I think I thought I knew how big this club was, but when you
travel around the world representing the club you see it’s even
greater than your expectation, and the impact it has on people’s
lives. I have never worked at football club before, but what I
know that in common with everywhere else that I have worked
in my career, is that it’s an entity with a lot of people. When you
have a lot of people, they want leadership; they want direction;
they want motivation. It’s no different than any other industry
and that’s what the football club is. We have 850 people who
don’t kick a ball for the club – and this is my job, to provide
direction, leadership and support.
Has it been a help or a hindrance being a lifelong fan of LFC?
It’s both. Mike Gordon and I talked about this at length: about
the positivity of understanding the people; the culture, the
stress, the pressure, the history; and that’s a massive plus for me
because I can justify my existence to Liverpool fans; but it can be
a hindrance because you can’t separate at times when you have to
make tough business decisions – your heart and your brain. I do
that and I recognise that; and I think ultimately, that this city and
the people, would find it difficult to accept somebody that didn’t
understand them. Historically the custodians of this club have
been Liverpudlians, and I think the uniqueness of the people;
the city; the expectations; the history; the tragedy; the followers
of this club: you have got to understand that and it’s difficult to
come in and learn it.
My presentation is about creating a virtuous cycle. A virtuous
cycle is pretty simple: it’s that you continue to drive revenue,
continue to bring in money to the club so you can give it to
Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards to invest in world class
players – and you get those players and you win more games.
You win more games and global brands want to be associated
with you; and they want to pay you more money to be associated
with you. And then you use that money to go and buy better
players… It’s a classic virtuous cycle.
Do you have any other interests that keep you busy outside
of LFC? I have heard you have your own foundation – how
important to you is the concept of giving something back?
When I got here I very quickly I sat down with Debbie and
formed my own foundation. I have been fortunate in my
business career, so I have the ability to support those in need,
and here on Merseyside unfortunately there are many that meet
that criteria. Whether it’s support of our wonderful Alder Hey
Hospital, providing help to focal foodbanks or investing in local
youth sports facilities, I am lucky enough to provide such help.
It’s one way to give back to the city that has given me so much
and formed the basis of who I am today.
And finally, how long are you planning to stay?
I’m in sports: it’s as long as they will have you!! There is never a
destination: life is always a journey; but, yes, it’s as long as they
will have me.
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