Stefan Borson
Sat 17 May 2025 13:00, UK
Everton have made a dramatic U-turn on their plans for Goodison Park as the stadium is now set to host games next season.
The Merseyside giants are set to leave Goodison at the end of the current campaign, having played at the 39,572-capacity stadium since 1892.
They will move into their new 52,888-seater facility on Bramley-Moore Dock ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Everton had initially planned to demolish their soon-to-be former home following the move, but it has now been confirmed Goodison is set to become the permanent home of Everton Women.
In their official statement, the club said: “The decision follows an in-depth review of the Goodison Legacy project by The Friedkin Group (TFG) since their takeover in December.
“The Goodison Legacy project was launched in 2020 to define the future of Goodison. After an in-depth review, TFG decided that football must be kept at the heart of Everton’s community.”
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Finance expert Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider he was “surprised” by the decision to make Goodison the new home of Everton Women.
Former chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider Everton faced a £2million-a-year bill to keep the stadium fit for purpose during his time at the club between 2004 and 2009.
The Merseysiders also confirmed the women’s team’s move to Goodison will include “enhancements that will be made over time and will ensure adequate facilities are in place before the start of the season”.
Everton
Everton delay Goodison decision after new move
Borson suggested Everton Women may only play at Goodison while a decision is made over the stadium’s long-term future.
He told Football Insider: “It doesn’t make a lot of sense.
“I don’t really understand it, but optically maybe it works for a while. I think it’s very unlikely that it will persist beyond one or two seasons.
“I suspect it’s more to do with the process for what they’re going to do with Goodison long term.
“Arguably, you want the women’s team playing at the new stadium, don’t you? It’s a very big stadium for a women’s team, but so is Goodison.
“The average attendance for an Everton Women’s game is around 1,000 to 2,000. They are going to be rattling around in the old stadium that’s going to need a level of maintenance.
“Presumably, they’ll only maintain the main stand, but I was surprised by that as an idea. It doesn’t seem that smart.”
Everton
(Credit: Imago)
Jack Harrison update emerges at Leeds
Football Insider revealed on 6 May Jack Harrison is unlikely to return to Leeds United next season despite their promotion to the Premier League.
Everton and David Moyes are yet to decide whether to pursue a permanent move for the winger this summer.
Appearances (starts) 36 (23)
Goals 1
Assists 1
Jack Harrison’s 2024-25 stats (all competitions)
The 28-year-old has spent two seasons on loan at Goodison following Leeds’ relegation from the Premier League in 2023.
Harrison has only registered one goal and one assist in 36 appearances this season.
For more Everton and exclusive news, follow us onFacebook or join our brand newWhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts