Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre refuses to rule out 39th Premier League game

Ian Ayre – Liverpool commercial director (GOAL.com/Theo Mathias)

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Ian Ayre, the managing director of Liverpool, has refused to rule out endorsing a move to create a 39th Premier League fixture overseas.

Ayre, who was recently promoted to the role from within the club’s management structure, has admitted that, whilst there were problems with the initial proposal, the idea cannot be ruled out completely.

He told Management Today: “I don’t know – it’s fraught with lots of issues. But somehow we have a duty to fans around the world to give them access to the product.

“So never say never. What was unfortunate about last time was that the idea was created as some kind of reality before it had been thought through.”

The Premier League proposed a 39th fixture as far back as 2008 but were widely condemned by supporters’ groups and chairman alike.

Ayre conceded that any plans would have to be “properly considered” before being brought into place.

He continued: “And whatever’s going to happen in football, it needs to have been absolutely thought through and every element considered – what’s right and proper for the fans, the club, the league, the confederation, the local markets where you’d play.

“It all needs to be properly considered and I don’t think last time that was the case.”

Ayre, a Liverpool local and lifelong fan, also talked about the differences in perception between his club and current Premier League leaders Manchester United.

He added: “Someone said to me recently that if you take a club like Man United, people either love them or hate them – it’s the Marmite effect.

“But with Liverpool, we’re more like everyone’s second favourite team. So when you’re responsible for selling and marketing the brand, you’ve got to keep that in mind.”