Posted on 6th July 2010
This is a story from the FSF archive – the FSF and SD merged to become the FSA in 2019.
An estimated 2,000 Liverpool fans came together outside the city’s St George’s Hall on Sunday July 4th to celebrate their very own Independence Day and demand that the club’s unwanted owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett hand the club back to the fans.
Organised by Liverpool supporters’ group and FSF affiliate the Spirit of Shankly (SoS) the rally also saw the launch of SoS initiative the Liverpool Supporters’ Credit Union. While the exact details won’t be finalised until August the credit union will allow Liverpool fans a properly protected method of saving money with interest paid at commercial levels.
If the supporter wishes the money saved can then be used to buy shares in any future takeover and the scheme is designed to be affordable for any season ticket holder. An investment of £500 guarantees supporters a share and consultation in any further negotiations.
“It’s not just about making a noise and feeling better, it’s about making a difference,” said SoS’s Paul Rice. “We want to represent the average supporter in the street.”
The gathering also attracted its share of celebrities with Cast singer John Power ensuring everyone had a fine time by leading the Scouse choir in demanding Hicks and Gillett walkaway. On-field legends such as John Aldridge and Howard Gayle also showed up to give their backing to the cause along with many others including comedian John Bishop and Steve Rotherham MP.
The biggest cheer of the day however was saved for Bill Shankly’s granddaughter Karen Gill who travelled from Greece to give her family’s backing to SoS. “Whether it’s a success or failure we support our team and my grandad recognised this. He would have been proud to have seen such a show of red strength today,” said Ms Gill from the steps where her grandfather stood on victory parades through the 60s and 70s.
The Football Supporters’ Federation on Facebook.
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