Liverpool flirted with financial meltdown last season, it has been revealed.
A 10-point league deduction, ending any hope of a title challenge. The sale of major assets such as Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano.
Welcome to the opening pages of Liverpool's 'Doomsday Book'.
A document actually nicknamed The Doomsday Book was prepared as Tom Hicks and George Gillett flirted with catastrophe last season.
It spelled out the consequences if the owners' failed to secure their £290million refinance deal, says the News of the World.
Unless the Americans sort out their differences and find investment before their next deadline, the threats will resurface.
That explains why the club has been working overtime to present a healthier financial picture over the last few months, citing the £80m shirt sponsorship deal with Standard Chartered as a major step forward.
It also explains the increased urgency to find investors.