FAQs

1. Why can’t Goodison Park be redeveloped?

The simple truth is that the current footprint is far too small and that even if we were able to improve upon it, the entire process would prove to be prohibitively expensive. New land would have to be acquired – which would mean the demolition of both houses and small businesses in those areas which currently surround the existing stadium. Any redevelopment would not be able to attract new ‘enabling development’ which would mean the entire cost of the project would have to be borne by Everton Football Club. If a new stadium was to be built upon the existing site, the transportation infrastructure in the Walton area would have to be totally revamped and upgraded. Any redevelopment of Goodison Park would have to be carried out over two, perhaps three, seasons – something which would greatly reduce stadium capacity and impact on revenue streams year on year as the stadium’s four sides were demolished and rebuilt.

2. Why can’t we stay within the Liverpool city boundary?

In an ideal world we would do just that. We have worked with Liverpool City Council for a number of years in an attempt to find a suitable site and accompanying business package and plan. The package we are receiving at Kirkby could not be matched to allow a ‘deliverable solution.’

The City Council had a specialist team searching for a possible new home for the Club throughout this period but, sadly, they were unable to isolate a site which met all the necessary criteria.

3. Why has the Board of Directors recommended a move to the site in Kirkby?

The Board of any football club must always take into account both the short and the long-term scenarios. Whilst the Club has made no secret of its desire to remain within the Liverpool city boundaries, we believe that the deal which is on offer in Kirkby is too good to turn down. Unless the Board believed that this was not in the best interests of the Club, it would not be supporting it.

As the Premiership becomes more and more competitive, it is absolutely essential that we improve our revenue streams and annual turnover – this is the only way we can possibly hope to reclaim our place amongst English football’s elite. The sad and inescapable truth is that Goodison Park has now become a financial liability – an ageing, if much-loved, stadium which needs constant costly repair work simply to maintain a status-quo. Indeed, our belief is that unless we move to a new home we will encounter major problems relating to the granting of our annual safety certificate.

4. Will a move to a new stadium definitely improve our finances?

Yes, we are confident that this will be the case. Statistical evidence provided by the Premier League and the Football League shows that all clubs moving to a new stadium experience an increase in attendances of anywhere between 15 and 30 per cent.

The new stadium will not just help with higher attendance, it will also give us the opportunity to maximise revenue from corporate hospitality – something we are currently unable to do.

5. Will any additional revenue be handed over to the team manager to invest on new players?

Our primary objective each and every year is to generate as much money as possible to ensure that the manager can be competitive within the transfer market. We feel that we have always supported the manager in terms of buying new players but, yes, we would like to do more and, yes, if our turnover figure increases in the wake of a move to a new stadium, we will do more.

One of the main reasons behind the proposed move is a desire to maximise all our revenue opportunities – something which we simply cannot do at Goodison Park. Because of the make-up of the proposed deal, and because of the manner in which it is structured, we will maximise the resources for the manager.

6. Are the players and the manager also in favour of moving to a new stadium?

It goes without saying that everyone on the playing side of the Club has a great affection for Goodison Park – any professional will tell you it is one of European football’s most celebrated sporting theatres. Having said that, David Moyes and his squad are very enthusiastic, very excited, about the prospect of being at Everton Football Club when a new era opens.

With the opening of the new training-centre at Finch Farm and the prospect of a move to a state-of-the-art stadium, they all believe these are exciting times at Everton.

7. Will we own any new stadium?

We will have a 999-year lease which is, effectively, a freehold ownership.

8. Will the stadium be used for events other than football matches?

Although its primary use will, of course, be first-team matches, there will be the capacity to stage major shows and concerts at the stadium.

9. Will moving to a new stadium mean an increase in ticket prices?

We have always prided ourselves on what we believe to be a hugely competitive pricing structure and there is no reason for that to change.

What we most certainly would be able to offer at a new stadium is a far greater range of facilities – better catering outlets, better corporate and dining facilities, more comfortable seats with perfect sightlines, easier access to the stadium, better parking.