American duo Tom Hicks and George Gillett have finally admitted to defeat in their tender to keep Liverpool, after the Bank of Scotland has rejected their pledge to repay debts.
Instead the Liverpool former-owners will now pursue a damages claim worth an estimated $1.6 billion for the so-called “epic swindle” which saw New England Sports Ventures take over the popular club.
A statement from Hicks and Gillett says: ''It's an extraordinary swindle and it will result in exactly the wrong thing for the club and the fans.'' The pair’s attorney, Texan Steve Stodghill has further commented:
''This outcome not only devalues the club but it also will result in long-term uncertainty for the fans, players and everyone who loves this sport because all legal recourses will be pursued. Mr Hicks and Mr Gillett pledged to pay the debt to RBS so that the club could avoid administration that was threatened by RBS. That offer was rejected.”
Stodghill further state that his clients had put in many hard hours working “tirelessly” to try and resolve the financial issues with the RBS, and says that the RBS directors acted “selfishly and illegally” in their rejection.
''Mr. Hicks and Mr. Gillett wanted to position this club for the future, but others have a different agenda. In truth, there is nothing positive from these events for Liverpool Football [Club]. That is exactly the opposite of what my clients wanted to achieve.''
Fans are now worried about how the takeover will affect the Liverpudlian’s game.
