Benitez job safe states LFC director Purslow

Liverpool FC's managing director Christian Purslow has stated that Rafael Benitez's job is safe, following days of press speculation claiming otherwise. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live Sportsweek today, Purslow also stated that coveted players Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres where not for sale at any price, following more wild media speculation that the club would have to sell the duo because of its financial instability.

"The most important aspect of the football club I was involved in in my first week in the job was securing Rafa for another five years. You only have to look at the Premiership era and our two major competitors in the last 10 to 12 years to see the benefits of longevity," said Purslow.

"Liverpool Football Club is on a long-term journey and that journey is to be the most successful club, firstly in our country and secondly in the world, and you don't do that by worrying about short-term results. You do that by having long-term plans centring on the people and the strategy. Rafa Benítez is absolutely central to that plan."

"The core of the team which won 86 points last season remains intact with some excellent additions, so I have every reason to believe we can perform at that level this season over the season."

When asked whether he would guarantee Benítez's position, if the club do not win the league in May, he said: "Yes I would."

Purslow also confirmed Fernando Torres had no clauses in his contract that allowed him to leave Anfield if Liverpool do not qualify for the Champions League next season.

He said: "Fernando signed an extension to his contract this summer. He has a five-year contract. He is a crucial leader in our team. He loves Liverpool Football Club. He has been fantastic around the place. Fernando Torres and Liverpool Football Club go together and I believe they will go together for the length of his career."

To the question that he was not for sale at any price, Purslow replied: "Correct." Purslow also stated the same went for Gerrard.

He also insisted Javier Mascherano is happy at the club, saying: "He is the leading central holding player in world football. It is inevitable that big clubs will covet players of that quality.

"We also had another central midfielder [Xabi Alonso] coveted by a world team in the summer who left us. We sat down with Javier at the time and he reasserted his total commitment to Liverpool. He has had a lot going on with the Argentina [World Cup] qualification situation, which is now behind him. He is a hugely important player for us. He is a leader and this week in the aftermath of [the home defeat by] Lyon he has been a powerful figure."

Purslow also revealed the club are four weeks into a process of raising new equity in the club:

"There has been a huge amount of interest in the club from some extremely wealthy and expert investors but it will take three to six months to pull that together.

"It means there will be new investment into the football club. Mr Hicks and Mr Gillett have no plans to sell their shares. We will be issuing new equity to new investors, broadening our ownership."

Liverpool officially announce new £80m shirt sponsorship deal

Liverpool football club today officially announced their new shirt sponsorship deal. As reported on this site on Thursday, The Anfield club have struck a four-year agreement with London-based international bank Standard Chartered, who will become their main sponsor from July next year until the end of the 2013-14 season. The record busting deal is believed to be worth £80m over 4-years and is the biggest in the club's history, sending the Reds to the top of the shirt sponsorship tree alongside bitter rivals Manchester United who announced an £80 million four-year deal with Aon in June.

Liverpool Managing Director Christian Purslow says the club's sponsorship agreement signals the start of an exciting new era at Anfield.

"I am tremendously excited," Purslow today told the official site. "It's a hugely important day in the history of Liverpool Football Club.

"This is the largest commercial agreement we have ever entered into. To have attracted a partner of the calibre of Standard Chartered Bank says everything about where we are trying to take this football club.

"Standard Chartered are one of the world's leading banks. They're a global company, as we are, and their aspiration to be the best bank in the world matches our aspiration to be the best at what we do.

"They operate in a number of markets around the world where we have a long term plan to increase the family of Liverpool fans and this agreement will be very helpful to us in doing that.

"Many branches in these countries will effectively be a shop window for Liverpool Football Club and a means of attracting more supporters to the cause.

"We aspire to be the best at what we do on and off the field. This is the first commercial agreement the club has entered into which can truly be described as the best of its kind in world football.

"I hope this tells everyone, especially our fans, what we are trying to do with this football club in the future."

New stadium on hold until recession is over

Liverpool football clubs new stadium will not be built until the global recession is over and credit becomes available to finance the $800 million project reports the Telegraph.

The 60,000-seat Stanley Park replacement for Liverpool's historic Anfield was initially planned to open next year, but the economic downturn forced co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. to halt building work last August citing "global market conditions."

A statement last year promised: "work on the project will be delayed in the short term," adding "we will use this period productively and revisit the plans for the stadium to increase its capacity to 73,000 seats."

However, a date stating when building work would resume was never set and Liverpool's new managing director Christian Purslow confirmed today that the stadium has taken a further set back:

"Construction on the stadium will begin when the current contraction in the banking industry ends and the global financial markets re-establish their equilibrium."

"The centerpiece is to deliver a world-class football ground that everyone can be proud of, a new home for the club with a stadium of at least 60,000 seats, giving the best possible match experience."

The article adds: "Purslow hopes the stadium on the adjacent Stanley Park will be ready in time for 2018 to stage World Cup matches should England's bid to stage the showcase event prove successful."

Managing director Purslow says Reds have spent more then they have recouped

Liverpool football clubs managing director Christian Purslow has spoken about the Reds transfer budget which has garnered a lot of attention this summer, with many press reports suggesting manager Rafael Benitez has been frustrated by the lack of spending power provided. However Purslow insists that the figure spent matches the previous seasons and suggests the club have spent £20 million more then the club has generated.

Spent

Although the actual figures remain 'undisclosed', Alberto Aquilani, the Italy midfield player, and Glen Johnson moved to Anfield for a combined sum of about £36 million according to the press. In the past week, Sortis Kyrgiakos has also been signed for a fee of £1.5 million from AEK Athens. Combined total: Approximately £37.5m

Recouped

Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa joined Real Madrid for fees of £30 million and £3.5 million respectively, Sebastian Leto signing for Panathinaikos for £3 million and several other fringe players have departed Anfield. It is also thought that the Reds recouped approximately £7m from Portsmouth from the sale of Peter Crouch the previous season. Combined total: Approximately £43.5m

“We’ve spent pretty much the same as we’ve spent every year over the past four or five years,” said Purslow. “We’ve spent about £20 million more than we’ve generated, which is what we expected. We’ve bought players the manager wanted to buy and sold players the manager wanted to sell and it has cost us almost to the penny what we expected it to cost," said Purslow in the Times.

“In fact, some of our competitors haven’t spent any money and we have. Spending isn’t the panacea everyone thinks it is, but we’ve spent £20 million and that’s real money. There are lots of costs associated with buying players and extending players that all go into transfer funds.”

Many of the press reports have centered on Liverpool's lack of spending power this year, however as reported here last week, the Reds have spent more money in transfers then Chelsea, Manchester United or Arsenal. The full run down of each clubs summer dealings can be read here.

Benitez quit rumours. Don't bet on it!

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has endured a torrid time at the hands of the press this week and last night he endured more unwanted speculation manufactured by bookmakers in search of a story. Rumours circulated throughout the afternoon and early build up to last nights match, was to be Benitez's last following what some papers described as a 'bust up over transfer cash' with either the American owners, managing director Christian Purslow, or both parties.

One betting shop "suspended betting and issued a few provocative statements," reports the Times, however this was clearly an attempt by the bookmaker to make a few headlines and gaining some free publicity to boot. Their appears to be more of this type of manufactured story appearing in the media. Remember the rumours that Franck Ribery was about to join the Reds? This story made the headlines after a mere £200 worth of bets were placed in one betting shop within an hour.

Last night following the match Rafael Benitez when asked about the rumours replied:

“I was told about the rumours, that maybe something happened here at Anfield, but I will tell the fans I want to stay - my commitment is 100 per cent,” reports the Mirror.

“If I can improve the squad I will be pleased, but if I can’t then I will stay to try and compete with the squad that we have.

“I can state I am committed to this club. When I signed a new contract I decided to stay here for the fans, for the staff for the players. We will try to get what we can, we will try to do what we can."

"I was at Melwood when someone told me about the rumours. It can happen here sometimes," adds the Gaurdian.

The club's managing director, Christian Purslow, dismissed the speculation stating: "It's 1,000% rubbish," he said. "I've only just had dinner with him today and the fact I hadn't heard the rumours should tell you everything."

Incredibly some newspapers have partially printed the quotes in a blatant attempt to continue the unrest and speculation surrounding the managers future. here's how the Independent reported it:

"Benitez tacitly confirmed afterwards that he had felt the pressure of a disappointing start and a modest transfer budget, suggesting that he had "decided to stay" out of loyalty to "the fans, staff and players". He added that his "commitment" was "100 per cent."

Incredible how cutting and pasting a quote together makes it sound altogether different isn't it? Know doubt the press who are intent with causing mischief at every turn will persist in their ruthless quest for readers and their will be many more headlines like this in the coming months.

Reds director Purslow meets with Real Madrid official to discuss Alonso

Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow met with Madrid executive director Jose Angel Sanchez in Barcelona yesterday morning reports Spanish newspaper ‘AS’. The meeting took place at the Hotel Rey Juan Carlos and lasted an hour and a half. Purslow admitted he was speaking on behalf of Benitez, to clarify the clubs stance on the saga.

"This (meeting) has only served to put our positions on the table. We need to continue talking,” reports Sky Sports.

"Rafa arranged this knowing what was coming. It was important that we know. So far, most of what is being said is a lie. We were negotiating through the press. It makes no sense.”

"Now, I have been impressed by Madrid and Jose Angel. They are friends and will remain so."

Xabi Alonso claims he was unaware of the meeting but admitted to being relieved that talks had taken place. Speaking to ‘AS’ he said:

“It is a relief Madrid and Liverpool are speaking seriously,” said the player. “I decided a long time ago to keep on the fringes of everything that’s happened, and I’ve made that clear to everyone."

"I am a professional and I am just waiting to see if they come to an agreement. I hope, though, that it is resolved soon, for better or worse.”

Liverpool are reportedly refusing to budge on their asking price of £30 million, plus £3 million dependent on Real’s success in the first two years of Alonso’s contract. The Spanish club meanwhile have repeatedly dragged their heals on the deal and have previously been unwilling to pay more than a total of £26 million. No bid was lodged as a result of yesterday’s meeting.

The Telegraph adds that Executive director Sanchez “is believed to have intimated to Purslow that Real will increase their offer to break the deadlock.” The story also says: “a new bid, worth a total of around £30 million, is likely to be lodged this week, and it is believed Liverpool are prepared to accept the compromise figure.”

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague who spent several years living in Liverpool, has intimate knowledge of both clubs revealed the distance of Alonso’s evaluation between the Anfield and Bernabéu officials. Speaking on Sky Spots, he said:

“A couple of days ago there was about 10m euro difference, now there is about 4-5m. Rafa Benitez is dictating the transfer through Christian Purslow. Benitez wants to make an impression that he’s a very difficult man to deal with. What I’m hearing from Real Madrid is that they will not put up their offer any further, however I’ve heard that about 3 times already. Balague also stated that Liverpool are not interested in a player plus cash deal.”

The Telegraph adds that: “Benitez is determined to receive enough money from the sale of a player to enable two signings to replace Alonso,” claiming long term target "David Silva, the Valencia winger, Alberto Aquilani of Roma and Javi Martinez of Athletic Bilbao" are all on the Reds managers hit list.

Following the 3-0 defeat to Espanyol yesterday, Benitez re-affirmed his stance on the saga, declaring: "He is our player and we want him to stay," reports the Guardian.

Liverpool agree new refinance deal with RBS and Wachovia Bank

Liverpool football clubs joint owners have agreed a new refinance loan with Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia. The details of the new deal which is believed to be for another year, means Tom Hicks and George Gillett repay £60 million of the outstanding loans that will “reduce the debt to £230 million,” reports the Telegraph. £40 million is expected to be repaid this week, with the remaining £20 million due later in the year.

The original loan taken out by the owners in January of last year was for £350 million, however “Sources with knowledge of the deal” say that “figure has already been reduced to £290 million since last summer, and will come down by a further £60 million as a condition of the new deal.”

Club managing director Christian Purslow is understood to have negotiated the loan with the banks, who insisted on the £60 million repayment “as a condition of extending a loan facility.” By paying off £120 million of the outstanding debt, the Americans will reduce their annual interest payments, but it is possible the banks may have demanded a higher rate to extend their line of credit.

'King' Kenny returns home

I’ve been unable to get near my PC in the past couple of days and typically a couple of large news story’s break. So apologies in advance for the delay in these reports.

Friday evening brought about the news that many a kopite had been clamouring for. It was the return of former Reds idol ‘King’ Kenny Dalglish in the role of ambassador to Liverpool Football Club. The former player, captain and manager will also assume a senior role with the Academy. The official statement from the club was a simple one:

“Kenny Dalglish is to return to Liverpool FC, it was confirmed this afternoon.”

“Dalglish will assume a senior role at the Liverpool Academy and will also act as a Club ambassador working with the commercial side of the business around the world.”

Newly appointed Managing Director Christian Purslow said: "In our very first meeting Rafa and I agreed that we wanted to try and bring Kenny back to the club to help Rafa really drive forward our Academy which is at the heart of our plans for the future. We are delighted he has agreed to join us and I am sure he will be very successful in his new role back at the club."

Dalglish will be based at the Academy at Kirkby and will play a key role alongside Academy Director Frank McParland in driving forward the development of the youth site.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez speaking about the appointment to the official site said: "I am really pleased to have Kenny as a part of the staff. We were looking for someone who has a knowledge and a passion for the club and Kenny is the perfect choice."

"He will help at the Academy with the development of players and will also have an ambassadorial role at the club. If you're looking for somebody to go around the world on behalf of Liverpool Football Club then I don't know anybody better than Kenny.”

“When you talk to him about players and football systems it's clear he has a lot of experience. That's good for the club and also for the young players coming through.

"We are changing things at the Academy, we are bringing in new ideas and new people but we're keeping the spirit and the heart of the club. Kenny has played for the club, he's managed the club, he's done everything. He's a fantastic signing."

Dalglish said: "I spoke to Rafa a few months ago and things have progressed from there. Now that it has come to fruition I am very excited, but also a bit nervous.

"For the boss to put his trust in me is a great compliment and I am coming back as a very lucky person. When you leave a club you don't often have a chance to return, so I am fortunate for being given such a fantastic opportunity.

"Rafa has made a very brave decision to revamp the Academy. There are lots of positive things happening here and there is a real feel-good factor around the place. It's fantastic for me to be a part of that.

"People who come to the Academy should be delighted that Rafa is taking such an interest in the development of the young players. Everyone knows the most important team at the club is the first team and hopefully we can start producing players to challenge for a place in Rafa's plans. It won't happen overnight but I'm looking forward to working with Frank McParland and the rest of the Academy staff to do the best job I can."

“There's a lot of work to be done and I will do whatever is asked of me. I'm just so pleased to be back."

Reds close to re-financing bank deal

New Liverpool managing director Christian Purslow will open talks with the Royal Bank of Scotland over refinancing the owners’ £350 million loan in the coming days, with a view to securing a new deal before the July 24 deadline reports the Telegraph.

The story goes on to say that “contrary to reports on Tuesday, owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks have not finalised the terms of the refinancing yet, though there is an expectation that an agreement will be reached.”

New managing director Purslow, who was appointed on Monday, has a finance and private equity background and “the RBS deal is among his priorities,” reports the story.

The article also says that “RBS will ask Gillett and Hicks to provide additional security on top of the £185 million in personal guarantees and cash they provided in January 2008. The owners are working hard to try to provide it, with Gillett selling the Montreal Canadiens and Hicks seeking a buyer for the Texas Rangers. Their willingness to cash in on US sports assets underlines their belief that Liverpool remains their most profitable sporting asset."

Reds appoint friend of Dalglsh as new managing director

Liverpool have appointed Christian Purslow, a financier with strong links to Merseyside, as their new managing director reports the Telegraph. “Purslow, an Anfield season-ticket holder, will join the board and take over many of the responsibilities of outgoing chief executive Rick Parry, but will step aside when a full-time replacement for Parry is appointed.” Says the article.

The report goes on to say: “Purslow's priorities will be to renegotiate the £350m loan with RBS due to be repaid at the end of July and to work with manager Rafa Benitez on summer transfer targets. Purslow, whose background is in private equity, speaks fluent Spanish and has already struck a relationship with Benitez. He is understood to have played a role in the negotiations surrounding Fernando Torres's new contract. A friend of club legend Kenny Dalglish, Purslow was recommended to owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett as a potential new board member and has the support of both of them. Crucially this should allow him to bridge the divide that occasionally appears before the American owners.The new managing director is also said to have decent relations with senior staff at RBS including chief executive Stephen Hester, and club sources said the bank welcomed his appointment. Talks with RBS will take place imminently, with the owners prospects of satisfying the bank's demands enhanced by Gillett's impending sale of the Montreal Canadiens. With Hicks yet to raise finance from his for sale US assets, it remains to be seen if this affects the delicate equilibrium between the owners."

Speaking to the official site George Gillett said: "Tom and I felt that it was important to put a highly experienced and respected executive in place to run the Club and support the senior team and the Manager. There's a lot to get done over the summer to build on the great season we just had and Christian will be a valuable addition to the team."

Tom Hicks added: "Christian has been a great supporter of the Club for many years and he's already built up good relationships at Anfield. His strategic and commercial acumen will be a real asset and we're delighted that he has made a long term commitment to the Club."

The official statement from the club reads: "Christian Purslow will assume overall management of the club until the appointment of a new chief executive, and will then continue as a board director.As managing director, Purslow will represent the owners and oversee all financial and operational aspects of the club, working with Rafa Benitez on player transfers and with the club's group chief financial officer, Philip Nash and commercial director, Ian Ayre on club and commercial management."