In the space of a few weeks, the gloom has almost been completely lifted over Liverpool FC. Now, for the final big push, to get rid of the American owners which have blighted this club for the last three years. Martin Broughton told the Guardian today that the sale of the club is not far off and that there are several offers on the table:
“Any bids that go straight to RBS – and there have been several – come to me and are directed to Barcap (Barclays Capital), RBS are not involved. The control remains with the board. It still remains the objective to conclude a deal before the end of the transfer window. That remains the objective but there are no deadlines, and we will continue working to complete the process. Both George Gillett and Tom Hicks remain on the board and they have given commitments that the board of Kop Holdings (Liverpool’s UK parent company) is the party that is responsible for the sale.”
As Reds fans wait with baited breath to see the Americans finally leave Anfield, what must Roy Hodgson be thinking? Many fans, including myself, assumed that Roy was appointed because the takeover of the club seemed pretty far off. He was seen as a steady hand who could keep the club afloat in difficult times. Perhaps when he was appointed both Martin Broughton and Christian Purslow believed any takeover was still far off too, but it now leaves Roy with some questions in his mind.
Without getting too far ahead of ourselves of course, as there are still many hurdles to overcome before any sale, but the question that will surely come into focus if takeover talks progress well in the next couple of weeks, is what affect will they have on Roy Hodgson’s future. Certainly, every Liverpool fan in the world will be excited if a takeover is successful and a wealthy owner is put in place. The possibility of exciting new players and a new stadium will be in the forefront of most people’s minds but there will also be questions as to whether Roy will be the new owners’ choice as manager.
If we go by another recent example, of that of Mark Hughes at Manchester City, he was also appointed by a previous regime, and he was given over a year to prove himself before he was unceremoniously sacked to be replaced by Roberto Mancini last December. It will certainly depend as to what sort of owner we do get, somebody like Roman Abramovich or Sheikh Mansour generally change managers to achieve the success required. Both interestingly enough gave their incumbent managers at least one year to prove themselves but generally it can be safely assumed, if the owner wants to get involved in the footballing side, he will surely want to have his own manager in charge.
Others, maybe such as Kenny Huang and his consortium, who see the club as a business venture and an opportunity to increase the club’s commercial revenue in Far East market, may opt to keep Hodgson in charge and provide him with the tools for success while relying on football advisors to give them an indication as to when Hodgson’s time is up. Going by reports, the consortium is promising to buy star players but of course such talk should be dismissed as pure promotion for their offer at this time.
At the end of it all though, the most important thing for the club is that it is sold to the right bidder who will not only build the new stadium and provide money for players, but also give the club long term stability. In my mind, the worst possible thing any new owner could do would be to sack a manager mid season and put their own appointment in place during a crucial season in the club’s recovery to gain a top four finish. Stability is key, both off AND on the pitch so I hope that when a new owner finally arrives, he leaves Roy to get on with his job and provide him with all the support he needs.
Follow us on twitter @live4Liverpool
Live4Liverpool is recruiting columnists. For further info contact the site editor at editor@live4liverpool.com
we need 3 big players lahm for left back schwienstiger for center mid and aguero for up front, thats perfect, that lot and sell mascherano and buy crouch and wright phillps for back up, sell babel and buy van der vaart too,
it’s obvious some of the players are giving roy “a chance”, hopefully the new owners will be courteous enough to do the same! if they are in it for the long haul they can, at least, give the chap a stab at the big time, ithink he’s already earned a shot!
Ultimatey Roy’s position will be determined by results and trophies. If we get the money to spend on players he will have no excuse not to go close to the league title. Man Utd aren’t that strong at the moment and Chelsea’s players are getting older.
To be honest, I’m not sure Roy is the man who can handle the pressure of being expected to win the Premier League. His CV has no record of winning the biggest trophies.
But he’ll definitely get this season so it’s in his own hands as a manager how he does.
let’s give hum a change i hope he do well whit the team
i see samuel is still in his own wee world!
doesn’t matter how much huang (if take-over succeeds) gives roy, there’s no way PL, BS or SA are going to come to anfield! SWP might and i wouldn’t take the lanky lad back, 1 goal every 4 games is hardly prolific!
keep taking the tablets sam!
Roy is a yes man for the Yanks, and if they go then he should also go. Rafa was the manager for this type of ownership, that is why he ended up at another great club when he left Liverpool.
oh boo hoo gulfcoast, catch up lad!
I, for one, don’t think Roy’s position is in danger. For one he is English. With the new rule about English quotas and all, who would know better than an Englishman. Having a foreign coach may be, first of all, may be too expensive and may have limited knowledge of English players since most foreign coaches will bring their own backroom staff who in most cases are also foreigners. Roy has a proven track record and taking Fulham to a Cup Final in Europe was not easy (no disrespect to Fulham). Give him a chance. YNWA
Lets just wait & see.
let’s not get over excited…
Samuel Charles ==> it’s hard enough getting those players in the championship manager game:)
Despite my reservations on how RB was kicked out and the coming in of Roy, I have been impressed on how he has handled the situation. I am slowly noticing that playing style has also not changed much it’s still compact and counter-attacking.
The benefits are the media are less likely to bash on Roy than Rafa, which in turn works better for our players.
I am not into real madrid success plan of a new manager every other year.. therefore lets give him time to work.
LFC for life
In terms of Rafa and his exit, could it be that the ‘bids on the table’ where under the condition that Rafa was removed?? – He had a history of upsetting his employers at Real, Valencia and now us. He left Valencia in nearly the same position we find ourselfs in, its just our brand is more appealing to suitors.
Roy has been brought in to settle the ship and ensure a smooth transition for any possible buyout, along with selling the club, its plans and what is happening to our stars and any futur signings.
He will be given a chance and judging by the great startr he has made, he thoroughly deserves it.
Lets wait and see though, bidders have to up the ante on signings and stadiums etc, in order for their bid to carry some weight with us – the people who really care..
well assed Paul, but I would not call it a great start yet. it’s encouraging.
Less than 4 weeks to go to the transfer window closes.
Possibly 6 bids in the table. How can due diligence be completed in time. This is what happened last time.
Same happened to Portsmouth, quick sale, big promises.
Roy Hodgson will do well.
Steve Mcauly your the one whose obviously on medication. Money talks in modern football if we have the money all of the players Samuel mentioned are achievable, were not talking Messiah or Inesta from Barca here, but certainly Aguero will go for the right price.
They will give him this season it would be foolish not to, after that he will be judged on his performance.