TWO iconic Premier League stadiums could have looked very different if mega plans were given the green light by management.
Both grounds are usually instantly recognisable with their famous walls and iconic gates.
One stadium has been the sight of many memorable moments in English and European football.
The other ground was the first major football stadium build in England.
Both clubs are known for their “friendly” rivalry between the red and blue sides of the city – often dividing families and friends alike.
The venues in question are, of course, Anfield and Goodison Park – the home of Liverpool and Everton respectively.
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The Mersey Stadia-Connex group announced grand plans for a twin arena housing both clubs in a ‘Siamese stadium’ in 2010.
The plan would have involved two stadiums standing side by side in Stanley Park, and sharing one “central spine.”
Images released at the time revealed a two-sided, ten-level central hub with a 60,000 ground capacity for the Reds and 50,000 for the Blues.
Liverpool were in financial turmoil at the time, and it was said the stunt would save the clubs between £180million-£220m in production costs.
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The 10-story spine included a 300-bed hotel, hospitality facilities, 150 executive boxes and a huge underground car park.
Unsurprisingly, the consortium’s proposals were not picked up by either owners.
Liverpool went onto to acquire new ownership, when Fenway Sports Group bought the club from American duo Tom Hicks and George Gillett in 2010.
FSG are currently implementing a new £80m Anfield Road Stand expansion, that won’t be ready until next year.
The stand is expected to add around 7,000 seats, bumping up the stadium’s capacity to 61,000.
Meanwhile, Everton are due to bid farewell to Goodison Park next year.
The Blues are currently halfway through building a state-of-the-art ground on Bramley Dock.
The new stadium will cost up to £500m and hold 52,888 fans.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
