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Still Undecided

I'm sure lots of people have the same dilemma as I do. A month ago, I was all for jumping into bed with Tesco. After the Portsmouth game, my feeling is 'Would the atmosphere in the second half have been the same in a new stadium?' I think probably not. It's a difficult situation to address & I think we all have a valid argument, no matter what our view is. I imagine the board have the same problem in deciding what to do for the best. As I live some distance away, the fact that we should stay in the city boundaries isn't a big issue with me. I fell in love with Everton in 1966, as a 9 year old, when they won the cup. My love wasn't based on geography. I found a football club with heart & passion. Let's not feel bitter whatever the outcome in the stadium saga - we have to stay united behind the club. I took my mate to the Portsmouth game & he's not an Evertonian. He said at the end 'This is a proper football club'. Enough said. Alan Dobson. (09/06/07)

Lack Of Communication From The Club

I wonder if the lack of communication from the Club is just a back door way of moving to Kirkby. From a personal point of view, yes, I would like to stay within the City boundaries but if that is not possible we must do whatever it takes to move our great Club forward. However what does stick in my throat is the fact that if the dark side had wanted the Kings Dock site, then they would probably be now playing there. I feel that there is such an obvious bias towards them that our delays are now obstructing our progress. We should get on with the notion that no matter what comes out of our City Council we should take it with the proverbial pinch of salt. The Board of E.F.C. are by no means innocent in this matter, but they cannot continue to hide behind 'it's up to the supporters' comments. They are the custodians of our Club, so please do what you are supposed to do and make a decision. If you want us to move then make that choice, don't try to put the onus on us to justify your duty. Joe Tiesteel. (09/06/07)

Stay In The City

With regards to moving our club to kirkby, all the so called blues who are waving 'Kirkby is great flags' and shouting: 'Lets go coz Goodison's a dump an we'll get left behind.' might aswell do one and start your own club like them Mancs did. You're not wanted EVERTON FC GOODISON PARK 1878 L4 4EL CITY OF LIVERPOOL not Knowsley not anywhere. Paula. (09/06/07)

The Lost Generation

I’m now nearly forty and first started watching the blues (at Goodison) when I was thirteen, I tried desperately to get there at an earlier age, but couldn’t because of the hooligan problems of the 70’s and early 80’s, my mother just plain forbid going to matches all together (my father was red (so definitely no go there!)). At thirteen she relented and I started going with my blue mates.

My point is this; my mother was from the blue half of my family and why I support the blues, but I can promise you one thing, if we had been playing in Knowsley back then she would have said to my dad “Turn him into a red!”. It’s not because she has anything against Knowsley (my dad was Kirby lad), the reason is a basic one: mothers worry, both my parents wanted to know how I would get to the ground and who with, etc. Today as back then I live in Wavertree and would have to get 2, 3 or maybe 4 buses to there, I believe most mothers are similar to mine and wouldn’t want their children making a journey like that unescorted, and in any case there’s this really big club with a massive stadium winning champions leagues, premierships etc, just down the road “why can’t he support them?”

We’re in danger of losing a lot of our younger generation (most parents will choose safety first).

I read a simple message from this move to Knowsley: “IF YOU HAVEN’T GOT A CAR SOD YOU!”. I do own a car but like a pint before and after, so what do myself and my mates do out there in the middle of very little, nip into Tesco, buy a few cans and then drink them in the car park? The only winners here are Tesco with thousands of cars in their car park and each car represents a nice middle class fan with a shopping list. This must also warm the hearts of any taxi drivers, the thought of their meters ticking over.

I’ve noticed in recent years a quieting of the crowd at Goodison, I think this could become worse as some of the more let’s say working class fans stop going, those who like a pint and do the singing? We could end up like Middlesbrough out in the middle of nowhere with a half full and dull stadium. You’re playing with fire Mr Kenwright! Rob. (09/06/07)

Move On

I bought my first season ticket 41 years ago and the memories I have of times at Goodison are legion. I have to say though that the excitement and the anguish is about the time and the context, and the company of good friends to share it with rather than the place. Many people have fond memories of seeing Roy Vernon hold up the championship trophy in the old Goodison Road stand, that’s gone. In 1970 we had half of two different stands on Goodison Road, whilst at the Wimbledon game there was no stand at all at the Park End. My memories of getting crushed in the Gwladys Street whilst being urinated on from behind leave something to be desired.

I can’t help thinking that the strength of support for staying put is about clinging to past glories. We have to move on. I would very much like to see the club stay in the City, I have no problems with a ground-share to be honest. My reason for wanting to be in the City is because meeting friends for a drink in town, moving up to the Dark House just before the game and taking our seats at 2.55 is what I have enjoyed doing for years. If I could meet friends in a comfortable place and get a decent pint inside a new ground I’d do that. I’d rather see EFC make the money off the ale than some pub company. If the new ground is in the City Everton will make less money, obvious really. Whilst I’m not one of those who believe that money guarantees success, (Man U have been the richest club in England for decades and went 26 years without winning the title remember) more money in the club means the chance to buy and pay better players. A well run modern stadium will secure the future of a very well run club and give us the chance to compete again.

In terms of alternative sites there are none in the city that appear to be on offer. The only large sites which might be an alternative to Kirkby which haven’t been mentioned so far are the English Electirc site in Netherton and the old Peerless refinery site which IKEA backed out of a mile further out. Both have got decent transport links and space for associated development without which nothing will fly. The only thing we can probably all agree on is that the decision needs to be taken as soon as possible, in commercial terms we need the ground and to stand still is to go backwards. Peter Lee. (09/06/07)

Support The Move To Kirkby

I have to say - what is all the fuss about? If we can't redevelop Goodison, and it seems to me that, that would take longer and involve much more hassle than moving to a new stadium, what is the problem. I was born and brought up in Wavertree which is as far away from Goodison as the proposed Kirkby site. Why should we bother about boundaries - Kirkby used to be a part of Liverpool anyway? Lets get behind the club and support the move. I now live in Chester so there would be even more traveling for me but what the hell - new stadium, more potential income generation, better facilities, ability to attract world class players - think it through when the public consultation takes place. I never thought I'd say this as a Bluenose but on this occasion ' don't let your heart rule your head' Damian from Chester (09/06/07)

Keep Everton In Our City

I strongly believe if Everton were to move to Kirkby we would lose a quarter of our fan base. Each game would be like an away match, Everton would have the monopoly of were you eat, drink and the pricing. Everyone who socialise before and after the game will find it impossible, as there are a couple of pubs in the area and getting home from Kirkby would be a nightmare, small train station 15 mins walk, 1 road in from L'pool city centre and poor bus services. Keep the faith and fight for a site in our city. Wyness will kill our club if we let him. Billy from Anfield (09/06/07)

I like Kirkby

What can I say? I am from Kirkby but I am a lifelong Evertonian and I used to live near the ground - Luxmore road - which was fab. If I was on night duty I could roll out of bed and straight into the ground!! But we have to move with the times... maybe you shouldn't listen to me cos I don't even live in the UK anymore. I just want 'nil satis nisi optimum' to mean what it says. If we want to compete, we have to COMPLETELY redevelop Goodison, or move to somewhere fitting to our status. Shofti, Abu Dhabi. (09/06/07)

Stadium Doesn't Matter

One point I would like to make is that having a new stadium does not guarantee success, look at the likes of Man City, Middlesboro, Sunderland (I mean real success) and Arsenal just to name a few. Success is gained by the managerial and playing staff and Everton are heading in the right direction now playing at Goodison, and I truly believe that we will always attract the right quality of player because of who we are not where we play. Micky C Shotton. (09/06/07)

Vital & Inevitable

Although I feel that a move for Everton Is both vital and Inevitable (provided the Everton/Kirkby public agree) I feel that Everton need to be careful that they do not give up their footing In the City. We are a massive Club with a huge future and I hope a move to Kirkby does not damage this. Although I live ""down South"" that Is the Impression I get from a lot of Evertonians. Take care. Justin Bryant. (09/06/07)

There's No Alternative To Kirkby

I have to say that I will be very sad to see Everton move out of the Liverpool city boundaries. I am from Derry, Ireland, and travel over 2/3
times a season and the feeling I get walking down towards the great stadium on match days is indescribable. The Z cars and the Goodison roar is irreplaceable. On the other hand I have not seen any concrete proposals or plans to keep us in the City, and the Kirkby plan seems to be the only show in town. So maybe it is time to move on and start a new chapter in our great history! Jamesy Doherty. Derry. Ireland. (09/06/07)

The People's Club

Everton are the first club in Liverpool. Why don't the reds go to Kirkby or even London so there closer to there fans. Davie Moyes was right the people on the street support the blues so why don't we give those people what they want and re develop the grand old lady. We are a special team with a special ground. We don't want a stupid half full fancy stadium, we are a working class team who most of us go the game for a laugh with our mates and struggle each year to pay for our season tickets. I have no plans for going the match and staying in a Tesco's value hotel or doing my weekly shop as I attend the game at the Tesco club card stadium. Then again will I get extra clubcard points? Don't thinks so mate! Our Club. Our soul. Steve. (09/06/07)

Knowsley Borough Council Gives Go-ahead

On Wednesday 30th May 2007, Knowsley Borough Council gave the go-ahead to a major consultation to be carried out on plans to move Everton Football Club into Kirkby. An event will be held in June in the town to give the public a chance to comment on the plans.

Knowsley Council said the development would create about 2,000 jobs in the town and boost the economy by up to £21.5m a year. The consultation will focus on the community's opinions of the regeneration of Kirkby town centre. Two options are to be given - the first of which is a gradual redevelopment in line with a unitary development plan developed 10 years ago. The second more radical option, includes the new Everton stadium, retail space, a hotel, a Tesco supermarket and residential units. (30/05/07)

Don't Be Left Behind

With regard to the new stadium debate, I have to say it’s time to move on and move to Kirkby!( I am not from Kirkby) Goodison was and still is a great old stadium which holds many amazing memories for myself and the vast majority of loyal evertonians but the longer we stay and the longer we dither about making a decision the longer we fall behind everyone else. I don’t just mean the ‘top four’ but theirs a danger of falling behind the likes of Spurs and Newcastle off the pitch never mind the likes of Arsenal. If you want Everton to compete and be a force again which is what we all want then the move is the right decision. Come on you blues!! Oh yeah and if theirs a more suitable site in Liverpool then great, but where is it? Alex from Childwall. (30/05/07)

Goodison Memories Will Remain When We Move

I don't live in the city, so I really can't truly understand the passionate argument for keeping or refurbishing Goodison Park upon it's existing tight boundary's. What I do know that since 1971 when I was taken to my first match as an 11 year old, the place never disappoints me as a venue because Everton play there. Where else do you get that feeling. When at five minutes to three on a saturday the first drum beat of z-cars gets your hairs on your arms on end and the royal blue jerseys take to the hallowed turf. Makes you wish for August doesn't it, but lets be realistic. The old girl has had a tremendous life, our memories of her will never fade but we've simply got to move on. The trophy cabinet, the team and the fantastic blues supporters can move on to bigger and better things, after all we are The people's club and the club will listen to the people but they have their agenda and I for one hope it's in all the family's best interest to make a move sooner rather than later. Mondo into europe.
Raymond Liderth. (30/05/07)