Everton stalwart backs club switch to Kirkby

Sep 6 2007 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

EVERTON FC’s most successful chairman last night said he was “completely and absolutely” behind the move to Kirkby.

Sir Philip Carter, one-time President of the Football League and currently life president of Everton, told the Daily Post the new stadium deal with Tesco was a “great opportunity”.

He said he had been involved in the search for an alternative venue to Goodison Park for some time: “I am completely and absolutely for Kirkby.

“I spent years looking at sites around Liverpool trying desperately to find an appropriate site that could be successful.

“It is also a fantastic opportunity for Kirkby itself. From Everton’s point of view, it’s a great opportunity to get a splendid stadium.

“Kirkby was partly made as a result of an overflow from Liver- pool, so it’s a misnomer to say it’s not in Liverpool just because it is over a line.” When asked if a new ground could help bring back the club’s glory days – like those under his tenure – he said: “We would like to think that, yes.

“Of course we are working on that at the moment with David Moyes, but like a lot of things in life it does take time to put the pieces of the jigsaw together.”

A former chief executive of Littlewoods, he was originally brought to the club by the department stores’ founder, former Everton president and chairman John Moores.

Sir Philip first assumed the role of chairman in 1978 and passed on the reigns to Dr David Marsh before the start of the 1991-92 season.

Last month, the result of a ballot of Everton fans on the proposed move to a new 50,000-seater stadium in Kirkby was announced.

Of the 33,000 eligible to vote 59% voted in favour and 41% against. Around 11,000 votes were not returned, making the response 70%. The club says it is now pressing ahead with the move, for which planning permission is yet to be submitted.

Sir Philip’s comments come ahead of a public meeting on Saturday being held by pressure group Keep Everton in Our City (KEIOC). Members of the group have refused to accept the “yes” result of a ballot.

Jim Reardon, chairman of KEIOC, said: “Our fight still continues. Only 15,000 voted yes for a move to Kirkby, we don’t think that is enough.”

He said the meeting was open to everyone, not just people who voted against.

The meeting will be held at Casa, Hope Street, at 12:30pm.

EVERTON LATEST: P36

davidbartlett