Liverpool says Anfield refurb is unlikely

LIVERPOOL Football Club expressed its “frustration” at the obstacles facing its previously-announced plan to redevelop its Anfield stadium.

Managing director Ian Ayre said that the club had spent the past nine months reviewing its options, including the redevelopment of its Main and Anfield Road stands to boost capacity to 60,000-plus and the creation a new stadium within Stanley Park.

“However, with land/property acquisition, environmental and statutory issues creating barriers to our ambition, it looks increasingly unlikely there is any way we can move forward on a refurbishment of Anfield unless there are significant changes in those areas,” he said.

He said that although a redevelopment of Anfield would be cheaper than a new build, while at the same time delivering around the same amount of seats, “based on where we are at the moment, we seem to be unable to press on with the more viable economic option of a refurbishment”.

He said the club had held talks with potential sponsors interested in the naming rights for a new ground, and that it had been in talks with “various parties” about potential financing either for the refurb or the development of a new ground.

“We are mindful that supporters have been promised a solution in the past and have been disappointed, and also that local residents would like to know what direction we are headed in.

“However, just like any other business, we can only proceed as and when we are clear on all elements and we will not be forced to make a decision that is not in the best long-term interests of our club and we will not make any promises to our fans that we cannot keep.

Council leader Joe Anderson said that it appreciated that the club made progress over the past nine months since John Henry’s Fenway Sports Group took charge of the business.

“We will continue to support what they are trying to deliver. However, it is unfortunately the reality that the debate and discussions over a new stadium have gone on for many years, causing a great deal of frustration and uncertainty within the local community.

“Although we are fully supportive of the club, we can’t ignore the fact that the clock is and has been ticking, and people need certainty about the development.

“We will do what we can to continue to help the club, and I can reassure people that we will be pressing for a decision as soon as is practically possible that will benefit Liverpool FC and deliver the much needed regeneration that the area so badly needs.”