Liverpool launch supporters

Liverpool Rugby Club has launched a supporters' group in which a panel of 17 fans will be appointed to discuss club issues in a group including commercial director Ian Ayre and comedian John Bishop.

The Liverpool FC Supporters' Committee will meet four times a season at Anfield with the club promising that the owners will be present for two of the meetings.

Alongside Ayre and Bishop the panel will consist of Ian Callaghan MBE, Karen Gill, Dave Boyle, Sue Johnston and Jack Stopforth.

It is hoped the group will help strengthen the relationship between the Premier League club, particularly after previous owners Tom Hick and George Gillett proved unpopular with many fans.

The club has started the application process with the first meeting scheduled for May.