Fans have spoken out about plans which could see Tranmere Rovers move to a new stadium and some are furious with the idea.
Yesterday, the ECHO revealed Wirral Council and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority may be about to spend £100,000 each on a feasibility study. The study would look at whether the ‘Sports City’ project, which would feature a new 15,000-seater stadium for Tranmere Rovers, could be delivered.
The plan, for land at the former Bidston Dock, could potentially include a digital golf driving range and food and retail outlets, as well as the new ground which could be redeveloped to enable 25,000 fans to fit inside. On the proposed move, Mark Palios, Tranmere Rovers’ chairman, said: “From the club’s perspective, if the feasibility study is approved it will determine whether or not a stadium move will help to establish TRFC as a self-sustainable Championship club.
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“Once the outcome of the study is known we shall enter into a period of consultation with the fan base.” Some had serious concerns about the plan. Commenting on the My Wirral Facebook page, Margaret Eames said: “Prenton Park is iconic. [It’s the] centre of the community, accessible by road and rail.
“Who stands to benefit from the sale of [the ground] for housing? Will it be affordable social housing?”
Jimmy Lynch said: “No, no and no again, as Tranmere belongs in Tranmere not Bidston.” Similarly, Dez Chase said: “It would be strange calling them Tranmere if [the club is] moving from the area.”
But some were very much in favour of the plan. Responding to Dez, Sy Boyce said: “Not really, we were still playing in Birkenhead when we changed our name from Belmont to Tranmere.
“[It would be] similar to Everton moving to Vauxhall. I am hoping this comes off as we need an upgrade to Prenton Park as it’s falling apart [because] it's so old.”
Some of those posting on the Lost Football Grounds and Terraces of the United Kingdom Facebook page agreed. One person said: “The better condition [of the new ground] would mean lower maintenance costs, better location, the chance to sell the current ground for housing and the potential to expand if required.”
A fellow member of the group added: “[A new ground] can generate more money with the whole fan experience. Tottenham and Fulham are generating millions from their newly developed arenas.”
Looking at the issue from both sides, another person said: “I love Prenton Park and have many good memories of going there but I do wonder how much life the main stand has left.”
He added that he was not in favour of the move but “the question is which [ground] is more beneficial for the long-term survival of the club”.
