Bad Loser? ? Perhaps,...

Rupert Sullivan 24/08/2007 113comments  |  Jump to last
...but not for the reasons that you may think?

As far as I am concerned, it will be a sad day when EFC move away from the City of Liverpool, and I find it hard to believe that the Board could even recommend this move to the fans. Nevertheless, here we are, question asked and answered and just under 60% of the fans responding want to move ? who am I to stand in their way?

It is not my desire to live in the past, nor to hamstring Everton by tying them to a stadium which they feel cannot meet their needs as a club; indeed, I would love to see the club revive the levels of success that it has seen in the past, but I do not believe that Kirkby is the answer, and having been denied a vote by the club I will voice my protest in the only way I can.

In writing this piece, I have to ask myself whether or not I would have been moved to write had the result been a ?No? vote; and I suspect that the answer would be no ? not because I would have sympathised with the result but because what I seek is that Everton Football Club adheres to its motto of Nil Satis Nisi Optimum in all areas, and that includes the running of the club and the Board, and a ?No? vote would require the Board to look at other options.

The vote idea in itself was laudable even if questionable; however, it is the way in which the process has been conducted that grates ? if the club truly wished to poll the fans? feelings then the information released should have been full and fair, and the club should have only indicated a preference rather than brow-beating the fans with player statements and misinformation.

In previous articles I have questioned the approach that the Board have taken in this issue: the management of the media, the short-sightedness of signing an exclusivity deal and the failure to plan for an alternative. Irrespective of the emotive issue of moving away from the club?s roots ? this is my principal bone of contention here. It is my fervent wish that the club recognise the depth of feeling towards this issue and that they continue (if indeed they had ever started) to investigate all possible options, but I am too cynical to believe that this will truly happen.

It remains to be seen whether or not the new stadium will bring to the club the additional income and success that they seek. For Everton FC?s sake I hope it does; however, it should be remembered that money is not the only factor in achieving success, it is merely one of many.

So, as a direct response to the result, I intend that Saturday will be the last time I see Everton play, the last time that I hand over my money to the club that I love ? I cannot stop supporting them emotionally but I can and shall cease to support them otherwise; no more trips to the match, no more Everton TV, no more shirts... Much as the club motto states, in this matter I cannot accept anything but the best ? and for me a move to Kirkby is far from being the best.

Reader Comments

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RICHIE
1   Posted 24/08/2007 at 12:54:35

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r.i.p. the peoples club
U R Sole
2   Posted 24/08/2007 at 12:52:30

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"Nil Satis Nisi Optimum" applies to the fans as well. And you are clearly not the best.
Dave
3   Posted 24/08/2007 at 12:56:27

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Perhaps you should spit your Everton dummy out of your pram aswell!
will mitchell
4   Posted 24/08/2007 at 12:54:15

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I wholeheartedly agree with you Rupert and I will be withdrawing my practical support.
The ’Yes’ men should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. May the burden of this folly rest on their shoulders in the years to come.
Brian
5   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:01:21

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"Once a Blue always a Blue!!"

Kirkby here we come!!
Glenn Fitzpatrick
6   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:02:41

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So much for through thick and thin
Wes Bray
7   Posted 24/08/2007 at 12:54:54

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I cant help feeling the need to express my continuing surprise at the way so many ’fans’ are handling this issue.

Do you all genuinely believe that the Everton board and all the shareholders have acted in the way they have because they want something other than the best for the club.

There are some highly intelligent businessmen attatched to Everton Football Club and the progress they have made since the Johnson days is undeniable.

I, like many am upset by the prospect of a move away from the city but given Liverpool city councils complete incompetence when it comes to anything progressive for the city I would have reluctantly voted ’yes’ (had i had a vote).

Why should the club be left in the 1960’s where the council seems to want to leave the city? Progress is unsettling but it is progress nonetheless.

I firmly believe if we had recieved a ’No’ vote today you people would all be still having this debate for another decade whilst the club got left further and further behind.

Do we not think it might be time people stopped being so damn negative and stood behind the clubs management for a change.... not to mention the popular vote.

Or of course we could sack Moyes, Oust the board, scrap the Kirby move and tell Leahy to give his money to another Premier League club... and then where would we be?

Are we really turning into Tottenham Hotspur fans?

Grow up and get behind the club.

Rant over

Wes

Andy Mack
8   Posted 24/08/2007 at 12:57:16

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I appreciate your sentiment Rupert and for the record I was a no voter also for the reasons you state, because I believe there are plan b?s (not specifically the loop). I have also been disturbed by the style of the campaign by the club. I acknowledge that the KEIOC campaign has also been vociferous but I respect the time and energy my fellow blues have put in to question the viability of the deal of the century!

My overriding concern about the move was not about the distance but that it is removed from the city of our birth and a more varied commercial location. To me a move to Kirkby will all but secure the shite adding an extra 10 - 20,000 seats in a decade or two.

BUT despite the above I am a fan and would encourage my fellow blues, including you to unite and continue to support the team. Yes I have reservations and yes I know I will take time to feel ?at home? but it will still be Everton and it will still be our history that bonds us.

Regardless of the pro?s and con?s To be honest I?m tired of the whole thing and I don?t think I?m alone in thinking that. More important things have happened this week and I would encourage all fans to think the family of Rhys Jones who are currently dealing with what can only be imagined as your worst nightmare. Please show your support for the family of Saturday as a mark of respect for their loss of a small kid who thought of nothing but his blue hero?s and playing football with his mates, the true value of the game and something I think we all need to consider when arguing the toss over a postcode or the excess £ DM will have to spend. Think football, think Everton and lets all get a sense of togetherness back.
terrymarsbar
9   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:02:42

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Rupert
Can I ask you..if..and all sides of this are an if:
But if say in 10 years time Everton are top of the Prem at Christmas, still in all the cups..inc champions league..
Will you continue to cut your nose off to spite your face..or will you own up to the fact that you were wrong and go the game again..if you can get a ticket?
Gallo
10   Posted 24/08/2007 at 12:56:42

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Face facts, whether you like it or not, we are on are way to Kirkby. End of. If you are an Evertonian you will be there too. The thought of giving up going to the ground to watch the blues would never even enter my head, wherever we play. Now lets get behind the team on the pitch, sing your heart out at the game tomorrow, and lets bag another 3 points. With continued support of the players and Moyesy over the next few years, we should be able to move into the new ground with a solid top six squad of players, and then who knows what we can achieve. EFC Forever
Dave Brierley
11   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:04:42

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Rupert you are a bad loser and if you mean what you say here you’re not a true supporter either.
BLUE BY NAME...
12   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:04:50

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FC EVERTON...

MAYBE ITS TIME FOR THOSE SUPPORTERS WHO ARE NOT HAPPY WITH THE CURRENT SITUATION TO BREAK AWAY AND FORM A NEW TEAM, FC UNITED STYLE?. . . .

Brian
13   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:07:16

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We don’t need your kind of fickle support, go and watch the RS because you sound like one?
Tim K
14   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:08:03

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I’ve also stopped all financial support of the club.

I cancelled Everton TV today and will not be making any more purchases of tickets or merchandising under the current administration.

I can’t stop supporting Everton emotionally but they won’t get a penny more off me.

Free feeds off the Internet it is.
Harty
15   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:07:12

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Today is the beginning of the long, slow death of Everton FC. In 30 years time no kids in the city of Liverpool will want to support Everton. This is possibly the worst day in our history. Turning our backs on the arena where Dean, Ball, Lawton, Young, Sharp, Ferguson all played.

If yer’ know yer’ history, eh?
Shame on you Mr Kenwright and Mr Wyness.
Chris Davies
16   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:07:55

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Great result. 11,000 didn’t vote?Obviously the No voters made sure they would vote so I think it can be safely assumed the winning margin should have been bigger if more apathetic individuals had bothered. However it was still big enough I’m so glad to say. Now we can make some progress and this vote strengethens the hand of the board in any future negotiations.
Hellnoiwontgo
17   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:04:41

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Nice one Rupert. I cannot see myself giving any more money to that shaddy used car salesman and his sidekick. It’s not so much as the move itself it’s the way they the sheep(Yes men) have been hearded.
jānis bricis (latvia)
18   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:09:49

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I wasn’t sure about Kirkby option but I agree "Once a Blue always a Blue!!" Kirkby here we come!!
Rupert Sullivan
19   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:10:54

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Terrymarsbar - and others

Despite everything I am a fan, and this is why I feel moved to react the way I have - to voice my protest if you will. I can never stop supporting Everton, and perhaps I am cutting off my nose to spite my face, but I also cannot sit back and support something with which I disagree so vehemently.
Les
20   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:14:24

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sorry mate, if the location of the ground stops you from going to support the ’team you love’ , then you were never a true supporter in the first place, and everton is better off without you.Take a trip across the park, they appreciate ’fans’ like you there.
Les
21   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:04:54

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Rupert, I urge you to think again about not going to Everton Games. I like you voted no, I like you feel gutted, and yes I like you feel the board conned us. But unlike you the thought of not going to a game is inconceivable. I simply love the club too much, and I think you will come to regret your decision as you will EVERTON FC. Think again.
Julian
22   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:11:19

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All the latin mottoes in the world aren’t going to buy us a new stadium.

We’ve not lived up to "nil satis nisi optimum" on the pitch for twenty years.

If you were going to stop going to the match etc because we are not living up to our motto, you really ought to have stopped going some time ago!
David Jerman
23   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:06:19

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Absolutely pathetic and juvenile response to a democratic vote.
Alan, Dublin
24   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:00:47

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"...who am I to stand in their way? "...You’re just a regular fan like the rest of us. As a group we have spoken, we move on. Simple as.
Dave Scott
25   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:02:28

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a very odd reaction Rupert.

Is what happens on the pitch not more important than where the pitch is?

Surely now is the time to pull together accept our differences and ensure that future generations of Evertonians experience Everton games. The continuity of generations of support has made us some of the best supporters in the country - dont let your own opinions deny your kids the opportunity to make up their own minds about Everton.

Where would we be if everybody took the same action as your suggesting? Your own actions are bringing to fruition the doom-mongers predictions about the end of the club. Lets prove them wrong and make us great again with 50’000 supporters at every match and a waiting list on season tickets!
Dominic
26   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:14:57

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This is absolutely pathetic. So i suppose you will all stop watching them on sky then, and setanta, because you’ve paid for the rights on your own boxes and you pay indirectly through the pints you buy in the pub and thus pay for one of the biggest revenue streams that Everton and all clubs depend on.

You might think i’m clutching at straws but if you all want to take this course of action and stop giving money to Everton then it has to be a clean break, directly and indirectly.
Greg Murphy
27   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:20:26

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Rupert, you know you’ll get all these "you weren’t an Evertonian to begin with then," type comments. You’ll just have to ride these. I believe it’s just not good enough for another Blue to accuse a fellow fan like that. Rather, I take the view that it’s probably because you were/ are such a deep Blue that you feel so defiant about this. Hold your head high Rupert - and stay true to yourself. Good luck Blue.
Ian Roberts
28   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:20:30

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Rupert, Will Mitchell, Tim K and the countless others of similar ilk.

I voted no, but have been found to be in the minority, albeit a sizeable one, but a minority nonetheless.

Therefore, I’ll now hope that the board do theit utmost to ensure that the project is completed to the high standards they have spoken about, and not in a make-do fashion.

If you people wish to withdraw your support without actually seeing hard evidential fact that the move is detrimental to the club....then off you go. Shut the door behind you.
Alan Rolfe
29   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:20:53

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The result is in and the YES vote has won, despite or because of the propaganda/information supplied (how you view the details depended on your point of view on Kirkby) but the BIGGEST problem I have with the vote is the number of people who didn’t vote. This was the opportunity for the "Peoples Club" to let the people have their say on the most important thing to happen to the Club since the move across Stanley Park and what happened ??

10901 didn’t, wouldn’t or couldn’t vote. I accept that holidays, work commitments, illness etc. would remove some of the potential voters, but that still leaves an awful lot of unused votes. No one will ever know if that number would have changed the actual result or increased the size of the YES win. I believe this wasn’t an occasion to sit on the fence as a "don’t know" the choice was too simple for that.

I used my vote but I cannot understand why many didn’t
N O T H A P P Y
30   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:17:25

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I can understand where rupert is coming from, when I read the result my initial reaction was "I am not going to renew my season ticket" but thats folly.... Of course I will renew, it is Everton after all...

I voted NO because I think Keith Wyness should be sacked, he is a disgrace to Everton FC...

How can a business man who has risen to the height of Chief Executive Officer of a multi-million pound organisation like EFC allow himself to get stuck into aa 18 month EXCLUSIVITY period???? How can the CEO not deliver a plan B???

If this was ANY other organisation such incompetence would result in the sacking of the said CEO or at least in a vote of no confidence...

Please see the light and get rid of the deadwood.
Phil
31   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:20:40

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Rupert,
Rupert

Get a life you big pudding.

I hope you are under the age of 16, as your rant sounds like that of a child who didn’t get what he wants for Christmas.

It was a vote and a fair vote at that. Everton and the board where entitled to lobby their side and why not.

Ulitmately football is a business and this is a sound business decision.

If you don’t want to support Everton any more - DONT.

Whilst you are at it, stop using Everton internet sites as well
Steve K
32   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:15:29

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For crying out loud!! I am 12,000 miles away in New Zealand, and even this far away I can see that there is no plan B because Everton cannot afford one!!
The club means everything to me too, ever since I saw Roy Vernon and Bobby Collins from the Bullens Road terraces on my dads shoulders.
A club isnt just the ground - remember there are literally 100’s of thousands of us around the world, true blue supporters who want Everton to again reach the heady days of the past, and who cannot be there every other weekend to support in person. But we are just as passionate, we want to see Everton playing great football, on a great surface, in a great stadium.
From what I have read, and it has been substantial, the Kirkby option is the only logical one!! Of course we all wish Goodison would stand forever... but be practical, and think clearly, or in a few short years all you will have is a great old ground playing host to second division football!!
Norman Turner
33   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:29:21

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The whole purpose of democracy is to accept the wishes of the majority - do you support Everton FC or Goodison Park? - grow up - if you are a real fan you will support them wherever they play - idiot
seany blue
34   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:18:34

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cheer up lads and ladies......yes we wouuld all like a 90 thousand seater stadium in the city...yes we would like ronaldinho playing for the blues..but we live in the real world,,we needed a new stadium{which looks great by the way} and when aj and the yak are bagging in 30 goals...and arteta and manny are weaving there magic do you think that we will care that we are 4 miles away from home???? think not........true blue
Willo
35   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:10:07

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Rupert! i’m glad your not coming, better still dont bother on Saturday either your not welcome! Respect the result and move on, people like you make me sick how you withdraw your support when it suits. If you got off your arse a bit more then maybe you would have had a vote!!! My son will be 7 when the new ground opens so he will then have a season ticket so one extra seat guaranteed. Liverpool is not ours in name anyway so why the big issue, i’m pleased we are not in the City, its run by a bunch of idiots LCC!!! I went to school off county road and was Christen at St Luke’s so Walton and GP has been my life but I voted Yes so my son would not have to walk through Dog S##t every home game! its time to move to an area that want us, LCC want that scum team, and all the tourists fans! We have not left the City, the City has left us............ EFC forever.
Simon O
36   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:17:23

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Just have to say up front I did not have the vote but if I had I would probably wavered towards the Yes.

I understand all of the arguments about moving out of the city limits but the heart and soul of our club are the supporters...something that our own players and that of other teams comment on (how many home matches do we hear about the crowd being our 12th man.)

To be honest if something like this means you will no longer attend the games then I am very sorry but that just means that there will be more chance for us genuine fans to get in and SUPPORT OUR TEAM.

For the first time in a while Everton are building a good young team that could start their lives in Kirkby in a very positive manor...Moyes, Arteta, Cahill, Vaughan, Lescott, Baines etc are all for the future...our future.
Rupert Sullivan
37   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:33:13

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Why is it pathetic and juvenile to object to the way the club is run? - or should we all just shut up and put up? Should we follow merely because EFC leads?

I would love to know where the line should be drawn - would anyone object if it was Southport instead, or if EFC crossed the Mersey...

We all have to draw the line somewhere, this is just my line.
David Moyes
38   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:22:39

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this is great, where have all you level headed people been in the last 3 months. Its refreshing to see people talk sense and say ok a decision has been made, now lets get behind the boys, our support wont be affected as we are bigger than a piece of grass and some bricks and metal. We are a movement, a group of people bound by our love of a team that plays in blue!

To withdraw your financial support in my opinion is pathetic, sad and shows a lack of ever really being a true supporter. If we played in the USA id support us and buy the shirt, like someone said before, through thick and thin, good times and bad. I urge you to rethink your knee-jerk reaction and realise we will always be Everton, despite the location of our stadium.
Now lets spank blackburn tomorow and keep this decent start rolling.
jim mcmahon
39   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:33:37

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We are Everton supporters, not Goodison supporters. Rupert Sullivans comments seem just anti Kirkby snobbery, there is no actual logic behind them.
JJ
40   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:35:46

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Presumably, you will also stop posting on toffeeweb. Please.
Phil
41   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:39:07

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Rupert..........

Dont come the game tomorrow, you will probably ruin it for those sitting by you.

Stay at home and watch it on the telly.

Keep your dummy in !!!!
Gaz
42   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:38:30

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I am disgusted at all those that will, as of today, stop supporting the club.

Maybe the best thing to come of this vote is not a new stadium, not increased revenue, but cutting off some deadwood in our support base - you make the Norweigian pinkies look like die-hards.

For the last few days, I’ve been shamed by what I’ve read for fellow ’blues’.

If, from now on, you no longer support Everton FC, do us all a favour and stop posting on this, or any other EFC website.

Right now, I am embarrassed to call myself an Evertonian because of your short sighted, fickle and childish point of view.

A vote was held. It went to the ’Yes’ men. Now act like adults and take it on the chin.
Brian Doran
43   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:46:09

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Rupert

grow up. The supporters have spoken. better off without the likes of you. your neagitivity just brings the club down. stop clinging to the past and move on. i don’t think anyone started supporting Everton because i liked the stadium they played in
Andy Mack
44   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:55:18

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Rupert and chums...

I was a no man but there is no way I would consider not supporting the team. You should be ashamed of yourself... you’re not Wayne Rooney in disguise are you?

COYB - 3 points tomorrow!
Anders
45   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:28:30

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There is a Yes vote, but it´s not definitely that we move to Kirkby, we go ahead with the palns. But i assume that if Liverpool council can provide an alternative that will work, and have the economy, the club will be willing to look into that. BK is mostly interested in what´s best for the club, and if there is a better option i assume that he will go for that. So it´s up to the council to do the job that they haven´t done for the last 3 years.
Tom
46   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:56:03

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Rupert, a couple of months ago I would have assumed that this was a windup, but sadly I know different after the last few months of civil war.

Rupert you are disgusting and pathetic and good riddance to you because the club needs real support and supporters.

You follow the team and where they play does not matter as long as they are in an Everton kit.

Go back to whatever rock you crawled out of.
Gertch
47   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:57:10

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I think the senseless murder of a young boy puts the whole stadium debate into perspective. Any other Blues agree we should set up a fund to provide financial support to the Jones family & to do something to rid Liverpool’s (& everywhere) of pointless gun-toting gang culture.
Chriswaugh.
48   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:44:50

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I am in full agreement here with the comments and opinions put forward by Willo. The Lcc has abandoned our team. It is time to say goodbye and move out of such a place. We no longer live in the shadow of names sake.

I’ll be there on Saturday.

COME ON YOU BLUES!!!!!

Chriswaugh.
Steve T
49   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:55:04

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Rupert - what a load of sanctamonious, sentimental, bollocks.

"fans" like you - we can do without - if you & others like you want to stop going to the match etc beacuse you didn’t get your own way - so be it.

I hear there’ll be some free seats in the new Analfield - get yourself there lads - at least it’s within the City boundary eh - because if that’s more important than EFC you’re not a True Blue.

See ya.
Peter Fearon
50   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:57:43

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I understand but I disagree with the idea of not supporting Everton in the future. However, if we are going to get all these extra bums in seats in Kirkby, where are they coming from? Aren?t they fans who are staying away from Goodison for some reason? Isn?t that very much the same thing?
eddy elton
51   Posted 24/08/2007 at 14:01:18

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The last time we moved ground from anfield people spat their dummies out and started up there own club. (Whatever happened to them ?) Is this a catalyst for a breakaway Everton to stay at Goodison and become the most successful club side ever. Its happened before.
Roger B
52   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:34:21

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Rupert, come on, pretty please be our friend, we may let you win next time.
If that has’nt worked fellow evertonians we may be screwed, their could be as many as ten or twenty to whom common sense and reason will not prevail.
Oh okay only need 49,980 seats now then, just checking though Rupert isnt the guy who brings the ball is he?
Paddock Boy
53   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:56:21

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As a ’No’ voter, I’m disappointed too - but for the sake of the club and in respect to the 60% who voted ’Yes’, I will take a deep breath and start to look to the future and try to support the club as the move takes shape. It is just as important that all supporters keep the pressure on all concerned to ensure that our new stadium and financial arrangements meet our needs as much as possible, and abdicating your responsibilities in a ’huff’ or ’sulk’ just won’t wash.

What I cannot stand are the people - such as Rupert - who now say that they will no longer ’actively’ support Everton as a result of the vote. In respect of your past support, I hope such ideas will fade from your mind in the days to come. If not, then I have no hesitation to say that you are an absolute disgrace and unworthy of any respect what so ever. Everton is more than a ground, a board of directors, the existing playing staff etc....it is an entity in itself that captures our imagination and is the repository for our hopes, dreams and memories. ’Once a Blue, Always a Blue’ is as appropriate a phrase as you will find to describe what it means to be an Evertonian and increasingly take the insults and remarks about us from more successful clubs of recent years. If you haven’t got enough of that spirit to cope with a relatively short-distanced relocation (we’re not talking MK Dons here or US-based Franchises), then frankly you might as well leave our fraternity - as we don’t need you at our great club! Go and join the glory-seekers across the park if supporting a club within a politically-based city boundary is so important!

Otherwise feel free to have a gripe over a pint about Kirby...even get your ’I told you so...’ speech polished up for 5-10 years time, but come Saturday, get on that terrace and sing your hearts out for Everton - not the players, not the manager, not Blue Bill, not even Goodison Park - but for that intangible spirit we call Everton itself!
BlueMersey
54   Posted 24/08/2007 at 14:08:09

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The white flag has been waved. I’m emigrating.
Mark Welsh
55   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:36:44

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Nice piece Rupert. Like you I voted "No", and like others who have responded to your article, I feel this is the darkest day in our clubs history!

For me Kirby should never be the home of Everton Football Club, and that’s one of the reasons that I voted "No". But there are many more underlying (not that deep though) issues that made me put by cross in the no box. Misinformation, smoke and mirrors, deceipt, PR stunts, pulling on the heart strings, cheap stunts, etc. And based upon the prevailing information it was too much of a risk for me to vote yes.

For instance who knows how much this stadium is going to cost. We’ve heard £75m, £100m, £150m. Which one is it?

We’ve heard that this stadium will cost Everton nothing. But we’ve also heard figures banded about by club and Leahy ranging from £10m to £50m. Who knows which is correct?

We’ve heard that the four separate stands design is what we’re opting for because it’s best for atmosphere / in true tradition of UK stadia. And then in the second breath Wyness then states that the corners will be filled in a few years later when capacity requirements become increased.

We’ve heard of an "upto £10m" exra for the transfer kitty per season". Not the word "upto" being the most important element of this quote.

We average about 35,000 average, so why do we need a 50,000 capacity? OK this bigger stadia will offer more executive facilities, but again why do we need them when we can’t fill our current boxes.

What about the design........it’s four sheds. Nil Satis Nisi Optimum! If we are to move we shold be seeking something more impressive. It hurts me to say it but the proposed RS stadium is both beautiful and iconic. What’s ours?

As for deserting Everton - I won’t be going to Kirby. But I’ll continue to support Everton, as I couldnt be without them. But it will be meaning a lot more of a comittment from me - I’ll still be watching Everton on alternate Saturdays as I travel length and breadth of the country on the away days.

Gutted, but I sdo sincerely hope the "yes" people get the product that convinced them to tick the other box!
jr
56   Posted 24/08/2007 at 14:11:57

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Gertch - well said. The most sensible thing that has been written on this or any other Everton website in quite a while.
Dave Lynch
57   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:51:01

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Know what !
All you gloating fools who accuse NO voters of acting like children want to have a look at yourselves.
It’s you lot that have acted like children.
Promises of new shiny stadiums, lots of money for new players and shiny trophies.
All promised by uncle Bill and co.
Thats the way children act, be good and I,ll buy you some sweets and a comic.
Insults are another trait of children. ’I hate you, don’t want you at the match. Wish you were a Kopite’.
Led up the garden path by the Pied Piper. ’Follow me for untold riches and glory’. your’e chasing the end of the rainbow lads.
And it,s fools gold you’ll find.

Stuart Fearns
58   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:23:57

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David Jerman - absolutely spot on!
After a lot of thought (it was a close thing) I eventually voted No. But although disappointed I respect the majority and will follow the blues where ever we end up.
I have been impressed that the club gave us the chance to vote - name another club that has done the same?
To those that say we have been fed propaganda, what did you expect?? Of course the club was going to give us a sales pitch, after all they’re recommending it, and would have known KEIOC would do the same in opposition. In fact they would have gone down in my estimations if they hadn’t tried to sell it to us.
Lastly, to all those idiots who think BK is doing it to line his pockets - get a grip. This is the bloke who scraped together his money to rescue us from hamper boy. Has helped to resurrect the club on and off the field from the dire position it was in (it’s not perfect but a million miles better). The bloke has the club’s best interests at heart and has put his financial neck on the line for EFC - would any of you honestly remortgage your house for the club? ...thought not. He’s human so not faultless, but I have more trust in him than any Yanks who would want to put the club into massive debt and would have no second thought in ditching you if things took a downturn, as with the RS.
Nick Coyne
59   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:50:40

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I have to agree with the consensus on this forum. Everybody is entitled to an opinion, but I find it quite unbelievable that people are willing to "stop going to the match", "never buy another shirt", etc. because we are moving stadium. If location is the foundation of your support for my beloved club then that is your perogative, but I can safely see if we were to move to Timbuck-bloody-too, I’d still be there, in my seat, with a royal Blue jersey on, enjoying a shitty pint of Chang at half-time.

As for the bias argument and so called "propaganda" from the board, as a collection of experienced businessmen did really expect anything else. I firmly believe that the likes of Arteta and Cahill have extended their contracts to run into the prime of their careers due in most part to the "vision" of the Club. The prospect of a state of the art new stadium and a ground breaking new training complex feeds the enthusiasm and the dream that Everton Football Club is finally going places. Having struggled and fought our way through the last 12-15 years, perhaps this is now our time to enjoy the good times. To once again bring glorious European evenings back and taste success by winning trophies.

That is the hope that I share with all of you no doubt, and I personally believe that such an ambition can only be facilitated by moving stadium. The best, most realistic and most affordable alternative on the table is Kirkby and that’s why it got my vote.
Paddock Boy
60   Posted 24/08/2007 at 14:30:58

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Stuart Fearns - I agree completely with your views on Blue Bill. I’m just re-reading the Colin Harvey/John Keith ’Everton Secrets’ book, and it’s really reminded me just how Carter and Kenwright pulled us out of the Johnson mire all those years ago. It’s funny how we forget the really bad times and how close we might have been to really crashing out as a club (I still think we owe Chelsea a debt of gratitude for that win over Bolton!)

We know Bill’s a bit of a showbiz luvvie, we know he’s well-off but by no means rich, we know he could have handled the ’Kings Dock’ fiasco much better. For God’s sake - He’s human, he’s imperfect, he probably wouldn’t even make the short-list for the ’Apprentice’ but never question whether he’s in this for himself for financial gain! He’s got blue blood running through his veins and rather than a cynical cop-out, I consider the staging of a public vote to provide a mandate for the Kirby to be an honest one (can’t speak for Wyness, obviously! I do doubt his motives). Those who want to have a go at someone might want to spend time searching out Johnson or Collina and leave our Bill alone!

One last point - Still not over little Madeline’s disappearance, and I’m still absolutely gutted about the death of Rhys Jones (Whether he was an Evertonian or not makes no difference, but the fact that he was, and he reminds me so much of my young nephews in their replica kids, just brings it home even more). I think we all need to ease down the stadium civil war now (me included) and let’s band together and show the world (who’ll be watching on Saturday teatime) what being an Evertonian is all about!
Michael, Dublin
61   Posted 24/08/2007 at 14:23:29

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i have an everton flag that says "pride of the Mersey" and thats exactly what we are.

Im from Dublin and therefore can’t pretend that im as involved as you who are from the greater liverpool area. but i love the club and go over many times a season so i feel im entitled to voice my opinion.

our history will always mean liverpool city is a part of us. it will always be part of or soul. but we are bigger than any city boundary, we are EFC and we ARE the peoples club. our soul can not be changed.

So those who can no longer support us - we don t need you! my support will not waiver and i will attend kirby and cheer on the blues because we are the pride of the mersey, the pride of Ireland and the pride of the world!
Royal Blue
62   Posted 24/08/2007 at 14:27:23

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Rupert, while I don’t agree with your views, I can respect them. It must be a real wrench for you to turn your back on the main joy of being a bluenose (going to the match), but it’s clear your beef is with the club’s management and not the club. Shame that you can’t resolve your priorities here, but best of luck to you.

For bigots like Will Mitchell however, I have absolutely no time nor respect for. How dare you insult me and other ’yes’ voters by insinuating that we don’t having the intelligence and judgement to come to our own conclusions. I listened carefully to the ’yes’ lobby and the ’no’ lobby. I looked at the options - emotionally and pragmatically. I didn’t necessarily believe all that I heard - on either side. I decided for myself what was good information and what was propaganda. I then made what I believe to be the best choice in regard to the best prospects for the club and its supporters. For that you tell me I should be ashamed of myself. There are none so blind as those who will not see. Go get a life - you will not be missed.
Karl
63   Posted 24/08/2007 at 15:02:23

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Great response Royal Blue. Love it.
DAVID Flanagan
64   Posted 24/08/2007 at 15:21:28

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Pathetic....dont get what you want so Im going and not coming back.We dont need supporters like that...Get behind the team,.I didnt want to move but it wont stop me and thousands of others from turning up every week.
solly
65   Posted 24/08/2007 at 15:22:10

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Rupert I voted NO but we lost the vote I will not stop watching my team, you wont be missed
jake
66   Posted 24/08/2007 at 15:18:26

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I have been going to goodison for the the past 28 years and for 25 of those years a season ticket holder,but i never say ,i am going to goodison i say i am going to Everton,Even though i voted no to the move,and i am not happy,and don’t trust Bill lovey Kenshite,its time to bite the bullet and get on with it,and now try and get some input into the new ground,so that when i go there,i will say well this is good enough for me!
We are chosen,we do not choose!
Born blue,live blue,die blue!!!
Strewth
67   Posted 24/08/2007 at 14:34:34

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Surprised and saddened to hear some of the responses to a democratic vote of blues. For all Blue Bill’s faults he was spot on to give us a vote on this. The nature of the vote was a tough one but at least it was decisive and not some highly contentious 49-51 result.
I can’t accept that any true blue would stay away simply coz the vote didn’t go their way ..once a blue etc isn’t a simple slogan its a way of life!
dgf
68   Posted 24/08/2007 at 15:37:23

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I just wonder if some of these people who say they will not go again Tony marsh, Joey, Rupert and others would like to give us all their seat numbers so we call all check to see if they are being honest or just talking crap
Michael Hackett
69   Posted 24/08/2007 at 13:17:17

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I’m an Everton supporter but am not even from England. Have supported Everton since the age of 5 which judging on the 90s didn’t seem like a great decision. I have been to 8 games all of which Everton have lost.

I have alway thought we had great fans who didn’t solely support the team because they were winning trophies all the time. I didn’t support Everton because I lived right next door to the stadium or because my Dad supported them.

I had never really known of this site and found most of my news a forem from teamtalk. I only discovered the site when trying to find out about the Lucho transfer attempt.

What I have seen on this page over the last couple of weeks has been a complete disgrace from both sides. I am not saying this of every person.

What I am talking about mainly is people giving opinions and then being abused because they have a different view either for or against.

Also I have seen some serious disrespect for the Club. This is completely wrong in my opinion.

I was shocked that the fans showed enough respect to allow their fans to decide such an important issue. I know the club have given a one sided view of the stadium. But why wouldn’t the club do so as they believe that it is our best option and the most financially viable.

On many occasions I have seen people discussing the financial issues and deciding wanting to know every specific detail of the offer. From what the club has said it is the deal of the century. Why would we not believe them? Why would the club go ahead with an offer that they think will damage them? Why does the club have to give you every specific detail of the plan. When you are voting in a Government election do you ask them to show you exact details of their financial proposals or plans? No that is left to the professionals.

The reason I am writing this is because I am revolted by people saying they are going to boycott the club financially due to a measure which is designed to improve the club financially. They are not moving the stadium for the sake of it. Any proposals such as Bestways doesn’t appear financially viable or even possible in the slightest.

This is turning into a rant at this stage so I’m just gonna shut up now.
Drew Walker
70   Posted 24/08/2007 at 16:43:43

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This continued argument and "I’m not going to suport Everton anymore cos they’re moving four miles away" is now really starting to annoy.
Get some perspective in your lives, there’s a family in Croxteth that would give the world to be able to take their son to watch Everton whether in Walton,Kirkby or timbuktu, just think of them and then think how petty all of this arguing has become.
The statement that Everton have handed over their future support to Liverpool is rubbish, nobody knows what will happen, you don’t and I don’t. Nobody can see into the future, emotive supposition does not make it fact.
If the ground move does take place then the only way to know what will happen will be with hindsight, not very convenient but at least then you can turn around and say "I told you so", until then, no matter which side of the fence you are on, none of us know if the move will be a good thing or not.
If you don’t want to go to the game in future, so be it, it’s a shame that we’ll lose support over it but we’ve done it before and survived.
One thing I do know about the future is that come ten past five on Saturday I won’t be thinking about the game to come, but about a little lad in a blue shirt and an empty seat.
ajj
71   Posted 24/08/2007 at 16:56:09

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Supporting the blues , or any team for that matter , is a personal thing , to some it means more than anything else , I voted no , 40 years of going to Goodison demanded that I voted no , how could I desert the " old lady " in her hour of need , but when , as it sadly looks like now , we move to Kirkby I’ll be there , shouting myself hoarse as I did when I was 8 years old , and " the old lady " will be there , if not in body but definately in spirit , we won’t forget EVER , because we’re Evertonians , and no matter what they do , they can’t take that away from us !!!!!!
Blue Peter
72   Posted 24/08/2007 at 16:24:34

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Rupert, what, in God’s creation does; "I cannot stop supporting them emotionally but I can and shall cease to support them otherwise" mean? I have rarely heard such a ridiculous and badly considered outburst of pique loosely disguised as reason! If a good friend or relative moved house would you "continue to love them emotionally but never see them again" because they moved a few miles down the road. When, at the age of 35, I moved away from Liverpool to South Cheshire, should I have stopped supporting our beloved club, given up my season ticket and saved myself a 100 mile round trip every home game in favour of Stoke City? The geographical argument just doesn’t stack up - particularly as it’s only a matter of 5 miles! If you know your history, you will be aware that Everton FC have never been located in Everton, and when Kirkdale and Everton were "slum cleared" many residents - including my father’s family and many of his generation - were relocated to Fazakerley and later on Kirkby. They are more scouse than I am, having grown up in leafy West Derby!! I get very frustrated by the faction that seems to think that unless you were born and live within the sound of the Gwladys Street you can’t/won’t be an Everton supporter. When your feelings of resentment subside at the vote not going your way, you may feel different and realise that the world changes and things move on. Supporting this club means more than petty pedantic views of location. My grandfather stood on the Gwladys Street and watched William Ralph play, and I was there at Goodison when "Dixie" passed away, so I’ve as much claim to an emotional attachment to Goodison as anybody. However, places are only the means to the end and not the end in itself. Kirkby may be a huge success and it may not, but I will SUPPORT the club in this decision and the journey we have democratically agreed to embark upon even if I don’t have the whole picture or disagree with something. I have a sneaking suspicion that Sir Terry has not planned to take his beloved (yes!!) Everton and Tesco into financial ruin with this project. Life isn’t perfect and the exciting thing about the future is it’s uncertainty. Everton Football Club, if you know your history, has a tradition of progressive decision making. If you can’t follow the club on this journey - then don’t and start as you mean to go on by not coming tomorrow - I for one will be supporting this saturday and in the future, wherever that might be.
Matt Allen
73   Posted 24/08/2007 at 17:37:13

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Whatever people may think of the current board, this club has never been healthier. Our debt has been greatly reduced, we are competetive in the transfer market for the first time in over 15 years, we have a good young talented squad which is surely one of the most valuable outside the top four, we are moving to a fantastic training facility and the plans to the new ground look superb. Most clubs would not even give its supporters the vote on an issue like this, so to moan about propaganda material that accompanied the ballot forms is pathetic. Yes the board do make mistakes from time to time ie Villareal tickets but they are genuinely trying to do the best for all of us in being proactive. I will be sorry to see Goodison go but times change and with other clubs now building and developing larger and newer stadia it is more important than ever to move on, particularly without outside investment. I’m pleased to see so many of the fans that voted no, accepting the proposal and looking forward to the future, but to all those who are thinking of revoking their ’active’ support because the vote did not go their way good riddance. After all this club has gone through over the last 17 years or so I thought we may have seen the last of the spolit fickle supporters that are stuck in the past!
Michael Hackett
74   Posted 24/08/2007 at 17:57:33

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Well done Matt.
That should be an article on this page. At least then we might see something positive when you open the homepage.
It’s as if Kenwright and Wyness have just gone out and pissed on Goodison when you open this website.
Blue In Bolton
75   Posted 24/08/2007 at 17:31:28

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Once a Blue always a Blue

Onwards Evertonians..!
Sneaker
76   Posted 24/08/2007 at 17:58:49

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The wound is still fresh so some Evertonians are still hurting from the result of the ballot and I can understand that many are angry, frustrated and are reacting to emotions rather than logic. However, I am also willing to wager that if (and it may be a flippin’ big "if") Everton found themselves by some miracle in the UEFA cup final at the end of this season, are you honestly telling me that those who have vowed never to go to the game again would refuse the offer of a ticket to the final ... ? I think not ... If the blues have a stonking season lots of people will calm down and all this fuss will be forgotten ...
Mike Homfray
77   Posted 24/08/2007 at 18:15:31

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Given the convincing nature of the result, despite the very noisy and emotionally-charged ’no’ campaign, I think that the view of most supporters is clear.

Now, lets get on with making the move a success.
Enzo
78   Posted 24/08/2007 at 18:19:07

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Nevermind buddy.

Can we just get on with the footy again?
Bob Bailey
79   Posted 24/08/2007 at 18:43:25

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You wont be missed and no one gives a toss goodbye
Drew
80   Posted 24/08/2007 at 18:37:44

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A lot of this reminds me of those Mancs who couldn’t handle the Glazers. It’s xenophobia, plain and simple.

If you want Everton to be great, stay the course with the club.

Let’s have a great season.
A.Stewart
81   Posted 24/08/2007 at 18:57:50

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Everyone who accuses people like the original poster of not being a ’proper blue’ or similar is a disgrace.

I will not go to Kirkby it is wrong for our club and I have principles to uphold. I will not be treated the way BK and Wyness have done and let them think it is ok. You may have found enough stupid people to back your move, don’t try and class me as one of them. After many years of treating me as no other business could do and retain my ’custom’ they have crossed the line.

I wish I had known back in the 80’s that I wasn’t a true fan when I spent all that was left out of my dole money after housekeeping on Everton. No beer, no new clothes, no girls - just Everton. I wish I’d known this the times I’ve travelled to Sunderland and Leicester when we were bottom of the table, or when I missed a friends wedding because I was going to watch the blue. Maybe I should’ve realised that I was a bad blue the time a girlfriend of 6 years made me choose between the footy and her and she lost.

You know fuck all about the people you’re calling bad blues. We’re good blues, we didn’t vote for the clubs heritage to be thrown away and our fan base to be divided on the back of lies and misinformation from Wyness. In years to come, you’ll realsie how good we really were.
Spanish Billy
82   Posted 24/08/2007 at 19:01:57

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To all you yes voters, there is a along way to go yet before you get over confident. I and my fellow no voters will endevour to keioc, even if that day comes and it does go ahead, you are looking at 2112 at the earliest, so what will the cost be then ? will EFC still be able to afford it ? were will fatty and kenwrong be ?
Steve B
83   Posted 24/08/2007 at 19:04:09

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Rupert et al, I think all the ’Yes’ and ’No’ voters have rightly given the shortest thrift to your ridiculous posturing. You lot were never Evertonians, as there are NO circumstances in which a true Blue would stop actively supporting the club.
Dave G
84   Posted 24/08/2007 at 19:13:10

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Spanish Billy, read your comments a few times and still didn’t understand them. Try Spanglish next time as in any language you’re talking crap.
Nick Wall
85   Posted 24/08/2007 at 18:57:14

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To the ’Nos’ :

You’re deluding yourself if you think that the vote was anything other than an expression of blue opinion as to what’s best for the club. The club may have spun the facts in pushing the case for Kirkby, but the ’no’ campaign also played fast and loose with the facts at times. Most fans will have been well exposed to both sets of arguments, and will have not just voted, but will have rehearsed dozens of times in their minds and in discussions with their mates the reasons for their vote. Please, please don’t dismiss the yes voters as dupes or sheep. Every one of them will have felt a wrench in their heart at the thought of leaving Goodison Park and the city of Liverpool, just as Bill Kenwright did, and will have thought long and hard before deciding this was the right thing to do. Evertonians voted for the move because they wanted to see a new chapter of success for our great club.

To the ’Yeses’ :

Don’t dismiss people like Rupert as whiners or tell them to ’get over it’. They voted the way they did out of strong emotions and convictions. Why should they be expected to change the way they feel because the vote went against them ? The best thing to do is to help them to understand why over 15,000 fans voted to move to Kirkby. Genuine dialogue is the best basis of reconciliation.
Gavin Ramejkis
86   Posted 24/08/2007 at 18:54:47

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It’s like crucifying yourself posting on the web that you will no longer financially support the club for whatever reason and however strongly your moral view of your own decision is, safer to just do it than talk or publish your intent and suffer the extra indignity of being scape goated by people who don’t share your view. In many instances people have seen this as a final straw after years of betrayal by the club’s current custodians, others see the same management as the saviours of the club that’s what free thought is all about. Make your own decision and move on it doesn’t make you stronger or weaker in my eyes it merely shows you have strong convictions and are willing to stand by them.
Andrew Gilbert
87   Posted 24/08/2007 at 19:34:04

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Its a fallacy that we would loose supporters because we’re outside the city. For the vast majority its in our blood line. For the others its from sucess on the pitch or some other factor. In this day and age the club is trying to develop support from an area 4 miles from where we were before. If you’re blue or you want to be a blue who gives a toss about the area.
jimmy
88   Posted 24/08/2007 at 20:02:31

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civil wars destroy countries this vote will do the same to everton fc read the emails the fighting has already begun , both sides hate each other the no’s feel betrayed and the yes’s feel guilty. Oh kenwright what have you done
Paul Thompson
89   Posted 24/08/2007 at 19:56:07

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The responses to this post have given me hope and heart. The vast majority of blues - whether they voted yes or no - see the complex issues and emotions and want to move on and get behond the team. My biggest beef with the the ultra no brigade was their sheer contempt for anyone who didn’t share their views - morons, dupes, yes men etc. Evertonians weighed up the evidence and made their choice. But for the same reasons, I’m not going to join with some on the site and say good riddance to Rupert and chums. We need to avoid any reference to ’real fans’ because we need all our all our supporters. What I would say is that ultimately it’s not about you and your hurt feelings - it’s about the club (not the clubhouse). You may be right that it will all turn to shit. If so, you can enjoy telling the rest of us. But swallow your pride and stick around for the ride. You never know, you might learn to enjoy it.
Eddy Bernard
90   Posted 24/08/2007 at 20:17:00

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Great call by Dave Lynch the Yes voters have been led skipping and clapping up the garden path.

While most fans realise Goodison probably cant be redeveloped. and we need to move, i dont think Kirkby is the answer. A glossy brochure and comments of support from some players seem to have been enough to win some yes votes.
I will keep supporting Everton but i cant help feeling we have just made the biggest mistake in the clubs history
Blue Peter
91   Posted 24/08/2007 at 20:02:13

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Nick Wall. Nobody is calling "no voters" per se whiners, dismissing their opinion or not respecting it. I have several friends whose opinion vaccillated before the vote and we certainly swopped views. However, such extreme responses as Rupert Sullivan’s last paragraph and those of other posters will inevitably illicit criticism. I applaud your attempt to be conciliatory but I think your simplistic analysis results in patronising Evertonians who have voted yes or no and would have continued to support the club whatever the outcome. Ask yourself this. If the vote had been "no" would a vociferous minority have been bombarding every website with statements of desertion because we WEREN’T moving? It’s the aggressive paranoid reaction of some "fans" that people are finding distasteful, not to mention the implication that these aforementioned "fans" have some deep insight/knowledge which indicates that this move will be a disaster. Unless they are involved with Terry Leahy in formulating this project they don’t know any more than anyone else. Opinion and speculation are not fact so if they don’t want to continue to support EFC fine, but why they would want to try to influence others and to imply they have a greater insight into the future than anyone else is a mystery to me and many other fans.
ben higgs
92   Posted 24/08/2007 at 20:46:41

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everton fc is in my blood, i want it to be in my son’s blood (he’s only eight months old). he can’t understand what i’ve been saying to him today but i said i’d understand if he wanted to support liverpool. i also said it’s too late for me son but who’d wanna support a club that needs handouts from a supemarket? i don’t wanna go to kirkby it feels wrong, but i love everton. i’m sayin now i’d never go to the new stadium, maybe i’m just angry, i don’t know what to feel. if i ever do to kirby i hope i feel that same buzz i get the moment i walk out on the terraces and see the hallowed turf of goodison. forward we go together in blue!!!!!

p.s. i whole heartedley understand what rupert feels, he’s no less of a blue in my eyes.
wes b
93   Posted 24/08/2007 at 21:12:13

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hang on a minute just read a post that said it was posted by me but it wasnt if that makes sense and i didnt even agree with what the dude said. now either i have a name doppleganger who supports the blues, great names and minds must think a like or someone has nicked my name and is pretending to be me and write fake articles in support of the move to kirby mmmmmm strange. !!!!

any way now for my real thought on the matter, it seems the masses have cast their vote and i just hope when we walk up to the brightly lit( at 3 00 on a sat noon!!) pre pack stadium nestled in the corner behind the mega tesco that they stand up and be counted then. EFC has to move FACT however I truly believe the club has taken the very easy and cheap option that seems to suit most of the power brokers that be,
I will now have to save the bestway stadium plans to my comp to remind me of what might have been if the club had at least had the foresight to have had a plan B. I truly cannot believe the amount of yes votes that have been cast on the basis of a few glossy brightly lit computer designs and shite ones at that in my opinion. the kirkby project a sham from start to finish, my only hope now is that EFC and tesco can really put their heads together and come up with a development scheme that will restore the pride and passion within its fans and create a true regeneration of an area of liverpool that can make EFC once again a true power in the english and world game, judging by the limited plans that the club has kindly let us see, I sadly cant see it happening.

the real wes!!!
Mike
94   Posted 24/08/2007 at 21:36:18

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Who’ve we got this Saturday? ’Blackburn’, great, if we get three points we could go top! And we can all go home singing!

Is that not what its all about?

Decision made move on!
Blue Peter
95   Posted 24/08/2007 at 21:49:01

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The emotive language by some "no" voters, the "leaving" speeches and the accusations of blame levelled at "yes" voters for the "imminent demise" of EFC is all getting a bit tedious. Just go quietly please and accept that vast numbers are going to continue to support the club no matter what you say or how strongly you try to influence them.
(Ben, Wes - have you been drinking - you’re not making any sense!)
jayharris
96   Posted 24/08/2007 at 20:59:49

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TOTALLY AGREE Eddy Bernard.
Those who think Bullshit billy is a saint need to remember
1.How he bought Johnson out with club funds and shit on his so called best friend Paul gregg.
2.The Kings Dock Fiasco where we would have got a proper WORLD CLASS STADIUM for less than Kirkby is going to cost.
3.The Fortress sports fund "The cheque will be in the bank in the morning".
4.The NTL fiasco.
5. The refusal to even speak to LCC about realistic developments in the Cuty of Culture.
6.We have already sold and/or mortgaged the family silver and still have high levels of debt.So you are spot on that all that remains is fools gold.
I am not bitter with the YES sheep cos there’s plenty of them in the world just ask Hitler. I just feel sorry for future generations who I feel have been totally let down by this board of no marks.And for all those who say look what he has done I would ask take long suffering Moyes and the luck of finding Rooney (25million)out of the equation and where would we be?
newbie
97   Posted 24/08/2007 at 22:01:40

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oh well looks like bestway have egg on their face. they got what they deserve. Malcom Carter was full of pomp.
mike davies
98   Posted 24/08/2007 at 22:04:38

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Why was the count in private?

What was it about public scrutiny that made BK prefer to count the votes out of sight?

Why was there no plan B?

Why the rush to adopt a scheme that divides us so much?

Do you think BK has asked himself how many more years he can last as chairman?

How many do you think he gave himself? 5? 10?...

I wonder if he has thought about how secure his retirement will be given he has so much tied up in Everton?

How much more will his shares be worth when the stadium is built?

How close to retirement will he be when it is?

Todays supporters will be torn but like me still go despite resenting it but what about the next generation?

What about the one after that?

Children becoming aware of football for the first time and asking if there is a Liverpool team in the Prem, will they have the same connection that we have?

Will they prefer to support the team from their city?

Won’t future generations be increasingly likely to support LFC?

The move to Kirkby has short term advantages and when complete will make us more attractive to a foreign invester wanting to make a profit over a 10 year span or so. Good for BK. Good for an invester, possibly. Is it good for Everton ... longterm?

I don’t think so. I don’t trust a vote counted in private when it could be done in public.

The balance of the comments above seem to be pro-Kirkby so maybe my doubts are misplaced. Maybe the "No" voters are drowning their sorrows. I suspect that BK’s retirement is more secure than Everton’s longterm future.
Michael Sullivan
99   Posted 24/08/2007 at 22:57:32

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Rupert,as somebody who knows you and respects your strong held views,i urge you to read,Andy Mack’s reply.
I do agree with most of what you stated.But once a Blue always a Blue.Boards and managers come and go,Stadiums change,the one constant in all of this is us the fans.We are born,to be Blue,in more ways than one,I’ll be going to the game tomorrow with you.Please reconsider.Let the good times role.Beleave me,they will.Michael Sullivan.Always a Blue,Forever Everton
Mal Lloyd
100   Posted 24/08/2007 at 23:30:27

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Like you Rupert,today is my last as an ’active’ Evertonian.I want no part of a club that fails to honour its heritage and boasts 60% of its fan base as more interested in bricks and mortar than staying true to their principles.
Everton is an intrinsic part of our great City and for the club to voluntarily turn its back on so much history is indeed a treacherous act.
A pox on Kenwright and on every one of his 15000 arselickers!
Gavin
101   Posted 25/08/2007 at 00:14:31

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Stop the ranting and the bitching about the board.

We are supporting the club, not them.

Until we can find a "blue" rich enough to but BK out, this is what we have to work with.

Dave Southword
102   Posted 25/08/2007 at 00:16:12

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I wonder if all the "I’ve had enough, I’m not going anymore" so called fans on here are just witholding their support for the club in the hope that it all goes tits up and they can come back on here in 5 years and say, "I told you so"?

If the new stadium was sited 800 yards west it would be in the city, would it not? Maybe by the time it is built central government will redraw the boundaries again and everything will be okay.

Kirkby will work if we make it work. Not Bill, or Wyness. If we throw ourselves into the brave new world and turn up in our thousands and sing our little hearts out then we can make our new home a fortress and start creating history again.

Our heritage won’t die just because Goodison Park won’t be there in a few years. The heritage and history is in our hearts and in our souls, it’s what makes us proud to be Evertonians and it will make true fans go wherever we play.

Eamonn Gerson
103   Posted 25/08/2007 at 02:11:31

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As I am not from Liverpool I am distant to many of your sentiments about being ?in? or ?out? of the city. I am from Ireland, but as far as I am concerned, Kirkby is part of Liverpool and when I go to the new ground, it will remain full of scousers.

We need a new ground. In Ireland, our amatuer organisaion, the GAA, is reaping in millions of ? from corporate boxes / premium tickets. The level of corporate facilities (prawn sandwich brigade or not) are simply a disgrace at Goodison.

I love the place. I wish I could go every week. Reality bites though and we need to move on. We can retain all the history, the name and our great club.

Let's move on together to a better home that to me (and I?m sure fellow blues in Kirkby) remains in Liverpool and the pride of Merseyside.
Michael McAuley
104   Posted 25/08/2007 at 04:02:39

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Rupert, you?re a pathetic loser.
Gary Parsons
105   Posted 25/08/2007 at 05:05:20

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The problem for me is not Kirkby, as a move to Aintree or Speke or anywhere else on the city boundary would have been but the problem is the fact that Everton will not be visible to visitors to the city.

As for the voters who did not vote, you should be ashamed of yourselves, being given the oppotunity to decide the fate of an institution.

Everton will not die as some people say but will change as a club... maybe for the better. We will see but we will no longer be a scouse club; boudaries are only a political line but this sentence is wasted on anyone not from Liverpool... a sad day indeed.
James Rimmer
106   Posted 25/08/2007 at 06:08:06

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I?m a no. Devastated but will continue to support the Blues. One of the main reasons for my no was: "Why do I support Everton?" (Why do we support any club?) It?s because of LOCALISED support, in my case through friends and family back in the 50?s in Liverpool. I believe our fan base will further erode and more future scousers will support Liverpool. I believe Kirby will be better in the short term but not the long by which time the board will have fled making their dough. I understand we needed to move but could have stood a couple more years at Goodison waiting for a better option as Kirby doesn?t feel right.
Derek Thomas
107   Posted 25/08/2007 at 07:37:13

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I didn’t have a vote, but would have voted NO. I was born a local, but distance and lack of cash prevent regular attendance. I will still scrape up the cash to make one last trip to Goodison and will make the effort to go to the new stadium to give it the once over. Age me prevent me from seeing if the move was a success in the long term.

I am bitter, very bitter, about the result, but that’s more to do with the fact that, deep down, I think it’s the wrong move for the wrong (as yet unknown and unshown) reasons, at the wrong time. But I could never bring My self to cut my nose off to spite my face and not go to the game if it was possible to do so.

This is still my football family and like all families has the good the bad and the ugly. Home is where they have to let you in, you’re family after all: blood is thicker than water
Robbie Muldoon
108   Posted 25/08/2007 at 08:47:53

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The Tesco Stadium looks like a cheap piece of shit. Plain and simple.
Trev Clarke
109   Posted 25/08/2007 at 09:20:53

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I just wish the minority of Blues would do a little research and see when goodison actually became part of Liverpool, at conception goodison park was not even in the liverpool boundaries so this taking it out of the city dont wash with me. If you ask most people around this country with any knowledge of northwest were is Kirby they will tell you its Liverpool and knowing quite a few people from kirby they see themselves as scousers or are the vote NO MINORITY saying these are now woolybacks, its 3- 4 miles guys and in another 125yrs if Everton move again it will be the same dont take Everton out of Kirby our spiritual home, please except defeat and get behind the team not your own ego’s
Trev Clarke
110   Posted 25/08/2007 at 09:28:33

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OOOPS for got to put the K in Kirkby sorry all you Kirkby Blues I appologise...
Archie Alehouse
111   Posted 25/08/2007 at 09:47:57

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Despite the yes vote I’m convinced it still wont happen.
Our contribution is too large, we will only move if it costs nothing.
Mark my words in 5 years time Goodison will be falling down around us, and no new stadium will be built in Kirkby......wait and see
Archie Leitch
112   Posted 25/08/2007 at 10:07:31

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Support like yours is no loss - do one across the park you sad kopite.
Michael Bebbington
113   Posted 25/08/2007 at 09:37:23

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I will not come on here and start throwing insult around. However, it is poor that people who voted "yes", are being branded with not having the intelligence to be able to make an informed decision. We ( i say we as i was a ?yes man?)only voted yes because we had a glossy brochure and we only listened to what the club had to say. I will tell you now this is totally incorrect. i have lost many hours over the past couple of weeks and months reading both side of the arguement.

I and i suspect others voters including the ones that voted ?No? have voted with both there heads and the hearts. I feel annoyed that my fellow evertonians do not have the decency to respect the decision that has been made by fellow supporters who they will more than likely stand next to at the match today.My first time at Goodison will live long in my memory and it will be something that i try and explain to my children.

whether you are a yes man or a no man, all we should concentrate from now on is getting behind the 11 men that Moysey choose to represent our special club on the pitch, Wherever that pitch may be!!!

COYB
Robert Carney
114   Posted 25/08/2007 at 11:14:39

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Wyness has the mandate to continue with Tesco, the devolopment of Kirkby town centre.

A small part of it includes Everton Footal Club.

With the past cockups of our board, we can only wait and see if anything comes from it.

In the meantime, it is imperative we enjoy what is left of our stay at Goodison.

Lets hope Moyes takes this team to the next level we all aspire to.

If he fails, this club is fucked.

For the first time in my life(my first game was against Blackpool in 66 we got beat 1.0)I am dreading the Derby games. The bastards are going to have a field day on our decision to accept Kirkby and the second rate stadium we have chosen.
Joey Bell
115   Posted 25/08/2007 at 11:30:17

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If all you are worried about is kopites taking the piss then this is a sorry state of affairs.

?Who cares what the red shite say?. The only way to stop them lording over us is to be successful and if that means moving as far away from them as possible then so be it.
Tom Davies
116   Posted 25/08/2007 at 13:59:45

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Yet again I am repying to an article with my discust of The Everton board, some of the players and now unfortunately many fans. I’ve never been so ashamed to be blue in my life, so many fans who were passionate about staying in Liverpool are now saying "oh well, perhaps it’s a good thing".

Do us all a favour, if you’re reading this and you are infact one of the one’s giving up hope and cause, go and support Liverpool because it certainly doesn’t describe Evertonians!
Dave Lynch
117   Posted 25/08/2007 at 11:16:36

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Ah well! Got pissed last night had my rant and got over it. What next? Ah yes! Blackburn. This is going to be an emotional day lads for reasons I am sure you are all aware of. Let's handle ourselves with dignity and honour and let the whole country witness our unity and togetherness, as we mourne the needless passing of one who was the future of our club. God bless you son.
danny
118   Posted 25/08/2007 at 14:29:09

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The thing people dont seem to get with Kirkby is its a small town with the inferstructure of a small town, its location means the vast majority of fans will have to travel there, unlike goodison were people from Bootle,Walton,Kirkdale,Everton,Anfield and tuebrook are within say a half hour walk. So lets look at transport, ive waited a good half an hour at highbury tube station after a match, now thats with tube trains that run every 5 munutes and are half a fookin mile long, cue chaos at little kirkby station and a mersey rail 3 carriage job every 15 minutes. Buses will be stuck in the traffic so expect a long wait to get one, and a long ride when you do, Taxi i hear you shout, well u better shout fukin loud, there are only about 120-140 licenced hackneys in knowsley (compared to 1500 in Liverpool). So the day will come when you will march down to priory road, to get on a barnes travel coach, to go and see Everton at home, how sad that is, and how sad we have enough plankton at are beloved club, that have voted for this to happen, how long they will stick around when they are getting back home from midweek games after midnight,only time will tell.


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