Richard Keys moots radical Everton plan to relocate training ground to London, Andy Gray reacts
Richard Keys has mooted a radical plan that involves Everton moving their training base away from Finch Farm and to London.
With football becoming more and more a global sport, we’ve seen regular claims of high-profile players only wanting to join clubs based in London due to the lifestyle there.
In order to combat that, Keys feels that it would benefit teams like the Toffees if they were to ditch Finch Farm and head to the South East.
“Think outside the box and I repeat, you move your senior squad closer to London so the players can be where they really want to be geographically. What does it matter that they train at Finch Farm or London Colney? Really?”
Andy Gray then asked a baffled Jason McAteer whether he’d want Liverpool to move to London and he said: “No…because it’s our home, it’s where we live, it’s where we are, it’s our identity.”
After Gray laughed, Keys hit back, saying: “Your club maintains it’s links to the city, your Under-18s, Under-23s, your infrastructure, your community work is all focused on the city.
“But your senior players, who you never see in the city, you won’t see any of them these days wandering around the city, want to live and work elsewhere in the country.”
McAteer remained baffled so ex-Evertonian Gray chipped in to add: “He’s hit me with this one for around 18 months, two years now. I think he’s got a valid point, I have to say, because he’s bombarded me with this but I’ve argued it down for the same reasons as you.
“But he does have points that you have to accept are valid, right? And, I hate to say this to him because I don’t ever want Everton to move away from Liverpool.”
Keys then hit back, saying: “But the players do. The players live in south Manchester anyway. They might as well live in North London.
“That’s my point.”
What on earth?
Guess what, Keys. It does matter where a team trains.
If we had a squad of players who lived in London but played for Everton, would they have any real connection with the club?
Would they really care about Everton FC if they live in Kensington or West Brompton?
It’s nonsensical and sounds like the ranting and raving of an absolute madman who’s doing whatever he can to remain relevant in the UK.
McAteer’s reaction in the clip above sums it up for us.
You don’t have to be based in London to be successful. Look at the two most successful clubs in this country in terms of silverware and where they’re based.
Arsenal and Chelsea are the only teams in London with a substantial amount of silverware yet teams in the North-West, North-East, Yorkshire and West Midlands have still been able to attact top players and win things.
Put a lid on it, Keys. You’re making yourself look stupid – again.
As for Gray, don’t pander to this idiocy.
In other Everton news, a £20million dream for the Toffees ace is being blown to bits.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on Everton plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.