Former Liverpool co-owner George Gillett Jr. has died at the age of 87.
The American businessman, who owned Liverpool alongside Tom Hicks between 2007 and 2010, passed away on September 22, according to confirmation from the Montreal Canadiens.
Gillett’s time at Liverpool was one of the most turbulent periods in the club’s modern history.
He and Hicks completed their takeover of Liverpool in 2007, replacing David Moores as owners and promising to take the club forward.
Instead, their three-year spell at Anfield became increasingly difficult.
The relationship between the two owners eventually broke down, while tensions with manager Rafael Benítez and growing concern among supporters created an extremely uncomfortable atmosphere around the club.
Liverpool were eventually sold to New England Sports Ventures — now known as Fenway Sports Group — in October 2010 following a bitter legal battle.
For Liverpool supporters of a certain generation, the Hicks and Gillett era will always be remembered.
Not necessarily for what happened on the pitch, but for the uncertainty surrounding the club off it.
There were protests against the owners, arguments over the club’s finances and serious concerns about the direction Liverpool were heading.
The pair had initially talked about building a new stadium in Stanley Park, but those plans never materialised during their ownership.
Eventually, the entire situation reached breaking point.
And Liverpool fans know what happened next.
The club changed hands.
FSG arrived.
Whatever individual opinions supporters have about Fenway Sports Group today, the arrival of John W. Henry and his group brought an end to the Hicks and Gillett era and began a completely different chapter in Liverpool’s history.
But it is important to remember that George Gillett’s sporting career stretched far beyond Liverpool.
He owned the Montreal Canadiens from 2001 until 2009 and was involved in a number of other major sporting ventures, including the Harlem Globetrotters and NASCAR.
The Canadiens have paid tribute to Gillett following his death.
Club owner, president and CEO Geoff Molson said:
> “George immersed himself in the Montreal community and was appreciated by everyone in the organization. We sincerely appreciate his contributions to the Montreal Canadiens during his time as owner.”
His time in Montreal was viewed very differently from his spell at Liverpool, with Gillett playing a significant role in the organisation’s centenary preparations.
But here in Liverpool, his name will inevitably remain connected to those difficult years alongside Hicks.
That doesn’t mean there is any need to celebrate or condemn a man on the day of his death.
Football ownership can leave complicated legacies.
And Gillett certainly leaves one at Liverpool.
He was part of a group that arrived at Anfield promising a bright future, only for the relationship with the club and supporters to deteriorate dramatically.
Eventually, Liverpool survived that period.
And perhaps that is the most important thing for supporters to remember.
The club came through it.
Liverpool survived the uncertainty, the ownership battle and the financial concerns surrounding the club.
Then came a new era.
George Gillett was 87.
His involvement with Liverpool lasted only three years, but those three years remain firmly etched into the club’s history.
May he rest in peace.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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