Moores looks to a memorable farewell Mar 6 2007
by Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
WHEN The Kop draws its breath to deliver a stirring rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ tonight, there will be a lump in the throat of the Liverpool chairman.
Not just because of the magnitude of another momentous Champions League occasion.
After 16 years and eight major trophies, the David Moores era is drawing to an emotional, but hopefully triumphant end.
The next time he hears the anthem, he’ll be the club’s Life President.
It was during last night’s traditional UEFA pre-match gathering with Barcelona’s directors, that Moores became increasingly conscious he was dining in the boardroom as chairman for the last time.
It seems apt the competition which undoubtedly provided Moores with his proudest moment in the hot seat, in Istanbul in 2005, should now host his swansong.
Moores was determined not to allow his farewell game to pass without thanking the supporters, current and ex-players, managers, chief executives and Liverpool staff across all departments who’ve contributed to his reign.
“The last 16 years have been an honour and a privilege for me,” said Moores.
“There have been difficult times, particularly over the last three years, but the thing which kept me going was the backing of the grass-roots supporters.
“Since the announcement about the takeover, my wife and I have received so many letters of support. Many of them reduced us to tears and I can’t thank people enough.
“I just want to take this opportunity to thank the supporters, the majority of whom have given me fantastic support over the last 16 years.
“If it is to be my final match as chairman, as I expect because the deal should have gone through by March 12, let’s hope I can go out with a bang, with the team giving us another memorable performance.
“As Steven Gerrard said in the ECHO last night, the tie’s not over yet. I know the fans will be fantastic and it would be absolutely marvellous to see the team get a great result.
“I told the Barcelona president Joan Laporta last night that I couldn’t have picked a better game with which to bow out. It doesn’t get any bigger than Liverpool versus Barcelona at Anfield. Maybe it was meant to be this way.
“If we get through tonight, it will be one of the best nights we’ve ever had here, just as memorable as when we beat Chelsea. For me, it would be even more memorable under the circumstances.
“Every manager, player, chief executive or member of staff I’ve worked with at both Anfield and Melwood has been like a member of a second family to me.
“The ex-players have also been supportive. Kenny Dalglish and Tommy Smith, who were heroes of mine as players, have been unbelievable in their support of me over the years.
“Throughout my reign I’ve always said what you see is what you get with me. I love this club.
“One or two people came up to me last week and said they thought I was a Liverpool legend. I told them ‘don’t be daft’. I’m just a fan like everyone else. That’s the way I’ve always felt about the club and I would never change that.”
Three FA Cups, three league cups, a UEFA Cup and a Champions League win ensured Moores averaged a major honour once every two seasons during his reign, which would be enough to earn most Premiership chairman a life peerage, never mind club presidency.
His lament, of course, is the absence of what he’s consistently referred to as ‘number 19’.
“The only regret is that we never won the Premiership under my chairmanship, but with the new owners I’m sure the club can win number 19 soon,” he said.
“I’m proud to be leaving behind a great manager in Rafa, and hopefully everything will now go ahead with the new stadium,” he added.
“The best meeting I ever had was when Rick and I invited Rafa to my house in Marbella to discuss him becoming manager.
“There can’t be many managers in the world better than him, and with the money of the new owners behind him it promises to be an exciting time.
“I’m relieved all that’s been resolved, but I’m also sad to be stepping down. I’m grateful the new owners want me to stay on the board as Life President, and I’ll still be travelling to the games with the team.
“But if I ever feel I’m in the way or not needed, I won’t hesitate if they ask me to stay away.
“I made the decision for the good of the club, not myself. Liverpool Football Club must remain strong long after I or anyone else here has gone. You have to think about the next 50 years. That’s why I took the decision. You can’t hold the club back.
“In football nowadays, it’s not enough to be rich. You need to be super-rich to own a club as big as Liverpool. It’s their club now, but I feel I’m leaving it in safe hands. I know I got the best possible deal.”
And Moores joked: “If I don’t still travel to European games with the team, I’ve already had a couple of alternative offers. Phil Carragher has told me I’m welcome to travel with him and his mates any time I like.”
Matchday duties as chairman will end shortly after the final whistle tonight, but Moores is proud to say there will be one, last, hugely significant gesture. That will come on April 15.
“One of the proudest things which happened to me as chairman occurred only recently,” he explained.
“That was when the Hillsborough Family Support Group invited Kenny Dalglish and me to read at their service. I will consider this a great honour.”
