I do think they could build a new stadium. They wouldnt pay it all themselves though. It would end up with a name like 'The Kelloggs Arena' and I can image the name changing a lot as companies offer more money.
can i offer just one comment here. henry said numbe rof seats doesn't matter so much, this could be all about rich people getting fancy boxes and the guy i nthe street end up with the same or even less seats by the end. 60k is G&H and moores talk. henry's neve rput a figure on it. also if the council are annoucning something its a possibility its not the club at all. so i want to hear what precisely the end game of it is... aspirations yes but also its finally a committment.
The Kellogs Arena would be quite apt with our current goalscorers a whole box full of flakes. As for the "whole new stadium" vs "redevelopment" argument I can see both sides of the coin but ultimately if the new stadium is not an option then we can't stay static any longer. Redevelopment is a must IMO but what is also a must is that it is done to the highest possible. That means top quality design AND a build that allows for future expansion. What's absolutely vital is that this is done with serious thought given to the area as a whole and not just the ground itself. If LFC can get the vast majority of locals onside (and keep them onside after the build too) it will make any future expansion much more acceptable. I really hope LFC, EFC and the council look at the idea of developing a "football quarter" around the park between the two grounds. It has massive money spinning potential for both clubs and would generate much needed employment and income for the area. How many fans spend more than an hour or two in and around the ground on a match day? Nowhere near as many as they used to. How many come and spend the day in the area? None and why would you anyway? Apart from the tour and the shop there's **** all to do. This is where the council needs a bit of vision (something Liverpool City. Council is hardly famed for I know but I live in hope ). Target the area between the grounds. They spruce the area up, improve the transport links from town, facilitate a hotel being built, allow the clubs to build a couple of themed bars, restaurants, build a Sports Museum, get some bands playing in the park, host some charity footy games etc. Basically give people a reason to spend all day in the area AND come visit not just on match days. Easy money for all concerned
Its not just the money per seat though mate, we shouldn't worry about that too much but desperately need to get the capacity up. Ultimately if we can get an extra 15000 even at £900 a season that's an extra £140 million over a decade. Not to be sniffed at. Let's hope the plans are up to scratch and we can start work asap
Absolutely - I just thought that the stat was quite interesting. It also shows you how well we are doing from a commercial POV to still be in the top 10 of the biggest clubs in the world (as per Deloitte) despite the difference in matchday revenue. My concern is what happens when we want to expand further in the future? Will there be any scope to? Hoepfully we'll find out more in the coming hours. Also, not sure where I read it but I heard that work is likely to commence in 2014 ...
Basically I think both start date and future expansion plans are very much dependant on how well they have consulted with the locals <gulp> For years as a club we've battled against the local community rather than trying to engage and help them. I really hope the current owners (and our hopeless council) can buck that trend and do this properly for once
After all the positive vibes Ayre said. "Ian Ayre: Today represents a huge step forward for the Anfield area. Everyone at the football club knows the importance. There is no question that Anfield is the spiritual home of LFC. Any preference we ever had was to stay at Anfield. It's step one, but it's a major step forward. Questions about capacity and cost are not for today. Not until we have certainty."
I think that's fair comment really. No point promising what we don't yet know we can deliver. From what I've read so far they are looking at it from the right perspective at least, this is about the area as a whole and not just the ground itself. Has the proper consultation been done? Time will tell (last I heard some residents associations were denying the LFC line that "all" local residents groups had been consulted so that's a worry).
The residents have just been told by Anderson that nobody will hold back the regeneration of the area and that compulsory purchase orders will happen. I get the feeling Joe is trying to force FSG's hand, which is a good thing because that will show us if they are truly committed because some still doubt it.
