How Anfield expansion was delayed for 12 years by 2 women who refused to leave

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You see, since the 1970s, Liverpool had been planning to develop the Kemlyn Road side of Anfield, now known as the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand, and had been gradually buying up the houses on the road behind the stand. The club wanted to redevelop the Kemlyn Road stand in order to modernise the ground, introducing executive boxes, more seats and adding an extra tier.

Initially five families had rejected the club’s proposals, but by 1984, Liverpool had bought every house except theirs on Kemlyn Road and knocked the properties down, leaving the sisters living in the sole remaining occupancy behind the stadium. With Liverpool unable to extend the stand, the road became wasteland and turned into a car park.

Counsel for Liverpool David Geey said in 1990: “The sisters, Norah and Muriel (Joan) Mason, have been concerned throughout only to remain in the house which has been their home for 50 years, and no money can compensate them for the loss of this.” Though the sisters’ defiance frustrated many, Judge Dennis Clark of Liverpool County Court added that Liverpool FC had “exercised a great deal of patience, understanding and sensitivity” and had “behaved honourably.” With the house now able to be knocked down, Liverpool got to work on the redevelopment of the Kemlyn Road stand. The Kop, Main Stand and Anfield Road End have all since been redeveloped, but it is unlikely we will see any further expansion to the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand for several reasons, including the demolition of Skerries Road that would be required.