The English Premier League has become somewhat of a spectacle in recent times. Thanks to intense media coverage and vast quantities of money paid to the league for broadcasting rights it has surpassed every other league in Europe. The biggest names in the world are lured over to the Premiership with the promise of money, glory and success. If you look at the Champions League competition over the last couple of seasons it has been dominated by the English teams. This shows the strength of the English sides and the power of the Premier League. As with all leagues the Premiership has a select group of teams that are a cut above the rest and one of the sides representing the cream of the Premier League is Liverpool FC.
Liverpool are one of the most decorated teams in England posing 18 league titles, 6 European titles and have many other trophies to their name. The 1980's were dominated by Liverpool. But unfortunately they have not won their domestic league title since. In 2005 Liverpool won the UEFA Champions League title coming back from a 3-0 deficit to win on penalties against AC Milan and since then have really made this competition their own. The likes of Manchester United and Chelsea have outgrown Liverpool and it has been a while since they have gone anywhere near the Premier League trophy. In 2006 the current owner of Liverpool football club David Moores decided it was time to move on. He wanted to sell the club to someone that had capital to invest in the club on both players and a new stadium. After much thought and negotiation he agreed to sell to two American businessmen, Tom Hicks and George Gillette.
Hicks and Gillette promised to make the purchase of Liverpool FC with their own money and no debt would be involved. They were all for current manager Rafa Benitez and said that they would allow him to look after the team decisions. A new stadium was to be built directly after the takeover but this has been put on hold due to the current economic situation. Since the takeover the club has plundered further into debt and the relationship between Hicks and Gillette and manager Rafa Benitez has become somewhat strained. This became most apparent during the Gareth Barry saga that went on over the summer of 2008 where Benitez implied that he was allowed no control over his team. The fans as you would expect have taken sides with their manager. Hicks and Gillette have been falling out with each other of late which can only hinder the team's performance. The two have extra police protection on rare visits to the ground due to the fans discontent.
But things are looking up for Liverpool. Over the last few seasons they have brought in some top signings during the transfer windows. After a successful start could this be the season where Liverpool football club relive their glory years? Only time will tell.
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