Everton's new owners tried to make the takeover an occasion their staff around the world could buy into with a series of slick gestures
Executive Chairman Marc Watts of Everton and Gareth Jaques of Laing O’Rourke at Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock as the club formally take control on December 20, 2024. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC)
Marc Watts, the new executive chairman of Everton, and Gareth Jaques of Laing O’Rourke at the new Everton Stadium on Friday
Everton's new owners ordered Blues merchandise to be delivered to their US offices as The Friedkin Group marked their takeover with a series of classy gestures. Shirts were handed out at their Houston HQ as they sought to involve all levels of the global organisation in the celebrations that followed official confirmation their bid had received approval from the Premier League.
The move was acknowledged outside the site in Texas too, where signage was erected at the entrance to the car park. A Royal Blue entry, visible to the passing public, announced ‘Welcome to the family, Everton’ between club crests.
For those seeking out TFG for other reasons, the Blues now dominate their website too. Arrivals on the site are greeted by a slick introductory video to Everton that takes viewers through the club’s proud history.
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Starting with the credits “This is Everton”, the short film includes clips from some of the club’s most famous moments as it works through the honours achieved by the Blues, the club’s status as founder members of the Football League and its proud ownership of both the “iconic” Goodison Park and the stunning new waterfront stadium it received the keys to on Friday.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s towering header in the win over Liverpool in April features alongside footage of the 1995 FA Cup win and memorable nights in the league and Europe.
The pre-planned efforts have combined to create and maintain the feel-good factor on both sides of the Atlantic after TFG completed its takeover.
Key figures from the group, including new executive chair Marc Watts, remain on Merseyside this weekend ahead of the match with Chelsea.
Watts met manager Sean Dyche at Finch Farm on Friday before heading to Everton Stadium to be present at the ceremonial handover of the site to the club from contractors Laing O’Rourke.