Everton fans 'buzzing' over planned move to Kirkby

Dec 13 2006 by Alan Weston, Liverpool Daily Post

EVERTON FC messageboards were last night buzzing after the club confirmed it had signed an exclusive deal over plans to build a stadium in Kirkby.

Reaction from around the world varied from outright host- ility to the move, to claims that a new home outside the city was the only way forward for the club.

In a poll of fans conducted on the icLiverpool website, 63% of fans said the proposed move would be a “huge step forward”, while 33% agreed with the statement “we need to move but shouldn't leave the city”.

Only 3% said “we should stay at Goodison with its history”.

Of the dozens of messages posted, one said: “I think Kirkby is the only way for us to go forward as a club. You will also find that once the carrot of a new bigger stadium with better capacity and facilities... is on the cards, investors will spring out from the woodwork.” Dan, from Bootle, said: “On the subject of the site, it may be a good one with decent road and rail links but I can't help feeling we're making a mistake giving away the city to the Reds.

“I know it’s only four miles but, psychologically, not being in the city will have a big knock-on effect. There's the big support we get from Wirral to consider also.”

On the When Skies Are Grey fans’ website, messages also ranged from the supportive to the negative.

One said: “Although I am a firm believer that if Everton do move to Kirkby, it will not be a move out of the city, I also believe that it is not right for Everton FC, and moving from Goodison Park will be a dreadful loss. For the city council to turn around and say that they cannot accommodate a larger footprint is another example of their lack of vision and these people need to be removed – they are not doing their job satisfactorily.”

By contrast, another message read: “Most people did not become an Evertonian because Everton FC played at Goodison Park. It is more than likely they became an Evertonian because of their father or because they were for some reason drawn to the club.