Seasons2016-17Everton News
Moshiri promises investment on and off the pitch

Everton's major shareholder spoke with Jim White on talkSPORT today and discussed a range of issues, including how he fell in love with the club, his resolute backing of Ronald Koeman and the new ground.
"I think with the stadium the fans must know we have done the hard bit," the Iranian-born businessman said with regard to financing a new development away from their current home in Walton. "The club was restricted [in its ability to] expand Goodison by banking covenants so we've repaid the debts, we have the finances.
"I went to Liverpool a few weeks ago with Bill [Kenwright]. We visited all the sites with the Mayor. The club has taken soundings from fans and in our mind we know where to go. We are committed.
"So my point to the fans is that I can just reassure them that they will have a stadium that rewards their loyalty and their passion support for our club. This is my key aim."
"We don't have the flexibility that Chelsea and Manchester City had in the days before Financial Fair Play. We can only invest what we spent last year, plus £7million, plus increasing commercial income.
"So the way to compete is to build a big stadium, to increase merchandising and commercial income and we have no restrictions to spend."
On the playing side, Moshiri admits that the pain of watching Saturday's 5-0 defeat at Chelsea was "unbearable" but that he feels it's worth looking at the bigger picture where his work and that of Koeman is still in its early stages.
"At the beginning of the season, our plan was to get into Europe and I think we're on target," he said. "The manager will strengthen the team in areas that's necessary so it's not all doom and gloom.
"The manager is totally committed and he's ruthless. You know if a player is not up to it, he used another player and eventually he buys [another] one. There are no sentimental issues there. I mean, there is for me... but Koeman is Koeman and he does what he wants.
"I think the job of the owner and the Chairman is simply to hire and fire the manager. The rest is down to him. Our job is to back him but he keeps his own counsel and he has the personality, the aura and the ability so we trust him."
Reader Comments (61)
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2 Posted 07/11/2016 at 16:13:05
3 Posted 07/11/2016 at 16:15:44
4 Posted 07/11/2016 at 16:26:26
5 Posted 07/11/2016 at 16:31:11
Seems we WERE actually in for Koulibaly, Sissoko, and Gabiadini...? Actually, I'm glad we got none of them, to be honest, but would like to see us try for at least three players in the January window; not easy I know.
6 Posted 07/11/2016 at 16:31:21
And his explicit statement about signing Williams "We wanted leadership at the back".
7 Posted 07/11/2016 at 16:35:56
Let's hope we see some lucrative commercial deals in place and concrete plans for a new stadium. It's ridiculous to think we can have a new stadium and a title-challenging team just because we have a new owner within 12 months of him taking the reins. I am sure the last transfer window has taught Moshiri some harsh lessons.
However, this is Everton. We've been lied to, shat on, and basically ran into the ground so one man could keep control of the club. I only hope Moshiri delivers on all these promises. I wouldn't like to think of the backlash if our fansbase are let down once more.
Personally, I think he will deliver on his promise for a new stadium. My major concern lies in the fact that there doesn't seem to be a ruthlessness concerning the make up of the board. Let's see what happens when Moshiri has full control.
9 Posted 07/11/2016 at 16:44:53
Sorry... but you can call me 'cynical'.
10 Posted 07/11/2016 at 16:45:02
He confirmed the madness that was the TDD... still crazy to my mind, but obviously that srtange Jim White business we argued every which way on here was absolutely genuine and 100% legit. Although Sissoko now changing his mind "just before midnight" doesn't really jive with the "McCarthy is family" nonsense.
But at least we can blame the supporters club for that one – giving him a framed photo of James McCarthy to hang on his wall... The mind boggles. But clearly it has a massive sentimental meaning to him... or was it the first thing that came into his head that crazy night back in September, as they faced frustration everywhere they turned?
I just can't believe he said nothing about the imminent clear-out, the massive warchest, and how everything is going to be made good in the January window...
11 Posted 07/11/2016 at 16:45:33
12 Posted 07/11/2016 at 16:48:21
Yes, I was one who very much doubted he'd talked with White, and said so. Seems I was wrong.
13 Posted 07/11/2016 at 16:54:24
I guess we'll see what that really means when the Annual Report and Accounts are revealed... which should be coming out some time soon, I imagine. At least, how much was paid down through May 31st.
How does that jive with FFP? Is that an allowed injection of money from outside? I guess it is in the sense that a debt can be 'bought' by another party... perhaps that's what he meant? That he has reached deals with the entities that held Everton's debts (Vibrac, etc) and simply assumed them himself.
In which case, nothing will actually show on the Everton books... except perhaps lower (or zero?) interest payments. Lots to ponder there...
15 Posted 07/11/2016 at 16:58:15
I think he fancies the challenge of making us a big club again and competing with the other 3 North West Clubs. Sadly, however, I think the timing of his injection of money to the club has come a little late as his millions would have bought a lot more last year than what we are seeing this year.
Not too long ago, 㿞M bought you one hell of a player but what some clubs were looking for players know just because they know about the Sky money is ridiculous and I'd say that has shocked Moshiri.
I wonder do Spurs think they were wrong to pay so much for Sissoko now.
16 Posted 07/11/2016 at 17:02:00
He seems to know his fitba' and our club. I like how he called the Northwest the Hollywood of football.
Anyway, as said before on good old TW, it's the hope that kills you. Maybe, just please this time, come on, hopefully, Santa can you help.
18 Posted 07/11/2016 at 17:08:19
19 Posted 07/11/2016 at 17:08:23
He mentioned that the covenant that was holding the club back in relation to building / altering Goodison had now been lifted. I found that interesting because it could mean that Everton will actually stay at Goodison albeit after a short hiatus at a newly constructed Commonwealth Games stadium?
20 Posted 07/11/2016 at 17:14:27
Michael, I assume you saying he didn't mention the warchest or that everything would be sorted in the January window was said with tongue firmly wedged in your cheek?
I would think that, from the moment he got Koeman and Walsh on board, he outlined his vision going forward to both men. We at last have a man with the finances to back the manager and the DoF and, as he said, we need a new stadium which he seems to be getting on with.
I thought it was interesting to see that Usmanov accompanied him to the game, I wonder is he trying to get Usmanov to feel the love for the blues. Seems like the chances of him getting control of Arsenal are getting more and more remote. Maybe he might fancy buying the remainder of the shares that Moshiri doesn't own...
21 Posted 07/11/2016 at 17:30:05
Although I grant there were some good performances at home, though even these were hardly regular. I also notice that building a great team isn't among his three priorities... hopefully that is a given.
22 Posted 07/11/2016 at 17:34:51
I think he said that we can only spend what we spent last year plus ٥M, plus our increase in commercial income.
In the summer we spend 㿚M and took in 㿛.5M I believe.
Anyone got any idea how much more we can spend in January?
23 Posted 07/11/2016 at 17:40:17
24 Posted 07/11/2016 at 17:44:48
It looks like we have money to spend, so let's start spending it in January on a playmaker plus another foil for Gueye to give the team more energy. Barkley and Barry run as though they have diving boots on!
25 Posted 07/11/2016 at 18:04:51
Maybe I'm naive or ignorant (wife would say both!) but that is a HUGE alarm bell for me!!!
26 Posted 07/11/2016 at 18:10:37
27 Posted 07/11/2016 at 18:28:53
28 Posted 07/11/2016 at 19:03:10
I suppose a new ground could be a stepping stone to a higher profile, and it would bring in more revenue, and help to make us a more attractive proposition for incoming players and future sponsorships, but we will still be short of the big bucks that Chelsea, Man Utd and Man City can spend.
Still, he seemed straightforward enough, and after the years of stagnation, we can hope for some progress with him.
29 Posted 07/11/2016 at 19:20:00
31 Posted 07/11/2016 at 19:40:06
32 Posted 07/11/2016 at 19:40:12
Interesting he mentioned the culture at Everton being that the manager is the most important person and the role of the main shareholder/chairman is to hire and fire the manager and in between those actions, to let him get on with it.
I, for one, was filled with optimism after listening.
As a side issue, it was also interesting that White said it was nice to meet Moshiri for the first time at the Chelsea match and Moshiri was in the company of Usmanov.
33 Posted 07/11/2016 at 19:48:16
He will make us a top team given time and the stadium we dream of will happen, as he said in the interview. Just have a little patience
34 Posted 07/11/2016 at 20:04:09
I choose to believe him at face value; I've been mislead before and it will happen again, but Farhad is not responsible for the bullshit of others. He has said pretty much what I want to hear so far and the TalkSport interview was bloody encouraging. (That said, I still find the whole "McCarthy Transfer Malarkey" a load of bollocks.)
Decades of decay just cannot be overturned in five minutes flat.
However, if he says that we'll decamp to Crocky, then I'll be fuckin' furious.
35 Posted 07/11/2016 at 20:07:06
Me guessing it means a BIG clearout and no-one will be spared.
36 Posted 07/11/2016 at 20:11:38
The accounts should cover this in more detail in the post balance sheet review note, of what has happened between 31st May and the date the accounts were signed.
What I don't fully understand are the loans now with him without the charge, or has he just settled them without a rights issue – lucky shareholders...
Interesting times for sure, may be even the word ambition and trophy might be more familiar words to us blues.
37 Posted 07/11/2016 at 20:15:25
38 Posted 07/11/2016 at 20:15:49
39 Posted 07/11/2016 at 20:16:02
40 Posted 07/11/2016 at 20:16:43
Give Koeman a chance to build a team. Give him money to spend.
41 Posted 07/11/2016 at 20:27:15
Lady I work with pipes up "my nephew's being head hunted by Everton, he works in PR".
42 Posted 07/11/2016 at 20:54:56
43 Posted 07/11/2016 at 21:05:16
We all so want it to be true.
This is Everton, can it be? Will it be?
God I hope so but, like so many of us, I fear it is all bullshit.
44 Posted 07/11/2016 at 21:31:50
Action, not words is what we really need.
45 Posted 07/11/2016 at 22:06:40
46 Posted 07/11/2016 at 22:15:12
47 Posted 08/11/2016 at 07:18:03
48 Posted 08/11/2016 at 07:50:54
I get the impression Moshiri looked at what Arsenal did with their stadium, using it to grow the business and expand their purchasing power. The advantage he has with us is that our immediate expectations are slightly lower than those at Arsenal.
In the meantime, Koeman needs to do better to make us more attractive to these 'big' players.
49 Posted 08/11/2016 at 07:58:41
I think he has been honest and open about where he wants the club to go etc... It is early days and Rome wasn't built in a day!
People are moaning about the transfer window being awful get a grip, what top players would want to sign for Everton at the moment? A mediocre team for god knows how many years now, it is going to be very tough for Koemen to persuade these players to join. Would you rather sign players for the sake of it just to keep the moaners happy?
I for one think this is a new era for Everton and exciting times ahead, but we have to be patient as it is going to take time and a couple of transfer windows (and persuading of top players) to get the team Everton deserve and also get rid of the so-called dead wood. It is a big job so lets just enjoy the ride.
50 Posted 08/11/2016 at 11:17:17
“The club has taken something from the fans and in our minds we know where to go and we are committed. I can reassure them they will have a stadium which rewards their loyalty and passionate support for our club. This is my key aim.â€
Docks.
I can't understand the negativity behind this guy. He didn't become a billionaire by making rash decisions. He says himself that he took a year's due diligence over Everton's books and not once did we hear any soundbites from within the club that he was interested.
Bill Kenwright has done a lot wrong but bringing this guy in isn't one of them.
51 Posted 08/11/2016 at 11:53:19
For me, he hasn't got us into bed with a spiv like Phillip Green so that's a start. He hasn't blown a waterfront stadium and tried to move us to Kirby just yet.
He wiped off 㿼m in debt that the previous lot amounted – even whilst selling to buy.
I'm quite optimistic about this fella.
52 Posted 08/11/2016 at 13:37:03
Yes, I agree we are in better shape with Moshiri on board but are we ever going to out-money your Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Arsenal without counting Spurs and you know who???
I'm not trying to be a wet blanket – only a realist. As I said earlier, the future is more optimistic because of Moshiri but I fear the glass ceiling will still be there.
53 Posted 08/11/2016 at 13:56:36
He is putting down the building blocks for success. If he comes good with his promises, and there's no reason to suggest he won't, we'll be in a better position than we have been for decades. None of us can't ask anymore than that.
54 Posted 08/11/2016 at 14:05:21
But we still have to bridge the gap on the field by overachieving with non-Champions League players. We cannot buy our way there as FFP has limited that approach.
Europe is essential to allow us to be in an additional competition which drives income and attracts better players.
That's why readily I question Koeman and his record after 10 games. We cannot allow things to stagnate for even 4/5 games or we are getting nowhere near 5th, 6th or 7th.
The fact he ignored the League Cup was to my mind atrocious. The shortest route to Europe and it gives you almost a third of the season to think about next as you are qualified by February.
Massive improvements with existing players needs to be seen quickly, regardless of any new arrivals.
If he doesn't qualify for Europe, move him on please; after all, Moshiri said that was the plan.
55 Posted 08/11/2016 at 14:06:00
It's no surprise that the significant debts run up by Bill & Co had to be paid off. TV money was all that kept us afloat recently.
"We need a big stadium, no question about it."
Better, definitely. Bigger, maybe. With 3 failed attempted ground moves, it's time we had a leader that can deliver. Move over, Bill.
"...we are free to do what we want and we have the finances to do it."
Grown-ups at the top table. Yay!
56 Posted 08/11/2016 at 14:18:43
The people who are negative towards him need to think about where we would be right now without him... We'd be still broke with Kenwright still in charge and with his self-proclaimed 'great manager' still at the helm. We'd more than likely be in the bottom 7 of the league and broke.
Since Moshiri took over, we're in a far far better place.
57 Posted 08/11/2016 at 20:54:01
Fans must be patient and back him all the way. This will probably be our last chance of getting back in the big time.
58 Posted 08/11/2016 at 22:06:41
If the club can sell out a dilapidated wreck like Goodison Park almost every home game, what will the attendances be in a new state of the art football palace on the waterside just outside the city centre?
59 Posted 08/11/2016 at 23:11:46
60 Posted 09/11/2016 at 01:26:06
The next 12 to 18 months will prove if we have a genuine winner at the helm or just another bullshit Bill...
61 Posted 09/11/2016 at 10:30:40
62 Posted 09/11/2016 at 10:43:55
63 Posted 09/11/2016 at 11:01:01
Mancini came in then and they finished the season 5th in 2010. They won the FA Cup in 2011, their first trophy since 1975 and they just pipped Arsenal for 3rd place.
Back then, Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal were the 3 big clubs they were competing with but now you can add Man City themselves and maybe Spurs to that list.
Therefore, I think we need to realise that this is going to be a slow process, especially as we can't go crazy spending huge money on players which this year have gone up hugely in price. I think this season we will do well to finish above Spurs and Man Utd as Koeman has learnt that many of the players he inherited are not up to the task in hand. Moshiri has trusted Koeman with his millions and sees him as the man to turn this club around and, like he said, he will give him the freedom to do that without interference.
So we the fans need to be patient and let this very successful business man lead the club into a new era; from what he has said and done so far it looks like we are going in the right direction. We are currently the 7th highest earner in revenue in the Premier League, quite some distance behind Spurs. I expect Mr Moshiri will be addressing this issue as he leaves the football business to Ronald Koeman.
64 Posted 09/11/2016 at 21:40:34
It also seemed to me he knows which site the supporters want and wants to build there.
The weekend result should encourage a buying spree for Xmas. Not just stocking-fillers please.
65 Posted 10/11/2016 at 19:20:13
Gabiadini, Koulibaly, and Sissoko were all so so overrated anyway so nothing lost on those players. But I do still worry about the ability to attract the world's best players ahead of the bigger teams in the Premier League.
There aren't too many great players playing outside the Premier League, but lots of over-inflated ones, which is why it will be so difficult to improve on what we have.
We are crying out for players like Alexis Sanchez, Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, Diego Costa etc but there are enough of them to go round. That's when we start settling for Gabiadini, Sissoko and they just aren't good enough. Buying poor players such as these would be like standing still.
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1 Posted 07/11/2016 at 16:10:32