The director of football endured a difficult term but leaves with 'his reputation enhanced'
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Everton manager David Moyes, who has returned for a second spell in charge, and director of football Kevin Thelwell
Everton manager David Moyes, who has returned for a second spell in charge, and director of football Kevin Thelwell
The departure of Everton's director of football Kevin Thelwell in the summer has been confirmed, as new owners The Friedkin Group begin to lay out their changes to the club structure and stamp their own mark on the team - and many fans in the ECHO comments section have thanked Thelwell for his work during the chaos of the last few seasons.
Thelwell ends his time at Everton having made the club £80 million in profit, partly down to big player sales like that of Anthony Gordon, as well as deep cuts to academy numbers. During his three years, he dealt with three relegation battles, two sets of points deductions, and a long period of uncertainty at the top of the club.
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In a lengthy statement to the fans, Thelwell touched on the difficulties of not only Everton's own situation, but the competition from other teams in the Premier League too. He said: "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."
Many fans agree that he's done a good job in difficult circumstances, and that he would be an asset to his next club. Reader Stoicprinciples says: “Well spoken. We have struggled, but have come through it as a stronger club and fanbase. Ignore the detractors, onwards and upwards.”
Terraceblue writes: “A very difficult job over the 3 years he was here. Moshiri, Usmanov, financing the new stadium. Poor choice of manager by the owner in Benitez. PSR suddenly being applied rigidly and in our case twice in one season; meaning having to sell some of our best players (although Richarlison has been injured for Spurs a lot since his departure)?
"Pity we hadn't cashed in on Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the right moment, before his injury woes and loss of form. It is a miracle that we have maintained our top flight status. Overall, a job well done in very difficult high pressure circumstances.”
Commenter Bigdave1987 writes: “I thought he did a great job under so much strain. Good luck mate, hope you find a job soon.” Bill Higgins agrees: “Many thanks for your work in very difficult circumstances, wish you well for the future.”
Bobbykin says: “I hated some of the decisions made academy-wise, but realise you were working with your hands tied behind your back. Thanks for the statement and good luck for the future.”
Vic Poole writes: “Only when you sit down and really think about his situation do you realise just what a tough job he had in tremendously challenging circumstances. Wish you all the best mate.”
Bullensoldie says: “An outstanding performance by Kevin Thelwell. To end up with a plus-sign regarding player transactions, with all the financial inherited difficulties the club was experiencing, is a tribute to his skill and knowledge.”
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Evening All writes: “What a fantastic statement. As a couple of other commentators have said, it's only when you think about everything he's had to deal with over the past few years that you realise what a great job he's done. Thank you Kevin! Always welcome at Goodison and BMD. I hope TFG invite you back for the first game at the new stadium. You leave with our thanks and your reputation enhanced!”
Have your say! Would you have done anything differently with Everton's past six transfer windows, knowing what you know now? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.