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Everton stadium to be 'real surprise' and revenue 'game-changer' as Sky Sports footage emerges
Everton stadium architect Dan Meis has called the project a “game-changer from a revenue perspective” for the club, as new footage was released.
The dockside development has become a vital part of the short and long-term future for the Toffees, with owner Farhad Moshiri bringing in outside investment to ensure climbing costs are covered.
The deal with MSP Sports Capital is still considered “close” and the Americans’ investment will go towards the build, which has been tipped to be a “real surprise” for fans.
Speaking to Sky Sports (27 July) Meis said: “I think the real surprise here will be that unlike some of the other new buildings in the UK, some of the new football grounds, it feels as tight an intimate as Goodison does.
“The stands are very steep, right on top of the pitch. The roof is right over your head, and I think that’s going to be the surprise.
“While it is new and a bit larger it’s going to feel like you’re just right on top of the pitch, and I think everybody will love that, except for the opposing fans maybe.
“I think it’s indescribable, I really do. Obviously the fans have held their breath the last few years and it’s been a rough few seasons, but this is going to be a game-changer, it’s obviously going to be a game-changer from a revenue perspective.”
Hopeful
A financial game-changer is exactly what Everton need currently as they continue to operate with spending pressures that are preventing them from being expansive in the transfer market.
The move to the new stadium can’t come soon enough, but with El Bilal Touré the latest target the club have missed out on concerns are again growing that the transfer business right now isn’t going to be strong enough to avoid another relegation battle.
Fears are real that the end of Goodison Park’s time as the Toffees’ home could see them heading into the second tier, and arriving into their glittering new ground outside the Premier League for the first time.
Such a turn of events would temper the revenue benefits that the increased capacity would provide, and make the road to recovery that much longer.
So while the sight of what looks like a genuinely impressive stadium is encouraging on one level, the remaining weeks of the transfer window are just as important for now.
There is time yet for Sean Dyche, Kevin Thelwell and company to get the necessary signings over the line, but it is one again proving a slog with just Ashley Young and Arnaut Danjuma in so far, and a striker still badly needed.
In other Everton news, another target from January is back on the cards after an update on a deal with an English rival.