Liverpool FC: Are Fans Missing a Point Amidst the Protests ?

Almost as if in acknowledgement of the imminent fan outrage, an emergency free video was released by Liverpool MD Christian Purslow on its official website. The purpose of the release so far has failed in its objective, judging by the on-field protests both during and after the weekend fixture.

In what seemed to be an unprecedented event, there was an announcement in the dying moments of the match which asked the fans to gather peacefully at some location and not cause havoc. It was almost as if the management had conceded that they could do nothing to stop the protests.

However, Liverpool's performance on the pitch was the best demonstration of the damage caused by the American owners to the club. Roy Hodgson featured as a hapless manager, who later conceded that he would not have been surprised if things blew up after Darren Bent put Sunderland in the lead in the second half. It was a flattening remark from the manager of a team which has built its recent reputation largely on fabulous comeback stories.

Roy Hodgson may have still been in trance after the Reds lost a shocker against Northampton Town, but somewhere deep within his heart he feared for the worst. 

In all fairness to Roy, though, it must be said that such fears are not unnatural for a team which could not find proper players to strengthen the squad, who have no money, and who appointed a clueless manager. Fans now fear that a place in Europe could well be unlikely if they are allowed to go the way they are going now.

Clearly, it is not just the opinions of fan sites or pundits but a stark reality that Liverpool have receded in their stance under the current regime with respect to the all important financial prowess, a fact which is almost the life blood of English football success.

However, there is still a point that I believe that the fans are missing. It is all right to oppose the extension of current ownership as a recently concluded poll shows but then isn't it equally important to have a thought about who could possibly replace the Americans?

All though some fan groups have raised the question of fan-based-ownership, nothing really concrete has emerged about it so far. Now, if that matter is left aside, what seems to be the current scenario for the club, with regards to the ownership plans ?

Even though English Club Football is renowned to be a multi-million dollar affair, the fans should know that under pretty similar conditions Portsmouth were relegated last season and are yet to find an interested owner. Blackburn hasn't found any willing owner for years now.

The thought that there are many a perspective buyer waiting in the wings seems improbable even though Liverpool are a much famous proposition.

Under such circumstances, the Liverpool fans should know that just a change of ownership may not be as easy as it seems, especially if Liverpool end up at the bottom of the league table if/when they enter administration. Any new owner would like to see the club play the Champions League as soon as possible, but after the points deduction coupled with recent Liverpool performances don't really give an encouraging look.

Therefore it must be the imperative for the fans to look for better owners also if they must see the end of Hicks and Gillett, though the end of Hicks and Gillett is likely regardless if RBS considers calling back the loans mid-October.

Isn't it time that the influential Liverpool FC fans consider a more organised protest over the question of owner succession, especially now that Barclays, Broughton and RBS seem so incapable in the process?