George Gillett and Tom Hicks - How Do Fans Around The World Feel?

George Gillett and Tom Hicks seized control of Liverpool FC on February 7th, 2007, in a £174 million buyout. The Americans were initially welcomed by Liverpool fans, as American flags flew around Anfield. Hicks and Gillett promised to respect the traditions of the club, and to help fund the building of the new stadium at Stanley Park.

However, since these bright beginnings, Hicks’ and Gillett’s relationship with the Anfield faithful to such an extent, that 90% of Liverpool fans want the Americans to leave*. Their relationship with Rafael Benitez has provided much of the ammunition for supporters dislike, as earlier in the year Hicks revealed he had approached Jurgen Klinsmann to replace Benitez as manager. This began a war of words between the two owners, with Gillett stating their relationship had become unworkable. A statement over the European summer that communications had much improved between the two provided only a minor respite, as further controversy raged over the Gareth Barry saga.

Barry had been identified as Benitez’s number one target, but the two owners denied him the £18 million needed to secure Barry’s signature as they disagreed with his evaluation of the price. However, they did agree to fund the transfers of both Robbie Keane and Albert Riera, amongst other peripheral players, though much of the funds would have come from the sale of players such as Peter Crouch and John Arne Riise.

Fans made their feelings towards the two American clear at the recent Liverpool - Manchester United game. The Spirit of Shankly group, (SOS), organised a protest march in an attempt to convince the owners to sell the club. The Dubai International Capital (DIC) group, who were attempting to buy at the same time as Hicks and Gillett, are seen by many to be the best hope for Liverpool’s financial future, but Gillett’s valuation is more than Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is willing to pay. Rogan Taylor, a lifelong Liverpool fan however, hopes that his Share Liverpool FC group, will achieve their aim of getting 100,000 supporters to pledge £5,000 each so they can launch a takeover.

 * Figures obtained from http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2008/01/23/exclusive-90-of-liverpool-fc-fans-want-gillet-and-hicks-out-64375-20382772/

So how do you view the reign of the Americans at Anfield? I can understand the English fans resenting their involvement, but what do YOU think? I’d be especially interested in how any American fans feel, do you have any sympathy for your countrymen, or would you like to see them sell as well?