Investors ‘not worthy of Everton’ after refusal in the face of £140million debt – Sky Sports pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell has dismissed the failure of 777 Partners in the race to invest in Everton if they “haven’t got the stomach for the fight”.
MSP Sports Capital surged ahead of their fellow American investment competitors to secure an exclusivity deal with Farhad Moshiri, whe 777 refused to pay a “significant price” after gaining access to the financial accounts due to the level of debt on the books, BBC Sport reported on 22 May – the number in the latest accounts over £140million.
But former club captain Campbell doesn’t feel that it will be of great loss to Everton since debt in a situation like the one at Goodison is just the reality of the situation, and if the company weren’t willing to get involved they were not “worthy” of the Toffees.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News about the 777 position the Sky Sports pundit said: “People can try it on as much as they like can’t they?
“We know that the bottom line is, it is what it is, if there’s debt there, there’s debt there.
“The key is it’s a Premier League football club, it’s a high value club. And if you want to get in there’s some things you’ve got to clean up.
“Very rarely do you get the scenario of a Manchester United. Very rarely do you get someone come in to a successful team and you’re talking billions upon billions.
“But if you’re going to get in at this kind of level there are going to be some things that need tidying up, some debt hanging around etc.
“So it is what it is, and if you haven’t got the stomach for the fight then you’re definitely not worthy of Everton.”
MSP Sports Capital took advantage of 777 Partners’ position and have reportedly already started to put money into the club to help fund the new stadium build [The Athletic, 5 June].
If the new partners’ money has secured the short-term future of the project, and their expected influence on the board can improve the running of the club the outcome of the investment battle will be 777’s loss and Everton’s gain.
MSP were in the running first and stuck with it to the end, which perhaps suggests a commitment that ultimately makes them the right ones to come in, although the proof will be in the pudding once they are through the doors.