Everton in behind-the-scenes Manchester United twist after Angus Kinnear reveal
Everton have roped in Angus Kinnear as their new CEO in one of the Friedkin Group’s biggest decisions since their takeover in December.
Kinnear will depart Leeds United at the end of the season and start in his new role as Everton’s CEO on 1 June, with his experience helping Arsenal and West Ham move to new stadiums expected to come in handy ahead of the Toffees’ new era at the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.
The Englishman is only one of several ongoing changes behind the scenes at Goodison Park, as evidenced by the appointment of Eric Williamson as a board director earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Kinnear, who will work closely with David Moyes to decide on footballing matters, including transfers, is pushing to bring Leeds consultant Nick Hammond with him to Merseyside.
Everton considered senior Manchester United official before Kinnear
Kinnear is still a month away from officially becoming an Everton employee, but is already laying the groundwork for what is likely to be a huge summer at Goodison Park.
However, it is worth noting that he was not the only candidate the Friedkins considered for the CEO role in a bid to move away from a model centred around a single director of football like Kevin Thelwell, who is set to depart.
| Name | Role | Status |
| Angus Kinnear | CEO | Starting 1 June |
| Kevin Thelwell | Director of Football | Leaving in summer |
| Richard Kenyon | Chief Commercial and Communications Officer | Leaving |
| Alan McTavish | Everton Women CEO | Left |
| Eric Williamson | Board Director | Appointed, 24 March |
Manchester United COO Collette Roche was also in the running for the position at Everton, among others, according to the Telegraph.
This comes amid news that Roche is being considered to become the next chief executive of Newcastle.
The Newspaper reported via their website on Friday (28 March) that she could replace Darren Eales, who has been diagnosed with blood cancer, at St. James’ Park.
Roche’s role at Manchester United has expanded since INEOS initially arrived at Old Trafford last year, becoming more involved in football operations following Dan Ashworth’s exit in December.
Roche miss out on Goodison Park switch
It would be unfair to judge Kinnear as he is yet to start working as Everton’s CEO, but things could perhaps have been different if the Toffees had hired Roche instead.
Being Manchester United’s COO is arguably a whole different challenge compared to functioning as Leeds’ CEO and one can only wonder what Roche would have done had she joined the Blues.
The Merseyside-based club, though, will have no complaints about roping in Kinnear, who appears eager to start in his new role and work with Moyes.