Three senior Everton directors step down after fan protests against club management

The proud club is going through hard times and fans are unhappy with how they are run. Photo: Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff.

Three senior Everton directors have resigned after lengthy demonstrations against the club's management.

Chief Denise Barrett-Baxendale is leading the immediate exodus from Goodison Park. Club legend Graham Sharp, a non-executive director, and CFO Grant Ingles also left the club immediately.

Everton say the decision was made by the members as their positions became increasingly untenable in the face of growing fan dissatisfaction with their strategy leadership.

Bill Kenwright, chairman of the board since 2004, also negotiates with the majority. shareholder Farhad Moshiri about his position at the club.

The executive upheaval is a direct reaction to another season of turmoil in the blue half of Merseyside, where Everton avoided relegation on the last day with a narrow victory over Bournemouth.

The three outgoing directors have not attended home games since January after fans voiced their dissatisfaction with Everton plunging into a relegation battle over the next season. The club said directors have been advised to stay away for safety reasons, and their extended absence is indicative of a deepening rift between supporters and management.

Moshiri has hinted there will be a change at board level over the summer as he wants to start over next season, though sources at the club are adamant that the man made the decision to leave on his own. It is understood that they have been considering their positions for some time now, and critics felt that it would be wiser if they left their post before the season finale to restore some unity.

Moshiri is negotiating with US investors . on the sale of a stake in the club, and these changes give him the opportunity to restructure the executive wing of Everton.

Despite having secured their Premier League safety, Goodison are still in trouble as the club battle allegations of alleged spending violations. The possibility of a hefty fine, a transfer ban or even a points deduction still looms.

Recently appointed manager Sean Dyche will need his wits to get through what promises to be a trial summer transfer window while he works. within budget constraints. Senior players such as Yerry Mina have already left at the end of their contract — the Colombian has been the driving force behind the drive to survive — while interest in England No. 1 Jordan Pickford has been reported despite his recent signing of a new contract.

< p>Meanwhile, Everton have not commented on reports that former manager Carlo Ancelotti has filed a lawsuit against the club in the High Court.

The lawsuit is said to be about «general commercial contracts and arrangements», but no details have been given. reported. Ancelotti, who is now Real Madrid's manager and the only manager to win the Champions League four times, left Everton two years ago. We have reached out to Everton for comment.