Putting good into Goodison
Transfer pain to predators
EVERTON deserve saluting after announcing plans to build a mental health care facility in the shadow of Goodison Park.
Five years ago, they started a “Pass on the memories” scheme – in conjunction with the NHS trust – to support people with dementia and their carers
They put together life-story books and activities to keep the brain active. The club hope to become the first dementia-friendly stadium in the country.
The club are also launching a fundraising drive to finance The People’s Place. Big football clubs start schemes like this because they recognise their position in the community that supports them.
Even smaller initiatives, such as the junior Blues collecting litter around Goodison on matchday, makes a difference.
The club also play a part in the former players’ association, one of the country’s best. Other clubs do the same, but Everton get it right more often than not. And they must be applauded for this latest scheme. IT leaves a bitter aftertaste when a player is unsettled by transfer speculation – the predators in these cases never suffer.
Aston Villa have to pick up the pieces after Spurs’ pursuit of Jack Grealish (left) failed. Six months ago, Arsenal were on the receiving end as Manchester City and Manchester United squabbled over Alexis Sanchez. Last year Southampton were the ones fighting their corner after Liverpool’s interest in Virgil van Dijk was made public.
It’s not right, but I can’t see any way to punish clubs for this drip, drip, drip effect of unsettling players at other clubs.
So if anyone has an answer, feel free to get in touch.