THE prospect of a power vacuum developing at the heart of English football now looms large after the Premier League's chief executive, Rick Parry, confirmed he was to leave the post.
Five years after he took on the job of leading a fractured sport into a new era, Parry (41) has announced he is to become the chief executive of Liverpool, the club he has always supported. Although Parry's contract with the Premier League stipulates he must serve six months' notice - something he is happy to do - it is thought highly probable that he will be asked to leave with immediate effect next Monday when the chairmen of the 20 Premiership clubs will discuss the matter.
Parry's departure, whenever it comes, could not be less well timed. Just five months after he brokered a new four year deal with BSkyB and the BBC, a new television battle draws nearer. The first shots in the scramble for incalculable riches from pay per view television will be fired shortly and without Parry's stabilising and calming influence there seems every chance of a new rift opening up between the Premiership's elite and their less wealthy counterparts.
Indeed, it would seem that one of the main reasons why Parry has been lured to Anfield is to help the Merseyside club negotiate safe passage to their own pay per view deal.
Although Parry had not intended to publicly declare his intention of standing down until [after his current employers had [been informed, he yesterday confirmed he was to quit a job which is believed to earn him £200,000 a year.
"I have enjoyed my time with the Premier League but for me it is a time for new challenges and an opportunity to fulfil a lifetime's ambition. We have come a long way very quickly and to believe all the clubs can take great pride in what we have achieved within the Premier League since 1992.
"I believe there is stability and vision at the top of our great game and that the Premier League is heading for even greater success as we approach the millennium."
Parry admitted the prospect of joining Liverpool was irresistible. "It is simple and straightforward - I have long held an ambition to work for a club and since my school days I have been a Liverpool supporter. Liverpool is a club with stable ownership and a real desire to win trophies.
"Discussions with them are continuing and although there are details to be finalised, I would expect to formally give my notice to the Premier League relatively soon with a view to joining Liverpool early next summer."
Initially Parry will work alongside Liverpool's current chief executive, Peter Robinson, who will then concentrate on his new role as vice chairman.
