Prem rivals’ stadiums look unrecognisable in forgotten ‘Siamese’ grounds plan

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Both grounds are usually instantly recognisable with their famous walls and iconic gates - but that could have been very different
Both grounds are usually instantly recognisable with their famous walls and iconic gates - but that could have been very different

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.

The 'Siamese' stadium would've seen two bitter rivals ground-sharing eiqruideridzuprw
The 'Siamese' stadium would've seen two bitter rivals ground-sharing

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.

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The venues in question are, of course, Anfield and Goodison Park - the home of Liverpool and Everton respectively.

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.

Anfield is an iconic English stadium, and has witnessed many successful nights
Anfield is an iconic English stadium, and has witnessed many successful nights
Everton fans will bid farewell to Goodison Park next year
Everton fans will bid farewell to Goodison Park next year

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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.

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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.

The new Anfield Road Stand expansion will increase the capacity by 7,000 seats
The new Anfield Road Stand expansion will increase the capacity by 7,000 seats
Everton are in the process of building their stunning new stadium on Bramley Dock
Everton are in the process of building their stunning new stadium on Bramley Dock

Katherine Walsh

Liverpool FC, Everton, Goodison Park, Anfield

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