Victory parade route would miss out Anfield

May 23 2007 by Luke Traynor, Liverpool Echo

THE parade route to be followed by Liverpool’s heroes, if they win in Athens, can be revealed today.

A celebratory homecoming has been planned by city officials on Thursday, but it will only take place if the Reds clinch their sixth European crown.

If it goes ahead, thousands of Liverpool fans will line the route which starts at 6pm at Allerton Maze (near Allerton Road’s junction with Queens Drive).

It will wind its way through Childwall, Old Swan, West Derby, Walton, Bootle, Kirkdale and into the city centre.

The bus will not stop outside the stadium in Anfield or St George’s Hall, as in 2005, where huge crowds gathered to greet their heroes.

The route has been simplified to avoid major congestion and ensure a smoother passage for the bus, with the parade expected to last three hours.

The planned route is along: Allerton Maze, Queens Drive, past Childwall Fiveways, Rocket Flyover, East Prescot Road, Alder Road fire station, Jolly Miller, Rice Lane Flyover, continuing along Breeze Hill, Southport Road, Brewster Street, Melrose Road, Stanley Road, Scotland Road, Byrom Street and Hunter Street.

One of the main focal points will be Hunter Street in the city centre, where thousands gathered to welcome home Liverpool after last season’s FA Cup final win.

Council leader Warren Bradley said: “A Liverpool win gives the city exposure to the world, which is what we are all about.”

Some Reds fans have complained that the event will be held before they have had a chance to get home from Athens and have questioned why it cannot wait until the weekend.

Jason Harborow, chief executive of Liverpool's Culture Company, which organises the parade, said: “The Thursday evening worked very well last time and I think that is why the different services want to do it then again.”

If Liverpool lose, plans for an official welcome home will be scrapped.

Merseyside police have warned fans not to go to the airport to welcome home Liverpool from Athens as there will be no viewing area.

A spokeswoman added: “The team will not be stopping at any one point, the convoy will continue from the start to the finish.

“Do not climb on street furniture. It is dangerous and you will be moved on if spotted by officers.

“Anybody seen acting anti-socially or illegally will be dealt with in the appropriate manner.”