Help, or hindrance? (My opinion)

Before I pen this article, I have to stress the two words in brackets in it's title - this is purely my opinion. I felt the need when writing my match report to write an article addressing a side issue. The goings on of this past week concerning Everton FC.

I talk to someone every week who has followed Everton all of her life, home and away, and is fortunate enough to know things that happen at the club, good and bad, before they become public knowledge.  Today, before the game and at half time, we discussed a recent meeting between the chairman and three men.  I thought I would share our thoughts with you.

The interview appeared on a website a few days ago, recited from whatever means. It certainly didn't paint the Chairman in any great light at all.  Nor did it do anything to shine bright light over our club to any prospective investor. What it did do was provide answers, brutally honest answers, which deep down the fans already know:

a) The club have no money to spend

b) No one is currently interested in investing in the club given the current financial climate

c) Any money received, from any source, currently goes towards debt repayment, including Finch Farm, overdrafts, loans and a mortgage

d) For the foreseeable future, Bill Kenwright is the Chairman of Everton Football Club

Earlier this week, the club captain and Tim Cahill used the media to gear up the supporters for the first game of the season.  Only yesterday did Cahill say in a local newspaper how it was important that despite what everyone's opinion was, the main thing was to collect and back the players on the pitch and the manager to make sure we get off to the best possible start.  Very clever timing and desired effect achieved...Until this morning.

One newspaper printed an interview with David Moyes, probably recorded earlier this week, or in fact last week, in which he explains how the purse strings don't allow investment in the playing squad, how 7th could be the best we hope for, how we may not finish in the top ten etc. Doesn't really bode well to create the required positive atmosphere at Goodison Park today.

You could feel something in the air today. The mood was walking a tight rope, and which ever way it would go was dependent upon the team's performance.  Win, and the mood would be positive, naturally.  No venom towards the directors' box, no booing, no "Sack the Board." Lose, and it could paint a very graphic public picture of negativity about Everton Football Club.

We lost. There were boos. The club accidentally let Bill Kenwright's face appear on the screens at Goodison today by forgetting to place a hospitality advert for the game on Wednesday over it, and the "booage" ensued.

The three individuals who met with the Chairman claimed to represent the views of all Evertonians, and they claimed it again when one of them appeared on TV this week.  Well, they don't know me, have never met me, and therefore have never contacted me to ask me any questions. Nor the person I go the game with. So, no you don't.

To have someone's life threatened for how they run a business is scandalous. To have their 90 year old mother who attends the games every week brought into the equation is downright scum.

To blame the board for today's performance on the various radio phone-ins is bloody mindless. I don't remember a midfield three of Kenwright, Earl and Woods, with Elstone and Ross up front.

What did raise concern for me is the apparent lack of communication between Chairman and Chief Executive, and Chairman and Director of Communications (how ironic!) Previously, as has been published on this very site, I have had dialogue with the CEO and Mr Ross.  It seems to me that the Chairman does not - that needs addressing.

The club have done the best to put a positive gloss on a bit of a bad situation.  Instead of being brutal and saying "No money, no buyer, no ground, its close to administration," the club have constantly stated that it is for sale, and investment is actively sought.

For now, Bill Kenwright is the chairman of the board of directors at our club. He states he is actively seeking investment/a suitable buyer for the club. Or rather, he's asked some people to look into it for him. He also states that he is looking at two possible sites for a new ground, which would in turn bring investment in itself. Personally, I believe him.  The majority of you wont. The key thing to remember here is he's like me and you, he supports Everton, and that's why he still comes to the games.

If we were relegated to the bottom tier of English football, would you still come and watch? I know I would. Because I love the club.  Kenwright is the same.  He's taken personal loans and a mortgage out, and given it all to the club he loves.  I wish I could do the same.  Don't forget.  Kenwright doesn't take a penny from the club, he makes his own money from other well documented sources.

I dont want to be owned by a cockney who sits in the directors box in his jeans, and downs pints at away games in the away end. I dont want more debt to be taken out against the club for personal gain. I dont want a Hong Kong money launderer at the helm. I dont want a Russian who lies about his assets to gain control of a club and then lose 10 points. And I definitely dont want Chicken Owners!!

The squad we have is not a bad one when all fit. Results on the pitch will breed results off it. Having a go at the board when the team are playing will not help.  Today, towards the end, the negativity towards the manager and the director's box spilled over to the players. It hindered the performance.

Personally, I think the way they have gone about their business has been nothing short of sly, and absolutely wreaks of Kopite.  If prior agreement of recording and publishing of the interview was established then Kenwright and the club are lying.  If not, then the three individuals should be even more ashamed of themselves, and I agree with David Moyes in it being not one bit right and unfair. 

There are ways and means of going about our business, and "airing our dirty laundry in public" is not it.

I'll finish as I started, this is purely my opinion - you can air your own in the comments section below.

Follow me on Twitter - @DarrenMelling