The grass will always be greener at Goodison Park

News that a consortium of American investors, headed by John Moores, are at an advanced stage of discussions, over takeover of Everton, comes on the back of continued rumours about Bill Kenwright’s ill health. Conspicuous in his absence for most of the season, Kenwright’s detractors have continued to voice their concerns that lack of investment is holding the club back, but will any deal take the toffees to the promised land.

Everton come across as a well organised club, seemingly doing business within their needs. Despite a net transfer spend of £54m, they have performed admirably in the Premiership averaging 7th in the past ten seasons. Set against a low commercial revenue dwarfed by the likes of Manchester United, they’ve fostered things differently. A flourishing youth academy, has born talent like Ross Barkley and a charity arm, Everton in the community, aiding thousands in the local area – has helped reinforce the tag ‘The People’s club’.

Despite this cosy backdrop and respected position, any takeover is likely to be ushered in with a wave of optimism. Debts of £45m and supposed stagnation at Goodison park have left them falling behind the likes of Spurs and the emerging dynasty at West Ham. Geography and the riches of the south, will always play a part, yet equally Kenwright  (a lifelong blue), must be wary of selling to the wrong bidder.

Moores purchase of the San Diego Padres bought for $80m from Tom Wearner of all people, the former Liverpool owner. started with a blaze of glory. He led them to a world series appearance and a new stadium in five years, before the Padres form nose dived and he later sold for a profit. Could history repeat itself? Well maybe on the form guide either way, but probably not if you throw Walton Hall Park – Everton’s proposed new ground, into the mix.

The scheme has floundered from its conception like Kings Dock and Kirby did before. Negative discussions with local resident groups, an intransience from the club on progress and more recently Mayor Joe Andersons comments that there would be no financial support from the council for the £300m project does not bode well.

Add the fact that the public purse paid 75% of the £350m construction costs for Petco Park, the Padres new home, means the likelihood of Moores spending upwards of £500m to create the ‘Blue dream’ is all but a mirage – surely signaling the death knell of Walton Hall.

Moores must have a blue print for buying the club and Kenwright must have confidence in it if he’s allowed access to the Everton accounts. However both parties know any deal must be dependent on building into the clubs core strengths – its presence in the community and spending within their needs.

Buying into that ethos could well see Everton dictating their own battle ground closer to home than we think. The huge cash injection of £80m from the new TV rights deal, will allow Martinez to continue nurturing his squad, replenishing the academy and building a team capable of challenging for honours. Players such as John Stones will always have a price on their head, but that must always be on Everton’s terms as must any commercial contracts, such as the much undervalued shirt sponsorship deal with Chang.

For once, it might be time, to take a leaf out of Liverpool’s book – well not the debt of £126m, but their redevelopment for Anfield. Everton don’t appear to be going anywhere soon and a phased reconstruction of Goodison Park, could be part of any takeover plans by Moores. It would make sense. Everton would continue to live within their needs, push their capacity to over 50k, and add to that bear pit atmosphere the grand old lady creates, so often Everton’s 12th man.

It’s surely the way forward, allowing the club to compete, engage and further cementing itself as the hub of the community.