On Thursday 22nd January 2026 Downtown in Business hosted a Leaders Lunch with Rick Parry at Oddfellows Chester. This event offered a fascinating and insightful look into leadership at the highest levels of football.
Rick spoke candidly about his role as Chairman of The Football Association and the strategic work being undertaken to drive sustainable local revenue strengthen grassroots football and encourage greater involvement from local businesses within league structures. His emphasis on building strong community connections highlighted how football can act as a powerful economic and social catalyst beyond the pitch.
He also reflected on his time as CEO of Liverpool Football Club sharing behind the scenes insights into some of the most pivotal decisions of that era. In particular he spoke about the appointments of Roy Evans Gérard Houllier and later Rafa Benítez decisions that ultimately helped shape one of the most iconic periods in the club’s history.
Under Benítez Liverpool went on to win the 2005 Champions League Final in Istanbul ending a 22 year wait since their last triumph in the 1983 84 season.
Rick was open about the challenges that come with leadership at the top of the game from navigating change to managing expectations while also celebrating the extraordinary achievements and global growth of football during that period. His reflections served as a powerful reminder of how visionary leadership long term thinking and belief in people can influence not just clubs and competitions but the enduring growth of the beautiful game.
This event was sponsored by Excello Law.
