Fans make Liverpool takeover plea

A group of fans hoping to buy Liverpool have urged the current American owners to sell the club to them.

Share Liverpool FC (SLFC) announced plans in January to raise £500m to launch a takeover amid concerns over the way the club was being run.

In an open letter sent to Tom Hicks and George Gillett the group stated it is now keen to open negotiations.

"We would like to buy the club and invite you to sit down with us to agree a deal," it read.

SLFC is led by lifelong fan Rogan Taylor, the head of the Football Research Unit at the University of Liverpool, and has the backing of former Liverpool stars John Aldridge, Phil Thompson and John Barnes .

Hicks and Gillett have consistently denied they want to sell the club but plans for a new stadium have been delayed amid reports of financial problems.

"We believe we represent a real opportunity for both of you to bring to an end a troubled period of ownership"
SLFC statement

Dubai Investment Capital, the investment arm of the Dubai Royal Family, had revived its interest after losing out to the Americans with an initial takeover bid.

Gillett was reported to be interested in selling his stake but Hicks blocked any potential deal.

Now, however, SLFC believes it can provide a suitable alternative to the American regime.

"We understand you have decided to relinquish your ownership of Liverpool FC and are actively looking for a buyer," SLFC continued in the letter.

"We are confident that if you're willing to sell to us for a fair price, we would have sufficient backing (either from the fans alone, or with a suitable partner).

"We believe we represent a real opportunity for both of you to bring to an end a troubled period of ownership; an 'exit strategy' that would lead to admiration and respect from many.

606: DEBATE
"G&H will be looking to get as much as they can from the sale, they are businessmen and don't give two hoots about the club"
PFTF

"Doing the honourable thing and selling the club to the fans would return it to the values that made it the most successful football club in England and one of the best supported clubs in the world.

"We'd also like you to be able to leave with dignity. George, in an interview last March, you said, "Our goal from the beginning was to add….to the lustre (of Liverpool FC)…".

"At this point you can only achieve this by doing the right thing - and that is to offer the club to the fans."

A spokeswoman for Gillett refused to talk about the letter, while Liverpool have said they will not be making any comment on the matter.

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