Ground share 'not an option' for Liverpool FC

by Richard Buxton. Published Fri 27 Nov 2009 19:55

Liverpool FC had categorically stated that they have no intention of entering into discussions over a possible ground share with neighbours Everton.

Goodison chief executive Robert Elstone reopened the debate of a shared stadium for Merseyside's Premier League clubs in the aftermath of Everton's failed Destination Kirkby project which would have seen the Blues build a 60,000-seater stadium in the Knowsley town.

However the Reds' deputy executive director Peter Shaw has quashed those suggestions and insists that plans to press on with building a new Anfield are ongoing despite the club struggling to progress with their plans for a 60,000 capacity ground on nearby Stanley Park due to a series of financial setbacks.

He said: “It’s not on our agenda at the moment. Liverpool are progressing forward with our own stadium. That is the position we are still in.

“The LFC stadium is quite far progressed and once the financial markets reopen for business the LFC stadium will progress further.”

Warren Bradley, the leader of Liverpool City Council, has long been an advocate of the shared stadium idea but believes that it is not currently viable and that redevelopment of Goodison Park is a more realistic option.

He said: “I think it is up to the club to come to us, we will work with Everton to help them achieve what they want.

“I was the one who first floated the idea. But I think we have come to a crossroads. I am not in a position to start dictating to two commercial businesses what to do.

“Robert Elstone has said that he would not rule anything in or out. But I am not going to dictate.

“I would say to Everton as soon as we can let’s talk in a constructive manner about what Everton want to achieve with the help of the council to help them secure funding.

“My favoured option has always been the redevelopment of Goodison.”

However Joe Anderson, Bradley's opposite number as leader of the Liverpool Labour Party, is convinced that the rejection of Destination Kirkby will provide a fresh opportunity for both clubs to re-enter into talks over a potential shared stadium.

He said: “As far as I am concerned this is now a real opportunity for the city council to talk to both Liverpool FC and Everton FC.

“We need to get some meaningful, open, and honest dialogue with both clubs to understand their financial situations.

“And we have got to talk to Everton about what they can offer and what they can do. We need to know exactly what their financial situation is so the council can look at helping.”

The North West Development Agency have been in favour of a shared stadium between Liverpool and Everton and their chief executive Steve Broomhead has vowed to help negotiations run smoothly despite strong opposition from supporters on both sides of Stanley Park.

He said: “We have always thought it was an option that needed to be tested.

“Our position is that it is a legitimate option that remains in place, as ever it is the clubs that will have to decide what they want to do.”

Liverpool supporters' union Spirit of Shankly have issued a statement reiterating their stance on the possibility of being joint tenants with their local rivals, who they will face in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday.

A spokesman said: "We would like to take this opportunity to again make clear our stance on such an issue. At an EGM in September 2008, Union members voted unanimously against the idea of sharing a stadium with Everton FC.

"This stance remains unchanged, despite the best efforts of those in the media and in positions of influence trying to encourage it."