Fans campaigning against Everton’s proposed move to a new stadium outside the Liverpool city boundary are expected to stage protests at Goodison Park this evening, despite the outcome of a ballot yesterday showing the majority of supporters to be in favour of the proposal.

Almost 60 per cent of supporters have voted in favour of the move to a new 50,000-seat ground in Kirkby after Everton took the unprecedented step of carrying out a poll of 36,000 season ticket-holders, shareholders and club members.

Around 11,000 of those fans declined to vote, however, and demonstrations from the Keep Everton In Our City (KEIOC) campaign are expected before, during and after the game at home to Blackburn Rovers this evening.

Everton will now press ahead with the Kirkby proposal, described as “the deal of the century” by Keith Wyness, the club’s chief executive, although there is still a long way to go before the plans are given the go-ahead.

Knowsley council must first draw up a new “vision” for Kirkby and consult residents for a second time. Assuming that goes smoothly, a planning application would be submitted. The government must then approve the project.

The stadium, which Everton hope will be ready in time for the start of the 2010/11 season, would form the centrepiece of a £400 million retail development involving Tesco, the super-market giant.

Two rival sites have emerged in recent weeks, but the club believe Kirkby represents the most viable and attractive option.

A spokesman for Everton said: “While we concede that the proposed move has undoubtedly provoked a heated and sustained debate, it is reassuring to know that the majority of Evertonians do support the club as it pursues its long-held desire to provide a world class stadium for its world class support.

“We now have a mandate to carry on negotiations with our two project partners - Knowsley Borough Council and Tesco.”

Dave Kelly, spokesman for KEIOC, said: “The ballot has served to split the fans. That makes me sad as an Evertonian. There is still a long campaign ahead because public opinion in Kirkby against a football stadium is growing.”