MEDIA WATCH

What The Papers Say - 20 April

The views on this page are taken from the local and national media and do not necessarily reflect the views of Everton.

The news and sports pages of Tuesday’s local and national newspapers are dominated by news that six English clubs have declared their intention to form a new ‘European Super League’.

Writing in his regular column in the Liverpool Echo, former Everton left-back Michael Ball voiced his strong opposition to the plans.

“This should never happen,” says Ball. “Why would you want a closed competition? “[Everton major shareholder] Farhad Moshiri knows he will not get overnight success at Everton and he is here for the long-run.

“Yes, he wants a return on his money, but he has shown a lot of class in going about it the right way, helping realise the new stadium dream at Bramley-Moore Dock and investing into the playing and management staff.

“So, if the target of a competitive Champions League is taken away from Everton with plans for a breakaway Super League, he will be massively disappointed.”

The paper also carries quotes from Everton legend Peter Reid, who said in a video message on social media on Monday: “The elitism is driving me mad. You have to be careful what you wish for in football.

"I love the competition of football, and I love the fans being there. You have to have that dream, the tradition, the heritage of these football clubs. To have an elite 12 or 20, it doesn't sit right with me.”

Several national newspapers report that the 14 Premier League clubs not involved with the Super League will meet via video conference today to discuss their response to the proposals.

The Echo also features Everton Director of Football Marcel Brands, who has described Ben Godfrey as “a great character and a great athlete”.

Answering questions from fans as part of the inaugural Everton USA Live event on Saturday, Brands explained how the defender had been on the Blues’ radar for some time before signing last October.

“He was on our list already for two years, and when I had the discussion this summer with Carlo [Ancelotti], the chairman and our owner we had to decide if we were looking for a centre-back on loan or if we want to buy.

“Our owner preferred to do a permanent, so Ben Godfrey was the first one on our list - and I think we did our homework well.”