John Henry: I'm not letting stars leave

Liverpool owner John Henry has insisted that he has 'no intention' of sanctioning the sale of star players.

Roy Hodgson was forced to issue a hands-off warning to Manchester United yesterday following speculation that they were planning to table a bid for goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

The future of Fernando Torres has also been thrown into doubt with claims that he will exercise his get-out clause to engineer a move away from Anfield in the January transfer window.

But Henry insists that the new club hierarchy will not allow players to leave if it weakens the side as New England Sports Ventures (NESV) are focused on improving the club and ensuring that it can challenge for honours on a regular basis.

He said: "We have recently read stories about our intentions for the forthcoming January transfer window and have a sense of humour about this type of inevitable speculation.

"As everyone knows we are new to English football, but not to sport, and we are studying all options. Opportunities and value will drive spending in January and in the future.

"Our clear focus from day one of our ownership has been - and will be - to improve the club and focus on what it will take to put Liverpool FC consistently in a position to challenge for trophies. We intend to build this club the right way.

"Stories about our top players leaving are destructive and unwarranted but we realise that this kind of speculation is also common.

"We intend to build on the strength of the current squad, not undermine it. And I can reassure our supporters that we have no intention of allowing the team to be weakened going forward."

LINK

Saying all the right things is our Mr. Henry.

Looks as tho he's well suss with the mischief making down the east lancs as well.

Hodgson out plz.

Nice sentiments.

But I wonder how many times Pepe and Nando have been asked, give us another year?

All well and good, and delighted to hear it.

However, it should the MANAGER saying these things, but instead he states "I can't make any promises"

Hopefully this press release is a sign of things moving towards a new manager soon.

Good to hear that from John Henry.

We need these sort of comments from teh boardroom for our reassurances given the previous regime were all but too happy to sell our star players at a profit this removing the need for them to provide transfer funds.

Yeah, just read this over on ESPN and came over to see if anyone posted it.

One of the most nerve-wracking things about football is the constant rumor-mongering and gossip and the way it unsettles players. You have to wonder if half the time they get their ideas from the media when it should be the reverse. I don't think I'm alone when I say that all we ever want to hear is a definitive statement from whoever is being talked about. This for me is just about as good.

As an American looking in, and being late to the show, I'm constantly amazed at how worthless a contract is over there. In the States, when you have a contract, that's it. No doubt Mr. Henry & Co. look on with the same wonder. I hope & would like to think they won't adapt to your way of letting players out of their contracts. Besides, these wishy-washy primadonnas and their agents should be putting pen to paper believing in the cause they're undertaking. You sign that contract because you want to play for Liverpool.

Just to make clear, I never rated these rumors about Pepe & Nando and I'm not calling them primadonnas, so nobody jump on my back.

Well said Mr Henry , hasn't taken him long to realise that these stupid rumours need putting to bed straight away. Leave them to fester and they get out of control.
Good to see the comments about spending in January , 'Opportunities and value will drive spending in January and in the future.'

Thank you Mr. Henry, good to read that.

This only cements the idea Roy doesn't have much time.I know Roy came out yesterday and said hands of united,about Pepe but it was hardly as concise and well balanced as those quotes in this article.But that article shows how it should be nipped in the bud straight away no bullshit just say it how it is.Very sattisfying read ,liking Mr Henry.

That's good to hear Mr Henry, now let's get rid of Hodgson!

we will wait and see.

Liverpool owner John Henry has insisted that he has 'no intention' of sanctioning the sale of star players.

Roy Hodgson was forced to issue a hands-off warning to Manchester United yesterday following speculation that they were planning to table a bid for goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

The future of Fernando Torres has also been thrown into doubt with claims that he will exercise his get-out clause to engineer a move away from Anfield in the January transfer window.

But Henry insists that the new club hierarchy will not allow players to leave if it weakens the side as New England Sports Ventures (NESV) are focused on improving the club and ensuring that it can challenge for honours on a regular basis.

He said: "We have recently read stories about our intentions for the forthcoming January transfer window and have a sense of humour about this type of inevitable speculation.

"As everyone knows we are new to English football, but not to sport, and we are studying all options. Opportunities and value will drive spending in January and in the future.

"Our clear focus from day one of our ownership has been - and will be - to improve the club and focus on what it will take to put Liverpool FC consistently in a position to challenge for trophies. We intend to build this club the right way.

"Stories about our top players leaving are destructive and unwarranted but we realise that this kind of speculation is also common.

"We intend to build on the strength of the current squad, not undermine it. And I can reassure our supporters that we have no intention of allowing the team to be weakened going forward."

Mr Henry was later ask his view on Manchester United's continuos links with Liverpool's top players and gave a resolute response: F**k of Mancs

LINK

Saying all the right things is our Mr. Henry.

Indeed. Really like that last bit

John's saying all the right things :-)

Can't wait to hear him say,'Hodgson, you're fired!'.

He says our stars aren't going to leave... so that means Roy out then

Starting to really warm to this guy now.

I fear ther eis something of a media campaign going on here with old Roy and JH.
He said judge him by his actions ,well so far there is nothing to judge is there and Roy is still here.

Nice one Johnno.

He says our stars aren't going to leave... so that means Roy out then

Obvious when you think about it.

Even if he doesn't know football as a businessman he would be a fool to sell your strongest assets.

He is doing things in the right way. I think there is someone who is backing him in football terms.

YNWA

How do u buy a team and than sell your best players sounds stupid...I think he wants the team to be a wining team ...you wil only have a wining team if u keep your star players and build your team around them.

John Henry can say what he likes.  If players want to go then they will go (See Mascherano).

What we need to do is convince them that it is worth their while staying.

A second third rate manager and no significant investment in the team is not going to do it.

Remember these players have been promised investment by the previous shysters so they are looking for actions now not words.

Let's see some action John Henry or the team will hemorrhage more good players we can ill afford to lose.

Roy Hodgson was forced to issue a hands-off warning to Manchester United...

sounds about right.

Hmmmmmm a little contrived don't you think. It wouldn't surprise me if he concocted this story with whiskey nose.

John Henry can say what he likes.  If players want to go then they will go (See Mascherano).

What we need to do is convince them that it is worth their while staying.

A second third rate manager and no significant investment in the team is not going to do it.

Remember these players have been promised investment by the previous shysters so they are looking for actions now not words.

Let's see some action John Henry or the team will hemorrhage more good players we can ill afford to lose.

Wouldn't rank him that high.

John Henry can say what he likes.  If players want to go then they will go (See Mascherano).

What we need to do is convince them that it is worth their while staying.

A second third rate manager and no significant investment in the team is not going to do it.

Remember these players have been promised investment by the previous shysters so they are looking for actions now not words.

Let's see some action John Henry or the team will hemorrhage more good players we can ill afford to lose.

As you point out everyone including the new owners are aware of the disproportionate amount of horseshit dispensed by the previous regime and Roy whether he likes it or not is a part of that deal.
It will take time to get back on an even keel and with the forming of a new board in the offing we can only hold off and see what transpires but any spontaneous actions would be ill judged and to the clubs eventual detriment.

Hodgson out plz.

No offence mate but I think that's a daft quote on this thread (I agree but I have posted my thoughts on the relevant threads).

The story regarding Pepe and Nando was put out by a guy who I think, if my memory serves me right, learnt his trade at the 'N**s O* T** W***d' (nuff said) but I find it very comforting that Henry and Hodgson have both made a point of letting everybody know that it is not going to happen and that there will be positive movement within the transfer market come January.

Although I am not a fan of Roy's I can't help but think that no matter what comment he makes now, it may well be made to look stupid whether it is or whether it isn't.

I must say though that Henry's comments are pulling all of the right strings. Of course I can't help thinking 'once bitten twice shy' when it comes to American owners but I have a feeling about this guy. For sure he is going to tell us what we want to hear at these early stages but I do honestly feel that the man wants for the club exactly the same as what us fans want.

Actions speak louder than words. I just hope Mr Henry backs up his promises with transfer cash as it's obvious we need strengthening in January.

John Henry can say what he likes.  If players want to go then they will go (See Mascherano).

What we need to do is convince them that it is worth their while staying.

A second third rate manager and no significant investment in the team is not going to do it.

Remember these players have been promised investment by the previous shysters so they are looking for actions now not words.

Let's see some action John Henry or the team will hemorrhage more good players we can ill afford to lose.

Disagree Oldred, Masch went cos his 'bi*ch' said so and hated the weather, not only that the then cancerous owners did'nt give a flying F**k who left, and although i agree with you concerning Roy he is powerless anyhow, as for us heamorraging anymore players i think Mr Henry has just nipped that one, i suggest you be a little more patient with our new owners, it seems they are on the ball more than you think, i'm liking it.

If that's the case, we have to also bring in better quality players and start challenging for trophies. The likes of Nando and Pepe aren't going to stay committed even though we know how much they love the club, us and the city.

If we're having seasons like this in the future, it's a season wasted for them.

How long's John Henry going to want to keep bailing out Roy Hodgson when he makes PR F**k-ups?

Honestly. Henry's only been here 5 minutes and he's already more clued up than Roy.

It's embarassing.

Prolly RH is still around coz they cant find anyone better.

Prolly RH is still around coz they cant find anyone better.

There will be no major upheavals until the board is in place.

There will be no major upheavals until the board is in place.

there is a quote which eludes me in its entirety to do with Rome burning which basically means whilst they are F***ing around with the board we are slipping out of any possible contention for the CL and possibly will get relegated. Get your fingers out get on with it do something  FFS. There are people on hear old and wiser than me some are younger and more knowledgeable but one thing that the vast majority agree is that Roy has to go doing nothing is not a good option.

John Henry can say what he likes.  If players want to go then they will go (See Mascherano).

What we need to do is convince them that it is worth their while staying.

A second third rate manager and no significant investment in the team is not going to do it.

Remember these players have been promised investment by the previous shysters so they are looking for actions now not words.

Let's see some action John Henry or the team will hemorrhage more good players we can ill afford to lose.

Wrapped my thoughts up in that post. Spot on.

Although it is good to hear positive words from JH.

Actions not words, Mr Henry.

Hopefully, someone can remind Mr. Henry we're still rooted at the relegation zone and not in the top 3 spot. Some drastic actions must take place now if we're to climb the league and secure a champion league spot. Situation is very tight, we can climb the table in matter of a few weeks with the right results, Mr. henry must give Roy an earful that he demands nothing but results, that may force Roy to play attacking football and not, as some has mentioned Roy FC.

there is a quote which eludes me in its entirety to do with Rome burning which basically means whilst they are F***ing around with the board we are slipping out of any possible contention for the CL and possibly will get relegated. Get your fingers out get on with it do something  FFS. There are people on hear old and wiser than me some are younger and more knowledgeable but one thing that the vast majority agree is that Roy has to go doing nothing is not a good option.

Know what you're saying mate about tooling about while the the club goes from bad to worse but the wrong move now could have serious implications for the club, take for instance the managers situation if he were to be dispatched out of hand the club would be open to litigation and contractual issues - better playing it by the book and not jumping out of the frying pan blah blah blah.
The previous gobs***e owners had in place measures to prevent an easy takeover and NESV having overcome the initial hurdles are now in the process of eradicating the last traces of H&G.

I dont think we have the option to hang about and hope for a change of fortunes. You dont spend £300mil and then start wondering how to run the company you have just bought. Roy can go for £3mil and that seems common knowledge and I would happily accept Kenny until Jan or until the end of the season or until the fat lady sings.
So somewhere else I read that Roy is here until the end of the season WTF. You cant run a football club like a balance sheet there is a lot of risk taking based on experience as well as good judgement. If you wait for everything to be in alignment before making a decision on when to buy when to sell when to fire etc then we are doomed because we will never ever get to that point. buy a player like Torres for £23 mil there is a risk spend £23mil on Babel then we would have wasted all of that money. That is what Rafa complained about football isnt a science its an emotional game that needs people to trust that you can still make good judgement calls based on experience and emotion thats why you need a board that understands not only finance but football.

All well and good, and delighted to hear it.

However, it should the MANAGER saying these things, but instead he states "I can't make any promises"

Hopefully this press release is a sign of things moving towards a new manager soon.

too true my king. rafa would have been doing this. roy's got no balls, that's the problem. if he's not out there fighting people off and protecting the players from this kind of inflammotary and destructive media comments, where are the players supposed to get inspiration from? he's not winning their respect with this type of behaviour.

still, mr henry seems to be saying the right things so far. time will tell if he will make good on his words.