Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has given his thoughts on the reign of Tom Hicks and George Gillett at Anfield expressing sympathy for Liverpool fans and their lot this term.

The former footballer turned multi-millionaire businessman who began his retail empire with a simple fishing and sports store in the Lancashire town contrasted the two parties starkly.

Describing the Reds' owners as holding sway over "a mess" while the supporters were said to be "fantastic."

Whelan was one of those who witnessed a dire spectacle from the visiting side but thinks the flaws lie mostly at the top.

"The big sympathy I have is for the Liverpool supporters because they are a fantastic lot," he said.

"Liverpool are in a mess. The owners, being American, I don't think they feel what we [fans] feel. I'm really, really sorry for their supporters."

Perhaps worse for the 73 year old who has been vocal on all manner of issues with the game is a slipping of something Anfield has long been famous for - the passion in the stands and on the pitch.

"We went to Anfield earlier in the season and there's absolutely no atmosphere and no heart at all at present," he added.

"The supporters feel that and I think the players are starting to feel it."