Everton might allow safe-standing at new home
Everton have outlined further details about the plans for the club’s new ground at Bramley-Moore dock.
One of the more interesting aspects of the plans Everton are preparing to submit later this year, is the idea of introducing safe-standing. Although this is only if the idea is accepted by the authorities.
This concept has been revived more and more recently as clubs seek to modify seating arrangements in the light of fan pressure to re-introduce it, increase the potential capacity of their grounds and also perhaps improve the atmosphere at their home games.
Ever since the Hillsborough disaster in April 1989, standing has been almost a taboo in top-flight football, although it is allowed in League’s one and two.
When I was growing up and first attending football matches, standing was an integral part of the game and always had been.
I remember many times when I was young standing in the Gladwys Street end at Goodison Park trying to see over the adults’ heads or stay on my feet when the crowd surged forward to see a goal chance. It was sometimes a scary situation it’s true.
Of course Hillsborough was a dreadful tragedy and it was only right that the football authorities took action to try to make grounds safer.
And outlawing standing has I think made football overall a safer and a more enjoyable experience for all fans. It’s also contributed to making football easier for previously marginalised groups of fans, like women, to attend games in a more pleasant and conducive environment.
But recently some fans have begun to ask if there isn’t a way for standing to be re-incorporated into modern football stadiums.
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Everton now seem to be prepared to include safe-standing in their new stadium, when it does get built.
I think this is overall a positive move and will help to bring carefully managed standing back into the game.
And given the often poor atmosphere at Goodison Park these days, it might help to ensure the environment at the new ground, Bramley-Moore is better.
And as the new ground move will cost so much money, it is vital Everton can generate as much income as possible to help the team compete and match the demands of the Board that the Blues win the title in the next ten years.