Farhad Moshiri in talks to add George Browning to Everton board, possible Bill Kenwright successor as chairman
Everton plan to add George Downing to the board amid discussions between the “wealthy” Toffees fan and owner Farhad Moshiri, Alan Nixon reports.
Downing’s name has previously been mooted as local representation on the new-look Goodison Park board alongside Andy Bell and it appears developments are now moving in that direction with the former.
Denise Barrett-Baxendale, Grant Ingles and Graeme Sharp all resigned on 12 June, with Bill Kenwright set to follow until Moshiri talked him around over four days, but the chairman’s stay is widely believed to be temporary.
Journalist Nixon reported via his Patreon account that Moshiri has been in talks with the “Everton super fan” Downing and the club are now “planning to bring the wealthy tax exile” onto the board at Goodison Park.
He also notes that Switzerland-based property magnate has previously been “whispered” as a possible Everton chairman, but for now is mooted to be brought closer in as a “key ally” to the majority shareholder going forward.
Moves
The fact that Kenwright is believed to still be moving on, likely once the transfer window is over, leaves open the possibility that Downing is in line to replace him as chair when that happens.
It has been a long time coming, and still likely isn’t moving as quickly as plenty of fans would like after months of ongoing protest, but changes are occurring at the top of the club.
An interim board is already in place, and with the arrival of MSP Sports Capital coming in they are expected to eventually also receive representation.
The confirmation of the investment deal may still be some weeks away, but money is thought to have already started to flow into the club from that arrangement.
What Kenwright’s contacts and negotiating expertise can glean from the transfer window this summer looks like it will be his final contribution as chairman.
After that the club has badly needed new direction from the boardroom for some time, and it is taking shape at last, even if expected moves continue to lie just out of reach for now.
In other Everton news, an offer has been made to sign an 80-goal striker from a Champions League club.