Tomorrow is our St Crispin's Day.

Comments (7)

This has been the worst close season in my memory. It is accurate to say that a civil war has been fomented by those in charge of our Club. Whether this was done with malice or unwittingly, we will never know for certain. The timing of the ballot, so close to the end of the period of exclusivity, leaving little opportunity for cases other than Kirkby to be properly explored, has divided the Everton family. Some have already voted Yes and some have already voted No regarding the proposal that the Club move to Kirkby. Many are still unsure and waiting to be persuaded one way or the other. Through circumstances beyond our control, we have reached a watershed moment in the history of our Club and passions have been stirred.

Each side (for and against Kirkby) has voiced their opinions loudly into the faces of their perceived opponents in the debate. At times the atmosphere has been polluted by suspicion and rancour. Even the players have unwisely been enrolled in a campaign that has done great damage to the cohesion of the support upon which the Club relies. No doubt many arguments and counter arguments remain to be developed. As we approach the outcome of the ballot, the atmosphere is likely to become more bitter. Energies which should be expended in supporting the team (as distinct from the Club) will be dissipated in more internecine warfare. For a decision of such importance, it is right and necessary that such battles be fought; but fairly with equal time and resources allocated to opposing points of view.

It would be relatively easy for the anger and frustration that we share to become evident tomorrow, both within and outside the ground. Many people will be watching to see how both sides interact with one another before, during and after the Wigan game. There is the potential for the name of the Club and its supporters to be besmirched by angry and foolish behaviour on the day. I appeal to all fans to declare an armistice for 24 hours and channel your energies into supporting the players at the start of a new season.

Perhaps a speech written by another Bill many years ago that was meant to unite people in war can be paraphrased to produce calm tomorrow amongst our ranks. It can act to remind us of our common cause and show those watching us that we know how to behave towards one another; "This story shall the good man teach his son; From this day to the ending of the world. And we in it shall be remember'd; We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he today that supports his team with me Shall be my brother, be he ne'er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition: And gentlemen in England now a-bed Shall think themselves accursed they were not here."
Brian  Finnigan, Liverpool     Posted 10/08/2007 at 08:29:07

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