At 12.30pm today, Tuesday February 6th 2007, an announcement was made that could be described as the most important in Liverpool FC’s 115-year history. The club’s chairman and majority shareholder had sold his shares, and he and his board were recommending that all other shareholders do the same.

The statement read: “Liverpool FC today announced that the Board have agreed the terms of an offer for the Club from Mr George Gillett and Mr Tom Hicks. The Board are unanimously recommending that the Club’s shareholders accept this offer.
Full details of the offer were announced earlier today to the Stock Exchange.”

A press conference was called for 2pm to discuss it in more detail, but there were some quotes included in the announcement.

The first was from the chairman, Mr Moores. His decision to sell his shares to Gillett and Hicks is believed to have netted him around £80m, and he gets an honorary role allowing him to stay on at the club too: “I believe this is a great step forward for Liverpool, its shareholders and its fans. This Club is my passion and forms a huge part of my life. After much careful consideration, I have agreed to sell my shares to assist in securing the investment needed for the new stadium and for the playing squad.

“I am also delighted to accept the offer from the Hicks and Gillett families to continue my involvement in the Club by becoming Honorary Life President.”

That job as Honorary Life President was leaked last week and drew some criticism from fans who were wondering why the sudden u-turn had taken place, moving DIC from the people we should all trust to the people we should steer well clear of. Moores has always been painted as being only interested in the good of the club, but explanations are needed – and expected – at this afternoon’s press conference.

Next to be quoted was Chief Executive of the club, Rick Parry. It’s believed that he is to take on the role of Chairman on the new-look board, but this has yet to be announced officially: “This is great for Liverpool, our supporters and the shareholders,” he said, “it is the beginning of a new era for the Club.

“The partnership created by George and Tom is very special. They are bringing to the table tremendous and relevant experience, a passion for sport, real resources and a strong commitment to the traditions of Liverpool. Their approach represents exactly the sort of genuine partnership that Liverpool has been seeking over recent times.

“We know that George and Tom want a long-term relationship with Liverpool and that they also understand the importance of investing in our success both on and off the field. They have made clear their intention to move as quickly as practicable on the financing and construction of our proposed new stadium at Stanley Park and also to support investment in the playing squad.

“This has been an important time for the Club. We now have the right partners for the future. I am absolutely certain we have now ended up in the right place, with owners who will help the Club succeed and prosper.”

Strangely enough, the comments from Hicks and Gillett were jointly credited to the pair, rather than individual quotes from the clubs new owners:  “Liverpool is a fantastic club with a remarkable history and a passionate fanbase,” they said, “We fully acknowledge and appreciate the unique heritage and rich history of Liverpool and intend to respect this heritage in the future. The Hicks family and the Gillett family are extremely excited about continuing the Club’s legacy and tradition.”

Then a hint that Rick Parry will also be staying on at the club: “We are particularly pleased that David Moores and Rick Parry will have a continuing involvement in the Club. For us continuity and stability are keys to the future.”

Now we’ve had the announcements, we need to see more of the nitty-gritty of the deal. And we need to see if the promises will be kept. Hicks and Gillett later gave an interview to the official site.