Everton firm over new ground plans

Dec 5 2007 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

EVERTON FC vowed to move forward with plans to move the club’s ground to Kirkby last night, at a stormy annual meeting.

Feelings ran high in the packed AGM at Goodison Park, when one shareholder accused chairman Bill Kenwright of being the man “who has murdered the soul of Everton Football Club.”

He added: “I honestly feel this will be the death of Everton... can’t you judge the mood of this meeting tonight?”

The planning application for the Kirkby proposal, which the Daily Post has learned will be submitted to Knowsley council within days, could also be delayed if the Government decides to call it in for a public inquiry. Keith Wyness, the club’s chief executive, admitted he could not guarantee the move would be completed by 2010 if this happened.

When asked about other options for the new ground, including the proposed loop site on Scotland Road, he said: “It is important we look at every option, which we have done.

“We are still of the very strong opinion the Kirkby option is the only one viable.

He reiterated there was no current alternative: “Plan B is to come back to Goodison and start again.”

Supporters voted for the Kirkby proposal during a ballot in August, with 59.27% of fans in favour of the site. However, many fans feel alternative sites were not investigated fully enough.

Mr Kenwright admitted he could understand the attraction of the loop site for some fans.

However, the board said no financial details for the plan, set out by Bestway, had been shown to them.

The club’s planning consultant, Chris Potts, said that although in design terms it could be possible, the plan could not be economically viable.

The board also revealed they had assessed plans to redevelop Goodison into a 37,500-seat stadium but costs ruled out this option as well.

Mr Kenwright added: I can understand the emotion here tonight and some of the questions. We are doing our best to find a solution.”

During the meeting Robert Earl, who owns 24% of the club, was co-opted onto the board and said he had personally signed a guarantee to increase the club’s overdraft.