Phil Thompson backtracks after Everton stadium jibe, Allardyce in hysterics – ‘Sorry’
Phil Thompson was quick to backtrack after making a jibe about Everton’s new stadium ahead of the Merseyside derby clash with Liverpool.
Everton host fierce rivals Liverpool at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening (12 February) in the final derby to be staged at the famous old ground.
The Toffees will soon make the move across to their state-of-the-art new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, which looks truly breathtaking in new footage that has emerged.
However, Liverpool legend Thompson could not help himself in having a pop at the new stadium when previewing this latest showdown on Sam Allardyce’s No Tippy Tappy Football podcast.
Phil Thompson takes fresh Everton swipe
Thompson said [11 February, 34m 18s]: “It’s fitting they have a 25,000-seater stadium down there at the waterfront.”
Allardyce laughed at that remark, knowing full well that the venue will host more than 52,000 spectators once fully open.
Thompson then backtracked and said: “Is it going to be more? Sorry, 52,000…”
The former Liverpool player and manager went on to add that the stadium looks “magnificent”.
What capacity is Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock?
The official capacity of the new ground is 52,888 and, as per the club’s official website, has already won plaudits and accolades with its eye-catching design that blends the modern with the traditional.
Liverpool City Mayor Steve Rotheram recently got it badly wrong with his announcement for Everton fans who look forward travelling to Bramley-Moore Dock, with the countdown now fully under way.
Indeed, 10,000 lucky fans will soon be invited along for the first test event at the new stadium, which is part of the process of eventually opening at full capacity.
Everton will then be in a position to open for 52,888 people come the start of next season, which will kickstart a new era for the Toffees.
Before then, David Moyes is tasked with keeping Everton in the Premier League. Not so long ago, that looked like being a massive challenge.
Thanks to a fine run of league form, though, it is surely now a case of looking up rather than down at the relegation zone.
And should the Blues pull off what would be a shock win over Liverpool, it will only help to lift the mood further in what is a hugely exciting period ahead.