Chairman Bill Kenwright is the centerpiece of a banner held by Everton fans calling for a change of executive heads. Credit: AFP/Paul Ellis
Everton's era of division and rancor shows no sign of abating after majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri resisted calls from supporters to oust Bill Kenwright and announced that the chairman would remain in office.
After several weeks of speculation and negotiations – and the resignation of three of Kenwright's closest associates on the board of directors. Moshiri says he convinced the 77-year-old to oversee a critical “transition period” for the Merseyside club.
The decision is highly divisive given groups of supporters have united in demanding that Kenwright become the ceremonial figurehead of the executive cull following successive fights for relegation to the Premier League.
Club legend Graham Sharp, non-executive director, former chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale and former CFO Grant Ingles resigned from Goodison Park on June 12 as a result of supporters seeking them and Kenwright's removal.
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Farhad Moshiri and Bill Kenwright (right) have a close relationship. Photo: PA/Richard Sellers
Kenwright hasn't attended a Goodison Park game since January amid protests from fans who were told by club security to stay away.
Moshiri promised an update on Kenwright's position “within 48 hours” out of three. the senior director left, but negotiations continued, and the fact that the owner is adamant that the chairman should stay shows how close their relationship is.
Many will find Moshiri's decision incomprehensible, given that it is guaranteed to infuriate a significant portion of fans who are increasingly concerned about the club's squad for next season. Even those more sympathetic to Kenwright are eager to start from scratch.
Many also wonder why Kenwright continues to put himself under the test of responsibility for Everton's recent troubles, despite the strength of Moshiri's conviction.
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A cynic could argue that he has been a useful shield for Moshiri, given that he has become a major target of fan concern as results have deteriorated since he sold the club in 2016.
Kenwright's critics claim he is a common denominator as Everton have not won a trophy since 1995. They see his unwillingness to back down as symptomatic of Everton's stagnation.
Fans yearn for a new dawn
His supporters, meanwhile, point out that prior to the sale of the club to Moshiri, the vast majority of Kenwright's reign as chairman was a period of stability – especially under David Moyes – and ultimate responsibility for the disastrous decisions of the past seven years. years lies with the current owner.
Whoever is ultimately responsible for the club's predicament, Everton fans are united in the conclusion that a new start is needed and they expected Moshiri to restructure the board this summer through new investments and fresh talent on and off the field.
Negotiations with US investors MSP Sports Capital are ongoing, but Moshiri has already set up an interim board, mostly made up of current promoted executives.
Colin Chong, who oversaw the construction of Liverpool's £500m stadium. docks, was appointed interim CEO, taking over the duties of Barrett-Baxendale.
James Marinjak, currently CFO, now Chief Financial Officer.
The club also added John Spellman to as a non-executive director. Spellman has been described as “a seasoned chartered accountant, successful businessman and Evertonian.”
Explaining the decision to retain Kenwright, Moshiri said: “I wanted Bill to remain our chairman during this important transition period for the club and I'm delighted that he accepted my request for it. Bill's knowledge and vast experience will be critical to us as we look to reboot, attract outside investment and position Everton for a successful future.” the new dawn they longed for.
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