John Henry says a new stadium may not change
Liverpool's financial situation
Liverpool's principal owner John Henry insists it
is a myth that a new stadium will transform the club's financial
fortunes.
The lead figure in Fenway Sports Group has suggested a
new-build in Stanley Park would most likely lead to increased
ticket prices, quoting recent examples taken from the United
States.
Henry believes the best way of improving the Reds' ability
to compete financially is through worldwide commercial revenue
streams and their long-term future is not dependent on the stadium
issue, which casts doubt over whether the long-mooted Stanley Park
project will ever come to fruition.
'A long-term myth has existed about the financial impact
of a new stadium for Liverpool," the American wrote in an email to
The Anfield Wrap website.
'A belief has grown that Liverpool FC must have a new
stadium to compete with (Manchester) United, Arsenal and
others.
'No-one has ever addressed whether or not a new stadium is
rational.
'New stadiums that are publicly-financed make sense for
clubs - I've never heard of a club turning down a publicly-financed
stadium.
'New stadiums increase revenues primarily by raising
ticket prices - especially premium seating.'
Henry accepts there is a balancing act to be done when
considering the worth of a new stadium against a redevelopment of
Anfield, which presents numerous logistical problems.
'We've been exploring a new stadium for the past 18
months. At one point we made it clear that if a naming rights deal
could be secured of sufficient size, we would make every effort to
build a new facility,' he added.
Visions: A potential new Anfield
'Liverpool FC has an advantage in being a global
club and a naming rights deal could make a new stadium a
reality.
'It is something we are working on. There has been
interest.
'Going in the other direction, many football clubs have
successfully enlarged their seating capacity.
'LFC has had plans to expand the main stand at Anfield but
this avenue has been very difficult for the club over the past
couple of decades.
'There are homes behind the main stand. Expansion of the
main stand would have to be a priority for the city, community and
immediate neighbourhood in order for that to occur.
'This issue is vital to the neighbourhood's future but we
cannot and will not act unilaterally.
'While a new stadium or an expansion of Anfield is
beneficial over the long-term for the club, the financial impact of
adding seats and amenities should be put into
perspective.
'That's why I say that it is a myth that stadium issues
are going to magically transform LFC's fortunes.
'Building new or refurbishing Anfield is going to lead to
an increase from £40million of match-day revenue to perhaps £60-70m
if you don't factor in debt service.
'That would certainly help but it's just one component of
LFC long-term fortunes.
'Our future is based not on a stadium issue but on
building a strong football club that can compete with anyone in
Europe.
'This will be principally driven financially by our
commercial strengths globally.'