John Henry bids for Liverpool FC

[Dojji]

How does he make money and how much money does he take from your club?

 

He's an investment manager of some fund or another, he's a billionaire at it at any rate, and he makes a good living independent of his sports franchise.

 

As for how much the Sox make and how much he comes home with? Hard to say really, reporting on that kind of thing is sketchy and can be really difficult to take at face value. There's a lot of lawyers whose sole job is to make that number look either better or worse depending on which one suits their boss better. Henry spends a lot on the Sox, but between the media deal, the gate, various endorsements and the interest he's whipped up in the team, I can't imagine his investment in the Red Sox is losing him money.

[Dipre]

I find the constant use of the word "mate" quite interesting and refreshing.

[JohnShaft]

He's an investment manager of some fund or another, he's a billionaire at it at any rate, and he makes a good living independent of his sports franchise.

 

As for how much the Sox make and how much he comes home with? Hard to say really, reporting on that kind of thing is sketchy and can be really difficult to take at face value. There's a lot of lawyers whose sole job is to make that number look either better or worse depending on which one suits their boss better. Henry spends a lot on the Sox, but between the media deal, the gate, various endorsements and the interest he's whipped up in the team, I can't imagine his investment in the Red Sox is losing him money.

 

See I don't get that. Why would he do it then if it's losing him money. If he is a local fella then maybe but why Liverpool? It's gotta be to make money.

 

Don't you fellas get access to the company accounts and scrutinise them to see how the club is being run? In fairness we didn't until we got the cowboys running our place and when we saw what they were up to we then started examining everything and even then it's not that straight forward, these money fellas have many ways of ripping you off.

[Redguard]

I find the constant use of the word "mate" quite interesting and refreshing.

 

I have a different word for the Mother-in-Law!

[Ruairi]

OK I can understand why we're suddenly inundated with Liverpool fans since they might need information we have about Henry, and can share a perspective about their own team, but the only reason rival Britball fans would come here would be to troll the Liverpool fans, so I'm going to have to respectfully request that the rival fans keep their noise down. And please, both sides, Liverpool and non, quit poisoning the waters on each other in a neutral site, or we'll just get the impression that the lot of you are too far gone to be worth our time.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Apologies, I have only lived in the area 3 years so baseball is a steep learning curve for me. The first time I went to Fenway was when Ellsbury stole home against the Yankees. My work colleagues never let me forget that I came in the next day and talked about how great it was when he stole 4th plate. The last time I was there was against the Orioles a couple of weeks ago.

Despite not knowing the nuances of the game I would consider myself a Red Sox fan and my previous post was intended more as a warning. Investing in any EPL team is financial suicide unless you have bottomless pockets. Henry will just have to learn the hard way

Again apologies for the board invasion

[yeszir]

In the past two days visits from the UK are up 20 fold

[Dojji]

See I don't get that. Why would he do it then if it's losing him money. If he is a local fella then maybe but why Liverpool? It's gotta be to make money.

 

Don't you fellas get access to the company accounts and scrutinise them to see how the club is being run? In fairness we didn't until we got the cowboys running our place and when we saw what they were up to we then started examining everything and even then it's not that straight forward, these money fellas have many ways of ripping you off.

 

We get access to the public books, but it's an open question of whether we have access to the real ones. Enron taught us the distinction, and the recent financial crisis based on an overreliance on bizarre credit services and "toxic assets" served as a reminder. These guys know how to make money look better than it really is.

 

As for why he's buying Liverpool FC, I guess you'd have to ask him, but bear in mind that a money-making sports franchise is generally one that is successful and vice versa. If Henrry wants a "football" team it's because he wants a team that wins at "football," not just a money spigot.

[Ruairi]

OK I can understand why we're suddenly inundated with Liverpool fans since they might need information we have about Henry, and can share a perspective about their own team, but the only reason rival Britball fans would come here would be to troll the Liverpool fans, so I'm going to have to respectfully request that the rival fans keep their noise down. And please, both sides, Liverpool and non, quit poisoning the waters on each other in a neutral site, or we'll just get the impression that the lot of you are too far gone to be worth our time.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

Apologies, I have only lived in the area 3 years so baseball is a steep learning curve for me. The first time I went to Fenway was when Ellsbury stole home against the Yankees. My work colleagues never let me forget that I came in the next day and talked about how great it was when he stole 4th plate. The last time I was there was against the Orioles a couple of weeks ago.

Despite not knowing the nuances of the game I would consider myself a Red Sox fan and my previous post was intended more as a warning. Investing in any EPL team is financial suicide unless you have bottomless pockets. Henry will just have to learn the hard way

Again apologies for the board invasion

[italstallianion]

I find the constant use of the word "mate" quite interesting and refreshing.

 

 

I use it too dude. Don't forget about the original guys here that are from the UK.

[Redguard]

We get access to the public books, but it's an open question of whether we have access to the real ones. Enron taught us the distinction, and the recent financial crisis based on an overreliance on bizarre credit services and "toxic assets" served as a reminder. These guys know how to make money look better than it really is.

 

As for why he's buying Liverpool FC, I guess you'd have to ask him, but bear in mind that a money-making sports franchise is generally one that is successful and vice versa. If Henrry wants a "football" team it's because he wants a team that wins at "football," not just a money spigot.

 

I like the sound of that. G&H are just toxic and unfortunately a lot of our contempt for them has been misconstrued as Anti-American - which we are clearly not. Thanks for your input Dojji.

[Dojji]

Ruiari: It's cool, I don't have a problem with pointing out the weaknesses of the Liverpool side, the issue I had was with people digging up all the old skeletons and throwing them in the faces of all the Liverpool folks who were coming here anxious to know a little more about the team, or talking smack with Liverpool fans in other ways, since that drowns out information people are trying to get here in acrimony and background noise.

 

I hope some of you guys stick around and chat baseball.

[SlasherB]

We get access to the public books, but it's an open question of whether we have access to the real ones. Enron taught us the distinction, and the recent financial crisis based on an overreliance on bizarre credit services and "toxic assets" served as a reminder. These guys know how to make money look better than it really is.

 

As for why he's buying Liverpool FC, I guess you'd have to ask him, but bear in mind that a money-making sports franchise is generally one that is successful and vice versa. If Henrry wants a "football" team it's because he wants a team that wins at "football," not just a money spigot.

 

I Like that!

 

American Owners of Prem Football Teams in England that I know of.

 

Randy Lerner-Aston Villa

The Glaziers-Manure (Man Utd.)

Kroenke-Part Owner Arsenal (29.9% shares is largest)

Ellis Short- Sunderland

[Redguard]

I Like that!

 

American Owners of Prem Football Teams in England that I know of.

 

Randy Lerner-Aston Villa

The Glaziers-Manure (Man Utd.)

Kroenke-Part Owner Arsenal (29.9% shares is largest)

Ellis Short- Sunderland

 

Doug Ellis turned down the original approach from George Gillett - he could recognise a rat!

 

A rat .....

 

Dodgy deal, or

 

Little fluffy squeaky rodent of unsavoury origin - likes to get its teeth into others.

[SlasherB]

Doug Ellis turned down the original approach from George Gillett - he could recognise a rat!

 

A rat .....

 

Dodgy deal, or

 

Little fluffy squeaky rodent of unsavoury origin - likes to get its teeth into others.

 

".....A Rat Fawlty, I saw a rat!..."

 

:lol:

[BigSox]

I Like that!

 

American Owners of Prem Football Teams in England that I know of.

 

Randy Lerner-Aston Villa

The Glaziers-Manure (Man Utd.)

Kroenke-Part Owner Arsenal (29.9% shares is largest)

Ellis Short- Sunderland

And Lerner, Kroenker and Short are all extremely good owners.

 

Mes amis ? la United-Estats, you have all been brilliantly helpful in enlightening us poor old Liverpool fans on the man who will hopefully be our new owner in a few weeks.

[red]

who are the red sox ? why do they call it the world series ? how can a man with a piss poor fortune of only $800 million afford to buy the migthy reds and invest in them?

 

Liverpool fc have millions of fans around the world in a sport that is played and watched by the most if not all the countries in the world. Why would a baseball owner have a interest in the club if its not about money? couldn't you red sox fans the few that there are stop this from happening please.

[yeszir]

who are the red sox ? why do they call it the world series ? how can a man with a piss poor fortune of only $800 million afford to buy the migthy reds and invest in them?

 

Liverpool fc have millions of fans around the world in a sport that is played and watched by the most if not all the countries in the world. Why would a baseball owner have a interest in the club if its not about money? couldn't you red sox fans the few that there are stop this from happening please.

 

Ok you're getting banned

[BigSox]

who are the red sox ? why do they call it the world series ? how can a man with a piss poor fortune of only $800 million afford to buy the migthy reds and invest in them?

 

Liverpool fc have millions of fans around the world in a sport that is played and watched by the most if not all the countries in the world. Why would a baseball owner have a interest in the club if its not about money? couldn't you red sox fans the few that there are stop this from happening please.

You sir, and I believe this is the correct term, are a douche.

[SlasherB]

For some Sox Fans wondering if it will impact the team here in Boston.

 

Interesting email here from debt specialist Andy on the difference between this takeover and the last one:

 

"The debt is not so much of an issue. It's the ability to service that debt. Hicks and Gillette were/are too reliant on LFC to provide steady and sufficient income streams to cover the debt servicing costs and are not able to service the debt from other sources. The Glazers are having similar problems as their US property empire starts to unwind.

 

"NESV may take debt on themselves but have capacity from all their businesses to service the debt with ease, and also have capacity to invest in LFC. In the long run, they will look for that investment to be repaid through increasing revenues and profitability. A new stadium could do that but needs investment. NESV can't be idiots in a the sports management arena if they have the Red Sox. They must see that the cost of the investment is outweighed by the returns, otherwise, why spend ?300m only to lose it?"

[The 13th Man]

who are the red sox ? why do they call it the world series ? how can a man with a piss poor fortune of only $800 million afford to buy the migthy reds and invest in them?

 

Liverpool fc have millions of fans around the world in a sport that is played and watched by the most if not all the countries in the world. Why would a baseball owner have a interest in the club if its not about money? couldn't you red sox fans the few that there are stop this from happening please.

 

Id assume resox players will be sold off to finiance some of the best footballers in the world to come to liverpool, i think henry has been busy selling some star names already to help pay for the purchase

[Dipre]

You sir' date=' and I believe this is the correct term, are a douche.[/quote']

 

Sometimes, a new poster will transcend being new to the site and create a post so awesome, that it deserves Post Of The Year consideration. This is one of those cases.

[JohnShaft]

We get access to the public books, but it's an open question of whether we have access to the real ones. Enron taught us the distinction, and the recent financial crisis based on an overreliance on bizarre credit services and "toxic assets" served as a reminder. These guys know how to make money look better than it really is.

 

As for why he's buying Liverpool FC, I guess you'd have to ask him, but bear in mind that a money-making sports franchise is generally one that is successful and vice versa. If Henrry wants a "football" team it's because he wants a team that wins at "football," not just a money spigot.

 

Thanks Dojji, I feel better about it but after the last few years I'm still cynical, time will tell I suppose. Maybe he'd be a good stopgap until we get our act together to buy our way into the club.

[yeszir]

Id assume resox players will be sold off to finiance some of the best footballers in the world to come to liverpool' date=' i think henry has been busy selling some star names already to help pay for the purchase[/quote']

 

Also banned. I just read through the rest of your posts.

[redscouse]

Hello, I am a football fan from Europe and I would like to remember the americans on this board who are unaware of Liverpool, that Liverpool is a big cancer.

 

They are the scum of football in Europe. They murdered 39 italian fans in Heysel. They also robbed corposes of their own fans during the Hillsborough tragedy.

 

And their fans and players are mostly knowns as the "deluded ones". They believe they are the best, when they lose its everyone and everything elses fault then theirs. Hell, they even blame all the referees to be corrupt.

 

Also I would like to mention that the sale has not gone through yet, so you could still protest against this and Henry might change his plans. We football fans would appreciate it. Do not bail out Liverpool, they are sinking at the moment and in 18th place which means they will be relegated at the end of the season.

 

 

Justice for 39

 

dear god man what is the matter with you,get your facts straight before you saying anything,if you want to read inacurate facts then keep them to your petty minded self,the 96 who were killed,through the ineptitude of the police deserve better and not one reds fan would ever do such a thing.and if you want to discuss it further face to face i would be more than welcome.

[Redguard]

Ok you're getting banned

 

Love it. Well in.

[BigSox]

Sometimes' date=' a new poster will transcend being new to the site and create a post so awesome, that it deserves Post Of The Year consideration. This is one of those cases.[/quote']

Well I try my best I intend sticking aoround as well. Although I am one of the influx of researching Liverpool fans, and have always preferred Basketball of the 'American' sports, nothing wrong with a little more knowledge is there?

[SlasherB]

Also banned. I just read through the rest of your posts.

 

Easy Squeezy........Scouse Humor takes a bit getting used to.

 

:D

[Macedonian_Red]

When baseball meets football: Boston and Liverpool

 

Wednesday, 6 October 2010

By Mark Mitchener

 

Liverpool fans may have mixed feelings about exchanging one set of American owners for another after it emerged the Premier League club was about to be sold to the New England Sports Ventures (NESV), owners of baseball's Boston Red Sox.

 

But supporters on both sides of the Atlantic may be interested in a potential link-up between two clubs that are steeped in the history of their respective sports.

 

Like Anfield, Boston's Fenway Park is one of the best-known sports venues in the world, while both cities have a strong expatriate affinity with Ireland.

 

Liverpool's hopes of building a new stadium stalled during the ownership of George Gillett and Tom Hicks, but despite a brief flirtation with a "new Fenway", the Red Sox happily remain at their historic home ballpark - even while many other Major League Baseball teams have moved.

 

Opened in 1912, Fenway is the oldest MLB stadium in use. And while a young Liverpool player's ambition may be scoring in front of the Kop, a prospective young slugger making it through Boston's minor league system will probably have dreamt of hitting a home run over the "Green Monster" - the famous 37ft high left-field wall at Fenway.

 

Liverpool have not won the English league title since 1990 but Boston ended a much longer title drought when they won the World Series in 2004, two years after NESV's takeover.

 

For decades, the so-called "Curse of the Bambino" haunted Red Sox Nation and was immortalised in Boston Globe writer Dan Shaughnessy's book of the same name.

 

The "Bambino" in question was baseball legend Babe Ruth - sold by the Red Sox owners to their bitter rivals, the New York Yankees, in 1920.

 

Having won five World Series titles between 1903 and 1918, the Sox then went 86 years before winning it again, gaining a reputation as loveable losers or nearly men - depending on your point of view.

 

Boston's march to the 2004 title arguably matches Liverpool's "Miracle of Istanbul" Champions League success of 2005 for the manner in which they overcame adversity.

 

Before the season started, legendary horror author Stephen King and fellow novelist Stewart O'Nan decided to chronicle their season in book form but could not have imagined what was to transpire.

 

Finishing second behind the Yankees in the American League East, the Red Sox met them again in the seven-game American League Championship Series.

 

New York won the first three games, threatening a 4-0 sweep, but Boston hit back to win Games 4 and 5 in extra innings, before winning Games 6 and 7 at Yankee Stadium to secure a remarkable comeback triumph.

 

The Red Sox went on to sweep St Louis Cardinals 4-0 in the World Series.

 

King and O'Nan's subsequent book "Faithful" was not alone in marking the end of "the Curse" - as it was also the subject of a film whose title may ring a few unwelcome bells in the heads of Liverpool fans.

 

When Liverpool were pipped to the First Division title by Arsenal in 1989, it was the springboard for Gunners fan Nick Hornby's seminal book "Fever Pitch", which was made into a film in 1997.

 

Several years later, an American remake, also entitled "Fever Pitch", was on the cards, switching baseball for football and the Red Sox title drought for Arsenal's 18-year wait for a league title.

 

It was filmed in 2004, including several scenes shot at Fenway - and Boston's unexpected success reportedly forced the film-makers to rework the ending.

 

It is not uncommon in the United States for individuals or groups to own a range of professional teams across different sports, so it is no surprise that some owners' portfolios stretch across both sides of the Atlantic.

 

Outgoing Reds co-owner Hicks owned the Texas Rangers baseball team from 1998 (succeeding a certain George W Bush) until earlier this year but the UK/US connection is kept up by the likes of the Glazer family (Manchester United and Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Randy Lerner (Aston Villa and Cleveland Browns), who both possess a Premier League football club and an NFL American football franchise.

 

Meanwhile, notable Arsenal shareholder Stan Kroenke owns the St Louis Rams (NFL), Colorado Avalanche (NHL ice hockey), Denver Nuggets (NBA basketball) and Colorado Rapids (Major League Soccer) - so needs a baseball team to complete a "full set".

 

However, Liverpool fans may be encouraged to note that a Sports Illustrated article in 2009 listed Boston's proprietors as the best owners of the 30 MLB clubs - while Hicks' stewardship of the Rangers was ranked as the second worst.

 

How closely Liverpool and Boston may be linked remains to be seen but the common ownership may cause certain rivalries to become even more entrenched.

 

In 2001, the Yankees - Boston's arch rivals - announced a marketing deal with Manchester United. And make no mistake, the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry is as intense as that at any derby game at Anfield or Old Trafford.

 

The Babe Ruth trade may be a distant memory but players rarely move directly between the Red Sox and Yankees - and likewise with United and Liverpool, with Phil Chisnall the last player to do so in 1964.

 

Ace pitcher Roger Clemens starred for Boston for 13 seasons, before being allowed to leave in 1996 as Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette notoriously commented that "The Rocket" was "in the twilight of his career".

 

Clemens moved to Toronto but played in the majors for another 11 years and went on to win more pitching awards and two World Series titles with the Yankees in 1999 and 2000.

 

This led him to be vilified by the unforgiving majority of Red Sox fans, while the fire was further stoked by Boston president Larry Lucchino, who dubbed the Yankees as "the evil empire" in 2002.

 

But like Liverpool, Boston can boast supporters far and wide across the globe, although fans of other Premier League teams will find familiar cause with those followers of other MLB teams who roll their eyes as the Red Sox and Yankees invariably garner more media attention and live television coverage than any other sides.

 

This week, the Red Sox owners took out a full-page advert in the Boston Globe, apologising for the team's failure to reach the play-offs. Could that really happen in Liverpool?

 

After recent humiliating defeats by Northampton and Blackpool, Liverpool's editors may be waiting by their phones.

 

Source: BBC Sports

[SlasherB]

Not sure if youo fella's saw this from youtube yesterday. It really shows the feelings of the fans of Liverpool and the hurt that "former" owners G&H created.

 

[Redguard]

Easy Squeezy........Scouse Humor takes a bit getting used to.

 

:D

 

This is true - take note lads, humour is fine but don't offend. We are guests here.

 

Some times the humour can be a bit raw.