusiastic welcome, particularly following last Sunday’s Barclays Premiership triumph over Arsenal.