Henry amazed by LFC fans’ ‘depth of love’

Liverpool's owner John W Henry (R) stands with his partner Linda Pizzuti (L) before their English Premier League soccer match against Chelsea at Anfield in Liverpool, northern England, November 7, 2010. REUTERS/Phil Noble (BRITAIN - Tags: SPORT SOCCER) NO ONLINE/INTERNET USAGE WITHOUT A LICENCE FROM THE FOOTBALL DATA CO LTD. FOR LICENCE ENQUIRIES PLEASE TELEPHONE ++44 (0)
LFC owner John W. Henry & his wife were in attendance for their first League game

Liverpool prinicipal owner John Henry has spoken of how amazed he has been at the loyalty and patience of fans in this rollercoaster of a season.

The Reds have seen the team dip in and out of form, fight a relegation battle, under two new managers, as well as see the club change hands in terms of ownership.

And Henry says brighter days are on the horizon, laying out similarities in the passion Liverpool fans have for the club with that of his American baseball club, the Boston Red Sox.

“The best surprise has been the degree of loyalty Liverpool fans have,” Henry said.

“The depth of love for this club is remarkable.

“When we arrived in Boston, we knew Red Sox fans had patiently waited more than 80 years for a championship.

“But we thought they were near the end of their rope so to speak. I didn’t think they could take much more of coming close but failing. Their patience was rewarded.

“Just as I was surprised by Red Sox fans, Liverpool finished seventh last year missing out on the Champions League and I wondered at first how long they would put up with what was mediocre play.

“At one point this season we had dropped to 19th. But the television ratings remained strong, the shirt sales were stronger than Manchester United – third in the world over the last year – and just about every indicator showed the resiliency of the supporters.

“We have to reward their patience and their love for this club. And we will. But it’s going to take a lot of work and some time.”

In an interview with FourFourTwo magazine, Henry once again called for patience in the rebuilding of Liverpool FC, insisting Fenways Sports Group are in it for the long haul – to restore the Reds to their glory day long term.

“Our number one priority is to win the Premier League title,” he continued.

“That is what we take with us each day to work as the force that drives us to excel.

“If we can accomplish that we will have put ourselves in a position to be successful on all fronts. Success is winning championships, nothing less.

“And when you win a championship – and we will – success isn’t measured or accomplished by winning once.”

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