New owner Farhad Moshiri introduces himself in matchday programme

Everton majority owner Farhad Moshiri will make his first public appearance in front of the fans at Goodison Park during tomorrow's FA Cup Quarter Final against Chelsea.

Moshiri has not made any direct statements to the public since the ratification of his deal to buy 49.9% stake in the Toffees, but the matchday programme for tomorrow's game will contain a statement from the businessman.

Everton

Image courtesy of Everton FC

The text of the statement reads -

"I am delighted to join you here today at Goodison Park for my first match as a shareholder in Everton Football Club. I also felt it was fitting that my first message was in the matchday programme, with Everton being the first ever club to regularly produce one for home games. Indeed, it is this strong sense of tradition which appealed to me as I discussed the opportunity with Bill Kenwright to become part of the future of the Club.

It is a testament to the enduring quality and consistency of the Club that Everton has remained in the top flight of English football since 1954. In more recent times this has been achieved under the stewardship of Bill, Robert Elstone and all the team behind the scenes at the Club. I am here to support them as required to ensure the Club recaptures the glory days of the past and builds sustained success in the future.

I know a lot of you want to know what my plans are. There is much to be done and things for me to learn, but I can confirm I have committed to providing additional funds for transfers and retaining our key players to ensure that we have a strong core to build on for the future. We will also be looking at the best options in relation to our stadium. Goodison Park has served the Club extremely well, but we need to make sure the Club has a suitable stage to perform on for the future. We will review the best options and how to finance, especially as it is likely to cost a little more than the £3,000 it apparently did back in 1892.

Finally, and most importantly, Everton is about great football and winning matches. Good luck to Roberto and the boys against Chelsea today."

The statement should help shed some light on what the new owner's intentions will be, at least for the short term. What are your thoughts?