Why has Gillett chosen to speak out now?

It comes as a surprise because he has turned down numerous requests for interviews in the past four months. His silence has been unnerving but it is no secret that he has fallen out with Hicks. It is very significant that he has chosen to go public now.

Are you surprised by what he has said?

I’m not surprised by what he has said, but surprised that he has said it now. Gillett and Hicks have been at odds over virtually everything recently. It is not just a personality clash. Gillett appears not to have the money to take the club forward. There were talks last month between Gillett and DIC, Hicks attempted to veto the sale but he has done himself more harm than good. The likelihood is that DIC will buy Gillett’s 50 per cent soon. Hicks believes that he he has the ultimate power of veto over this, but DIC’s attitude is: “We’ll see about that”.

Can Hicks and DIC work together?

Hicks could not work with Gillett and it will be impossible for him to hold on after DIC have bought Gillett’s shares. He will be forced to sell because of the financial climate. He will be gone within 6-12 months but it could be much sooner.

How does this affect Rafael Benitez?

I would guess that by the end of the season the ownership structure of the club will have changed. If Liverpool’s season falls apart in the next few weeks then Benitez will be on very thin ice. He has realised that he should just get on with his job and forget about pursuing personal vendettas against people on the board. Funnily enough, he now has no contact with Gillett but gets on quite well with Hicks.

Has there been any contact between Benitez and DIC?

I understand that there has been some contact between intermediaries.

Will there be any more protests at the derby on Sunday?

There are no formal plans but there will be the usual chants aimed at Hicks. There is so much at stake that for 90 minutes the focus has to be on the pitch.