Everton will consult fans about a potential mid-season stadium move.
Work on the club’s future 52,888-capacity home at Bramley-Moore Dock is still firmly on track to be completed at some stage in the 2024/25 campaign.
That timeline has opened up the prospect of the Blues leaving Goodison Park before the end of that season, leaving behind their abode of over 130 years.
But Everton’s stadium director and interim chief executive Colin Chong insists that proposal will be put to fans and other stakeholders before any final decision.
He said: “Moving mid-season may offer some commercial benefits, but also presents a series of challenges and hurdles that could negatively impact other aspects of the club – and other commercial considerations.
“What I can say categorically is that, today, the project is several weeks ahead of schedule, with another winter to come.
“In the coming months we will be consulting supporters further on our digital journey and the migration process as we seek to make a fully informed decision on when the first competitive game for our senior men’s team will be played at Everton Stadium.
“This will be our home for generations to come, so our ambition is to ensure we get this right for everyone.
“It may have been a difficult and turbulent season on the pitch, but I know that in Everton Stadium we have a glimpse into the future of football for our great club.
“The aim has always been to deliver on a promise to build something that all Evertonians can be proud of.
“When you finally walk through the entrances in that boundary wall, I’m sure you will agree it will be that and much, much more.”