Reds' new owners get a taste of Anfield fervour

FOR Liverpool's new American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr, their first match at Anfield was a special experience.

Gillett had stood dumb-struck during the bellowed pre-match rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone, and again when it rang out in stoppage time after Liverpool had thrown Barcelona out of the Champions League.

'That was like nothing I've ever seen or heard,' said Gillett, owner of the Montreal Canadiens hockey team.

The deafening noise from the more than 40,000 supporters also had his co-owner beaming in disbelief.

'My first time at Anfield and everything I'd heard is true,' said Hicks, owner of NHL's Dallas Stars and Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers.

'I've seen a lot of sporting events all around the world, but nothing comes close to that.'

Until Tuesday, Hicks had followed Liverpool's games on satellite television.

He said: 'So it's good to be at a game in person. Tonight's very special. There couldn't be a better match.'

Hicks and Gillett are close to buying up 75 per cent of Liverpool's shares, which would pave the way for a full takeover of the 18-time English champions, reported The Guardian.

David Moores, who will step down after 16 years as Liverpool chairman, said: 'The only regret is that we never won the Premiership under my chairmanship. But, with the new owners, I'm sure the club can win No 19 soon.'