Decades of consistent failure. Since Bill Kenwright joined the Everton Board in 1989, the Toffees have won the FA Cup once, and declined in every other aspect. They were champions of England as recently as 1987 and yet now, they are a club that looks destined to slip out of the top flight.
Yet this summer, which could have been one of change, has left Everton fans feeling as frustrated as ever. This morning, owner Farhad Moshiri confirmed that Kenwright would remain at the club for the meantime to oversee the unspecified transitional period.
Mr Moshiri said: “I wanted Bill to remain as our Chairman during this important period of transition for the Club and I am delighted that he has accepted my request to do so. Bill’s knowledge and vast experience will be crucial for us as we look to reset, deliver on external investment and position Everton for a successful future.”
READ MORE:
- Saudi Pro League questions answered
- When did your club break their transfer record?
- Everton 16/1 to finish bottom of the PL with Betfred*
Trusting a man that has overseen such a decline over the last ten years with ‘delivering Everton a successful future’ seems bizarre. It also stinks of a lack of movement at progress at Goodison Park at a time when they need it the most. Everton were challenging England’s elite when Kenwright became chairman in 2004.
In the past two seasons they’ve escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth - with a final day win over Bournemouth the only reason they aren’t playing Championship football in August. Without wanting to over dramatise the situation, Kenwright and his staff have proved over the last three years in particular that they are incapable of running a football club.
The recruitment has been shoddy/bordering on non-existent. The managerial decisions, in particular the one to go with Frank Lamapard, are bizarre, and the treatment of fans is nothing short of abysmal. Every fan believes they deserve better but what Everton are delivering for the cost of a season ticket simply isn’t worthwhile.
It’s been a steady decline for the Toffees, and it only ends one way. The relegation battle of 2022 should have sparked the into action. It didn’t. Instead they walked right into another one the following season, this time escaping more via luck than judgement. Sean Dyche is a brilliant manager when the odds are stacked against him, but this feels like he is trying to win a poker hand while he is holding a pair of twos.
The squad simply isn’t good enough, and they don’t look like they are making waves in the transfer market to rectify it. Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains an injury-hit striker while Neal Maupay and Ellis Simms - who could well leave the club - are the only other options. They were briefly linked with Coventry City’s Viktor Gyokeres but according to Fabrizio Romano they are not one of the Premier League clubs currently ready to make a move for him.
More dithering from the Everton hierarchy will only reflect on the pitch next term. And let’s not forget, next season takes on extra importance as after 131 years, Goodison Park will close its doors for the final time. Goodison has been the beating heart of Everton Football Club, and in recent times, a pivotal factor in them retaining their Premier League status.
The new stadium may allow them to move into the 21st century and allow an increased capacity, but there’s a serious risk that the first competitive game at the stadium could be against Plymouth Argyle, rather than Manchester United or Liverpool.
The slide has already gone on for too long, and it starts from the very top. Kenwright staying on with Moshiri in charge means another year of acceptance for mediocrity. Another year sliding towards the bottom of the table. By standing still, Everton are allowing others to overtake them. It could all culminate in the saddest end for Goodison Park.
*18+ | Be Gamble Aware
