by Ciggy » Wed Nov 09, 2005 9:43 am
Liverpool in investment talks with Kraft family Nov 9 2005
By Ian Doyle Daily Post Staff
LIVERPOOL have been in fresh talks with the US-based billionaire Kraft family over possible investment into the club.
Anfield chief executive Rick Parry met with Robert Kraft in America on Monday for discussions over a stake in the European Champions.
It is understood naming rights over the proposed new stadium on Stanley Park have also been deliberated, with Liverpool looking to offset the spiralling costs of the delayed 60,000-seater project.
Parry was a guest of Kraft at the NFL game between Superbowl champions New England Patriots - which the Kraft family owns - and Indianapolis Colts, which the Patriots lost 40-21.
Parry is expected back on Mersey-side today and while no proposal has yet been received, further talks are expected.
The Kraft family were the main backers of the L4 consortium - fronted by Hollywood executives Stuart Ford and Woolton-born Mike Jefferies - which earlier this year abandoned an attempt to buy a stake in to Liverpool.
They also own Major League Soccer team New England Revolution, which they purchased in 1994, and have a long-standing interest in football.
Liverpool's stance over naming rights for their proposed new stadium has softened in recent times, particularly in light of Arsenal's astonishing £100million deal with Emirates to sponsor their new ground at Ashburton Grove, which is due for completion this summer.
Earlier this year Parry said: "I have to say historically it is something I have been against, and I have been on record as saying that, but I think the size of the Arsenal deal is a real eyeopener.
"I would say in the past deals have been done frankly far too cheaply and it just hasn't even been worth contemplating. But the Arsenal deal is the sort of deal that causes you to draw breath and say 'wow - that's interesting.'
"I recognise it would be an emotive issue for many supporters, but you look at the amount of money available and it could go into the team.
"If it was the right partner how strong an issue is it? Time will tell.
"I think the stadium will always be Anfield, not least because of where it is, but do we need to investigate the possibilities of sponsor-ship? I think it would be remiss not to.
"That's not to say we have made a decision that we will go down that road, but I think it is clearly something we have to explore."
There is no-one anywhere in the world at any stage who is any bigger or any better than this football club.
Kenny Dalglish 1/2/2011
REST IN PEACE PHIL, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.