Everton supporters are set to campaign for the redevelopment of Goodison Park.
Fans voted unanimously in favour of proposals at a meeting held by The Blue Union at The Casa in Liverpool city centre earlier today.
The meeting, which included discussions over the club's finances and lack of success on the pitch, feautreed a short presentation to a group of 70 supporters, outlining the feasibility of a staged, four-phase modernisation of the existing ground.
University of Liverpool lecturer Trevor Skempton, whose previous projects include the successful expansions of St James Park and Villa Park, argued that the club have no choice but to consider the proposals- estimated to cost in the region of £100 million- and must work with the local community to find a viable solution.
Skempton's scheme, which offers scope to increase the overall capacity of Goodison to over 61,000 would also see Everton work in partnership with a partnered hotel, in order to maximise corporate revenue.
"I don't think there is an alternative to Goodison Park- this is our plan A and it's time to promote it actively," noted the former Liverpool City Council advisor.
"Construction doesn't have to disrupt attendances, or lead to the temporary closure of certain parts of the stadium."
Speaking after the meeting, Blue Union chairman Dave Kelly outlined his desire to see Everton officials work in conjunction with the council in order to develop on brownfield sites like Goodison.
He said: "I was against plans to relocate Liverpool to Stanley Park, Everton to Walton Hall Park, and I believe one of the greatest brownfield sites in this city is Goodison Park.
"In order to mount the campaign to move the club forward, we need to work in a far more structured way than we have done in the past.
"We haven't gone away, and are not going to."
Joe Jennings, owner of independent Everton website SOS1878, echoed Kelly's sentiments in a passionate speech that also highlighted a concern over the current commercial deals with partners Kitbag and Umbro.
"QPR earn £10 million a season form kit suppliers Nike. Everton are one of the 'sleeping giants not just in this country, but in Europe," he said.
"It's time we woke up."
The group now plan to put forward their designs to Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson in the coming months, as the club, itself, continues to seek the funding required to start work on their favoured Walton Hall Park site.
