Jim White and Simon Jordan clash after Farhad Moshiri-Everton fans suggestion
Jim White has questioned Mike Ashley over his unwillingness to speak to the media about Newcastle United, using Farhad Moshiri and Everton as a comparison.
Speaking on talkSPORT [12/10/21], White praised the Everton owner for explaining his reasons for hiring Rafa Benitez in the summer.
He said: “So many Evertonians were saying ‘Rafa, are you kidding? He’s Liverpool. Why is he there? What did we do?’
“So I’ll let the listeners into this. I’ve got a good relationship with Farhad Moshiri, who speaks when he thinks he should.
“We called up Farhad and he said ‘Jim, I’m a bit busy doing business in Italy, but I will tell you why, are you recording? This is why I’ve gone for Rafa Benitez’. He wanted to do it for the Everton fans.”
Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan hit back, saying: “That’s fine, but that’s his choice. You’re advocating that it’s mandated, that’s it’s a Premier League rule that owners must come out to speak to the media.
“It’s not their gift to tell an individual when they should and shouldn’t speak.
“I didn’t speak much to the media because I found you a loathsome bunch of disingenuous slobs, but that’s a different discussion. I absolutely mean that.”
Opposite ends of the spectrum
Moshiri has never been shy to air his views in the media, and he has regularly used close ally White as his vehicle for them.
On the other hand, Ashley, who sold Newcastle last week after 14 years in charge, has been a peripheral figure in the background, rarely fronting up to explain his decisions.
Clearly, most Everton fans, and football fans in general, would prefer Moshiri’s approach.
That was important during the summer as supporters were enraged with the idea of appointing ex-Liverpool boss Benitez.
Moshiri’s words will not have won over all of the fans who were opposed to the Spaniard replacing Carlo Ancelotti in charge, but there was an element of respect that he didn’t shy away from an explanation.
Now, Everton are fifth in the Premier League after seven games and look rejuvenated under Benitez.
In other Everton news, the Blues want to sign this Europa League attacker with a ‘Very low’ exit fee.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.