Liverpool FC today made clear its frustration at the obstacles facing the potential re-development of Anfield. The Club has been comprehensively exploring all options open to it in terms of new stadium development or expansion, which has included a study into the refurbishment of both its Main and Anfield Road Stands to increase capacity beyond 60,000 seats. Managing Director Ian Ayre said: "In the nine months since the new ownership, an enormous amount of work has been undertaken in conjunction with leading architects, consultants, other industry experts and with Liverpool City Council to explore the building of a new stadium as well as exploring a refurbishment solution that could deliver the necessary growth in capacity, whilst maintaining the heritage and atmosphere that make Anfield uniquely Liverpool FC. However, with land/property acquisition, environmental and statutory issues creating barriers to our ambition, it looks increasingly unlikely there is any way we can move forward on a refurbishment of Anfield unless there are significant changes in those areas." Commenting further on the options open to the Club, Ayre explained: "In terms of a Stanley Park stadium versus redevelopment, there is absolutely no question that a refurbishment of Anfield would come at a significantly lower cost than a new build. A new stadium of course also has its merits, being modern, more functional, and easier to construct. However, a new 60,000 capacity ground also comes at a significantly higher price, while at the same time only delivering roughly the same amount of revenue as a refurbishment of Anfield - with both options offering an uplift of approximately 16,000 seats each." Added Ayre: "It's disappointing that based on where we are at the moment, we seem to be unable to press on with the more viable economic option of a refurbishment, but we remain committed to finding the best possible long-term solution. We already have a very healthy dialogue in place with several leading brands regarding naming rights for a new stadium, but like every major deal we have ever done, that just takes time to explore in full. We also have ongoing discussions with various parties around the financing of either facility. Our challenge now is to try to find a way to bring all of those elements together in a solution that is in the best interests of Liverpool Football Club and its fans. "We are mindful that supporters have been promised a solution in the past and have been disappointed, and also that local residents would like to know what direction we are headed in. However, just like any other business, we can only proceed as and when we are clear on all elements and we will not be forced to make a decision that is not in the best long-term interests of our club and we will not make any promises to our fans that we cannot keep. We will continue to work diligently on this project and keep our fans informed of any progress." Council leader Joe Anderson said: "We recognise that Liverpool FC need to make the right decision on the stadium options, and it is crucial that it is not only the right one for the club but also for local residents. "We fully appreciate that the new owners have made real progress over the past nine months since they took over, and we will continue to support what they are trying to deliver. However, it is unfortunately the reality that the debate and discussions over a new stadium have gone on for many years, causing a great deal of frustration and uncertainty within the local community. "Although we are fully supportive of the club, we can't ignore the fact that the clock is and has been ticking, and people need certainty about the development. "We will do what we can to continue to help the club, and I can reassure people that we will be pressing for a decision as soon as is practically possible that will benefit Liverpool FC and deliver the much needed regeneration that the area so badly needs." Source: http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/lfc-statement-on-stadium I've got a feeling we are going to be moving...
Hmmm..........interesting, still difficult to work out the club really wants though. As always with any political decisions like this, statements are made for a reason and that is to influence one of the interested parties. Hard part is trying to read between the lines to work out who they are trying to influence.
I saw it as a softening up release to prepare everybody for it. I think most fans accepted it and appreciate that FSG did everything they could to get fan input and respect it before making a decision.
Don't try and read between the lines. This is all part of the negotiating dance. We (the club) are not yet at the IF YOU GIVE US THIS: WE'LL GIVE YOU THAT stage. This is all position setting.
If Liverpool relocate,It will most likely be Stanley Park...which will mean the new Stadium will be called Anfield.It may have a commercial name,but a lot of stadiums have two names ie Arsenals stadium is called both Ashburton Grove and the Emirates Stadium,West Hams ground is called Upton Park and the Boleyn Ground. So I reckon even if its called the Standard Chartered Stadium it will still be known by many as....Anfield.
Permissions to either re-develop Anfield of build a new stadium. Whichever option the club chose they will need the permission and the cooperation of the local authority.
This is what they are negotiating for imo. They are trying to put pressure on the council to give the club some leeway regarding re-developing Anfield
A source told me it will definately be a new stadium and that Liverpool were negotiating a £120m deal with a leading condom manufacturer over naming rights.
Its not just a game. The latest studies suggest that there is no need whatsoever for Manchester United fans to buy their new home shirt...all they need to do is attach an inflatable penis to their foreheads and the whole world will know who they support.
maybe they are just trying to turn the pressure on to the people who make these decisions.From what I could make out I think they want to redevelop Anfield and maybe if by releasing this the people of Liverpool turn against the town planners etc it will help their cause
Got that wrong KPR. It should have read merely "The latest studies suggest that there is no need whatsoever for Manchester United to exist".
Bingo! We now have two people who have come up with perfectly reasonable but completely different theories on what LFC were aiming for with that statement. I also have a third possible explanation for the wording of that statement. LFC are still unsure how this is going to pan out but either way they will want to at least look like they have got their chosen option. This statement could be used to support any position.
guys guys guys... I was going to wrtie my own thread on this but found this one. don't get carried away with speculation. Here are the facts; 1. mr henry promised us an update o nthis back in that interview with LFC tv at the start of the year. 2. he acknowledged on twitter the fans were over due a statement. 3. It is a quite simple and straightforward update. I'd not read anything into anything based on this as you simply cannot have the pertinant facts to back a theory. Ian Ayre is clearly making a point about the blockages that prevent redevelopment and is now finally revealing this is the preferred route. after that all we can say is at least we got our update but it doesn't actually commit the club to an particular course of action, not give any indication of a timeframe once again. there's a 3 month ticking clock on permission in stanley park. thats all we do know. the final line i nthe statement says they are pressing for a decision, from whom we can only guess...
It sound's a bit like the council is holding LFC to ransom in order to redevelop the Anfield and stanley park area's, which is their prefered option. Admittedly this would be good for the area which has been in desperate need of a cash injection for some time, but is this LFC's responsibility or the councils? I would be sad to leave anfield but a new stadium would be good too, the only worry is if it cost to much money then it might saddle the team(for a few years) with debt again, poor signings etc.
