Practicality or preference? Everton’s new stadium raises an interesting question

Yesterday afternoon saw the Guardian reporting that Everton shareholder Farhad Moshiri was traveling to visit two sites for Everton’s new stadium.

The two sites in questions, Bramley Moore Dock on Liverpool’s dockland and Stonebridge Cross in Croxteth are the locations in question.

It is believed the former is the club’s preferred choice, especially after their failure to secure the King’s Dock in 2003.

However, a major stumbling block, aside from the reported £30 million the club may have to pay for the site, is the fact that Bramley Moore requires significant work before a stadium can be built.

In comparison, Stonebridge does not need any preparation and could be ready in the near future.

This raises an interesting question, should Everton put practicality ahead of preference when it comes to their new stadium?

There is no denying that a new ground on the waterfront would be attractive, to say the least, especially after the King’s Dock debacle.

But can the Blues afford to spend extra time and money just to ensure they have a more visually appealing new home?

It is an interesting question and one that the Everton hierarchy, Farhad Moshiri in particular, will likely be fiercely debating in the coming months.

Of course, the vast majority of fans already have the answer, Bramley Moore dock should be the only choice.

For a club that has often chosen practicality ahead of preference, though, the choice is not so clear cut and the one they make may be an indication of what direction the club looks to take in future.