Everton reveal 'deal of the century'

[Rich Gobey]

Every bitter yelps

 

Everton reveal 'deal of century'

 

Everton chief executive Keith Wyness claims "the deal of the century" is in place for a new stadium in Kirkby.

 

A ballot is to be conducted among around 33,000 Everton fans to decide on the stadium, which could open by 2010.

 

But Wyness insists there is no Plan B to the move, which will be helped by £50m from supermarket giant Tesco.

 

He said: "It is an amazing deal. The deal of the century. If the heart rules the head we will never get an opportunity like this again."

 

The stadium will be built on land contributed by Knowsley council and will hold between 50,000 and 55,000 - and will include a Tesco store and shopping centre.

 

Everton claim they will be left with minimal debts from the scheme and they would have around an extra £10m a year in transfer funds.

 

Any cash Everton need to put into project will be offset by naming rights to the new stadium and the sale of Goodison Park, which could raise about £15m.

 

Sections of the club's supported have registered their opposition to a move outside the Liverpool city boundaries.

 

But Wyness claims Everton could face serious problems if they stay at Goodison Park.

 

He told the Daily Post: "There is no other site that we have found that will involve the same level of contribution.

 

"We will be left with very little debt at the end of it. The deal compares very favourably with other clubs building new stadiums. We will be getting a very nice stadium for a small amount of money."

 

Wyness added: "There is a long way to go. If the fans vote in favour, which I am confident they will, we still have to go through the planning stages.

 

"There are potential for delays, but if everything goes smoothly, we could be ready by 2010.

 

"If we have to carry on at Goodison, there will be serious issues.

 

"Attendance numbers will go down and then revenue will go down and when that happens, you can't compete. There is no Plan B. There is no other option."

 

The ballot will be run by the Electoral Reform Society, with the result expected at the end of August.

 

The club have already ruled out increasing the capacity at current home Goodison Park and a groundshare with Liverpool is now a non-starter.

 

A protest group, Keep Everton In Our City, has been set up to oppose the move, while the Kirkby Residents Action Group (KRAG) is upset over the idea of having a football stadium in their hometown.

[Benitez]

but but but Everton like to do everything quietly without bringing attention to themselves in the press

[smithdown]

So it will be just one option on the ballot paper?

[pipnasty]

So it will be just one option on the ballot paper?

 

THERE IS NO PLAN B

[smithdown]

So its not a vote then is it?

 

Or is it?

 

Never mind, so long as it says "PEOPLE" and "CLUB" on the ballotpaper and in the Echo then everything will be hunky-dory.

[jimmylibel]

So will they fill a 50,000 seater stadium?

[libero]

So will they fill a 50,000 seater stadium?

When they play us obviously.

[mally]

just out of interest does anyone know if they have a waiting list for season tickets like we do?

 

because if they don't, 50,000 does seem a little excessive.

Edited July 17, 2007 by mally

[Nebraska Red]

does anybody really care, other than the few bitters who go to every game?

 

maybe they should move further east. at least then they will be able to have mouth watering "derby" games against the Manc teams, Bolton, Blackburn etc.

 

you can't blame the people of Kirkby for not wanting this, they don't their little town overrun by Welshmen every other weekend.

[ManxRed]

 

So, Mr Kenwright, I'm dealing with TWO bankers today then?

[smithdown]

Every bitter yelps

 

Everton reveal 'deal of century'

 

Everton chief executive Keith Wyness claims "the deal of the century" is in place for a new stadium in Kirkby.

 

A ballot is to be conducted among around 33,000 Everton fans to decide on the stadium, which could open by 2010.

 

 

The article in the paper itself had an insert: The result of the vote will not be binding on the board.

 

Goodo.

[fyds]

So will they fill a 50,000 seater stadium?

Depends where they put the food aisles and checkouts.

[Boca]

just out of interest does anyone know if they have a waiting list for season tickets like we do?

 

because if they don't, 50,000 does seem a little excessive.

 

They were trying to flog half season tickets around Christmas/New Year, so I doubt it.

[Bald Devil]

They rarely fill Goodison and got about 17,000 for the Blackburn FA Cup game last season. They are in cloud cuckoo land if they think they'll ever fill a 55,000 seater.

[pipnasty]

 

 

 

What do you mean 'wrong programme'?

[johngibo YPC]

just out of interest does anyone know if they have a waiting list for season tickets like we do?

 

because if they don't, 50,000 does seem a little excessive.

 

Are you kidding?

They advertise them on radio city

 

by the way what is the reasoning for attendences going down if they stay at Goodison?

Edited July 19, 2007 by johngibo YPC

[realtarragona]

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