Everton Chief Wyness Quits Club

Keith Wyness, the chief executive of Premier League club Everton, has unexpectedly resigned with speculation mounting that his departure could scupper the club’s plans to move to a new stadium.

Wyness had been the driving force behind the club’s plans to build a new 50,000-capacity stadium in Kirkby, awaiting government approval.

Planning consent has been received for the stadium but a government decision on whether or not to ‘call in’ the project for review is expected this week.

Everton say Wyness’ sudden exit is not linked to the future of their proposed new stadium despite the departing chief executive having voiced fears that government intervention could jeopardise the plans.

Wyness, after discussions with board members at the weekend, tendered his resignation by e-mail.

It is believed the Department for Communities and Local Government are close to announcing the ruling on ‘calling in’ the stadium project.

Everton are concerned that an inquiry would put back the move for a year and kill off the controversial £400m scheme.

The proposals to move to Kirkby have been opposed by some Everton fans angered by a possible move outside Liverpool’s city boundaries.