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LIVERPOOL supporters marked American Independence Day by launching their own campaign for independence from the club’s US owners.

Spirit of Shankly, who organised yesterday’s event outside St George’s Hall, said they were delighted with the turn-out.

An estimated 2,000 people gathered at St George’s Plateau to hear a range of musicians, entertainers and speakers, including comedian John Bishop, actor Neil Fitzmaurice, and LFC legends John Aldridge and Howard Gayle.

One of the biggest cheers of the afternoon was saved for Bill Shankly’s granddaughter Karen Gill, who travelled from Greece especially for the occasion.

She was clearly overcome with emotion when the crowd began chanting his name.

Ms Gill referred to the previous occasions when her grandfather stood on the same steps and made one of his legendary speeches, about Chairman Mao never having seen such a show of red strength.

She said: “Whether it’s a success or failure we support our team and my grandad recognised this.

“He would have been proud to have seen such a show of red strength today.”

The main aim of the rally was to hear about the launch of a supporter ownership scheme through the setting up of a credit union.

Leaders of the Spirit of Shankly group called on supporters to reclaim the club by joining the credit union, which it is hoped will be fully up and running by August.

Unlike previous attempts for fans to buy a stake in the club, organisers said the aim was to make it accessible for all, regardless of how much they can afford.

Spirit of Shankly has been in discussions with Share Liverpool who, in 2008, launched a proposal for 100,000 fans to buy a share for £5,000 to raise the £500m necessary to purchase the club.

Over the past 24 months, that figure has been reduced to make the idea more affordable to every day supporters.

It has been suggested for supporters to pool their financial resources together to raise enough cash for a share, or even pay by installments.

Spirit of Shankly committee member Paul Rice said: “It’s not just about making a noise and feeling better, it’s about making a difference. We want to represent the average supporter in the street.”

Mr Rice said the immediate aim of the supporters’ credit union was to own a 10% stake in the club.

Among the Liverpool musicians entertaining the crowd were Ian McNabb, John Power., Pete Wylie and Peter Hooton.

Speaking before his performance, Peter Hooton said: “We know the club is in trouble, but it will get better as long as people put the effort in. This turn-out exceeded all our expectations.”

Pete Wylie said: “This matters a lot to me. Money has become all important, but this is a way for supporters to take back power.”