Lunchtime on the River Mersey and there, on the horizon, is the symbol of hope. Everton’s embryonic new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock looks majestic, a spectacular addition to an already iconic skyline.
The idea that this £500million development will one day provide a stage for the club to play in the biggest games has had supporters dreaming for years but, today, as the Mersey Ferry meanders towards it, dreaming is the last thing anyone wants to do.
Andrew Griffiths, a Blue who had made the four-hour journey from his home in Aberdare, south Wales on Thursday for their defeat by Newcastle, is sitting on deck, wearing a blue hat and jersey.