Everton top source can’t believe ‘Goodison Park U-turn’
Everton’s famous old stadium Goodison Park was set to be demolished as the club move into the new Bramley-Moore Dock ground in time for the 2025-26 campaign.
However, The Athletic have reported (28 February) that the club are considering making Goodison the new home of the Toffees’ women’s side.
The Friedkin Group (TFG) are committed to growing the women’s side of the game after completing their takeover in December.
Everton‘s women currently play at Walton Hall Park – a 2,200-capacity, 500-seat facility five miles outside of the city centre.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has questioned the plan to preserve the club’s famous ground, which was built in 1892.
Everton’s Goodison Park plan may not be ‘practical’, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted it is a “great idea” – but may not be practical considering the cost of upkeep at Goodison.
The Walton-based stadium was no longer considered fit for purpose with Everton choosing to build a new 52,888-seat, £760million ground at Bramley-Moore Dock.
| Ranking | Stadium | Capacity |
| 1 | Old Trafford (Man United) | 74,197 |
| 2 | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (Tottenham) | 62,850 |
| 3 | London Stadium (West Ham) | 62,500 |
| 4 | Anfield (Liverpool) | 61,276 |
| 5 | Emirates Stadium (Arsenal) | 60,704 |
| 6 | Etihad Stadium (Man City) | 52,900 |
| 7 | Everton Stadium – when open (Everton) | 52,888 |
Wyness insisted he was having to spend “£1-2million a year” to keep Goodison fit for purpose while CEO at the club.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “It would be well-received.
“But having been in charge at Goodison, I know what it takes to maintain the safety certificate.
“I was having to spend £1-2million a year to keep it going. Beams were rusting and all sorts of things were issues.
“There is an upkeep cost involved. They may close down certain parts of the stadium, I don’t know how it’s going to work.
“It’s certainly a great idea, but the practicality of doing that and keeping an old stadium open would be costly.
“I’d love to see the budgeting of it. It’s a romantic idea and everyone would love to see the stadium survive in some form. Who knows, youth games could be played there as well.
“But with my chief executive hat on, I’m questioning whether it is worth it. The crowds and the revenue you’ll be attracting isn’t going to be a great situation – at the moment.
“Hopefully, womens football can grow and progress – but I’d like to know how the numbers work.”
Everton plan to give Branthwaite new contract
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on Tuesday (4 March) that TFG and Everton will “do everything” to keep Jarrad Branthwaite at the club.
David Moyes’ side are plotting contract talks with Branthwaite as they attempt to tie him down to an improved, long-term deal.
Everton want to fend off interest in the England international, with Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid among the sides keen on Branthwaite.
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