Liverpool look to balance the books

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre says the club are in a strong position to ride out any possible financial problems they may encounter.

The Premier League club was taken over by American firm New England Sports Ventures in October, with debt at Anfield reportedly around the 230 million-pound mark.

Speaking at the Soccerex football business convention in Manchester, Ayre said he believes Liverpool are on solid financial ground ahead of the introduction of UEFA’s financial fair play laws.

“We are in a very strong position I would say. We have very little debt, we have strong revenues streams and we have owners and people at the club who want to invest wisely and build the club progressively,” Ayre said.

“They all seemed to fit with the type of things that financial fair play is targeting, and it’s a great opportunity if it’s applied and regulated in the way it seems.”

Ayre also said the club was delighted with the job being done by caretaker boss Kenny Dalglish since he took over the reins from Roy Hodgson in January.

“Personally, I wasn’t surprised at the impact that Kenny had,” he said.

“As somebody who has been a fan all my life, of Liverpool, I know what he means to the club and I know what the club means to him.”

“I think when you bring that sort of energy and engagement and understanding, you are always going to have a massive impact and we are very pleased.”