Bill Kenwright is to remain Everton chairman despite fan pressure to step down; owner Farhad Moshiri: "I wanted Bill to remain as our chairman during this important period of transition for the club and I am delighted that he has accepted my request to do so"
Friday 23 June 2023 15:42, UK
Bill Kenwright will remain on the Everton board after owner Farhad Moshiri said the long-standing chairman has a vital role to play in the "important period of transition" at the club.
Following the departures of chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief finance officer Grant Ingles and non-executive director and former striker Graeme Sharp last week, the future of long-serving chairman Kenwright appeared in doubt.
However, Everton owner Farhad Moshiri revealed on Friday morning that Kenwright had accepted his request to remain at the club and help them through a period of transition.
Moshiri said in a statement on Everton's website: "I wanted Bill to remain as our chairman during this important period of transition for the club and I am delighted that he has accepted my request to do so.
"Bill's knowledge and vast experience will be crucial for us as we look to reset, deliver on external investment and position Everton for a successful future."
The recent board changes came in the wake of numerous fan protests, with Kenwright, who has spent 19 years in his current role, the main target for supporters' anger.
Everton also announced the appointment of Colin Chong as interim chief executive and director while James Maryniak becomes interim chief finance officer.
"In Colin and James, we have two experienced senior club professionals who have agreed to take on enhanced roles on an interim basis, and who we know can and will deliver immediately," Moshiri said.
As part of the changes, majority shareholder Moshiri will also join the board as a non-executive director alongside John Spellman, an experienced chartered accountant and Everton supporter.
American investors MSP Capital are close to agreeing a deal to buy a stake in the club, possibly up to 25 per cent.
Everton are also facing a Premier League charge for breaching profit and sustainability rules, having made cumulative losses of more than £430million over the last four seasons.
Peter McPartland from Toffee TV told Sky Sports:
"From a business point of view it makes sense, but as a fan I don't necessarily look at it the same way. The news doesn't calm the anxiety down among some of the fanbase. A lot of the fans wanted this to be the moment he finally left the club.
"Thinking back to January and the rumours surrounding the fanbase, I find this an absolutely ridiculous situation that he's still part of the board. It does infuriate me and I know there will be a lot of Evertonians who will be very angry about this decision.
"It feels like he's been the human shield for some time for Moshiri and that reflects the failures Everton have gone through. We don't want to make it a third successive relegation battle in a row so we want this transition to take place as quickly as possible.
"We're aware that MSP are coming in and will make changes to the football club that will help get the stadium built. But we want to get back to talking about football and brining players in."
