Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has moved to appease fans concerned by some comments made by new joint-owner George Gillett.

Gillett, who has bought the club with fellow American tycoon Tom Hicks, called the Merseysiders a 'franchise' and 'Liverpool Reds'.

'George maybe made that mistake a couple of times,' Parry told BBC Radio Four's Today programme.

'If I went over there I might make the odd linguistic mistake.'

Parry also insisted the American takeover of the club was essential for the club to compete for honours."