Pete Hanson

Tue 27 June 2023 21:10, UK

Carlo Ancelotti has “enduring respect” and “deep affection” for Everton supporters after an “amicable resolution” was reached with the club over a legal dispute, the Italian’s legal team has said.

The message from John Mehrzad KC was reported by Sky Sports journalist Rob Harris on Twitter, and brings an end to a dispute over incentive payments (The Guardian, 22 June) that were dependent on Everton’s Premier League performances.

It was understood Ancelotti believed he was due a bonus negotiated with an individual outside the club, while the Toffees’ position was that no bonus payments were offered and would not have authorised such payments.

However, the issue is now seemingly settled with Harris posting: “Carlo Ancelotti’s legal team @JohnMehrzadKC: “Carlo Ancelotti and Everton Football Club have reached an amicable resolution to their dispute. Carlo has enduring respect and a deep affection for the Club’s fans and wishes them and the Club the very best for the future.”

Time to move on

The timing of this news could hardly be better for Everton, the club’s supporters and manager Sean Dyche.

Carlo Ancelotti was a popular figure at Goodison Park prior to being lured back to the riches of Real Madrid.

Everton narrowly survived relegation from the Premier League by the skin of their teeth last season, and the last thing they needed was a long-running saga with their former boss especially with all the other off-field issues they are contending with.

As it is, the issue has seemingly reached a swift resolution and both Ancelotti and the club can put the issue to bed.

For Everton, the focus now has to be on boxing clever in the transfer market and bringing players to Goodison Park who can ensure they do not have a repeat of the relegation battle they have found themselves in the past two seasons. They can ill-afford another campaign scrapping at the bottom.

In other Everton news, an ‘interesting’ financial update has emerged on Toffees target Rodrigo.