Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman believes his old club have no option but to make the 'difficult' move to Bramley-Moore Dock from Goodison Park.
The Blues announced plans to build a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock on the banks of the River Mersey in 2017, as they prepare to move away from Goodison. The club started work on the development back in July 2021.
Everton’s new home on Liverpool’s north docks is currently the largest single site development under construction in the UK. The skeleton of the stadium is now clearly visible as the steelwork on the North and South stands are erected.
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The 52,888 capacity venue is due to open in the season after next, and has already been named as a potential host venue in the FA’s bid for the UEFA European Championships in 2028. However, tears will be shed when the Blues finally depart Goodison.
The iconic venue is one of the world’s oldest purpose-built football grounds and as well as hosting a number of England internationals, was also the home of the 1894 FA Cup final, which saw Notts County beat Bolton Wanderers 4-1 to lift the trophy.
But Osman, who was part of a select group of former Everton players who were given a VIP tour of the scenic waterfront site last year, believes although there will be a lot of emotion attached to the move, in order for the club to move forward they have no option but to head to Bramley-Moore Dock.
“It will be very tough when we eventually leave Goodison,” he told the ECHO. “The history and some of the big games that have been played there, even the World Cup games back in 1966. Great players have come and gone.
“It is tough to be in the knowledge that we won’t all be there, but as I mentioned before in regards to players, you can’t stand still. You have got to keep moving forward and unfortunately Goodison Park can’t be extended or rebuilt or changed.
“The way modern football is, you have to have so many lounges and executive spaces and you need to redevelop your stadium so it is meeting new criteria of safety.
“We had to make the move to leave Goodison. I have got to be honest the site which has been picked is absolutely incredible. And what the stadium looks like in the drawings and what it is eventually going to be and it looks out of this world.
“It will be difficult to start calling that our new home. But I am sure very quickly we will love it because it looks like it is going to be sensational.”
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