Saturday, November 28, 2009

Kendall: Groundshare Could Happen


Everton great Howard Kendall is against the idea of a groundshare with Liverpool, but admits it may be the only solution if both clubs want to play at a new stadium.

Everton's plans for building a 50,000 seater stadium in Kirkby were rejected by the government yesterday, but the idea of sharing a new ground with their Merseyside rivals has since been floated by Everton chief executive Robert Elstone.

Former manager Kendall, who guided the Toffees to two league championships, an FA Cup and a European Cup Winners' Cup during the 1980s, is against the proposal.

"A groundshare? I don't think it's a good idea," Kendall said.

"I don't think any supporter in Liverpool will like it, I bet they don't like it in Milan and Rome either."

Kendall was not in favour of Everton's proposed move out of Liverpool either.

"I think its good Everton aren't moving to Kirkby," he added.

"I wanted them to move to the docks, because at least the docks are in Liverpool. It's there and it would be the right move."

Liverpool are in the midst of their own ground troubles, having been granted permission to move from Anfield to a new stadium in Stanley Park in a project currently on hold due to financial troubles.

While the status of both Liverpool and Everton's potential stadiums are up in the air, there is a real fear the city's bid to host matches as part of the 2018 World Cup could disappear.

Kendall admits the financial climate means the Merseyside rivals - who meet on Sunday in the Premier League - may be forced into a compromise.

"You can't suddenly pick up millions of pounds to build two new stadiums," he added.

"Liverpool have permission to build in Stanley Park, but it seems they can't afford it because they're in financial problems.

"I think it's too late to do a Newcastle and improve one section of their current ground at a time.

"Maybe a groundshare may have to be done."

No comments: