Tommy Smith on Liverpool FC: What’s the problem with wanting our fair share ov overseas TV cash?

Oct 15 2011 Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL have copped plenty of criticism this week for wanting a fairer share of overseas TV money.

But I’ve got no problem with what Ian Ayre said and suggested.

Like it or not, it’s a fact of life that, in the Far East and in other parts of the world, the big games attract the biggest audiences.

Take today’s match at Anfield for example. There’ll be many millions around the planet tuning in to see it. But if it were two of the Premier League’s lesser lights or newly promoted sides, the figures watching would be vastly reduced.

It makes sense to suggest that those with the greatest appeal should get the right percentage rewards. That’s how it works in the entertainment industry and sport to many people is entertainment.

So what’s the difference?

A few people too have quoted Bill Shankly and his socialist principles as reason why he wouldn’t have liked this. Well I’ll tell you what Shanks would have said about it...sod all!

He was a great believer in leaving the business and money side of things to the directors – the experts. In return he expected them to leave the football side of things to him.

Ian Ayre has long experience of the football industry and of life in the Far East. You can agree with him or not – but one thing is for sure. He knows what he is talking about.