Ray Houghton believes Liverpool and Everton should share a ground
Former Liverpool player Ray Houghton has urged the club to consider sharing a new ground with arch rivals Everton.
Houghton suggested that in order for Liverpool to compete in the Premier League they need to build a new stadium.
Liverpool has considered moving to a new stadium since Gerrard Houllier was in charge, and fans have grown impatient with the lack of developments.
When Tom Hicks and George Gillett took over the club they planned on building a stadium called New Anfield on Stanley Park. However, a lack of finances due to the downturn in the economy meant that the stadium was never built.
The former Liverpool star believes that if Hicks and Gillett do sell and the club is taken over, a new stadium should be one of the first priorities for the new owners. Liverpool is expected to be taken over by an American based group who own a number of
American sports teams, including the Boston Red Sox.
Houghton said that if this is the case, "A joint stadium is something the clubs might have to look at. It’s holding back both Liverpool and Everton.”
The former right sided midfielder made 153 appearances for the club and is convinced that Liverpool can’t compete with the big clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea, unless they expand.
Houghton said, "Manchester United get £75,000 every game, and Arsenal apparently make £1million every home match. You relate that to Everton and Liverpool, and they’re bringing in nowhere near that.”
"It’s something Everton and Liverpool might have to look at,” added Houghton.
Liverpool and Everton fans will not want to share a ground, but the benefits for both clubs would be an exciting prospect for Liverpool’s potential new owners and Everton’s board of directors.
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