Martin Keown reacts to what Jim White told him about 777 Partners amid Everton takeover
Martin Keown is concerned about what Jim White told him about 777 Partners amid their bid to take over at Everton.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Friday (1 March, 10:06am), host Jim White revealed that Standard Liege, Hertha Berlin, Seville and Vasco da Gama – each of which are at least partly owned by the US investment firm – are all in a relegation battle this season.
Keown said it’s “concerning” to hear about those sides, adding that it’s clear the group’s ownership model is “not working” as it waits to hear back whether or not its takeover at Goodison Park will be approved by the Premier League.
“Would you be concerned Martin when you hear that Standard Liege fans protested after the last game against the owners’ involvement?” asked White. “Third-bottom at the moment and, of course, 777 involved with them.
“Hertha Berlin, second-bottom of the Bundesliga at the moment, Seville have been struggling at the bottom of La Liga, Vasco da Gama in Brazil are third from bottom. They all seem to be in a relegation scrap and each of them has 777 involvement.”
“Well, it’s clear that their ownership model is not working across Europe,” said Keown. “It is concerning. I think it was a good week for Everton getting points back again in the Premier League and that’s something, they’ve got to now focus that.
“It now seems as if as soon as the points total was sorted out, there’s something else to talk about with Everton. It’s not ideal for the fans and the players, but they’ve got to keep winning on the pitch, of course, with big games coming up for them now.”
Everton takeover situation needs resolution
The situation regarding a takeover at Everton has dragged on for several months now since 777 agreed a deal with Farhad Moshiri.
But there are clearly a number of issues that the Premier League is concerned about as it decides whether or not the group is the right fit at Goodison.
The fact all of those clubs it’s involved with are struggling in their respective leagues doesn’t provide much hope that it can turn around the Toffees’ fortunes after a few disappointing years.
There needs to be a decision made one way or the other soon, though, as plans need to be put in place on how the Blues can move forward if the takeover doesn’t get the go-ahead.
The fact they were successful with their appeal against their points deduction is one positive for the club in their bid to remain in the Premier League beyond this season.
In other Everton news, Farhad Moshiri has been provided with a 777 Partners takeover solution amid the “appalling” Goodison situation.
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