Parry to exit Anfield after losing power struggle
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry to leave club at end of season after falling out with Tom Hicks and Rafael Benitez
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Friday, 27, Feb 2009 10:39
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry will leave the club at the end of the season after losing his power battle with Rafael Benitez and co-owner Tom Hicks.
The lifelong Reds fan reportedly sided with George Gillett in the American's boardroom struggle with compatriot and co-chairman Hicks.
And Reds manager Benitez was seemingly unwilling to sign a new contract until Parry's role in transfers was ended.
Parry, 54, joined Liverpool in 1997 after leaving the Premier League. His commitment to the club was recognised by Hicks in a statement released today.
Pledging a "smooth transition" between now and the chief executive's departure, the American said: "He will always remain a friend of the football club."
Gillett added his own thanks to Parry, praising the "significant service... and the assistance he has given us since we joined Liverpool".
"He has been integral to the club's success over the past decade and leaves with our best wishes for the future," Gillett said.
Parry, who ironically brought the two American investors to the club in the first place, said: "I have had 12 very exciting years at Liverpool and am extremely proud of what has been achieved by the club over that period.
"It has been a privilege to serve the club and as a lifelong supporter I wish the owners, Rafa, the players and the wonderful staff all the very best for the future. I will be leaving at the end of the season knowing that the club remains strong and with a set of supporters who deserve success in all that Liverpool does."