Brands lifeline for Kenwright at Everton

It was plain for the fans to see last season - Everton’s first ever Director of Football Steve Walsh and first Ronald Koeman then Sam Allardyce appeared to take over all transfer dealings, and Club Chairman Bill Kenwright’s demotion from all matters football looked complete.

His role in the Blues’ longest trophy drought in the club’s proud history has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years, and when deputy chairman Jon Woods and shareowner Arthur Abercromby sold their stake to Farhad Moshiri, it even looked like he was about to be ousted from Goodison Park.

But the old dog knows a few tricks of his own, and has worked his way back into the reckoning.

With the appointment of Marcel Brands to the Director of Football role, Kenwright has made himself indispensable to the Dutchman as he learns about the club. Speaking during the club’s Annual General Meeting a couple of nights ago, the 73-year-old confirmed the close relationship he has developed with Brands (from the Times).

“It has come back to where it was. It wasn’t the same until Marcel came. I have a really close relationship with Marcel where we talk non-stop and we consult on most things. He doesn’t consult on everything but he is terrific to work with. Very straight and very down the line.

“I talk to Denise [Barrett-Baxendale, Everton’s chief executive] many times every day and I talk to Farhad more than anyone.

“I have always said what I want to be is the guy who looks after what Everton means to the fans and that is what I have only ever wanted to do. That is the job I will continue to do. Look after my Everton, which is now Farhad’s Everton.”

Brands’ first summer in charge appears to have gone off swimmingly with just about every one of his signings playing key parts so far this season. Kenwright’s role in that so far is unclear, the January transfer window could be interesting.