EFC move: We must move to keep up says Moyes

Jul 31 2007

An external image of what Everton's new stadium could look like

David Moyes’s message to fans in full:

“The age-old adage that time flies when you are enjoying yourself seems both pertinent and relevant as I look back on more than five years in charge of Everton.

“I have never, for one second, regretted the phrase I used in March, 2002, when, upon my appointment as manager, I described Everton as The People’s Club – it is precisely that and it always will be.

“I have grown to love Goodison Park since my arrival from Preston North End. It is what I would call a ‘real’ football ground, a place of passion and drama, a place of genuine history.

“I think I speak for all the players when I say that, ideally, we would love to remain.

“However, I feel I also speak for all the players when I say that we now appreciate that we cannot, we must move to keep up with our competitors and grow.

“The past few seasons have been great for us and now we need to keep the momentum going.

“We are in a strong position in the Premiership with a fantastic new training ground just opening.

“The stadium in Kirkby will provide us with the facilities we need to keep moving forward and building on these successes.

“Whether we like it or not, English football is now big business and over the past few years it has become patently clear that only those clubs which can boast an impressive financial clout can truly compete for the major prizes.

“What we don’t want is to be left behind; we don’t ever want to accept second-best.

“Moving to a new stadium will provide your football club – MY football club – with easier transportation and parking, better facilities and, hopefully, a team which can boast consistency and flair, a team which we can all be proud of.

“I want what is best for Everton Football Club in both the short and long terms.

“I trust the club’s board of directors – and I ask you to do the same. What we need is to move forwards together – we need a sense of unity and shared purpose.

“This is OUR football club and, as ever, nothing but the best is good enough.”