Mersey rivals begin ground share talks

LIVERPOOL and Everton have been involved in initial talks over the possibility of sharing a ground.

The city council and the Northwest Development Agency have urged the two Merseyside giants to give consideration to the issue as the long-term solution to the ongoing debate over the future of Anfield and Goodison Park continues.

Public money could be made available for such a project should the two sides end up sharing a stadium, although Liverpool have been swift to reaffirm their commitment to the regeneration of Stanley Park.

A statement from Bryan Gray, chairman of NWDA, who are responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of the region, said: “The Northwest Development Agency, together with Liverpool City Council, have asked Liverpool FC and Everton FC to discuss the economic development and regeneration benefits of building a new, world-class football stadium in Liverpool.

“The Agency are supportive of Liverpool FC’s plans to build a new stadium and are keen to ensure the development brings the greatest possible benefit for the city and the wider north west. We are also aware of Everton’s ambition for a new home. Hence, discussions are taking place.

No early outcome is expected and the decision will not affect Liverpool FC’s intended application for planning permission.”

Liverpool are poised to submit a planning application at the beginning of October for a multi-million pound stadium in Stanley Park, while Everton’s long-running bid to move from Goodison has so far proved unsuccessful, with plans to move to a waterfront development at Kings Dock the latest to run aground.

Anfield chief executive Rick Parry said on www.liverpoolfc.tv: “NWDA support for our stadium project is key to its success, which is why we were happy to meet them.

“It gave us the opportunity to explain just how far advanced our plans are and reiterate our commitment to Stanley Park, the amount of work undertaken and considerable investment that has already gone into the project over the last three years.”