Everton stars past and present return to Bellefield

Feb 14 2012 by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

PHIL JAGIELKA went back to the future last weekend.

The Everton defender visited the site of Everton’s former Bellefield training complex – and was amazed at the transformation which has taken place since the Blues left their historic training base on October 9, 2007, ending a 61-year association with the site.

The once state of the art training ground is now a Bellway Homes luxury development, and Jagielka opened two showhomes there on Sunday.

Visiting the first homes to open on the much anticipated devel- opment, Jagielka took a look around the four and five bedroom family properties, before sign- ing autographs and greeting fans who were keen to get the first glimpse of the historic site.

He said: “It’s quite strange being back here and seeing the place as housing! I’ve got some great memories of Bellefield as a training ground and I am very impressed with what’s been done here. The houses look terrific and I am sure they’ll be popular – even the one with my plaque attached to the wall.”

Divisional sales manager at Bellway Homes, Jenny Bell, added: “The site is of huge importance to the football community in the area and we are thrilled that Phil came along to officially launch it this weekend.

“The showhomes have been styled to immaculate standards with each room dressed beautifully. Visitors to Bellefield will be suitably impressed, further adding to the large levels of interest the development has already received.”

Former Everton stars Alan Ainscow, Gerry Glover and John Bailey also came along to see the new-look Bellefield.