A number of people have contacted me about reports that Everton FC might relocate to a new ground within the borough of Knowsley.  It might be helpful if I was to put my view on the record.

1. I do not see how such a move might eventuate. There is a large funding gap (as there was over the King's Dock proposal) to be filled before Everton FC can build anywhere: Without substantial new funding (from the private sector), it is hard to envisage any move at all.  It is certainly difficult to believe that the present principal shareholders would sell out to a new ownership, in order to facilitate a new ground.

2. Of course, if the funding gap was to be bridged, it will then be for Everton FC – a private company – to decide where its future interests lie.  I would like to know what sites would be under consideration for a new ground, including those mentioned but not clearly identified, by Cllr. Bradley.

3. I do believe that arguments over the city boundary are wholly spurious.  Interestingly, of the three people who have contacted me on behalf of an organisation set up to “keep Everton in the city”, two live in Sefton, and one lives in Knowsley.  I am sure that they are no less supporters (nor any less “Scousers”) for living on one side of a totally irrelevant, administrative boundary line.

4. Everton FC has, historically, drawn support from all over Merseyside, and beyond.  It is the emotional property of all of its supporters, wherever they may live, and wherever it is based.  There are sound economic arguments for the local community for Everton FC to stay where it is; but that may not be the economically sensible choice for the club and its longer term future.