Bellefield

Bellefield was Everton's old training ground located in West Derby, Liverpool.

Bellefield had been Everton FC's training ground since 1946. It was purchased in 1965 from landowner Mr Tyson and Everton developed it so it was ready by summer of 1966. On July 12, 1966 it was officially opened by Mr J Richards, the president of the Football League.


Bellefield got its name from a local gothic mansion owned by a prominent Liverpool shipping magnate and politician.

At the time it was so advanced that the Brazilian national football team used it as a training base in the 1966 World Cup. The Brazilian Football Association was said to be so impressed with the facilities on offer that they took photographs to inspire clubs in Brazil.


On Tuesday, 9 October 2007, Bellefield training ground played host to its last ever senior first team training session. Everton FC moved to Finch Farm in Halewood a day later.

Speaking of the closure of Bellefield, Everton captain Alan Stubbs said:
    "It is a really sad day. This place has graced some unbelievable players. I am not in that category. There have been some fantastic players that have played here. There have been players here that come here and it’s been a privilege to have played in the surroundings that they have played in. It is a sad sad day to see the back of Bellefield.

Having vacated Bellefield to the new training ground, Everton's plans were to have the Bellefield estate redeveloped for housing, which would in turn contribute financially to a proposed new club stadium.

As reported in the Liverpool Daily Post on 11 June 2008 Liverpool councillors rejected Everton's plans.



Bellway Homes eventually a built a range of 4 & 5 bedroom homes on the site which were completed around 2011. 

  
Memorable Bellefield Moments
   
- John Bailey being met by an 18 stone strip-o-gram as payback for him ordering one before the Cup Final.

- Paul Gascoigne taking the mick out of David Ginola after he signed for Everton by jogging about wearing a mock Ginola style wig.

- Wishing you'd invested in a better permanent marker for your autographs!


- The Bellefield gate being closed on angry fans after the club sold Duncan Ferguson to Newcastle United.

- Duncan Ferguson and Neville Southall posing on Police bikes ahead of 1995 F.A Cup Final.

- Bill Shankly popping round from his nearby house to watch Everton train after he left Liverpool.

- Wayne Rooney cycling to Bellefield on his BMX!