“Howdy pardner, wanna sign a new contract?” So was the crux of Tom Hicks’ telephone conversation with Rafa Benitez earlier this week; as the American pioneers look to jump on the bandwagon of Liverpool’s early season success.
The offer even has the full support of co-owner, the clean shaven George Gillette. In spite of what he sees as bare-faced rebellion by the goatee wearing Spaniard.
No matter, Benitez is keen. “The other day I was joking that if they offered me a 20-year contract I'd be really pleased,” chortled the Spaniard, jovial at the prospect of a GBP100m deal.
Benitez, however, won’t be offered a 20-year contract. Times are hard, even in the disposable razor business, and a 5-year deal is more likely.
The move has been met with joy by Liverpool fans, who don’t know any better, and, surprisingly, the modern art fraternity.
"Put a s**t hanging from a stick in the middle of this passionate, crazy stadium and there are people who will tell you it's a work of art,” mused football philosopher, Jorge Valdano, prior to last season’s Champions League semi-final at Anfield. “It's not: it's a s**t hanging from a stick."