Everton takeover latest: Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram shares update after 777 talks
Steve Rotherham says he has been left encouraged after holding “frank and honest” talks with 777 Partners to discuss their proposed takeover of Everton.
The Liverpool City Region mayor announced on Wednesday [27 September] that a meeting had been set up with the American investment fund’s CEO Don Dransfield.
Rotherham explained in a statement on Twitter on Thursday [28 September] that a range of topics were discussed, including 777’s plans for the new stadium and assurances regarding their finances.
“Yesterday afternoon, I met with Don Dransfield, CEO of 777 Partners’ football division to discuss the questions I have around the future of Everton Football Club, the Bramley Moore stadium development, and the proposed takeover of the club,” the statement read.
“There was a frank and open discussion on a range of topics from assurances on the financing and completion of the new stadium (especially given its significance as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the Ten Streets area), the delivery of the Goodison Legacy project and the Combined Authority’s funding of heritage assets around Bramley Moore and potential future working on any successful Euro 28 bid.
“I was clear that should 777 Partners’ takeover be completed I would expect further and ongoing dialogue with the ownership to continue to discuss these and other important matters – and was encouraged by their initial response to this.
“While we await the relevant regulatory clearances with the Premier League and Financial Conduct Authority, which could take up to 12 weeks, I will continue to ask questions on behalf of Evertonians and people of the region.”
Step in the right direction
Rotherham raised concerns regarding the proposed takeover on the back of Everton’s announcement that 777 had reached an agreement to acquire Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1% stake in the club.
Posting on social media earlier this week, Rotherham said he wanted to “get answers to the questions” he and “many others” have, while making clear how “important to the region” the club is.
This face-to-face meeting with Dransfield provided him with a chance to do so, and it can only be considered a positive that he has been left “encouraged” by what was said.
Of course, 777 may just be talking a good game, but everything is now pointing towards the Americans getting a takeover over the line.
Supporters will still be eager to hear from Josh Wander and Dransfield personally, but this is at least a positive step in the right direction.
As Rotherham stated, a decision with regards to whether 777 fulfils the relevant criteria to take over the club could still be a few months off.
That gives plenty of time for the (potential) new backers to reassure supporters that they have the club’s best interests at heart.
In other Everton news, a Sky Sports pundit was wowed by the performance of a Toffees player against Aston Villa.