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Greg O'Keefe

ECHO reporter and Everton fan Greg O'Keeffe was six when the Blues last won the title. But with a European tour on the horizon and another season of drama at Goodison Park, he is a determined optimist.

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STADIUM DEBATE

Posted by Greg O'Keeffe on November 15, 2007 11:46 AM | 

LOTS of blues are sick of the Kirkby debate and probably wish it would go away.
It evokes such deep-seated emotions and memories, suspicions and fears that getting involved should carry a health warning.
The debate isn’t going anywhere though.

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Every new image released by Everton and Tesco sparks thousands of reactions.
Each new slice of intrigue from KEIOC does likewise.
The latest concerns the report by world-renowned architects HOK which proves that a 55,000 seat stadium can be built on the Scotland Road Loop site.
I’ve seen it and this is true.
While I’m sure this won’t send the Kirkby train careering off its tracks, it should be food for thought.
Many people, including our own top brass, have been quick to dismiss the Loop.
It’s a headache of a site which would need major cooperation from Liverpool city council and the private sector (not to mention a potentially bigger investment from Everton).
But I defy any blue to say that staying in the city of Liverpool, on the brink of the city centre and in an iconic location like Scotty is not preferable to Kirkby.
The images coming from Tesco/Everton continue to underwhelm me.
Meanwhile the argument against abandoning a city in Renaissance strengthens.
Does Everton F.C. have a choice?
Or are we so skint that we must follow the path of least investment?

Comments (10)

david k wrote...

Well said, Gregg. It had to be said. This is a horrific future the club are rolling out before the eyes of its loyal fanbase.

Nil Satis Nisi Optimum? They're having a laugh.

Stop this madness now!

Posted by: david k  | November 15, 2007 12:52 PM

Bobby wrote...

That's it right there in a nutshell Greg.

I think most supporters just want the Club, the council, anybody to give us an indication of how much investment the Scotland Road site would require. There is absolutely no doubt that 'going home' to Everton would be by far the most preferable choice to being hidden away in Knowsley 8 miles from the city centre for Evertonians everywhere (apart from Kirkby, maybe!).

You're right though. The images we've seen of the Kirkby Project are laughable for a club of Everton's stature. Kenwright should be ashamed, especially when you consider presentation should be his forte!!

Posted by: Bobby  | November 15, 2007 1:05 PM

Colin wrote...

Well said Greg, It seems to me that our CEO will do anything and say anything to take Everton to Kirkby, which tends to get people asking a lot of questions regarding what's in it for him as nobody can see what's in it for anyone else. He doesn't seem very good value for money, 460K per annum, when he's delivered yet another massive trading loss, is this his full time job or does anyone know if he's involved with any other companies?

Posted by: Colin  | November 15, 2007 4:42 PM

Simon P wrote...

Absolutely spot on there Greg

Well in

Posted by: Simon P  | November 15, 2007 4:53 PM

Cathy Johansen wrote...

So right, it has to be Loop if Goodison can't be redeveloped - although I think it can.

Posted by: Cathy Johansen  | November 15, 2007 7:36 PM

leSCOTT wrote...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWAAUIWCmsc

Posted by: leSCOTT  | November 15, 2007 11:06 PM

Sheedy wrote...

Spot on Greg ! How does it feel being a blue and working for the Echo, when they obviously have their own agenda re; Kirkby?

Posted by: Sheedy  | November 16, 2007 11:08 AM

the jocket wrote...

Can you just imagine the hullaballoo from the Echo, Radio Merseyside and Radio City if Liverpool said they were to leave the city.

Yet there has been hardly a word said against Everton going.

Our local media should collectively hang their heads in shame.

Posted by: the jocket  | November 17, 2007 10:49 AM

Paul wrote...

Why do the Echo seem in favour of a move to Kirkby? It doesn't make any sense,they should be up in arms about this.
Years ago Kirkby complained that Gilmoss was going to get a massive Tesco that was to see the whole area redeveloped and Knowsley Council threatened to halt it.
Now Gilmoss is still in ruins,Tesco has since pulled out then want to set up in Kirkby,suspicious.
Imagine the view of the stadium at the loop with all of the new skyscrapers in the background,it would be amazing and Everton would be returning home in the meantime.
I can't believe anybody would support this move because it stinks of corruption from day one,why was Kirkby given the right to speak to Everton alone without any imput of L.C.C.
Wyness is in it for himself,when it happens he'll scurry away with a nice big bonus and we'll be left with a second rate stadium out in the sticks,sorry it's not for me.

Posted by: Paul  | November 19, 2007 4:57 PM

Mark Billing wrote...

Chris Potts is a town planner - as a chartered civil engineer I know more about the costs and posssibilities of the various sites than he does - he's the usual Kenwright 'rabbbit for a top hat' trick that Kenwright plays every AGM - be suspicious, very suspicious! Why does the Everton image of the Loop differ from that of Bestway/HOK? (As published on the official website post AGM.) At least compare apples with apples Bill!

Posted by: Mark Billing  | December 8, 2007 3:56 AM

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