Andy has been MP for Leigh since 2001. Born in Liverpool, and growing up in Culcheth, Andy attended St Aelred’s Roman Catholic High School and gained an MA in English at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge. As MP for Leigh, Andy has been a strong voice for the community, encouraging developments such as the Leigh Sports Village. In government, Andy has held Ministerial positions at the Department of Health and the Treasury, before becoming Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in 2008 and then Health in 2009. Andy is an enthusiastic amateur footballer, playing in Labour’s Parliamentary team and charity matches whenever he gets the opportunity. He lives in the constituency with his family, wife Marie-France and their three children. He is a keen supporter of Leigh Centurions and of course, Everton FC.
http://www.thefa.com/GetIntoFootball/NewsAndFeatures/2010/burnham-balls-280910
Why Everton?
I had no choice. Both sides of my family are Evertonian – right back to the start of the club.
What are your memories of your first visit to Goodison Park?
I remember looking on in awe at Bob Latchford and Dave Thomas – and with sheer terror at the Boys Pen!
What part of Goodison do you favour when watching a game?
The family has season tickets in the Lower Gladys to the left of the goal as you look from the pitch. The only place to be.
Who is the greatest Everton player you have ever seen?
Probably Neville Southall, but, on sheer technical ability, Mikel Arteta is hard to beat.
Dixie Dean or Alan Ball?
Dixie – I love the story that he paid for striking dock workers to get in the ground in the 1930s.
Are your kids Evertonians, if so, how did you ensure they didn’t stray from the straight and narrow?
Yes – all three, including the girls. Jimmy’s got his first season ticket. Job done!
When Everton lost 1-0 at Burnley last season did Alastair Campbell give you an ear full?
Luckily I was on holiday, but there was a gloating text or two – and fair enough.
Under the new UEFA Financial Fair Play rules clubs will have to balance their books, not spend more than they earn and operate within their financial means. This puts the emphasis going forward on maximizing revenues and makes a move to a modern stadium, or a complete revamp of Goodison, crucial in order that Everton remain competitive. What are your views, will the new UEFA rules stick? and, What is your opinion of a ground-share with Liverpool?
My preference would be to re-develop over a long timeline (following the Celtic model). But, however hard, I don’t rule out ground share. It is the most realistic way for us to get a ground that will support our long-term ambitions.
Everton are controlled by a passionate fan in Bill Kenwright who has done brilliantly on limited resources, though not attracting the huge investment that some think necessary. Can Everton thrive and climb back to the top without a sugar daddy?
Yes, let’s stick with Bill. I don’t want to take a risk on someone we don’t know. Bill’s done a great job for us . Think back to where we were in the mid-1990s. These sugar daddies are not what they’re cracked up to be.
Where do you see Everton in 10 years time?
Top four.
