LIVERPOOL today slammed speculation suggesting they are considering ditching plans to build a new stadium.
A Sunday newspaper report claimed the club has hired architects to look at the possibility of redeveloping Anfield instead of going ahead with their proposals to construct a new ground on nearby Stanley Park.
But senior club officials dismissed the story out of hand, insisting it is without any foundation.
A club spokesman told the ECHO: “The story is completely wrong.
“No-one has been asked to look at increasing the capacity of Anfield with a view to us staying at the present ground.
“Global market conditions may have delayed the project, but the club remains committed to building a new world class LFC stadium on the site in Stanley Park.”
Tom Hicks and George Gillett recently announced that the Stanley Park plans have been delayed for another year because of the credit crunch, leaving many Liverpool fans deeply unhappy at what they see as another broken promise by the club’s American owners.
But the club remains adamant that the Stanley Park option is the only one being pursued, despite the fact that economic conditions are likely to worsen as the effects of the credit crunch intensify on both sides of the Atlantic.
Meanwhile, Fernando Torres has revealed how Reds boss Rafa Benitez never allows him to rest on his laurels – even after the Spanish striker’s record breaking first season in a Liverpool shirt.
Torres scored 33 goals during his debut season in English football and has another five to his name already this time around. But he admits that Benitez is always demanding that he reaches even greater heights.
“I am my own sternest critic, but my manager is just as demanding as I am,” said Torres. “Rafa keeps reminding me I still have a long way to go. I’ll score a goal, but he won't tell me he is happy afterwards – I have him on my back for six hours every day.”
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