John W Henry – Engaging The Fans

John W Henry doesn’t normally tweet much. Before today, he hadn’t posted anything in over three months, since the 23rd of March.

However, following this tweet at around 6pm tonight:

Speculation on players shouldn’t include those of a certain age. We are not going to be successful by merely filling short-term needs at LFC

He indulged in a mini question-and-answer session effectively. Here are some of the more interesting bits:

@penwhen: Wonder if JWH is paying attention to his LFC subjects during Red Sox season. If he is, he’s wondering what he got himself into.

JWH: Very happy, very honored to be a part of all of this. I know it’s difficult not seeing what’s going on behind the scenes.

@1karim: Do things the Liverpool way!

JWH: Trying.

@LukeG81: does this mean that we’re only thinking long term though and should brace ourselves for a wait for success? YNWA

JWH: I don’t think so, Luke. We were very competitive in the second half of last year.

@JoeJoeLFC: I hope JWH put some nerves at ease and shut some haters mouths. YNWA

JWH: I doubt there are many haters, just some very eager to see LFC at the top. Patience is part of a necessary discipline we need.

@PortsDave Good news, hopefully this policy also extends to overpriced British players. Thanks for all that your doing for the club

JWH: Dave, everything in sports is overpriced now – especially the cost of winning. But you make your choices based on a plan.

@mikey_white82: Really like the ethos of our owners @John_W_Henry We’re in the market for young & hungry talent that WANT to win & play for the shirt

JWH: That’s a big part of it, Michael.

@LFC_newsnow: Isnt balance the key John to a teams success? Youth & Experience? … Are we ruling out buying players over a certain age?

JWH: Who’s news now? We already have quite a bit of experience in the club. Should be a good balance.

@rocketstig: My mate is adamant that JWH is is seeking a US player so he can sell the game to the US.Any thoughts? And if so who might it be?

JWH: Steve, the U.S. will remain a tough sell and the answer is no. But you really have to like what Garber et al have accomplished.

@dhol_den: do you think the press are overhyping us missing out on targets to try and make fans feel unsure about your ownership YNWA

JWH: David, who has a tougher job than a football journalist in trying to decipher what is going on in this sport with poss transfers!

@LFCNigerian: Sir what is going on.. things is not going according to plan. u promiss early signing. noting happen. Man u 3 player now

JWH: Abuh, some things happen early and some late. The important thing is that things happen. Sometimes what you avoid is important.

@Jonah545711: are we making progress on the new stadium plans?

JWH: Simon, an incredible amount of work has been underway on this issue. It would be helpful for fans to get an official update.

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Whilst there is nothing particularly earth shattering in any of that, it’s clear that he appreciates the Liverpool way of doing things, but also at the same time that the fans understandably want to know what’s going on.

Mr Henry and Fenway Sports Group are yet to put a foot wrong in my eyes. Long may it continue.

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