Stadium issue tops agenda at Everton AGM

Wednesday, 4 January, 2017 111comments  |  Jump to most recent
The Annual General Meeting of Everton shareholders took place this evening at Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall, one which held plenty of good news even if it did not provide a definitive update on the stadium situation.

It was the first AGM since Farhad Moshiri purchased a 49.9% stake in the club last February and the British-Iranian businessman was in attendance along with his representative on the Board of Directors, Sasha Ryazantsev.

In addition to covering Everton's accounts from 2015-16 and motions to reappoint members of the Board, the hierarchy did provide shareholders with an update on the search for a site for a new stadium. However, CEO Robert Elstone was only able to report "solid" progress with Liverpool City Council and that the next couple of months will "be critical" in terms of securing a location.

Moshiri has initiated an investigation into two brownfield sites within the city for suitability for a new ground, with plenty of speculation suggesting that a site at Bramley-Moore dock in the waterfront is preferred by the club over one at Stonebridge Cross on the outskirts in Croxteth.

There was enough from both Chairman Bill Kenwright and Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson to tacitly confirm that the waterside location is the one Everton want but the latter admitted it is a complex issue.

Updates

Bill Kenwright opened the AGM, with the first order of business the reappointment of four directors — Robert Elstone, Denise Barrett-Baxendale, Alexander Ryazantsev and Keith Harris.

"I think the elephant in the room is the waterfront site, which everyone, me included, wants but it is a complex issue. We've got Plan Bs but everyone is working extremely hard to deliver on the site that you want - that we all want."

Mayor Joe Anderson

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Elstone then took the mic and set the agenda for the evening which include Moshiri's plans for Everton and whether they will include a new stadium and new players this month.

The CEO gave a review of last year's financial results, concluding that the club would have made a profit but for the compensation paid out to Roberto Martinez and his staff when the Catalan was sacked in May.

He also announced that the new TV deal with China will be worth £10m a season alone to Premier League clubs and that commercial revenue is expected to grow by £6m this season.

Everton will save around £5m a year on interest payments following the recent consolidation of debt under Moshiri who provided the club an £80m interest-free loan.

Season tickets for next season will be frozen at current prices. A new Under-25s season ticket has been introduced, priced at £380 per season.

Revenue is forecast to top £170m for 2016-17, a massive £50m increase thanks largely to the bumper new TV broadcast deals.

£75m in new commercial deals have been concluded in the past six weeks, including naming rights for Finch Farm. The new shirt sponsorship deal is expected to increase by 300% on the current arrangement with Chang.

Stadium

On the stadium front there was no announcement or indication of a chosen site as many had hoped.

“There's been solid progress on many fronts, most encouragingly in our partnership with Liverpool CC," Elstone said.

"The next couple of months will be critical but we're confident with the council side by side, we will find that solution. I think circumstances right now have never been as favourable. We have sites we're convinced can work."

When questions were thrown to the floor, one shareholder cautioned the Board over the prospect of moving to the outskirts of the city off Edge Lane, saying.

Elstone responded by saying: "Kirkby was clearly a very divisive location. In terms of Walton Hall Park, we really believed we had a viable scheme.

"Site location is critical. Rest assured we do learn lessons. We have to find the right location. I think we can do it this time."

Kenwright backed that up by hinting that the dockside location is the one everyone wants, which Anderson corroborated but tempered that by saying it isn't straightforward.

"There's no real question as to where we want to be and we have alternatives but we are working studiously towards that," Kenwright said.

The Mayor then said: "I think the elephant in the room is the waterfront site, which everyone, me included, wants but it is a complex issue.

"We've got plan Bs but everyone is working extremely hard to deliver on the site that you want - that we all want.

"On Friday, we announced £20m for a road directly into the dock site. The reality is, there is a railway station being built there. This is the most exciting opportunity this club has had in decades."

Players

A Q&A session with manager Ronald Koeman and Director of Football Steve Walsh followed the CEO's presentation, with Koeman commending the support of the fans and speaking of the club's young players.

"The young players are the future of the club and I'm really pleased about the debut of Dominic (Calvert-Lewin) and development of (Tom) Davies. But we have a lot more talent to look at from the Under-23s."

Walsh pledged to "build with Ronald a team that Everton can be proud of:

"The first team recruitment is my area of expertise. It was tough to leave Leicester but Everton is a terrific place to work."

Koeman then confirmed that Yannick Bolasie is facing 11 to 12 months on the sidelines following his knee operations.

Moshiri

Kenwright then discussed the arrival at the club of Moshiri, saying: "After meeting Farhad 18 months ago, instantly it was clear he had an astonishing love of football. I felt instantly this was a man who could get us out of the problem times we were having."

"This is a very special moment, I believe, in our football club."

Moshiri said: "I had looked at a number of clubs. I was involved at Arsenal. Meeting Bill at his office, you couldn't be negative. His enthusiasm was infectious.

"The atmosphere at Goodison has far exceeded my expectations. They are really special fans. They keep buying beer for me! I don't even drink!

"It's not enough to say that we are special. We don't want to be a museum. We need to be competitive and we need to win. The gold standard is the Premier League (not the FA Cup). We need to do well in the league. That's where Everton's competitive edge will be measured.

"We don't have all the time in the world. We have a window to establish ourselves and we'll do everything we can. We need a sustainable base to be among the elite. It takes time but we're committed. That's why we're here."

 

Reader Comments (111)

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Geoff Williams
1 Posted 04/01/2017 at 14:11:11
Please announce that the work on the new dockland stadium will begin soon.
Bill Watson
2 Posted 04/01/2017 at 14:19:23
Geoff (#1),

That's what I want to hear, too. I'm not getting any younger and I'd really like to still be around if we eventually move!!

Gavin Fennessy
3 Posted 04/01/2017 at 14:22:22
Second that, Geoff! It would be a real statement of intent and would provide a real lift to the club. Hope there is some clarity brought to bear on the short and medium-term intentions on and off the field. Some clarity on funding and refinancing would be welcome.
Peter Roberts
4 Posted 04/01/2017 at 14:32:33
I want straight talking promises – no fluff.

Elstone will no doubt put his irritating spin on it all "drop in commercial revenue down to league position".


Errrrr well let's see:

Kitbag deal
Chang
Ridiculous Martinez contract payoff

Andrew Clare
5 Posted 04/01/2017 at 14:32:50
All I want to hear is that work will start on a new 60,000 capacity Stadium this year.

Any other positive news would be a bonus.

Colin Glassar
6 Posted 04/01/2017 at 14:34:00
That's what we all want to hear, Geoff, but it will probably be a case of "negotiations are ongoing and we hope to make an announcement this century".
Bill Gall
7 Posted 04/01/2017 at 14:34:11
Hope to hear that there will be a start on a new stadium. I am the same as Bill Watson in not getting any younger, and looking at between 3 or 4 years for a stadium to be completed means I have got to keep going into my 80s. That is if I will be able to get a ticket.. What a great feeling that would be from playing at Goodison in 1952 to watching in a new stadium.
Chris Williams
8 Posted 04/01/2017 at 14:38:13
All of the above please plus some clarification of the Vibrac arrangement.
Paul Birmingham
9 Posted 04/01/2017 at 14:40:08
Erring on caution as there have been too many hollow horses and smoke screens with the board of EFC over the years, and perhaps it will be a positive to have some clear line of sight on the club's debt, and the mega finance TV package from last season and this season, and an honest and realistic view on a new stadium.

A generation of let-downs, last-minute bargain-bucket transfers, some of which were good and many that were rank poor, and just perhaps in the year that may unleash unknown forces such as Brexit impacting any major development in the UK, we may just get some genuine rays of hope.

Nick Page
10 Posted 04/01/2017 at 14:45:24
Get rid of Elstone.
Get rid of Kenwright.

Everything else will follow.

Nick Page
12 Posted 04/01/2017 at 14:56:23
Can't wait for the stadium news. I'm assuming the other shower won't take it well. Next thing you know, we'll have English Heritage arsing around Bramley-Moore Dock digging up badges and flags after hearing rumours of an ancient kopite settlement. Sabotage that.
Colin Glassar
13 Posted 04/01/2017 at 15:06:02
They will make up some Viking settlement discovery, Nick, saying they have some historical claim to the site.
Peter Laing
14 Posted 04/01/2017 at 15:12:02
Liverpool City Council are also in discussions regarding a new road that will go through from the Strand onto Waterloo Road / Leeds Streer that will open up the Liverpool waters project and create access to the new cruise terminal. Hard not to believe that Bramley Moor and the new Everton's stadium will become the anchor / focal point.
Liam Reilly
15 Posted 04/01/2017 at 15:18:53
This is Everton; we'll probably get a rehashed picture of the dreadful Kirby Stadium photo-shopped over Stonebridge Cross.

Come on, Mr Moshiri. We have faith; do the right thing and give us a Docks site that will be resurgence of the Everton brand.

Kevin Tully
16 Posted 04/01/2017 at 15:23:11
Whatever happens tonight, we are in a far, far better position than we were 12 months ago. Who would have guessed we could be spending £30-40m on transfers in January?

It could be a little early for a formal announcement regarding definitive stadium news, but I do believe new stadium plans will be unveiled before the summer. Moshiri knows we have to up our game regarding commercial incomes;, it will be interesting to see if any new sponsors are unveiled.

After all the false dawns & outright porkies we've had to endure for 20 years, I can wait another 6 months.

John Pierce
17 Posted 04/01/2017 at 15:23:48
I love the fact we are insulating ourselves again everything but a clear announcement we are going to the Kings, a'hem... Bramley-Moore Dock.

I think if it were to be tonight, unless Everton have managed to keep a lid on it, it would have been leaked in some way.

I want Moshiri to lay the road map out, not details but waypoints.

A key juncture in Moshiri's tenure. If the announcement is bungled, transfers are protracted and unprofessional then it's all that hope dashed – like Charlie Brown kicking that football.

Ray Roche
18 Posted 04/01/2017 at 15:25:32
As I write this Koppites everywhere are frantically looking for some Great Crested Newts to take from their natural habitat, Huyton, as in "Pissed as a....", and relocated to Bramley-Moore Dock claiming that they are the very rare Great Crested Salted Newt, found only in one site in, well, the world, actually. Anything to spike our guns.
Martin Nicholls
19 Posted 04/01/2017 at 15:26:09
A promise of spades in the (dockland) ground "soon" will not be enough – a specific start date is needed.
John Critchley
20 Posted 04/01/2017 at 15:26:45
Hoping for a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in 2-3 years time, which will give us all a massive lift which will lift the crowd at Goodison, which in turn will lift the players, get new players in and watch it snowball from there.

But, like a few on here, I've seen too many false dawns, so I'll keep on dreaming till I hear it's true (hopefully later tonight... ha ha).

Kevin O'Regan
21 Posted 04/01/2017 at 16:11:54
Just reading that Guardian Article linked earlier on Sir Philip Green and his dodgy deals and loans and and the amount of dirt and silence in the so-called "football" world.

Looks like EFC were no saints in the recent past.

Still happy we riverdanced around the Saints on Monday... but boy does that article pose a lot of questions.

Tony Abrahams
22 Posted 04/01/2017 at 16:30:28
If anyone is going tonight, I would love them to ask Bill how he plans to spend the fortune he has made out of Everton, and will he be putting any of this money back into the club.

Never took a penny out of Everton! Just mortgaged them up to the fuckin hilt, and cost them a fortune in repayment loans.

Maybe Elstone can step in and talk about that innovative deal that we hold with the council, regarding the rent for Finch Farm, but fail to mention how we ended up paying so much rent for a training ground we once owned!

i don't think it's going to be one of those nights... and hopefully Mr Chairman can give us some happy news!


.

Dean Moonreddy
23 Posted 04/01/2017 at 16:32:07
A new stadium is a top priority. Moshiri is now rebuilding a club – not only a playing squad.

Hats off to him. Hope the board support his vision.
Winston Williamson
24 Posted 04/01/2017 at 16:33:21
I'm not expecting much. No grand plans laid out, no specifics on anything really other than a tale of the recently published accounts and a bit of bragging that our new majority shareholder has cleared the debts.

Maybe promises of transfer investment.

Highlighting the paint job on Goodison...

Mike Berry
25 Posted 04/01/2017 at 16:54:54
I have a feeling that attendees may go over to the Philharmonic pub after to celebrate our good fortune.

I expect Mr Moshiri to tell it like it is with tidings of comfort and joy – albeit about 10 days late!

Tony McNulty
26 Posted 04/01/2017 at 16:54:55
Reading through the thread, it made me think of "Brexit means Brexit", and the feeling that any planning, if it exists at all, is somewhat embryonic.

Now I can understand commercial confidentiality and the need to keep some details back in case they get scuppered by those wishing us ill. (Nick #12 – I smiled at your ancient kopite settlement).

But it would be nice to have the feeling (for once) that beneath all of the spin and weasel words, that if the "new ground" fig leaf got lifted, there would actually be something underneath it.

I once read in an American self-help book the advice to, "hope for the best, but assume the worst." Not something any Evertonian during the last 20 years needed to be taught.

Peter Roberts
27 Posted 04/01/2017 at 16:59:08
Tony, spot on.

The board and CEO have survived rebellions due to apathetic, brainwashed happy clappers. The promise of a 1984 team climbing out of the doldrums of the awful early 80s is a pipe dream. We have missed so much opportunity, it's beyond a joke.

How has Kenwright emerged with money after overseeing our club stagnate and avoid financial ruin only for the mega millions created by Richard Scudamore and Moyes's clever but pragmatic dealings is a joke.

Who got us into bed with that odious spiv Green? Who blew millions bases on a deal that wasn't signed? Who threw away the chance of Kings Dock cos he wanted his trainset?

The same person who has stood by a sickeningly smug CEO who treats us fans like we have 2 brain cells between us.

Got to hand it to that lot across the park – they get their act together when people are in charge who shouldn't be in charge of their club. Like our players with bad referees – our fans just accept it.

I hope they get grilled tonight I hope Moshiri sees first hand the remnants of anger from the disgraceful way in which shareholders questions were treated last time round. Only then will he know what is expected and what won't be tolerated. That's if he doesn't know already.

Joe O'Brien
28 Posted 04/01/2017 at 16:59:47
I think Moshiri is the real deal and he'll announce definite stadium plans tonight at the meeting.

He seems like a man who goes about his business quickly. Already he's got a planned location, a prime location at that.

Hopefully that stupid peanuts shitbag merchandise deal will also be ended. The Chang deal also needs to go, that goes in the summer I think. We need a far bigger company with a larger investment on our shirt.

It's time to catch up with the big players.

Mark Morrissey
29 Posted 04/01/2017 at 17:12:29
How about "Niasse, discuss." I'd just like to know...
Chris Williams
30 Posted 04/01/2017 at 17:12:46
I think we just want to see tangible change and evidence of that change. No more bullshit from the amateur businessmen running the club into the ground out of self interest but big messages from the professional businessmen building the club up for sound commercial reasons.

Please give us a watershed moment.

Tony Draper
31 Posted 04/01/2017 at 17:26:00
Dear Farhad Moshiri,

You really don't need "I never really went in the Boys Pen" Billy holding your hand – and neither do Everton.

Move on. Move Everton on. He hasn't... but you must. Please!

Geoff Williams
32 Posted 04/01/2017 at 17:44:16
The video just released by Spurs shows a mighty impressive vision of their new ground. I hope we can match it.
Joe Clitherow
33 Posted 04/01/2017 at 17:57:36
Sat in the Phiharmonic,l waiting for it to start. First two rows blocked off for "staff" apparently. Never seen that before. Maybe an announcement that staff have not yet been given?
Dave Lynch
34 Posted 04/01/2017 at 18:03:34
I'm expecting the same old shit.

Albeit with more sugar on top...

Paul English
35 Posted 04/01/2017 at 18:11:14
I'm waiting for the big news...I've got a spade on my shoulder, ready too GO GO GO !!!!!!
Steavey Buckley
36 Posted 04/01/2017 at 18:14:37
Mr Moshiri, largest Everton shareholder, is not the type of person who is going to throw money at a problem. Instead, he has just given Everton a £80 million loan interest free. Not a freebie.

Yet, what Everton need to be doing on the field is cutting out extravagant last minute buys such as Niasse and Bolasie, who are not going to be good returns on money spent on them, totalling £40 million.

Everton off the field need to grow their income, by attracting sponsors who are prepared to invest more money into the club, by allowing Everton to be associated with their products or services.

How a new stadium can be paid for, I don't know. Everton, at present, own their stadium. So income from it, is net gain. A new stadium would suck any income from it, to pay for it. Because Mr Moshiri has already indicatated that he will just give interest free loan deals.

Mark Morrissey
37 Posted 04/01/2017 at 18:18:08
Vinny O'Lugears on Sky Sports has just said we shouldn't expect an announcement on a new stadium tonight. There you have it.

Perhaps just confirmation that Everton are in talks with Liverpool Council over the "possibility" of a new ground. I expect him to be right because I expect Moshiri has been chatting with Jim White.

Rob Halligan
38 Posted 04/01/2017 at 18:22:18
Amazing that, Mark. I've got SSN and there has been no mention of anything to do with the Everton AGM.
Ste Traverse
39 Posted 04/01/2017 at 18:26:51
With this lot still hanging around who've treated fans like idiots over the last 17 years, I'll expect yet more spin and bullshit.

Like a few above have said, it's a disgrace Kenwright has made an absolute fortune out of this club on the back of doing the square root of fuck-all, and, unbelievably, still having influence.

Him, the slimy Elstone, that Des Lynam lookalike Jon Woods (what does he even do??)... the kitblag (sorry, kitbag) deal and that cat-piss Chang all need to be binned off before we can move this club forward.

Alan Rodgers
40 Posted 04/01/2017 at 18:28:43
Rob (#38).

Vinny O'Connor was speaking from the Philharmonic stage door.

Eugene Ruane
41 Posted 04/01/2017 at 18:36:53
Hope Ryazantsev is there.

In my mind (wishful thinking) he's a a little bit..

Link

Always imagine fat-head trying to get pally with him and just getting a look that says 'You ar styupyid man, you ar fyat puppet boy.'

John Malone
42 Posted 04/01/2017 at 18:48:30
Why are people setting themselves up for a fall – expecting a stadium announcement when the noises coming out from Peel is they are definitely looking to develop the Bramley-Moore Dock site with or without the stadium being built – but that talks are still ongoing!

That news only came out the other week, so I can't understand how people turn their hopes into expectations!!

It's business – not Christmas!!

Paul Hewitt
43 Posted 04/01/2017 at 19:03:50
What do some people want? £75 Million commercial deals, new shirt deal 300% higher than the previous one. That will do for starters. The ground WILL happen, but will take time.
Colin Glassar
44 Posted 04/01/2017 at 19:09:58
The live forum is interesting. Great work, Lyndon
Andy Meighan
45 Posted 04/01/2017 at 19:18:51
It's just been on Sky Sports News 15 minutes ago – exactly what Mark 37 said...

Why am I getting the feeling of déjà vu?

Joe Clitherow
48 Posted 04/01/2017 at 19:47:33
Very impressed with Mr Moshiri's clear and quiet determination tonight and his clear focus on becoming part of the elite group in the Premier League.

Where Bill is all emotion, he is realistic, it struck me. He may or may not succeed but it seems to me he will give it a proper go.

Ognjen Mojovic
49 Posted 04/01/2017 at 19:49:09
Who bought beer for Moshiri?
Tony Hill
50 Posted 04/01/2017 at 20:03:17
What do you read... ? Words, words, words.
Jack Convery
51 Posted 04/01/2017 at 20:17:56
Why is the FA Cup not important – it's silverware, it whets the appetite for more ffs.

I read the Guardian article mentioned above – £27m cheques signed off by a clerk at a BMW dealership in Ireland apparently!!!! You should all read it.

Ashamed if Philip Green was a part of EFC.

Brian Williams
52 Posted 04/01/2017 at 20:23:10
If everyone just wants a stadium announcement NOW, that could probably be done IF we were to settle for Stonebridge Cross. The thing is we want Bramley-Moore Dock and it ain't straight forward. Well that's a huge understatement to be honest.

There are numerous hurdles to overcome and these can't be sorted in weeks. Moshiri has been with us a matter of months. Something of this scale and magnitude won't happen in weeks and it would only have been started after Moshiri came on board.

We'll have to wait, nowt else we can do. I know we've been waiting years blah blah blah... but we've only had someone on board, who can take us forward, for a few months.

Joe O'Brien
53 Posted 04/01/2017 at 20:44:46
Spot on Brian. I think it was wishful thinking on everyone's behalf, me included.

I think it will happen, we want it, Peel want it... I just want it now... but I'll wait I suppose.

Damian Wilde
55 Posted 04/01/2017 at 21:51:13
Encouraging.

I see Martinez really stuffed us.

Jack Convery
56 Posted 04/01/2017 at 21:59:19
Whoever drew up the contract for Martinez stuffed us. Martinez laughed all the way to the bank.
Oliver Molloy
57 Posted 04/01/2017 at 22:08:09
Yeah Damian, it was Martinez's fault he was given a contract that guaranteed him millions with nothing there to protect the club!

Let's see how we get on this transfer window before talking about the proposed new stadium... we have all been here before.

Thomas Lennon
58 Posted 04/01/2017 at 22:27:33
Stadium aside, I make that £90 million a year better off this year compared with last, plus that £75 million in sponsorships that might be over a few years.

This time last year, we were hoping for £10 million to spend! It is also clear that wages have shot up from £70 to £110 million.

We aren't hanging around!

Robin Cannon
59 Posted 04/01/2017 at 22:38:24
"...including naming rights for Finch Farm."

Who on earth buys that?

Joe O'Brien
60 Posted 04/01/2017 at 22:53:07
Shady Russians, I would think, Robin.
Eddie Dunn
61 Posted 04/01/2017 at 23:18:10
We need to get the stadium done as soon as possible. The seemingly endless TV money could be reduced in future- – there could be conflicts or economic problems. If we didn't have this dosh raining down on us we would need 5 Moshiris to fund us.

That Spurs video made me sick – the whole ground looked the same inside- you could get lost. Who gave the fans hundreds of feckin flags to wave in front of the people behind them?

I want pillars, wooden ones.

Peter Laing
62 Posted 04/01/2017 at 23:26:03
Some conjecture about Metalloinvest being the company who come in as main sponsors. Interesting development if true given that Moshiri and Usmanov are involved.

Man City have used UAE and Etihad to set up their own commercial deals and effectively inject cash into the Club under the guise of a commercial deal.

Soren Moyer
63 Posted 04/01/2017 at 23:40:37
Lots of talk, no action. That's the Everton way nowadays!
Mark Andersson
64 Posted 04/01/2017 at 23:47:06
So basically no new news, same old same old.

No surprise.

Happy Blue Year...

Phil Parker
65 Posted 04/01/2017 at 23:52:51
I was there tonight. I am convinced, from the general atmosphere in the room, the new stadium will be at Bramley-Moore Dock. We can afford it now, we have improving revenue streams, and the backing of the Mosh, as well as Joe Anderson. We did not get Kings Dock because we could not afford it then.

Is there any part of this message that anyone does not understand? Bill has been robbing Peter to pay Paul for so long, but things have at last turned in our favour, at least financially. Well done to all. Let's enjoy the ride.

Gavin Johnson
66 Posted 05/01/2017 at 00:07:46
All seems very positive. The naming rights to Finch Farm seems like a loophole where we could potentially break financial fair play rules. Man City did it when the owner got his own companies as sponsors.
Colin Glassar
68 Posted 05/01/2017 at 00:24:26
The reporter from The Guardian makes it sound like the stadium is a goer and will be confirmed in the next 2-3 months.
Gordon Crawford
69 Posted 05/01/2017 at 00:37:17
AGM was very positive. Very very excited for the future. Now let's get in some real quality players. :)
James Marshall
70 Posted 05/01/2017 at 00:38:28
I love Moshiri's comment about Everton not becoming a museum – I've been banging on about this for years, with all the 'if yer know yer 'istory' & all that stuff that we bleat on about Having won things 25 years ago (and WAY beyond) doesn't mean a damn thing these days, and we're a relic of a club in so many ways.

At last we have an owner who shares the view that Everton needs to relieve itself of the stuffy old club that we are to move forward and compete in the modern era.

Patrick Murphy
72 Posted 05/01/2017 at 01:11:41
At last, we seem to have somebody at the helm that has real ambition for Everton Football Club. Whether he is successful or not will depend on a host of things but at least he has a plan.

I still think Moshiri will need other rich backers from elsewhere if he is to take the club back to where we would all like to see it and I don't think that will be his mate from Arsenal who Moshiri has already said is a Gunners fanatic. Many things will have to fall into place to see Moshiri fulfil his ambitions but our days of happily treading water and showing little ambition may well be over.

The only area that I have concern with, is that Moshiri seems to want to play fantasy football for real but the club still don't have the purchasing power to really attract the elite players, so he might have to be reigned in a little and rely on his manager and staff to make the right choices at the right fees.

I can hear the critics saying that we have heard all of this 'jam tomorrow' stuff so many times in the past, why should we believe what is said today? I appreciate that point of view but if it is all smoke and mirrors then it would be financial suicide for Moshiri and the other board members to deceive the supporters in such a way and there would be more than egg on their faces should they go down that route.

Building a brand new stadium is not an easy project for any club and for a club of Everton's limited financial muscle it will be a great deal more difficult than for some others; notice the neighbours who could hardly be described as paupers baulked at the costs involved and decided to stay put.

Whilst it would be great to see Everton on the Mersey Waterfront, I'm sure none of us would wish to see the club hamstrung in building a team in the future because it was so indebted due to the costs incurred in building the stadium. I suppose that is why Joe Anderson is so pivotal in helping to enable Everton FC to get a stadium in a good location by attracting investment in the scheme from other players outside of the club.

Many of us have moaned and groaned for many years that Everton FC were blindly going about their business without any real plan in place and obviously with not enough money to execute that plan if they had one at all.

We may still be short of the money relative to the biggest players in the Premier League, but the outlines of a definite plan seems to be in place, and we can all be reasonably happy about that, can't we?

Gavin Johnson
73 Posted 05/01/2017 at 01:27:24
Patrick,

Once we get the green light for the stadium, I'm sure there'll be lots of billionaire backers from China wanting to buy out Bill and the other minor shareholders.

Steven Sturm
74 Posted 05/01/2017 at 01:48:47
Well said Patrick. Onward and upward. COYB
John Pierce
75 Posted 05/01/2017 at 05:05:28
All sounds very promising and to a critical eye, I believe viable. Moshiri has put his head on the block and that feels good.

When me move, maybe we'll take the restricted views with us. Nothing like home.

John Pierce
76 Posted 05/01/2017 at 05:09:23
Oh and one more thing. No more than 50,000 anymore is a waste.
David Hayes
77 Posted 05/01/2017 at 05:55:32
Stv (#39), Thank you, the best thing I have read on here for a long time. "Cat-piss Chang" – You speak for all of us who have tried to swallow it.
Bill Watson
78 Posted 05/01/2017 at 07:40:59
John (#76),

Why aim low to start? The experiences of Arsenal and West Ham suggest a 50,000 capacity would be insufficient. Spare capacity allows for innovative pricing and building a fan base for the future.

Most Everton Premier League games sell out, even with the obstructed views and poor and cramped facilities we have now. A new dockland ground would offer superb views and facilities and, according to Mayor Anderson, would also have its own rail link making it easily accessible from all parts.

Why does the stadium have to be full for every game? The original Goodison capacity was about 78,000 but the best average gate was around 51,000. The initial cost saving of going small is insignificant. I think we should go for around 60,000.

Charlie Burnett
79 Posted 05/01/2017 at 08:17:58
This is all brilliant news, I must say, but can you just think how much of a mess we were before he came?
David S Shaw
80 Posted 05/01/2017 at 08:40:46
Bill Watson – I agree. 60,000 for starters. If you build a stadium that is full every week, then it is clearly too small and you're missing out on the extra demand for premium matches.

I would also love Everton to be bold enough to allow the stadium to be capable of expanding in stages to 80,000. Old Trafford holds 76,000 or so, our record is 78,000. So our target should ultimately be 80,000.

They should be who were gunning for. We should aim to be the best. A quality stadium on the Docks is the springboard to that. 60,000 expandable to 80,000. Nothing but the best is good enough!

Mike Berry
81 Posted 05/01/2017 at 08:57:20
New road, new railway station into the dock; it's being done for a reason. Have patience... the stadium will happen.
Eddie Dunn
82 Posted 05/01/2017 at 09:07:40
I'll argue about the capacity when they announce that it's happening.
Dermot Byrne
83 Posted 05/01/2017 at 09:22:49
"It is not enough to say we are special. We don't want to be a museum."

Thank God he gets it. Sadly other clubs living in the past realised this a wee while ago but at least Moshiri sees this. Would love it if I never heard "if you know yer history" ever again! (Unless it referred to last season!)

Andy Meighan
84 Posted 05/01/2017 at 09:28:11
Like I've always said about Elstone and Kenwright....

They talk loads but say nothing.

Brian Harrison
85 Posted 05/01/2017 at 09:37:23
Well, after decades of stagnation, it looks like we at last have an owner who is ambitious and is willing to back the club with serious money.

I think because we have had so many false dawns since Sir John Moores stood down, we are hyper sceptical when a new owner arrives. But this man is in a hurry and he is not asking for time, he obviously knows it will take time but great to see he wants things to happen sooner than later.

The Liverpool Echo reporter who was at the AGM said that Moshiri received 2 standing ovations – completely unheard of at Everton AGMs.

I know we all hoped that the Bramley-Moore Dock site would be confirmed but Peel Holdings have a big say in this as it's on their land. But, as Joe Anderson said, it is the preferred option for the new stadium. I am sure that, provided Peel don't ask for ridiculous amounts of money for the site, then the new ground will be at Bramley-Moore Dock.

Gerard Carey
86 Posted 05/01/2017 at 09:46:07
Better to have a 60,000-plus stadium, even to attract other games, semi-finals etc. It's all revenue.
Ray Roche
87 Posted 05/01/2017 at 10:35:58
I almost agree with John Pierce (#76), 50,000 is a good starting point. Only once... once in our history have we ever averaged MORE than 50,000 and that was 62-63.

However, I think that the stadium should have a "concealed" seating section at the rear of each stand and running the full width of that stand which would be opened up when required, Derby games, Cup games etc. There is nothing worse than a stadium that looks half empty as WHU are seeing now, even though they try to claim a full house it looks bleak with so many empty seats.

Bill Watson (#78), Arsenal, Spurs, West Ham – the common denominator? London. You can't compare London with Liverpool just yet.

David S Shaw
88 Posted 05/01/2017 at 10:46:56
Ray Roche – there's nothing wrong with having empty seats though I do feel having concealed areas is a good idea. You can also give away fans an area holding 5-6,000 and only sell them their allocated 3,000 so they look as though they can't fill their end!

With excellent transport links, no obstructed views, a stadium designed for atmosphere, and good ticket prices, we would break our average attendance. Besides, we should be aiming to break our average attendance anyway.

Paul Mackie
89 Posted 05/01/2017 at 10:54:50
Go for a 60,000 seat stadium and get more bums on seats by keeping ticket prices low.
Bill Watson
90 Posted 05/01/2017 at 10:57:49
Ray (#87).

Yes, I accept there's a London factor but, nevertheless, most clubs who move grounds experience an uplift in attendances. With a reasonably successful side I reckon 50,000 would be far too small.

I was thinking that an upper level could be held back and only released when the rest had been sold. Some concerts at the Echo Arena are managed like this.

There appears to be a modern obsession with full grounds. Before Hillsborough, most grounds had spare capacity and were only full for top matches and it was possible to 'walk up' on the day.

Just from memory I think the 51,000 average was for 1969-70 but stand to be corrected.

Ray Roche
91 Posted 05/01/2017 at 10:58:09
David S Shaw, I think rows of empty seats sends a statement to football in general that you can't fill your stadium. My suggestion of "concealed seating" would mean a full-looking stadium for almost every game.

Surely that's preferable to what we see at West Ham and the Etihad, or Emptyhad as some call it, for that very reason. Rows of empty seats.

Ray Roche
92 Posted 05/01/2017 at 11:01:43
Bill, you're saying much the same thing as I am, having an upper level held back, but concealed by advertising etc. As I said earlier, we've only averaged more than 50k in one season since we were formed and our capacity then was approximately 74k.
Tony Abrahams
93 Posted 05/01/2017 at 11:22:51
Maybe one of Joe Anderson's biggest jobs is trying to get Peel to reduce the price for the land, or maybe Everton are wanting more land?

We live in a city of rumours and I heard quite a while ago that Everton had purchased the land for between £25/30 Million, but it is a lot of money for land that Peel were given off the council for next to nothing.

As I said, only a rumour, because nothing seems concrete just yet, but I was also told that Moshiri was part of a bigger syndicate which includes the Arsenal Fanatic, with the words "You couldn't even buy a car park for £25 Million in London!"

Bill Watson
94 Posted 05/01/2017 at 11:28:34
Ray 92.

You make the point yourself, really. If the capacity, then, had been 51,000, and not over 70,000, the average attendance would have been nowhere near 51,000.

In those days, crowds for big games were often 60,000+ but considerably less for other games.

Whatever the new capacity is, I'm sure we'll all agree the design should be capable of easily being enlarged.

Colin Glassar
95 Posted 05/01/2017 at 11:29:35
Build a 50.000 seat stadium with the capacity to expand it by up to 10.000 more if needed. I'd also prefer an arena type stadium to get the best acoustics possible and reduce the wind factor.
Mark Taylor
96 Posted 05/01/2017 at 11:39:36
I think the closest comparison to our needs is that of Manchester City. Maine Road had a capacity of 35k I think?? They now have 42k season ticket holders with 10k on a waiting list and a ground that is soon to be developed again to reach 61k capacity.

I'm not suggesting we are going to be winning the Champions League if we get a new stadium but I think it's clear we have a larger fan base than them today than they had prior to their takeover.

I think that a more accessible ground with better facilities will draw back many supporters who perhaps find the match-day experience a challenge today and success will bring in a few new fans. I say 60k with option to extend up to 65k.

Ray Roche
97 Posted 05/01/2017 at 11:46:13
Bill, that's correct. I've stood in 74k crowds at Goodison myself.

Things are a bit different now, though, as our ability to sell out our 39k stadium will tell us. Whether we could get another 22k EVERY week in order to fill a 60k stadium is up for debate but I still think a system with concealed seating to give us the "full house" appearance and atmosphere with the ability to increase by another, say, 10k is worth considering.

Incidentally, our LOWEST attendance in 62-63 was 38k and our final game v Fulham when we won the title didn't sell out, with 60,578 fans turning up to see us crowned. There were more for the Man Utd, Liverpool, Wolves and Spurs League games – all of whom will have brought a significant following.

Eugene Kearney
98 Posted 05/01/2017 at 12:58:48
Illustrious future ahead

;-)

COYB.

Gordon Crawford
99 Posted 05/01/2017 at 13:14:37
50,000 seats is just silly. It would cost lots of unnecessary money to upgrade to 60,000. And on top of that it would be a logistical nightmare. 60,000 seats minimum for me.
Dennis Stevens
100 Posted 05/01/2017 at 13:31:09
If the grand plans for the dockside stadium don't come to fruition for any reason, I do hope the Board don't settle for an unsuitable location instead. It'd make more sense to redevelop Goodison Park on an expanded footprint.

Wherever it is to be located, please spare us the ubiquitous bowl!

Peter Caley
101 Posted 05/01/2017 at 14:05:49
Hopefully we will act now; a new stadium is critical to the future of our great club. But there have been so many 'false dawns' and over promises.

It's about time this board now delivered – Moshiri has been a catalyst and the investor that we needed for so long... let's hope that we have no empty promises.

Not convinced about Robert Elstone – wasn't he around when we gave a new deal for 'sicknote' Gibson?

Bill Watson
102 Posted 05/01/2017 at 14:32:58
Ray (#97),

I saw every game that season!

Andrew Clare
103 Posted 05/01/2017 at 14:38:58
I have no doubt that we would comfortably fill a 60,000 capacity Stadium. The new stadium effect would happen. West Ham are getting 56,000 in their new stadium and they are not as well supported as Everton.

Anything lower in capacity would be a short sighted move.

Dave Abrahams
104 Posted 05/01/2017 at 15:04:22
Bill Watson (#78), the season we had an average attendance of 51,000 was 1962-63.

Brian (#85), Mr. Moshiri's contribution was well received and he got a couple of rounds of good applause, which I think he deserved, but two standing ovations is a bit over the top, unless they happened when the meeting was over – and I never heard any applause on the way out.

James Hughes
105 Posted 05/01/2017 at 15:15:17
Guess I'll have to stop peeing in his Chang then – "The atmosphere at Goodison has far exceeded my expectations. They are really special fans. They keep buying beer for me! I don't even drink!"
Ray Roche
106 Posted 05/01/2017 at 15:20:29
Bil'(#102).

Me too! And a good few away games to boot. Great, wasn't it?

Peter Roberts
107 Posted 05/01/2017 at 15:49:03
The red fans are in meltdown over this. Overnight they've turned into community spirited budgeting experts... forgetting that they took £23m off LCC for their eyesore and turned the houses near Anfield into Beirut.

Make this happen

Mark Morrissey
108 Posted 05/01/2017 at 15:52:33
I have read the posts on here from those who attended and if they think it sounds very positive, then that will do for me. I'd rather here that from within our ranks than from someone spinning a yarn for the tabloid press. I feel a lot more positive now.
Alan McGuffog
109 Posted 05/01/2017 at 16:19:57
Should the new Stadium be built at Bramley-Moore Dock, then surely, now that we have some decent business acumen on the board, the ground will be used for other events rather than footy? That being the case, why settle for 50k?

A brand spanking modern iconic stadium on the banks of the Royal Blue Mersey would surely attract a whole variety of events. If they can play NFL at Wembley then maybe the occasional international game can be hosted here. I imagine the Stones will also need stadiums to rock in for the next 20 years...why not here.

The future could be unimaginable!! The again, I can still see us in Legoland in Gillmoss. Ah well...

Ciarán McGlone
110 Posted 05/01/2017 at 16:50:29
This all sounds very positive, but I have an uneasy cautiousness given the individuals at the heart of it.

Jim Murphy
111 Posted 05/01/2017 at 17:31:07
All sounds very promising, but like most Evertonians I'm scared to dream. To dream about the senior club in the city's home being on the waterfront for all to see on the horizon as they approach this great city.

To dream about singing our famous song about stretching certain fans necks and actually being in the right place to do it. To dream about once again being at the top table and throwing food at the Sky darlings.

To dream about taking the city back off our illegitimate neighbors. Stay in Anfield – the city's all ours. Make it happen. COYB.
Bill Watson
112 Posted 05/01/2017 at 18:49:29
Ray (#106).

The standout away game for me was Birmingham. It was an afternoon game on the day after a Bank Holiday. Four games from the end of the season and we won 0-1. Tony Kay sat on the ball near the corner flag to run the clock down!

Walking back to the coach a convertible Bentley drew alongside and the bloke asked if we wanted a lift home. My mate replied that we were okay as we were on 'The Crown' (coach).

So ended any possible future career in Littlewoods. lol!

Nicholas Ryan
113 Posted 05/01/2017 at 19:14:23
The cat is out of the bag! Elstone said: '...Our partnership with Liverpool CC..'

As I suspected, the new ground is to be at Aigburth [Liverpool Cricket Club!]

Technically, it's a riverside site!

I think we'll be okay in terms of the other lot... there isn't a Norwegian phrase for 'Bramley-Moore Dock'!

Richard Reeves
114 Posted 05/01/2017 at 19:27:46
A single steep stand wrapped around the pitch with a couple of levels of executive boxes above. Above them on the equivalent of the Main Stand and Bullens Road side – an extra stand of 10,000 each towering over either side of the pitch taking the capacity to 60,000.

Behind the goal ends, a wall of glass to flood the light in and leave the option to expand with an extra tier on either side of 10,000 each to join the whole thing up and take the maximum capacity (if ever required) to 80,000. That would do.

If the stadium is to be built it has to be with room for expansion even if that time is a long way off. I think we could fill a new 60,000 stadium on the docks but if not there's never been a better time to increase the fan base and future revenue in the long run by reducing ticket prices while there's so much money in the game from advertising, sponsorship and TV rights.

Dave Abrahams
115 Posted 05/01/2017 at 19:50:20
I might be wrong but did anyone notice while Elstone was giving his talk about the finances of the club, it appeared on the screen that Mr, Moshiri had given the club an interest free loan of £80M and over £54M had been used to pay off the outstanding debts.

Elstone said this would save the club over £5M a year in interest fees; by my reckoning it would also add £26M to the clubs assets. I may have got this wrong, maybe someone else who was there could elaborate on this.

Ray Roche
116 Posted 05/01/2017 at 22:29:34
Bill Watson (#112),

So, let's get this right a Bentley convertible pulls up and John Moores offers you a lift... and you prefer Crown Coachways?

You needed therapy...

Bill Watson
117 Posted 08/01/2017 at 18:37:31
Not me lol. It was my mate who blurted out we were on a coach. He wasn't the sharpest tool in the box!

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