Former Liverpool co‑owner John Hicks dies at 79

Tom Hicks, former co‑owner of Liverpool Football Club, died at the age of seventy‑nine on Tuesday at his home in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by his family.

The American businessman, who partnered with George Gillett to run the club from 2007 to 2010, is remembered by his six children as a devoted father.

“Of everything he accomplished in his remarkable life, Tom Hicks’ most cherished title was ‘Dad’,” the family statement read.

“No matter the trials and tribulations he faced in life, he was constant in his generosity and love for his family. He remains a guiding force for our family, and we are deeply honoured to continue expanding his legacy. Although we are devastated by this loss, we are profoundly grateful to have been his children,” they added.

Hicks and Gillett sold Liverpool to Fenway Sports Group after the duo accumulated debts of roughly £237 million and failed to deliver on promises to renovate Anfield or build a new stadium, leaving many supporters disgruntled.

In a statement, Liverpool FC said it sends its condolences “to the Hicks family and Tom’s friends at this difficult time”.

Beyond football, Hicks owned the Dallas Stars ice‑hockey franchise from 1995 to 2011 and the Texas Rangers baseball club from 1998 to 2010. Under his stewardship, the Stars captured consecutive Central Division titles between 1996 and 1998 and won the Stanley Cup in 1999, while the Rangers claimed three American League West titles and reached the 2010 World Series.

Ghanaian Liverpool fans took to social media to honour the late businessman, noting that his era in charge sparked a surge of interest in the Premier League among Ghana’s youth.

Hicks is survived by his wife of thirty‑five years, Cinda, and will be remembered for both his sporting successes and the controversies that marked his tenure at Anfield.

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