Tom Hicks, former Liverpool FC owner, dies at 79
Tom Hicks, the American businessman whose ownership of Liverpool FC alongside George Gillett became one of the most contentious periods in the club’s modern history, has died at the age of 79, reports BritPanorama.
A spokesman confirmed that Mr Hicks passed away peacefully on Saturday in Dallas, surrounded by his family.
The Texas-based investor held a 50 per cent stake in Liverpool from 2007 until 2010, a turbulent three-year spell marked by boardroom dysfunction and supporter unrest. His time at the club culminated when the Royal Bank of Scotland, the primary creditor, forced through a sale to New England Sports Ventures, now known as Fenway Sports Group, to avert a potential administration.
Hicks built a formidable reputation in American professional sports beyond his Liverpool involvement. He owned the NHL’s Dallas Stars for 16 years from 1995, leading the franchise to Stanley Cup glory in 1999. His ownership of baseball’s Texas Rangers from 1998 to 2010 saw the team claim three American West Division titles and reach the World Series.
His tenure at Anfield was characterized by frequent boardroom disputes, including public disagreements with then-chief executive Rick Parry and manager Rafa Benítez. Hicks pledged to construct a new stadium at Stanley Park, but the project never materialized, triggering widespread discontent among supporters and leading to numerous protests.
In October 2010, celebrity fans released a video entitled “Dear Mr Hicks” outlining their reasons for seeking his removal from the club. Fellow Texas businessman Ross Perot Jr remarked, “Tom Hicks was an innovative businessman and a pioneer in private equity. He combined his commitment to business and sports through his ownership of the Stars and the Rangers.”
Reflecting on his Liverpool experience in a 2019 interview with Sky Sports, Mr Hicks placed significant blame on his business partner, stating, “The biggest problem I had was I picked the wrong partner. I should’ve known better.” He also served as a paratrooper in the Army Reserves and held positions such as Commissioner of the American Battle Monuments Commission.
Hicks is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cinda Cree Hicks, and their six children, who released a joint statement expressing their profound gratitude for having been his children, despite the grief of their loss.
As football mourns a figure synonymous with a troubled era at Liverpool FC, the complexities of ownership in sports linger long after the individual is gone. Hicks’s story is a reminder of the intricate dance between business ambition and fan sentiment, a juxtaposition that continues to define the beautiful game.
