Thomas O. Hicks is not new to sports, but his latest acquisition has him on the hot seat with some of the world’s most passionate fans.
This year, Mr. Hicks’ new firm, Hicks Holdings LLC, Dallas — which managers money for his family and three others — bought the legendary English soccer team Liverpool Football Club, along with George Gillett, owner of the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens.
Liverpool’s passionate fan base has been unhappy as of late. After what a fan website calls an “indifferent season,” some have called for the firing of manager Rafael Benitez. Liverpool was fifth in the Barclays English Premier League, six points behind co-leaders Arsenal and Manchester United, as of Nov. 20. In European competition, Liverpool was third in its group and at risk of failing to make the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
For many Reds supporters, that performance isn’t up to snuff. When P&I’s accidental sports reporter asked Mr. Hicks about Mr. Benitez’s future with the team during a recent interview, Mr. Hicks said, “Wait two or thee weeks.”
The pressure is on Mr. Benitez — and Mr. Hicks.
