Former Liverpool co-owner George Gillet, who was at the club between 2007 and 2010, has died aged 87 after the American businessman battled Alzheimer’s disease
Former Liverpool co-owner George Gillett has died at the age of 87, months after the death of his ex-business partner Tom Hicks.
The American businessman, who made his millions through ski resorts, secured a takeover of Liverpool alongside his countryman Hicks in March 2007 from Merseyside tycoon David Moores, who later said he “hugely regretted” the sale. The pair controlled the Premier League giants during a controversial reign until a bitter sale was finalised to New England Sports Ventures, a firm headed by John Henry which would later become Fenway Sports Group (FSG), in October 2010.
Gillett had an extensive sporting portfolio – and the American also previously owned ice hockey side Montreal Canadiens, while holding interests in NFL franchise the Miami Dolphins and iconic basketball outfit Harlem Globetrotters.
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“On behalf of the entire Canadiens organisation, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to George’s family,” Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said in a statement.
“George immersed himself in the Montreal community and was appreciated by everyone in the organisation. We sincerely appreciate his contributions to the Montreal Canadiens during his time as owner,” reports the Mirror.
Gillett and Hicks assumed control of Liverpool in 2007 following a takeover valued at £174million. Their tenure at the club proved turbulent, with supporters demonstrating against their stewardship, and manager Rafael Benitez feuding with the American duo.
They vowed to build a new stadium at Stanley Park, which would have replaced Anfield, but this never materialised. Spanish boss Benitez was sacked and infamously replaced by Roy Hodgson, who lasted just six months in the job.
After Hicks and Gillett’s relationship soured, they were compelled to sell to the company that would subsequently become the current owners, FSG, for approximately £300m – a sum they considered to be significantly below the club’s true worth.
The sale was a forced deal by the club’s main creditor, the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), to avoid the club going into administration.
Despite not being a favourite in Liverpool, his stewardship of the Montreal Canadiens from 2001 to 2009 earned him a considerable fan base in Canadian ice hockey.
National Hockey League (NHL) commissioner Gary Bettman stated: “George Gillett’s passion for the Montreal Canadiens and commitment to the city of Montreal were demonstrated throughout his tenure as owner of the storied franchise from 2001 to 2009.
“He guided the Canadiens through a significant chapter in their history that included preparations for their Centennial Celebration, which honoured the franchise’s rich legacy and seminal place in our game.
“George was a friend whose company I always enjoyed, whose counsel was wise, and whose energy was contagious. His contributions to the hockey world left an enduring mark, and his legacy will continue to be felt throughout the game for years to come. The National Hockey League sends its heartfelt condolences to his family and many friends.”
Texas businessman Hicks, who owned the NHL’s Dallas Stars from 1995 to 2011, winning the Stanley Cup in 1999, and also owned baseball’s Texas Rangers from 1998 to 2010, died in December at the age of 79.