Finally, shortly before 6pm on Wednesday night, the communication Everton supporters have been calling for arrived. Ever since the full-time whistle blew at Goodison Park last Tuesday, supporters have been wanting to hear from the man at the very top of their football club. And now the wait is over.
Farhad Moshiri said: “As the majority shareholder and proud custodian of Everton, I have the utmost respect for the support of Evertonians. I am also fully aware and understand the concerns that fans may have. I hope through my two open letters to fans in the last 12 months I have provided clarity on my position, commitment and the direction of the Club. I trust that you also agree that the club operates a well-structured and ongoing dialogue with not only the Forum, but also the Fan Advisory Board, the Supporters’ Club Committees and the many other fan groups that form the most robust fan communication network of any club in the Premier League.”
When it comes to the club’s new stadium, the Everton majority shareholder can not be faulted. He has invested heavily and now Blues supporters can start to see the shape of their new ground. But for the progress being made at Bramley-Moore Dock, behind-the-scenes at Everton in recent years change has been a constant. Whether it be managers, directors of football or members of the non-football staff, Moshiri hasn’t been scared of making changes. Blues supporters often criticise their owner’s trigger-happy approach and, addressing fans on Wednesday night, Moshiri accepted ‘stability must be the key to progression’.
Farhad Moshiri said: “In almost seven years since my arrival at the club, I have significantly increased my investment and our new stadium has become reality. We regularly review our performance and initiate change where we feel that the club falls short of standard. This has meant that we have seen turnover in managers, Directors of football and several board members, but always as we have striven to achieve success. Whilst, in virtually every instance, change has been supported and encouraged by fans, stability must be the key to progression.”
However, it was what came next that was the most revealing part of Moshiri’s open letter to supporters. Not only did he throw his backing behind Frank Lampard, but he also explained the ‘faith’ he has in Kevin Thelwell and the club’s board of directors.
Farhad Moshiri said: “I have faith in the work being done not only by our manager, but our director of football and our board of directors. That faith is based on my knowledge of the depth and quality of work being done both at Finch Farm and the Royal Liver Building – and of the plan that is in place. I am confident that we have skilled, experienced and focused professionals at all levels of the club. We are all agreed that our current league position must and will improve.”
And as well as praising the work of the club’s Fan Advisory Board, and their plans to hold meetings with supporters, Moshiri concluded his letter by stating he is confident that the club and its supporters can move forward in a constructive and positive manner.
Farhad Moshiri said: “I welcome the plans for the Fan Advisory Board (FAB) to host a series of sessions with fans to gather feedback, thoughts and concerns – of which the Forum is a part. I can confirm representatives from the club’s board will engage with the FAB and meet with its designated representative to discuss the collated fan feedback as soon as possible following the completion of those scheduled sessions. The focus of myself, the club and the fans is aligned – a better Everton – and I am confident we can move forward in a constructive and positive manner.”
It might not have been what Evertonians wanted to hear, but at least the deafening silence from their football club has come to an end. But if Moshriri wants to begin to change the attitudes of Blues supporters, then he needs those around him at the club to start delivering and fast. Actions, as they say, speak louder than words.
