Premier League: Liverpool chairman and owner post optimistic end-of-year message for fans

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner and principal owner John Henry have posted an optimistic end-of-year message, focusing on the Reds' move into the top eight and promising recovery signs from Daniel Sturridge.

In the message to supporters, the pair reflected on an eventful 12 months for the club which saw them narrowly miss out on a long-awaited 19th league title and highlighted the influence of Raheem Sterling, the loss of Louis Suarez, and Sturridge's recovery from injury.

Successive wins over Burnley and Swansea have lifted Liverpool to eighth place in the Premier League and ensured the calendar year has ended on a positive note as they prepare to face struggling Leicester on New Year's Day.

"While we did not achieve our ultimate ambition in winning the Premier League our style of play captured the attention of the world as the club played attacking football, scoring 101 goals," the American pair wrote on liverpoolfc.com.

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"As you would expect losing a footballer as capable as Luis Suarez and making a number of new signings, our season has gotten off to a slower start than we would have wanted.

"However, in the past few weeks we are pleased to see a number of positive signs as new players start to settle into life at Anfield."

The Americans believe the keenly-awaited comeback of Sturridge, who has been utilising the training facilities at their baseball franchise Boston Red Sox to help his fitness, adds to the optimism.

"As we look at the table this New Year's Eve, we have closed the gap between Liverpool and the top four clubs to five points," they added.

"We look forward to the return of Daniel Sturridge sometime in late January.

"We are very encouraged by his efforts and determination to resolve his injuries."