Toffees chief outlines new stadium importance

Everton executive Sasha Ryazantsev says it’s vital for the club going forward that a new stadium is built.

The Toffees are looking to build a new ground at Bramley-Moore Dock and are set to start on the second stage of public consultation this summer.

Everton’s chief finance and commercial officer, Ryazantsev, believes that if the club really wants to start challenging near the top of the Premier League, then a new stadium is key.

He told FC Business: “We cannot compete against the top six teams in the Premier League on a sustained basis with the current stadium – apart from the atmosphere, of course, which is second to none. “However, if you look at the revenue generated it does not compare favourably to the top six.

In fact, it even falls short of some teams lower in the table, especially those with new stadia. “If you look at teams like West Ham and Newcastle, for example, they have stadia that are bigger and can generate more income.

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That is why it is a key strategic area for us to expand further. “In terms of funding, we are in a good place, we have options available to us in both the private and public sector and will carry out due diligence on the best deal for the club. “I am as keen as every Evertonian to break ground but we have been clear this can only happen once we get planning permission and once we do, we estimate it could be a three-year build.”