Unhappy fans, terrible team – Farhad Moshiri’s cash fails to revive Everton

The owner has invested lavishly in two years but the disconnect between team and supporters is glaring, fuelled by poor signings and growing disenchantment with Sam Allardyce

As a football fan and chartered certified accountant Farhad Moshiri is unlikely to find cause to celebrate his two‑year anniversary as Everton’s major shareholder on Tuesday. The 62‑year‑old has invested almost a quarter of a billion pounds into Goodison Park since ending Bill Kenwright’s long-running search for a financial saviour. Tentative progress on a new stadium, deeply disillusioned fans and what in many respects is the worst Everton team this century represents a meagre return for his money.

Kenwright, the Everton chairman, cited “football knowledge, financial wherewithal and true blue spirit” as principal reasons for embracing the British-Iranian billionaire when his arrival was announced on 27 February 2016. Having paid around £87.5m for a 49.9% shareholding, one that is expected to increase over time, Moshiri has loaned Everton £150m with no fixed repayment date. The loan has enabled Everton to spend significantly on players, clear £28.4m of debt, reduce annual interest charges, fund improvements to the Finch Farm training ground and their old stadium, while preparing for the new with £9.1m spent on securing the site and initial planning works at Bramley Moore dock.

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from Football | The Guardian http://bit.ly/2F7Km2h