EVERTON legend Dave Hixon reacted with sadness yesterday to the possibility that the club might have to relocate to a new stadium.

Hixon, who wore the blue shirt with pride during the '40s and '50s as a fearless striker, said: "The news has come as a bit of a shock and it would be a shame if this was to happen.

"Goodison is such a wonderful ground with an atmosphere that is second to none, anywhere in the country.

"I enjoyed every minute of my time when I was playing there. It was just brilliant.

"I played in front of crowds of over 70,000 just after the war and you don't forget occasions like that in a hurry.

"But I suppose the club have to move forward and relocation looks the only alternative if extra development is needed. It is a pity Goodison can't be improved any, more."

Everton chairman Peter Johnson has indicated that relocation "is a possibility" if the club are to try to make a serious impact in Europe.

Speaking last night on the BBC 2 programme Close Up North, he says: "Since the Taylor Report money has been made available to other clubs and so you now see beautiful stands.

"Our problem is we are very much landlocked and our capacity of 40,000 could well suffer if we made major changes to two of our stands.

"It is important we do improve the facilities. I can see a European league coming, I think we are on our way now.

"I am not sure what the structure would be but I do believe that is the direction we will take.

"That is why it is so important to address the stadium issue because when you go into Europe I think you will want the big clubs with the big grounds and the big followings. We must address that."