When I first clicked on this article in The Observer, I was ready for the usual Everton-bashing – all the heritage groups kicking off, the moaning about the filling in of the docks, all the Unesco moaning, and the loss of world heritage status being pinned on us. And that’s how it starts… But then it does a bit of a U-turn!
Instead of a hit job, the article generally praises what’s been built. It highlights the steep stands which hopefully will carry over Goodison’s atmosphere, the exposed steel echoing the city’s shipyard history, the brickwork that mirrors Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse — although it does suggest this is not as authentic as it could have been.
So, instead of us being blamed, the criticism ends up working in our favour. The stadium comes across as bold, thoughtful, and very Everton – gritty, proud, and rooted.
If you get a few minutes spare, it’s worth a read and as far as I know not stuck behind a paywall so free at the moment.