Everton have completed the transfer of ownership of Goodison Park to their women’s team according to an exclusive by Matt Hughes of The Guardian. The 133-year-old venue will serve as the new home for Everton Women this season onwards.
The idea behind the transfer of ownership is to attract external investment as women’s football continues to take rapid strides in the US. The club’s American owners The Friedkin Group sold the women’s team to a company controlled by them. Documents revealed that assets had been transferred to Roundhouse Capital, the firm used by The Friedkin Group to complete the takeover of Everton last December.
The deal with Roundhouse Capital now includes the ownership of Goodison Park.
“Everton declined to comment, but sources at the club told the Guardian that under the new structure Goodison Park will be held by Everton Women Football Club, with the Hill Dickinson Stadium belonging to Everton Football Club,” the report further stated.
“It is hoped the transfer of ownership will increase the appeal of Everton Women to outside investors, although Roundhouse intends to maintain its majority investment and will only sell a minority stake.”
Changes will be made to the Grand Old Lady before the Women’s Super League campaign kicks off with a Merseyside derby on 7 September. The lower tiers of the Park End, Gwladys Street and the Main Stand are being refurbished, but the upper tiers will not be used.
It has also been reported that the initial ground capacity might be somewhere around 20,000 and might increase with additional demand.