The Everton Fans' Forum is one of the initiatives designed to help bring fans closer to the Club.
The Forum meets monthly to provide honest and candid feedback on a range of issues and topics that are important to supporters, airing fan views to members of Everton's executive management team and other staff from the Club's departments.
We can be found on Twitter @EFC_FansForum or can be emailed at Chair@EvertonFansForum.com.
There are also several project groups, which can be emailed directly at:
Environment@evertonfansforum.com – Reach out to the Forum with any suggestions or questions regarding sustainability and the Forum's work to support the Club’s Everton for Change initiative.
Matchday@evertonfansforum.com – A point of contact for feedback and ideas on the matchday experience and stadium atmosphere.
Stadium@evertonfansforum.com – For fans who want to contact the Forum with queries or items to be raised regarding the New Stadium.
International@evertonfansforum.com - A focal point for all international Evertonians to contact the Fans’ Forum.
Retail@evertonfansforum.com - For any feedback relating to Everton One, Everton Two or Everton Direct.
The Fans’ Forum also has its own initiative called Evertonians Against Hate. It was set up to tackle hate and any form of discrimination within the fanbase, in the stands or online. The Forum has a strong link with Her Game Too and played an integral part in Everton being the first Premier League Club to partner with Her Game Too. To speak to the Forum about Evertonians against Hate or Her Game Too, please email Chair@evertonfansforum.com
Barry Williams (Chairperson)
Joined: 2021
Project Groups: Matchday Experience, New Stadium
Why are you passionate about being on the Forum and what do you feel you bring to the Forum?
I am a Season Ticket Member for Everton and don’t miss a game home or away, even venturing to Kenya. I have built strong relationships following Everton and believe I have an in-depth knowledge of fans' views.
I aim to improve the atmosphere at home/away games working within the forum, and with existing groups like The Originals to get it to where it needs to be by the time we get to Bramley-Moore. It is important the Club is challenged when needed and views from fans are heard, whether that’s domestic or the growing international fan base.
Chris Halsall (Vice Chair)
Joined: 2021
Project Groups: Everton for Change, Matchday Experience, New Stadium, Evertonians Against Hate
Why are you passionate about being on the Forum and what do you feel you bring to the Forum?
For the first 25 years of my life I regularly made the eight-hour round trip to Goodison from Cambridge. In 2017 I moved my life to Liverpool to be closer to the Blues and now it’s just a 10-minute train journey away. Whether you’re from near or far I will make your support of Everton the best possible experience because I know the unbelievable impact the Club has on each and every one of our lives.
As a passionate environmental professional, I am also championing a greener matchday as we transition to our new home at Bramley-Moore Dock.
Andy Vernon (Vice Chair)
Project Groups: Retail, New Stadium, Evertonians against Hate
Why are you passionate about being on the Forum and what do you feel you bring to the Forum?
Aged 59, match-goer since age five, married with two teenagers (one a Season Ticket member with me in Upper Gwladys).
I want to be part of the Fans’ Forum as we approach our biggest transition in anyone’s lifetime. Like many, I’ve mixed emotions; gutted to be leaving Goodison but excited at the prospect of our new, magnificent home.
Professionally, currently the Deputy Director of Acas NW, I have experience of:
- Consulting with representatives of groups
- Problem-solving
- Working with a diverse range of groups to reach a consensus
I’d like to make this transition a smooth one for all Blues, regardless of background.
Rob Fisher
Joined: 2022
Project Groups: Retail, Matchday Experience, New Stadium, Evertonians against Hate
Why are you passionate about being on the Forum and what do you feel you bring to the Forum?
I've been an Evertonian since 1986. My first ever attended match was Watford away in March 1987 and I’m hoping it’s not the only time I can see a league-winning team in the flesh!
Over the years, I’ve been a Season Ticket Member, been on several of the European away trips - of which Nuremberg and Krasnodar really stand out - and, most recently, formed the Supporters’ Club Toffees In London during the pandemic to reinvigorate the Everton fanbase in the capital.
Professionally I've worked in hospitality and leisure for 23 years for major high street brands and smaller independent venues. Most Evertonians will know me from running the Fitzrovia Belle in Central London, and now I run the Powerleague football and bar facility close to Goodison since moving back up to Merseyside.
As we leave our spiritual home of Goodison to move to a new stadium, to work with the Club and utilise my catering, events and service experience with the ideas from you, the Everton fanbase, is a fantastic opportunity.
Jeff Walner
Joined: 2022
Project groups: Her Game Too, International.
Why are you passionate about being on the Forum and what do you feel you bring to the Forum?
What Everton has meant to my life goes beyond football. It’s as much about the friendships I’ve made, in North America, in Liverpool, and throughout the world. To be part of the Everton Fans’ Forum and help strengthen the relationship between the Club and its fans and improve the overall experience of being an Evertonian, on matchday and beyond, is something I take very seriously.
I am the chair of the Cincinnati Toffees and an active member of the North American Toffees supporters’ network, working closely with the Everton Fan Engagement Team on various initiatives, including expanding merchandise availability in the U.S., planning of events for the pre-season U.S. tours, and growing Everton’s supporter base and brand opportunities in North America.
I am a husband and father with more than 30 years of experience in business, project management, and sports journalism.
We are at a turning point in Everton Football Club’s history. The show of unity by the fans toward the end of last season was a beautiful sight to behold. You helped get us over the line. I am an Evertonian because of Evertonians, and I will work hard every day for you as part of the Everton Fans’ Forum.
Kate Brown
Joined: 2023
Project groups: Her Game Too, Everton for Change.
Why are you passionate about being on the Forum and what do you feel you bring to the Forum?
Age 69 years, our family history with Everton goes back 100 years, four generations of Blues.
As a lifelong Blue I have enjoyed the ‘glory years’ but even through the bad times I have remained a staunch supporter.
Professionally, I was a Regional Trade Union Representative before working for the TUC and Unionlearn. I established my own training company 20 years ago.
During my career I have managed various projects, including an International Women’s project.
Sarah Twigg
Joined: 2023
Project groups: New Stadium, International, Everton for Change
Why are you passionate about being on the Forum and what do you feel you bring to the Forum?
Having been an Evertonian from a very young age, like many of you, I've grown up with our club. I moved to the area after years of following the Blues and became a season ticket holder 10 years ago.
I believe we are in the midst of one of the toughest times we've faced and I understand the need for communication and cohesion between our club and us fans. I have experience of listening to views, sharing information and I will bring this to the Fans Forum at this crucial time in our history.
Matthew Brazier
Joined: 2023
Project groups: Everton for Change, New Stadium, Evertonians against Hate.
Why are you passionate about being on the Forum and what do you feel you bring to the Forum?
Despite growing up in London, I’ve been an Evertonian for more than 50 years and saw them live for the first time in September 1970 at the age of 7. Since coming to Liverpool in 1981 to study (and to watch Everton), I’ve been a regular on the Gwladys Street. So I was lucky enough to see the heady success of the mid-80s.
Whatever ups and downs we’ve had since then, Everton have remained a big part of my life.
I’m now living in Manchester and married with two grown-up children. I hope my skills from a long career in social work (and, more recently, as a policy adviser in the civil service) will help me to be a strong advocate for fans at this pivotal point in our club’s history.
I feel privileged to be a member of the forum and I’m looking forward to doing all I can to promote the interests of fellow Evertonians.
Tony Whittaker
Joined: 2023
Project groups: New Stadium, Matchday experience, Evertonians against Hate.
Why are you passionate about being on the Forum and what do you feel you bring to the Forum?
A Season Ticket member since the early 1970’s, I have acquired many friends along the way and with my own family, we now have three generations of Evertonians, many of them yet to enjoy success.
This belonging means I have a good understanding of the fans many needs and concerns going forward.
I was voted onto the inaugural Fan Advisory Board last year for a one-year term and hope you will give me the opportunity to help all Evertonian’s through the Forum gain access to the club’s senior management so our voices can continue to be heard.
Helge Grunnevag
Joined: 2023
Project groups: Retail, International, New Stadium
Why are you passionate about being on the Forum and what do you feel you bring to the Forum?
I'm 44 years old and have been an Everton fan since the mid-80s. I live in Haugesund on the west coast of Norway and I have been the chairman of the Norwegian supporters’ club for 15+ years.
Being part of the fans forum is a great privilege, and it comes with a heavy responsibility to make sure fans from all parts of the fanbase are heard. We are entering a historic time for our football club, and to be representing the fans at this time is a huge honor. Retail, International and New Stadium as a few of the things i eager to work on within the Fans Forum.
Professionally I work as a Material Coordinator in the Oil industry for a company that builds offshore installations.
