Denise Barrett-Baxendale set to leave Everton, Gretar Steinsson could follow
Denise Barrett-Baxendale is set to leave her role as Everton chief executive, according to ‘El Bobble’ on Twitter.
The reliable Everton insider – followed and often retweeted by The Times journalist Paul Joyce – made the claim via his personal Twitter profile on Sunday (5 December), the same day Marcel Brands’ departure as director of football was confirmed.
He said: “Everton board member Denise Barrett-Baxendale is actively looking for alternative employment. Baxendale has been looking at other career options, with the boards blessing for a number of months and will now continue to do so.”
The future of ex-Bolton defender Gretar Steinsson, head of recruitment and development, is also under threat after Brands’ exit.
The Liverpool Echo claim there are “question marks” over his future, with the 39-year-old, who played 126 times for the Trotters in the Premier League, brought in as chief European scout by Brands three years ago.
Everton exit door opens
After a poor start to the season that sees Everton marooned in the bottom half of the Premier League and without a victory in their last eight games, the pressure has cranked up on Everton.
It looks like some people have paid the price, with others to follow.
Danny Donachie, head of medical services, was relieved of his duties last month (11 November, The Athletic), with Rafa Benitez apparently playing a big role in that decision.
Brands’ departure was announced on Sunday night (5 December) and Barrett-Baxendale is also set to leave, though there is no suggestion that she has been pushed after recent results, with ‘El Bobble’ claiming that it has been on the agenda for months.
But Steinsson’s position has also come under the microscope in the wake of Brands’ exit.
Given the fact that he was brought in by the Dutchman, and signings from Europe have been highly questionable, Steinsson looks extremely vulnerable.
In other Everton news, Leon Osman issued his instant verdict to Brands’ exit live on BBC Match of the Day 2.
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