Everton ready for ground move
by Phil McNulty - BBC Sport 05 December 2006
Liverpool's proposed takeover by Dubai International Capital will change the face of football on Merseyside.
And not just for those who have made Anfield their footballing home.
A key component of the plan by the Dubai government's investment arm, is that they will fund Liverpool's new £200m stadium in Stanley Park, just yards from The Kop.
You can expect this to lead to Everton confirming they are leaving Goodison Park and moving to a new stadium of their own.
Everton have not been governed by Liverpool's decision - far from it. They have been working behind the scenes making plans of their own.
They have been in talks with Knowsley Council about developing a new 55,000-seater stadium at nearby Kirkby.
Supermarket giant Tesco are also involved in the ambitious scheme - with chief executive Sir Terry Leahy a fanatical Everton fan and an advisor to the club's board.
Knowsley's council is desperate to attract Everton to what is expected to be a lavish £250m development - handing over land reportedly worth around £50m.
The sub-plot to Liverpool selling out to Dubai and receiving the cash for Stanley Park is that it closes off one of the three options Everton had considered.
They could share with Liverpool, redevelop Goodison, or move.
Dubai's takeover ends the share option - to which Liverpool had adopted an "over our dead body" approach.
Everton insiders have long regarded the re-development of the ageing Goodison Park as a non-starter, land-locked and surrounded by terraced housing.
And anyone who has watched one of the grand old stadiums become sadly dated in recent years can only agree with that view.
The romantics may say otherwise but they are living in a dream world.
So Everton are left with the move.
It has long been the favoured option, but previous attempts have run aground.
Now represents the most likely time and best opportunity for Everton to make their move.
And Everton fans should prepare themselves for an initial annoucement shortly that will bring the prospect even closer, perhaps even before the end of the year.
Chairman and owner Bill Kenwright can also move forward with a united boardroom after the recent departure of adversary Paul Gregg, who sold his 23% stake in the club to Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl.
All the noises coming out of Everton suggest the Kirkby deal offers a fantastic opportunity, both from a financial and football perspective.
The involvement of the council and Tesco reduces the financial burden - and finally gives Everton the opportunity to cash in fully on their potential.
The only murmurs have come from traditionalist fans unhappy that Everton may end in a home outside the city boundaries - surely a minor consideration in the grand scheme.
Kirkby is barely outside Liverpool, but in situations such as this some doom and gloom merchants who follow the club would complain even if Everton announced they were building a golden footballing palace slap in the city centre.
The vast majority of Everton fans are likely to embrace the scheme with open arms, especially when they see their neighbours and rivals on the move to new premises as well.
Liverpool City Council is keen to keep Everton within its boundaries, but their interest looks to have come too late.
Everton have somehow missed out on the new investment in the Premiership - despite owner Kenwright claiming he is constantly searching.
This leaves a ground move as their best bet. Put your money on Everton moving to Kirkby.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A17932214?s_fromedit=1
a paki off !!
