Tom Hicks, George Gillett Reach Uneasy Peace

American owners of Liverpool FC Tom Hicks and George Gillett may have mended the personal schism that has threatened the future of LFC.

George Gillett on Canadian radio station the Fan950 said, "It's fair to say communication between the Hicks and the Gilletts has been substantially improved."

Problems began in January of 2008 when Dubai International Capital (DIC) offered to purchase the club from the two Americans.

Gillett wanted to sell and Hicks didn't. Gillett could not sell his share of the club to DIC without Hicks' approval—which he wouldn't give.

Hicks then offered to buy out Gillett, so that Hicks would become the total owner of LFC. Gillett refused to sell it, in what can only be seen as an effort to spite Hicks.

Like two kids in a sandbox, one holding the bucket, one holding the shovel; they both want to build a castle but neither will help the other to do so.

In all of this George Gillett has certainly come out as the villain. After less than a year he wanted to sell the team. There was no passion behind his motives. The team appeared as just an asset to him, and to the people that support Liverpool it is so much more than that.

So what has changed Gillett's opinion and helped to mend his relationship with Hicks?

It has been the passion of Liverpudlians for their club which has changed Gillett's mind and his heart. Like the Grinch in Dr. Seuss' famous book, Gillett's heart may have just been two sizes too small.

But like the Whos in Whoville taught the Grinch about Christmas, Liverpudlians have shown Gillett the true meaning of football.

Gillett has been surprised at the passion demonstrated by Liverpool's supporters. "Soccer is the leading sport in the world and it's just shocking how popular Liverpool is. So it surprised me, but it really is an amazing responsibility."

With a new unified front from the owners, Liverpool should be able to make a concerted effort to bring home some silverware next year.

We can all learn something from this story, just like George Gillett has. If Seuss had written it, it might sound like this.

"Maybe Liverpool doesn't come from a store... Maybe Liverpool means a little bit more."