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      Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa

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      HUYTON RED
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      Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Feb 02, 2009 01:48:26 pm
      George Gillett: "Why are Liverpool FC fans so angry with me?"
      Feb 2 2009 EXCLUSIVE by Tony Barrett


      LIVERPOOL FC co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks endured a torrid day on Merseyside as they ran the gauntlet of protesting fans.

      The Americans were left in no doubt about the strength of feeling against them when supporters staged a demonstration at Anfield following the Reds’ 2-0 win over Chelsea.

      Around 300 fans gathered outside the directors’ entrance, chanting for Mr Hicks and Mr Gillett to sell the club they bought from former owner David Moores two years ago this month.

      The protest was entirely peaceful but noisy and the chants could be heard inside the stadium long after the final whistle had been blown on Liverpool’s victory.

      Throughout the match, a group of fans in the paddock, right in front of where Mr Hicks and Mr Gillett were sitting in the directors box, displayed a banner which read “Thanks but no Yanks”.

      Earlier in the day, members of the Spirit Of Shankly (SOS) fans’ group converged on the Crowne Plaza hotel at the Pier Head where Gillett was staying.

      Mr Gillett, who had earlier declined an opportunity to be interviewed by the ECHO, was clearly unprepared for their arrival as a number of supporters got past hotel security to confront him.

      But after quickly recovering his composure, the Colorado-based businessman agreed to speak with to SOS spokesman Jay McKenna in the hotel foyer.

      The demonstrators were well-behaved and well-organised throughout, although police did arrive on the scene to ensure hotel guests could come and go unhindered.

      Mr McKenna emerged from his impromptu meeting with Mr Gillett to inform those gathered outside of what he was just told.

      Mr McKenna said: “I told him all the fans who were outside and thousands more were angry and upset at how he and Tom Hicks were running the club.

      “He looked shocked and asked me why. I told him he knew why, because he met Spirit Of Shankly before the Manchester United game.

      “I said ‘fans see it as you have made three promises and broken them’. So he asked me what they were.

      “The first one was the debt on the football club. I told him his partner Tom Hicks promised it would not be like the Glazer takeover at Manchester United, and to fans that meant no debt on the club.

      “He claimed to be unaware and asked what I meant. I told him they had bought the club and then placed the debt for buying the club onto the club.

      “He claimed this was at the ‘request of the banks’ and they were in a ‘sound financial position’ with ‘revenue per pound or dollar in ratio to the debt’ better than at any other football club.

      “When I asked about the extension to July, he claimed that was false and no-one else knew the true details because they were kept confidential.

      “The second one was backing the manager and then not doing so. I said they said they would back the manager, so why had they approached JĂŒrgen Klinsmann about the position of manager?

      “He then went onto claim they had met with the manager, who told them he was to have discussions with ‘three other teams’ about joining them and they approached Klinsmann to have him in place to work as a ‘consultant at the club’ if Benitez left them.

      “I asked why they had approached Klinsmann, because his pedigree was not one that immediately made fans sit up and take note.

      “He claimed Klinsmann had a brilliant track record, and he had excellent marketing talent, having close links with those at Adidas, Nike and Reebok and the benefits of him being at Liverpool.

      “I asked who the three clubs were, but he refused to answer.

      “The third one was the stadium. I told Gillett the situation with the stadium angered fans, because Gillett himself had promised a spade in the ground in 60 days, and it still had not happened.

      “He denied making this claim and said it was a ‘made-up quote by the media’and he would be interested to see such a quote.

      “I asked why work on the stadium dragged on before they finally blamed the credit crunch for it not happening.

      “He claimed they had spent £100m on the stadium so far and were still working with designers, architects and planners.

      “I asked why they were spending the club’s money on this and he claimed it was coming from himself and Tom Hicks and not the club.

      “I asked if the club’s accounts would show and support this when they are released, and he said yes. “Gillett then claimed all transfer fees to date had been met by himself and Tom.

      “He said when they bought the club, they were told about the ‘Liverpool Way’.

      “I asked if he felt they had been true custodians as they promised. Gillett told me he ‘had tried, but it had been difficult’ and they had ‘done what they could’.

      “I asked why he could not speak for Hicks because he was his partner.

      “He said that ‘husband and wife can say different things but one does not get the blame’.

      “I explained they were both responsible, and he was not happy at being blamed.

      “I asked why he was in partnership with Hicks. He said Hicks and himself had worked together well for six years in other businesses such as food, but this is different because the media are involved.

      “I asked, would he or Tom Hicks, or both, be selling their stakes in Liverpool. “Again, he told me he cannot speak for Tom Hicks. I asked, had there been any offers for the club, and were they currently meeting anyone about it?

      He told me: ‘Yes, there have been expressions of interest and some negotiation’.

      “I asked who with, and he told me he could not tell me that. I asked would he sell, and he admitted he was ‘open to it’, but he could not speak for Hicks.

      “I then went to walk away, and he came after me saying, ‘A few weeks ago, we were in first position, then a certain individual from the club attacked another individual from another club, and, since then, we have lost form and slid down the league.’

      “I was stunned, and asked if he was blaming Benitez as a result, and in saying that, was he not backing the manager?

      “Rather than confirm or deny as I expected, he replied ‘that’s your implication’, before I walked away and back outside to the real world.”




      http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/02/02/george-gillett-why-are-liverpool-fc-fans-so-angry-with-me-100252-22834471/3/

      « Last Edit: Feb 02, 2009 10:35:48 pm by JD, Reason: Title changed to include Rafa comment »
      Magillionare
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      Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #1: Feb 02, 2009 02:00:31 pm
      In fairness to Gillet..... I hate him less than Hicks, but thats about it
      JD
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #2: Feb 02, 2009 02:44:29 pm
      In fairness to Gillet..... I hate him less than Hicks, but thats about it

      Only ever so slightly marginally.
      Eem
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #3: Feb 02, 2009 02:51:05 pm
      Only ever so slightly marginally.

      Seems about right.

      Gillett always seemed like Tom Hicks' bi*ch to me.
      Adryan
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #4: Feb 02, 2009 03:15:00 pm
      I wonder whether Sheikh Mansour felt that he bought the wrong club...
      Eem
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #5: Feb 02, 2009 03:17:05 pm
      I wonder whether Sheikh Mansour felt that he bought the wrong club...

      I'm glad he did. Seeing how he is trying to build his own little team in the club rather than letting the manager do his thing.

      I'd rather just have some rich Arabs who would let Rafa play his way.
      Adryan
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #6: Feb 02, 2009 03:21:38 pm
      I'm glad he did. Seeing how he is trying to build his own little team in the club rather than letting the manager do his thing.

      I'd rather just have some rich Arabs who would let Rafa play his way.
      Same, but I want the new stadium to begin construction and the contracts of important players and manager sorted out.
      The Invisible Man
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #7: Feb 02, 2009 03:23:00 pm
      In fairness to Gillet..... I hate him less than Hicks, but thats about it


      At least Hicks is supporting the manager. Not that I like Hicks either.
      redkenny
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #8: Feb 02, 2009 03:28:37 pm
      Just posted the details in the Albert.

      Gillett is seriously taking the piss.
      nnilswerdna
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #9: Feb 02, 2009 03:31:21 pm
      Imagine having the amount of money those guys have - but your a fan an not just some wealthy Texan.

      "Whats that Rafa?  New staidum?  Here you go, an buy the wife somethin too."
      crouchinho
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #10: Feb 02, 2009 03:32:03 pm
      Who? Messi? Only?
      ayrton77
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #11: Feb 02, 2009 05:34:21 pm
      Just posted the details in the Albert.

      Gillett is seriously taking the piss.

      Agreed.

      Poor, naive, misunderstood George.  ::)
      7-King Kenny-7
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #12: Feb 02, 2009 05:38:25 pm
      Is this guy for real?

      ???
      Reslivo
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #13: Feb 02, 2009 05:39:00 pm
      Just get out and leave our club alone.
      corballyred
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #14: Feb 02, 2009 06:42:30 pm
      i hate hicks more than gillett by a long shot if it wasnt for hicks the dubai crowd would own us and we would have infinitely more spending power, cant say i remember seeing us being linked to one player in this transfer window, there has being 160 million spent its not like we dont need anyone, il never forget hicks comment "if rafa wants snoop dog we will get him snoop dog money no option" he lied there and has lied again and again since, il not forget his lies and hope other liverpool fans are the same, the club cant move on till there gone
      ayrton77
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #15: Feb 02, 2009 06:45:20 pm
      il never forget hicks comment "if rafa wants snoop dog we will get him snoop dog money no option"

      Hmmm, makes me think of another thread.

      Snoop Dog for the number 7 shirt!
      dunlop liddell shankly
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #16: Feb 02, 2009 06:53:48 pm
      Snoop Dog for the number 7 shirt!

      :lmao: :lmao:
      berrypool
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #17: Feb 02, 2009 07:17:51 pm
      You know, I'd rather have who we got than some Rediculously rich fool coming in and trying to make our club a circus!   You wont be able to bully these arabian investment groups I can assure you that.  They will simply say "ef off" and do whatever the hell they want.  All things considered, I am enjoying the football right now and think that some fans need to get their priorities straight,   If they really knew how to run a club they should go get a job doing it  otherwise..... be a fan and celebrate a fantastic win.   these guys maybe douches but at least they arne'nt changing the club into a "jersey selling business"  like man shitty and co.     and I dont give a sh*t if anyone gets upset by this but the whole "Yank" thing is ignorant.  Its greedy business men, there are plenty of them in every country including Great Britain, so please try not to make it about being American, it sounds stupid.
      corballyred
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #18: Feb 02, 2009 07:34:57 pm
      and hicks and gillette are not telling us to eff off with there ignorance of the liverpool fans wishes we need new owners because a new stadium is vital in our long term plans we will not get that with them there
      JD
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #19: Feb 02, 2009 07:42:08 pm
      You know, I'd rather have who we got than some Rediculously rich fool coming in and trying to make our club a circus!   You wont be able to bully these arabian investment groups I can assure you that.  They will simply say "ef off" and do whatever the hell they want.  All things considered, I am enjoying the football right now and think that some fans need to get their priorities straight,   If they really knew how to run a club they should go get a job doing it  otherwise..... be a fan and celebrate a fantastic win.   these guys maybe douches but at least they arne'nt changing the club into a "jersey selling business"  like man shitty and co.     and I dont give a sh*t if anyone gets upset by this but the whole "Yank" thing is ignorant.  Its greedy business men, there are plenty of them in every country including Great Britain, so please try not to make it about being American, it sounds stupid.

      You from American then.
      Shay
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #20: Feb 02, 2009 08:08:01 pm
      You know, I'd rather have who we got than some Rediculously rich fool coming in and trying to make our club a circus!   You wont be able to bully these arabian investment groups I can assure you that.  They will simply say "ef off" and do whatever the hell they want. 

      Exactly what Tweedledumb and Tweedledumber have done since they arrived, you mean?

      This club has never been more of a circus than it is now.

      They haven't been bullied into anything, have they?  They're still here for F**k's sake.

      They really have said 'eff off' to us all and done just what they want - nothing.
      Ally
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #21: Feb 02, 2009 08:33:16 pm
      Dear Mr Gillett,

      If you wish to know why fans are angry with you it's quite simple. You, and your business partner are a pair of lying c**ts that have bitten off more than you can chew. Now do a Robbie, and get out before your valuation drops as quick as Ronaldo after a tackle.

      Regards

       :kop5cf8koxp6:

      Xavi 1
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #22: Feb 02, 2009 09:35:52 pm
      Have to say, I have a bit of Sympathy for Gillet on this one.  In my opinion, Hicks is more of a c**t than Gillet will ever be.  Give Gillet his dues he wants out and had be in sole charge the club would be sold by now.  Hicks just cant and wont get the hint.  He seemd to think because he has Rafa on side and Rafa has that the backing of the fans that he is less loathed.  Sooner he (Hicks) does one out of there the better. 
      chats
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #23: Feb 02, 2009 09:40:21 pm
      Dear Mr Gillett,

      If you wish to know why fans are angry with you it's quite simple. You, and your business partner are a pair of lying c**ts that have bitten off more than you can chew. Now do a Robbie, and get out before your valuation drops as quick as Ronaldo after a tackle.

      Regards

       :kop5cf8koxp6:



      Well said mate.
      RedRoy
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #24: Feb 02, 2009 09:45:14 pm
      The longer that their ownership of our club continues, the further detached from the real world they become.I personally despise them not for being American, but for the lies that have come from them from the moment of takeover to the present day.I don't give a toss what is happening at other clubs, I want

      a new 70,000 seater stadium as we were promised so that more of us can get to the games more reguarly
      All debt removed from the club that was put there to enable their purchase to be completed
      total support for our manager and playing staff to enable them to fulfill their roles at the club
      respect for the fans and the traditions of our great club
      and if possible, a proper chief executive who can do the job .
      Gillette if either you and/or Hicks can achieve these all well and good, if as I suspect you cannot, then do us all a favour(including yourselves) and fu*k off back to America and let someone else have a go.If you do this I can promise you that the fans won't be angry with you any more.
      panos
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #25: Feb 02, 2009 09:45:32 pm
      at this period of time only arabs and some russians have money... my greek team,panathinaikos, has many owners. the most powerful of them has money from dubai.
      i agree.....in rafa we trust!
      redkenny
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #26: Feb 02, 2009 10:10:03 pm
      lfc 4life
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      Re: Gillett: Why are fans angry with me?
      Reply #27: Feb 02, 2009 10:12:58 pm

      “He claimed they had spent £100m on the stadium so far and were still working with designers, architects and planners.


      ÂŁ100m on the 'new' stadium haha does anyone see the new stadium half done. Them new weeds are coming through nicley i must say
      fins
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #28: Feb 02, 2009 10:49:58 pm
      I don't live near the area, so what is actually happening on the intended land?
      JD
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #29: Feb 02, 2009 10:51:20 pm
      I don't live near the area, so what is actually happening on the intended land?

      http://www.lfcreds.com/reds/index.php?board=21.0
      Kopite09
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #30: Feb 02, 2009 10:55:25 pm
      You know, I'd rather have who we got than some Ridiculously rich fool coming in and trying to make our club a circus!  You wont be able to bully these Arabian investment groups I can assure you that.  They will simply say "ef off" and do whatever the hell they want.  All things considered, I am enjoying the football right now and think that some fans need to get their priorities straight,   If they really knew how to run a club they should go get a job doing it  otherwise..... be a fan and celebrate a fantastic win.   these guys maybe douches but at least they arne'nt changing the club into a "jersey selling business"  like man shitty and co.     and I dont give a sh*t if anyone gets upset by this but the whole "Yank" thing is ignorant.  Its greedy business men, there are plenty of them in every country including Great Britain, so please try not to make it about being American, it sounds stupid.
      im guessing your American !! using words like douche isn't going to help your cause at the end of the day they see liverpool fans like hockey and American football fans we care about our club much more the Yanks are trying to run it like its a business they just want money the same story with most Americans pure greed
      berrypool
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #31: Feb 02, 2009 11:33:02 pm
      Are you so naive to think An Arab INVESTMENT group isn't going to run it like a business?!!?   Anyone with that much money Runs things like a business.  They don't understand liverpool fans anymore or less than Some wealthy Prince from Dubai, or wherever your dream owner comes from.  Furthermore, "Liverpool Fans" as you say don't come in a nice cookie cut mold - there are millions all over the world  and I'll bet you a large amount of them enjoy hockey, American football, or playing go fish - regardless, they still love the club.  You share your mentality with hicks and gillet; Thinking that everyone thinks like you and anyone who doesn't is wrong.   Saying "Most American are greedy"  is quite a statement.  I have a lot of family and friends who live in your great Country, I hope they don't run into people like you who spit they're ignorant venom around expecting people to buy it.  Either way, I'm sure your a young kid (if not then you should be embarrassed)  I encourage you to travel sometime and see for yourself Just how filthy and greedy ( and Fat ) us americans are.   I am proud to be an American and I am proud to be a liverpool Supporter  So if you have any sort of real passion inside you I am sure you can relate with how upsetting it is to hear someone speak ill of something you love.        Anyhow back to football  my rant is done.   
      LondonRed
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #32: Feb 02, 2009 11:47:03 pm

      What kind of a person is Gillet, if he has to end a discussion by changing tack and diverting blame away from himself by inferring Rafa's responsible for losing the top spot?

      Spineless

      God only knows what Rafa really thinks of these clowns.....

      Kopite09
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #33: Feb 02, 2009 11:48:23 pm
      Firstly I'm 18 not a kid,And secondly when did i mention Arab owners i would hate that i have pledged my support for a foundation called shareliverpool fc heard of it ? at the moment we are trying to launch a joint venture bid with intrested parties  and for your information most of my family live in chicago so i have been to America many times and i have seen what i have seen fisthand a lack of understanding in how to support any teams !! and i have nothing against American sports its just they can get away running it businesslike because there is no fan power but gillet and hicks have learned that they cant bully us even if we were to get Arabs at least they understand the game of ''Soccer'' i know its not your fault your a yank but the one thing you cant do is go supporting them just cause there American and bye the way I'm Irish !!
      berrypool
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #34: Feb 02, 2009 11:48:48 pm
      true - be interesting to hear what he really has to say about them after they aren't signing his checks anymore... 
      StevieIsStillGod
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #35: Feb 03, 2009 12:00:09 am
      Are you so naive to think An Arab INVESTMENT group isn't going to run it like a business?!!?   Anyone with that much money Runs things like a business.  They don't understand liverpool fans anymore or less than Some wealthy Prince from Dubai, or wherever your dream owner comes from.  Furthermore, "Liverpool Fans" as you say don't come in a nice cookie cut mold - there are millions all over the world  and I'll bet you a large amount of them enjoy hockey, American football, or playing go fish - regardless, they still love the club.  You share your mentality with hicks and gillet; Thinking that everyone thinks like you and anyone who doesn't is wrong.   Saying "Most American are greedy"  is quite a statement.  I have a lot of family and friends who live in your great Country, I hope they don't run into people like you who spit they're ignorant venom around expecting people to buy it.  Either way, I'm sure your a young kid (if not then you should be embarrassed)  I encourage you to travel sometime and see for yourself Just how filthy and greedy ( and Fat ) us americans are.   I am proud to be an American and I am proud to be a liverpool Supporter  So if you have any sort of real passion inside you I am sure you can relate with how upsetting it is to hear someone speak ill of something you love.        Anyhow back to football  my rant is done.   

      These American investors don't understand how close football supporters hold the team to their heart, or how to operate a world class football team. Football is not like the NBA or NFL, your success is in direct correlation with your owners, without a salary cap your team is only as deep as your owners pockets. When teams don't have the money they need in football they have to sell players and face relegation, In America revenue sharing, salary caps, drafts and free agency create a constant turnover in players, and in which teams are successful.

      Kopite09
      • Forum Peter Beardsley
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #36: Feb 03, 2009 12:02:20 am
      These American investors don't understand how close football supporters hold the team to their heart, or how to operate a world class football team. Football is not like the NBA or NFL, your success is in direct correlation with your owners, without a salary cap your team is only as deep as your owners pockets. When teams don't have the money they need in football they have to sell players and face relegation, In America revenue sharing, salary caps, drafts and free agency create a constant turnover in players, and in which teams are successful.


      thats what i said but you put it in a nicer way !!
      berrypool
      • Forum Kevin Keegan
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #37: Feb 03, 2009 12:50:26 am
      Too clear things up - I hate american football more than you I am sure - I have to deal with these people all the time and it sickens me  - loads of American sports fans are fickle and have little understanding - I've been playing football my whole life and it's not easy being playing a sport that is mocked and misunderstood in the states so your preaching to the choir.  but I am not gonna sit back and listen to someone tell me That most Americans are greedy!  Thats Pathetic.    ---I appreciate the explanation of how sports work in America---- but that is not the discussion.  I'm just not gonna sit back and let someone bad mouth my country.  And I've been supporting this team WAY before Gillet and Hicks came along     so change your tone on your posts and Redirect your anger towards something worth while.                 

      I think they are schmucks but its not because they are American its because they're Schmucky people.  And Greed doesn't start and stop at the Atlantic ocean.
      redkenny
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #38: Feb 03, 2009 01:04:23 am
      What kind of a person is Gillet, if he has to end a discussion by changing tack and diverting blame away from himself by inferring Rafa's responsible for losing the top spot?

      Spineless

      God only knows what Rafa really thinks of these clowns.....



      Well said mate. That's what I thought when I first read it.

      I suppose the blatant bare faced lies made him feel a tiny bit uncomfortable yet it a prompted him to get the last word in. A sign of panic that he was well and truly found out once again.

      Gillett is without doubt the most sinister - it was his idea to bring Hicks in.

      keithlfc
      • Forum John Toshack
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #39: Feb 03, 2009 01:19:45 am
      gillets comments show he hasnt got a clue about football biggerst load of **** i've heard in my life sell up you yank ****
      Eem
      • Forum Legend - Dalglish
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #40: Feb 03, 2009 10:28:28 am
      ÂŁ100m on the 'new' stadium haha does anyone see the new stadium half done. Them new weeds are coming through nicley i must say

      I could spend 10 pence and get as much done as they have.
      crouchinho
      • Forum Legend - Shankly
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #41: Feb 03, 2009 10:37:33 am
      Are you so naive to think An Arab INVESTMENT group isn't going to run it like a business?!!?   Anyone with that much money Runs things like a business.  They don't understand liverpool fans anymore or less than Some wealthy Prince from Dubai, or wherever your dream owner comes from.  Furthermore, "Liverpool Fans" as you say don't come in a nice cookie cut mold - there are millions all over the world  and I'll bet you a large amount of them enjoy hockey, American football, or playing go fish - regardless, they still love the club.  You share your mentality with hicks and gillet; Thinking that everyone thinks like you and anyone who doesn't is wrong.   Saying "Most American are greedy"  is quite a statement.  I have a lot of family and friends who live in your great Country, I hope they don't run into people like you who spit they're ignorant venom around expecting people to buy it.  Either way, I'm sure your a young kid (if not then you should be embarrassed)  I encourage you to travel sometime and see for yourself Just how filthy and greedy ( and Fat ) us americans are.   I am proud to be an American and I am proud to be a liverpool Supporter  So if you have any sort of real passion inside you I am sure you can relate with how upsetting it is to hear someone speak ill of something you love.        Anyhow back to football  my rant is done.   

      Few things jumped out at me in this:

      1. Are the Yanks not running us like a business?

      2. Western countries are indeed full of greedy bas**rds making decisions based on themselves way before anyone else (I'm in Australia, I can admit it)

      3. What has his age got to do with it? Sick to f**king death of people using this as an excuse. Well done, your older now enjoy the rest of your precious years. A 60 year old saying, 'Liverpool have taken a backward step under Rafa' or a 10 year old saying 'Look at our progress, we have shown constant progress and no compete', decide which one makes more sense. Stupid point TBH.
      Eem
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #42: Feb 03, 2009 10:43:10 am
      An Arabic investment company would invest in the team, believe it or not. This would mean more transfer funds for Rafa, and he could buy the players he wanted to, which would in turn bring success, which is what we want, and success would bring the owners money, which is what they want.

      Or I could be talking out of my arse.
      crouchinho
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #43: Feb 03, 2009 11:00:19 am
      An Arabic investment company would invest in the team, believe it or not. This would mean more transfer funds for Rafa, and he could buy the players he wanted to, which would in turn bring success, which is what we want, and success would bring the owners money, which is what they want.

      Or I could be talking out of my arse.

      Most intellectual colon i have ever come across.
      stuey
      • LFC Reds Subscriber
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #44: Feb 03, 2009 11:46:57 am
      Too clear things up - I hate american football more than you I am sure - I have to deal with these people all the time and it sickens me  - loads of American sports fans are fickle and have little understanding - I've been playing football my whole life and it's not easy being playing a sport that is mocked and misunderstood in the states so your preaching to the choir.  but I am not gonna sit back and listen to someone tell me That most Americans are greedy!  Thats Pathetic.    ---I appreciate the explanation of how sports work in America---- but that is not the discussion.  I'm just not gonna sit back and let someone bad mouth my country.  And I've been supporting this team WAY before Gillet and Hicks came along     so change your tone on your posts and Redirect your anger towards something worth while.                 

      I think they are schmucks but its not because they are American its because they're Schmucky people.  And Greed doesn't start and stop at the Atlantic ocean.
      No ono can deny my friend that America is the universal hub of capitalism and a number of people have pointed out the same in a not very complimentary way.I hear what your saying about supporting LFC and can only congratulate you on your fine judgement,what you have to understand is the depth of feeling here and the different concepts we have in our respective countries regarding sport based loyalty.
                                                                                                                                                                 Having had experience first hand of "soccer" in America and seen how it is way down on the preferred list of of sports,more popular sports are baseball,American football and basketball I felt that the support base for these sports was synthetic and tutored.That is in direct contradiction to the support institutions we have in place in the UK they have stood for generations in some cases their is a secular agenda and a fierce sense of loyalty.
                                                                                                                                      That is a general picture picture of football loyalties in the UK -  then there is LFC even in this country it is acknowledged that they are the most loyal, patriotic  supporters in the country,given this I am sure you can appreciate the almost animal defence mechanisms that come into play when the object of their loyalty is threatened with being totally dismantled or changed beyond all recognition,you understand its nothing personal but I doubt if Hicks & co. have any idea what they're dealing with commercially or in human sense.
      redsonfire
      • Forum Legend - Dalglish
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #45: Feb 03, 2009 12:03:06 pm
      What George says sounds like total crap to me. From the 1st point when he claimed he was shocked that the fans hated him it is utter bullshite. Does he even get on forums to know about how we feel. Is he that illiterate not to read what the press produces, and does he even not know of the protestors and hard feelings against him? And suddenly when McKenna approaches him its as though its his first time hearing that the fans hate him. C**t.
      stuey
      • LFC Reds Subscriber
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #46: Feb 03, 2009 12:12:18 pm
      What George says sounds like total crap to me. From the 1st point when he claimed he was shocked that the fans hated him it is utter bullshite. Does he even get on forums to know about how we feel. Is he that illiterate not to read what the press produces, and does he even not know of the protestors and hard feelings against him? And suddenly when McKenna approaches him its as though its his first time hearing that the fans hate him. C**t.
      All he reads is the footsie index he probably thinks thats near enough.
      brezipool
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #47: Feb 03, 2009 12:49:31 pm
      At first i thought Gillete was the lesser of 2 evil's, but I have recently change dmy mind, he is just a yes man.

      At least Hicks seem's to be backing Rafa now.

      I think if Hicks got rid of Parry & gillette we may be better off, but it all hangs on money, and in the current climate, there aint a lot going round!
      Oldred
      • Forum Legend - Benitez
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #48: Feb 03, 2009 01:13:06 pm
      I could spend 10 pence and get as much done as they have.

      If they have spent ÂŁ100M then they've wasted most of it.  Probably like everything else these clowns say it's just another pack of lies.
      HUYTON RED
      • Forum Legend - Shankly
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #49: Feb 04, 2009 05:26:44 pm
      RAWK reporting that Gillet & Hicks took out short term "specialist" loans to cover the original purchase of Keane and to deal with more recent 'short-term associated costs'.

      "According to very well-placed sources in the City, our club has taken out not one but two specialist loans with the Professional Sports Team at Barclays Bank: one in the summer to pay the Robbie Keane transfer, and the other in January to cover 'short-term associated costs' (which i think means covering player wages). This is worrying on so many different counts - firstly because one has to ask where all the money in the RBS loan has gone; secondly becasue we're just piling up debt, at high interest rates; and thirdly because using a third party to finance transfers could, arguably, be said to be against the spirit of the new FA transfer regulations introduced after the Tevez deal, because it effectively meant that keane was mortgaged by Barclays.

      For people who don't think we're in financial trouble, or insist that it's no more than that faced by other clubs, let me spell this out: we're taking out loans not only to pay for transfers BUT also to cover player wages."

      http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=233317.msg5349780#msg5349780

      Smells like cash is being stripped out of the club and laundered through architects and building consultants before these two bas**rds ride out west.
      JD
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #50: Feb 04, 2009 05:29:52 pm
      I await the publication of the reds accounts.

      I'd be surprised if the above were true.  We withdrew a loan of ÂŁ350 million last year and I would imagine most of it is sitting in a bank because the club hasn't spent it on a stadium or Kaka.

      All will be revealed when the accounts are published.
      ayrton77
      • Forum Legend - Paisley
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #51: Feb 04, 2009 05:30:45 pm
      ^^^^

      Fuuuuck! Hope those sources are exaggerating!

      Where's the panic button when you need it? ;)

      Worrying times - how can things be going so well on the pitch and so badly off it?
      redkenny
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #52: Feb 04, 2009 06:09:11 pm
      Who is actually the 'city sources'?
      HUYTON RED
      • Forum Legend - Shankly
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #53: Feb 04, 2009 06:36:45 pm
      Probably a bank manager !!
      jimbob
      • Forum David Johnson
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      • 225 posts |
      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #54: Feb 04, 2009 07:16:16 pm

      “I then went to walk away, and he came after me saying, ‘A few weeks ago, we were in first position, then a certain individual from the club attacked another individual from another club, and, since then, we have lost form and slid down the league.’

      “I was stunned, and asked if he was blaming Benitez as a result, and in saying that, was he not backing the manager?

      “Rather than confirm or deny as I expected, he replied ‘that’s your implication’, before I walked away and back outside to the real world.”

      So are you publically blaming Rafa for the run of bad form or not????? sounds to me like you are Mr. Gilett. But sounds more like trying to deflect the meaningful questions and concerns of us fan's onto a subject, that IMO, is total nonsense!! surely going from 1st to 3rd would be an 'on the pitch' issue, not a result of merely words alone!?!?!




      http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2009/02/02/george-gillett-why-are-liverpool-fc-fans-so-angry-with-me-100252-22834471/3/


      [/quote]
      StevieIsStillGod
      • Forum Didi Hamann
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      • 288 posts | 10 
      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #55: Feb 05, 2009 11:20:52 pm
      Too clear things up - I hate american football more than you I am sure - I have to deal with these people all the time and it sickens me  - loads of American sports fans are fickle and have little understanding - I've been playing football my whole life and it's not easy being playing a sport that is mocked and misunderstood in the states so your preaching to the choir.  but I am not gonna sit back and listen to someone tell me That most Americans are greedy!  Thats Pathetic.    ---I appreciate the explanation of how sports work in America---- but that is not the discussion.  I'm just not gonna sit back and let someone bad mouth my country.  And I've been supporting this team WAY before Gillet and Hicks came along     so change your tone on your posts and Redirect your anger towards something worth while.                

      I think they are schmucks but its not because they are American its because they're Schmucky people.  And Greed doesn't start and stop at the Atlantic ocean.

      First off I never slighted Americans, I slighted 2, Hicks and Gilett. There are plenty of Americans who understand how to run a professional sports team, quite well. I could list off my favorites (starting with my man Zygi Wilf, Skol Vikings) but it would be irrelevant to most football supporters.

      Second, I live in Canada, and 'dealing with people' isn't really a problem, the only moaning I get is about diving, and the rolling like a girl that ensues, I for one agree with these people. These people that are 'mocking football' sound like they have the same attitude as you do regarding their favorite sports. You get what you give.

      If you feel I put you down by me trying to explain why American sports owners have it much easier than football owners, then you need to reread my post because I was just making it clear that these two clowns need to get their grimy prints off my team.

      berrypool
      • Forum Kevin Keegan
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      • 328 posts |
      • L.A. for LFC
      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #56: Feb 06, 2009 07:25:23 pm
      These people that are 'mocking football' sound like they have the same attitude as you do regarding their favorite sports. You get what you give.


      What does that even mean?

       Okay, I get it.  Because I am American I don't understand football or I don't love it.  Its the love of my life I eat it and drink it up everyday.  Takes a lot of nerve to take stabs at a fellow Liverpool supporters validity...

      This isn't the thread for these discussions so I vote we end them.  As much as I want to write why I'm just as in love with liverpool as anyone else,  I feel like I should be in the company of people that don't require those sort of things.

      YNWA in Los Angeles, California.
      StevieIsStillGod
      • Forum Didi Hamann
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      • 288 posts | 10 
      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #57: Feb 07, 2009 08:16:20 pm
      What does that even mean?

       Okay, I get it.  Because I am American I don't understand football or I don't love it.  Its the love of my life I eat it and drink it up everyday.  Takes a lot of nerve to take stabs at a fellow Liverpool supporters validity...

      This isn't the thread for these discussions so I vote we end them.  As much as I want to write why I'm just as in love with liverpool as anyone else,  I feel like I should be in the company of people that don't require those sort of things.

      YNWA in Los Angeles, California.

      ;D no you don't get it. I'll end this discussion when you quit trying to pin me as anti-American.

      I said "These people that are 'mocking football' sound like they have the same attitude as you do regarding their favorite sports. You get what you give."

      I said it because you said you HATE American football so if you're telling someone you "hate" something they have a passion for they will have no problem mocking something you love. Not because most Americans like to mock soccer, but because they don't want to hear soccer fans mock what they love.

      Again you keep on trying to differ from me and say I'm labeling Americans, I'm North American too. If I said you were less knowledgeable because of living in America I would be labeling myself too.
      berrypool
      • Forum Kevin Keegan
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      • L.A. for LFC
      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #58: Feb 07, 2009 10:18:50 pm
      fair enough
      stuey
      • LFC Reds Subscriber
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      • 36,044 posts | 3967 
      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #59: Feb 08, 2009 10:27:23 am
      Gillett is now reported as saying that Rafas comments about whisky nose have affected the teams performance and has played a part in the recent loss of form   ???  what planet are these people on.
      redkenny
      • LFC Reds Subscriber
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #60: Feb 08, 2009 03:58:59 pm
      Gillett is now reported as saying that Rafas comments about whisky nose have affected the teams performance and has played a part in the recent loss of form   ???  what planet are these people on.

      He said this to SOS last weekend before the Chelsea game mate.

      Just the media trying to find old news to stir things up, seeing as they can't directly have a go at Rafa for yesterdays team selection.
      stuey
      • LFC Reds Subscriber
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #61: Feb 08, 2009 04:34:27 pm
      He said this to SOS last weekend before the Chelsea game mate.

      Just the media trying to find old news to stir things up, seeing as they can't directly have a go at Rafa for yesterdays team selection.
      With owners like ours Sir Alcahol doesn't have to say  a word.
      redkenny
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      Re: Gillett on fans anger and backstabs Rafa
      Reply #62: Feb 08, 2009 04:36:14 pm
      With owners like ours Sir Alcahol doesn't have to say  a word.

      Very true!!

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