The next bugbear with many fans is the naming-rights issue. Again, romantically, Anfield means more to most than any new corporate branding with all its financial rewards could bring, however in this day and age in the world of football business, the financial gains are exactly what most now need in order to survive into the future and challenge for honours. Finally, probably most vehemently fought is any potential ground-share with the neighbours across Stanley Park – Everton. Whilst it seems financially logical, it is severely opposed by both sets of supporters as Henry acknowledged: ‘There’s no doubt that if a new stadium were to be built in Liverpool from a financial perspective – which is the major issue – a ground-share would be helpful for both clubs. But there doesn’t seem to be any support for that from Red or Blue fans – at all. So how could that ever happen?’
So, if no ground-share is to happen, Anfield cannot be redeveloped, and a 60,000 seater stadium isn’t financially logical, what options are left? Stay at Anfield, with a 45,000 capacity? Not if the club wants to move forward. That leaves building a new stadium, with probable naming-rights. However, as indicated from Henry himself, the capacity would need to eclipse the muted 60,000 for a build to be viable, but would, say, a 70,000+ stadium reach capacity?
Liverpool FC is one of the best, well known clubs in the world, and in business terms, a world-wide brand with global reach. The waiting list for a season ticket at Anfield passed beyond the 10-year mark some time ago and many have no doubts that this is one of only a few clubs that could regularly fill a stadium of that size. Of course, if building a stadium with extra capacity is sought, the need for more investment is crucial: enter the stadium naming-rights deal, which looks ever more likely. A suitable partner to fulfil this end of the deal is being hunted by the head honchos at the club, indicating that Liverpool, and Henry, are thinking bigger.
The article was written by Jimmy Areabi for FootballFancast.com. Make sure to check out the latest news, blogs and podcasts at FFC – ed.
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This week it is former LFC WAG Gisela Molinero!!
to be fiar he has always spoken clearly, sensibly and with grace.
So far (& I don’t mean I expect him/them to change) he has led the club admirably. Our dead wood is almost completely sorted, we have new players of good quality & all done with dignity (no fan fares like previous regimes).
More of the same please Mr
If stanley Park can enclipse ‘old trafford’. I dont mind.
@dee: I wouldn’t mind too if only I understood what “enclipse” mean.
Take a look at Ajax and Psv stadium we also must build a statdium of olypic capacity with 120,000 seats.
That’s Liverpool way.
All around Anfield is…or rather was…. derelict. When the former leadership decided to refurbish Skerries Road, it limited expansion on the Centenary Stand side. When the City Council decided that expansion behind the Kop was not possible ‘because of local opposition’ (where are those residents now ?) it stuffed up expansion of the ground.
Therefore new stadium with long term naming rights is the only sensible way forward
How about new expandable stadium?
If 70 000 seats can be filled why don’t have 70 000 seats?
I know the money is an issue always, but still, difference 60 000 to 70 000 is a lot less than redeveloping Anfield to building new stadium.
Sorry to say, corporate name is coming, only hope is to find a sponsor that would include “Anfield” in a full name of the new stadium.