EFC: Players back Kirkby switch

Jul 31 2007

Midfielder Lee Carsley:

“I know there is a lot of history attached to Goodison and in many ways it would be a shame to move but you have got to move with the times.

“In this day and age it is all about attracting top players as well and if you have got a sparkling new stadium to show them it always helps.

“You just have to look at the facilities at other clubs to realise we are not currently at the level we should be at for a club of our stature.

“Moving from Goodison to a new stadium (in Kirkby) would resolve that situation.

“I think it would be fantastic on the corporate side to generate more money for the club so we can go out and compete.

Midfielder Mikel Arteta:

“I have been amazed at the support I have personally received from Evertonians since I arrived at Everton – their passion and enthusiasm is without doubt the best I have experienced.

“Our supporters deserve the very best and their continued commitment and loyalty means they should be given the very best of what Premier League football has to offer – both on the field of play and off it.

“We have been making progress on the football side and now the Club wants to do exactly the same by making the tough decision to move away from Goodison Park to a new stadium.

“We have many great memories from Goodison and I have had some enjoyable times there but you cannot miss the chance to move forward or you could regret it in the years to come.

“We are about to move to a new training ground and Bellefield will be missed but it is an example of what has to be done to make progress.

“Progress is what every successful team strives for and I am confident that any move, which would provide additional revenue and facilities, would be to the long-term benefit of Everton and all its supporters.”

Defender Alan Stubbs:

“I have listened to a lot of the views in the debate over the possible move to Kirkby.

“It has clearly proved an emotive issue for fans, but when I am asked ‘Would a move to Kirkby be good for Everton?’ my response is ‘Do you want to see Everton competing with the top clubs, regularly qualifying for European competitions and getting into the Champions League?’

“Goodison is a great ground with so much history and so many happy memories, but we need to be able to compete with the best and in order to do that we need to be in a modern stadium that will provide greater revenue for the club and greater facilities for the fans.”

Midfielder Tim Cahill

“Premier League football is changing and there is a danger that if clubs don’t keep up with the pace of change then you could fall way behind in the pecking order.

“In all my time at Everton there has only ever been positive vibes around the dressing room and from talking to a number of supporters, out in the stands as well.

“We are a club driven by ambition and the move to leave Goodison Park and relocate to Kirkby was one of the main reasons I was keen to commit my long-term future to the club during the summer.

“A new stadium will present many opportunities for us all, but most importantly it will mean we have the permanent infrastructure in place to be able to consistently compete with the top teams in the League and in Europe.

“It will be a wrench to move on from Goodison but it is important for the future of the Club that together we make the next bold step forward.”

Striker Andy Johnson:

“Everton is a great club because of its fans, and these fans deserve a modern stadium befitting a club of our stature.

“The plans for the new ground are very exciting and I am sure it will mean a bright future for this club.”