The joint statement from Liverpool FC and the Liverpool City Council was a pretty curious one to say the least. When I heard there was going to be an announcement at 3.30pm yesterday I thought it would most likely be about a new signing, but as I read the statement about developments on the stadium, it seemed pretty anti-climactic.
It is of course good that FSG are keeping fans informed at every stage of the process but it seems that the statement really didn’t tell us anything new. Perhaps because John W Henry had commented on twitter about the “many obstacles” in the way to redeveloping Anfield, the club felt a need to put out a formal statement but all Managing Director Ian Ayre really said about the obstacles was that there were” land/property acquisition, environmental and statutory issues creating barriers” to redevelopment.
Beyond this, the only other new piece of information from the statement was that the club believe that redevelopment is “the more viable economic option” because while both options add an extra 16,000 seats, the new stadium would cost a lot more due to it being a new build.
A statement saying that the best financial move for the Reds was being obstructed by the council seems to suggest that this is some sort of fait accompli from the club to get the council to move on the issue. This however, doesn’t seem to be the case as the statement was a joint one with the Liverpool City Council, and Council leader Joe Anderson said:
“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.”
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A council Run by Bluenoses stirring the Effluent when there’s no money to be had anywhere except for Man City or Chelski owners. Does anyone know what their game is? When there is money to be had FSG will make moves, until then why cause trouble?
If its going to be stanley park then 60,000 capacity does not make financial sense. May be 70-75 with option to extend to 90-100. Liverpool has above 20000 fans on waiting list for season tickets so adding 16000 to anfield/stanley park still does’nt cut it.
If anfield is redeveloped I forsee hike in tickets to make up for the financial fair paly rule.