American businessman George Gillett, who was previously the co-owner of Liverpool FC, has passed away at the age of 87 following a battle with Alzheimer's Disease
George Gillett and Tom Kicks
George Gillett (left) with fellow ex-Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks(Image: Andy Stenning)
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Former Liverpool owner George Gillett has died at the age of 87.
The American businessman completed a takeover of Liverpool alongside Tom Hicks in March 2007. They owned the Premier League giants until a bitter sale went through to New England Sports Ventures, a company led by John Henry which would become Fenway Sports Group, in October 2010.
Gillett also used to own ice hockey team Montreal Canadiens, as well as holding stakes in NFL franchise the Miami Dolphins and legendary basketball team Harlem Globetrotters.
“On behalf of the entire Canadiens organization, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to George’s family,” Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said in a statement.
“George immersed himself in the Montreal community and was appreciated by everyone in the organization. We sincerely appreciate his contributions to the Montreal Canadiens during his time as owner.”
Gillett and Hicks took over Liverpool in 2007 following a takeover worth £174million. Their time at the club was a tumultuous one, with fans protesting against their ownership and manager Rafael Benitez clashing with the American pair before their spell in charge came to a bitter end three years later.
After falling out, they were forced to sell to the company that would later become the current owners, Fenway Sports Group, for around £300m - a fee they believed to be well below the club's real value.
George Gillett
Ex-Liverpool owner George Gillett at Anfield in 2009(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
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Gillett made his money through ski resorts. And while he was not popular in Liverpool, his ownership of the Montreal Canadiens from 2001 to 2009 won him many fans in the world of Canadian ice hockey.
National Hockey League (NHL) commissioner Gary Bettman said: “George Gillett’s passion for the Montreal Canadiens and commitment to the city of Montreal were demonstrated throughout his tenure as owner of the storied franchise from 2001 to 2009.
"He guided the Canadiens through a significant chapter in their history that included preparations for their Centennial Celebration, which honoured the franchise’s rich legacy and seminal place in our game.
“George was a friend whose company I always enjoyed, whose counsel was wise, and whose energy was contagious.
"His contributions to the hockey world left an enduring mark, and his legacy will continue to be felt throughout the game for years to come. The National Hockey League sends its heartfelt condolences to his family and many friends.”