The issue of a shared stadium for Liverpool and Everton is on the agenda again after Everton had their stadium plans turned down. But although it might make economic sense, it is unlikely to appeal to fans and will probably not get anywhere. Everton’s plan to build a 50,000 capacity stadium at Kirkby on the outskirts of Liverpool was turned down by the government. The development would have involved Tesco and Communities Secretary John Denham decided that the scheme breached policy to discourage supermarket chains sucking business away from town centres.
The issue of a shared stadium for Liverpool and Everton is on the agenda again after Everton had their stadium plans turned down. But although it might make economic sense, it is unlikely to appeal to fans and will probably not get anywhere. Everton’s plan to build a 50,000 capacity stadium at Kirkby on the outskirts of Liverpool was turned down by the government. The development would have involved Tesco and Communities Secretary John Denham decided that the scheme breached policy to discourage supermarket chains sucking business away from town centres. He took into account that the scheme could serve as a catalyst for regeneration in Kirkby. The decision pleased the Keep Everton In Our City campaign, but may leave Liverpool without a suitable venue should England succeed in securing the 2018 World Cup.
The news followed the publication of Everton’s financial figures for the year ending 31 May. Boosted by an appearance in the FA Cup Final and a new marketing deal with online retailer Kitbag, Everton’s turnover was up from £75.7m to £79.7m. The wage bill remained at about £45m, a quarter of that for Chelsea. Profit before player trading fell slightly from £6.8m to £6.2m. Goodison Park has a capacity of 40,000, but a tenth of those seats have such a restricted view they are rarely filled. Some 21,000 out of 40,000 seats have a pillar between them and the pitch. Everton has a big fan base with almost 27,000 season ticket holders, but space is so restricted that some corporate members are housed in a marquee in the car park. On a match day Everton takes £800,000 compared with £3.3m at Arsenal. Everton are 33 per cent behind the average league club in terms of income: five years ago it was 19 per cent. But even if fans’ opposition to a shared stadium was overcome, it is doubtful whether Everton could afford half the £150m cost.
Ground sharing is more common on the European continent because stadiums are often built by municipal authorities who rent them out. However, even there the attractions are fading. Inter Milan are thinking of moving away from the San Siro which they shared with AC Milan since 1947. They think they would have better commercial opportunities in a stadium of their own. Roma, after years of sharing with Lazio, have announced plans to leave the Stadio Olimpico for a new ground, which although smaller, would have greater revenue potential. In Germany, Bayern Munich and 1860 Munich share the Allianz Arena which is lit up with different colours according to which team is playing at home. But everyone knows that Bayern are the senior partner and 1860 the poor relations. It’s a scenario Everton would wish to avoid, but they are running out of options.