Liverpool’s effort to bridge the gap to Europe’s elite on the pitch may still be a work in progress, but they will be taking their most significant step in years to do so off it this week.

A 17 year toil to resolve Liverpool’s stadium issue – the last six under the ownership of Fenway Sports Group – will end with the official opening of the £115 million Main Stand at an Anfield ceremony on Friday.

John W Henry, the club’s principle owner, will be in attendance alongside FSG President Mike Gordon, Liverpool’s chairman Tom Werner, manager Jurgen Klopp and a host of legendary former players.