Christian Purslow stands down as Liverpool managing director
Christian Purslow has stood down as Liverpool’s managing director, just a day after being on the receiving end of a scathing attack from former Reds boss Rafael Benitez.
Purslow was a key figure in the protracted takeover of the club by New England Sports Ventures – which was completed last week – and will now stay at the Reds as a non-executive director, advising the new American owners.
Despite his involvement in the successful takeover, Purslow was never really a popular figure with Liverpool supporters due to what they saw as dragging his feet over the takeover, and an over-involvement in footballing matters – culminating in Benitez’s departure in June.
Speaking yesterday ahead his new club Inter Milan’s Champions League tie with Tottenham Hotspur, Benitez launched into a bizarre tirade against Purslow and former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett for their actions during the Spaniard’s final few months at the club. It is fair to say that his relationship with all three had turned sour.
“We have a saying in Spanish,” he said “which is, "white liquid in a bottle has to be milk.
“What does this mean? It means that after 86 points and finishing second in the league (in 2008/09), what changed? The Americans, they chose a new managing director and everything changed.
“So, what changed? The managing director is involved in all the decisions: new lawyer, new chief of press, new manager, nine new players, new medical staff, and new fitness coaches - they changed everything.
“It's simple: they changed something and, at the end, they changed everything. White liquid in a bottle. If I see John the milkman in the Wirral, where I was living, with this bottle, I'd say, ‘It's milk, sure’.”
Despite the cryptic attack from the former boss, Purslow is still leaving with his head held high.
“I came to Liverpool FC to lead the club through a sale process to get the best overall deal including, vitally, the removal of the debt,” said Purslow.
“I am immensely proud of what we have all achieved. I now look forward to assisting the owners in any way I can.”
Tom Werner, the new Liverpool chairman under owner John W Henry, said: “We will now begin a global search process for a chief executive officer.”
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