First, the Fans Wanted Tom Hicks Out of Liverpool. Now, Apparently, It's the Banks.

Yesterday, Tom Hicks's PR peoples sent word that, yes, he and Liverpool FC partner George Gillett were indeed evaluating "the possibility of new investors injecting equity into LFC," but that no deal was on the table despite reports that Gillett was close to inking a deal to sell to a...

By Robert Wilonsky

September 30, 2009

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Yesterday, Tom Hicks's PR peoples sent word that, yes, he and Liverpool FC partner George Gillett were indeed evaluating "the possibility of new investors injecting equity into LFC," but that no deal was on the table despite reports that Gillett was close to inking a deal to sell to a Saudi prince. Now we know why they're scouting for investors: The English papers are reporting that Royal Bank of Scotland and Wachovia, with whom the twosome restructured their crushing debt in July, are pressuring Hicks and Gillett to find a partner or part with the club because the deal was contingent upon them infusing the club with dough-re-mi neither one seem to have.

And, yes, Hicks may have promised Liverpool all was well and that, look, Dallas-based HKS will get 'round to building that new stadium sooner than later. But, reports The Times, "Rather than cementing their position as owners, the deal [with the banks] was designed to allow Hicks and Gillett more time to sell the club. It is understood both banks are reluctant to extend the loans again unless the club reduce their debt before next summer." Here, Mr. Hicks, let me put some Ice Girls on that.

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