Colin Chong lined up for new role at Everton after Friedkin takeover update

Everton interim chief executive Colin Chong is expected to be kept on by The Friedkin Group elsewhere after a permanent appointment is made, according to Joe Thomas.

Writing in the Liverpool Echo (28 December), Thomas said that Chong – one of few decision-makers from the Farhad Moshiri era yet to be replaced in the boardroom – is respected by the Friedkin Group.

That respect for Chong is significant, to the extent that the new Toffees owners will seek to "retain his experience" despite being in talks to find his replacement in the form of a permanent chief executive.

Colin Chong in for the long haul at Everton

While many a Blues fan would be happy to see a completely clean break from the hierarchy which cast them into financial oblivion during Moshiri's tenure, the Friedkins clearly see Chong as a valuable asset.

Chong has shared his own admiration for Moshiri since Friedkin's takeover at Goodison was agreed in principle and completed, despite the vast majority of the then-boardroom being made up of people loyal to the Iranian [Ian Herbert, 13 October].

Friedkin has already made sweeping changes to the Toffees' executive team since the completion of his takeover on Merseyside last week, but the CEO position remains unfilled with Chong still the interim.

Chong's expertise can still prove invaluable to TFG given his 35-plus years in the construction industry, with the Merseyside club putting the finishing touches on their brand-new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

As the greatest beacon of hope which attracted the Friedkins towards Everton, maximising the potential of their new home on Liverpool's waterfront will likely be a task given to Chong going forward.

In other Everton news, one of the Toffees' star men faces a contract situation which needs to be resolved as soon as possible.

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