And while it is certainly promising that a number of our new ‘owners’ are far more financially able than Hicks and Gillett, there is one figure that is perhaps more intriguing than most, and that is Larry Lucchino.
According to Forbes’ website, part of the deal submitted by NESV for Premier League approval included Lucchino, although in what capacity is hard to say. As he is the CEO – and heavily involved – in the Boston Red Sox, one could easily assume he would fill a similar role at LFC. There are two key areas in which Lucchino had a huge influence after his arrival at Fenway Park which show a lot of promise should he get involved with Liverpool in a similar way: the coaching staff, and the ground.
Lucchino is highly thought of in MLB and is largely thought of as being the ‘architect’ of the baseball side’s success of the last decade. Interestingly for Liverpool fans (and perhaps, promisingly, given recent results under the current management team), he has a reputation for bringing in and nurturing young talent, as opposed to taking on existing, tried-and-tested staff, both on the playing and coaching side. The Red Sox current World Series winning General Manager, Theo Epstein, was 29 when appointed and was the youngest ever manager of such a high-profile side. Now while that doesn’t necessarily mean he is likely to appoint a 29 year old manager from a local amateur side, it is promising for a future that could involve nurturing the coaching talents of some popular and highly thought of ex-players that have recently been mentioned as having great potential in that area. Also, given Roy’s age and Lucchino’s track record with bringing on younger coaches with more modern ideas, it could happen sooner rather than later.
Equally as promising about Larry is his previous record for overseeing the development (and in the case of Fenway Park, redevelopment) of innovative baseball grounds. According to Forbes, he is credited with beginning the:
“Trend of building baseball-only facilities with an old-fashioned charm.”
As Fenway Park has stood proudly – and largely untouched – since 1912, there are large similarities with Anfield, given that both grounds are world-famous and hold hundreds of great memories for fans and press alike. So rather than completely rebuild a new ground, NESV had Lucchino oversee the redevelopment of certain aspects of the Park; essentially updating certain areas of the facilities and increasing the match day revenue and experience, whilst enhancing other areas, such as introducing luxury ‘suites’ and building onto existing stands. At once, increasing capacity and turnover, whilst retaining all the existing charm and atmosphere. Given the cost of building a new ground, and the City Council’s seeming thick headedness over pushing the club into letting Everton share any ground we pay for, redeveloping Anfield may become a much more attractive option.
It will be interesting to see what role certain high-profile partners within NESV play at the club, but according to Forbes ‘there is little, if any, doubt that Lucchino will bring his innovative ideas about stadium design to Liverpool’.
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The difference between EPL and American sports is that there is no relegation in America. Even in the MLS, the team who coems bottom doesnt go anywhere.
Thats why they can nurture young talent and get away with it, because if they lose it doesnt really matter.
Another difference is not one of these guys knows anything about football (Soccer in their case).
What they should do is get Football people involved in the club. If it means talking to guys like King Kenny etc then so be it.
I think what they need to do is rebuild the team entirely. There is a lot of disillusionment at the moment. Not a lot of players are fulfilling their potential.
Its easier to sack the manager and as the squad is demoralised, then a new coach might bring fresh impetus into a season which is close to burning out and its not even November yet.
Out goes – Konchesky, Kyri, Poulsen, Lucas, Gerrard and Torres (did he really say those two??)
In comes – Warnock, Taylor (newc), Parker, Kaka, Podolski and Klose.
Im pretty sure we could convince Jose to swap Gerrard. And then Use the money for Torres we get to fund the rest of that deal plus buying Podolski and Klose.
Konchesky for Warnock is a straight swap, the money we get for Poulsen and Lucas could be used to get Parker.
@Karim – Your’re right these guys no nothing about football but the way I feel at the moment, the current manager and coaching staff no nothing about football either. Warnock and Parker – oh please! I’m still getting over the shock of Konchesky.
Great research, but I’d like to think that your assumption that Lucchino may consider taking up the CEO post at Liverpool is far fetched. As you point out yourself, he is the CEO in Boston and heavily involved. I simply don’t get your conclusion there.
@Karim – this is not Football manager, this is real football we are talking about. Signing has beens like Podolski and Klose won’t get us anywhere. Kaka won’t play for Liverpool in the foreseeable future, I can guarantee you that.
karim you are dillusional, warnock wouldnt come back nor would we want him hes awful, and parker is with the hammers for life. kaka???? wise up..
anteater – as the writer said Lucchino was part of the deal submitted by NESV and passed by the Premier League so one would presume he will play some active role.
Joe, and give up his post at the Red Sox? No wonder some of their fans didn’t welcome NESV buying us. Anyway, I don’t think that will happen. They’ll rather find some football people and put them in place.
And the other 14 stakeholders of NESV weren’t put forward, Joe? Is there any chance to have a look at those papers put forward to the PL?
anteater – as it says here “according to Forbes’ website”. I’ve just read it mate – says “could restoring Anfield be Larry Lucchino’s next project”
Have heard Keith Edelman is to be appointed as CEO to oversee the construction/(hopefully)redevelopment of the stadium.
As some you say they may know little about football but they will get the brightest they can get around them, and a smart business brain will succeed in any sport.
daboy – let’s hope that’s the case and they sack Roy tomorrow!
i think a new stadium is a must!!! we could get at least 100m for naming rights.. over 10-15 years.. and we need to improve transport links to the ground!! so it holds over 70,000 people.. a new kop is a must of 17-20,000 people.. they need to come in and spend big but not just pay over the odds for a player.. but we have a very weak team and manger at the min.. back to the stadium it can pay for its self over the years.. and new ground a new start.. we live on the past!! forget the past!! new owners a new start!! lets back the new people who own us!! and show them what L.F.C is all about.. we all know what we want to win the P.L !! it takes money to do that and a ground that holds 45,000-60,000 dont do that..
Thick Scousers, get a grip, you were great now your not and never will be again, DEAL WITH IT!
FIRST CLASS PRAT
Knob!!!
and one other thing 30m only buys one or two players.. we need a few good players sick of us buying 10-15m pound players who are all the same and dont take us forward.. as a huge L.F.C fan.. a message to the owners PLEASE TAKE THIS CLUB BACK TO THE VERY TOP..
also on forbes website was this story…. which is kinda worrying no? imagine if they build a new stadium having a pitch with a track around it…. pitch would be too far to generate atmosphere!! “NASCAR’s one success in the land of F1: a short track banked oval at Warneton Speedway in Belgium near the French border. NESV owns half of NASCAR racing team Roush Fenway Racing and Liverpool’s home, Anfield stadium, is a perfect setting for a short oval track. NESV’s boss, John Henry, also controls the New England Sports Network, which could make some extra coin televising the races. More important for NASCAR, if Henry is successful with stock car racing at Anfield, other soccer clubs would follow suit.”
JASON… we will always be a great club!! worry about your own club and not L.F.C!! i would like a VOTE WHO WANTS A NEW GROUND OVER 70,000 PEOPLE SO ALL THEM PEOPLE ON THE SEASON TICKET WAITTING LIST CAN GET TO THE GAME!!
NEW GROUND WOULD OFFER SO MUCH MORE…
YES
OR
NO?