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Leadline

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  4. Red Shite Robbing Tunes

    in General Football and Sport Discussion

    Posted

    I've heard it a few times now when "The Shite" have been on Telly.

    They sing something to the tune of our Arteta song - "Follow Follow Follow etc.." Is it any coincidence that they start singning something to this tune when EFC have been singing it for ages I think not.

    I also found out that they robbed "You'll Never Walk Alone" off Manure plus everyone knows the "Fields of Anfield Road" is robbed off Celtic is there nothing these lot wont nick?

     

    Thoughts anyone?

  6. Bellefield - Housing Proposal

    in General Everton Discussion

    Posted · Edited by Leadline

    I think this bit is the best

    Mother-of-one Andrea Taylor-Kong , of Apsley Road, said: “There has been a lot of property development around West Derby in the last couple of years.

     

    “People who own traditional properties are worried about house prices, who is going to buy a 1920s semi when you can get a brand-new house down the road cheaper?

     

    maybe now poor me will get myself a house

     

    fing tories i bet ya

     

    bit off footie like but.............

     

    I know that tickled me n all. God knows what the problem is. More money for us though if it happens.

  9. An Open Letter To: Mr. Bill Kenwright Cbe

    in General Everton Discussion

    Posted

    Heres the link: http://www.bluekipper.com/stadium/stadium2.htm#aol

     

    An Open Letter to: Mr. Bill Kenwright CBE

     

    Chairman

    Everton FC

    Goodison Park

    Liverpool

     

    Professor Tom Cannon

    Ideopolis International Ltd.,

    Rodney Street

    Liverpool

     

    Dear Chairman.

     

    You’ll recall that two years ago I was elected as a “special advisor” to the Board at the club’s Annual General Meeting, so it is only right that I give you my advice on the proposed Ground move.

     

    I am, also, writing to you because so many of my fellow Evertonians have asked my views on this crucial issue. I guess this reflects not only my role of a Business School Dean, but my long term – and very public – interest in sports finance.

    Like every Blue, I feel many emotions. Some of the best nights and days of my life were at Goodison; against Fulham, when we won our first post-war title, against Bayern and the 4-4 against Liverpool. Goodison was great – but even greater were the players and the fans. I want my children and grandchildren to look forward to the same kind of success so I’ve looked closely at the case for the move to Kirkby and the alternatives.

     

    Sir Terry Leahy has already completed some of the analysis I would normally make. He flags the scale of the Kirkby development – 80 acres against our current 7 acres and the slightly larger (than Goodison) Scotland Road Site – with all that means for development and new finance. He highlights the £150 million cost of the same stadium as a stand-alone project against £35M the Kirkby development is likely to cost Everton.

     

    Looking at the alternative sites to Kirkby, it is hard to see how the costs to the club could be kept below £150 Million. The contribution of local and corporate partners is crucial to keeping the costs to the club down. I admire Sir Mohammed Anwar Pervez and his achievements at Bestway, but there is a world of difference between its financial capacity and that of Tesco. According to the latest figures Tesco’s profits are twice Bestway’s total turnover! At £4 billion, its profits are fifty times greater than Bestway’s £73 million profits.

     

    It is hard to see how Bestway could provide significant financial support, when a £150 million stadium development would pretty well wipe out their entire profits for the last three years! Similar comments can be made about the local authorities. Here, I confess to some personal interests. Although I was born and lived off Stanley Road, my family – like so many Liverpudlians – was moved to Kirkby by the Council when I was eleven. Even now, although my company is based on Rodney Street, I have worked with Knowsley Council and found it an outstanding partner, as have Ford, Vertex, QVC and a host of others.

     

    I don’t doubt Warren Bradley’s sincerity, but I question his ability to deliver his promises about funding, planning permissions, access roads etc. I remember the Kings’ Dock and the apparent promises about planning permission around Goodison and developments around the planned arena. Working on Rodney Street, I am acutely aware of the problems faced by the Mathew Street Festival, The Fourth Grace, The Tram etc. I am, also, aware that Warren’s already going cap in hand to Gordon Brown to cover a £20 million deficit on the Capital of Culture.

     

    I am less than encouraged that a key role in Everton’s future will be played by Jason Harborrow, the Council’s newly appointed Executive Director for Culture, Media and Sport. We know him best, of course, as the Chief Executive of the Culture Company.

    This means that I must conclude that the sites in Liverpool require that the club must fund any new ground development here out of its own resources. That means finding at least £150 million, plus any lost income while the parts of Goodison are redeveloped if the “redevelop at Goodison” option is pursued.

     

    This raises some of the greatest concerns that I have about the future not just about Everton, but about many other top flight clubs in England. Despite the new money coming into the game through television, increased ticket prices, merchandising, Premier League clubs (if we include the risk investments of new owners) are massively in debt with total indebtedness now over £3 Billion or roughly the total Premier League TV income for the next 3 years.

     

    I want Everton to be relatively debt free, if the feared financial crunch happens and Hedge Funds (already under pressure from crashing stock markets) and others start demanding their “pound of flesh” from new investors in the Premier League.

    Every ½% increase in interest charges costs a club borrowing £150 Million an extra £1 Million a year– we’ve had four of these increases over the last year –on top of the £10 million required to service the basic debt for a stadium costing £150 million, plus any other of the club’s debts.

     

    The Kirkby alternative will involve debt, but using Sir Terry’s figure of £35 Million, an annual outlay of around £2.5 Million to service the basic debt for the stadium against at least £11 Million for the Scotland Road site. Even staying at Goodison with no redevelopment costs but lost revenues from obstructed views, limited executive facilities, weak local amenities etc. is expensive. The table below answers many questions for me.

     

    Comparing the three most widely touted alternatives and using conservative estimates of income and expenditure, the move can give us a minimum of £6.5 Million a year more than we have now to spend on players and other developments. The Scotland Road loop would actually mean £4.5M less than we have now or £11M annually less than Kirkby, even if we assume, as I do here, bigger average gates at that site.

     

    Besides this, the likely two year delay could cost the club around £15 Million in lost income and added costs. Similar analysis for a redeveloped Goodison indicates that this is the most expensive option with the lowest returns. Over the next 5-6 years, the Scotland Road site would reduce Everton’s spending power by £50 million compared to Kirkby.

     

     

     

    Kirkby Scotland Road Undeveloped Goodison

    Costs Annual £M £M £M

    Debt Servicing 2.5 11 0

    Obstructed Views - - 1

    Operating costs -1 0 0.5

    Total 1.5 11 1.5

    Net Additional Annual

    Gate 4 4.5 0

    Executive 2 2 0

    Amenity Development car parks etc 2 0 0

    Total 8 6.5 0

    Balance +6.5 -4.5 -1.5

     

    I’ll always remember the glory days and nights, but if I want my grandchildren to have more glory days and nights from the great players we can sign – rather than the bank charges we can pay – for me Tesco and Knowsley is undoubtedly the best choice.

    I confirm, however, that whatever the outcome of the vote, wherever we play – I’ll support Everton.

    Yours truly, Professor Tom Cannon. (20/08/07)

     

    This fella make a very interesting number of points and he knows his stuff.

  13. Wallasey Tunnel Site - Why I'm Excited

    in General Everton Discussion

    Posted

    Copied from WSAG...in the interest of balance.

     

    15 replies to 15 reasons

     

    By general zod

    Date: 14/8/2007

     

    This isn't a dig at 'Chris Multesanti'. I just don't think The Loop is the answer and here is why.

    Point 1 - Directors Duty: (note to Bill Kenwright and Keith Wyness):

    The Loop isn't a suitable site. Since 2003 when the Kings Dock fell apart Liverpool City Council have been "trying" to find us a suitable alternative whilst giving up Victorian green space over to Liverpool FC.

    Speke is further away than Kirkby and despite reports stating unsuitability a year ago, imagine the horror of a Boro-like hole no where near anything. Long Lane doesn't provide great access roads or rail wise - remember this is about moving forward - not just sticking a Goodison replica two miles down the road.

    Point 2 - It is geographically feasible:

    Handful is the key here. We need more than a handful to generate footfall and cash and that means space. It doesn't mean Everton being kept inside its little box by Liverpool City Council who have bent over backwards to help the other lot.

    Point 3 - Ownership:

    Which goes hand in hand with being sued by any of the firms who suspect they will feel the pinch. Can anyone begin to imagine the tunnel entrance / exits effectively being shut for shoppers every two weeks (not to mention any work before hand) & Grosvenor not doing a thing about it? At any rate the site is too small.

    Point 4 - Tesco are the driving force behind Kirkby:

    Kirkby isn't the easy option. Voting No and staying put is.

    I think its obvious that a central city site either isnt suitable, available or Liverpool City Council haven't done enough work. The Loop would appear to be the only viable option for Liverpool City Council or KEIOC. And by the way I admire KEIOC - this isn't slagging them by any means - I just think they are wishful thinking about The Loop.

    Point 5 - Not being beaten:

    Liverpool City Council give up Stanley Park, then tell Liverpool they can't increase their capacity and so then decide to look at a smaller site?? We haven't the resources to beat them in terms of mentioned above. FACT.

    Lets turn Kirkby into EVERTON F C. Stuff Liverpool - let's become the biggest team in Merseyside.

    Point 6 - Club's status and image:

    We cant build an unrivalled site here. Look in your A-Z. It's too small.

    Point 7 - Attendances:

    I can't disagree that we will lose some of our local support but I believe that if we did the vast majority would be prepared to travel that extra 3.5 miles. I also believe that the people of Kirkby, Ormskirk, St Helens andeven Wigan will come because of easier access to the Kirkby site. I know that last bit was controversial but even when Kings Dock was mooted there were some of us who opposed it and threatened to never go again. It is about growth, being prosperous andbeing real challengers again.

    In the Skysports world I can't see that again unless we change with the times.

    Point 8 - Access:

    The East Lancs, M57, M58, the other road I cant remember the name off, Merseyrail andeven (possibly) the tram might just argue that point.

    Where ever we move there would be those who are affected. When I lived in Tuebrook I walked. If it were Scotty Road I'd drive. At the moment I get the train, if it's Kirkby I'd walk. Speke I'd drive. Everyone will be affected - end of.

    Point 9 - Earning power:

    Spot on. Thats why land is at a premium and that site isn't big enough.

    It's going to be a lot easier to convince partners with low cost business taxes andregeneration grants, etc. in Knowsley where they'll keep more of the profits and will be fairly unchallenged for market share rather trying to complete with the largest building / shopping development in Europe a mile away.

    Point 10 - Being proud of our club:

    I am always proud of my club. The Loop is an elevated, land-locked roundabout.

    Point 11 - Brand:

    I admit the words may sound hollow to some but we need to focus on our future. I would love to see a realistic solution near to Goodison Park, St Domingo's and all that. But there isn't unless Liverpool City Council are keeping that for their preferred club.

    Point 12 - Loss of identity:

    Tell Alan Stubbs that. Kirkby as Scouse as any part of Liverpool.

    Point 13 - Football clubs progress but stay true to their roots:

    I am now just typing the same thing over again. The Loop doesn't fit our needs andonly suits Mr Warren Bradley's who, although a Blue, should resign over this, Summer Pops andThe Matthew Street Festival.

    Point 14 - LCC will support it:

    And in three years' time when we've hit the umpteenth stumbling block and look no nearer to moving anywhere, The Loop will still be too small for our needs.

    Point 15 - Today I LOVE Goodison Park:

    I love Goodison Park. I will never love anywhere as much. From that point of view The Loop, Kirkby or Speke may as well be in the North Pole.

    For the record I would prefer to redevelop Goodison Park. That isn't going to happen andour board, players and David Moyes are asking for a mandate to take the club forward and they assure us that, for them, that means Kirkby.

    The Loop's 11th hour appearance caused me to look at the facts presented by KEIOC andL iverpool City Councils actions in the last 4 years. I only see The Loop as a washy politician's attempt to gloss over the councils ineptitude and bias.

    Because of this I reluctantly voted for the move.

     

     

     

    This point stands out the most:

    Point 7 - Attendances:

    I can't disagree that we will lose some of our local support but I believe that if we did the vast majority would be prepared to travel that extra 3.5 miles. I also believe that the people of Kirkby, Ormskirk, St Helens andeven Wigan will come because of easier access to the Kirkby site. I know that last bit was controversial but even when Kings Dock was mooted there were some of us who opposed it and threatened to never go again. It is about growth, being prosperous andbeing real challengers again.

    In the Skysports world I can't see that again unless we change with the times.

     

    I Live in Warrington but go to every Everton Match I can (when work allows) going to Kirby doesn't bother me at all where ever Everton go I will go. It just sounds to me like most of these KEIOC nob eds live in Walton and are to lazy to fart let alone support their club fuck em!

  16. Open Letter To All Toffeetalkers

    in General Everton Discussion

    Posted

    Going back on all these arguments for and against, it seems that the longer the debate has gone on a lot of the Figures have changed somewhat.

     

    The original claim made by the board and in particular Kieth Wyness was that we would only need to invest £10 million, for furniture and fittings, for installing all the seats, it was basicly a free stadium.

    As time has gone by the stadium that was then quoted as costing £100 million has increased with each letter that comes from the Club so it now Stands at 150 MILLION, by the time the vote is counted it will probably be up to 200 million.

     

    A decent stadium will cost us the same to build in Kirkby as it will in the City, but we will get more money investment, and naming rights by being in the City, than we would being on a landfill site out on an industrial estate in Kirkby.

     

    For gods sake how can true Evertonians even think of voting yes, you should all hang your heads in shame if this happens.

     

    Sick of hearing the same old same old, fact is Everton need this move like it or not you can big up the Loop site all you want but is is not big enough for what we need and the fact is we need a commercial partner to be able to build in the first place and compete with other premiership teams financially. Moving to an industrial estate? don't know waht you reading mate but its gonna be in the centre of kirby in the borough of knowsley, plus did you know that for every £1 Liverpool FC city council are bringing in Knowsley council is bringing in £5 moving in the right direction I think. Plus in a few years Knowlsey will be under Liverpool City council anyway, no arguments.

     

    I take it Licker that you reside in Walton?

  17. Blues Turn To Yak And Fernandes

    in Rumourama - Everton Transfer Rumours

    Posted

    from watching games of him play, i've see na fair bit coz a few of my m8s r boro fans, and they say 'you can have him, he's shit' ..they will also go on to confirm that he has his moments but he doesn't gt involved and he's lazy, if he doesnt get the service he sulks and complains.

     

    as for a better alternative, why do people always ask that question? what do you want me to do, give you my championship manager shortlist? id prefer to look at possibly cheaper options, maybe someone who could link up the play a bit better, i'd like keane, but it seems like he isn't moving, but that's the type of player i would like. and i'm not a scout so i'm not going to give u a long list of possibilities

     

    Craccer ur crackers mate, how can a seriously "lazy" player score 16 goals last season and be top scorer for a crap club and then have so called fans say that we can have him cos he's crap. Bollox I think.

  21. Scotland Road?

    in General Everton Discussion

    Posted · Edited by Leadline

    Think you missed the point of my post mate, yes they are valid questions but the fact is there are not answers for most of them because everton themselves scared everyone off by entering into an exclusivity agreement with Tesco.

     

    Of course Evertons proposed Kirkby deal is in a far more advanced stage than any other. Why? Because Everton made it impossible for any oposition from the outset. The club used every tactic they could to keep the Kirkby project at the forefront and all others from getting of the ground this is a seriously below the belt argument to be putting forward, the fact is he restricted any of this information from being collated over the past 18 months so to now use it against us is a joke!

     

    What he is saying is right though with regards to the fact Liverpool FC county councilgive land to them (LFC) that we had enquired about before and got a grade II listed park answer instead of yes Like LFC got no problem. Also when negotiating the Kings Dock Liverpool city council drag their heels and make up a load of bollox about city centre conjestion problems on match days (which they did). Then offer us nothing for 18 months and only until the threat of leaving has it engaged a few and only a few people in the council to make half hearted attempts to pursuede that sites are available in the city boundary with the finance. Look at the size of stanley park site compared to the trumpet site no copmarison mate. I would prefer to stay in the city boundary don't get me wrong but we need to move on and in a couple of years anyway Kirby, Sefton and Huyton are all gonna come under Liverpool.

  24. Money From Nowhere?

    in General Everton Discussion

    Posted · Edited by Leadline

    who is phillip green?

    that would be nice if all this stuff was true

     

    Philip Green owns or is the Cheif Exec of the Arcadia group who own M&S, Burtons, Topman etc. He's minted to say the least. I think he may fall in the billionaire category.

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