Rafael Benitez was finally assured he has a long-term future as Liverpool manager last night after Tom Hicks and George Gillett ensured their own survival at the club by completing a £350 million (€470m) refinancing package.

Months of uncertainty over the Spaniard's position at Anfield plus plans for a new stadium and the co-chairmen's ownership of Liverpool appeared to come to an end yesterday when the Americans strengthened their hold on their initial £185 million investment. First they unveiled revised designs for a 71,000-seat stadium from the Dallas-based architects HKS, then it was confirmed the pair had secured a £350 million loan from the Royal Bank of Scotland and US bank Wachovia and, finally, Hicks gave Benitez his first show of public support since a rift developed between them last November.

He also indicated the Spaniard would see out the final two-and-a-half years of his Liverpool contract.

Gillett was a notable absentee from the refinancing statement and the stadium design package, however, indicating the Americans' working relationship remains under strain.

Hicks has given no indication that he is prepared to sell and, for the Texan, yesterday's stadium proposals and the loan that will allow work to commence on the development represent a personal triumph.

Acutely aware of the need to regain favour with a disillusioned fanbase, he also stated his faith in Benitez.

"Since the meeting with Rafa on December 16th, at which some widely reported communications issues were discussed, Rafa has been assured that he has continuing and enthusiastic support as the club's manager," Hicks said in a statement.

The striker Andriy Voronin has been ruled out for six weeks following surgery on an ankle ligament injury.