Everton's new stadium a step closer?

The Mersey Stadium will commence work late next year (2017). It should be finished by 2019 by my calculations.

this piece in the Independent, about Neil Robinson's views on a move away from Goodison, opens with a pretty strong declaration:

Everton will announce plans for a new stadium in Liverpool's Bramley Moore dock in the coming months, but Robinson would be more than happy to see Goodison remain the home of the Toffees.

The dock project will announce the rebirth of the historic club and will tell the world that Everton FC are a force to be reckoned with once more. The giant has been sleeping for too long.

Now is the time to rebuild the club from the ground up.

You are a cynical mob – I don't know why?? For what it's worth, I think there is a chance it could happen, but until we witness the diggers moving into position, I don't think any of us will become too excited.

Reasoning? Well I've been a supporter for well over 50 years and ever since the wonderful eighties, supporting Everton has been the most wonderfully frustrating experience. And I think a new stadium will be part of, if not the main catalyst for change. And change is overdue. What is it now... 1 derby win in 19 years? That's an utter disgrace.

I hope that the powers that be have sensed the need for change at this point in our history. There is the possibility that Koeman is just the man to bring about those changes. The new stadium has to be coupled with a new team ethos. Times have changed but the fantastic heart of the club has not.

As an example, consider should and will Ross stay with us? I would like to think so. He is a diamond. However, if he will not deliver with all the talent he possesses then Koeman may well take a hard line and move him on. Would we regret it? Most probably, because he really is a special talent, but he is in a sad way symptomatic of the introspective malaise that has gripped the club for years. Romantic to a fault and always falling at the final hurdle. Unburdened by the impatient nit-picking supporters his world class skill may begin to shine through...

I understand the mentality that goes with supporting a small club, and the frustration that goes with supporting a historically failed club (eg, the Sheffields), but Everton really are a unique case. We have so much history, passion and heart. I think its time we put that history in perspective and into its proper place. Respect the David France Collection and Everton In The Community, whilst simultaneously look to the future.

A new stadium, a new team structure and less looking emotively in the rear view mirror is what Moshiri is about. This approach will make him money and bring success hand in hand. Will we appreciate the lack of romance and soul of the process? Honestly... Not one bit. We could have a future after all and it might be blue. I really hope so.

COYB.

Goodison Park has changed little since 1894? First of all, it opened in 1892; second ,of all it was rebuilt on all 4 sides; third, it was an innovator in many areas of stadium design; and fourth, the Bullens Road was built in 1926 and reroofed in the '70s.

Yes, it's an old ground – but get at least some of your facts right, Indy!!

Ross Barkley – a diamond and a really special talent? Sorry but you're way off the mark with that comment.

He scores the odd great goal every now and then but that's about it. We've been waiting for years now for him to become this special player but it hasn't happened and isn't going to.

Basically the lad is brain-dead when it comes to spotting a pass and in his decision making The sooner he's moved on the better. Too many of us have indulged him but no more. His performance the other night was pitiful and downright embarrassing, culminating in that tackle on Henderson.

Sorry, Ross, but it's a No from me.

Those who are growing impatient just don't get it so to simplify stop and think about this:

1) No more financial constraints "it's monopoly money to me", were Moshiri's words.

2) Brand new stadium a certainty.

3) A top class coaching staff from Koeman and his team to Walsh and his. You won't find a more competent backroom set-up in Europe.

4) Ambition is back and that is made possible due to the other 3 points I've made!

Now this isn't an optimist speaking here, this is our reality. It's something we've been waiting for since the decline of the club in line with the birth of the Premier League back in '92. It gives me great hope and excitement for the future and I know this club is in good, healthy and prosperous hands – what on earth have we got to worry about? Nothing whatsoever.. NSNO!

One, an iconic stadium on the waterfront, announcing " we are back".

The other, an Lego build in the middle of nowhere announcing that we are the Coventry of the north.

As long as our glorious leader has his hands on the tiller we will always make the wrong decision. Our new motto...Cheap n' Nasty. Truly hope I'm wrong.

By the way ,a lot of folk have a downer on an oval-style stadium and opt for four standalone stands. Why is this? I would always prefer Celtic Park to Ibrox.

July

That would be brilliant but I don't think that they would pay me for doing such a job – thanks for the compliment.

Not holding my breath myself as there have been too many false dawns and too much sentiment at our club for years now.

Everything is speculation, but Everton, really will be on their way back, once the ball gets rolling on Bramley-Moore Dock. COYFB!

Seal shaggers.

Watch this space

Imagine the rent we could charge them, but fear not, as soon as we get the nod, you can guarantee our Viking friends will put in a protest of some kind.