I can give a kind of update from my end. People might remember that I have a source not at the Everton end who has tipped me off on various things in the past - including
- WHP being a non-starter
- Stonebridge Cross being offered to EFC
- The special purchase vehicle which I got the info on 24 hours before announcement
I also now have a contact at the Everton end - so I'm getting titbits (and it's only titbits) here and there.
From the Everton end - as I've shared before - I know that there are things happening, albeit slowly. Meetings are taking place, there are plans and designs in existence, and dialogue is ongoing. It's not a case of no progress being made. People from the club are regularly meeting with Moshiri, or his reps, and the architect. People have been appointed to specific roles on the stadium project. But I think one of the key issues at the moment is agreeing a capacity and style that fits with the club's needs and budget and the expectations of the fans. Previously I'd been convinced that we'd get a stadium with 4 distinct sides and a massive end behind one goal. I'm not so sure that's going to be the case now.
From the other end, it's a bit trickier. Word I've had is that the ball is firmly in Everton's court, and it has been there for quite a while. Some designs have been seen - but nothing bigger than a 50k seater. In addition, there is a feeling that the window for a stadium at BHD is very much time limited. The driving force behind the project from the council end is, undoubtedly, the mayor. Once he's gone, there is a huge question as to whether the appetite from the council end will remain. In short, EFC need to get moving with a firm plan ASAP or it could be too late.
On the one hand, it's not THAT urgent. Joe A is in post for quite a while yet. But - things do need to pick up and fast so that everything gets signed off and started before there's a change in leadership.
