Everton news as Steve Rotherham reveals loan talks at Goodison Park
Steve Rotherham has revealed that talks were held to loan Everton £30million, on top of a £15m grant, to help fund the club’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
The Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region dropped the funding twist in a column penned for the Liverpool Echo on Tuesday [26 September].
Everton’s bleak financial situation is well-publicised, but they managed to raise money for their new grounds via other means.
Rotherham said: “Such is its strategic importance that, as a city region, talks were held with the Combined Authority I lead to loan the club £30m at a competitive rate of interest, which would have delivered returns for us to reinvest into projects across the region, in addition to a £15m grant to preserve the heritage of the site and improve public access.
“The club was able to find an alternative funding source, but the importance of the project and our commitment to delivering it has not diminished.”
Plenty of questions
The controversial 777 Partners takeover at Goodison Park, assuming it is ratified by the Premier League, does little to truly clear up Everton’s money worries.
Many have questioned just how much money will be pumped into the club, and via what means?
However, the fact the Toffees felt they could turn down a large sum from elsewhere suggests they do not fear being able to fund the stadium through to its conclusion.
Once the venue is complete, which could be around December next year all going well, it will be a jewel in the city of Liverpool’s crown.
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority understand that, explaining why they were supposedly willing to hand over £15m as part of a grant, plus a fairly sizeable loan.
Let’s just hope this isn’t a decision that comes back to haunt the club.
In other Everton news, Sean Dyche has been praised for a “very brave” decision he made at the weekend.