Keith Wyness reacts to furious Everton fan backlash – ‘something has to be done’
Everton are closing in on a move to their new stadium after the first test event was held at Bramley-Moore Dock in mid-February.
Despite just 10,000 fans being in attendance for the Under-18 fixture against Wigan, supporters have uncovered a number of issues with transport infrastructure around the stadium.
Everton Fans’ Forum wrote an open letter to officials as a result – detailing concerns about transport, parking and safety at Sandhills station, the closest Merseyrail station to the ground.
Further test events will be held at the end of March or early April and later in the 2024-25 campaign ahead of the full opening next season.
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 had his say on the controversy, which has seen transport links “absolutely lambasted”.
Wyness ‘convinced’ changes will be made at new Everton stadium
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted he is “convinced” the right changes will be made ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
| 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 |
Everton’s new stadium will hold 52,888 fans when it opens fully and will host games at Euro 2028 – which is being held in the UK.
Wyness insisted it is “great” that test events have “shone a light” on transport shortcomings.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “There’s been a lot of hand-wringing, petitions, etc.
“Residents in the area have questions about the parking zone, the train services have been absolutely lambasted.
“I’m sure Liverpool Council, who are the ones responsible, are taking it all on board.
“The problem at the test event was that the trains only had four carriages. You need a lot more than that.
“Then again, you’re dictated to by the size of the platform.
“Something will have to be done. There’s talk of trams and all sorts of things.
“This is great because the test event has shone a light on this, and it will be resolved before the kick-off in August.
“We’ve got another two events but I’m convinced the work will be done, and there will be a satisfactory solution to make sure the stadium gets the transportation it deserves.”
Branthwaite could become top Everton earner
Meanwhile, Wyness has also told Football Insider (26 February) that Jarrad Branthwaite will become the highest earner at Everton if he is to stay at the club with a new contract.
Real Madrid, who are managed by ex-Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti, have shown an interest in the one-cap England international.
Branthwaite’s current deal on Merseyside is up in June 2027 – but the Toffees do have a 12-month extension clause.
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