11 hours ago
'I can't think of any grounds that you can just casually saunter up to' - fans react to Merseytravel steps advice
Football fans have had their say as Merseytravels' advice to 'get your steps in' to reach Hill Dickinson Stadium this weekend was put to the test. Ahead of Everton holding their final pre-season friendly and test event at their new waterfront home tomorrow, the regional travel operator laid down something of a misguided piece of advice – albeit well intentioned.
Taking to social media, they posted: 'Heading to the Everton v AS Roma double-header this weekend? Everton Stadium is just 30 mins walk from Moorfields station – a great opportunity to get your steps in for the day and soak up the atmosphere for the big game!'
This naturally prompted a backlash from Blues fans who mocked the post, even asking if the Metro Mayor and Liverpool fan Steve Rotheram would be taking part in the walk. To find out if it was doable, reporter and Evertonian David Humphreys took up the challenge from the business district in the city centre to Bramley-Moore Dock.
Now fans have had their say on what could lay in store for them later this season. After David completed the walk in just under 25 minutes, one commenter said: 'Not too bad, have a few in Moorfields then walk to the Bramley and have a few in there.'
Another person added: 'All of this should have been thought about before permission was given for building work to start.' The timing around supporters making their way to and from the stadium was highlighted by one contributor who said: 'It's when the game finishes you will have problems, everyone leaving the stadium all together.'
The ECHO understands Merseytravel's original post was devised as a friendly piece of advice for fans making their way to the ground from across the Liverpool City Region and sign posting the ways to get to and from Hill Dickinson Stadium this weekend. This covers a range of travel options, including buses, trains, Mersey Ferries, cycling and walking, to help supporters with their travel planning.
One commenter said some had overreacted, writing: 'The roads to the north, south and east are big wide roads and not the narrow terraces surrounding Goodison and Anfield. It's not as big an issue as it's made out to be.
'Possible a few minor issues early doors as people find their preferred route, parking space, mode of transport etc.. but in the long term it will be fine.' This was backed up by another contributor who said: 'I can't think of any grounds that you can just casually saunter up to.
'They all require a significant walk and/or a struggle and delay getting a bus or train. Comments about cold weather, wind and rain are really feeble – normal fans take it all in their stride.'
Mobility was raised by some users however. One said: 'It's ok if you are reasonably healthy and mobile, but even then if it's raining heavily, cold and windy, and it's pretty exposed to the elements down there, it's not going to be a good experience especially if Everton lose and you've got to walk back.'
Another added: 'It is a decent walk but manageable if you are fit and able.
'There needs to be provision for the elderly and less able though.'
