Thought I'd sign up too share my thought's, being an outsider and all....
As someone who has followed City around the country for years. From the Emirates & Allianz to the likes of Kiev and Fratton Park, I've seen all kinds of different stadiums and Goodison Park, truly is one of the only stadiums where you still get the nostalgic reminder of 'real football'. As some of you probably would have been to Maine Road, you might have seen the similarities between the two; local communities at the heart of a working class club, who's unwavering fanbases remained loyal despite the domination of our cross-town rivals.
I honestly feel that the day we left Maine Road a massive part of our club died.
The big question, however, is do I resent the move to the new stadium? - NO!
The City of Manchester Stadium was the breath of fresh air our club needed. The new facilities encouraged players, sponsors and most importantly, investment. Now we are winning trophies year after year, playing the biggest teams in Europe and building the infrastructure to remain there for the foreseeable future. If I was an Everton fan at the moment, although the thought of leaving would be upsetting, the footballing world has changed. If you're ever going to turn into Title contenders I don't think it will be at Goodison and I definitely think it would have to be under a new Chairman.
Best case scenario for Everton would be a 60,000+ stadium. Some of you are saying you don't sell out many games at the moment, but if you are competing at the top you will have the space to let more fans see you play! Some football fans have been criticising City's plans to expand to over 60,000 - saying we can't fill it. Well in the past two season's we've sold out all but 2 league games and for some games certainly (IMO) could have filled a 70,000 seater. It's all about Ambition and if you stay at an old stadium with a modest amount of seats - although it is a great stadium in terms of it's history - why would the best players go to an unambitious team?
All the best for your club and if it's not at the expense of our title hopes I hope you do well in the coming years!