Scouse_Jimi said:
The owners have committed to financing the stadium deal with their own money - LFC spends what it earns through our footballing income to keep a steady transfer kitty of £30m per year.
The owners wouldn't be here if they didn't want that. The CL represents return on investment for them - hence the investment in the long term strategy of the club with the Stadium, the youth setup (we've signed 2 youth players so far this window and another 2 or 3 are expected)
It might be a couple of years before we're back in the CL but when we are, we'll be in much better shape to consistently challenge due to the framework of the club.
If Henry has promised to put up the money for the stadium separate from club income then that does blow a big hole in my argument. A good youth input, even if they get sold on, is a big bonus. That said, a few owners have made those kind of promises (I'm thinking Villa and Sunderland for eg), and although your case might be different I think we all know that owners to a large degree say what the fans want to hear. Having said that, Henry seems like a good businessman and will know that the CL is a licence to print money.
However, the main point I was trying to make still stands; who will make way for you?
Can't see it being us or Chelsea. Maybe United will nosedive under Moyes (fingers crossed) but can't see them dropping out of the top 4 anytime soon. Arsenal are re-joining the race and surely will only get stronger.
And you are still fighting Spurs. You clearly think you can catch them in the next couple of seasons (I'd be sceptical you can get clear of them), but how are you going to catch up anyone in the top 4?
Maybe Henry is going to put up the money for the stadium, but he can't (even if he wanted) invest much in the team. I know Liverpool can still make a lot of money, but enough to pay the kind of silly money it will take to get back in the top 4? And every year you don't will erode that financial muscle.
P.S. Never, ever ask for stats when THFC6061 is around,
especially if its about Spurs. Apparently they don't have the word 'overkill' in dictionaries in Israel.