Kevin Thelwell has issued a classy farewell statement to Blues fans as he summarizes the challenges and triumphs of the last 3 years as Everton's Director of Football:
Dear Evertonians,
I would like to start by saying what a privilege it has been to serve as Director of Football for the past three years. This is an incredible club with so many good people working for it and supporting it. I am proud to have been given the opportunity to work here.
Despite the difficulties we have faced over this period I have loved every minute of it, even in the most challenging of these times. Clearly, we have had some tough obstacles to overcome, and it has not been what any of us would have hoped for or wanted for our club.
With a backdrop of PSR commissions, points deductions, relegation fights, takeover attempts and a financial reality that necessitated tough decisions on player transfers and significantly reduced team investment, it has not been easy to keep our heads above water and retain our Premier League status. Navigating the last three years, whilst building a magnificent new stadium, hopefully provides some pride for you and gives everyone associated with our club and the city the opportunity to look forward to a brighter future.
I feel that I leave with the Club in a much better place than when I arrived, both on the pitch and off it. Being consistently outspent by every team in the league has not been easy but it was a necessity to ensure the survival of our club – and that is something that I’ve always been honest and open about. My goal has always been to manage with the multiple immediate challenges, without jeopardising the long-term future of the Club. As a result, we are in a much stronger financial position, and I am excited about where we are on the pitch.
From a football perspective we have had to be creative through player trading. Whilst we have received £225m in player sales over the last three years, our circumstances have only allowed us to spend £145m across six transfer windows. Whilst we haven’t got every move right, to build a team capable of competing at Premier League level against that landscape, having to be pragmatic in moving on some of our best players and future talent in the process, is an incredible achievement.
We have some outstanding professionals here and the experience of Seamus, Jordan, Tarky, Gana and Doucs in particular have helped to keep our ship steady in the most difficult of times. We also have a core of outstanding young talents that have the potential to play key roles in Everton’s future in Jarrad, Jimmy, Dwight, Jake, Tim, Yousseff, Harrison, Nathan and of course Iliman. I look forward to seeing them do us proud in the games to come.
Finally, I would like to thank David and his coaching team for an excellent job so far – long may it continue! Also, thank you to the dedicated staff at Finch Farm who have worked so hard and sacrificed so much to keep the wheels turning, and to TFG who we all hope will take the Club back to where it belongs! And last but certainly not least, I would like to thank you. Every Evertonian has played as significant a part as anybody at the Club during what has been the toughest and most uncertain of times. The unstinting backing for the players and staff at Goodison, and on the road, has been humbling and amazing to see every week. I am eternally grateful to have seen and felt your support and passion.
Thank you again for that support, and best wishes for the future. Kev.
Quotes sourced from Association of Sporting Directors
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