Everton announce new stadium plans

, 16 September, 244comments  |  Jump to most recent
Regeneration opportunity focused on Walton Hall Park
Everton FC and Liverpool City Council have announced their intention to investigate a regeneration initiative for North Liverpool focused around a new stadium for the club at Walton Hall Park.

The announcement signals the preliminary stage of a process where the club will spearhead an effort with LCC, Liverpool Mutual Homes and Everton In The Community to "explore and understand community needs and then develop and ultimately deliver a new, vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood for North Liverpool."

In addition to providing a new home for Everton, the proposal aims to create new community facilities, and provide 1,000 new jobs while retaining significant sections of the park.

"I am really pleased that we have identified this exciting opportunity for North Liverpool," said Mayor Joe Anderson who has been working closely with Everton as the club explores alternative sites to Goodison Park for the team's home ground. "We know that this is an area of the city that requires substantial investment and this project could bring this in a unique form.

"This scheme would generate significant new job opportunities and also address important social needs such as health and education. We also see this as an opportunity to create an outdoor space with first-class leisure and recreational facilities that will really appeal to the local community."

Everton Chairman Bill Kenwright said that the location, which would allow the club to stay within Liverpool while also "supporting, transforming and sustaining" the local community "ticks all the boxes" for Everton.

"An opportunity to explore the possibility of securing the new home we've looked for, for so long, is hugely exciting to me, but to do that in a way that supports, transforms and sustains our local communities, in our Everton heartland, is such a wonderful, added bonus.

"It would fill me with great pride. It could be something very special for our city, the residents of North Liverpool and all Evertonians — a new home that goes beyond football and does what Everton does better than anyone else."

Everton Chief Executive, Robert Elstone thanked Mayor Anderson and the Council for their support and commitment to the proposal and echoed Chairman Kenwright's assertion that there is much work to do before the development becomes a reality.

"We are delighted to be the conduit for the Council's commitment to enhancing the outlook of the residents of North Liverpool," he said. "We are equally delighted to be exploring an opportunity that allows us to reinforce our commitment to our community, our neighbours and our fans. Everton in the Community has demonstrated how sport can have a huge social impact in the local area and we would relish the opportunity to expand some of this work through this scheme.

"At the start of this journey, a number of challenges lay ahead of us but the opportunity we have created is exciting and merits our resources and energy. We don't know how long the journey will take but we won't lack for stamina or commitment. It is also essential that we bring our fans with us. Both the Council and the Club will commit to listening to Evertonians and we look forward to sharing this journey with our fans."

The club have unveiled a Your Stadium section at the official site where supporters can get involved in the stadium project from the outset, while the Walton Hall Park scheme has a website at www.waltonhallparkproject.co.uk

Map showing Walton Hall Park's proximity to Goodison Park

 

Reader Comments (244)

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Anthony Burke
1 Posted 16/09/2014 at 00:44:35
This is massive news; it will help with potential billionaire takeover. Fingers crossed. I love Goodison Park but a new stadium close by will not be the end of the world.

The reason Man City’s owners never took us over was solely down to the stadium. We deserve a new stadium of 50-thousand plus which we can fill. It’s the only thing that had been holding us back. COYB!

Mark Andersson
2 Posted 16/09/2014 at 00:45:10
Just the name Walton Hall Park evokes childhood memories, I once stole a rabbit from there. My dad made me take it back which was harder than stealing it in the first place.

Any idea what the stadium will be called?

Anthony Burke
3 Posted 16/09/2014 at 00:54:36
Hopefully Goodison Park, Mark. Is that possible?
James Flynn
4 Posted 16/09/2014 at 00:51:52
Any photos of how the stadium will look?
Pete Gunby
5 Posted 16/09/2014 at 00:56:57
Neverland springs to mind. You can only get there in your dreams.
Lyndon Lloyd
6 Posted 16/09/2014 at 01:06:50
James (4), it's too early for that, unfortunately. Everything is still in the exploratory phase, it seems, but this will presumably set the wheels in motion with the Council and gauging local support.

Anthony (3), my guess is that naming rights will be a key part of the funding for the development of the stadium so, officially at least, it might not have a name beyond "Walton Hall Park".

Kieran Riding
7 Posted 16/09/2014 at 01:17:40
Anthony, I think the name is in safe hands.
Chris Jones [Burton]
8 Posted 16/09/2014 at 01:18:44
Well I drive past the in getting to games (as I did going to work in St Martin's House, Bootle for 18 months in the 1990s) so I totally get what Bill is saying about this location. It is as close to our existing "home" as you can get without building on Stanley Park or the cemetery opposite. It'll do I fancy!

A promising development indeed.

Anthony Burke
9 Posted 16/09/2014 at 01:21:30
The difference between a 40k and 50k stadium is £6 million if I’ve done my maths right (which I’m pretty good at) the stadium will eventually pay for itself... hopefully.
Dennis Stevens
10 Posted 16/09/2014 at 01:23:07
Anthony, I suspect the lure of Manchester may also have been the desire not to be fleeced by carpetbaggers. Just because somebody is fabulously wealthy, it doesn't necessarily follow that they're also extremely stupid.

Scott Goin
11 Posted 16/09/2014 at 01:27:24
We've known for many months that this plan was being discussed but the fact that they are now comfortable enough to announce it means quite a lot. That likely means that the major roadblocks have been bypassed and everything is in place for the real planning to begin.

While this is not likely to be a great financial boon for the club, it stands to provide significantly more money than what Goodison does. Considering that Everton aren't willing to spend their own money, this is probably the best solution that could have happened. It also opens Everton up for more investment/buyout opportunities in the future.

Jamie Sweet
12 Posted 16/09/2014 at 01:39:27
"Everton Football Club has made a commitment to make funds available and this will act as the catalyst for the overall scheme development".

From the Walton Hall Park Project website under "who is going to pay for this?"

Sounds like we would be dipping into our own pockets to some extent.

Scott Goin
13 Posted 16/09/2014 at 01:44:50
From the Guardian's article: "The new stadium is likely to cost around £200m, part-funded by a naming-rights deal and sale of Goodison, but there are no details of how the club would make up any shortfall."
Paul Columb
14 Posted 16/09/2014 at 01:40:45
Just the small hurdle of funding to overcome. An investment carrot is dangling and could be for some time. Depends on who's got their hand on the other end of the string, their skill and endurance and the willingness of our board to entertain all reasonable approaches/offers.
Terry Murphy
15 Posted 16/09/2014 at 01:53:16
Again can I plead that no-one ever refers to it as the Brand-Name Stadium on this site. Walton Hall sounds dignified, New Goodison a bit naff, but please not the Stadium of Shite.
Eddie McBride
16 Posted 16/09/2014 at 01:34:05
Please all Evertonions unite and tell Kenwright to stick this location right up his arse. We all know if Everton are going to regain our place among the elite, we need a location that will fire the imagination of future sponsors and investors.

The city centre, the waterfront, are the sort of locations we need to concentrate on. Anything else is second-best, a place where dear old Bill seems hell bent on dragging us too.

Matt Traynor
17 Posted 16/09/2014 at 01:56:45
Maybe it'll be third time lucky for this board.
Pat Finegan
18 Posted 16/09/2014 at 01:47:32
Maybe this is where the TV money from the last 2 years is going. Our net transfer spend is ~£0.
Gavin Johnson
19 Posted 16/09/2014 at 01:45:56
James, if you go on the NewsNow site and click on the ESPN stadium announcement, they have a supposed picture of how the stadium could look. (Looks like a cross between St James Park and the Irish national stadium to me.) Not that I'd believe that they're at that stage yet. It was also from Twitter so make of that what you will.

Gavin Johnson
20 Posted 16/09/2014 at 02:02:53
Sorry my mistake, It's the Express that's pulled the picture from 'Back of the Net' off Twitter.

Darryl Ritchie
21 Posted 16/09/2014 at 02:31:55
The three things that we needed to know were, "where?, when? and how?". We’ve got the easiest one, the "where". We’ve had the "where" a couple times before.

The "when and how", now that’s a little bit more difficult to get a handle on. Of the two, the "how", is the one that will hold things up. This is, after all, Everton.

Paul Kelly
22 Posted 16/09/2014 at 04:36:09
My thoughts exactly, Pat (#18). Maybe third time lucky, with this board though I hope it goes through this time, then maybe they will sell up and fuck off.
Kristian Boyce
23 Posted 16/09/2014 at 05:35:10
Taken from thee BBC report on the stadium: "like all Evertonians, I love Goodison Park and have done since the day I first set foot in the Boy's Pen".

BK couldn't resist that old cliché could he.

MIke McLean
24 Posted 16/09/2014 at 05:35:27
And for any fans new to all of this from the US or elsewhere, a couple of definitions to help you along over the coming years:

"Stadium debate" = vicious internecine war.

"Opportunity for socially responsible regeneration" = Quick buck.

"ToffeeWeb debate on new stadium" = hysterical accusations & (yet another) opportunity for juvenile put downs.

"Full Supporter Involvement at Every Stage" = Keep buying those season tickets and we might let you choose the colour of the toilet paper.

Mick Wrende
25 Posted 16/09/2014 at 05:47:11
We have no money, so how can this be more realistic than any other of Billy Liar's schemes?
Mark Griffiths
26 Posted 16/09/2014 at 07:06:29
£200m? Does anyone have any ideas as to the kind of stadium we would even get for that amount? Probably an Asda smart price kind of stadium – The Emirates cost way more, did it not?
Danny Kewley
27 Posted 16/09/2014 at 07:30:12
Mark I suppose because there is obviously going to be tons of work, besides the stadium, it lowers the cost a great deal.

Personally though, I feel really exited about this news! Walton Hall Park as I remember it as a kid is a great location providing the regeneration program takes into account the needs of the community and really does present work for local people!

Matt Traynor
28 Posted 16/09/2014 at 07:53:04
Mark #26, it's pointless people picking numbers out of their arse. I think, from memory, the Emirates cost in the region of £400m, which was funded by borrowing and the proceeds of the redevelopment of the Highbury Apartments project. That was fully sold - despite an economic downturn impacting property prices, and leading to delayed release of some units. I think, again from memory, that overall contribution from that was about £250m.

But as I said, it's pointless imagining that £Xm will get you this, that and the other. It depends on any subsidies that can be utilised, grants, how the supply chain is managed / owned etc. Even allowing for inflation, Kings Waterfront was £30m, rising to £65m. Kirkby was a mid-range stadium for £82m. One included enabling residential development and secondary revenue streams for events, the other had a Tesco supermarket next to it.

Tony Abrahams
29 Posted 16/09/2014 at 08:07:39
Or an hat-trick of fuck ups, Matt. Wouldn't mind being Kenwright's taxi driver if he drives past Walton Hall Park, to get to Goodison, after getting off the train at Lime St!
Andy Meighan
30 Posted 16/09/2014 at 08:02:01
Eddie (#16) we had a great opportunity to go to the waterfront but we blew it spectacularly. I’m afraid this is as good as it gets for us, so we’re going to have to get used to it.

Let’s be fair, it’s more or less on the doorstep and I’m sure the club have thoroughly researched the travel links. It’s the Guardian statement that’s got me worried. Who’s going to make up the shortfall? Haven’t we been here before?

Danny Burke
31 Posted 16/09/2014 at 08:13:33
I read a post on Twitter yesterday from Muamba's book saying he hated playing at Goodison, due to the crowd being on top of you and how if his team went 1-0 down he knew he was going to lose. We must keep this in any new stadium.

When Goodison is rocking, there is nowhere else like it. The last thing we want is some Ikea stadium (Walkers, Reebok, Pride Park etc) with no character or atmosphere. Something like the huge single tier home end at Dortmund would be a great start, albeit they have standing there.

Mark Andersson
32 Posted 16/09/2014 at 08:11:18
So is there any substance to this story. Or will it end up like the other plans. What's the estimated project time for such a facility. We could be a serious top 4 side within the next 3 to years
Brin Williams
33 Posted 16/09/2014 at 08:29:45
Not trying to throw a spanner in the works – but councils have a nasty habit of changing.

Will this project be cast in stone and ring-fenced from the likelihood of policy change etc.

I hope so!

Phil Walling
34 Posted 16/09/2014 at 08:31:34
I'm 57 with a dodgy ticker. I'm seeing what odds I can get on it being built in my uncertain lifetime. Long ones, I suspect!
Dennis Stevens
35 Posted 16/09/2014 at 08:40:25
Very difficult to engender any enthusiasm for this announcement. Partly due to the fact that we've already been here and seen it all go tits up – twice! So confidence in the ability of this Board to deliver is very low.

Also due in part to the suspicion that this proposal is less about the future of Everton FC and more about a financially rewarding exit strategy for the Board.

Steve Carter
36 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:00:49
Eddie (16) says it a bit crudely. But he's right.
James Morgan
38 Posted 16/09/2014 at 08:42:04
The Chang Arena?
Ged Simpson
39 Posted 16/09/2014 at 08:58:26
I reckon EU / ERDF funding will be part of the funding mix. No coincidence the new 2014-20 EU programme for the area is currently being shaped. Job creation and regeneration ticks EU boxes. I think this follows the regeneration model of Man City. I think this is a brilliant approach: Man City and Manchester City Council are transforming that area.

Personally I don't want to support a club that shows no corporate responsibility. Everton in the Community does great work and this plan will continue this ethos of being a club that is part of the city and has a new stadium full of local people rather than Norwegians! Just make stands close to the pitch. That is what people go to watch.

Roberto Birquet
40 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:16:35
Matt (#28),

I hope you're not under the illusion that Everton can raise anything like the money Arsenal could from selling Highbury as real estate? Property in Highbury would comfortably be more than ten times the price in L4. Even during a downturn.

Ben Dyke
41 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:13:51
I'm excited about this as we need a new stadium with more seats, no restricted views and more corporate facilities but it can't help but remind us of what a disaster it is we don't have the Kings Dock.
Steve Jones
42 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:16:09
There is nothing specific to announce, no investors, no funding plan, so until we see more, this is just an aspiration.

I suspect the council was forced to announce this because they had to submit their regeneration strategy to some government department or other, and, more likely, they are just approving the Anfield expansion. This is just to keep us quiet and head off any fans' unrest at lack of progress... Hope I am wrong.

Maybe we should have bought the houses one by one in the streets around Goodison over the last 25 years, left them boarded up for squatters, rats and drug addicts, and eventually forced the other residents out so we could buy the whole street. Then redevelop the ground. That sort of immoral approach seems to have worked big time for LFC with no bad consequences or PR.

Ged Simpson
43 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:16:47
But Eddie is miles away from reality, Steve. Anyway time to get into our ruts. You settle for second best and are a crap Blue. I am a realist. You are a crap Blue. No I'm not. Yes you are, etc. Love it.
Jack Plant
44 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:21:28
The TV money gives me a bit of hope but frankly I won't be celebrating us building a new stadium until I'm sitting in it. There have been far too many false starts.
Matt Traynor
45 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:22:41
Roberto (#40), not at all. I was merely pointing out the risks of picking figures out of nowhere and trying to think what that would look like as a stadium.

To paraphrase the Great Carpetbagger himself, "You don't need to spend £200m for a £200m stadium!"

(And seriously, I think suggesting prices in Islington would be more than ten times the price of L4 is an underestimate!)

Paul Turner
46 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:17:30
What Ged said @39... Everton in the Community in practice. Don't worry about the naming rights – if Goodison had been renamed, we'd have all still called it Goodison.
Dave Lynch
47 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:18:31
Right then.

No plans, no funding in place, no investor, just a handshake/guarantee that we can have the site. Don't hold your breath, this is BB and his cronies and they couldn't deliver a letter to their next door neighbour.

Before you all jump on me, remember what has gone before. I won't believe a word of it until I see a giant Everton crest on a stadium in the park...

Matt Traynor
48 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:24:53
Ged (#43), maybe a solution would be to simply re-post all of the articles and threads from DK a few years ago, and put TW on extended holiday whilst we watch the footy!
Dave Lynch
50 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:29:26
By the way.

They haven't announced new "Stadium plans", they have announced that they may have a "possible" site for a new stadium if they can cobble together the funding and sponsorship.

Ged Simpson
52 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:27:35
Good idea, Matt. I think many are still heart broken after the Kings Dock mess up and dare not be optimistic again. So we will get loads of posts with that bitter tone. You know: "I have seen it before, lad."

If this happens, we could have a Kings Dock pen. They could all sit in there and continue bleating on about their lost love whilst the rest of us watch the club and part of the city take huge steps forward.

Tony Waring
53 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:34:12
Well if nothing else the "footprint" is enormous in comparison to Goodison, so there should be no problem with parking. Maybe they'll include a new bus station within the perimeter!
Ged Simpson
54 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:41:22
Dave L - do you want it to happen?
Brent Stephens
55 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:20:00
Gavin #19 / 20 - compare that image of the new stadium with Leicester rugby new stadium which is at...

https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=leicester%20tigers%20new%20stadium

Mark Andersson
56 Posted 16/09/2014 at 08:39:34
Hey Phil, is your dodgy ticker brought on by being a Everton fan. I certainly went prematurely Gray during the 90s.

Here's hoping that we both live long enough to see us back at the top. But the realist in me thinks not.

Tony McNulty
57 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:45:09
This announcement is a bit like the Colombian Women's cycling team pictures. You look at the headline and get all excited. But when you look closely there's nothing really there of any substance.
Dave Lynch
58 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:58:51
Of course I fucking do, Ged!

But I also want Liverpool to get relegated and go bankrupt, win the lottery, retire early and spend the rest of my days fishing...

Phil Walling
59 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:57:46
I suspect the only Everton crest we will ever see in Walton Hall Park is one laid out in a flower bed. How the hell RS have managed to get all that LCC help when they fucked up on Stanley Park, gawd knows!
Ged Simpson
60 Posted 16/09/2014 at 10:03:02
Good stuff, Dave – I imagine you are with most Blues. Though perhaps not all are quite as angry about what can only be a positive step.
Ged Simpson
61 Posted 16/09/2014 at 10:07:28
Agreed, Phil.
Dave Lynch
62 Posted 16/09/2014 at 10:13:18
Ged.

If this comes to fruition, I will carry the hod for fuck all on my days off mate.

Andrew Hawes
63 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:56:18
If this gets off the ground in the next 12 to 18 months, alongside the investment in the squad, I think it’s time Bill Kenwright was given a break. At this stage, Everton FC need a new stadium, full stop — or prepare to go backwards as the revenue streams at every other club improve.

We can all disagree about it not being on the waterfront etc but that ship has sailed. The plans sound okay and Walton Hall Park is not only the best but probably the only option outside of us playing miles away at this stage.

There will be fans stuck in the past with regards naming rights etc but at some level the club has to be run like a business. Main road or The Etihad stadium?? No difference whatso ever apart from the latter’s name brings in multi- millions!!

Great news either way and well done, EFC. Ask any Leeds fan what their preference would be? In our position or being a big club, playing in a once famous old stadium in the lower leagues?? Time to move on, everybody.

Howard Don
64 Posted 16/09/2014 at 10:14:57
Born and raised in Clubmoor, our main stomping ground was Clubmoor "Rec". Walton Hall Park was a bit of an expedition if we fancied a bit of fishing for tiddlers. Time was you could even get a boat out I think.

I've heard over the years the place has gone down the pan so the scheme, if it comes off, sounds win win all round. As ever, the devil will be in the detail.

Having said that, I hope that graphic in the Express is wrong – it looks like a drunken architect designed something that's a cross between a stadium and a skateboard park.

Gavin Johnson
65 Posted 16/09/2014 at 09:56:37
Cheers Brent (51) I've just had a gander and yes, you're right, the mock up from the express is the same redevelopment plans for Leicester Tigers, Welford Rd.

I hope we're third time lucky... The regeneration side of it sounds a lot more positive than the soulless retail park that would have been Destination Kirby. £200m sounds a lot of money but the naming rights in an area of genuine community regeneration would surely be a big pull for companies wanting branding, especially if we're still competing near the top of the league.

I'm not going to pretend to be some amateur accountant and know the ins or outs of the financial side, but haven't Man Utd just agreed to sign the most lucrative sponsorship deal ever with Adidas for £75m a season?! Unfortunately while we can only dream of such a deal. I've just highlighted it because, if Adidas are willing to pay that for just one season, the same amount surely wouldn't seem so ridiculous for "naming rights" on a stadium (which is long-term branding) in the regeneration project described for a team that isn't doing too bad on the field either.

Erik Dols
66 Posted 16/09/2014 at 10:18:58
The statement on the OS doesn't mention capacity by the way. I would love us to be more ambitious than the 50k the papers mention. With the right transport infrastructure and other facilities, with us playing in the top-6 on a regular basis, I can see us pulling in more than that. We have one chance to do this completely right in one time. Would love it if we got to at least 60k. Dream big!
Geof Thompson
67 Posted 16/09/2014 at 10:04:38
I'm definitely someone who tries to see the positives... where possible. And obviously we do need a new stadium. Just to keep up the The Scum and the other morally bankrupt clubs. But honestly the thought of leaving the old lady breaks my heart. So much of what I love about this club is wrapped up in my Goodison memories.

The walk up to the match. Tight streets, shouts and chants, police horses, scarf stalls, and St Domingo's.

The first view as you step out and see the pitch. The hairs on your neck as Z-Cars comes on. And the ROAR. Oh the roar!

The way that when the match is over we just leave in every direction, fuck the traffic!

I will miss her so much if we do leave. Even though I know that it has to happen for the good of our club. But that does not mean I will be happy about it.

Oh, and one more thing... I'll believe it when I see it.

Mike Chambers
68 Posted 16/09/2014 at 11:09:12
From what we know so far, it looks a good deal for Everton and the whole city. Great position for motorways and access, might even get the trams project back on track down the grass verge on Walton Hall Lane. Steel still just sitting in a depot up the road ready to go.

Looks like the council are trying their best to help us. Let's hope Kenwright ("We can't find the money") and local idiots ("Not on my doorstep"), don't spoil it for us again!

Chad Schofield
69 Posted 16/09/2014 at 11:13:11
Great news... what else can it be? With a large footprint (for overall regeneration scheme), the proximity to GP and lack of 3D visualisations created by a one-eyed bloke on fiverr, people surely have to see the positives at this early stage.
Ian Glassey
70 Posted 16/09/2014 at 11:13:07
I am 65 years old and I can tell you now we will not see a new stadium, not in my lifetime, even if I live another 15 years.
Steavey Buckley
71 Posted 16/09/2014 at 11:32:48
Taking funds out of existing revenue streams to help pay for a new stadium would be a disaster for the playing side of the club. There would be no money for transfers, which is quite low already, compared to the rest of the Premier League.
Rob Baker
72 Posted 16/09/2014 at 11:47:08
This is great news, just round the corner from GP. Hopefully it will come off as Kings Dock was unrealistic and Kirkby went down like a lead balloon.

A spanking new 50,000+ stadium should lead to some foreign investment from Russian or Middle/Far East, get some new sponsors in prepared to cough up real money and things could then be looking up!

Kevin Tully
73 Posted 16/09/2014 at 11:34:37
Any new stadium project will be funded by player sales (Barkley, Stones) and the uplift in TV revenues. We are probably looking at £50-60m for those two alone. So, from a funding viewpoint, the board can probably cobble together a package which means they don't have to spend or invest a penny of their own. Add naming rights, and a 50-year mortgage, then the numbers probably begin to stack up.

I imagine their plan is to flog the club with this scheme in place, or to see it thorough themselves, then sell the club as quickly as possible. This move is purely down to maximising share value (fair enough) but there are question marks as to what sort of stadium they will leave behind, when profit is their only motivation.

Also, please remember, a project such as this is way, way, beyond anything Bill could deliver, so I would be careful not to mention him as the sole driver behind a move such as this. It was Green & Earl who sacked Wyness, they play a massive role at the club when it comes down to major financial decisions.

Erik Dols
74 Posted 16/09/2014 at 11:49:48
But Steavey, not increasing the existing revenue streams by not addressing the stadium issue will make sure that the money for transfers will remain quite low. It's a bit of a deadlock.
Ian McDowell
75 Posted 16/09/2014 at 11:51:52
God, I was expecting some big news. We have been exploring new sites and new investment for 13 years now.
Colin Glassar
76 Posted 16/09/2014 at 11:55:29
No doubt this will be shot down by some geeky RS ornithologist who will suddenly discover some species of endangered bird unique to WHP. BK's probably trying to find one right now.
Tony J Williams
77 Posted 16/09/2014 at 11:53:36
Lucy is holding the football again....... (This time, Charlie.....this time)
Chris Regan
78 Posted 16/09/2014 at 12:05:19
I wonder how many red fans are going to protest against this and set up all night vigils, etc, etc.

The picture on the Express website doesn't look that impressive, although I doubt it is the actual concept. We all know a stadium where the fans are close to the action is best. I like the idea of steep sided stadiums to reflect the noise inwards, and not an open design with poor acoustics.

Like everyone one though the waterfront would be brilliant. But Peel Holdings apparently have a big project for the area, post Panamax facilities with a commercial development. Still don't understand why we don't try to partner with them.

Max Wilson
79 Posted 16/09/2014 at 12:18:29
But where am I going to park me car?
Steve King
80 Posted 16/09/2014 at 12:23:29
I see there's a "@NotoEFCstadium" account on Twitter already!
Set up by someone that uses the park every day apparently. So for the sake of that one fella (who I can only assume supports the RS) who likes a jog in the area, I think we should forget about it.
Chad Schofield
81 Posted 16/09/2014 at 12:08:12
It's really sad to read the negative stuff on here. I appreciate the mess that was Kirkby and the disaster that Bill made of Kings Dock, and yes he did mention the Boys' Pen... but surely the other shareholders won't let this opportunity to cash out and move the club on go?
Nick Wall
82 Posted 16/09/2014 at 12:17:56
Kevin #74 raises a key issue: To what extent would any new stadium project impact on our transfer policy and future player sales for many years to come?

Look how constrained Arsenal have been in the transfer market over the last decade. If our ability to spend on transfers was significantly affected – and I'm not saying that it will be – the worst-case scenario is that this could starve the club of success on the field and seriously affect our ability to fill the new stadium.

I don't like to put a downer on what is an exciting announcement, but the way in which the money is eventually to be raised will be critical.

Col Wills
83 Posted 16/09/2014 at 12:26:52
I've a feeling that this was the true announcement planned a couple of weeks ago, and they quickly cobbled together Barkley's contract extension in lieu.

My first thought is that I can't help but think that the stadium needs to be closer to the City Centre to tap into the corporate market for events and seminars etc.

Ernie Baywood
84 Posted 16/09/2014 at 12:41:00
From memory, Arsenal had to tie themselves to long term sponsorship deals to get the appropriate finance. With our sponsorship income we might be looking at 50-year deals!
Chad Schofield
85 Posted 16/09/2014 at 12:39:23
Nick #83. Nobody would be able to give a sensible answer to this. It's largely regarded that Wenger has had money available, but has wanted to do things his way rather than pay exorbitant fees and wages. It hasn't really worked though.

Platini's financial fair play idea has also failed.

My hope (and again this is not fact) is that by securing the site it opens up the opportunity for a buy out. If you're going to invest heavily, then the opportunity to do so when you can make a massive stamp by helping with what will be the club's home for the rest of the century seems like a pretty good way of securing some kind of immortality.

I'm sure City's owners may have made some significant design changes during the design phase had they been at the helm back then.

Given the mess ups previously, I hope that the club is sold before this gets too far doqn the line. I'm sure Bill will be accommodated in some way, but he and the other shareholders have to understand that a buy out is a buy out -another investor to get locked in for 10 years or so won't help move us on and we'll keep swimming in circles financially and almost certainly with our acheivments.

Danny Broderick
86 Posted 16/09/2014 at 13:02:34
I wouldn't worry about a new stadium impacting on our spending power. In real terms, we never spend any money anyway! Other operating costs take care of that...
Brent Stephens
87 Posted 16/09/2014 at 13:17:55
I can't believe that the Express picture is what it would look like. ok, it's Leicester Rugby clubs ground and cost-saving could see us adopt an existing design? But look at the sides - barely Lower Bullens capacity.
Craig Walker
88 Posted 16/09/2014 at 13:29:42
Personally think the old lady is looking good with the Archibald Leitch stands on view again and a new 50-foot mural.
Matt Traynor
89 Posted 16/09/2014 at 13:33:10
Nick (#83), I wouldn't compare Arsenal's situation with ours, but FWIW a couple of years back I was in a lounge at Goodison when we played them (1-0 defeat, Drenthe goal incorrectly called offside) and a bunch of Arsenal execs came in to join us for a drink. I asked a ton of things about their finances, and they explained a lot:

● Wenger always had money to spend (as Chad suggests in #87). At that particular moment in time, they had £135M cash at hand.

● They explained the role of the Highbury Apartments development in the funding.

● The naming rights deal was £150M over 10 years, which they were delighted with at the time, but couldn't wait for it to expire as the market had moved on rapidly. (We tangentially discussed our 10 year £32M Kitbag deal and they thought we were wankers for signing that.)

● Also, I can't remember everything, but I think that £150M was somehow tied to shirt sponsorship - don't think it was full amount though. But basically, after 3-4 years that deal looked bad.

● Also I think they had to pay towards capacity improvements on the tube at a couple of stations, and some road works, but they were nowhere near the actual costs as TfL wanted the upgrades doing anyway.

Can't remember if there was anything else as we may even have moved on to talk about the game that night.

Steve Jones
90 Posted 16/09/2014 at 13:38:43
Ged (#43)

Mr Anderson reckons we will be in by 2018, first timeline I have seen, and letters posted to residents today.

Shane Corcoran
91 Posted 16/09/2014 at 14:08:24
As someone who wouldn't know one side of Liverpool from the other all I can do is comment on what's been said.

Back in April I think it was, Everton FC mentioned the possibility of one site in particular and said that it would require funding from elsewhere. LCC made a statement and indicated that it wouldn't be in a position to fund a stadium.

In the latest statement the mayor of Liverpool mentions "Everton's investment" and so I'm wondering are the club any further on?

Fair enough, they've found a place that they'd like to have their new stadium but there's not Tesco this time so does have any idea how they think they might fund it?

Richard Reeves
92 Posted 16/09/2014 at 13:58:12
It would be bad enough just being a cheap build next to box-like retail structures and bland modern Barret style housing but there’s the added bonus of the wrong location. At least they’re consistent.
Ged Simpson
93 Posted 16/09/2014 at 14:07:55
Steve J 92- it was an imaginary argument to reflect the type we see regularly here. Sadly the weird symbols meant the flow got lost. On the other hand I may be going mad. Yes you are. No I'm not etc
Ged Simpson
94 Posted 16/09/2014 at 14:17:47
EU funding, Shane.
Ged Simpson
95 Posted 16/09/2014 at 14:22:51
Type 'funding of man city ground ' into Google. You will see they secured public funds, as will we.
Shane Corcoran
96 Posted 16/09/2014 at 14:42:44
Ged, was this form of funding to have been available for Kirby?
Dan Nulty
97 Posted 16/09/2014 at 14:53:07
It's early days, so what? Would you rather they didn't say anything for the next two years and cop it for a load of abuse for not doing anything when actually they were working really hard with the council, sponsors etc etc in order to put this in place?

Or would you rather they kept fans in the loop with what plans they had? At least they are trying to take us forward, yes on a shoe string, but we are moving forward on and off the pitch.

Gerard Carey
99 Posted 16/09/2014 at 15:24:33
What should the maximum capacity be? Would 60,000 be too big or what would govern it?
Colin Glassar
100 Posted 16/09/2014 at 15:29:08
Gerard, filling the stadium would depend on on-field success. I’ve met Evertonians from all over the world who became Evertonians in the ’80s. How many converts did we create during the ’90s or early ’00s? Very few I imagine. What I’m saying is, if we can start winning things, we’ll get at least 10,000 glory hunters looking for tickets.
Eric Myles
101 Posted 16/09/2014 at 15:30:24
Anthony (#1), "The reason Man City’s owners never took us over was solely down to the stadium." — Considering all the money City’s owners are reportedly paying for new training facilities and their offer to buy Eastlands from the council (for £300M??), do you really think that a relatively few bob to redevelop Goodison, or buy a new one would have put them off?

Scott (#11), "The fact that they are now comfortable enough to announce it means quite a lot. That likely means that the major roadblocks have been bypassed and everything is in place." — Maybe the funds have even been ring-fenced like when they announced King’s Dock?

Andy (#30), "I’m sure the club have thoroughly researched the travel links." — I wouldn’t be so sure, look at Desperation Kirkby. I wonder if WHP will be as accessible by bicycle as DK?

Just look at the first sentence "Everton FC and Liverpool City Council have announced their intention to investigate a regeneration initiative." — How vague is that? It’s just like the transfer rumours... don’t get excited until you see it with your own eyes.

Michael Kenrick
Editorial Team
102 Posted 16/09/2014 at 15:53:51
Erik (#103), sorry we don’t seem to have a solution for the funky symbols... please check to see if I messed anything around while cleaning up that post.
Trevor Lynes
103 Posted 16/09/2014 at 15:55:56
If the team has success, the 60,000 plus gate will be a reality. If our team are challenging and having success then we will get the gates no problem.

If the team does not play well, then the fans will desert! This has been the case throughout every club’s history. I have been in Goodison with 78,000 and also 72,000 gates back in the ’60s. All these fans without segregation too!

Incidentally, I also remember a league match with about 13,000 in the old Second Division when we were relegated. Fans are as fickle as females :0)

Michael O'Neil
104 Posted 16/09/2014 at 15:59:45
Call me a pessimist but...

No plans
No timetable
No money
No fucking chance

Plus think it’s scandalous that any club be allowed to build on parks and the likes – they’re a community asset.

John Pickles
105 Posted 16/09/2014 at 15:57:57
The Carlos Slim Helu, Bill Gates and Warren Buffett Stadium has a nice ring to it!
Matt Traynor
108 Posted 16/09/2014 at 16:11:16
To those talking about EU funding, the situation is very different compared to the late ’90s when the Kings Waterfront had a lot of EU funding, er, ring-fenced. Back then Liverpool (and Sheffield) were Objective 1 cities in England. That ship has now sailed.

With the expansion of the EU in ’05, a lot of the other funding pots are flowing towards the new members whose relative income is much lower.

ERDF funding is split across 3 areas ~ one of which is to do with GDP compared to European average. From memory, the only 2 parts of the UK that now qualify are the Isles of Scilly and some part of Cornwall (all these new members lowered the average GDP for Europe). The other 2 funding rationale are very specific, and there would need to be a lot of regeneration benefits to qualify, so excuse me for being sceptical.

Like everything, we got stagnant at the wrong time. We missed out on KD when it was awash with 3rd party cash (not even investor money). Now we’ve missed out on a lot of the benefit of having that billionaire owner as FFP effectively stops us going on a City-esque spree.

Might as well stick with Blue Bill, eh?

James Richard
109 Posted 16/09/2014 at 16:19:46
To those people saying 50k is not enough, I’m not so sure. Yes we had sell outs last year and done well on season ticket sales. But there’s no waiting list like at other clubs.

Take a look at the availability for the Wolfsberg game. We’ll be lucky if we have 25k in Goodison on Thursday for our first European game in 4/5 years. Think 50k is right for now, just make sure the stadium has the foundations that allows us to expand if needed.

MIke McLean
110 Posted 16/09/2014 at 16:16:47
Gerard, filling the stadium would depend on on-field success. I’ve met Evertonians from all over the world who became Evertonians in the ’80s. How many converts did we create during the ’90s or early ’00s? Very few I imagine. What I’m saying is, if we can start winning things, we’ll get at least 10,000 glory hunters looking for tickets.

Given that average attendances in 84-85 & 85-86 were around the 32,000 mark in a 52,000 capacity ground, I wonder about that.

Peter Barry
111 Posted 16/09/2014 at 16:40:48
Eric Myles (#103), I believe one of the major reasons Etihad bought Man City was because they use Manchester Airport as their UK hub – something Liverpool missed out on when we missed the bus with not developing Speke Airport back in the ’60s.
Andrew Ellams
112 Posted 16/09/2014 at 16:42:09
Mike, average attendances were down right across football in the ’80s due to hooliganism, high unemployment and other issues but I still remember the game against Bayern Munich, QPR to win the league and even an FA Cup tie against Telford were the attendances all topped 50,000.
Ray Roche
113 Posted 16/09/2014 at 16:27:33
Trevor Lynes @105

Trevor, I, too, have been at Goodison with the 74,800+ versus Burnley and 72,000+ against the RS etc in the early 1960s; however, I think that we have only exceeded 70,000 on a handful of occasions and we have only averaged over 50,000 once in our history. We even dropped to an average of 19,000 in 83-84 and 92-93 and in the 20,000s in eleven seasons since the 1970s. We also attracted 13,000 fans one week in 83-84, the season when we finished 7th, the year before we won the League, so no-one can say it was because we were a crap side. We have NEVER enjoyed massive gates on a regular week-in, week-out basis. I would love things to be different but I still think we will struggle to fill a 50k stadium every week.

Dave Abrahams
114 Posted 16/09/2014 at 16:38:21
Trevor (#105) I think it was as low as 1,100 although to be honest it was on a Wednesday afternoon.

Anthony Lewis
115 Posted 16/09/2014 at 16:50:01
Aim high! If we have the capacity they will come...

Screw all this, "we’ll struggle to fill" nonsense.

We probably will, but if we build a crappy 50k stadium and then we start battering the league... what happens when 50k ain’t enough?

"Build for the future," Is what I say, let’s have some ambition. No more of this ’small club’ attitude.

COYB!

Eric Myles
116 Posted 16/09/2014 at 16:56:50
Sorry Michael #104, I just copied and pasted from Word so don’t know what went wrong. I remember it used to do that when posting from my Korean computer as the Hangul keys were different but now I’m all in English on my own machine.
Steve Carse
117 Posted 16/09/2014 at 16:55:32
Ray 115, what do you mean by regular? Wasn’t the lowest gate in 69-70 still above 40,000? In that year, I think we averaged 50,000 give or take a hundred.

Eric Myles
118 Posted 16/09/2014 at 17:04:52
Peter #113, Etihad don’t own City.
Ray Roche
119 Posted 16/09/2014 at 17:08:25
Yes, Steve, we averaged 49,531 in that season when we had, arguably, our best ever side. But the point I was making is that we have only ever exceeded 50k once in our history, so to expect us to suddenly attract an extra 10000 fans is, in my opinion, fanciful.

You are also correct in stating that we didn’t drop below 40k once in the League at home the season, but that in one way proves the point. Our other great era in the 1980s was watched by average gates in the low 30k down to high 20k.

I know that life was different then and hooligan elements may have kept fans away, but the only thing that will give us any chance of big crowds every week and waiting lists for season tickets is continued success on the field.

Tony J Williams
120 Posted 16/09/2014 at 17:22:08
It’s not just our fans, it’s the away fans too.

Imagine the 25 Wigan fans being able to pick from 1 of 7,000 seats?

Simon Hermansen
121 Posted 16/09/2014 at 17:21:32
Key statement for me from BK:

"Of course, there’s an enormous amount of work to do [which] involves fixing a huge financial jigsaw, but we are certain it’s an opportunity we should pursue with great commitment, endeavour and ambition."

That makes it all sound a long long way off (and dare I say a bit woolly and romantic... what? From our Bill, never!)

But I’m optimistic at hearing something positive about the proposed ground move after 20 years of divisive and pie-in-the-sky options.

Gavin Johnson
122 Posted 16/09/2014 at 17:09:31
Are there any thoughts on the possibility of having an area for standing supporters at any new stadium? I remember a general discussion was banded around the media not so long back when the fortunes of domestic English football were compared to that of Germany.

I know standing facilities are pretty successful in the Bundesliga, It’d also be a way to keep ticket pricing competitive. Of course I’m not harking back to the days when grounds were nearly all standing... I just think it might be good to have stadium where there’s a section for the home supporters which would be all standing.

Carl Sanderson
123 Posted 16/09/2014 at 17:26:18
"Our other great era in the 1980s was watched by average gates in the low 30k down to high 20k."

That was more to do with the prevailing economic climate, the hooliganism and the general view of football in the ’80s. Even Liverpool averaged 32,000 in a season (1983-84) in which they won three trophies, including the European Cup.

Gavin Ramejkis
124 Posted 16/09/2014 at 17:43:01
Apologies if I go over ground already done above but just jumped straight to comment. Has anyone seen or heard the breakdown of the 1,000 jobs yet? Surely some of these would be transferred roles from GP so don’t really count?

Another small item on the website describes education facilities, does this also infer the Everton academy school which has created a lot of debate in itself.

Regeneration is always a socially responsible stance so can’t quibble over that but worry given the track record of our millionaire board to be tighter than a duck’s chuff as to where the money is coming from, plus cutting corners and costs will only mean cheap and nasty.

Andy Finigan
125 Posted 16/09/2014 at 17:33:27
I fully agree, Gavin (124), as this generates a far better and louder atmosphere, which in-turn makes it harder for the away team.

If, as has been stated, the club are prepared to listen to fans’ views on certain aspects of the stadium design and anything else connected to making this special for us, then I hope we all get involved with our suggestions.

Eugene Ruane
126 Posted 16/09/2014 at 17:51:53
Gavin (126) - "Apologies if I go over ground already done above but just jumped straight to comment. Has anyone seen or heard the breakdown of the 1,000 jobs yet?"

Whatever they’ll be doing, it’s a nice round figure... like the 1,000 who were going to be cycling to games at The Kirkby Tesco-Bowl.

Karl Masters
127 Posted 16/09/2014 at 17:28:40
A pity it’s not nearer the City Centre rather in the middle of nowhere (apologies to local residents but, relatively speaking, it is ) but most important of all is what exactly they build.

Please don’t replace the historic stadium that is Goodison Park with something like the pile of crap they were planning for Kikby. That didn’t even have a ’Home end’ with all four stands cut in half by executive boxes.

Get the fans close to the pitch like at Chelsea. If you have to close off the front two rows for European matches, then so be it. If you look carefully at Goodison you will see the Street End is much closer to the pitch than the Park End because the Club followed some sort of UEFA byelaw in 1994. Now think which end sucks the goals in and intimidates the opposition!

55,000 capacity minimum, fans close to pitch, multi-tiered stands, corners filled in, crosses on stand balconies, big single tier Home End with a small tier above, Rupert’s Towers in all 4 corners outside etc, etc. There is no club with a better history to embody in a new stadium than ours. Let’s hope we get some sort of say in it this time.

Helen Mallon
128 Posted 16/09/2014 at 18:12:21
I just wish they would have said nothing at all until they could tell us it was being built.
Paul Mackie
129 Posted 16/09/2014 at 18:10:14
Regarding attendances, I think we’d easily sell out a 50,000 for the ’bigger games’ and even for the smaller ones if tickets were a reasonable price.

The only reason that GP doesn’t sell out more often is the obscene number of restricted views. There were several times last season when I considered grabbing a ticket but then changed my mind when I saw the quality of seats available. I imagine I’m not the only one.

Carl Sanderson
130 Posted 16/09/2014 at 18:13:24
Karl,

A 55,000-seater version of the Signal Iduna would do me fine. With a Blue Wall. The Shite can stick their famous Kop up their ring.

Karl Masters
131 Posted 16/09/2014 at 18:13:08
Ha ha, Eugene, I remember Wyness’s ridiculous cycling comment. Perhaps he and the Board could have tried it themselves (on unicycles, wearing red noses and juggling would have been perfect).

I have seen cycle racks at a Premier League stadium though. At Reading, in sunny Berkshire, a far cry from Merseyside, and even then none of them were being used!

Karl Masters
132 Posted 16/09/2014 at 18:24:11
You are spot on Carl. Dortmund’s stadium is pretty much perfect.

Let’s start a campaign for that design now. BK could save all the design fees by borrowing the German plans. Just make the seats blue, put a great big Rupert’s Tower outside and some crosses on the balcony walls and its job done.

What are you waiting for, Bill?

John Malone
133 Posted 16/09/2014 at 18:18:14
The catch – we’re now the Everton Panthers, we’ve got red trim and socks and the stadium is called the Shacka Lacka boom boom.

I’ll believe it when the diggers go in!

Clive Lewis
134 Posted 16/09/2014 at 18:30:36
Walton Mitty stadium has a good ring to it. With a large statue of Pinnochio squirting water from its nose.
Paul Holden
135 Posted 16/09/2014 at 18:45:23
Sounds good to me – except nobody’s mentioned cost and how we are going to pay for it!
Pete Cross
136 Posted 16/09/2014 at 18:24:27
Karl (#129) that ground would do me, plus fantastic lighting something on the lines of the Birds Nest.

Cycle to WHP could happen for some, there is a trail from Halewood to Aintree.

Brian Hill
137 Posted 16/09/2014 at 18:33:28
I have written two comments on the Echo website in response to its coverage of this drivel, both mildly critical of the Board – neither were published. Fancy that!
Paul Hewitt
138 Posted 16/09/2014 at 19:03:08
The key word here is ’investigate’... because that’s all that will happen — then, nothing.
Peter Mills
139 Posted 16/09/2014 at 19:21:30
There are many ways to look at this issue, and TW will be one of the many places people will be able to make their views known. One can only hope that genuine consultation can take place.

I love Goodison, some of the best (and worst) moments of my life over the past 50 years have taken place there. But hell, it is very, very tired. Despite some extremely lucid comments above about re-building, I suspect a new stadium may be the only answer.

If a new stadium can be funded, I would far sooner it was done as part of a visionary re-development of a community rather than an adjunct to a faceless retail park.

Whilst I am cynical about some of those behind the scenes at Everton, I have a degree of faith in the work of EitC, and a true social development at Walton Hall Park could be a world leader for sports stadia. So, whilst there are many, many ifs and buts, and the chances of a radical success are probably slim, I see this proposal as worthy of support in principle.

Aidy Dews
140 Posted 16/09/2014 at 19:35:07
Jamie (#12) & Scott (#13), with the new TV money we will make an added £30M plus on top of our original income for a season over the next three seasons.

The first £30M+ went towards wages, contract extensions, a bit towards the kitty, repairs and upgrades on Goodison etc, etc.

You can bet that large portions of the next two instalments will go towards this venture from the club. That will be our part of the bargain, to go in with the council’s share and then bits from sponsors and whatever else.

I think the club are doing the right thing. This increased TV money is something that we’ve not had before, and extra £30M a season at least so why not use it towards a stadium?!

No-one on our board will solely put in for a new stadium, so we may as well use the new TV money, money that has not ever been there before!

What gives me confidence that this venture will get off the ground, is that the council are on board and very vocal in wanting to help make it happen and I think finally, we will get our new home.

We all love Goodison but we all know we need to move to help us generate the necessary finances through the ability to get more sponsors involved at the new stadium and with the club; this really could be the making of us getting back amongst the big boys?!.

Mike Chambers
141 Posted 16/09/2014 at 19:55:53
I have faith in Joe Anderson helping Everton in everyway he can.

What I don’t have faith in is BK, firstly being truthful and secondly trying hard to get this right. The other stumbling block will be the short-sighted local people. This will be really good for the area and the city as a whole.

Fingers crossed this can happen...

Dennis Stevens
142 Posted 16/09/2014 at 19:55:21
Isn’t Candlestick Park due to be demolished? Perhaps we can ship it over & rebuild it here. It’d be worth it just for the apoplectic reaction from RS at the thought of Everton playing their matches in the same stadium the Beatles played their last proper gig – we’d have an instant historic concert venue!
David Hallwood
143 Posted 16/09/2014 at 20:14:17
The only negative is that WHP backs onto a sizable private housing estate and any objections would have the potential to hold up the redevelopment for possibly years. This is the big drawback of building in residential areas.
Colin Glassar
144 Posted 16/09/2014 at 20:36:15
I’m not getting my hopes up. Apart from the obvious financials involved, it’s a cert some smart arse ecologist group will oppose us building on a park. I opposed the RS plans for Stanley Park and I’m not too keen on this one either tbh. Where are all the Sunday League pitches going to go?
Darren Hind
145 Posted 16/09/2014 at 20:16:14
I think we at TW are lucky to be able to tap into the experience and knowledge Tom invariably brings to any stadium debate. An interesting debate, with Si making a game of it with some decent points of his own.

Many of us would like to share Si’s enthusiasm, but will understand and sympathise with Tom’s reservations, This board’s attempt to lead us all up the garden path with claims of the "Deal Of The Century" are still fresh in the memory.

KT’s post (19) serves as a timely reminder that not everyone has our best interests at heart.

One step at a time for me. It’ll be interesting to see If the club intends to put this to the vote once the plans are finalised.

Carl Sanderson
146 Posted 16/09/2014 at 20:59:53
It won’t happen with this Board on place, regardless of how many boxes it ticks. If Kenwright told me today is Tuesday, I wouldn’t believe him. Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice,..
Si Cooper
147 Posted 16/09/2014 at 20:58:27
Darren, I am indeed enthusiastic for EFC to rise to the top of English and European football, but I am merely open-minded as to whether progress can be made through this potential development of WHP.

I understand the wariness of many of us considering what has happened before – and fully accept that it should not just be a case of committing to the first available opportunity – but not the unremitting negativity of those who are completely dismissing this project before we have seen any details.

Carl Sanderson
148 Posted 16/09/2014 at 21:29:43
"...but not the unremitting negativity of those who are completely dismissing this project before we have seen any details."

Personally I’m not against the project, only the mountebanks, charlatans and sharps who will be presiding over it.

Neil Quinn
149 Posted 16/09/2014 at 21:47:48
Although I’d rather see Goodison redeveloped, it appears that this is a non-starter with the current board (regardless of whether or not it can be done). However, if we must move, I’m reasonably happy with a site such as Walton Hall Park. It won’t see the demise of County Road businesses for starters & it’s just as easy to get to as Goodison.

The only thing that’s bugging me is why Stanley Park is never mentioned as a possibility for us. Obviously a lot of spadework (pun intended) has already been carried out as well as feasibility studies. Seeing as our beloved enemy no longer has need of it, why can’t we jump in?

Eugene Ruane
150 Posted 16/09/2014 at 21:30:40
Aldy Dews (142) - "We all love Goodison but we all know we need to move to help us generate the necessary finances through the ability to get more sponsors involved at the new stadium and with the club; this really could be the making of us getting back amongst the big boys"

Sorry but we don’t know any such thing.

Sure the club have said many times that Goodison isn’t an option, but to my knowledge they’ve never gone into any detail as to why. (Genuine question – anyone remember any detailed statement ever?)

I’m not 100% against a move to WHP but any claims right now (when we know virtually nothing) are pure wishful thinking and mean nothing.

Imo ’this really could be the making of us’ smacks of someone trying to sell something and for the sake of balance, at this stage, it needs saying that if it could be the making of us, it could also be the ruin of us (no doubt Boro, Coventry and Bolton were sold similar dreams).

My advice to Evertonians would be keep your eye on the ball... at all times.

As George W Bush (almost) said, "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.’ (Not sure what ’fool me 37 times’ was...)

Eugene Ruane
151 Posted 16/09/2014 at 22:00:38
Carl - now that’s spooky.
Tony Draper
152 Posted 16/09/2014 at 22:00:48
A new Stadium!
Fantastic, the very idea made my spine tingle... until I read:

Joe Anderson:
He said no timetable for the building of the stadium was in place, but that after consulting with the local community, fan groups and project partners, a planning application "could be made within 12 months".

Dame Flora:
He said that "like all Evertonians, I love Goodison Park and have done since the day I first set foot in the Boy’s Pen".

Then I felt like I did that Christmas when I asked Santa for a pair of Adidas and excitedly tore the wrapper off.......... a pair of "Timmo’s Shit Stoppers".

John Malone
153 Posted 16/09/2014 at 22:03:50
It won’t happen!
Anthony Jones
154 Posted 16/09/2014 at 22:08:25
Is there any evidence that building football stadiums in deprived areas really aids in regeneration?

Building contractors will most likely not be from North Liverpool. Staff would be transferred from Goodison to run the club and the matchday side of things. Retail and leisure add-ons would bring some employment opportunities, but then who works on their own doorstep these days?

Kevin Tully
155 Posted 16/09/2014 at 22:12:09
Does anyone else feel this may be a bit of a preemptive response to Liverpool’s regeneration of Anfield?

Questions were bound to be asked of our board once the other lot started their redevelopment, but our mob would have seen this coming miles off.

Call them all you want, but they can spin a tale with the very best out there, and this will certainly placate the fanbase for a good few years. Could be brilliant if you think about it. They know it won’t cost them a penny, but they look as if they are moving heaven and earth to build a new ground. Every enquiry or objection could see this scheme dragging on for years, but it could give the board a free pass as far as the stadium debate goes. Hats off.

Phil Walling
156 Posted 16/09/2014 at 23:08:29
Kevin, you and I have had our spats but on this issue we seem as one. I thought last month’s rumours of a new ground smelt of a pre-emtive response to Liverpool’s ’unveiling’ and that’s all it will remain.

It’s an issue that gets trotted out about every two years to keep the troops from getting restless about the other lot moving even further ahead of us.

Wake me up in 2016!

Kevin Tully
158 Posted 16/09/2014 at 23:25:02
Yes Phil - look at the effect this announcement will have alone. The majority of fans I have spoken to have all but moved! No plans, no funding, but it could buy the board another 3 years before they even have to produce a drawing.

They said they had identified a site two years ago – is this news really offering any progress other than naming Walton Hall Park publicly?

Maybe we are being too cynical – but could anyone really blame us?

Raymond Fox
159 Posted 16/09/2014 at 23:11:33
Agreed Antony, all this job creation spiel is nonsense, you simply move employment from one place to another when retail is involved, you don’t actually create extra jobs for the city.

I’m all for the project, but I have a feeling if it happens, it will be years before we see an end product, how long is anybody’s guess.

What I don’t want to see is a new shiny stadium + a team fighting to stay in the Prem.

Derek Knox
160 Posted 16/09/2014 at 23:53:55
Raymond# 161

I note all your comments, and feel they are very valid, on all fronts really, but just to lighten the tone a bit, if you don’t mind me quoting you here!

"What I don’t want to see is a new shiny stadium + a team fighting to stay in the Prem."

What if the team who were fighting to stay in the Prem, were our friendly, and beloved neighbours, across the Park?

Having watched their game tonight, against relatively unknown opposition, I couldn’t help rooting for the Bulgarian side (I don’t know why!) who I thought were extremely unlucky with some of the decisions against them. Taking into consideration the amount of money they have spent (RS) I do not think Liverpool looked anything but a very ordinary side at home! So my hypothetical scenario may not be that far removed from reality.

Nick Armitage
161 Posted 17/09/2014 at 00:59:05
As soon as I heard that the club need to stump up cash was when I knew this was a dead duck.

We will still be in Goodison in 20 years.

David Ellis
162 Posted 17/09/2014 at 02:28:42
Nick - maybe we won’t raise the money, but one step at a time. Every journey starts with a single step.

What would be really helpful is a proper independent analysis of what can be done at Goodison. As a non-expert it is frustrating not knowing the basic credibility of the re-development option.

But in my view Goodison is no longer fit for purpose and something needs to be done. Not to catapult us into the big time (a new stadium will not be enough to achieve that). But for us to catch up with middleweight clubs that have already developed new stadia (or substantively re-developed their stadiums).

I see this announcement as a positive first step, but like all on here I am not holding my breath just yet.

Matt Traynor
163 Posted 17/09/2014 at 03:47:51
Carl and Eugene, surely the saying is "Fool me thrice"....?

To those bemoaning the negativity, I think there needs to be an understanding that we’ve been here before, not once, but twice, with this board. The only thing that has changed is revenue – they won’t be investing any more than they already have.

I don’t expect there to be a vote. Desperation Kirkby was only put to the vote to get a mandate from the fans for a move that was controversial, both in its location and in the actual execution – with Tesco’s. The promotional material produced was questionable in its integrity, and no airtime was given to those who would argue against the move – Note: they were not arguing for staying at Goodison.

I believe the board believed that had they got a planning consent for DK a buyer would have emerged quickly, and they would never have actually been required to identify the £82m funding. Unless they already had one lined up I think that would’ve been difficult.

If this time they are actually going to see the project through, then as long as TV revenues hold constant or continue to increase, then they could easily generate a surplus of £30m+ per annum to devote to this (I’ve said up the thread why I think EU funding will be minimal).

If you allow a 5 year time line to get this up and running (and recent transfer history suggests we’ve already made a start in accumulating the funds), then we can spend the next 5 years with a net negative transfer spend, or sell a Barkley or Coleman when the squad needs rejuvenating, and it’s doable.

Doable, until they fuck it up again.

Conor Waters
164 Posted 17/09/2014 at 08:03:21
"There’s an old saying in Tennessee — I know it’s in Texas, probably in Tennessee — that says, fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can’t get fooled again."

Mike Chambers
165 Posted 17/09/2014 at 08:02:59
Goodison can’t be redeveloped, the position and way it is built rules this out. We have already developed it as far as it will go.

At least a realistic option has been put on the table. They could have decided to go for a pie-in-the-sky idea, such as a stadium with training facilities linked to a hotel.

The council has helped Everton as much as they can. It is now down to BK to show his hand. We don’t seem to spend on transfers so the money must go somewhere... Now is the time for the chairman to prove himself

Ray Morgan
166 Posted 17/09/2014 at 08:53:25
What I do not understand is: How will we fill an 50,00 seater when we cannot fill a 40,000. And too me, the only way it will generate more money is by increasing the cost to attend the game!!
Eugene Ruane
167 Posted 17/09/2014 at 08:58:49
Matt - "Carl and Eugene, surely the saying is "Fool me thrice"....?"

That reminds me of an episode of Corrie, when Bet Lynch went to an Indian restaurant and kicked off coz they’d got her order wrong.

"Look cock, you’ve given me the chicken tikka and the keema nan but where’s thrice!?"

IthangYEW!

Dave Southword
168 Posted 17/09/2014 at 10:22:38
Eugene (152): I recall Robert Elstone did a brief presentation around Kirkby time about redevelopment. They overlaid the footprint of the Reebok onto Goodison (showing Bolton’s stadium was a little larger), and I remember him rattling on about how it would cost £200M, yield a lower capacity than present and due to having to rotate the pitch 90 degrees, the capacity during the rebuild could be as low as 15,000.

As the board was pushing the Kirkby option at the time, then Elstone may have been somewhat "selective" in his facts and figures!

Thomas Lennon
169 Posted 17/09/2014 at 10:56:51
I have done the same thing as Dave suggested was done for the Reebok using Google Earth, carefully matching altitude so scale was equivalent. If you centre the resulting image of Goodison on any top 6 club ground the tiny size of our footprint becomes startling - try it and see! Build upwards from there? Even Tom Hughes has backed away from that idea in a recent thread.

Each club has enclosed huge facilities within their large footprints, not just spectator seats adding comfort and value. Hopefully we will do the same at Walton Hall Park.

I see transport and access being discussed again too. I can see why there are misgivings but surely part of the reason so much transport passes GP is partly because a large business trades there i.e. Everton? Likewise the reason WHP has poorer access is because there are no large businesses and fewer houses there at the moment and when Everton move there that situation will change? The slight differences mentioned by Tom will resolve.

Carl Sanderson
170 Posted 17/09/2014 at 11:49:42
"The only thing that has changed is revenue – they won’t be investing any more than they already have."

What’s changed? How do we know that they will invest any more than the £0 that they have put into the Club over the last 15 years?

Matt Traynor
171 Posted 17/09/2014 at 12:01:46
Carl #172. that’s exactly the point I was trying to make, and was probably being too subtle. They’re looking for a massive profit from selling the club, having invested £0. That was the case in 1999 when the original lot bought the club, and it’s never changed. It’s just taken them a lot longer than they hoped, but when it hasn’t cost you anything, there’s all the time in the world.
Anthony Fielding
172 Posted 17/09/2014 at 13:08:17
I don’t understand all these people who are so dead set against a new build stadium, especially as it will be less than a mile away from Goodison Park. If the best way for the club to improve its match day facilities is by moving less than a mile away, then what is the problem??

Why are people so intent on staying at Goodison?? Sentiment and history counts for very little in this day and age, I mean we haven’t won anything for 20 years now, have we? Our once great stadium and our proud history hasn’t helped us win anything, has it?

James Marshall
173 Posted 17/09/2014 at 14:56:07
We need to move, we all know that, like it or not - it would be nice if the club took a bit of Goodison with them, in the same way the Emirates has the old clock from the 'clock end' at Highbury hanging at one end.

Maybe the bogs? The car park? Something like that.

Eugene Ruane
174 Posted 17/09/2014 at 15:06:32
James Marshall – "We need to move, we all know that, like it or not."

No, we definitely don't; we need to stay at Goodison.

nb: For anyone making similar strident 'this is this' pro-WHP statements, without providing accompanying reason/s or argument, I feel entitled to simply contradict.

Fair?

James Marshall
175 Posted 17/09/2014 at 15:28:36
Eugene – I'd love us to stay at Goodison as well, it just doesn't appear viable any more though, does it?

Absolutely fair that you contradict by the way – by the same token, can you offer up a viable Goodison Park future plan?

Mike Chambers
176 Posted 17/09/2014 at 15:23:59
Match day is only part of the revenue stream. Conferences, other games and stadium tours. Team make a fortune from other uses.

At Goodison, we make very little: tours only take place a few times a week, at Anfield it's every 15 minutes, at the Nou Camp on a bad day they get 2,500 through the door and similar at Madrid.

It's nice to be sentimental, but if we want to be with the big boys in the future, a new ground is the starting point.

Also remember the Sky money might not be there always. Administration is the way we will go if we don't have any other revenue streams.

James Marshall
177 Posted 17/09/2014 at 15:33:31
By the way, my reasons - while I love the old lady dearly, she's a battered up old bag these days, wearing far too much makeup like the old woman who lived on my street done up like Ronald McDonald, and she's not much of earner.

We could do with a shorter skirt, better legs, firmer tits, something to get the pulse racing a bit – if you get my meaning.

Jay Harris
178 Posted 17/09/2014 at 15:37:42
So all the top teams apart from Arsenal and Man City (who were gifted their stadium) are wrong to facelift the stadium they have built their status on.

I prefer to support Tom Hughes ( an engineer with knowledge and experience in stadium design and build) than Bill Kenwright (a notorious liar) and Robert Elstone (the board's mouthpiece).

Logic should tell you that it is more cost effective to create 10,000 new seats and improve amenities at an existing stadium than to build a whole new pitch and 50000 seat stadium.

We all know that EFC have to improve income and stay competitive but I remind all fans that Old Trafford was only a similar size to GP in the late 80's and now is arguably the best Stadium in the UK after Wembley.

Newcastle is far more landlocked and a smaller footprint than GP yet still accommodates that magical 50000+. after development work there.

GP has held more than 70000 people and world cup games as well as seeing the 4th most successful top division side for over 100 years.Surely the history of the club and stadium is worth more than throwing away for some cheap tart.

Jay Harris
179 Posted 17/09/2014 at 15:37:42
So all the top teams apart from Arsenal and Man City (who were gifted their stadium) are wrong to facelift the stadium they have built their status on.

I prefer to support Tom Hughes (an engineer with knowledge and experience in stadium design and build) than Bill Kenwright (a notorious liar) and Robert Elstone (the board's mouthpiece).

Logic should tell you that it is more cost effective to create 10,000 new seats and improve amenities at an existing stadium than to build a whole new pitch and 50,000-seat stadium.

We all know that EFC have to improve income and stay competitive but I remind all fans that Old Trafford was only a similar size to GP in the late '80s and now is arguably the best Stadium in the UK after Wembley.

Newcastle is far more landlocked and a smaller footprint than GP yet still accommodates that magical 50,000+. after development work there.

GP has held more than 70,000 people and World Cup games as well as seeing the 4th most successful top division side for over 100 years. Surely the history of the club and stadium is worth more than throwing away for some cheap tart.

Eugene Ruane
180 Posted 17/09/2014 at 15:54:43
James - "By the way, my reasons – while I love the old lady dearly, she's a battered up old bag these days, wearing far too much makeup like the old woman who lived on my street done up like Ronald McDonald, and she's not much of earner. We could do with a shorter skirt, better legs, firmer tits, something to get the pulse racing a bit - if you get my meaning."

That's better, a few reasons, something for me to work with.

So absolutely agree with you re Goodison in it's present state, but (luckily for me) Jay (180) has just provided a very good argument against 'we have to move' and you've even given the answer yourself (shorter skirt, better legs etc).

I accept there maybe a very good reason why this isn't possible, but I have never heard one from the club.

Over the years, all suggestions of revamping Goodison have been dismissed by the club but I can't remember them ever saying "And here's why,...."

And this, given our board's record for shiftiness and fuck-ups, makes me, at best, uneasy and at worst, suspicious.

James Marshall
181 Posted 17/09/2014 at 16:19:19
OK so we're agreed. I was being somewhat flippant at the start, hence my joke about moving the bogs... .I have to go to bed now; 5am start and I'm in Burma.
Anthony Fielding
183 Posted 17/09/2014 at 15:56:20
Jay 181
Both Old Trafford and St James Park have similar footprint, which is nearly twice the size of our current footprint. To fit that size footprint at Goodison we would need all the streets off Bullens Road and the school and then it would still be a tight fit.

Spurs are building a new ground from scratch, Chelsea are looking to do the same. Adding a few extra seats to one of the stands would not improve the facilities for the rest of the ground, I mean we have a tent in the car park for hospitality, for god's sake!

Anthony Fielding
184 Posted 17/09/2014 at 16:37:36
Eugene Ruane (#182),

The reason given by the club for not developing Goodison has been mentioned over and over and is clear in most people's view anyway – there isn't room to significantly develop the whole ground and it's not economically viable.

Whilst I don't know about it being economically viable, I can certainly see with my own eyes that there certainly isn't the room on the current footprint.

I just want to know from all those that are against relocating, what exactly is the problem if it's only under a mile away? What is the problem with that? Not like we would be moving to Milton Keynes!

Neil Bowman
185 Posted 17/09/2014 at 20:03:48
I too have very strong memories of good old GP. I was there for the Bayern game, the 5-0 against the Mancs, the 4-4 derby etc.

Also my grandad passed away there too. A dull 0-0 against Norwich as I recall.

It is a great stadium but memories and traditions are transferable from a place and I believe it's time to move on.

Peter (#141) makes some good comments about EitC and I'm not sure if anyone is making this connection but just a few weeks past, Mark Carney, head of the Bank of England no less, joined the EitC board. I think this sends out a very strong statement of intent about how this worthy aspect of our great club will act as a focal point for the financial investment needed.

I'd also like to add that I'm not waiting for the day some big high roller comes in and sweeps up our club. Bill has his faults but in reality I want connection to the community and a great football team on the pitch more than the bought riches of others. With a new stadium, revenue will be generated and the club can move forward in the right way – the Everton way.

Jay Harris
186 Posted 17/09/2014 at 20:32:16
Anthony,
I have no issues with WHP personally.

My only contention is I do not trust Kenwright and cronies to develop a quality stadium and I still believe that pound for pound it will be better and more economical to redevelop GP.

Take a look at some of the proposals for redeveloping Goodison before reaching your conclusion.

Paul Gladwell
187 Posted 17/09/2014 at 20:55:39
Mike, we could have the biggest ground in Europe and still would not increase the handful of stadium tours mate, we are not in the league of the Redshite for global fan base and their selfie stick carriers who swamp their hell hole every other week.

We preach 'We go the game' and will have empty seats everywhere tomorrow night with people blaming the price, which is still far cheaper than that lot charged against a far less glamorous team than we are playing.

Yes we do need a stadium to try and catch up to that level and I would be happy to move if it was done correctly; my biggest worry is wasting another five years on fancy videos etc only for it to fall flat again and with our past history it's a good possibility and then what?

If the club cannot guarantee this is going to happen then we really cannot risk wasting another five or so years letting Goodison fall behind, Goodison could have been staged developed over the past two decades, just like Villa did on a similar footprint, however we wasted those years and money on false dreams, this one has to happen.

Andrew Davies
188 Posted 17/09/2014 at 21:10:23
James Marshall re taking something from Goodison to our new residence... please not the bogs!
Kevin Tully
189 Posted 17/09/2014 at 21:31:38
Probable timeline:

● Planning permission granted - 2105....

● Enquiries and objections take us to 2017....

● New Lib-Dem Council announce City is bankrupt - 2018

● Plans on hold due to interested parties - 2020...

● Robert Earl snuffs it.....

● Goodison Park crumbles into dust....

Eugene Ruane
190 Posted 17/09/2014 at 21:52:56
Anthony Fielding (186) - "Eugene Ruane (#182), The reason given by the club for not developing Goodison has been mentioned over and over and is clear in most people's view anyway – there isn't room to significantly develop the whole ground and it's not economically viable"

'Most people' eh?

Could we have their names and addresses?

Tell you what, just show me a link that is a response from the club that explains why any of the (at least 2) specific detailed proposals put to them, are flawed.

I mean presumably in your work, if you felt you had an idea that solved a problem and your solution was rejected, you'd expect more than a cursory 'naaaar'

You add..

"Whilst I don't know about it being economically viable, I can certainly see with my own eyes that there certainly isn't the room on the current footprint"

Hmmm...with your own eyes...really?

Don't get me wrong, not knocking your eyesight but are you a design expert or an architecht?

My guess is that (like me), you're neither and so have to (nb: and should) rely on others who know more and/or have expertise in this field.

Why not, before giving reasons like 'it's only a mile away' take a look at the (detailed) design linked below that was put together by people who know a lot more than you and me.

http://ToffeeWeb.com/club/goodison/hughes_redev.asp

You end by saying - "I just want to know from all those that are against relocating, what exactly is the problem if it's only under a mile away? What is the problem with that? Not like we would be moving to Milton Keynes!"

Well, as I (and a few others) have said, I don't at this stage (ie: the stage when we know nothing) really have a problem with WHP as a location, but that doesn't mean I'm not going to ask questions and it doesn't mean I want to leave a Goodison that can possibly be developed (so apologies if I go with Tom Hughes's opinion over guesswork made as a result of what you can see).

Given we were told 'there is no plan B' and now the same people are saying 'Er..well apart from this one', are you really not interested in exploring every avenue and (key question) do you trust them?

Brent Stephens
191 Posted 17/09/2014 at 22:09:06
Judging by all the posts arguing against a move to WHP, people think Bill must be serious this time?!
Karl Masters
192 Posted 17/09/2014 at 22:50:16
He's always been serious about it, Brent. But past experience has led to many questioning what his motives are, rather than whether he's pulling a jolly prank at everyone else's expense.

Is he doing it as the best possible thing for EFC and as a spin off he gets a pile of cash?

or

is he doing it as the best possible thing for Bill Kenwright (and/or Green and Earl) and as a spin off we get a new stadium, which may be good on the face of it, but actually nothing like as good as could have been obtained?

Let's wait and see exactly WHAT they plan to build and HOW it is to be financed before we judge.

Proven liars this Board, just look at the Kirkby public enquiry for proof many times over.

Bill Gall
193 Posted 17/09/2014 at 22:32:07
For Everton to hope to be able to move into a new 50,000 seater stadium one of the the things they will have to do starting this season is to be in, and get to later stages or win, European competitions and finish in the top 5-6 places in the league to ensure a steady income stream.

As other people have mentioned, with Everton having to provide finances to the project and with costs going up all the time, I cannot see BK getting more done than statements to the media.

Even though I no longer live in Liverpool, I would have been delighted if Goodison Park could have been upgraded but not knowing what it would cost or if it is structurally feasible to do it, I hope that this move to WHP becomes a reality and not another publicity stunt.

With all the comments going on at Toffee Web about transport, parking and general criticism about WHP, does anybody know of another suitable site nearer the city centre or the waterfront that is not already purchased for future development?

Steve Jenkins
194 Posted 17/09/2014 at 23:40:55
Positive news and – as much I hate the leave Goodison – it has to be done for the club to progress.

Way too far to go to get excited. Let’s see what develops.

Pete Fordham
195 Posted 17/09/2014 at 23:53:56
My Dad, and his Dad, lived in Sylvania Rd I believe, on the edge of Walton Hall Park. Both not with us anymore, and both lifelong Evertonians. I remember going to my Grandma's house there and being shown a football rattle that used to be taken to Goodison Park on matchday, perhaps in the 1930s!!

They had an allotment on edges of the park... in my sweetest dreams, my Granddad can soon look down and see where he used to grow his turnips now becoming the corner flag spot at the 'Sylvania Rd End' of the new stadium, which will likely be literally at the end of the road he grew up in. Needless to say, myself and my 8-year old son are also lifelong Toffees.

Tom Hughes
196 Posted 18/09/2014 at 07:54:27
Steve...... I'd say it's barely news at all. We've known about WHP for years now, and that the club were interested in it more specifically since the last AGM. Other than that, we have learnt nothing new at all.
Peter Howard
197 Posted 18/09/2014 at 08:15:04
If some people do not trust the Board with a ground move, then presumably they will not trust it with redevelopment of Goodison.
Andrew Sell
198 Posted 18/09/2014 at 11:01:28
Walton Hall Park is an odd one, too near Goodison and still within Walton to oppose it like 'Destination shambles' was but hasnt got that certain X factor that the riverside or major Goodison redevelopment would bring.

If we do go there I quite like the idea of 'Walton Hall Park' being the name instead of something silly like New Goodison - maybe name one of the stands after Goodison and another one after Dixie.

Tom Hughes
199 Posted 18/09/2014 at 12:01:33
Andrew... it is a funny one I agree. I also think it's funny when people say it's good because it so close to Goodison, as if the closer to Goodison the better.... if that's the case then surely nowhere's closer to Goodison than Goodison.... and guess what, someone's already built a stadium there........ kind of makes the whole process feel very Heath Robinson doesn't it?

Bottom line is.....WHP should be judged on its own merits, and compared against what can be achieved at GP for equivalent outlay (and elsewhere) without having to reinvent the wheel.

Tim Greeley
200 Posted 18/09/2014 at 12:38:39
Can it support a Disney on Ice show!?!? If not, don't bother.....
Dave Roberts
201 Posted 18/09/2014 at 12:19:47
Well, with the raising of Walton Hall Park, a location within the city, as a possible site for a new stadium I think Keioc should reform to a new pressure group called Ebag (Everton belong at Goodison) even though we used to belong at Anfield. The other day we had people proposing to evict families from their houses and bulldoze a school in order to extend the Goodison footprint. I for one would never agree to that as long as one tenant or homeowner or parent of a child at the school opposed it. I don't think chucking people out of their homes is the way forward for our club, we're not the shite, especially as the houses in question are in good condition and reasonably affordable, something which is in very short supply. Additionally, schoolbuilding has all but ceased in this country since this government cancelled the new school initiative so a replacement would be difficult to come by.

I have no doubt that Goodison could be redeveloped, if only because you can redevelop anything. But the question is why would we want to? All Evertonians are attached to Goodison like an old pair of slippers or a knackered old Granny but this does not mean we have to be chained there forever any more than we had to be chained to Anfield. Those who continue to propose redevelopment remind me of Leonardo Da Vinci's helicopter. He was convinced it would fly. He was convinced it would fly because it was his idea and people often find it very difficult to give up on their own ideas.

Goodison is in the wrong place in the modern football world. She is hemmed in on all sides and there is no room for her to breathe. A redeveloped Goodison would blot out the sun from the neighbourhood even more than it does now. Who would like to live with such a looming edifice in perpetual view? Always looming, always present. Redevelopment, although it may increase capacity and improve facilities somewhat, will never change that. I agree that Walton Hall Park would not be my first choice if options were limitless but they are most definitely not. The town centre or the waterfront are not going to happen. Peel are not happy with and have no plans for a stadium by the river and I cannot think of anywhere in the town centre that is either available or would be welcoming to a football stadium.

If Walton Hall Park goes ahead (and I personally have my doubts for financial reasons!) it will be an Everton Stadium within the city which was the primary complaint during the Kirkby debate. It is, in fact, just over three quarters of a mile away. Evertonians will be able to catch the same buses, drink in the same pubs, use the same chippy. For many it will be more convenient than Goodison although for many it will be less so. Those who have a longer walk now will have a shorter one in the future and vice versa. The crowds I see walking down Walton Hall Avenue towrds Queens Drive on matchdays might be very pleased, those walking up from the other side of County Road may be disappointed. But that is the way it is now, getting to Goodison is easier for some than it is for others. So what's new?

Col Wills
202 Posted 18/09/2014 at 13:02:01
We need to be closer to the city centre, if they are giving parkland away, what better location than Everton Park?

Imagine it, Etched into the hillside in giant white letters like the Hollywood sign.........NIL SATIS NISI OPTIMUM

High up on Everton Brow, overlooking the royal blue Mersey, next to the symbol on our badge, Prince Ruperts Tower, a magnificent arena lit up in neon blue lighting up the night sky over our magnificent City........

Richard Reeves
203 Posted 18/09/2014 at 12:50:02
Whenever I’ve looked on Google maps, I’ve often thought what a great opportunity there would be to develop that whole (D-shaped) piece of land with Goodison sitting to the left of it. If we had a board who were prepared to spend the money in buying out local residents and the van yard and get some help from the council in relocating the school yard, then the stadium could be expanded to whatever size required by rebuilding the Park End and the Bullens Road stands.

With no property to cast a shadow over, there could be a huge stand built with as many rows of corporate boxes required and there would be no need to change the Gwladys Street stand or the main stand apart from removing support column’s and installing a new roof. There would also be enough room for a hotel and car park, that’s if the whole piece of land was obtained.

But as the board have failed in that and, from what I can see, it could still be possible to rebuild the two stands to a smaller level (in terms of height and width) which would only require some of the playground area of the school, some of the van yard and about half of the houses located on Muriel Street and Diana Street.

If I could offer any advice to this board it would be this................

Start buying these properties now/as soon as they become available, so that – in 10 years time, when we’re in this same position after another couple of failed stadium moves – we’ll be in a position to at least lay down some bricks.

Anthony Fielding
204 Posted 18/09/2014 at 13:14:09
Eugene Ruane (#192),

Half the people on this thread can see the constraints the club are working with in regards to finance and indeed space to develop GP. More importantly so do the people actually running the club, who I'm sure, whether or not you think so, are in a lot better position than you, I and Tom Hughes to know this.

I don't need to be a design expert or an architect to see how land-locked GP is. I don't need to be a design expert or an architect to see that improving space, seating, facilities, adding extra 10,000(+) seats, hospitality etc we need a larger footprint than we have.

Our current footprint is just over half the size of the likes of Old Trafford, The Emirates, Stadium of Light, St James Park, The Etihad but to name a few. To build a comparable size ground on the current site, we would need all the land from the school, and all the streets of Bullens Road, and it would still be a tight squeeze, that is unless you're suggesting we just throw a few stands up above the Park End and fill the corners on, at a stretch a new stand around the Bullens, just leave the rest of the ground in its current run down state??

I have seen Tom's plans a few times and it is not that I don't like them or not in favour of staying at GP, but I just don't see how it is possible with just a 10 m land grab like he has mentioned before, not when you consider the size of the footprint of new modern stadia.

Also people on one hand say BK is trying to do this on the cheap for a quick sale with the highest profit possible, then, why if Tom's plans would be the cheapest and most viable possible are the club looking to spend more money moving to a differnent location? Bit of a contradiction isn't it? Or maybe it is the most and only viable option to move to a new location due to finances and space?!

Erik Dols
205 Posted 18/09/2014 at 13:38:06
Don't agree that Kirkby was shot down purely because of the location outside the city, Dave. Although that was a big factor, the stadium plans showed an average stadium at best and most numbers presented early days appeared to be false. You cannot expect people to warmly embrace WHP when there's no stadium design and not one single number (costs, capacity, infrastructure) published.

I do not oppose any move away from GP. If the plans for WHP appear to be an iconic stadium with 65k seats that all are near to the field, fitting within regeneration plans for the area, with the right cost structure, with a plan for the infrastructure, I will embrace WHP as the path forward. But the board don't deserve that kind of trust based on the Kirkby-disaster. That's why most ToffeeWebbers first want to see details before they get carried away. If the plans unravel a 44k seat below-standard Alex Nyarko Memorial Stadium costing the club over 200M and expecting the fans to go by cycle, I'd rather stay at Goodison, redeveloped or not.

It's funny that you are concerned about people losing their homes and the loss of light at Goodison, but that you don't seem to mind taking away green park land less than a mile down the road. Don't see that logic - both projects will affect the people living in the respective area either way.

Tom Hughes
206 Posted 18/09/2014 at 13:31:19
Dave,
There is quite a distinct line between evicting families and offering the opportunity to regenerate an area, or part of it. As far as us not being like the "shite" you might need to learn a bit of history: The entire park end car park was full of houses once(not that long ago), and Gwladys St had houses on both sides for almost the first 50yrs of GP's existence. Who do you think knocked all of those down? That said, did they not create easily the best stadium in the country when the completed the double-decker format on all sides? So less of the theatrics are in order there I think. There have infact been thousands of houses cleared all over the city in the name of redevelopment, and this is a drop in the ocean.... and these particular ones are the cheapest outside any stadium in the UK.....so less of the fake sympathy when there may be a genuine regeneration opportunity..... as opposed to perhaps a fabricated one in a park.....or does your sympathy extend to those residents losing their park, who have never had a stadium next door?

You might not also be aware that KEIOC have been quite supportive of the notion of WHP in the past, so I'm not sure why you mention them..... or is this a hangover from losing Kirkby? I believe they are quite open minded at present, at least until they see far more substance.

Goodison is not hemmed in on all sides at all. The park end could literally accommodate any size of stand, and on the Bullens Rd side there are only 2 streets abutting it with a school that is already prime for rebuilding. In otherwords, there is potential for redevelopment, and that can be far less onerous and problematic than at Anfield, with 50k total capacity achieveable by adding as few as 15,000 new seats on these two sides.... with some remodelling of the other two to remove the vast majority of obstructions. It can also be done in affordable phases, thus allowing demand to be gauged as capacity increases, ensuring resources aren't wasted on capacity that we might not need. There is no way that building 15k new seats would need to cost anywhere near as much as building a whole 50k elsewhere. That's a mathematical nonsense.... hence the reason why Liverpool and the vast majority of other clubs have chosen to redevelop.

If you don't understand "why anyone might want to redevelop" to preserve the site of the world's first purpose built football stadium, the talismanic home of football, that has witnessed more top flight games than any other, then I'm quite sure that history lesson would be wasted on you too.......

Your grasp of the transport situation is similarly wayward.... but no surprises there. Put it this way, if GP isn't a suitable location, then WHP with its substantially longer walking distances from most bus routes and train stations certainly isn't either. The truth is, the only areas that are better suited are those with higher public transport capacities.... and they are more central, not further away from town. That is a logistical constant you cannot manipulate.

That isn't to say that WHP isn't suitable as a site..... just slightly less so than GP in transport terms at present. Merseyrail expansion and trams could make a big difference, but they're not planned and would benefit GP equally in any case. WHP is actually easier for me.... I'm one of those that walks from that direction..... however, I certainly won't be giving it my blind support till I see what it's all about, and how it compares to a GP revelopment with a similar outlay. I thought that was what discerning Evertonians were supposed to be about.... the sheep got off the train at Kirkby, although we still hear the occasional bleat....

Matt Traynor
207 Posted 18/09/2014 at 15:12:00
Richard #205 "and there would be no need to change the Gwladys Street stand or the main stand apart from removing support column's and installing a new roof"

Why would the remaining pile of rubble need a new roof?

Richard Reeves
208 Posted 18/09/2014 at 15:22:13
Matt #209, one man’s pile of rubble is another man’s castle.
Bill Gall
209 Posted 18/09/2014 at 15:11:44
Tom I agree with your comments on the differance between evictions and regeneration. People only have to look back to the late 50s and early 60s when regeneration started by moving families from the city to places like Skemersdale and Croxteth for city re-development .My experience with this is my wife and her family and a number of other families were moved from The Four Squares to Croxteth.

I think the only reason that Goodison can not be redeveloped is strictly on cost and not that it can not be done.

Richard Reeves
210 Posted 18/09/2014 at 15:29:29
Matt (#209) I think to remove the supporting columns you would need to replace the exsisting roof with a new cantilevered one, I may be wrong but I remember reading about it somewhere.
Matt Traynor
211 Posted 18/09/2014 at 15:38:00
Richard, you're right, but the support structure underneath a cantilevered roof is entirely different from the way three sides of the ground are constructed. It's the same reason why you can't put another tier on the Park End, the original design won't support it.

There's enough engineers on this site who can confirm or rebut this. I'm 99% sure my info is from people on these pages.

Tom Hughes
212 Posted 18/09/2014 at 16:08:51
Anthony,
I can assure you any drawings you have seen of mine are to scale.... using full site plans provided by the club and council. So if it fits on my drawing, it will fit in reality. Footprint can vary massively for stands of the same capacity.... that is why GP has a much larger capacity than the Reebok, even on a smaller footprint. Ultimately it is dependant on the format, tread depths and if overlapping tiers are used. We are the home of the double-decker, so I incorporated that in that design.
Tom Hughes
213 Posted 18/09/2014 at 16:24:11
Matt.... there is nothing stopping an extension of the park end or a new tier..... this has and is happening at several similar stands around the country. The new structure would have its own foundations and would knit in...... Similarly, a new tier could be built behind and above the Bullens to extend or replace the upper stand. It is common practice nowadays, and in fact LFC are doing precisely that..... because it is cheaper. There they actually extending a stand which at its core is over 105 yrs old..... with no loss of capacity.
Anthony Fielding
214 Posted 18/09/2014 at 16:31:03
Tom Hughes # 208

"There is no way that building 15k new seats would need to cost anywhere near as much as building a whole 50k elsewhere. That's a mathematical nonsense.... hence the reason why Liverpool and the vast majority of other clubs have chosen to redevelop." – So are you just saying add 15k new seats?? Not rebuild the stands, improve seat space, leg room, concourse space, facilities for everyone........ Just add a few new seats??

In your plans you draw three new stands (Main, Park and Bullens), are these the existing stands but modified, or are they completely new stands all together, i.e. existing stands pulled down and rebuilt from scratch? If You're keeping the original stands but remodelling, how are we improving/increasing space within the stands??

I'm not having a dig by the way, it's just this is what is confusing me regards your plans and suggestions.

Tony Dove
215 Posted 18/09/2014 at 17:20:36
Here we go again. Wake me up when the scheme is abandoned.
Eugene Ruane
216 Posted 18/09/2014 at 17:13:37
Anthony - "Half the people on this thread can see the constraints the club are working with in regards to finance and indeed space to develop GP, more importantly so do the people actually running the club, who I’m sure, whether or not you think so, are in a lot better position than you, I and Tom Hughes to know this"

Why are they in a better position to know this? (whatever ’this’ is).

Coz they’re on the board?

Coz they wear nice suits and smile?

I would back Tom Hughes (someone with actual experience) over anyone on our board to know what can/can’t be done.

(specially as Tom didn’t try to drag us to Kirkby, tell us there was no plan B or spend years bullshitting us).

Sorry but at this stage, if it’s between your ’expertise’, Kenwright’s or Tom’s, I’ll go with Tom’s.

Conor Waters
218 Posted 18/09/2014 at 16:47:56
And Tom where do you propose we play while GP is redeveloped?
Craig Walker
219 Posted 18/09/2014 at 17:18:15
Tom. I think you put forward the case of remaining at Goodison really well. It has always been my preference to redevelop the Old Lady since the King's Dock project was aborted. I think Goodison Park has a special atmosphere and place in our hearts because of its heritage.

The ONLY reason I would favour WHP or any other site relocation is if the stadium being proposed is truly worthy of our great club. If we are given a cheap, 3rd rate option with no massive benefit in terms of capacity and increased turnover possibilities then I firmly believe we should look at what Tom proposes.

The reason I was always against DK was more the fact that the design was so uninspiring rather than it meaning that we move outside of the city boundaries.

Tom Hughes
220 Posted 18/09/2014 at 17:32:14
Connor..... at Goodison Park, where else?
James Marshall
221 Posted 18/09/2014 at 17:12:08
All this talk of extensions onto Goodison are pie in the sky. The old ground is a shabby piece of shit, whether we like it or not. I love the stadium, we all do, but it's ancient - it's falling apart and makes us look like a club living in the past, which to all intents & purposes we are - and we know it. Jeez, we even sing about it every week.

Regardless of whether we could tab an extra 10,000 seats onto the old ground, it still doesn't mask the fact (and it is a fact) that it's dated and had it's day long ago. Everton cannot live in history alone, and taking off the blue tinted glasses for a moment, everyone needs to realise that.

We need to move forward, and the future is not Goodison Park - though it pains me to say it. Have you been to the Etihad, Wembley, Cardiff or the Emirates? They're modern inside & out, and make Goodison look like a shabby old shoe-box full of old love letters.

If people are worried about atmosphere, there's nothing to stop the new ground having some of the old flavour of a compact ground with atmosphere - look at Dortmund. OK the cost of their ground is probably out of our reach, but we need a new ground, not a tarted up old one. It's time people moved on, dropped the past and looked to the future beyond even our own lifetimes.

A new, modern stadium is what's required, we need to change our image and become the new, modern Everton, not the stuffy old Everton of yesteryear.

Tom Hughes
222 Posted 18/09/2014 at 17:55:19
James.... yes, I've been to them all and the rest for that matter..... not overly impressed with them all though..... it doesn't get away from the fact that most stadia are incrementally redeveloped..... ever been to the Bernabeu, San Siro.... even Dortmund.... all developed in phases. Anfield will be as has old Trafford, St James, ibrox, Villa Park, Celtic Park.... Ibrox even has a Leitch Stand which has been extended and is their centre piece..... So you're very wrong to suggest that it can't be done.... and done well.
Dave Lynch
223 Posted 18/09/2014 at 18:21:17
Lads.

Redeveloping GP is not and never was going to happen, we missed the boat on that one when the park stand went up, they should have carried on round the stadium.

We are going round in circles arguing the point, the board have made it very clear that a new stadium away from our current site is the preferred option.

Anthony Fielding
224 Posted 18/09/2014 at 18:35:02
Eugene Ruane #219

'Why are they in a better position to know this? (whatever 'this' is).'

Why are the board and owners of the club in a better position to know whether a redevelopment of GP is viable in terms of both finance and space?? You don't know the answer to that question??

Maybe it is best you follow the opinion of one person who has his own ideas and opinions and undoubtedly a great knowledge of stadium design etc, but does he really have full knowledge of the club's finances and and whether they can afford this phased redevelopment on the current site – no he doesn't.

You seem to be claiming that BK and the rest of the board are not to be trusted, out to make a fast profit or something. If this is the case and Tom is correct, and redevelopment would be cheaper and a better option all around, then why haven't these con-men running our club gone for the cheap option?? You sound like a slippy politician, who quite frankly doesn't have any opinion of your own, you're just hell bent on opposing anything the other party suggest.

Peter Warren
225 Posted 18/09/2014 at 18:49:49
Tom & Eugene - why if redevelopment of Goodison is cheaper and viable do the Board not go with it?
Tom Hughes
226 Posted 18/09/2014 at 18:50:44
Dave....... LFC where adamant that they couldn't redevelop too. Look what's happening there.... Similarly Newcastle at one point.... This board were also adamant about Kirkby. How wrong were they then?

There are people here already on their way to WHP and they haven't seen anything yet... no images, no figures, no nothing.... all I can say is: I hope they never need new double-glazing!

Brin Williams
227 Posted 18/09/2014 at 18:54:10
I'm sorry fellas I may have missed a lot of the nitty gritty of this debate but I am well aware that there are strong feelings on either side.

It appears that Eugene and Tom are for the Goodison angle, one which I must say I favour.

Eugene says 'Sorry but at this stage, if it's between your 'expertise', Kenwright's or Tom's, I'll go with Tom's.'

Now I'm not trying to be argumentative but at the risk of offending Tom - can he please tell me what his 'Expertise' is in this respect. I have followed his comments and get the feeling that he is 'knowledgeable ' about the transport links in the city with particular emphasis on buses and bus routes.

Is there anything else that I need to know that will swing me from Nay to Yae or are we just dependant of Tom Eugene Salmonds say so's.

Eugene acts the agent provocateur and quite rightly wants proof that Goodison is a non starter - so do I - but are there any FACTS out there that will sway the masses one way or another.

Jay Harris
228 Posted 18/09/2014 at 19:27:26
Brin,
I think it's more a question of trust and for a lot of supporters they have had nothing over Kenwright and cronies's tenure to have trust in him.

They have put ZERO investment into the club and the feeling (certainly from me) is that they will develop an inferior quality stadium so that they can sell the club for a huge profit on what they originally paid for the shares.

A lot of the experts in stadium development have costed up redeveloping GP with very impressive specifications and the club has consistently refused to even look into it.

I suggest you look into the archives to look at some of the proposals including one in 2001 that was fully costed up at 40 million.

Richard Reeves
229 Posted 18/09/2014 at 19:03:25
Tom (#224) Celtic Park is the a good example of what Everton could do. I’m assuming the Leitch stand is the smaller one with the other three much larger stand’s creating a wrap around effect.

Newcastle have something similar with only two sides of their stadium but it’s the Celtic model which springs to mind when I think of what can be done. The main stand should be our centre-piece along with a clear vision of the church behind a glass structure to trap sound and link the stand’s together.

Dave Lynch
230 Posted 18/09/2014 at 19:44:26
Tom.

Liverpool in their usual despicable manner have been buying a lot of property around their ground for years and letting it go to rack and ruin, therefore turning the surrounding area into a slum.

They then made cash offers to the remaining residents to purchase their properties and secure enough land to extend.

We are not that ruthless but I do understand your frustration at not being able to rebuild, like I said, I think we have missed the boat on that one.

Dan Morris
231 Posted 18/09/2014 at 21:11:54
Sorry if this has been asked elsewhere and apologies for naivety of question (am not a regular to Goodison living in Devon) but was just wondering if there is genuine demand for an extra 10,000 seats?

Only reason I ask is that stadium is rarely capacity filled, even tonight in Europe according to commentators. Is that because of a lack of quality seats and the existence of the obstructed view seats, and a new stadium/re-developed one would have more decent ones?

Also, is there a waiting list for season tickets like I hear there is over the park? Cheers for any insight you can offer!!

James Marshall
232 Posted 19/09/2014 at 05:38:20
Tom Hughes#224

Fair point on those other grounds, but Goodison is surrounded, have you not noticed? There's bugger all room to redevelop it, and from what I can tell it would need to be pretty much knocked down and rebuilt, stand by stand wouldn't it?

That in it self creates a huge issue with buying up the land around it, time with lower gates while each bit is redone, and then what? You have this weird hybrid stadium which takes years to complete, and the club staggers into more & more debt while it's being done? Plus who's going to finance a rebuild that only really profits Everton?

It's pie in the sky, cant be done - we don't have the money on our own, and need to do something akin to WHP because it'll be part-financed by the regeneration project attached to it. I think a lot of people are missing this key point, just to suit their keep-Goodison Park-alive agenda.

I agree with you, I'd love us to stay, I just don't see it as in any way realistically viable for Everton football club, and not you, or Eugene or anyone at the club has ever come close to convincing me, or anyone else on my side of the fence, otherwise.

James Marshall
234 Posted 19/09/2014 at 05:47:16
I just read a bit more of the thread (sorry, I'm slightly out of the loop on a different time zone), and would love to know what Tom's background is? Are you a developer? What exactly is your level of 'expertise' that get's the backing of (as someone else said) the Agent Provocateur, Mr Ruane?

We all have a strong opinion on this, I just wish people would be less provocative in trying to make their voice heard louder & louder because nobody else's opinion seems worthy to them as Evertonians. It's such a shame because we're all entitled to have our say without being made to feel second-rate all the time (and is one of the reasons I don't post on here as much as I used to).

In my humble opinion, the reason the club want to move, as much as anything else I've written above and believe in, is that they need to leave a lasting legacy for the club, and the city. Not just redeveloping the old ground, but developing a new one and the area around it. We need backing, and that can only be achieved by getting financial help from someone who also benefits.

It seems really simple to me. Let Goodison go, move forward, look to a new modern Everton (have I said this already!?), stop relying on history. I lived in London for many years, and there's a feeling that Everton supporters are lost in the past in so many ways, which I think is true – it also appears to have a real bearing on how people feel about the stadium and the clubs image. An image that could be changed massively by building a new ground. The affect would be widespread, in my humble opinion.

Paul Burns
235 Posted 19/09/2014 at 10:48:47
We should pay for this ourselves.
The "we’ve got no money" hogwash is rubbish.
We’ve been in the world’s richest league since it started.
We have plenty of money.
Erik Dols
236 Posted 19/09/2014 at 11:29:37
The Premier League might be the biggest spender, but it is certainly not the richest league. Most clubs have massive debts.
Tom Hughes
242 Posted 20/09/2014 at 09:10:57
Anthony#216, Apologies, I missed your post the other day, and was too busy to reply yesterday.

In the scheme you're talking about, this is 3 new stands with a refurbished mainstand side. All new stands, built to modern standards in terms of leg room and c-value sightlines, using actual site plans. It was the scheme adopted by KEIOC to demonstrate how the current site could be redeveloped with only a minimal footprint expansion on the Bullens side, hence the reason why the depth of the Bullens stand is less than the two end stands. This basically involved just bridging of the existing road with loss of a few end terraces due to light and circulatory/access issues.

However, this scheme was just one of several variations on the theme that were part of a project I had produced over 10 years earlier as part of my degree course. It was chosen simply because: it was the only one that I still had fully drawn up, and almost ready to present at the time of the Kirkby vote.

In the other schemes, I looked at various other options and approaches, replacing one, two, three or all stands. In one I even looked at rebuilding completely within the current footprint, to fully exploit the odd shape of the site. This involved phased reorientation of the pitch and ultimately four new stands. This presented various phasing problems but a homogeneous end result, with a full closing roof as at Shalke.

In others I looked at what was redeemable within the existing structures, and replacing individual stands/tiers to give incremental capacity increases. As well as improved corporate and general back-of-house provision where possible. All schemes were sightline modelled. It is these schemes that I'm talking about when I say adding 15k new seats to produce 50k capacity. There are several ways to achieve this, with the Bullens remodelling being the most likely route for obvious reasons. Some of these designs are also on various sites I believe.

Brin (#229), James (#236)

People have asked about my background..... I'm not really sure of the relevance on a discussion forum where we should be only concerned with the simple facts.... I mean, I haven't asked anyone's backgrounds when they've stated quite profoundly and categorically that we can or can't do this or that, or that we HAVE to move because of XYZ. I just want to know what X, Y and Z are. The arguments should be able to stand alone surely?

However, I can say that I have a degree in design engineering, and have worked in structural/mechanical design and Marine Engineering for over 25 years, working on many major construction and transport projects, including some structural analysis for stadium projects. I studied stadium design as part of my degree, and have been fascinated by the subject area since my first visit to GP over 40 years ago.

I don't profess to be an expert in all aspects of it, but I doubt there are many books/publications I haven't got or read on it. I have also visited most stadiums in the UK, and many worldwide, so have an appreciation for what has been achieved elsewhere, and how these places function.

I am not against moving at all.... and I am not against WHP. However, I don't believe the redevelopment option has been fully explored at all..... and this HAS to be the first stage in the process if we are to be sure about the merits of leaving what we already have. I believe what we have is very special, and that it can be enhanced to a very high standard. That enhanced vision has to be the one compared to any proposal, to ensure that we get the best solution for our club.

Kieran Fitzgerald
243 Posted 20/09/2014 at 13:47:30
If we were to move, what would be done with Goodison Park? I don't know enough about the area to know if it would be a viable site for us to keep and redevelop as a hotel and apartment complex. Would we need to sell it to developers for cash to pay for the new stadium? Would we need to hand the site over to the council as a make weight in any deal around the new stadium?

In terms of redeveloping Goodison, having the space to do so is an important point. I was at Old Trafford last weekend with some of my Man Utd supporting mates. (A weekend on the beer for me, nothing more I promise!) There is an awful lot of space surrounding Old Trafford and I wonder if this made it easier for Utd to re-develop the ground in the way that they did.

James Marshall
244 Posted 20/09/2014 at 14:56:00
Tom, thanks for clarifying. I was only really curious because Eugene has such faith in the things you say, and he's a smart guy who despite our differences, and the way he nit-picks, I have a lot of respect for his opinion. No offence Eugene, we are on the same side, after all.

I'm no expert on this, and you clearly have a lot more experience in the field than I ever will. It does seem odd that the club won't explore the expansion of Goodison in some ways, but I do still believe those in power have the club and the community in mind when thinking about what to do moving forward. With that in mind, I still back the idea of moving because it 'must' have been explored already by the club and deemed not to be viable – right?

We as Evertonians always feel as though we deserve to know literally everything about the club, and that's a right we deserve the right (!) to hang onto. Having said that, the club reserve the right not to tell us everything as well, don't they?

Maybe I'm missing something, so please tell me if I am.

Kevin Tully
245 Posted 20/09/2014 at 15:33:49
Just before anyone gets their hopes up, or thinks this 'project' is at an advanced stage, it's clearly not even reached the drawing board.

When Joe Anderson was interviewed on local radio, he was asked if he had sat down with Everton and 'shook hands' on any agreements. He said he hadn't had any formal meetings with the club yet, and there were no plans to do so.

So, that's were we are at present – a pipe dream.

Eric Myles
246 Posted 20/09/2014 at 15:37:17
James #246, I think that what you're missing is that, if the Club want the fans to make a choice, they should explain their reasoning behind the choice.

Merely saying that redevelopment is not viable without giving reasons is not enough for anyone to make an informed choice.

Eric Myles
247 Posted 20/09/2014 at 15:43:55
ps: James, and what we know after the Desperation Kirkby fiasco is that the Club are selective in what they tell us, to the point of lying.

So why would we take their word that redevelopment is not viable without reasons, or even refuting schemes put forward that demonstrate how it can be done?

James Marshall
248 Posted 20/09/2014 at 15:59:16
Agreed, Eric. However, do any fans really ever have any say in the way their club is run? Really? I'm not so sure we do any more, at any club.

Personally I don't believe the line about the board wanting to recoup their money, but that's merely an opinion.

Eric Myles
249 Posted 20/09/2014 at 16:14:17
James, but the Club go through the charade of letting the fans think that they have a choice. So they shouldn't be surprised that some fans question them.
Ray Said
250 Posted 20/09/2014 at 16:27:39
My daughter dismissed this as 'three fellas point at a hole in the ground saying this is where it will be' .....except we haven't got as far as the hole. Not that she lacks faith in the board, you understand?
Tom Hughes
251 Posted 20/09/2014 at 15:18:09
James....

I'm not really into "they can do what they want because it's theirs" argument. I'm just interested in the issues and process followed to move us forward.

I asked the question directly at the time of DK, and the consideration for redevelopment was cursory at best.

The process that was followed was that a third party approached the club. They asked the club to be an enabler for an out of town retail development. After that, every effort was aimed at solely making the problems fit the solution...... rather than the other way around, with redevelopment dismissed out of hand.

All the concerns with that project, and the false claims that supported it, where exposed at the inquiry. Afterwards the club basically claimed they were taken for a ride by their partners..... which in itself is a ridiculous assertion when you consider that a group of ordinary Evertonians had seen through all the issues months before.

Therefore, I believe clarity of process is essential. This will be the single biggest decision in our club's history.... and we need to avoid a repeat peformance of the fundamentally flawed approach followed for DK. The general rule of thumb would be if people have looked at all the options, they can readily prove it. Show what can be achieved via redevelopment by comisssioning a design competition, whereby architectural firms can submit outline plans with costings to transform GP. Then and only then can you make a valid comparison. This should already be in place as they have had years to do it... and others have even managed that much.

Ray Said
252 Posted 20/09/2014 at 16:44:47
This link to a KEIOC discussion on WHP makes fascinating reading:

http://www.keioc.net/index.php?page=walton-hall-park

Tom Hughes
253 Posted 20/09/2014 at 16:36:36
James.... there are a few clubs that are run as cooperatives. Real people's clubs if you like.

I'm a shareholder and feel that on this all-important issue we all have a right to clarity....... especially as we will be expected to vote on it.

Anthony Fielding
254 Posted 20/09/2014 at 18:01:31
Tom #244

Thanks for the thorough explanation. Clearly you are better qualified than most of us on here and maybe, just maybe you’re right that it can be done at GP. Maybe the board have consulted architects, planners etc to see if the plans they have are viable at GP.

I don’t really know what to think any more. The thing that confuses me is that if it possible to develop GP, and it would be a more cost effective solution then why aren’t we actually doing this, doesn’t make sense to relocate, spend more in the process, not if, like you say, It can be done where we are, just as good and just as cost-effective.

To be honest, I don’t even think WHP will even come to fruition, and if it does, I just hope it will be something we can all be proud of and something worth leaving GP for.

Andrew Sell
255 Posted 20/09/2014 at 21:30:34
Ray, interesting and favourable article from KEIOC on Walton Hall Park.

It’s interesting to note that WHP unlike Stanley Park which the dark side were going to build on is neither listed nor protected by any covenants and they sailed through planning applications a couple of times – despite the expected small amount of local opposition of course. Walton Hall Park is quite a bit bigger than Stanley Park which is a plus too.

In short if the club has the 100% backing of Liverpool council (It seemingly has – Mayor Joe is a blue), can somehow find a realistic funding package (remains to be seen) then I sincerely hope the club succeeds because I never want us to consider anything remotely like a move to Kirkby or any other edge or out of city location again.

Tom Hughes
256 Posted 21/09/2014 at 10:24:52
Anthony#257.
I think there could be any number of reasons why the club haven't pursued the redevelopment option. From the nature and structure of the club's ownership, which has dictated so much, from missing out On Kings Dock due to internal wranglings, to the reliance on "friends" to create funding opportunities at an unsuitable site in Kirkby.

At the end of the day, the decision process is governed by a few individuals, and is only as well executed as the motives and abilities of those individuals. How many projects have the current board delivered during their tenure?

There is no doubt that a blank canvas can appear less problematic for the club. Staying at GP will involve negotiations to extend footprint, and manage enabling projects and phased development on or near club land. No small undertaking. A separate site averts much of this responsibility.... and let's face it, the club has farmed out so much of its responsibilities over the past few years, it's perhaps no surprise that they should prefer this less fuss approach. It doesn't necessarily mean we'll arrive at the best solution.

It is also not unusual for a change of ownership to cause a dramatic change in stance.... as we've seen at LFC and other clubs. If full assessment of GP has been carried out by several companies, then it should be readily available. At the time of DK, the only real assessment was carried out by the company charged with delivering Kirkby, and was drafted during the ballot in response to KEIOC..... it was an after-thought, very much akin to all the political leaders running to Scotland last week.

John Crawley
257 Posted 21/09/2014 at 11:28:15
"A separate site averts much of this responsibility.... and let's face it, the club has farmed out so much of its responsibilities over the past few years, it's perhaps no surprise that they should prefer this less fuss approach. It doesn't necessarily mean we'll arrive at the best solution."

Tom I think you've put your finger on the reason the club don't want to re-develop Goodison. I agree with you and if you look at pretty much every decision they've taken off the pitch you'll see the same thing: short-term thinking, always taking the 'easier' option. Finch Farm and the Kitbag deal are two good examples of this.

Kevin Tully
258 Posted 21/09/2014 at 11:46:36
I would have thought it was obvious why they haven't considered redeveloping GP. The board want 'an effectively free' stadium. No-one will pay towards redeveloping Goodison Park, but they are hoping that 'partners' will stump the majority of the costs towards a new stadium.

Didn't I read somewhere that they had to find £30m towards a new stadium? Seems they could easily raise that figure when you think that is one Ross Barkley, or John Stones.

You can be certain of one thing – our board won't be risking any of their own personal wealth, even though they would be major beneficiaries of any sale.

Eric Myles
259 Posted 22/09/2014 at 01:50:17
Kevin, funding of redevelopment could be available, our neighbours did it with one of their stands and sponsorship from Addidas I think it was.

So we could rename a stand for x years as a simple funding solution before even considering the more complicated enabling solutions for redevelopment, like hotels that Tom Hughes has previously put forward.


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