Their questionable business structure not only left the Reds’ squad severely depleted following years of asset stripping in order to afford ever-escalating interest payments, it also failed to deliver the promised profits, leaving Liverpool tinkering on the brink of financial oblivion and the footballing wilderness.
In fact, you could say that Hicks and Gillett literally cut the middle men out of Liverpool. Up until the 2009/2010 season manager at the time Rafael Benitez had gradually developed a formidable midfield triumvirate to challenge the best midfields in the League. Javier Mascherano’s energy and bite in the tackle helped to break up attacks and provide an extra layer of defence while Xabi Alonso pulled the strings going forward, pinging around passes with consummate class. Club captain Steven Gerrard provided the attacking thrust in the centre of the park, linking up excellently with an on-form Fernando Torres.
However, this impressive unit began to unravel that summer, with Benitez unable to invest the £30 million raised through the sale of Alonso to Real Madrid. The Spaniard had hoped to sign Gareth Barry as a replacement, however the funds were handed to the bank and Benitez was left relying on the overly similar Lucas and Mascherano. As the Reds fell from 2nd to 7th after a season of utter failure, the latter left the following summer in acrimonious circumstances, citing Hicks and Gillett as part of the reason for his move to Barcelona.
With Gerrard lacking fitness and form and key players like Alonso and Mascherano rapidly abandoning ship, reinforcements were desperately needed but, lamentably, they were never of the same quality as their predecessors. Poulsen, Aquilani, Spearing, Shelvey and Meireles all tried to fill their shoes with varying success but the serious overhaul required in the centre of the park did not arrive until this summer, when new owners FSG set out to display the stark difference between them and their American counterparts who drove the club into the ground.
Replacing the middle men who had been cruelly cut from our line-up, Dalglish quickly snapped up two of the Premier League’s most promising midfielders for a considerable sum of approximately £24 million in the form of Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson.
Adam finally arrived from Blackpool following protracted negotiations throughout last season with the Seasiders’ stubborn boss Ian Holloway. The 25-year old Scot has heroically recovered from several setbacks during his career, including failing to break into Rangers’ first team and dropping down to the Championship with Blackpool, and instead of grumbling has displayed the sort of determination and drive to succeed that is inherent within the Liverpool Way.
Moreover, his all-round game and leadership ability were frequently commented upon last season, as club captain Charlie guided Blackpool courageously as they stuck to their brave if ultimately unsuccessful attacking philosophy, which won much acclaim from neutrals.
Above all else Adam has been lauded for his simply stunning passing range and many have understandably likened him to former fans’ favourite Xabi Alonso. Also, Lucas Leiva has been a revelation after stepping up to the plate last season, dramatically winning over the support of a sceptical Kop and quickly replacing Mascherano as the defensive linchpin of our midfield. With Adam and Lucas striking up a promising partnership in the centre so far this campaign, the Reds may have finally found a duo to live up to the high standards set by Alonso and Mascherano.
Additionally, fellow summer signing Jordan Henderson provides depth and competition in midfield and, at only 21, he certainly has the time to fulfil his much vaunted potential and mature into a quality player at Anfield. Learning under the tutorship of the likes of Steven Gerrard and Charlie Adam can only enhance his development further while the expert knowledge gleaned from having Dalglish as manager should also accelerate his growth into an accomplished player.
Meanwhile, the return of Steven Gerrard, who has been frustratingly injured since March, appears imminent, and the added boost that will inevitably bring to the side is significant.
Although he may never reach the heights of his previously injury-free days, Gerrard remains one of the best midfielders in the world and, should be develop an understanding with Suarez similar to that which he nurtured with Fernando Torres, then defences will be terrified of facing the potent attacking force of our midfield and forward line working in harmony.
The centre of the park seems to be as strong as it has been since the days of the Mascherano-Alonso-Gerrard-Torres axis and, although the loss of Meireles to Chelsea minutes before the January transfer window closed reduced the depth in the middle slightly, his departure allows up and coming youngsters Shelvey and Spearing more opportunities to stake a claim for increased involvement in the first team.
Not only have our problems at the heart of the team seemingly been dealt with, but also, perhaps more significantly, the Reds appear to have resolved their long-standing issues on the wing. Pacey new signing Stewart Downing has flown out of the blocks, making an excellent start to his time on Merseyside and swiftly silencing his detractors. His menacing, purposeful runs frighten defenders and his pinpoint crosses should provide ammunition for Carroll to head his way back into form. It took a hefty amount of cash (£20 million) but we finally appear to have a world-class winger approaching his peak years at Anfield.
At long last the middle men that were cut out under Hicks and Gillett have been replaced and a substantial depth of quality has built up in our midfield in a relatively short period of time.
More importantly, the club is being ran like a football club aiming to win trophies, not a failing business attempting to keep up with interest repayments.
YNWA
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