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City chief executive sees big benefits of dockside Everton stadium

Lyndon Lloyd Thursday, 20 October, 2016 97comments  |  Jump to most recent

Liverpool council's chief executive, Ged Fitzgerald, has been extolling the virtues of a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in terms of regeneration of the area.

Everton have been looking at brownfield sites in the docks area of Vauxhall over the past few months as they weigh up alternatives to remaining at Goodison Park and a delegation from the club, led by Farhad Moshiri and which included Chairman Bill Kenwright, CEO Robert Elstone, director Sasha Ryazantsev, and US-based architectural designer Dan Meis, toured Bramley-Moore Dock last week.

Another site at Stonebridge Cross off the East Lancs Road in Croxteth is also under consideration but the north docks area is overwhelmingly favoured by supporters, among them current Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson, and Mr Fitzgerald put forward the case to an audience of potential investors at the Mipim UK conference in London yesterday.

He argued that a £300m stadium development at Bramley-Moore Dock “associated developments which would create an anchor point at that end of the river” for the kind of transformation that the docks closer to the city centre have undergone in recent years and, later, he expressed to the Liverpool Echo his belief that “from a regeneration point of view it's a fantastic opportunity.”

“I think there's some really exciting potential opportunities for that stadium in that location.

“That itself would create a massive magnet and anchor point for the regeneration of the wider North Liverpool area and would be a fantastic destination and attraction in its own right. And I say that even as a Liverpool fan.”

Though there has been no indication of a timeline for any decision over whether an Everton stadium at either location could be given the green light, Mayor Anderson has hinted in recent weeks that an announcement could come by the end of the year.

Any dockside development would require a land-purchase deal with current landowner, Peel Holdings, who have earmarked Liverpool's north docks area for a £5bn regeneration and development scheme.

 

Reader Comments (97)

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Danny O'Neill
1 Posted 20/10/2016 at 01:06:39
Such a trivial point and irrelevant to the debate or decision, but how smart (from a heritage point of view) would it be if we somehow incorporated that legacy street sign incarnated into the original wall into the stadium somehow .if we end up on this site obviously!! Blending tradition with modernism.
William Cartwright
2 Posted 20/10/2016 at 03:03:57
It's like I said in a recent post; Everton are the 'magnet attraction' and the catalyst for the regeneration of the area. We have power in the negotiations. Now this is acknowledged by the council it will set the ball rolling. Great news!
John Kelly
3 Posted 20/10/2016 at 05:57:31
The question's always asked about filling the dock in first but maybe it is more desirable as it would give room for services or a car park?
Ian Jones
4 Posted 20/10/2016 at 07:46:04
Danny. Not a trivial point at all. I hope heritage will play a vital role in any development.
James Hughes
5 Posted 20/10/2016 at 08:01:13
Filling in the dock is not as problematic or expensive as people think as new roadworks etc never back fill with old spoil and need sites to dump hardcore. In fact many sites charge contractors to take the spoil.
James Byrne
6 Posted 20/10/2016 at 08:25:07
The Bramley-Moore dock site gives us a double whammy. It will provide us with a much needed new home in an amazing location, providing investment and jobs.

This ground move also leaves the red shite behind in Anfield in their big white elephant, that they've already wasted millions on.

Alec Smith
7 Posted 20/10/2016 at 08:38:23
There is clear momentum for this being the Dock site. The City clearly wants it!

What a Christmas present this could be. Announce Everton's new stadium to be developed on the Dock Site on Christmas Eve!!!!!

John McGimpsey
8 Posted 20/10/2016 at 08:39:24
Although the site is huge and in an iconic position overlooking the Royal Blue Mersey. Has anyone actually been down there? Well I have, and across the road for miles is a shitbin of factories and a dumping ground. Hopefully this could addressed or we could end up somewhere scruffier than Oakfield Road!

Maybe this week I can get some drone footage and we can view it's pluses and minuses.

Derek Turnbull
9 Posted 20/10/2016 at 09:16:37
If this location is going to be great for Everton then we will need a stadium that can expand in the future. I've heard nothing from the club regarding this, so is this site going to be able to cope with expansion? Or are we just going to get a stadium that will not be able to grow with us?

It is not too early to ask this question as this should be a prime consideration when choosing a site. I know we're all desperate for a stadium but it still has to be right.

Steve Carter
10 Posted 20/10/2016 at 09:48:11
James Bryne #6: perfectly put. Please God.
Paul Burns
11 Posted 20/10/2016 at 09:53:44
Don't start getting "Heritage" involved in this, before you know it, all sorts of out-of-town no-marks and live-in-the-past groups who have held this city back for over half-a-century will be trying to throw a spanner in the works.
Brian Harrison
12 Posted 20/10/2016 at 09:54:56
I like most would prefer the Bramley-Moore site for our new ground, but I hope the club and the council give a lot of thought to fans as much as the design for the new stadium.

Being on the waterfront will be great but getting to and from the game will pose problems. Will they have a park-and-ride system like they have at golf, or will they incorporate enough car parking space around or under the new ground.

Paul Burns
13 Posted 20/10/2016 at 10:07:28
Get the bus, train, taxi or walk, its ten minutes walk or so from the city centre.

Anyone would think its on the fucking moon.

Stop creating non-existent problems.

Mark Murphy
14 Posted 20/10/2016 at 10:25:24
Get it signed, sealed and delivered.

This is our destiny, Please Please Please.

Michael Lynch
15 Posted 20/10/2016 at 10:31:40
To be fair Paul @13, it is fairly isolated and that's going to be a long painful walk for a midweek league cup game in January, with the wind whipping in off the Mersey..

On the other hand, it could actually be an advantage in that it will be more like an out of town site, with no neighbours to worry about, in an area needing total regeneration, while still being within a (cold) walk or bus ride from town.

What I'd really like to see is our stadium being incorporated into those iconic Mersey Skyline views that they use to promote tourism, along with the Three Graces, Radio City Tower etc. That would cement our position as the club that best represents the city and help to increase our out of town fan base.

Of course, Bramley-Moore Dock would in reality be way out of shot to the left, but a bit of creative photoshopping should sort it.

Derek Thomas
16 Posted 20/10/2016 at 10:36:19
What's the 'Official' radius of the no parking area?... and most of us manage that. I would hope there will be more than ample parking near the ground built in... no doubt at a cost. That, plus more than enough pubs etc, A non-bowl, non-running track, Leitch themed (where applicable) design... and away we go.
Brent Stephens
17 Posted 20/10/2016 at 10:37:15
John (#3) "The question's always asked about filling the dock in first but maybe it is more desirable as it would give room for services or a car park?"

Yes, nice bit of lateral thinking. I know James #5 points to the pros of filling the dock in, but didn't somebody post recently about the time it took (or is taking) to fill in another dock? Or is infill no problem time-wise?

Either way, I do like the idea, if structurally not an issue, of underground parking (we'll need space at least for all those lawnmowers).

Len Hawkins
18 Posted 20/10/2016 at 10:49:29
As for filling the Dock in, surely digging a 3rd Mersey Tunnel would be the answer – plenty of spoil there?

Joking apart, the transport issue could easily be solved: a ferry pier for Wirral/North Wales supporters and a station at Leeds Street for the rest.

Alec Smith
19 Posted 20/10/2016 at 11:02:07
I can't possibly conceive the concept of a Big new stadium in this area, as part of a kick start to the regeneration scheme for that area, not being undertaken without a cohesive transport plan (ferry, rail, light rail, trams, busses etc).
Simon Smith
20 Posted 20/10/2016 at 11:05:11
Been said here before but, in this day an age, I'm sure the space would be put to better use if it was not filled in!

Parking, offices, on-site training areas all need room, why go up when you can go down!

Might cost a bit more but dividends could outweigh the initial expense many times over!!

Kevin Day
21 Posted 20/10/2016 at 11:29:14
I've read comments from afar, and noticed many comments in regards to location and it being a long walk on a cold windy evening game..

Maybe there's a park 'n' ride option?

Phil Fortune
22 Posted 20/10/2016 at 11:35:45
It has to be the docks for me! It has heritage simply because many of the original fans will have been dockers themselves working these very docks.
Let's hope it happens. COYB
Mark Murphy
23 Posted 20/10/2016 at 11:53:00
You talk about filling in the dock. Well I'm sure a few thousand kopites could help us there, but we would then have to change part of our song to "drown the kopites one by one". You know the rest...
Kevin Whittaker
24 Posted 20/10/2016 at 12:04:24
We should look at getting our own railway station, built into the ground, which I have experienced in sports stadiums in The States.

It would help with travel and safety issues, not to mention irritating Liverpool fans every time they looked at a Merseyrail map.

Liam Reilly
25 Posted 20/10/2016 at 12:09:07
I've got grinning Reds telling me that the Docks will never happen and we'll end up in some no mark stadium in Stonebridge.

With our track record; that's difficult to argue against, but I'd be willing to wager that if we do build on the Docks and do it right; then these same numpties will soon change their minds on groundsharing.

Now wouldn't that be something.

Eugene Ruane
26 Posted 20/10/2016 at 12:10:50
I love the traditional Toffee Lady outfit, but a more contemporary design could really work for us, given the much mentioned strong winds coming off the Mersey.

Link

Patrick Murphy
27 Posted 20/10/2016 at 12:17:36
Liam (25) There's many a true word said in jest and whilst it isn't nailed on that we'll build on the dock or anywhere else for that matter, you can bet your bottom dollar that the johnny come lately club will get something free dropped in their laps, it's the law.

Eugene (26) The bloke with the yacht said he would wait for her, can't trust anybody these days not even Knights of the realm.

Brent Stephens
28 Posted 20/10/2016 at 12:21:08
Kevin #21 "Maybe there's a park n ride option?"

I envisage the rs being more and more unsuccessful, going through several demotions, eventually having to vacate Anfield (not being able to pay back the rebuild costs), and having to move to some out-of-town concrete monstrosity - how about somewhere near Croxteth. And we, having built at Bramley-Moore Dock, then use the demolished Anfield as a parking space for a park-and-ride. Is that what you had in mind, Kevin?!

Tony Draper
29 Posted 20/10/2016 at 12:23:08
There should be no problem regarding transport links. The present Soccerbus runs from Kirkdale Station to Goodison and Bramley-Moore Dock is a very similar if not shorter distance from Sandhills Station.
Tim Wardrop
30 Posted 20/10/2016 at 12:29:45
Some talk here about building a new train station, or a new Pier. Both a fanciful and incredibly unlikely to happen in the next 20-30 years, if ever.

However, for those saying this site is "inaccessible", I invite you to take a look at the alternative in Croxteth and let me know which of the two is the most accessible. Although you might be able to drive easily to Croxteth right now, it's not exactly teeming with car parks, or public transport links at the moment.*

* If you need a clue, the answer is Bramley-Moore

James Byrne
31 Posted 20/10/2016 at 12:31:13
I can't believe the amount of people whinging about the distance they might have to walk if this project gets the go-ahead. I'm sure there will be a new set of bus routes to the ground location built into the planning.

For the past 30 years like many people, I've had to park up miles from the ground in all weather and do that ridiculous walk. The walking distance for the Bramley-Moore Dock area might be a similar distance we have now but at least we'll be in a top class stadium in one of the most enviable ground locations in the world. I'll skip to the ground, I can't wait.

Kev Wood
32 Posted 20/10/2016 at 12:34:23
Sandhills Metrolink Station (railway) is a short walk from Bramley-Moore Dock – about half the distance that it is from Anfield.

I currently take the Metrolink to and from Kirkdale (the next station on from Sandhills on the Kirkby line) for our games at Goodison and the longer walk and pressure of numbers of match travellers using the station is okay – though I'm well aware that things would be different if the Metrolink route became the main means of getting to the docks stadium.

Gavin Fennessy
33 Posted 20/10/2016 at 12:36:33
I think, from a city regeneration perspective, a Bramley-Moore Dock stadium would be great news. From an Everton FC perspective, it is a golden opportunity to take a huge leap forward in profile and revenue.

The potential difficulties with transport and associated infrastructure are essentially irrelevant as the infrastructure would follow a project of this scope.

Peter Roberts
34 Posted 20/10/2016 at 12:40:59
Bramley-Moore needs to happen – simple as that.

The stadium itself will be a huge advert for Everton FC – cruise ships going past the stadium entering Liverpool... just envisage kids saying to their parents "can I get a football shirt for that team as a souvenir?"

Bringing children into it, when they are 8/9 years old are they going to be interested in going to that stadium on the river as opposed to the "one near the park in the middle of nowhere" – this is the future of our supporters.

Kevin Tully
35 Posted 20/10/2016 at 12:57:07
Here we are, on the cusp of having one of the finest stadiums in the country (and possibly Europe) built on an iconic waterfront location, and most posts above mention the trouble of walking, or a bit of fucking wind. Victor Meldrew would moan about the negativity in this place.

What are you all on? Miserable arl bastard pills? This is the most exciting news for Evertonians since Dixie's sixty!!

Alec Smith
36 Posted 20/10/2016 at 12:59:13
Tim (#30),

Nothing at all fanciful about this. There is no way in hell large-scale developments get through planning these days with out due consideration to the surrounding infrastructure... and that means transport links.

BTW a new pontoon-style ferry terminal (just like at Canary Wharf) is relatively cheap and easy to install.

Link

Mike Galley
37 Posted 20/10/2016 at 13:18:17
I don't want to put a downer on all this talk of new stadium on the docks (God, how I want this to happen), but I haven't seen any comments about costs for the club. Or, indeed, how we would finance it.

I apologise if this has already been discussed. I'm afraid it's something I know very little about. I'm just putting this on here to see what people's thoughts are about this.

Tony J Williams
38 Posted 20/10/2016 at 13:42:54
Don't worry, Mike, the money is ring-fenced – the cheque will be in the bank in the morning etc etc.
Brent Stephens
39 Posted 20/10/2016 at 13:44:20
Tony #29 "The present Soccerbus runs from Kirkdale Station to Goodison and Bramley-Moore Dock is a very similar if not shorter distance from Sandhills Station."

Tony, it's Sandhills the Soccerbus runs from, not Kirkdale. Just in case anybody new to Soccerbus decides to try it!

And, yes, it looks as if Bramley-Moore is closer to Sandhills than Goodison Park is.

Can't help thinking of Bramley apples whenever I read about Bramley-Moore Dock – a sour apple. Let's hope there's a sweet outcome to all this. And sour grapes at Anfield.

Dermot Byrne
40 Posted 20/10/2016 at 14:07:42
I reckon this may be part of a bigger development that may mean soccerbus is a form of transport is changed to meet need. Also... tram time?
Terry Underwood
41 Posted 20/10/2016 at 14:10:25
Can't believe there are complaints about "cold and windy walks" – have you guys ever sat in the main stand? Fuckin' freezin'.
Jim Burns
42 Posted 20/10/2016 at 14:25:21
Liam @ 25 – in the words of William Shakespeare – ground share?... they can fuck right off.
Bill Gall
43 Posted 20/10/2016 at 14:26:39
Talking about transportation to the docks, it is a shame they took down the dockers umbrella. How far would it be from the pier head to Bramley-Moore Dock? I used to walk from Scarisbrick Road to Goodison Park for the game.
Jim Burns
44 Posted 20/10/2016 at 14:32:20
Eugene @26 – she was part of the delegation down there scouting the site last week – some sort of business consultant, I believe.
Michael Lynch
45 Posted 20/10/2016 at 14:37:03
I've spoken to the club and I've got it on good authority that tartan rugs and furry slippers will be handed out on arrival at your seat by young women dressed as toffee ladies who will also give your legs a massage after the long walk from town. And there will be a travelator operating from the Pier Head to Bramley Dock on match day, which will be fully heated and have free bars every 100 yards. Oh, and I'm told there will be underfloor heating in the bogs.

Put me down for six season tickets.

Dave Roberts
46 Posted 20/10/2016 at 14:59:03
It would be interesting to see how many new registrations to TW have taken place over the last couple of weeks since a stadium at the Docks has become increasingly likely. I do wonder if some of those whinging about long, cold walks into a deserted and dead location are actually Evertonians?

There is usually a breeze off the river but then we will be playing and watching in an enclosed stadium without open corners – not in an open field. Bramley-Moore is a 20-minute walk from the Cotton Exchange or the Slaughterhouse and a 25-minute walk from Flanagans or the Grapes... and I'm 68!
Fucking hell, I can't wait.

Andy Meighan
47 Posted 20/10/2016 at 15:01:56
Micheal (#15), we wont be still in the League Cup in January, believe me. So you've got no worries on that score.
Peter Mills
48 Posted 20/10/2016 at 15:03:12
I'm all in favour of the Bramley-Moore site, but drove past this morning and United Utilities had obviously been agitating their product at the nearby Sandon Dock sewage works. Not on match days I hope.
Phil Martin
49 Posted 20/10/2016 at 15:10:41
This would be like a new signing.
Brian Hennessy
50 Posted 20/10/2016 at 15:17:46
Peter @48

I wouldn't worry too much, we have been well used to having a pile of shit as our neighbours for decades!

Peter Mills
51 Posted 20/10/2016 at 15:29:17
Brian (#50), I just thought I would beat a few men and put in the cross for someone to tap it home. Neatly done!
Brian Harrison
53 Posted 20/10/2016 at 16:20:57
Michael (#45),

Seeing as you are so well connected at the club, do you think they could supply waterproof ponchos for when we are on the travelator? As you can often get a sea fret from the river blowing in. I know it might be pushing it but could the blankets have your own monogram stitched into them?

Nice to see we have so many keen hikers who go the game who have already walked from town to the new proposed site. I wonder if they will be added to Wainwright's Walks new addition?

Les Martin
54 Posted 20/10/2016 at 17:19:28
The chief exec is right and so is Mr Moshiri, and that is why he would not be wasting his time or the connections, by visiting down at the docks if this was not going to happen.

Believe...

Harry Wallace
55 Posted 20/10/2016 at 17:30:14
Too many people underestimate importance of this. This will take us to the next level on and off pitch. The club needs to go all out on this.

Ex Head of Communications, Ian Ross, admitted Kings Dock costs were going up and up and EFC pulled out. But, and big but, he says Kenwright regrets not paying extra now. So let's secure this site and build it. Otherwise, we'll regret it for a long long time.

Brent Stephens
56 Posted 20/10/2016 at 17:59:38
Peter (#48), "United Utilities had obviously been agitating their product at the nearby Sandon Dock sewage works."

We're used to shit-stirrers on TW, Peter!

Kevin Day
58 Posted 20/10/2016 at 18:02:06
Brent @28.

Wouldn't that be the ultimate dream!

Brent Stephens
59 Posted 20/10/2016 at 18:08:51
Jim (#42) – "in the words of William Shakespeare – ground share?... they can fuck right off".

Methinks you misquote the bard, Jim. Did he not say “Lord, what fools these mortals be!”

Thomas Lennon
60 Posted 20/10/2016 at 18:34:11
Surely it has been calculated that a new stadium will only bring in an extra ٤million. Why bother?
Roger Helm
61 Posted 20/10/2016 at 18:44:17
I am not against a dockside development but why is everyone interested in what cruise liner passengers think? Am I missing something?
Kevin Day
62 Posted 20/10/2016 at 18:55:06
Roger,

I think the point is the stadium will become the focal point; as tourists sail by, they will see an impressive complex with Everton's new stadium standing proud, it will be remembered, a talking point.

That's how I see it.

Tony Draper
63 Posted 20/10/2016 at 19:09:24
Brent @39.
Thanks for the correction.
Rob Henderson
64 Posted 20/10/2016 at 20:42:16
I'm on the train back up the road from MIPIM UK and one of the developers involved said "the blue smoke is almost in sight".

The drawings I've seen for the regeneration around the entire ten streets is incredible. They believe they can move Sandihills to ensure decent links but that is nothing to do with the new Goodison and will happen anyway as the Titanic Quarter takes shape.

Just hope we don't get cold feet.

Mark Daley
65 Posted 20/10/2016 at 20:55:40
Just a thought, but "Bramley-Moore Dock" is an anagram of "Rom blamed cookery". Spooky or what?
Brian Williams
66 Posted 20/10/2016 at 21:21:02
Prescription or under the counter, Mark?

:-)

Jon Cox
67 Posted 20/10/2016 at 21:44:35
"Build it and they will come"
Jack Convery
68 Posted 20/10/2016 at 21:59:10
Eugene (#26) – Why have you been taking photos of my missus?

My lawyers will be in touch forthwith.

Brent Stephens
69 Posted 20/10/2016 at 22:01:15
Jack, we've all got various photos of your missus!
Jon Cox
70 Posted 20/10/2016 at 22:06:05
Brent, we've all got various photos of you.

You know the drill,

Brown paper envelope behind the pipes...

Brent Stephens
71 Posted 20/10/2016 at 22:09:23
Jon, got it. I'll play ball.
Mark Daley
72 Posted 20/10/2016 at 22:12:23
No, I mean, when he does that eyes-to-heaven thing after he's failed to control the ball or missed a sitter, he's blaming the Goodison chef for some dodgy pre-match sausages. It's all becoming clear...
Jack Convery
73 Posted 20/10/2016 at 22:13:21
Brent (#69) – and she said she was out playing bridge every Friday night, Saturday night, Sunday night, Monday night, Tuesday night, Wednesday night – we have cocoa on Thursdays.

So that's what I get for interbreeding with a kopite. Serves me right. Well, I'm off off to see her younger sister now as the missus is fast asleep after her cocoa as ususal. I love Thursday night.

Jon Cox
74 Posted 20/10/2016 at 22:19:32
Brent, wow,

How long have you been a political?

Otherwise, me an my girl on matchdays are always in the Royal Oak.

PS don't get me going on about UFOs

Not sure what I mean by this but the red (sorry) is really going down well!

Don Alexander
75 Posted 20/10/2016 at 22:42:15
On the anagram front "Bramley-Moore Dock" gives "Memorably Crooked"... or "Mayor Blocked More".

Just saying like!

Pete Edwards
77 Posted 20/10/2016 at 22:44:24
Does anyone seriously think that a stadium would be built and just left with no transport links? Come on, people, think a little!!
Jimmy Hogg
78 Posted 20/10/2016 at 22:44:35
Don't want to sound negative, but would be interested to know if anyone has been to the Riverside Stadium and their opinions. I hated it and think there's a lot of lessons to be learned.
Colin Metcalfe
79 Posted 20/10/2016 at 22:51:14
Don (#75) – you have way too much time on your hands... lol!!!!
Eugene Ruane
80 Posted 21/10/2016 at 01:31:21
Jack Convery - 'Eugene 26 - Why have you been taking photos of my missus? My lawyers will be in touch forthwith.'

You'll have to forgive me, the 1970s had a huge influence on me.

Maybe I'll bin the script I've developed telling my version of the story of Everton's move..

SHE LOVES A BIT OF BLUE AND SHE ALWAYS WANTS MOORE!!!

Robert Elstone - Jim Dale

Jon Woods - Sid James.

Alexander Ryazantsev - Sam Kydd.

Farhad Moshiri - Saeed Jaffrey.

Denise Barrett-Baxendale Profile - Madeline 'Mrs' Convery.

Bill Kenwright as himself.

Mick Davies
81 Posted 21/10/2016 at 03:09:38
As stated earlier, the Overhead would have been ideal for travelling to the Bradley-Moore dock stadium. It's a pity the morons who were in charge of this area allowed it to rot until it was unfeasible to repair. With all the Waters regeneration plan, a similar light railway might be incorporated in Peel's plans: it happened in the East End of London.
Ralph Basnett
82 Posted 21/10/2016 at 07:13:25
Fookin hell Thomas (68), why not try and put a dampener on things!!!!

Complain about the transport links, the price of the hotdogs, the cold off the Mersey, the lack of parking!!!

Or stay where we are in a dilapidated stadium that is being overtaken by Championship sides for hospitality...

Jesus, some people.

Jack Convery
83 Posted 21/10/2016 at 07:19:54
Eugene - sorry mate just back in from her sisters. You have my permission to carry on.
Ralph Basnett
84 Posted 21/10/2016 at 08:07:27
Sorry I meant Thomas (60), but whilst on the subject he shouyld probably go and sit in the corner with Jimmy (78).

Baah bloody humbug, it is going to happen and you should get on board .

Mark Murphy
85 Posted 21/10/2016 at 10:43:00
Let's get the fuckin ground built then worry about the walk later. In fact, all you moaning fuckers! If we do get it, I will carry you there myself cos it will be the best thing to happen to our mighty club since the mid 80s... Cold and rain, ffs!!
Erik Dols
86 Posted 21/10/2016 at 12:47:08
I just read this thread and there are some superb comments in here. One of the reasons I love ToffeeWeb is the brilliant way how invariably about half the topics derail in light-hearted banter. Phil Martin even mentioned a golden oldie I haven't heard the last years: it will be like a new signing!

I would absolutely love a stadium at the docks. An iconic waterfront stadium, combining tradition and the future. If we aim to be a successful club once again, how big do you reckon it should be? At this time a capacity of 55 to 60k would do fine but if we manage to play in the Champions League on such an iconic location...

Phil Martin
87 Posted 21/10/2016 at 13:02:41
Thanks, Erik – glad you hadn't forgotten about that too.

I think it has to be around the mid 50s with room for expansion to 60. We have to believe more season tickets, more corporates, and more match day tickets will be sold when we move.

Dave Abrahams
88 Posted 21/10/2016 at 13:13:44
Eugene (#80) Sam Kydd, now there's a name to stir the memory... I think he was in every English film from the 1940s until he snuffed it, and he couldn't act in any of them, God bless him!!!!!
Eugene Ruane
89 Posted 21/10/2016 at 13:36:36
Dave, I always assumed he was in every single British film since the 1940s because of some law.

'Kydd's Law, 1947. – Every film requiring a character who can be described as 'some bloke' must include Sam Kydd,'

For the teenagers, here are some of his most memorable lines..

"Alright mate, no need to shove."

"These perishin' buses get later every week, I swear they do."

"There you go luv, a pound o' grapes and 4 tangerines."

Oh and here's his (equally no-mark) son moaning about the fact that when dad was on 'This Is Your Life.', they only got no-mark guests/mates on - Link

Dave Abrahams
90 Posted 21/10/2016 at 14:26:13
Eugene, it looked his son, if they made a life story of his dad, would have expected James Dean or Marlon Brando to play the part. When we've had a few bevvies, me and me mates, all auld arses, start talking about the pictures we've seen, Sam always comes up, not for his acting skills but for the number of films he was in.

In truth, we wouldn't have bunked in to see most of them, and to be honest there was plenty just as bad as Sam, but in the forties and fifties "the pictures" was the place to go.

Thank God for Everton on a Saturday.

Ian Cowhig
91 Posted 21/10/2016 at 14:32:46
Someone can educate me on this one. Why is a landing stage for ferries an issue for some on this thread?

I think we are almost there on that one. Mersey River, Mersey Ferries and Docks being the big clues.

Chris Williams
92 Posted 21/10/2016 at 14:40:25
Sam Kydd had his own short lived series in the 60s from memory. Orlando wasn't it?

Crap also from memory.

Alan McGuffog
93 Posted 21/10/2016 at 14:56:26
Sam Kydd played Orlando in "Crane" starring Patrick Allen. Set someplace like Morocco. Also starred a minx played by an actress called Laya Riki (?). Helped along the first stirrings I had in the trouser department. But my first love was the Toffee Lady of course.
Chris Williams
94 Posted 21/10/2016 at 15:00:45
Blimey Alan

What a memory. Was it Dahlia Lavi? As a good catholic lad, trouser stirrings were frowned upon.

Tom Evans
95 Posted 21/10/2016 at 16:47:15
No Chris. Marvellous thing this Internet it was Laya Raki. Dark haired swarthy lass, with all the attributes necessary to tease 13-year-old boys. Well me back in 1965 anyway.
Chris Williams
96 Posted 21/10/2016 at 17:15:05
I vaguely remember her, Tom. I may have relaxed my customary trouser stirring position in her case.

And for Dahlia Lavi too!

Ray Roche
97 Posted 21/10/2016 at 17:20:22
Alan, Eugene, Chris,

I vaguely remembered a cock-up or out-take from Dixon of Dock Green and I'd convinced myself it was Sam Kydd. I was wrong, but it's still quite funny...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Hx6ldLIEwo

Chris Williams
98 Posted 21/10/2016 at 18:30:38
I've just refreshed my memory of Laya Raki. My goodness but she was a saucy minx. I see she was married to Ron Randell who starred in a series called OSS in the 50s.
Chris Williams
105 Posted 21/10/2016 at 23:43:58
Ray

It's certainly not Sam Kydd but it is hilarious. Dick Green Dock.

Thomas Lennon
106 Posted 22/10/2016 at 08:17:17
The actor that 'plays' Ian Beale. A modern Sam Kydd – has to be in every episode but for the height of his acting skills see the one he was required to have an emotional breakdown. It was pitiful. And funny.

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