Everton’s new era under the Friedkin Group (TFG) represents a fresh chapter in the club’s long and turbulent history. The takeover marks the end of Farhad Moshiri’s eight-year tenure, a period defined by ambition, missteps, and financial turmoil. The club’s supporters, weary from years of instability, now look to TFG with cautious optimism, hoping the new ownership can avoid the mistakes of the past and provide a stable foundation for the future.
Moshiri’s reign, which began in 2016, was characterized by high hopes but ultimately disappointing outcomes. Despite investing significant sums, the club struggled both on and off the pitch. One of Moshiri’s first mistakes was maintaining the existing leadership structure at Everton, allowing Bill Kenwright to remain as chairman. This decision stunted the club’s growth, as it failed to inject the necessary vision and ambition into the club’s operations. The lack of strategic direction led to a series of managerial changes, poor transfer decisions, and a culture of mediocrity that undermined Everton’s potential.
TFG’s arrival has been a welcome change for Everton, offering the promise of stability and professionalism. The group, led by Dan Friedkin, a billionaire with a diverse business portfolio, is committed to restoring the club’s fortunes. The new owners have already taken steps to address the financial issues that plagued Moshiri’s reign. They have restructured the club’s debts, including loans taken out to fund the construction of Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. These loans, which carried high interest rates, have been renegotiated on far more favorable terms, providing much-needed financial relief.
Under Moshiri, Everton’s financial situation became precarious, with rising debts and unsustainable spending. The club’s net spend on transfers was one of the highest in the Premier League, but the results on the pitch did not reflect this investment. Everton’s decline was exacerbated by a series of ill-fated signings, many of which were made under the influence of a favored agent. This pattern of hasty decisions, coupled with the absence of a clear strategy, contributed to the club’s ongoing struggles.
Since the beginning of the 2022-23 season, Everton has been forced to operate with a much smaller budget, as Moshiri’s funding dried up. Despite these financial constraints, the club has managed to avoid relegation, with manager Sean Dyche playing a crucial role in keeping the team afloat. Dyche’s ability to maintain Premier League status despite a negative net spend is a testament to his managerial acumen and the work of director of football Kevin Thelwell. However, the club’s long-term prospects remained uncertain without a clear vision for the future.
TFG’s takeover has brought a renewed sense of hope, with a commitment to building a sustainable and ambitious future. One of the key priorities for the new owners is to ensure financial stability, and they have already made significant strides in this regard. The group’s decision to restructure the club’s debts and secure more favorable terms is a positive sign that they are serious about restoring Everton’s financial health.
In addition to addressing the club’s financial issues, TFG is focused on improving the footballing side of the operation. Although the new owners have kept a distance from Dyche to avoid distracting him during a turbulent period, they are now in talks with the manager about his future. Dyche’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and TFG will have time to assess their options before making a decision. The group’s stated aim is to build a team that is both competitive and sustainable, and they are committed to ensuring that the club’s footballing operations are aligned with this vision.
Moshiri’s departure marks the end of an era that, despite some moments of promise, ultimately failed to deliver on the pitch. However, he leaves behind a club that is in a better position than when he arrived. The new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, a significant achievement under his ownership, provides a solid foundation for the club’s future growth. While Moshiri’s tenure will be remembered for its failures, it also laid the groundwork for a new era at Everton.
TFG’s takeover represents a chance for Everton to move forward with a clear sense of purpose. The new owners have shown a commitment to professionalism and ambition, qualities that were sorely lacking during Moshiri’s reign.
