Robbie Fowler makes proper person’s test prediction for Everton bidder Dan Friedkin
Robbie Fowler has made a proper person’s test prediction for Dan Friedkin at Everton as the American prepares to buy the club.
Fowler, speaking on page 74-75 of the Daily Mirror [29 September], says Friedkin will be inheriting a club on a “slippery slope” and heading towards a relegation dogfight – something that Sean Dyche managed to successfully avoid last season despite two separate points deductions.
The former Liverpool striker discussed the idea of Championship football at Bramley-Moore Dock, but expects Friedkin to pass the Premier League’s checks.
“If American tycoon Dan Friedkin now passes the fit and proper person’s test as expected and seals his takeover at Everton, he will own a club that is once again on the slippery slope towards a relegation dogfight,” Fowler said.
“It would be tragic if they had to make the [Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium] move as a Championship club. Being outside the Premier League is not an option [for Friedkin].
“It’s a fact of football life that new owners don’t need much excuse to appoint their own manager. Sean will be well aware of that.”
Dan Friedkin should back Sean Dyche at Everton
Friedkin is expected to show his support for Dyche once he acquires Farhad Moshiri’s shares and formally takes over Everton.
Saturday’s comeback win over Crystal Palace showed a bite that the Toffees have lacked in the first few games of the season and has helped to lift the mood on the blue half of Merseyside.
Dyche has already shown what he can do with the squad he has, and now some of the new signings are beginning to bloom, while the return of Jarrad Branthwaite from injury feels particularly key to the Toffees’ chances of climbing the table.
Dyche has shown in the past that he is a capable pair of hands for survival but long term the aims for this club need to be much higher, even if this season it is merely a case of ensuring that heads remain above water.
Any mooted change in manager from Friedkin should at least be held back until next season, because stability is the primary short-term goal as the club prepare their huge stadium move.
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