At a stormy annual general meeting last night, Liverpool FC chairman David Moores agreed to hold talks with Mr Morgan – the multi-millionaire Seigneur of Trinity, who is the legendary club’s third-largest shareholder – after the season finishes in May.The two men have been at loggerheads for years and Mr Morgan has made it clear that he wants a say in the running of the club and possibly a place on the board.
Until now Mr Moores has refused to discuss the idea.During the 1980s Liverpool were arguably the world’s most successful club team and were four times European club champions.
However, over the last decade the club has struggled to compete with FA Premiership giants Manchester United and Arsenal.There is unrest among fans at the lack of the team’s apparent ability, under the reins of manager Gerard Houllier, to challenge the top teams.Mr Moores said at the end of last night’s meeting that he may be prepared to give up control of the club.
‘At the end of the season I shall be looking at myself, but at the moment we carry on and try to do the best we can,’ he said.Mr Moores has been the majority shareholder and chairman for more than a decade and holds a 51% controlling interest.
If he were to quit or take a step down, the manager’s position could be under threat.Such was the volume of criticism – led by Mr Morgan, who said that he had money and was willing to invest in the club – that Mr Moores conceded that he was prepared to talk.Mr Morgan, who moved to Jersey after making a fortune in the building industry, said: ‘The chairman has refused to talk to me previously.
Money is available from me and others but the chairman will not dilute his holding.’
