The visit of Sheffield United is our final outing at Goodison Park in our penultimate season at the Grand Old Lady.
It is pleasing to know we go into the game having ensured our Premier League status with our 1-0 win over Brentford a couple of weeks ago at the end of a great week of Goodison victories, and that we have 19 Premier League games to look forward to in 2024/25 before making the move to our new home on the banks of the Mersey next summer.
On the field in this Premier League season, we have already earned 45 points, with six points still to play for. That is a significant improvement on the 36-point total secured from our 38 matches in 2022/23.
But, as we all know, reflecting on the points gathered on the pitch does not tell the full story of this campaign.
It has been a year of contrasting emotions. Throughout the season, the Premier League commission and appeal processes have, in different ways and at different times, created anxiety and uncertainty, both inside the Club and amongst supporters. Two points deductions, with one reduced on appeal, is unprecedented in the history of the English top-flight.
It has been an incredibly challenging time for everybody involved and we can’t underestimate the impact such matters can have on a club’s footballing operation. But what has maintained us throughout the season has been a focus on the job in hand – facing each match and each day at Finch Farm with single-mindedness and determination.
The effort of the players has been exemplary, led by a manager and a coaching staff that place huge importance on the core foundations of hard work and fortitude. It is that drive that deservedly earned Sean the Premier League Manager of the Month award for April in such a crucial period of the season.
The backing for the team has also been unwavering – and that unity between the team and the fans is something that is so important to maintain. We are grateful for your continued support through what has been such a difficult time.
One player who has the strongest of connections with supporters, and who personifies the spirit of Everton more than anyone, is Seamus Coleman. He has battled injuries this season, but even when he has not been able to be part of the playing squad, his importance and impact on the team and the dressing room has remained vitally important. He is a leader in the truest sense. Passionate and driven, but humble and always displaying humility and honesty. Our goalless draw at Goodison against Aston Villa in January marked Seamus 355th league appearance, setting a new Premier League record for the Club. Sean and I have spoken to Seamus, and he understands it is our hope he continues adding to that impressive tally at Goodison next season. We will continue to talk over the coming weeks.
Seamus is one of a number of players whose current contracts are coming to an end. I am working with Sean and the Board to finalise our plans for next season - which will include providing clarity in terms of the future for each of those players.
I also understand that, as with every transfer window, there is a great deal of anticipation around what business may be done. Whilst I cannot go into details, I have been working closely with Sean and our key staff here at Finch Farm, utilising data and insight from our recruitment team, planning for the summer window. As is always the case, there must be multiple plans and strategies in play, and a dynamic approach to planning is key.
It is also important that I am completely candid with you. The reality is, given the regulations in place and the Club’s current financial position, we have to trade well. Working within such tight financial parameters makes the job extremely difficult. Whilst we want to ensure the team is as competitive as possible, we cannot lose sight of our central objective to protect the long-term stability of the Club.
That does mean players will be sold, and also that every tool at our disposal will be used to secure new additions to the squad, including utilisation of the loan market. Both Sean and I understand the responsibility we have – and that is a responsibility which has to be our priority. That may not be exciting to hear but, under our current circumstances, it is the right thing for Everton.
Within that context, I ask that you are patient and understanding of the steps we are taking.
Identifying the right players to fit in with the DNA of Everton is also vitally important. Our fitness record, not just in terms of the match data for each game, but also in terms of the availability of players, has shown significant season-on-season improvement with our Men’s Senior Team. We will target the right players to maintain our positive trajectory in that respect, whilst adding new dimensions to our squad to ensure we deliver more goals and enhance the defensive resilience that has seen us bettered only by Arsenal this term for clean sheets.
Away from our senior sides, significant progress has been made across our footballing operations at Finch Farm. The work being done by Gareth Prosser, our Academy Director, in implementing and delivering enhancements in the way in which we identify, develop and nurture talent has been outstanding – and completely aligned with our strategy and vision. The fruits of that labour may not be as immediately evident as a sublime goal or thrilling team performance in front of a Premier League audience of billions, but it is important for me to provide that acknowledgement of the work being done, and assurance to you the hard work will pay dividends for the future of our Club’s football eco-system.
We have also adapted our approach to the development of our Women’s team, led by Alan McTavish as our Everton Women CEO. Working closely with Brian, the focus this season has been on evolving to a more sustainable strategic model. The progress we have seen has been particularly pleasing in the final weeks of the season, with Brian’s WSL Manager of the Month accolade a demonstration of that. The strides taken offer just cause for optimism for 2024/25 and beyond.
And that is my enduring message for you today, as we prepare for the end of this most challenging of campaigns. The hard work is continuing. The focus is in the right areas. And your appreciation and understanding of our efforts is greatly valued.
Thank you,
Kevin
