Following on from yesterday’s news that Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are looking to appoint an independent chairman, The Telegraph now claim an agreement with current British Airways chairman – and lifelong Chelsea supporter – Martin Broughton (pictured) is close – and could even be agreed over the weekend.
“Broughton is thought to have discussed the terms of his contract and the responsibilities required with the Americans and may make a decision as soon as the weekend,” claim The Telegraph.
Gillett and Hicks were at Anfield on Thursday for the Benfica match. As ever, their presence – again to be funded by large expenses claims against the Football Club – was met with anger by supporters. They are now in London where talks with potential investors, and Broughton, are ongoing.
The appointment of Broughton would signal Hicks and Gillett taking a further back seat in the day to day running of the football club, currently overseen largely by chief executive Christian Purslow. The American owners hope the move will “improve the club’s standing in the financial community, and draw some of the sting from the supporters’ criticism.”
Such an appointment though is unlikely to appease any supporters but only serve to further anger them as Broughton is a Chelsea supporter from West London and a season ticket holder at Stamford Bridge.
In an interview with The Telegraph in 2008, Broughton explained his 54 year allegiance to the London club. An interview with The Scotsman that same year Broughton’s love for Chelsea is explained and how he “even welcomes the competition from a now wealthy Manchester City.”
You really couldn’t make it up could you, Gillett and Hicks think they can build bridges by appointing a lifelong Chelsea fan as chairman of the club – and a man who welcomes the challenge of the club now threatening Liverpool’s position in the top four of English football.
If ever fans needed reason to protest, this will only further strengthen their desire to rid the club of the American owners.
