Everton investor Farhad Moshiri 'blew me away' with vision for Blues says mayor Joe Anderson
- Everton still looking at two sites for new stadium with Mayor Anderson determined to help any way he can
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson tweeted this image of himself meeting with Everton majority investor Farhad Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright in London
Joe Anderson insists he has "never been more optimistic" about Everton's future after his meeting with majority investor Farhad Mohsiri.
The Mayor of Liverpool
spent 90 minutes with Moshiri and Blues chairman Bill Kenwright at their London office on Tuesday discussing a range of issues including the options for a new stadium.
Anderson said he was
hugely impressed by the Iranian billionaire's passion and believes he is committed to Everton for the long-term.
He said: "From that meeting as both the Mayor of Liverpool and an Evertonian I was absolutely filled with more optimism than ever and a sense the future is very bright for the club.
"I was blown away by his passion and committment.
"Mr Moshiri understands how much investment Everton require both on and off the pitch. The scope of his ambition is vast.
Everton investor Farhad Moshiri (L) and chairman Bill Kenwright (R) at Goodison Park in March
"Make no mistake about it - he is here to make Everton a success story. His vision is not just about new players and a new stadium it's fundamentally transforming the club at every level. He wants to make Everton a global player but also realises the
importance of its role in the community and this city.
"Likewise he mentioned the importance of the academy and nurturing local players as we have always done so well. The future is bright.
"It's clear he is not just here for the short-term. It's about securing the club's future."
Mayor Anderson tweeted after the meeting that he is still positive the club can have a new stadium within the next two years.
The meeting also included long-time chairman Bill Kenwright, who
brought Moshiri to the club in February , and the mayor's head of office and regeneration director.
During the talks the possibility of
moving to a water-front dockland site or one at Croxteth's Stonebridge Cross was discussed.
Mayor Joe Anderson says Everton will have new stadium 'within three years'
The club's
fanbase are in favour of the former option with dreams of an iconic stadium on the banks of the River Mersey tying into the hope that Moshiri can make Everton a true power of European football.
Mayor Anderson insisted he will do all he can to help the club choose the best option. "Farhad and Bill Kenwright are looking at all options, which you would expect them to," he said.
"They will have my support and I'll help in every way I can.
Clarence Graving Dock on Regent Road looking towards Trafalgar Dock, left, and Collingwood Dock, right - possible site for Everton's stadium
"I'll do whatever I can to help them make the Dock work or prepare an alternative which means the club has a world class new home."
On a personal level the Mayor said that he was thrilled by Moshiri's level of football insight.
"I was seriously impressed by his knowledge of the game," added the Blues season-ticket holder. "He is a student of world football. He knows who is doing what and being a success not just in Europe but all over the world."
