“[Labour opposition leader] Cllr Anderson is correct in saying that this money would have been better spent on a creative, genuine effort to find alternatives within the city.

“Mr Bradley, in my opinion acted poorly throughout the whole process and I believe the city deserves much better in terms of leadership.”

It is not the first time the pair have clashed. In the summer of 2007, when Mr Wyness revealed the club’s plans to move to Kirkby as the “deal of the century”, Cllr Bradley branded the proposed ground a “cow shed built in a small town” and said the move could be to the club’s eternal regret.

Last night, Cllr Bradley hit back at Mr Wyness.

He said: “I am extremely surprised and disappointed by Mr Wyness’s comments, which are extremely unfair and misleading.

“Anyone who knows me knows my passion for Everton Football Club.

“It is the team I have supported all my life and I have had a season ticket for 35 years.

“His comments about my leadership are completely baffling, unfounded and insulting.”

Ian Ross, director of communications for Everton FC said: “These are Mr Wyness’s own views, which he is perfectly entitled to hold.”