August 29, 1991
David Moores, nephew of former “Mr Everton” Sir John Moores, last night became new chairman of arch-rivals Liverpool in a shock Anfield power coup. Moores, a 46 year-old rock music fan and lifelong Liverpool supporter, moved in to end Noel White’s short tenure at the helm of English football’s most successful club.
The big move at the top will stun the club’s shareholders, who saw White chair last night’s annual meeting when he was re-elected as a director. But at a special board meeting later the directors elected Moores to the seat of power with Sydney Moss continuing as vice-chairman and White remaining on the board. The elevation of Moores comes 31 years after his uncle Sir John, 95-year-old founder of the massive Littlewood Organisation, became chairman of Everton to resurrect Goodison fortunes and ear them the label of “Mersey millionaires”.
Liverpool’s dramatic change at the top comes only 15 months after White, a 60-year-old retired hoteller and vice-chairman of the FA International Committee, succeeded Sir John Smith, whose 17-year reign harvested a staggering 22 major trophies.
Moores, son of the late Cecil who helped his brother Sir John found the Littlewoods Pools, Mail Order and retail empire to launch a mega rich dynasty, becomes chairman of England’s most successful club after a brief period as an Anfield director. He was co-opted onto the board only in March last year and his shareholding – part of large stake the Moores family hold in both Liverpool and Everton – has increased substantially since then.
Moores, just eight years older than new manager Graeme Souness, is believed to be the youngest chairman in Liverpool history and his appointment is the latest episode in a turbulent chapter of change for the club that built its success on continuity.
Moores said in a prepared club statement following his election as chairman: “I feel very honoured to have been elected to take the chair as it fulfils a lifelong ambition.
“It is especially exciting time as we are approaching our centenary year in 1992 and are on the eve of our return to Europe.”
Ironically, Liverpool’s first game with Moores as chairman is tomorrow’s derby with Everton, the club his uncle put back on the English football map.
(Source: Daily Express: August 30, 1991)
Noel White
"Play Up, Liverpool" 