"The power of football is available if you want to tap into it." That was the challenging invitation issued by Everton FC chief executive Keith Wyness when he addressed Business Leaders members and guests at a Breakfast Briefing.

Mr Wyness made a welcome and positive speech in which he emphasised Everton's ambition to create productive links with the business community. "There is every chance that companies represented here today will do business with us," he stated.

He added that Everton are planning a pre-season tour to Los Angeles this summer and hope to include a Merseyside Trade Mission as part of their schedule.

Everton will themselves become part of the community in South Liverpool when they relocate their training complex to Halewood in the coming months.