AliousIn a recent interview with Sky Sports News, American investor John Textor, who holds shares in Crystal Palace and is currently bidding to acquire Everton, made some surprising comments about stadium aesthetics in English football. His remarks have sparked discussion and debate within the football community, particularly regarding the balance between modern amenities and traditional footballing atmosphere.
Textor’s most striking statement was directed at Tottenham Hotspur’s state-of-the-art stadium, which cost an estimated £1 billion to construct. Despite the venue being widely acclaimed as one of the Premier League’s most impressive modern stadiums, Textor expressed a contrarian view. He bluntly stated, “I don’t like Tottenham. I go into that stadium, and I think it’s too nice.” This sentiment might seem counterintuitive to many football fans who appreciate the cutting-edge facilities and comfort offered by newer stadiums.
Elaborating on his position, Textor recounted his early experiences at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He described feeling out of place in what he termed a “banquet hall,” emphasizing that such an environment felt disconnected from the essence of football. “I thought ‘this isn’t football’ and I really believe that,” Textor explained, underlining his preference for a more traditional, perhaps grittier, football experience. His assertion that the stadium is “way too nice for football” challenges the trend towards increasingly luxurious and technologically advanced venues in modern football.
These comments come at a significant juncture in Textor’s business dealings within English football. He revealed that he is in the process of divesting his shares in Crystal Palace to pursue an acquisition of Everton. This potential deal is part of a complex and protracted sales process initiated by Everton’s current majority shareholder, Farhad Moshiri. Previously, other interested parties such as 777 partners and the Friedkin Group (owners of AS Roma) had been granted exclusivity in negotiations but failed to finalize a deal. Textor now claims to be engaged in exclusive talks himself, suggesting a possible breakthrough in the Everton ownership saga.
The context of Everton’s financial situation adds another layer to Textor’s stadium commentary. Moshiri’s financial position has reportedly deteriorated, largely due to the massive investment in Everton’s new stadium project. Conservative estimates place the cost of this new venue, located on Liverpool’s docks, at around £500 million. Set to open at the start of the next season, this stadium has been viewed as a beacon of hope for the club during a turbulent period both on and off the pitch.
However, Textor’s preferences seem to run counter to this modernization trend. In a nostalgic reflection, he expressed a desire for Everton to remain at their historic home, Goodison Park. To illustrate his point, Textor recalled a memorable match from May 2022, when Everton secured Premier League survival with a dramatic comeback victory against his own Crystal Palace. He vividly described the atmosphere: “People were running all over the stadium and I was sat just above the dugout. I was thinking, ‘what a weird stadium, what a weird layout… but what a beautiful stadium’.”
Textor drew an analogy between Goodison Park and Fenway Park, the iconic home of the Boston Red Sox baseball team. Both venues are known for their quirks and obstructed views, which Textor seems to value as part of their charm and historical significance. “It’s like going to Fenway Park where you have a big pole in front of you. You can’t see the field but it’s what’s beautiful about it,” he explained, highlighting his appreciation for the character and authenticity of older sporting venues.
In a bold statement that might raise eyebrows among Everton supporters eager for modern facilities, Textor declared, “For me, I would still be interested in Everton if they were playing on a pitch next to Goodison Park. I would stay at Goodison forever.” This sentiment aligns with a segment of football fans who prioritize tradition and the unique atmosphere of older grounds over the amenities and revenue potential of new stadiums.
However, Textor is not naive about the financial realities of modern football. He acknowledged the importance of the new stadium project in attracting investment and improving the club’s competitiveness. “Let’s face it, we don’t want Everton to be bouncing around eighth place forever. We want to win a title, and so to do that you need serious capital,” Textor stated, recognizing the role that modern infrastructure plays in a club’s financial health and on-field success.
Textor’s comments reflect a broader debate in football about balancing tradition with progress, and the role of stadium development in a club’s future. While he personally might prefer the charm of older grounds, he seems to understand the necessity of modernization in achieving competitive success. As negotiations for Everton’s ownership continue, it will be interesting to see how Textor’s vision for the club, including his views on stadium development, might shape its future direction.
Alious
