The operator's advice for travel on match day has backfired after Blues fans hit back
A general view taken with a drone of Hill Dickinson Stadium. The image shows the roof emblazoned with the name of the club's new naming rights partner. Photo by Mark Seddon/Everton FC
A general view taken with a drone of Hill Dickinson Stadium. The image shows the roof emblazoned with the name of the club's new naming rights partner. Photo by Mark Seddon/Everton FC
Merseytravel has come in for criticism after advising Evertonians to “get their steps in” before the final test event at the club’s new stadium. This Saturday marks the first official men’s home game away from Goodison Park in 133 years as the Blues welcome AS Roma for their pre-season curtain raiser at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
It will also be the first time the 52,769-seater venue will be operating at near full capacity with tens of thousands of supporters expected to make use of the nearby Sandhills rail station. Much has been made of the work being undertaken to get the station ready on the edge of the city centre since test events began earlier this year.
While the majority of fans are expected to use Sandhills, Merseytravel is keen to encourage supporters to use other locations to ensure they can get to and from the match quickly and efficiently. However, the travel operator has come in for some fire after suggesting fans can “get their steps in” with a 30-minute walk to Moorfields.
On social media, Merseytravel has been making Toffees aware of their commute options for this weekend including buses, ferries and trains. One particular post was flagged offside by fans, however.
It said: “Heading to the Everton v AS Roma double-header this weekend? Everton Stadium is just 30 mins walk from Moorfields station – a great opportunity to get your steps in for the day and soak up the atmosphere for the big game!
Moorfields Station on Old Hall Street
Moorfields Station on Old Hall Street(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
“Plan your journey and consider your travel options as a new era begins for the Toffees.” This prompted a backlash online from fans.
One wrote: “Walk from the vale, it’s just a 90 minute walk from the stadium, you might feel like a player after it” while another asked if Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram would do the walk with fans adding: “Get your steps in as if you’re doing us a favour.”
A question was raised by another commenter who said: “Is the Old Hall St. exit going to be open? Just in case you’re thinking of more ways to wind people up, it might be an idea to keep the shutters down. Just for a laugh. Get a few more steps in then going back to the other exit.”
The scheme was called into question by one user. They said: “This is all well and good for young people and those who are able to walk long distances. What about those who struggle to walk long distances?”
The ECHO understands the post in question was devised as a friendly piece of advice for fans making their way to the ground from across the Liverpool City Region and sign posting the ways to get to and from Hill Dickinson Stadium this weekend. This covers a range of travel options, including buses, trains, Mersey Ferries, cycling and walking, to help supporters with their travel planning.
In a post this afternoon, Merseyrail offered its own advice.
The company wrote: “Like train stations near other major football stadiums across the UK, Sandhills station will be extremely busy on matchdays. We are advising customers to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys, and consider alternative routes in case of unexpected disruption.”