Liverpool chief Rick Parry says there is a stronger sense of self-belief about the club's Premiership title prospects this season.

"I think there is more excitement and belief around the club now with everything that has gone on at the club," Parry told liverpoolfc.tv.

"Expectation levels are always high and always will be, and rightly so.

"But there is a difference and a belief, that we and the supporters share, that maybe this can be the year. There will be no foolish predictions because that is not our style, but the main thing for us to try to ensure that we are in contention for the Premier League and not out of the running by Christmas.

"We are happy with the business that we did over the summer and the backing provided by our new owners. The backing in the summer has been phenomenal and nobody could question that.

"We felt, when we decided to go with them (Hicks and Gillett), that they shared our passion on the pitch and genuinely wanted to see results on the pitch. They have definitely put their money where their mouths are during the summer and it's been a case of so far, so good. We are excited with the start that we have made and we are optimistic."