You are in > manchester.com  > News > Tom Hicks repeats demand for Rick Parry to resign

General Sport

Tom Hicks repeats demand for Rick Parry to resign

13/04/2008

Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has repeated his call for chief executive Rick Parry to resign from his role with the club.

Hicks has come under fire after he made his announcement in the wake of the Reds' historic win over Arsenal in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

But despite Hicks' co-owner George Gillett publicly backing Parry, and the chief executive himself insisting he will not resign, Hicks is adamant Parry must go in order for the club to reach its full potential.

Speaking in the Mail on Sunday, Hicks claims that Parry has presided over an unsuccessful era in Liverpool's history as they have not won the Premier League title while he has been chief executive.

Hicks also claims that Parry's stewardship has limited Liverpool's earning potential in comparison to other top sides.

He said: "Rick Parry has been Liverpool's CEO for ten years and we haven't won a league championship under his leadership. Our commercial revenues have not kept up with other top clubs during that time, which has made it very difficult to compete for the Premier League."

The American says he came to the conclusion that Parry is "arrogant" and is responsible for causing the pre-Christmas rift between manager Rafael Benitez and the owners.

Hicks says it was primarily Parry who set up a meeting with Jurgen Klinsmann which upset Benitez – not himself or George Gillett.

"After watching him operate, I came to the conclusion it was time to ask him to resign, due to his inability to manage an organisation, his seemingly arrogant attitude to our supporters and his lack of communication with Rafa [Benitez]," added Hicks.

Parry is confident that he would win a vote of confidence between the club's board because he has the support of Gillett and his son, as well as former owner David Moores.

However, Hicks believes it is time for the club to function under just one owner, to bring stability and leadership, and is sure he is the man for the job.

Hicks said: "It's time for Liverpool to have one strong owner to give Rafa the support he needs to win trophies, grow our commercial revenues worldwide and build the best stadium in the world. I believe I am that owner."

The American says he knows the boardroom unrest is upsetting the fans but insists he wants a speedy resolution, which included appointing a successor to Parry within the next six weeks.