Gillett holds key to peace at Anfield

Gillett has thrown his weight behind Rick Parry, placing himself in direct opposition to estranged co-owner Tom Hicks, who on Thursday wrote to the chief executive demanding his resignation.

Gillett has further underlined his support for Parry, saying in an interview with the Liverpool Echo: "Rick Parry retains our full support."

He continued: "Any decision to remove him would need the approval of the full Liverpool board which, it should be remembered, consists of six people - myself, Foster (Gillett's son), David Moores, Rick himself, Tom Hicks and Tom junior.

"We have not seen the document in question and we were not party to it. We are not able to comment on the detail because we have not seen it. But I would reiterate that Rick retains our full support."

Parry's response to Hicks' three-page letter could not have been more emphatic, the club's senior administrator describing the Dallas-based businessman's request as "offensive".

The spotlight has fallen on Gillett to broker a deal to end one of the most embarrassing sagas in the club's history.

With Dubai International Capital still waiting patiently in the wings, Hicks is running out of financial options. But Gillett, with his own agreement to sell to DIC, is in a position of power. Sources expect him to begin talks with Hicks to allow the Texan to make his exit with dignity and his honour in tact.

Manager Rafael Benitez called off Friday's pre-match media conference ahead of Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash with Blackburn, choosing to speak only to the club's own television channel.

"I say to the players and myself, we need to be focused on football," he said. "We have an important game against Blackburn so we want to be concentrated on the game."