Tom Hicks chat was more offensive than charming APR 19 2008 BY TONY BARRETT, LIVERPOOL ECHO * CATCH up with the all the latest comment from star columnists, journalists and fans on our new site, LFC Banter THOSE who studied GCSE history may be aware of President Frankli n D Roosevelt’s fireside chats. A staple in American homes from 1933-45, Roosevelt would conduct radio interviews in a homely setting to give the impression that although he was a politician he was also a human being and a family man who could be trusted to do right thing by the public even during the most testing of times. On Thursday, Tom Hicks tried to reawaken the spirit of FDR when he did his very own fireside chat for the benefit of Liverpool’s long suffering fans. It needs only a glance at the myriad of Reds related forums and websites to discover that Hicks’ efforts failed – and miserably at that. From the stage managed props – including an LFC cup which was so untouched it looked like it had been delivered from the club shop that very day – to the Liverpool gear that Hicks donned in every shot, the whole set up could not have been more forced had Hicks had the cast of Carousel singing You’ll Never Walk Alone in the background. There was even a pot shot at Everton from the star of the show just to make sure no-one was left in any doubt that the gallery was being played to with all the gusto of a politician wanting to prove he really is a nice family man after all, just days after being caught in a compromising position on Hampstead Heath. "My family loves Liverpool," said Hicks, in front of a couple of teenagers who tried but failed not to look incredibly bored as they watched daddy’s UK franchise beating Rovers of Blackburn on a TV so big it made the Anfield pitch look lifesize. If this was a charm offensive then it seems hardly anyone was charmed but almost everyone was offended. Trying too hard is never going to be an impressive sight and whoever was the brains behind this misguided operation missed the mark by quite some distance. And it no doubt left DIC – whom Hicks derided as "masters of spin" – rubbing their hands in glee at the biggest own goal since Djimi Traore’s muddled dancing feet knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup. If Hicks really wants to win the Liverpool fans over he could start by acting like someone who has the best interests of the club at heart because that is something which has been conspicuous only by its absence ever since he took ownership of the club alongside George Gillett. Pledges which he made on his opening day in control have not been kept and the Texan has washed more dirty linen in public than anyone in his position should ever do. That is why the majority of Liverpool’s fans are still of the opinion that it is Hicks and not Rick Parry who is the biggest problem at the club, even though many of them feel that time should be called on the chief executive’s time at the club also. And seeing as Hicks is so taken by the influence of FDR, maybe he should consider one of the wartime president’s most telling quotes. "Confidence," he opined, "thrives on honesty, on honour, on the sacredness of obligations, on faithful protection and on unselfish performance. Without them it cannot live." There is precious little confidence in Hicks at Anfield at the moment. The time has come for him to ask himself why – not blame others.

source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2008/04/19/tom-hicks-chat-was-more-offensive-than-charming-100252-20785975 Tracking Tom Hicks, he had another PR debacle, Saturday for his Scouser Propaganda Campaign. His efforts to appease our comrades and poor fellows who support a different Hicks owned club are always interesting to keep track of. One thing is certain, the rangers are certainly not 1st priority in his sports ownership world. i think thats a very good thing, he did the same thing here, only no1 cared.