Everton stadium plans rejected

English Everton plans to leave Goodison Park for a new 50,000-seat stadium in Kirkby has been blocked by the government.

The reasons for the rejection, which came as a surprise to local MPs and club officials, will be outlined in full by Friday (today).

Everton chief executive Robert Elstone said the decision had left

According to chief executive Robert Elstone, the club is "bitterly disappointed" but the they did not end the search for a new home.

"Obviously, we are all bitterly disappointed with the decision as we felt that - along with our two partners - we had compiled and presented a most compelling case for the Destination Kirby project," Elstone told the club's website.

"We said all along that we not only believed the project to be deliverable but that it would have proved to be hugely beneficial for both Everton Football Club and the people of Knowsley.

"We will now regroup and carefully consider the options which are open to us. I feel I must stress that we do remain totally committed to finding a new home for our football club. The hunt for that new home will now intensify."