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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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WHAT IF...

Posted by Greg O'Keeffe on June 17, 2008 2:51 PM | 

WHAT’S going to happen if we actually do end up moving to Kirkby?
This whole raging headache of a debate is finally in its final stage and that’s a question we’re going to have to come to terms with imminently.

kirkby2.jpg
If the Government decides against calling in the proposals of Everton, Tesco and Knowsley council, all parties want to break ground quicker than you can say 'Every Little Helps'.
Some at Keioc believe a call-in is inevitable and Keith Wyness has already said that development could prove the fatal blow to the Kirkby Project.
But let’s just imagine for a moment that Culture minister Andy Burnham and his sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe keep schtum. What then?
That will mean a lot of oaths sworn in the heat of argument being held up to scrutiny pretty quickly.
By which I mean Blues who have vowed to turn their backs on the club they love if it leaves its spiritual home in L4.
There are many. One of the most fevrent young-ish blues I know has vowed never to set foot in the Kirkby ground and others are saying they’ll cherry pick games a lot more and invest in away days instead.
While I understand their passion I don’t think I can walk away from watching Everton like that.
And by ‘watching Everton’ I mean the first team playing in Royal Blue at their ‘home’ ground.
Even though I passionately want us to remain in Liverpool I’m not sure that I’m ready to cut all ties if we don’t.
I wonder if many of the vehemently anti-Kirkby blues will actually stop supporting Everton? Or if many will be forced to swallow their pride, somehow deal with their understandable fury and get the train to Kirkby?
The stark alternative is huge swathes of blues fading away. Faces you know from County Road, fellas you used to sit next to, mates you’ve gone with for years.....all finding something else to do with their Saturdays (or Sundays, or Thursday nights).
It’s got the potential to be the biggest most divisive issue in Everton’s entire history.
What will you do?

PS - Every day David Moyes new contract remains unsigned I get slightly more unsettled. If he has the reassurances he wants over summer spending, what is the delay? I hope he does have those reassurances? Surely?...

Comments (28)

dave wrote...

It's quite straight forward. A team playing in Royal Blue in Kirkby is NOT Everton FC. Therefore, it wont be any wrench at all to draw a line under my support for Everton FC.

My club will have existed between 1878 and 2010.

Posted by: dave  | June 17, 2008 4:05 PM

Tim Keen wrote...

I support Everton FC, always have, always will. However I will go from an active supporter to a follower.

I cannot bring myself to imagine my Everton rebranding itself as a Knowsley club just so the owners don't have to dilute their share ownership.

I don't mind people who voted yes at the time, because it was framed as move or die, but those who still think it is a good idea now the true costs and awful transport plan have been revealed have nothing but my contempt.

KEIOC

Posted by: Tim Keen  | June 17, 2008 4:13 PM

Rob Baker wrote...

I think that a lot of the oaths uttered by those who are anti-Kirkby will be forgotten if this goes ahead.

I also think that there will be a split in the fanbase for a long time to come, the tactics and attitude from some 'Evertonians' has been little short of a disgrace.

Posted by: Rob Baker  | June 17, 2008 4:42 PM

Craig wrote...

I'm Against Kirkby, but i will give it one season, and depending how my match experience changes I'll decide whether to stop or continue, and even if we win a Quadrouple if I have a awful match day experience (i.e the 8 hour match day) I'll be out of there before you can say clubcard points.

As for County Road, I'm sure Subscriptions To Star Sports and ESPN have rocketed in that area, the pubs will be fine, but it won't be the same. it'll be like being a liverpool fan.

Posted by: Craig  | June 17, 2008 4:58 PM

magicjuan wrote...

Not a cat in hell's chance of going to kirkby to watch FC Nu Everton. I'm an Evertonian and support Everton FC. No one else. No one else's version either.

Posted by: magicjuan  | June 17, 2008 6:46 PM

magicjuan wrote...

Not a cat in hell's chance of going to kirkby to watch FC Nu Everton. I'm an Evertonian and support Everton FC. No one else. No one else's version either.

Posted by: magicjuan  | June 17, 2008 6:47 PM

stephen hawkins football boots wrote...

If we do move, Will this be the same Everton?, Will we lose fans?, Will we gain any fans?, Are we letting Liverpool fc have complete control of the city?
If we ever win anything will the team bus go through Kirkby and not the city centre?,
Look at the staduim and tell me its the best for the club cos its not, Will your mum go up to kirkby with you and go shopping next door while you go the match?,
Will Everton ever have a 55,000 sell out, what is keith wyness and bill kenwright getting out of this move?
Goodison will be mowed down to Liverpool's car park, why cant we stay in the city? will the price of a match ticket go up? will the working class lads from ie walton, kirkdale, anfield, west derby, bootle be able to afford travel expenses to kirkby?
Why are the board saying it was a free staduim of tesco and now its costing us 78 million?
Will we lose the next generation of fans? Because if you look at the new Liverpool one shopping center in the heart of the city we have already lost them.
Why cant we build a team first like arsenal then move to a ground?, Are we going to be like Man City, Bolton, Middlesboro were there arenas are epmty on a wet Tuesday night with no atmosphere?.
Ive followed Everton all MY life because they are MY local team from MY local city and that tesco car park arena isnt good enough for MY football club! KEIOC

Posted by: stephen hawkins football boots  | June 17, 2008 7:00 PM

Gerard Madden wrote...

My opinion is that those who don't follow us in 2010 are simply as much an 'evertonian' as those who didnt follow us in 1892 and became the RS - they simply aren't Evertonians.
They thought they were but they are not and probably never were - many of them are simply supporters of the dreadful 'County Road Experience', a few pissy ales before the match, put a bet on, watch the game, a few pissy ales after the match accompanied by a hygiene questionable over-greasy portion of chips.

Despite the propoganda of those who remain against and the alternative 'options' being offered by magicians before and during the ballot the fans voted 60-40 for the move.

Only 28% of eligable voters voted 'no'. An entire season has just gone without any chanting or a single protest - oops sorry I forgot the couple o' dozen after the Utd game last September.

In reality I bet you only 100 or so (give or take) 'evertonians' will end up preferring not to travel by some form of transport to Kirkby after being used for so long to walking up.

The above post is directed at the likes of 'dave' who say EFC wont exist beyond 2010, not the very few genuine fans who wont be attending because they are against the move but will still regard EFC as their team.

Posted by: Gerard Madden  | June 17, 2008 9:51 PM

Dave Taylor wrote...

I'll follow the blues wherever they go, till my dying breath... only a very small proportion of 'quitters' will follow through their threat... there is always going to be people who drop off when a club moves, just as there will be people who start going the match again... if Kirkby does happen attendances will eventually bottom out as the same they are now (unless we start winning a few trophies) - the numbers won't change, but maybe the people and the atmosphere will.

Posted by: Dave Taylor  | June 18, 2008 8:36 AM

Piecemeal wrote...

The people who still rage at the pending Kirkby move are living in the past.
Yes, it will be a wrench and will be an end to a chapter in our history to not be running out at Goodison.
But football is all about evolving and progressing. If we want to compete as a big club and be serious about winning trophies again, this move is essential.
The amount of column inches wasted by having to give a voice to views, while passionate and well-intentioned, but essentially skewed from the point of view of facts and sound business and football sense, is staggering.
Let's move to Kirkby and bring this great football club into the 21st century where it belongs.

Posted by: Piecemeal  | June 18, 2008 8:48 AM

Greg O'Keeffe wrote...

Just checked out NSNO.co.uk and wanted to reply to Si.
You're quite right to say that people who don't go the match can still be proper Evertonians.
Not everyone can go for financial, or geographical reasons.
I didn't mean to say otherwise in the blog really. I phrased it clumsily but I was trying to say that I will still want to watch Everton whether they are in L4 or not.
People who can't/won't are not any less of a blue.

Posted by: Greg O'Keeffe  | June 18, 2008 8:59 AM

al wrote...

Everton FC is Everton FC wherever we play. I love Goodison Park - Jesus, me fave memory in life is STILL when I was a 7 year old mascot in 1987, home to Man City (just before Norwich away - but I love the heart and soul of the club. Not bricks and mortar.
I'm not saying Goodison isn't special - but my memories are tied up in people, players, goals and moments. And some of them have been at away games - are they any less treasured? Is Neville's tip 'round the post at Hillsborough any less revered than a Goodison moment? Or Sharpy's volley at Anfield? ... That said, I don't want to move outside Liverpool and support anyone offering alternatives to Kirkby.
But I'll still be going to watch Everton ...

Posted by: al  | June 18, 2008 9:44 AM

Piecemeal wrote...

Al,

A reasoned, well argued, passionate and sensible comment.
I salute you.

Posted by: Piecemeal  | June 18, 2008 9:57 AM

mike wrote...

People are aware that we are based in Walton [L4] and not Everton [L6]?

Posted by: mike  | June 18, 2008 11:02 AM

David wrote...

I will still be going IF Everton move to "KIRKBY" I would love a stadium to be built in the city, but what part of the city, Speke, Stanley road, Goodison. The new Analfield, if its built, will also be major problems, anyone who's been to an anfield derby know's it's a nightmare to get away from after the match, what will it be like if they get 60,000 in there, Norwegian road signs giving directions. Seriously though, Kirkby is not my first choice but nowhere could replace Goodison, whether it be on a green belt or a brown belt building plot. If goodison could be re-built on it's original site, it still would not be the same. The worst part of all this is the split amongst the fans, whether you agree or not the ammount of insults to others and to Kirkby is not what Everton fans are about.

Posted by: David  | June 18, 2008 11:07 AM

David wrote...

I will still be going IF Everton move to "KIRKBY" I would love a stadium to be built in the city, but what part of the city, Speke, Stanley road, Goodison.
The new Analfield, if it's built, will also be major problems, anyone who's been to an anfield derby know's it's a nightmare to get away from after the match, what will it be like if they get 60,000 in there, Norwegian road signs giving directions.
Seriously though, Kirkby is not my first choice but nowhere could replace Goodison, whether it be on a green belt or a brown belt building plot.
If goodison could be re-built on it's original site, it still would not be the same. The worst part of all this is the split amongst the fans, whether you agree or not the ammount of insults to others and to Kirkby is not what Everton fans are about.

Posted by: David  | June 18, 2008 11:07 AM

Stevp wrote...

Taking everything away from the "It's not Goodison" argument,I think we'd all love nothing more than to stay at Goodison and redevolop but if the increasingly inevitable move does happen I think we've got to stop banging on about the fact it's not in Liverpool. It is in all but the colour of the wheelies.
One question, do you class your friends and family from Kirkby as anything other than scousers?

Posted by: Stevp  | June 18, 2008 12:50 PM

Tim Keen wrote...

Piecemeal - a lot of people still repeat the mantra that moving on is the sensible and logical decision, needed to bring the club into the 21st century.

Look at the latest facts and figures relating to the stadium. All logic and business sense would show that the move will make the club worse off than staying put. When we only had to borrow a few million it was a close call as to whether a lot more money would be generated but now borrowing will be at least £40m (out of a minimum £78m needed by Everton FC) then the figures simply don't add up.
Please read the planning application that was passed, it is nothing like the deal you seem to think it is.

Posted by: Tim Keen  | June 18, 2008 12:59 PM

Derek Turnbull wrote...

This is the exact reason why we all must fight to get the design changed. It very well may happen.

GET THE EXECUTIVE BOXES OUT OF THE NEW GWLADYS STREET.

Double them up on the sidestands

Posted by: Derek Turnbull  | June 18, 2008 1:41 PM

big john wrote...

If the boundry of Liverpool skirted a yard around the ground so it was in liverpool would the move be such an issue?
If it was built with our motto as its starting and finishing point and we get the best in europe the pill would be easier to swallow.
Although it's hard not to be cynical when you need a degree in quantum physics to move season tickets or the whole of Goodison goes into meltdown when someone wants to buy a shirt.
The facts and figures rolling out of Wyness' mouth smell of Grimsby.
I wonder if that vote holds much water when the goalposts are moving more than in a USA world cup game

Posted by: big john  | June 18, 2008 9:15 PM

Piecemeal wrote...

Let's be honest, Goodison looks like,a dump. Hardly looks like a Prem ground these days.
That grotty garage in front of it, pubs boarded up next to it.
Hardly attractive to entice future generations to watch us.
I think Big John hits the nail on the head...'If the boundry of Liverpool skirted a yard around the ground so it was in liverpool would the move be such an issue?'
That's the nub of the issue. The move out the city. Even though is no more than a spit away. That and some childish songs the Reg may sing at the Derby.
I can get over all of that.

Posted by: Piecemeal  | June 19, 2008 2:53 PM

badlydrawnblue wrote...

Firstly, I don't want to go. End of.

Will I be there when the first ball is rolled under the studs of a player kicking off for the first time?

Probably. And my kids will be there too as well as me arl fella,sister, uncles and mates. But it won't be the same, never can be, wherever a new ground will be.

Will I enjoy the match again? Who knows, Goodison has been 'the experience' for 33 years of my life. It will be difficult to go to a 'home' game and not feel the same.

But I do think if the Tesco deal is 'called in' that will be the end of the matter. Also, the astonishing rise in the price of steel will have an effect too and let's not forget we are fast heading into what could possibly be the worst reccession to hit the country.

Building this new ground in the current climate just may prove financial suicide, not just for Everton but Liverpool too. Just look at how the yanks are having a difficult time getting 'the spade into the ground' on Stanley Park.

Dare I say it, but a shared stadium may just be the only option. And that's definately a bigger no-no than Kirkby for me.

Will I be there when the first ball is rolled under the studs of a player kicking off for the first time at the shared ground?

No chance.

Posted by: badlydrawnblue  | June 20, 2008 11:01 AM

Greg O'Keeffe wrote...

Some superbly argued, heart-on-sleeve comments on this blog. Nice one blues. They're appreciated.

Posted by: Greg O'Keeffe  | June 20, 2008 11:06 AM

Ste Delaney wrote...

I for one am totally against moving to Kirkby, put quite simply we dont belong there. Goodison is our spiritual home an it has been proved that it could be modernised an brought up to scratch. The club have lied through their back teeth to get the yes vote they wanted. And how can we as Evertonians trust a board that has, in the past screwed up The Fortress Sports Fund, the NTL deal, The Kings Dock, an now the whole Kirkby thing is hanging in the balance. They might take us to Kirkby but ultimatly I cant help but think that were heading into oblivion with this current board in the long run. I wouldn't trust them as far as I could throw them.

Posted by: Ste Delaney  | June 20, 2008 8:51 PM

Anonymous wrote...

Greg, what is your email address? I try sending to gregokeeffe@liverpoolecho.co.uk but it bounces back.

Posted by: Anonymous  | June 22, 2008 11:12 AM

Greg wrote...

It's grego'keeffe@liverpoolecho.co.uk
(with the apostrophe or it will just bounce back again).

Posted by: Greg  | June 22, 2008 12:58 PM

Anonymous wrote...

Greg

a few weeks back you mentioned the whole in talks with Russian billionaire thing (you weren't the only source) is this (if you know)the new investment pending on destination Kirkby? I read on one message board (I know, I know) that with regards to the Russians that there were two potential groups one that needed kirkby to go through before it invested/took over & one that wasn't bothered about kirkby, and would redevelop goodison.

Wyness himself, talked about kirkby being vital for the "right kind of investor" to get on board (implying that there was more than one potential suitor?)and moyes has consistently talked about ground needing to be sorted whether it be Kirkby or redeveloped goodison (when no one else was even really thinking too much about the goodison option).

Could easily be reading too much into the moyes stuff but the more than one interested party would make sense as someone substantial must have enquired at some point as we've never been in such good shape (football wise) during such money rich times (in prem) for a long time. When I read Wyness's comments about the "right kind of investor" and how a govt call in could kill DK I thought "Exit Strategy".

BUT of course I'm, merely a season ticket holder going off supposition and speculation.

In the words of Manuel (rafa) the Spanish waiter: "I know nothing"

So anyway (sorry about the ramblings)what has happened to the previously linked Russians (or whoever the party was/is)?

Posted by: Anonymous  | June 24, 2008 12:15 PM

Tracy wrote...

I think that people don't like change and sometimes change is good....you need to embrace the move and not fight against at the end of the day....if it happens it happens, just by a club moving does not determine the success of the club, yeah OK everyone is 'stuck in their way' regarding their little match day routines but just get over and enjoy what can potentially be an amazing stadium

Oh and just for the record I am from Kirkby and 100% know that this move WILL happen!

Posted by: Tracy  | July 1, 2008 1:33 PM

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