George Gillett, the American businessman who served as a polarizing co-owner of Liverpool Football Club during a tumultuous chapter in its history, has died at the age of 87.
His passing marks the end of an era for a figure whose sports ownership portfolio spanned continents. While perhaps best remembered by British football fans for his high-profile and deeply contentious tenure at Anfield, Gillett also left a significant, more celebrated mark on the North American sporting landscape, most notably as the owner of the Montreal Canadiens from 2001 to 2009.
Geoff Molson, the current owner, president, and CEO of the Montreal Canadiens, confirmed the news in a formal statement on Tuesday. “On behalf of the entire Canadiens organisation, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to George’s family,” Molson said. “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.”
In the world of football, however, Gillett’s legacy is inextricably linked to his 2007 acquisition of Liverpool FC alongside fellow American investor Tom Hicks. The pair purchased a 50 per cent stake each, taking control from former owner David Moores. What followed was a period of intense instability at Anfield, characterized by a fracturing relationship between the two owners and mounting frustration among the fanbase regarding the club’s financial direction.
The partnership soon descended into public acrimony. By March 2008, Gillett openly admitted that his working relationship with Hicks had become “unworkable.” In a candid interview with radio station Fan590, Gillett claimed he had been forced to distance himself from his partner, citing Hicks’ inability to facilitate a buyout and disagreements over potential investment, including interest from Dubai International Capital.
“We have tried to be co-operative, we have tried to be supportive but when your public persona is more important than the facts, that makes it difficult to have a rational relationship,” Gillett stated at the time.
The turmoil surrounding the duo’s ownership continued to escalate until 2010, when, facing severe financial pressure and the looming threat of administration, the pair were forced to sell the club to Fenway Sports Group (FSG). The transition to new ownership was met with overwhelming relief from supporters who had long protested the regime of Hicks and Gillett.
The death of Gillett follows the passing of his former partner, Tom Hicks, who died in December at the age of 70. With the passing of both men, the chapter of a controversial period in Liverpool’s modern history is firmly closed, leaving behind a complex legacy in the global sporting world.
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