Former Liverpool Owner Tom Hicks dies at Age 79
By Sneha Santra
Tom Hicks, the former co-owner of Liverpool Football Club, died on Saturday, December 6, in Dallas. Hicks had a great passion for sports, which eventually led him to own several clubs - the NHL’s Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers and Liverpool. (He acquired a 50% stake in Liverpool in 2007) His death has reignited debate among Liverpool supporters about a period that pushed the club to the brink of financial collapse and permanently reshaped the club’s identity.
Hicks’ death brings back memories of his turbulent tenure in Liverpool, starting from the day he and George Gillett took control of Liverpool in 2007. His tenure promised a new era of investment and success at Anfield. He was perceived as the “Saviour” of the club, promising new heights and major achievements. At that time, fans were overly optimistic about it.
Hicks (Right) took over as part-ownership of Liverpool FC with business partner George Gillett in 2007.
Credit: Sky Sports News
However, things gradually went south. They bought the club mostly using loans, meaning Liverpool itself carried the enormous debt, not Hicks/Gillett personally. This further led to financial instability in the club from day one. Not only that, Hicks promised major investment in stadium development, but there were no visible actions regarding it.
Additionally, boardroom conflicts became more common among the authorities over transfers, spending and club strategy. Fans' unrest grew steadily through protests, highlighting fears over the club’s financial security and long-term sustainability.
All these factors led to severe damage to the club’s long-term image. The era of Hicks is defined not by trophies or success but by financial strain, internal disputes and other factors. By 2009, Liverpool faced mounting pressure. Debt repayments, legal wrangling over potential sales, and media scrutiny. Finally marking the end of a controversial chapter in Liverpool’s history.
In October 2010, Liverpool Football Club was sold to Fenway Sports Group (FSG), led by principal owner John W. Henry. After, FSG quickly began the re-modification of Liverpool by investing in both the squad and players.
The takeover saved the club from financial collapse and restored the faith of supporters in the club. There are plenty of lessons in the whole cautionary tale of football ownership. It highlighted the dangers of leveraged takeovers, the importance of transparent management and the co-operation between owners and executives. Managers like Rafael Benitez faced constraints on transfers and squad strengthening. It further emphasises how off-field decisions directly impacted on-pitch performance.
Tom Hicks’ tenure at Liverpool FC remains one of the most controversial chapters in modern football history. From the 2007 takeover to the eventual sale in 2010, the whole period was transformational. Tom Hick’s passing closes the final chapter on a controversial era at Liverpool FC, but the impact of his ownership continues to resonate. And it will be a great learning lesson for anyone. A reminder of the fragility and sheer resilience of one of football’s cherished clubs.