Everton plans anger shareholders

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Everton owner Bill Kenwright faced a barrage of criticism at the club's annual general meeting over plans to move to a new stadium in Kirkby.

Shareholders accused the club's owner and directors of not properly exploring other site options.

Mr Kenwright, also club chairman, was accused of "being the man who murdered the soul of Everton".

But he insisted he was looking at all the options available to the club, including staying at Goodison Park.

Feelings have been running high for months as Everton have entered into discussions with Tesco and the authorities in Kirkby - significantly outside the city boundaries - over a new home for the team.

And Mr Kenwright said that if the Kirkby plan does not happen, Everton have a contingency plan of reconsidering a redevelopment plan Goodison Park.

Liverpool City Council has also suggested an alternative site close to the city centre on Scotland Road.

Guys, I'm not an idiot, I'm also one of you Everton chairman Bill Kenwright, speaking to fans at the club's AGM

However, it is believed that any rebuilding of Goodison will cost about £250m, while the Kirkby project will cost about £150m.

Mr Kenwright told shareholders: "I do listen to the fans, I don't want to leave Goodison either.

"But we have had no confirmation of the cost of the Scotland Road site, and we have also been told that it is not big enough for a 50,000-seater stadium."

He added: "If the Kirkby project does not happen, then the plan B will be to look again at Goodison Park.

"And I suppose that the Scotland Road site would have to become a plan C."

'Best in business'

He insisted that he is simply looking for the best deal for the club.

"Often as a chairman you get conspiracy theories thrown at you and you have to say, 'guys, I'm not an idiot, I'm also one of you. Don't you think if there was a possibility of XYZ, that I would be jumping at it?'

"The team that we brought in to look at these situations - you'd think we'd brought Desperate Dan and Corky the Cat in.

"We've got the best in the business looking at all the options, including the Kirkby move."

The board is expected to submit a detailed planning application on the Kirkby stadium shortly.

Shareholders also had the chance to confirm Robert Earl, the entrepreneur behind the Planet Hollywood chain, as a new director.

Earl, 56 and a "former" Tottenham fan, told the meeting: "I have long been an admirer of Bill, and this club has fantastic potential."