Everton investment hopes recede

St. James’s Park was not far short of capacity this afternoon for the lunchtime clash between Newcaste United and Everton.   The Magpies have been taking a number of steps to boost the crowd, including an offer of an additional season ticket at half price to existing season ticket holders.  Apparently something like four thousand have taken it up.

St. James’s Park was not far short of capacity this afternoon for the lunchtime clash between Newcaste United and Everton.   The Magpies have been taking a number of steps to boost the crowd, including an offer of an additional season ticket at half price to existing season ticket holders.  Apparently something like four thousand have taken it up.


The away section was not full: it would involve an early start for a lunchtime fixture.   Then there is the time taken in the climb up to the away area at St. James’s Park where it is alleged that some fans have suffered from altitude sickness.


No doubt those Everton fans were discussing the renewed rumours of outside investment that were circulating during the week.   I didn’t report them at the time because they looked highly speculative to me and that seems to be the case.


It is the case that the Mumbai-based Jain Group are a major construction company who are interested in investing on Merseyside.   It is also clear that they became aware of Everton’s need for new investment and expressed some interest.   They could, of course, build a new stadium.   However, all it seems to amount to at the moment is some preliminary discussions.


I hope something does come of it or at least some other approach – apparently there have been several ‘expressions of interest’ (but talk comes cheap).   Everton is a club that needs and deserves investment to compete effectively.