"I speak for many" - relief as Everton takeover saga finally ends ahead of stadium move
The dust has settled on a long and painful takeover saga surrounding Everton, with The Friedkin Group being given the all-clear to complete a purchase of the club - and Liverpool Echo readers in our comments section are cautiously optimistic about a future under new owners.
The sale marks the conclusion of a two-and-half-year saga in which the Blues were dogged by off-field problems while Farhad Moshiri worked through a series of collapsed talks over the future of the club. It is hoped stability at the top will help Everton to fully exploit the opportunities that now lie on the horizon, including the move to the state-of-the-art new stadium on the Liverpool waterfront in the summer.
The news caps off a difficult period for the club, with three Premier League relegation fights, two points deductions and a tight budget testing the patience of fans. Speaking as the takeover was confirmed on Thursday morning, Marc Watts, who will be the executive chairman said: “Today marks a momentous and proud occasion for The Friedkin Group as we become custodians of this iconic football club.
READ MORE: I saw Sean Dyche change after takeover and his Everton press conferences won't be the same
"We are committed to leading Everton into an exciting new era both on and off the pitch. Providing immediate financial stability to the club has been a key priority, and we are delighted to have achieved this. While restoring Everton to its rightful place in the Premier League table will take time, today is the first step in that journey.”
Fans are relieved that it's finally over. Reader BarneyUK writes: "It's taken a while, putting it mildly, but we can finally wave goodbye to Moshiri. The new stadium is fantastic but that is the only good thing to have come out of 8 years of utter chaos at the club. As for the new owners, of course optimism now returns, but this isn't going to be a quick fix to get the club challenging for trophies or the Champions League. Even the Europa League might be a few years off yet.”
Commenter Wouldnothurtafly says: “A decent Christmas present... I’m not a Moshiri hater but he was just out of his depth towards the end. We do however have him and Bill to thank for the new stadium, onwards and upwards hopefully.”
Bluphill wants an immediate end to the wasteful spending of the previous regime: “Money from the new owners is very welcome! But it must be spent wisely and not in haste. The like of Moise Kean or Neil Maupay, to mention just two of the many examples of the millions wasted! Players who were bought with such promise but for some reason just didn't perform as expected. This has happened far too many times and the buying team must take responsibility!"
Mickbutcher agrees: “We need to recruit sensibly and build a team to be proud of.” Ste61 says: “About time, let's get our club back where it belongs, up there with the so-called big boys. COYB.”
Stoicprinciples writes: “Think I speak for many... Just glad it's done now, time to move on, both on and off the pitch.”
Have your say! What should be the first thing the new Everton owners address? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.
