Simon Jordan shares exchange with Bill Kenwright over ‘doomed’ decision made at Everton
Simon Jordan has shared a previous exchange he had with late Everton chairman Bill Kenwright over the appointment of Rafael Benitez.
The Toffees appointed the Spaniard as manager ahead of the 2021-22 campaign, but he lasted just six-and-a-half months at Goodison Park.
Benitez’s close association with Merseyside rivals Liverpool – and poor performances – ensured he was never able to win over Everton fans.
In a column for the Daily Mail [1 November], Jordan opened up about a discussion he had with Kenwright, who passed away last week.
“When I asked Bill about the doomed flight of ludicrous fancy to employ Rafa Benitez and why he didn’t stop it, he responded, ‘You try telling a billionaire what to do’,” Jordan said.
Blue Bill
Kenwright’s passing last week at the age of 78 has led to lots of reminiscing and plenty of personal eulogies, this piece from former Crystal Palace chief Jordan being the latest.
Even during the toughest of times, Everton supporters knew that ‘Blue Bill’ had the club’s best interests close to his heart.
Had he had a few extra million to his name, he would have been able to sign off on the biggest of decisions at Goodison Park.
As Jordan effectively points out in this exchange, he had little say over the controversial appointment of Benitez.
That will go down as one of the worst decisions in the Toffees’ history; one that seemed ridiculous at the time and even more so six months later.
There were way more positive decisions made across Kenwright’s two decades on the board, though, and that is what he will be remembered for.
In other Everton news, journalist Martyn Ziegler has dropped a £20m-a-month claim with regards to the Toffees’ financial situation.