The Friedkin Consortium considered their inaugural complete campaign overseeing Everton a disappointment after the club’s poor concluding run dashed European qualification hopes.
The Toffees went into the closing stages of the term still in contention for continental competition but seven matches without victory saw them end up in 13th position.
Chief executive Angus Kinnear stated that outcome prompted regret at TFG’s Texan headquarters given the progress achieved prior to that downturn. When pressed on how Everton’s proprietors evaluated the campaign, he responded that they saw it as a disappointing outcome because that was precisely what it had been. They recognised the club had positioned itself excellently and he believed they had been enthusiastic about reaching that stage.
Kinnear offered these observations during an extensive conversation with BBC Radio Merseyside ahead of the new Premier League term, his initial media appearance since the club’s continental ambitions crumbled in May.
Emphasising his and the owners’ aspirations, he noted that even the most demanding supporters would have deemed a Europa League qualification spot at the season’s final home fixture a respectable achievement had that prospect been suggested at halftime during the Sunderland match. However, the Friedkin family were competitors and sought victory, yet no trophies had been secured. The objectives set had not been met, therefore appropriate scrutiny had been applied throughout the summer to ensure everything stood ready for advancement. While they maintained a low public profile, he could confirm that most exchanges with them concerned improving matchday results rather than commercial matters or ownership structures. Their acquisition of Everton was motivated by a desire to triumph on the pitch.
That ambition underpinned the targets established for the current season, Kinnear explained during the comprehensive discussion.
Regarding ambitions for the forthcoming campaign, which commences at Goodison Park against Crystal Palace on Saturday, he outlined two priorities. European competition had proven within reach, given how near they came. Upon taking over, approximately a dozen players remained under contract, making the previous summer’s restructuring particularly demanding. The club had leant too heavily on loanees and veteran performers, requiring substantial restructuring. This close-season the task remained considerable but circumstances had improved and the foundation was stronger, meaning thoughts had turned toward mounting a credible push for European qualification without fading in the decisive closing fixtures.
The second objective, which he had highlighted the previous summer and had proved a notable shortfall, was achieving cup success to re-establish the club’s trajectory. Newcastle United and Crystal Palace demonstrated such honours were attainable for ambitious clubs where Premier League or European trophies remained difficult to secure. Substantive discussions had taken place with the owners and Moyes regarding leveraging the Carabao Cup and FA Cup to provide moments of genuine celebration for supporters.
A largely altered Everton lineup suffered elimination from the Carabao Cup at Wolves last term, while a penalty shootout loss on home soil to Sunderland meant the inaugural FA Cup encounter at Hill Dickinson Stadium ended in frustration, though Moyes was contending with a selection headache stemming from injuries, suspensions and the Africa Cup of Nations at that juncture.
The Blues manager, it seems, faces pressure to deliver tangible advancement despite uncertainty surrounding his position given he enters the final 12 months of his existing contract. Kinnear confirmed no extension talks had occurred, though noted focus remained on preparing for the new season as the manager had requested.
He stated the entire summer’s focus, at Moyes’s behest, had centred on preparing the squad adequately for the campaign’s outset, meaning contractual discussions had been postponed. Moyes remained content and had enjoyed an impressive opening half-season steering the club clear of relegation concerns. The previous term’s conclusion had been profoundly disappointing, though clear signs of revival and potential had emerged, and he knew Moyes believed significant progress could be achieved this season.
Achieving that required continued activity during the transfer window. Tyrique George and Merlin Rohl, both previously on loan, had been secured on permanent terms while Hayden Hackney, Brennan Johnson and Christian Norgaard had also joined.
Moyes, breaking his close-season silence in a Sky Sports interview broadcast on Monday, appeared frustrated by the recruitment completed thus far, stating several more signings remained necessary. He expressed satisfaction with arrivals but reminded that two had already been present on loan previously, merely transitioning to permanent status.
He anticipated Hackney would require time adjusting from Championship to top-flight football, a common transition for such players. Norgaard brought valuable experience and would help offset the departure of Idrissi Gueye, though currently sidelined through injury. Johnson had arrived following the swap arrangement involving Dwight McNeil. Things were taking shape but significant work remained ahead.
Kinnear, conversely, voiced greater optimism regarding recruitment, noting the squad was in excellent condition and they were thrilled with signings, viewing each as an upgrade significantly strengthening the group. Their delight extended to the players’ desire to join.
Considerable work persisted but they remained satisfied with progress and were not trailing behind anticipated timelines. Their goal was always to conclude business early, though securing optimal talent for each role presented challenges. Success would be measured by transfer deadline closure with the finest available player acquired for every position.
The chief executive attempted to reassure regarding the persistent right-back issue while acknowledging earlier resolution would have been preferable. He expressed confidence in available options and while he did not anticipate solutions before the Crystal Palace opener, which had been the target, they expected to secure the best possible candidate for that role by the window’s end.
Regarding Jack Grealish’s potential return, Kinnear noted they had maintained dialogue with the player. His decision to continue rehabilitation at the club for the remainder of last term, when returning to Manchester City had been an option, had not gone unnoticed. The player appeared to have developed genuine affection for the club, though ultimately he remained under contract at City and that situation demanded respect. Supporters and teammates had embraced him as one of their own, providing an excellent foundation for extended discussions going forward. The priority remained his recovery from a serious injury, and his appearance in the Community Shield at the weekend had been welcome news.