Everton player spirits will be lifted by 777 Partners takeover news – Michael Ball
Michael Ball has revealed that the proposed 777 Partners’ takeover of Everton could give the squad a much-needed lift, based on his own experience.
The American investment company have agreed on a deal in principle to acquire Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1 per cent stake in the Goodison Park club and a deal will be completed given approval from the Premier League. In the meantime, 777 have given Everton a sizeable loan to help with running costs [The Athletic, 18 September].
On the pitch, Sean Dyche’s side’s fortunes improved, with the Blues picking up their first win of the Premier League season on Saturday [23 September] as they ran out 3-1 winners over Brentford and former defender Ball believes the news of the takeover may have lifted the player’s spirits.
Writing for the Liverpool Echo (26 September) he said: “I’ve been at clubs that have been taken over before. At Manchester City, the Thailand Prime Minister (Thaksin Shinawatra) took over and we were in a difficult place at that time.
“We didn’t know what was going on with the finances but when the owner came in and spoke to the players and the manager, he told us what he wanted and his ambition.
“It lifts the spirit inside the club, and lifts the players who want to be part of the journey – so fingers crossed 777 Partners have the opportunity to do that.”
Fingers crossed
The performance against Brentford on Saturday was a sign of just what sort of quality this Everton side do have. To be honest, it is the sort of result that has been coming all season, the only difference being this time Dyche’s side took their chances.
Everton aren’t, on paper at least, one of the three weakest sides in the Premier League this season and in a majority of their performances in this campaign, they have proven that, with reasonably strong performances that have just lacked the finishing touch.
The negativity around Goodison has stemmed entirely from the uncertainty surrounding the football club which has consumed all aspects, whether it be the fans, players or now even the owners. Although 777 Partners don’t look like the perfect saviours, they represent a break away from the struggles under Mohsiri’s ownership.
For fans and players alike, that will bring some positivity back to the football club and now this deal has to be completed as soon as possible, so 777 can have a similar conversation with Dyche and his Everton team, as that Ball had with the Thai Prime Minister.
Despite the good performance in London on Saturday, Everton still have plenty of work to do to ensure their safety in the top flight for another season and any way the players can be boosted will be a bonus this year.
In other Everton news, one source close to the Toffees has issued an update on the threat of administration