Parry favours Reds over FA post

By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer

Chief executive Rick Parry will remain loyal to Liverpool

Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry is staying at Anfield - after being linked with a similar post with the Football Association's 2018 World Cup bid.

BBC Sport understands Parry has decided to remain at Anfield, despite being the top contender from a five-man shortlist for the job.

Parry's future at Liverpool has been in question after co-owner Tom Hicks called for his resignation in April.

But Parry insisted then his main focus was on remaining loyal to Liverpool.

And it appears that remains the case, despite the FA's hopes of persuading him to leave Anfield and play a major role in the 2018 World Cup bid.

Liverpool's other American owner, George Gillett, staunchly backed Parry when Hicks called for his removal.

And as Liverpool moved to present a united front amid off-the-field uncertainty, Parry also held talks with manager Rafael Benitez after the manager expressed frustration over the failure to sign Gareth Barry from Aston Villa in the summer.

Liverpool have enjoyed an outstanding start to the season, lying second behind Chelsea in the Premier League, and Parry's desire to stay at Anfield is a clear sign of an attempt to provide continuity and stability as takeover talk continues to surround Hicks and Gillett.