The Mayor of Liverpool insists that the city’s Commonwealth Games bid will not affect Everton’s move to Bramley-Moore Dock.
Joe Anderson made the pledge after the site of the Blues’ new stadium was confirmed as one of several destinations earmarked for the 2022 hosting bid.
Goodison Park will also feature in the list of venues should Liverpool win the right to the games – two years after Everton’s projected departure from the site.
A temporary running track is set to be installed at the new stadium in Bramley-Moore to accommodate athletics events during the Commonwealth Games.
But in an open letter to supporters, Mayor Anderson insisted that the original agreement for Everton’s future home will not be affected by the plans.
“I know you will be wondering if the city’s Commonwealth Games ambitions will affect you getting the type of stadium you want,” he wrote.
“I know that everyone at the club – not least the Chairman and Mr [Farhad] Moshiri, who I am in regular contact with – is absolutely committed to replicating the intimacy, fan proximity and atmosphere of Goodison Park at our new home.
“I share that commitment and we won’t make the mistakes others have made.
“Our plan is to install a temporary track after the final home game of the 2021/22 season, which will then be removed before the 2022/23 season starts in the autumn.
“Just like it would be if the club was hosting a concert or another sporting event, the infrastructure will be temporary with all the costs of installation and removal met by the Commonwealth Games.
“The club’s new stadium will be purpose-built as a football stadium for generations of Everton fans to enjoy, keeping the intimate atmosphere and close-to-the-pitch feel that our games are famous for.
“The running track, and other Commonwealth Games infrastructure will be temporary in nature and will not permanently influence the stadium’s design, capacity or configuration.”
He added: “However, our commitment to working with the club to deliver the world-class, iconic waterfront stadium that all Evertonians will be proud to call home will not be compromised in any way.”