Destination Kirkby Inquiry Begins

Robert Elstone explains the importance of the public inquiry to our future.

On the day the public inquiry into the Kirkby Project gets underway, Everton acting CEO Robert Elstone has explained why a decision in favour of the development is 'critical' to the future of the Club.

The inquiry, which will be held at the Kirkby Suite in Kirkby over a six week period, has been called to answer concerns raised relating to the proposal for a 50,000 seater stadium and a new retail development in the town.

At the inquiry's culmination in the New Year a government inspector will report back to Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, and a final decision on the plans is anticipated in the Spring of 2009.

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Elstone has worked hard along with the Club's board, its senior management and a legal team to produce an expansive range of evidence highlighting the multitude of benefits a new stadium in Kirkby would provide to both the Club and the community.

And he is under no illusions as to the relevance of the inquiry's outcome to Everton's future.

He told evertonTV: "It is critical, we believe, that we get a favourable decision for a number of reasons. And if we don't get it then the challenges for the club in the medium term are significant. It couldn't be bigger and there are a lot of things we need to get right and get across and let's hope the Secretary of State makes the right decision.

"We have put together a really strong case in terms of the economics of the Premier League and why Goodison is making it harder and harder to compete. We detail how we've looked far and wide and discussed alternative sites for a number of years and also what we're going to do for Kirkby.

"Our partners, Knowsley and Tesco, I believe have produced strong evidence to the same level.

"The reality is that, if this doesn't go ahead, then in five years time we will still be at Goodison. And that could be the case for 10, 20, 30 years. And if that is the case and the Premier League continues to develop in the way it has been doing, then that presents a really challenging future for this football club."

Having taken over the reins of the stadium development project from Keith Wyness, the former CEO, in August, Elstone has immersed himself in the various options for the future of the Club.

And his conclusion is simple.

"I think that only really coming into the project in August has given me the opportunity to gain a true understanding of the lack of other options. I've found it bleak. We can do things at Goodison - but there is nothing radical or fundamental that would allow us to change the business substantially. And from discussions with KEIOC and Liverpool City Council there is nothing else out there.

"Kirkby is the only thing that is remotely deliverable and reaching that conclusion has consolidated why we're doing this and why we're putting so much effort into this. If people think that if we get an unfavourable decision that within three, four, five years we will be playing football somewhere else I'm convinced that is not going to happen. And whether that is 10, 20 years - who knows. And that is the significance of where we are today."

Today is the first of six weeks of in-depth investigation into the development. Elstone himself has looked intently through the objections that have been raised and he is aware of the high emotion that will come as part of the inquiry.

He continues: "I have looked through what the objectors are saying and the objectors have very strong views that are backed up by facts and evidence and we don't take that lightly by any means. I'm certainly not counting any chickens and ultimately it will be the inspector and the Secretary of State who will make the decision. All I know is that we've done the best we possibly can and we are also working on the basis we are going to get a favourable decision. The project team are carrying on based on the assumption we will be successful because if it is a favourable decision we will have to get things moving very quickly.

"We need to build the home this Club now needs and deserves. And let's build something of a quality we can be proud of. Goodison is packed full of emotion, love and affection. But if we're really honest about it walking around the concourses (in terms of facilities), it is not a Premier League ground in the true sense - it does fall short. The Club respects why people hold Goodison in such great affection but I hope the fans also realise it is our responsibility to move this Club on and make progress. The board and senior management are custodians for the future generations and I think we would be derelict in our duties if we don't take advantage of opportunities to progress. The new stadium is a fundamental part of that and we have to do everything we can to make sure we deliver it.

"Five years ago our (match) income was 19 per cent less than the average Premier League Club. We're now 33 per cent less than the average Premier League club. That income really, ultimately flows into the manager's transfer kitty. We're, relatively, worse off than we were five years ago. Every time Arsenal open their doors for a game they generate £3m. At Everton that figure is about £800,000. £2.2m over 19 games is well over £40m. That is a monumental challenge.

"Over the last 10 years we've seen almost every club in the Premier League make substantial changes to their grounds, by building new grounds or improving their existing grounds. Since 1996 130,000 new seats have been created across the Premier League - and none of those have come at Goodison.  All the other clubs are adding to capacity, which adds to earning potential. Everton has not been able to keep pace with any of its competitors and they are the harsh economic realities we face."

Daily updates from the inquiry will be provided here on evertonfc.com. To see Robert Elstone's interview in full, visit evertonTV.