The American owner of Liverpool Football Club John W. Henry has issued a grovelling apology to Reds supporters in the wake of the club's eventual decision not to pursue the doomed and despised 'European Superleague' along with 11 other prominent clubs.
Henry who headed up the pursuit of the pursuit of the Anfield Reds as part of the New England group FSG - in buying the Reds more than a decade ago, came under fire for the decision to join the breakaway and for an insipid, poorly written response last night.
The 71-year-old businessman has now posted a video message in which he took sole responsibility for the chain of events since the doomed plans were announced on Sunday.
Liverpool joined the exodus of the so-called ‘founder clubs’ to bail out of the plan on Tuesday, but the fury with Fenway Sports Group’s role led to several high profile ex-players - not least Jamie Carragher - suggesting it has already caused terminal damage.
Henry insists his work at Liverpool is not over, but the statement acknowledged the scale of the erosion of trust and challenge he faces to repair it. As part of his message he said:
“I know the entire LFC team has the expertise, leadership and passion necessary to rebuild trust and help us move forward. More than a decade ago when we signed up for the challenges associated with football, we dreamed of what you dreamed of. And we’ve worked hard to improve your club. Our work isn’t done. And I hope you’ll understand that even when we make mistakes, we’re trying to work in your club’s best interests. In this endeavour I’ve let you down.
“Again, I’m sorry, and I alone am responsible for the unnecessary negativity brought forward over the past couple of days. It’s something I won’t forget. And shows the power the fans have today and will rightly continue to have.
Here it is ...
John W Henry's message to Liverpool supporters. pic.twitter.com/pHW3RbOcKu
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 21, 2021
