Colin Chong shares ‘fitting testament’ to Farhad Moshiri amid Dan Friedkin Everton takeover
Farhad Moshiri was singled out by Everton CEO Colin Chong in a message of thanks following the announcement of Dan Friedkin’s impending takeover.
The Toffees board member wrote in the match programme ahead of Everton’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday (28 September), reflecting on the seismic events of previous days.
An agreement for Friedkin to buy Moshiri’s 94.1 per cent stake at Goodison Park was announced on 23 September, and Chong said the Iranian’s legacy would be represented by the club’s new stadium.
In quotes reported by the Liverpool Echo (30 September), he said: “We will be working diligently to support the regulatory process to ensure, when concluded, the transition will be smooth.”
“It is also important I acknowledge the steadfast commitment of Mr Moshiri to ensure the future of Everton is bright, and built on the strongest foundations – with our new home on the banks of the Mersey a fitting testament to his time as majority shareholder of Everton.”
Everton Stadium can reverse Farhad Moshiri legacy on Merseyside
It’s almost impossible to argue, upon the completion of Friedkin’s takeover in the coming weeks and months, that Moshiri will leave the Blues in a better position than he found them.
However, with the club’s new home on Bramley-Moore Dock having been built on his watch – helping to spark the financial chaos which has led to the arrival of Friedkin – there is a significant silver lining.
Moshiri certainly hasn’t helped himself when it comes to maximising the benefits of the new stadium, nor have previously failed talks with 777 Partners over a takeover deal.
The Friedkin Group are included in the several third-parties who were initially spooked by the problems created by 777’s input, but their return a few months down the track have changed course for the club.
The financial benefits brought once the stadium opens have the potential to be transformational for the Toffees [Kieran Maguire, 8 July], and if it helps them to become a force in English football once again, fans may look back with fondness on the one contribution Moshiri got right.
In other Everton news, the Goodison faithful will be furious after what one former Toffees player said about their arch-rivals.
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