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My summary of my first AGM
You will probably read much on the various websites about the night's events but issues that stood out for me- I thought that Robert Earl was American ? he has the quietest speaking voice you will ever hear. Was asked to introduce himself by the shareholders prior to the vote to elect him and he did a very good job. Took a few questions thereafter about image rights / naming new stadium and dealt with these pretty well.
- A VERY smart move by the Board to have the 3rd party stadium consultant (Chris) attending. He gave a very good presentation as to why the Loop was a no-goer. In terms of overall common sense arguments his appeared to be one of the few to have been thought out.
- There is massive passion from those who don't want to go the Kirkby and an obvious quiet resignation from those who have thus far gone along with it.
- The anti-move block really needs to sort itself out as currently there is a clear "we don't want to leave and therefore you must redevelop Goodison" and those who simply don't want "the Kirkby option". Kenwright and Buster were (to me) obviously using this split as a divide and conquer option.
- The cost reasons for the Loop would appear to make it a non-starter
- I still have not heard a good reason against looking at the redevelop Goodison option. Suggestion of doing it piecemeal appears to have been discounted ? why?
- Too many anti - Kirkby voices are simply becoming emotional, verging on rude and thus are distancing themselves from and then losing the centre ground.
- Bill Kenwright may be a good orator etc but he is no businessman. Between him and Buster the figures of cost, capacity required, timeline etc kept moving. The overly emotional voices I referred to in 7 failed to pin either of them down on this.
- Despite what various reports may say, both Bill and Buster stated clearly that there never has been a plan B or plan C. These will only even be considered should Kirkby fall through.
- And finally, it was an AGM for a football club. David Moyes gave the last presentation and you wish that his clarity of thinking and level of planning was mirrored by the Board. He gave a very fair summation of where he wants to be come the end of the season ?basically the target is a trophy and a top 6 finish.
Reader Comments
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It has been stated on this web site often enough that the cost of the loop would be the same as Kirkby, also Tom Hughes has told the world and his wife what he could do with 60 million at Goodison ie: getting rid of 80% of obstructed views,and doubling up at the Park End, also why not apply for a standing section behind the goal at Gladys St,surely that would knock the capacity up to 55 to 60 thousand. I don?t think anybody stands at Old Trafford, so why not some of us at Goodison in a properly and well stewarded and legal area?
Your spot on in saying that Bill is not a businessman, but Wyness is supposed to be but he is a joke he is a bluffer who comes up with utter bullshit when what you need more than anything is clarity.
Erik, I, like a lot of other people did say in a post the other day that what he says to the press should be taken with a pinch of salt. He has done that since day one, talks low but aims high. Its just his way.
Erik, I, like a lot of other people did say in a post the other day that what he says to the press should be taken with a pinch of salt. He has done that since day one, talks low but aims high. Its just his way.
"The cost of the Loop is the same as Kirkby". Says who?? (And The Reebok cost the same as The Emirates, right?)
It was good to hear that BK has now conceded that there are other options open to EFC other than the move to Kirkby. He can obviously see that the majority of fans are against this move - whether because of the location, the design or other reasons. My only concern is that all of other, non-kirkby, options come without Tesco money underpining the finance of the construction costs. Like I said - I am no Kirkby supporter but if we don’t move where will the money for plans b & c come from?
On what did Mr Potts base the Loop being more expensive than Kirkby? I read elsewhere that he had been unable to get cost info on that site.....
Just one thing that hasnt been mentioned - could the covering of part of the roads not be paid for by EU grants or similar?
Just one thing that hasnt been mentioned - could the covering of part of the roads not be paid for by EU grants or similar?
Ed, I don’t think you can say the majority of fans are aginst the move when the majority who bothered to vote, voted ’yes’.
Well at least Kenwright and Wyness got to hear the truth from some logical thinking evertonians last night. Will it make a difference?? Probably not, but at least they know what certain sections of the fanbase think about this boneheaded idea that is Kirkby!!! I?m surprised they(Kenwright, Wyness) even turned up at the AGM coz they have ducked and shit out of every debate regarding this move. I like the way he say?s "I?m one of you?s" funny because my way of thinking is that a real Evertonian would NEVER EVER even consider leaving the city that is our home.
Months have now passed since ?the loop? has reared it?s head and STILL no firm answer or suggestion from KEIOC or other bodies as to who will provide the majority of funding to
1] Purchase the available land.
2] Contribute the bulk of the cost towards the building of the new stadium.
3] The ongoing cost of redeveloping the existing road network (perhaps we could divert the mersey tunnel).
4] Who are Everton?s partners going to be and what?s in it for them?
The silence is deafening.
1] Purchase the available land.
2] Contribute the bulk of the cost towards the building of the new stadium.
3] The ongoing cost of redeveloping the existing road network (perhaps we could divert the mersey tunnel).
4] Who are Everton?s partners going to be and what?s in it for them?
The silence is deafening.
From everything I have read about the AGM it appears that we all agree that BK is not a businessman but is an Evertonian , Wyness is out of his depth and can be economical with the truth, Robert Earl is the interesting one here .. He IS a very astute business man , a very good marketing man and he saw fit to personally guarantee the clubs £25m overdraft . I hope we have an ace in the hole here , someone who can see the potential of the club to become one of the giants again , without having to sell our soul to a russian/american/arabic or asian billionaire and keep our English identity and has the knowhow to do it . This guy could be one of BK’S best ever signings
Can we pack in with the ’Bill Kenwright is not a businessman’ bollocks?
This is self-made, multi-millionaire, theatre impresario Bill Kenwright we are talking about here.
He knows more about turning a shekel than anyone on here.
He is a businessman working within his means. He could have done a Covenrty City on us and how delighted would we all be. We’re starting to sound like Skunks fans. "Dear Bill, bankrupt yourself and the club, for the chance, mind you, chance, that we might get to join the G14"
This is self-made, multi-millionaire, theatre impresario Bill Kenwright we are talking about here.
He knows more about turning a shekel than anyone on here.
He is a businessman working within his means. He could have done a Covenrty City on us and how delighted would we all be. We’re starting to sound like Skunks fans. "Dear Bill, bankrupt yourself and the club, for the chance, mind you, chance, that we might get to join the G14"
Fascinating how people can claim that KW is out of his depth & that BK is not a businessman without feeling obliged to explain why or provide the proof.
Erm, it?s what I choose to believe so that makes it true.
Jesus wept.
Erm, it?s what I choose to believe so that makes it true.
Jesus wept.
I really can?t see the point in endlessly arguing and even being abusive to one another over the merits of alternatives. The crucial fact is we are skint. Without a funding partner we can’t afford any alternative to Kirkby.
David, two words - King’s Dock! !
£30m for the best stadium in the UK and he mucked it up.
£30m for the best stadium in the UK and he mucked it up.
What we need to know is:
A) How much would redeveloping Goodison cost?
B) Can we extend the footprint?
A) How much would redeveloping Goodison cost?
B) Can we extend the footprint?
How long has the Kirkby proposal been going on for Steve?And we still don’t know what the final cost is going to be for the club.It has gone from costing us nothing,to £10m,then £50m and now the latest figure could be up to £80m.What about the infrastructure for the amount of people who will be swarming to get to Kirkby?Surely the club would have this in place by now considering how long the Tesco deal has been on the table.Before you ask KEIOC questions about the loop,maybe you need to ask BK and KW a few questions about Kirkby.The way the 2 of them have gone about this whole Kirkby debacle has made the club look amateurish.
So Jay..(the REAL Evertonian) what part of Kirkby is woolyback then?
To the rest of the NO?s, it is upto you to put a plan forward to the club, not keep ranting at the club to provide more info on a number of sites. The club have stated they prefer Kirkby because it makes financial sense, unless someone provides funds for either redeveloping GP or another site, they simply aren?t interested because they can?t afford it!
To the rest of the NO?s, it is upto you to put a plan forward to the club, not keep ranting at the club to provide more info on a number of sites. The club have stated they prefer Kirkby because it makes financial sense, unless someone provides funds for either redeveloping GP or another site, they simply aren?t interested because they can?t afford it!
WILLIT what part of Liverpool is it in??
Ed - that was 30m for a deposit and he couldnt find it cos we were skint- like im sure if i wanna buy a house but i need many 1000?s for a deposit id struggle to find that too= happy days if you have it like- its not so simple to come up with 30m
Phil - fair dos! You are right that a small majority of fans voted yes in favour of a potential relocation! However, as you know the vote was only eligible for shareholders and members of Evertonia. Now I agree that there was no way that the club could have opened the ballot to every man and his dog as there would be RS voting for Kirkby all over the show but there are a lot more Everton fans than those who were allowed to vote and my gut feeling (whether correct or not) is that if every bluenose had had their say then the result would have been a resounding no! Anyway, enough about that - lets hope we win tonight! COYB!
Jay..
L33
go and stand in any Kirkby pub..in fact any Kirkby nursery and tell them they?re woolybacks?!
L33
go and stand in any Kirkby pub..in fact any Kirkby nursery and tell them they?re woolybacks?!
So ’real’ Evertonians didn’t vote Yes then Jay? Thanks mate. I guess I must be a Man City fan or something after all.
I think what you meant to say was that other true Evertonians who you don’t happen to agree with voted differently from you.
I think what you meant to say was that other true Evertonians who you don’t happen to agree with voted differently from you.
Stay at Goodison, go to Kirby, the loop......I?m bored of it....
I love Goodison, but I love a good team more.....Moyes wants to increase the scouting network to bring in players.....that?s right football .....not a construction issue......what would be better Finch Farm and state of the art ground or a charismatic building steeped in history that means bugger all to the money grabbing sods we have no option but to cheer on......
I thought what matters was the shirt and winning trophies not which effin postcode my blue seat is in
I love Goodison, but I love a good team more.....Moyes wants to increase the scouting network to bring in players.....that?s right football .....not a construction issue......what would be better Finch Farm and state of the art ground or a charismatic building steeped in history that means bugger all to the money grabbing sods we have no option but to cheer on......
I thought what matters was the shirt and winning trophies not which effin postcode my blue seat is in
Neil Pearse that’s not what I meant and i’m sorry if i’ve offended you. Kenwright as custodian of our club MUST have known from the outset what this move was gonna do to the Everton Fanbase. He must ov!!! He alway’s spouting what a great Evertonian he is and how long he’s been following the club and it’s great tradition blah blah but if he truly knew the value’s of the club and what kind ov club it is(not SKY TV manufactored, bend on glory hunting ba*tards) then he would never had considered this Kirkby option. As KEIOC have stated he supported their Goodidon 4 Ever campaign years ago. I’m not angry at you or anybody else for voting YES that’s your choice but my anger is towards him and his board for putting this situation on us. It’s unforgivable in my opinion and will cause me to stop going if they re-locate to Kirkby because it won’t be the same club anymore.
WILLIT also I apologise i’m not calling people from Kirkby woolyback’s coz they’re not it’s just the whole stadium move issue makes my blood boil. It’s the sheer principle of the matter that we are leaving the city that i can’t get my head round.
WILLIT also I apologise i’m not calling people from Kirkby woolyback’s coz they’re not it’s just the whole stadium move issue makes my blood boil. It’s the sheer principle of the matter that we are leaving the city that i can’t get my head round.
Getting a PAID stooge to stand up and say The Loop would be too small ? thus dismissing the opinions of proper stadium developing experts ? was pathetic, talking about the cost of the loop or the redevelopment of GP when by their own admission they hadn't had sought any, was just plain intelligence insulting. How the fuck can these guys hope to know the cost of any alternatives when they cant even agree on the cost of their preffered - only - option ?
The yes men who tell us "were moving" and to "get used to it" need to understand this
We?re Everton, and you may well be happy selling the clubs sole but we are not, we will fight this to the fucking bitter end
YOU GET USED TO THAT !
The yes men who tell us "were moving" and to "get used to it" need to understand this
We?re Everton, and you may well be happy selling the clubs sole but we are not, we will fight this to the fucking bitter end
YOU GET USED TO THAT !
Dear mr. Liverpool, good afternoon!
My namy is Dmitry. I do not have any idea how to log in your any your fu..king sites exapt that one ....so I?d like to tell: today is the 5th of dec. - U are playing fucking bad. ... Do not buy the judge another time, because U look kile MOTHER FUCKERS!!!!
Have any idea how to fight - write fucking down, sucker!!!!
Best regards!
Russian leading marketing manager of Laverna company, Dmitry
God bless Russiia, not quenn...get the fuck up.
If the moderator erase this massage, he(she) will be like all english politics - leaking ass of americans politicians and fucking up their own ass!!
Asians will win - FUCK UP!!!
My namy is Dmitry. I do not have any idea how to log in your any your fu..king sites exapt that one ....so I?d like to tell: today is the 5th of dec. - U are playing fucking bad. ... Do not buy the judge another time, because U look kile MOTHER FUCKERS!!!!
Have any idea how to fight - write fucking down, sucker!!!!
Best regards!
Russian leading marketing manager of Laverna company, Dmitry
God bless Russiia, not quenn...get the fuck up.
If the moderator erase this massage, he(she) will be like all english politics - leaking ass of americans politicians and fucking up their own ass!!
Asians will win - FUCK UP!!!
Spot on Dave, I think you will find that a lot of people who voted yes are slowly wishing they hadn’t. So the fight to keep our club in our city will only get stronger.
Here here, Dave!
Why do those supporting KEIOC always think they are right.We?ve had enough debate...the vote was taken and we should try to make the Kirkby move a positive one. I am sure the fans will be given the chance to give input on the final design. Why on earth do you think that BK would want the whole project to fail.
Those throwing tantrums by threatening never to watch a game if we move to Kirkby are really pathetic. I saw my first game in 1946 and I will always support the Blues even if we move to Inuvik... that IS further than Kirkby for those who are rushing to look at an atlas
John Boon, I really do not think that those supporting KEIOC always think they are right.
The facts of the matter are quite clear. There has been a significant "Moving of goalposts" by Wyness regarding the cost of the move for starters. It started at a reasonably attractive figure and has escalated almost weekly.
There were photographs produced that made the stadium look attractive but these were artists impressions at night !
The latest set of photographs make the new stadium look like an afterthought in a shopping precinct ! The predominant feature in one of these photographs, if I remember correctly, was the bloody great Tesco mega store.
This may be the reason that those who voted Yes may, or may not, be having second thoughts.
The facts of the matter are quite clear. There has been a significant "Moving of goalposts" by Wyness regarding the cost of the move for starters. It started at a reasonably attractive figure and has escalated almost weekly.
There were photographs produced that made the stadium look attractive but these were artists impressions at night !
The latest set of photographs make the new stadium look like an afterthought in a shopping precinct ! The predominant feature in one of these photographs, if I remember correctly, was the bloody great Tesco mega store.
This may be the reason that those who voted Yes may, or may not, be having second thoughts.
Further to my comments on Robert Earl, I have just watched his interview on Everton TV. This guy impresses me with his attitude; one comment he made was that he is expecting a top 4 team every season in the near future, not just top 6, and he would not have invested money in the Blues if he didn?t think they could achieve success . As I said before, a great signing by BK
John Boon
i respect your record as an Evertonian, fair play to you, but it isnt about that. I’ve missed one home game and havent missed an single away game this season - cups apart - I dont expect to miss any more, so please, dont sit scouring your atlas trying to find a name you think the rest of us have never heard of, I’d watch EFC on the dark side of the fucking moon if the were drawn to play there on a tuesday night, but for home games, I want my team to play in the city it represents, I dont believe you yes men will ever get that
Call it "pathetic" call it "tantrums" Your disrepect for the people who’s only crime is to reject a move they believe will kill our club is in evey word you write.
Trust me pal, we will never sell out
The fight goes on
i respect your record as an Evertonian, fair play to you, but it isnt about that. I’ve missed one home game and havent missed an single away game this season - cups apart - I dont expect to miss any more, so please, dont sit scouring your atlas trying to find a name you think the rest of us have never heard of, I’d watch EFC on the dark side of the fucking moon if the were drawn to play there on a tuesday night, but for home games, I want my team to play in the city it represents, I dont believe you yes men will ever get that
Call it "pathetic" call it "tantrums" Your disrepect for the people who’s only crime is to reject a move they believe will kill our club is in evey word you write.
Trust me pal, we will never sell out
The fight goes on
Redevelop Goodison? Wouldn?t this require knocking down everything surrounding the current ground for a radius of 200-300m?
I am sure local residents emotional objections to that would make the ?anti-Kirby? lobby look passive. LCC Compulsary purchases to build a football stadium - not a chance.
I am sure local residents emotional objections to that would make the ?anti-Kirby? lobby look passive. LCC Compulsary purchases to build a football stadium - not a chance.
Dave Wilson, get a fucking life!!
regarding the kirkby stadium costs changing and fluctuating, and calling BK and KW for not knowing the exact figures involved in the project, someone show me a stadium that hasn’t fluctuated in cost (always up) and cost a shit load more than projected, wembley, emirates, new anfield. So by your logic everyone involved in these projects are incompetent wankers?
I attended the meeting and think that the summary above is an extremely accurate summary of the meeting.
As ever with these meetings the person who frustrated me most was Bill Kenwright. He is the ownner, leader, boss of the business/club but he never acts like one.
It was clear that the main talking point of the night would be Kirkby and therefore he should have had the courage to stand up, make a statement, inform the shareholders of his decision and that the decision was final. If I am honest I voted for Kirkby because I honestly do not see any other financially viable options. If there is a Liverpool option then of course I would want us to stay. But regardless of that he is the owner and he should have the backbone to explain his decision rather than allow Wyness to take all the flak. As it is, because he wants to be loved by everybody, he did not stand up to the anti- Kirky faction. Instead he made matters worse by not answering any questions. The shareholders opposing Kirkby posed some excellent questions and he just nodded and asked for the next question.
As far as I am concerned, I have never rated or respected him as a leader of EFC because of his lack of stength. Even if I totally disagreed with him on Kirkby I would have more respect for him if he explained he had made his decision and that was that.
As ever with these meetings the person who frustrated me most was Bill Kenwright. He is the ownner, leader, boss of the business/club but he never acts like one.
It was clear that the main talking point of the night would be Kirkby and therefore he should have had the courage to stand up, make a statement, inform the shareholders of his decision and that the decision was final. If I am honest I voted for Kirkby because I honestly do not see any other financially viable options. If there is a Liverpool option then of course I would want us to stay. But regardless of that he is the owner and he should have the backbone to explain his decision rather than allow Wyness to take all the flak. As it is, because he wants to be loved by everybody, he did not stand up to the anti- Kirky faction. Instead he made matters worse by not answering any questions. The shareholders opposing Kirkby posed some excellent questions and he just nodded and asked for the next question.
As far as I am concerned, I have never rated or respected him as a leader of EFC because of his lack of stength. Even if I totally disagreed with him on Kirkby I would have more respect for him if he explained he had made his decision and that was that.
Hear hear Andrew! I agree both that Kirkby seems the only financially viable option for a club with our relatively modest financial resources AND that Bill should be a lot stronger in coming more clearly out and supporting it.
Watching his long interview, it is obvious that he is a decent man who still thinks of himself as a fan, and wants to be loved by the fans. His problem is not corruption (still waiting for the evidence from those including the ed who have made these claims) - but weakness. He has created a good cop / bad cop routine with Wyness which is a not very good joke.
Watching Robert Earl’s interview though, who seems impressive and has a good track record, it is possible that he will provide some backbone. Apart from Terry Leahy, who we should thank God is onside for the Kirkby deal, Earl is the only one I have heard talking plain common sense on the move.
Watching his long interview, it is obvious that he is a decent man who still thinks of himself as a fan, and wants to be loved by the fans. His problem is not corruption (still waiting for the evidence from those including the ed who have made these claims) - but weakness. He has created a good cop / bad cop routine with Wyness which is a not very good joke.
Watching Robert Earl’s interview though, who seems impressive and has a good track record, it is possible that he will provide some backbone. Apart from Terry Leahy, who we should thank God is onside for the Kirkby deal, Earl is the only one I have heard talking plain common sense on the move.
To all the people on here praising Robert Earl as the businessman on the board - please take time to research him and the Planet Hollywood chain.
Been Bankrupt twice, had great plans to expand worldwide ( over 100 stores - now mostly closed )
Share price reached highof $32 per share on day 1 went down to £1 per share by 1999 .
Not such a great businessman as they’d have you believe !
Been Bankrupt twice, had great plans to expand worldwide ( over 100 stores - now mostly closed )
Share price reached highof $32 per share on day 1 went down to £1 per share by 1999 .
Not such a great businessman as they’d have you believe !
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1 Posted 05/12/2007 at 14:14:12
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That’s a different story than "finishing in the top 10 is the same as finishing in the top 4 last year"....