FANS COMMENT

We must move

Peter Laing's recent piece (La Bombonera) makes a point that many people seem to be raising at present - why can't we redevelop Goodison?

Apparently, Boca Juniors have done it. Firstly, they haven't — they have redeveloped their own stadium. Goodsion Park however poses very different problems in terms of redevelopment. Secondly, Liverpool FC, for whom Anfield poses very similar problems in terms of redevelopment as Goodison does for Everton, also intend to move. A lot closer to their current site, but that is because of the Reds on the City Council. Building a stadium on a public park should simply not be allowed.

Just look at Arsenal as well. I visited Highbury a couple of seasons ago. It reminded me very much of Goodison — being hemmed in by rows of terraced houses. I could have sworn that I was walking through somebody's back garden when I got through the turnstile. What did Arsenal do? They moved.

Redevelopment of Goodison is a no-go. Firstly, it would take substantially longer to build on the current site. That is because we would not only have to build, but we would also have to demolish first. We would also still be playing in the place which would mean redeveloing one stand at a time. That will also lead to decreasing attendances and gate receipts whilst the new stands are being knocked down and then redeveloped. Less money for players.

Even once completed, a new Goodison would hold far less people than the current structure. Goodison is built using old building styles with tiers built on top of each other supported by massive steel/iron girders. That is what causes the obstructed views which we are all so keen to get rid of. In modern stadia, the support for upper tiers is generated through the back of the structure, but that requires a much wider base than Goodison will currently allow.

The depth of the current stands at Goodison would probably mean that any redevelopment would lead to single-tier stands apart from one at the Park end where there is room to expand. A capacity of around 30,000 would loom. Building a new stadium is much more desireable — it would be financed mainly be investors as we already know. That is because the club does not have anough money to redevelop anyway. What investors would be interested in redevloping Goodison?

People really should stop banging on about the atmosphere that Goodison can generate and the memories we all have of the place. Sentiment will just get in the way of progress. I've been an Evertonian since I was born, like all of us. My dad took me to my first match shortly before my 3rd birthday. I have some wonderful memories of the place. One of my favourites was very recent as well — when Duncan scored the winner against the Mancs a couple of years ago — magic!

However those memories will remain no matter where Everton play in the future. We will not lose any sense of identity, we will add to it. It will be another part of our magnificent history, something which we all take great pride in. Remember, we have moved homes before.

We simply must move.

Responses:

Lee, firstly its good to have an article offering a different perspective and opinion to the mail that has recently been sent in about the ground move.

However I think there are a few key points here:

1. Goodison CAN be redeveloped. That's fact.
2. The ground capacity would be 50,000 which i think would be an ideal capacity.
3. Whilst redeveloping the capacity wouldn't fall below 35,000 which is currently the average attendance.
4. Moving away from Goodison would mean loss of ownership

The last point you make about sentimentality I agree with. Goodison is too old to continue. What me musn't lose sight of here is our heritage and history. By moving from Goodison we lose our identity, not just with the ground but the surrounding area. All we would take with us is our name. To move 5 miles away from Goodison into the middle of a Tesco car park fills me with dread. What is it that wew are actually going to gain? Extra revenue? Somehow I think not.

The problem is this, that the people who run the club don't give a damn about what is right for the club. Just how their pockets can be lined and to hell with the average fan. I for one will appose any potential move away and I'm willing to lobby them until the day the bulldozers move in. The Grand Old Lady deserves more respect.
Craig Heywood

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