11/09/2024 85comments  |  Jump to last

John Textor, the American billionaire who has been in negotiations with Farhad Moshiri regarding a potential buy-out of the Anglo-Iranian's majority stake in Everton, has expressed his confidence in completing a takeover before December.

In an interview with Sky Sports, the prospective Blues owner said that he is closer to making his exit from Crystal Palace than has been reported in the media and that he hopes to complete a deal with Moshiri before the November 30 deadline set in his exclusivity agreement.

Textor is the fifth bidder to enter into an exclusivity agreement to buy Everton but any deal is dependent on his Eagle Football Holdings entity selling its 45% stake in Crystal Palace.  However, the 58-year-old says he has two serious bids for the Palace shares from 14 groups he claims have expressed interest, where five made it to an advanced stage in terms of talks.

"We're into the final week or two of knowing who the buyer will be,"  Textor explained to Sky northwest correspondent, Alan Myers amid speculation that Josh Harris and David Blitzer, two of Palace's other minority shareholders, are in talks to buy him out. "The contract I have with Farhad gives us a lot of time for that as there is a long-stop date of November 30... God forbid we don't complete it by then and I do believe we can complete it before then.

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"The documents I'm going to have with Farhad are complete closing documents, subject only to Premier League approval. But you've got to be ready by the next transfer window because this is a time to leap forward up the table from wherever they are.

"My challenge really is to get in early enough to really deal with that.

"The word 'buy' is always a weird one when it comes to football clubs. It provokes a discomfort in me every time because imagine going out and saying [to a fan], 'hey, I just bought your club'.

"These clubs have been legendary long before we were alive, walking on this earth.

"Nobody wakes up and thinks, 'I get to buy Everton'. But if you decide football is what you want in your life, and then somebody comes along and asks you if you want to become the owner of Everton, it's like someone asking you if you want to be President of the United States. Of course you do.

"When it becomes available, obviously I'm not just interested but hopefully we can get it done. It would be quite an honour."

Having been denied the chance to increase his holdings at Selhurst Park — he currently only has 25% voting rights in the boardroom there — Textor has been trying to sell the shares held in Palace by his Eagle Football Group in order to move forward with a takeover like the one he proposes at Everton.

"I feel my past experience has given me a patience that other people don't have because ultimately we want to get this deal done," he continued.

"When you walk into a situation like Everton, I feel we are capable of enhancing a club and enhancing profitability at the same time. The two don't normally go together, but I can handle a certain amount of PSR risk.

"At this stage, I don't quite know the risk. I'm in an awkward spot but we're working through it. The awkward spot is that I can understand the club's position... the accounting position and I feel it's manageable in terms of the PSR problem.

"I don't quite know the Premier League's perspective on that because there's a bit of a Chinese Wall between me as an owner of Crystal Palace and what I'm really allowed to know as a prospective owner of another team in the same division.

"But I do think we're developing solutions for that information gap and I feel we're in the very last days of getting our comfort around that. We just hope from the moment we arrive, we can start looking up the table, not down it.

"I have a qualified period of exclusivity, but exclusives don't matter if Farhad gets an offer tomorrow that is supremely better than mine.

"I wouldn't force him to do a bad deal with me. The longer this takes, the greater the probability that there's some other smart guy out there that wakes up and see this as a great deal, as it is.

"Right now, this seems to be our opportunity and we hope to close."

Quotes sourced from Sky Sports



Reader Comments (85)

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Brian Williams
1 Posted 11/09/2024 at 17:28:56
Yes, this makes a good read.
Tony Abrahams
2 Posted 11/09/2024 at 17:51:06
I read what Textor, a man who seems to be genuinely interested in Everton, is saying about the club, and how he feels it is a real bargain because of the difficulty that Moshiri now finds himself in with regards financing the club after going all out building this new stadium.

I find it hard to believe that Moshiri is a genuine accountant but I'm glad he had the vision to build a stadium on our city's iconic waterfront. I believe the city of Liverpool now has a waterfront that has been enhanced because of this.

Tony Abrahams
3 Posted 11/09/2024 at 18:00:32
I'm not sure about Textor, but it's clear he saw thousands of Evertonians running onto the pitch at Goodison and thought, "You can't just buy passion like this, it's inside everyone of these people!"

It must be a major reason why he wants to purchase our club?

Danny O’Neill
4 Posted 11/09/2024 at 18:08:00
Two days old now, but I just watched to the footage of Dan Meis visiting Bramley Moore with the CEO on the official website.

Looks like there are actual bars and restaurants being made ready, as well as the traditional kiosks. The concourses look spacious and there is an endless line of places to rest your drink running right along with views over the dock and Mersey.

Not finished yet, but looking good. Escalators installed as well.

Danny O’Neill
5 Posted 11/09/2024 at 18:33:04
What a very open and honest interview from Textor.

Seems to be the type of person who says it how it is.

Let's get this sorted.

Paul Hewitt
6 Posted 11/09/2024 at 18:36:35
Well, Textor says all the right things.
Christy Ring
7 Posted 11/09/2024 at 18:43:09
I'd be a lot more confident if he sells his shares in Palace quickly.
Jay Evans
8 Posted 11/09/2024 at 18:54:12
If this happens then quite clearly it is goodbye to Dyche.
Brian Williams
9 Posted 11/09/2024 at 18:59:57
I wouldn't say it's quite clear from what he says in the interview, Jay, but I suppose different people have a different take on what they read.
Paul Washington
10 Posted 11/09/2024 at 19:20:44
Interestingly he mentions on I think X that he wants the deal done by the end of November in time for the next transfer window.
Rob Halligan
11 Posted 11/09/2024 at 19:43:46
It sounds like Textor is confident of selling his shares in Palace in the next few days, which should hopefully speed up the process of him buying Everton. Not saying it's a good or bad thing him buying us, but jeez, we need it sorting out ASAP as it's dragging on far too long.

Jay, I don't think it's clear that it's the end for Dyche should Textor take over the club. He says he will sit down with Dyche and see if he can manage the squad Textor wants to build.

Oliver Molloy
12 Posted 11/09/2024 at 19:59:10
It's the hope…!!
Nigel Scowen
13 Posted 11/09/2024 at 20:04:54
Liking what I'm hearing so far from Textor, bringing some positive talk to the table, quite refreshing to hear.

I don't know whether he is confident of selling his shares in Palace or whether he feels there is latitude around the Premier League rules? Whichever, it looks like he is keen to find a solution.

Also, good for us Blues to hear some timelines being mentioned.

I think he's probably quite pragmatic about the whole Dyche thing. If he thinks it's working, then there is no need for immediate decisions; if he doesn't, then that's a different matter.

Scott Hamilton
14 Posted 11/09/2024 at 20:05:04
Well, it's all just talk at the moment but I certainly like his talk.

I've said before, given the shady ownership we currently have, I see our next owners as a stopgap — call it a 'period of rehabilitation' — before we are squeaky clean on and off the pitch, and able to be sold for megabucks to someone that can take us to a real elite level.

I live in hope, although we all know what that does to you…

Jay Harris
15 Posted 11/09/2024 at 20:09:02
Well, he is certainly singing the right song but can he do the walk?

We were all excited about Moshiri until we observed the Moshiri - Kenwright school of "How not to run a football club".

"Watch this space" to quote a certain buffoon.

Barry Rathbone
16 Posted 11/09/2024 at 20:21:41
"And then somebody comes along and asks you if you want to become the owner of Everton, it's like someone asking you if you want to be President of the United States."

I hate this.

Getting drawn back in by warm words when will I learn?

Si Pulford
17 Posted 11/09/2024 at 20:32:43
Is it just me who's really weary of this feller? Not cash-rich, had to sell half of his Lyon squad with all of them up for sale. Maybe I'm just wary of any new owners after the shit show we've endured for so long but weary I am.

Lyon put majority of squad on transfer market to meet sales target

That said his comments on PSR are a breath of fresh air and, with the Villa owner, he's the second high-profile owner to call out these rules.

Crystal Palace owner John Textor calls out FFP & PSR — Believes Eagles and others being mistreated

Can't work out if I hate him or love him.

Paul Hewitt
18 Posted 11/09/2024 at 20:39:22
To anyone saying they don't want this guy, then who do you want?

Textor speaks passionately about the club and clearly has plans for it. If this isn't the right guy, then can someone tell me who is?

Ged Simpson
19 Posted 11/09/2024 at 20:44:27
Good point, Paul @18. But more often, tiz' like comparing rich gits through all clubs.

Yawn.

Never been my joy!

John Raftery
20 Posted 11/09/2024 at 20:45:02
As we are rock bottom, I'm hoping we can soon start looking down the table rather than up it.
Ged Simpson
21 Posted 11/09/2024 at 20:46:00
John says it all.
Justin Doone
22 Posted 11/09/2024 at 20:46:35
More bull!

He mentions patience followed by wanting to conclude a deal before the deadline ends.

He talks about profit and then mentions Moshiri getting a substantially better offer.

The only truth in what he says is that he doesn't have all the answers.

So why comment until you know, until you have sold your shares and the Premier League's owner's test is rubber-stamped or at an advanced stage?

I'm not interested in what comes out from the mouth of a ruthless, lying, billionaire. He's interested in personal profit and enhancing his own profile.

Tony Abrahams
23 Posted 11/09/2024 at 20:48:43
After seeing the quality since Castore took over making the kit, I wouldn't mind Bernard Arnault taking over Everton, Paul!
Bill Gall
24 Posted 11/09/2024 at 20:48:48
Talk is cheap, but it is going to take more than talk to sell his Palace shares and purchase Everton by becoming the major shareholder.

It does make for good reading though, better than all the negativity that sport writers seen to spout to fill a column.

Let's hope that, if he does manage to become Everton owner, he does have the financial backing to do what he claims he wants.

Paul Hewitt
25 Posted 11/09/2024 at 20:59:47
Tony @23.

I had to Google to see who that guy was. But with a wealth of £172 billion, he would do for me.

Raymond Fox
26 Posted 11/09/2024 at 21:04:27
He is saying all the right things, like new players do – you know… they always wanted to play for us etc.

The important bit he's talking about is in 3 months time he may be able to be in a position to buy the club.

Yeah, and then anything can happen. Will he want to buy us if our results have us in a terrible place in the table?

Who knows, there's too many 'ifs' for my liking but suitors are not exactly forming a line to buy us, are they.

Alan Corken
27 Posted 11/09/2024 at 21:10:55
He "hopes to complete deal... before November 30th"? Hmmm, that sounds aspirational rather than confident!

"I can handle a certain amount of PSR risk" What exactly are you getting at?

"The longer this takes... greater probability... some other smart guy... wakes up and sees this as a great deal." Does this sound like wishful thinking on Textor's part?

As an Everton supporter, I find it difficult, if not impossible, to take positives from anything I hear about the club. I'm becoming used to reading between the lines of bullshit to try and get a feeling for what is really going on.

Hopefully I'm wrong this time.

Billy Bradshaw
28 Posted 11/09/2024 at 21:12:07
Jay @ 15,

Oh for the day when all us Evertonians are singing from the same hymn sheet.

Paul Birmingham
29 Posted 11/09/2024 at 21:25:56
Hope Eternal...

Hopefully there are genuine foundations in the negotiations for selling his stake in Palace.

Let's depart Goodison in good heart and spirit...

Hopefilly he gets in before Christmas.

Les Moorcroft
30 Posted 11/09/2024 at 21:28:30
I personally don't get most Yanks. Yes, good business-minded. But they don't get the football side. Passion, Hart, Religion…

But what do I know? I'm just old and love Everton. By the way, I love our city. UTFT

Jamie Clancy
31 Posted 11/09/2024 at 21:37:19
I like this guy. Seems to have a real passion for Everton Football Club regarding some of the things he has said about us over the past few months. Has ambition too.

Let's get John on board and move this great club forward!

Robert Tressell
32 Posted 11/09/2024 at 21:46:03
A few big plusses associated with Textor:

1. It will mean the end of Moshiri. This cannot be underestimated. Our relegation and / or insolvency is inevitable under Moshiri. It is absolutely vital that we move on from him.

2. Palace have become a stable mid-table side in recent years with a fairly strong recruitment model. To the extent that Textor is responsible, this is encouraging. To the extent that he is not responsible, he's at least seen how behaving sensibly reaps rewards.

3. It positions us as the lead club in a global group containing Lyon (one of the best academies in Europe), Molenbeek (in a Belgian league which has long been used as development league for promising players) and Botafogo (in a Brazilian league with access to high quality young players from Brazil and South America generally).

I notice that Botafogo already has two players on loan from Lyon and one from Botafogo. Although traditionalists won't like this, I strongly believe it is the future for pretty much every major football club. If you can't beat them join them...

Step 1: Sort out a high-quality right-back to join us as soon as the window opens in January.

Peter Moore
33 Posted 11/09/2024 at 21:47:56
Seems a strange comment to make about him being in a position where a better offer could usurp him at any time. Almost like he is just a tool to flush out another bid.

Him saying he doesn't yet have all the info due to Chinese Walls, also gives him a plausible reason to pull out in due course.

I hope my reading of the situation is wrong, and he is the answer to our prayers.

Brian Williams
34 Posted 11/09/2024 at 21:51:24
Another interesting link:

Link

A video of John Textor talking about how he himself is buying Everton — not Eagle Football Holdings in the UK, or Eagle Football Group in France.

He talks of other partners joining him in a new holding entity — Everton Football Group.

Simon Harrison
35 Posted 11/09/2024 at 21:54:44
I can't buy this (if you excuse the pun):

Didn't Textor say over 4 weeks ago to Sky that he wanted an agreement in place by the end of last week for a purchase plan to be ready?

However, here we are nearly 5 weeks down the road and;

i) Textor still hasn't sold his Crystal Palace shares! Any deal breaker!

ii) Textor is still reportedly sniffing around trying to buy an extra 6% shareholding at Crystal Palace to gain the majority shareholding and as such be able to rip up the current shareholders agreement.

iii) As mentioned above, he has major financial issues with Lyon, which he mainly blames on the TV deal not being as generous as he 'expected'?

However, if he'd taken the time and correct advice, he'd have known that the Ligue 1 TV deal was on a major downturn...? Not very shrewd, and he is still not meeting the French authorities' financial requirements, as of yet. Or as such the French FA are still saying "show us the money".

iv) He may be asset-rich, but he is certainly cash-poor, and is even struggling to get an Initial Public Offering off the ground to raise money for any sort of purchase or even a potential floating of Everton by virtue of floating Eagle Holdings (or the holding company above that rather) on the New York Stock Exchange.

v) He comes across as a great guy, says the right things and all that, but to me, he comes across as more of a 'Mr Charisma' type than a serious player.

I mean he bought (unnecessarily) 45% of Crystal Palace to gain a 25% vote share?

He bought Lyon for approximately £135M more than he would have (should have could have) been bought for if he had done the correct due diligence.

His purchasing vehicle is, to me as a layman, rather over-layered and complex. To me, everything screams run away from this time-waster.

Please, John Textor, prove me wrong, but everything about you screams 'fantasist'.

As for "If not Textor, who or whom..?" Well, I won't tire you and bore myself by running down the list of potential investors and buyers since circa January 2022 (starting with the Kaminsky group if I recall correctly?) till now, but it doesn't look good does it?

Maybe the question we should be asking is, Does Moshiri actually want to sell the club? Or is he buying time for another option, or event change...?

Ian Jones
36 Posted 11/09/2024 at 21:56:05
Interesting views on modern stadiums like Tottenham's and our new one. He seems to prefer the more traditional stadiums like our current one but appreciates that, for investment purposes and to be an attractive proposition, the club needs to move. I imagine if he had been involved in the stadium process, he would not have baulked at flattening the community around Goodison to build a new one.

Also, similar to some on here, I feel Sean Dyche will have to get up to speed with the players this guy wants… or leave. This tactic of owner interference worked so well with Tosun who I seem to remember was one picked out by Moshiri.

Also, I assume the players that Textor mentioned as the type of players he would like to see are currently playing for other clubs in his football group. Good luck, Sean.

Football's changed… and not necessarily for the better.

Simon Harrison
37 Posted 11/09/2024 at 21:58:55
Peter [33]

I agree, too many alarm bells are ringing for me.

And sorry Rob Tressell, I don't want Everton to be part of a multi-club model, I want Everton to become outstanding as a single club, which someone, like the Red Bull Group might consider buying as the Apex club rather than RB Leipzig in the future; and why would we want to be part of a group anyway?

Shouldn't the new owners or the club look at the feasibility of setting up a multi-club model with Everton fully central to any and all decisions?

Surely it is cheaper and much more cost-effective to develop scouting, recruitment, and coaching teams in-house that are exceptional than spreading those costs across several teams?

Get the best and develop to be the best... surely?

Si Pulford
38 Posted 11/09/2024 at 22:03:53
Paul (18), not knowing who the right guy is doesn't make anyone else the right guy?

Fred West was a decent builder by all accounts but the absence of an alternative wouldn't make him my first choice.

I don't think anyone actually said Textor wasn't the right guy, a couple just said they basically had reservations. Which is understandable.

Si Pulford
39 Posted 11/09/2024 at 22:11:39
Simon @37,

Get the best and develop the best is aspirational nowadays, isn't it..? It will only get you so far because you can't keep the best. They will be hoovered up by the so-called bigger clubs. Developing the best is great but you can't add to them and become really competitive because you're forced to sell and start again

Look at Brighton — the so-called best run club in England. Makes me sick to hear. What a pat on the head, eh? Best run club but with no chance of ever winning the Premier League. A feeder club with a half-decent bank balance.

And people lap this up. The press lap this up.

Until PSR is done away with, we're basically a fancy version of the Scottish league.

Christy Ring
40 Posted 11/09/2024 at 22:14:12
The huge problem is Moshiri and the 777 Partners deal; he definitely fucked us up.

How he picked them in the first place is bewildering.

Derek Thomas
41 Posted 11/09/2024 at 22:20:20
This time last year(?) 777 Prtners were 'Getting it all done by Christmas' or some such bollocks.

When I see him at Finch Farm with the scarf on...

Simon Harrison
42 Posted 11/09/2024 at 22:20:28
Si [39],

I was meaning get the best 'C'-level management team, ie, the best specialist board, the best departmental heads, the best DoF etc; and from there, recruit the best behind the scenes team, look at the best coaches etc.

Then the players would come; or focus on and develop the Academy to be a 'centre of excellence'.

Deep pockets are required which ver way you wish to go. Else you just keep bobbing around the 9th to 15th positions — or worse… or maybe better?

Then, as you say, become a feeder club initially, but with an eye to making progress up the table, where developing an Everton multi-club model becomes possible, and affordable.

However, as you rightly say, the Premier League is to all extents and purposes a three-horse race nowadays, or as you say an English SPL, with the bonus of the 4th place and Champions League spot up for grabs.

I think this debate could generate its own thread: where do you start, how do you progress, how do you stabilise, and then kick on from a 'plateau' to break into the Top 6, then Top 4… then win the whole kaboodle...???

Si Pulford
43 Posted 11/09/2024 at 22:23:18
You're right, Simon. It's frustrating and amazing that it's allowed to happen.

I agree, we should be looking at developing the best talent. 100%. It just makes me apathetic to think that is currently our aspiration.

Simon Harrison
44 Posted 11/09/2024 at 22:37:21
Si, I just try not to think about the long-term future of the club currently. We just need to survive in the Premier League, until someone buys us, and restructures the debt, even if that is leveraged against whatever value is left in the stadium...

It's like the old mantra, one game at a time, or rather one day at a time, one bill at a time.

Patience and investment is our only hope; unless Uncle Ali has a plan we all know nothing about and he is looking at reinvesting in the club and the development opportunities around the Dock Road area.

Maybe this is why Moshiri is doing what he is, and all the loan repayments etc is still being used to 'launder money', allegedly.

As long as we continue to exist as a club, we stay in the Premier League, and we have the occasional decent game of football… for now, that is all we can ask, until there is major investment in the club, however that occurs.

nb: I don't mean more loans either, I mean equity investments...

Sorry, Si, I try and keep things short and one thing leads to another... My bad!

David Cooper
45 Posted 11/09/2024 at 23:33:52
Not sure that I like what I'm hearing about what Textor is saying even before he has spent a penny on EFC. He seems to have a lot to say about everything EFC. Is it going to be a case of out of the frying pan into the fire if he buys the club or can beggars not be choosers?

I don't like what he had to say about the value of Branthwaite if it is to be believed. €60M is not much more than £50M and way below what we think he is worth when compared to Guehi.

Wish he would just keep his trap shut until he owns the friggin club – if he ever gets shot of his Palace wedge!

Sean Kearns
46 Posted 11/09/2024 at 23:34:52
The Premier League is the current “in thing” for Billionare Americans, it's their playground and place to show off and flex… Johnny boy wants his place at the table and I'm fine if it's with us!

Also, there is clearly a long-term plan in the works here for the Americans as I'm pretty sure than in order to vote on anything to do with changing Premier League rules (such as relegation wink wink) it required over half the votes from club owners.

This will make around 10 clubs in the Premier League being owned by US investors so they can all collude and vote to change laws. And in my opinion, eventually get rid of relegation somehow.

Colin Glassar
47 Posted 11/09/2024 at 23:43:37
Good point, Sean. We might become the Everton Eagles and, as a franchise, move to London or, god forbid, Manchester.

Anyway, right now I'd sell us to Old Nick as long as we can rid ourselves of bloody Moshiri.

Gavin Johnson
48 Posted 12/09/2024 at 00:22:16
I'd have some reservations about any buyer other than the Qatari public investment fund.

Textor seems to really wants us and says the right things, so let's hope he backs up what he has to say... Except selling Branthwaite for €60M!

John Keating
49 Posted 12/09/2024 at 01:00:26
Well, if Chelsea can sell themselves their own hotel and Man Utd lose millions but not get near an PSR issue, Textor may well be the one for us.

Just think, Molenbeek – average crowd 8 – buy Branthwaite next summer for £100 million on the understanding they give him back to us on loan for the season with an option to buy back at the end of the season for £30…

Masters will surely endorse that as yet another crafty way around and escaping PSR.

Mark Taylor
50 Posted 12/09/2024 at 01:30:32
Things I learned from that interview:

1) He's into football. Though I imagine more from a money point of view than true love; otherwise, why sell a club he said he loves?

2) He has an interesting, and probably to many, laudable opinion of the history and tradition of the game. I think he meant it about wishing we stayed at Goodison, maybe he was at the famous Palace game. But his head would always point to BMD.

3) He is going to be very hands on, for better or worse. Hope he has more of a clue than Moshiri.

4) I don't think he is personally all that rich. Someone above said £700B plus. That's not his wealth. Not even close. Richer than Moshiri perhaps, and presumably with no Uzbeki gangster attached, but I suspect a few billion at best. His claimed talent is pulling in capital.

5) Which means we will not have an owner freeing us from debt. This buy will be debt-funded. Hopefully on better terms than currently.

6) It appears Dyche's days are numbered.

With regard to the multi-club model, I actually think it makes sense, it was the only aspect of 777's bid I liked. But it is concerning that Lyon appear to be struggling. That triggers me a bit...

David Cooper
51 Posted 12/09/2024 at 01:56:04
Owning 45% of Palace but having no say in running the club? What sort of football genius settles for that?

What do the other Palace owners know that we don't? Apart from not liking the multi club idea? Sounds to me that they don't want him anywhere near making decisions. Reminds me of Uzmanov at Arsenal where David Dein kept him at arm's length.

I listened to his 10 minute Sky interview and like him even less. Obviously he has some strange football ideas. What is his vision for the new Everton Stadium?

I am sure that there is a lot fluff in what he says hoping to convince us that he really gets EFC. But the thought of owning or part-owning Everton Stadium is his main driving force and he gets a football team as part of the deal.

I have a sinking feeling that he will get the go ahead to buy Moshiri out, find a way to pay off our debts and we will not compete on the field.

Don Alexander
52 Posted 12/09/2024 at 03:39:19
Well, at least we can have faith in the Premier League under Masters approving Textor as a fit and proper person to own our football club, can't we?
Danny O’Neill
53 Posted 12/09/2024 at 05:59:52
I don't confess to understand the complexities but, if he is coming out with an interview like that, it sounds like something is happening.

As Don alludes to, the inevitable spanner in the works could be the Premier League, but this individual knows what he's dealing with by the sounds of it.

In terms of club, Everton, especially with the new stadium, is a much bigger prospect than Palace.

He is obviously going to be driven by business interests. Aren't all football club owners?

Bob Parrington
54 Posted 12/09/2024 at 06:02:44
Simon and Si - You're so right IMO in creating a plan to get to where we aspire to go. As regularly said "fail to plan, plan to fail". Has to be done in steps, of course but again "start with the end in mind" comes into consideration. Surely, Everton (and others) should be thinking along these lines. Well done guys. A specific thread on the subject might be a good idea.

Strangely, I've just got involved in a think tank scenario here in Australia, regarding why the Australian team is going just about nowhere. The question was asked at a local level in a senior amateur club I coached in the early '90s.

One of the players from then made his thesis on what is going wrong in the feed chain of players, starting from an early age. Much of what you guys are talking about actually rings a bell but, of course, at a much lower level of advancement than you are speaking.

I would guess that some of what we are seeing here is happening also in the UK at junior level. Sorry if this seems boring but I do believe the "thought processing" is relevant.

Alan J Thompson
56 Posted 12/09/2024 at 06:53:33
Seems strange that a holder of a large shareholding in one Premier League team which, when disposed of, needs Premier League approval to buy shares in another.

Or is he just blowing smoke, ingratiating himself with the authorities, in which case somebody should explain to him Everton's recent relationship with the Premier League.

Although, as per Man Utd's allowance for its sale, perhaps this might work in our PSR discussions, or did that opportunity pass with Bill? Or maybe one of his companies might like to make an offer for Goodison but that probably only works once as well.

I'll just stop there but won't be holding my breath until the next exclusivity agreement comes along.

James Marshall
57 Posted 12/09/2024 at 09:40:29
Alan @56,

If you have a loan with a bank, or an HP agreement on a car, then you move that agreement, the bank or HP company will still do due diligence (a means test or credit score search) to make sure you're good for the debt.

So why would the Premier League be any different?

Si Cooper
58 Posted 12/09/2024 at 10:06:19
He needs to be an uncommon mix of some rare qualities to definitely be who or what we need.

I don't think there is any way of properly evaluating anyone without them actually taking charge and then showing their mettle. So I'm neither excited nor worried about whether Textor takes over, but I will be ‘hopeful' if he does.

Mind you, any confidence I had in the US being a potential hothouse for excellence has been severely reduced by watching the first half of the ‘presidential debate' the other night! What a shambolic shit-show with both candidates apparently auditioning for a satire on vacuous politicians.

Fred Quick
59 Posted 12/09/2024 at 10:22:14
This guy isn't from the Theatre is he? Because so much of what he has said reminds me of our former owner and chairman. He's not for me this Textor guy, he says and seems to promise a great deal but when you analyse his statements, you realise that most of what he says is a bit up in the air and full of caveats.

Textor says that he'll raise and spend money, but PSR might prevent him from doing that. Like others have said, he seems to be more of a salesman for Everton rather than a potential buyer.

If Textor doesn't conclude a deal, then who else will? It's very concerning having to wait time and time again for things to be resolved on the ownership front.

Stu Darlington
60 Posted 12/09/2024 at 10:30:08
Simon
Thank you for your calm and considered posts.You highlight the important issues far more clearly than I could and I agree with you.
The basic and most important issue is that we must stay in the Premier League and build from there.If we can do that and access a good stream of income from the new stadium we can begin to rebuild,all be it,slowly.
Obviously we need new ownership and investment that is securely based,not loans at extortionate interest rates,and that’s where my concerns about Textor come in.
People seem to think he is being open and transparent about his progress to date ( easy to understand given Everton owners past record) but is he?
He cannot be the majority shareholder in two holding companies owning Premier League clubs as he seems to state,the Premier League rules don’t allow it.So if he is being transparent,who are these potential buyers for his shares in Palace and what stage are the negotiations at?Do they exist?He is not as cash rich as seems to be implied and is having to try and raise money through stock market flotations,although he maintains he has investors chomping at the bit to come on board.
Maybe I’m being paranoid,but I keep getting a whiff of BS about the whole business.
I know, I’ll call the plumber right now!
Dave Abrahams
61 Posted 12/09/2024 at 10:40:36
Just a gut feeling from me but John Textor seems in so many ways to be too good to be true.

I hope we swerve him.

Rennie Smith
62 Posted 12/09/2024 at 11:06:25
One thing we should temper our expectations on regardless of the owner is the amount of money to be spent on players. Don't expect someone to come in and start splashing the cash because those days are over.

The Sky 6 have pressured the Premier League to ensure no one can gate-crash their cosy party, regardless of how much money they have.

Just look at Newcastle, the Geordies were crowing about being the richest club in the world, but the reality they are now facing is that they can't buy anyone because of PSR.

Man City were the last club to get that mega-owner bounce, that will never happen again because they won't let it happen again.

So some people saying this guy doesn't have enough wealth, this guy is working off debt… it doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is someone comes in, steadies the ship, makes good use of the extra revenue from the new stadium, and we have a club ran as a proper business that sees incremental growth.

But of course, we're football fans and we live on dreams… we're going to win the league next season!

Steve Brown
63 Posted 12/09/2024 at 11:18:40
The other 4 US Consortiums recognised that the acquisition price would prove a bargain, but were determined to drive down the purchase price and / or debt to lenders further. They did not succeed, so stepped away.

Textor seems to have a larger risk appetite, therefore I don't think he will see the 777 Partners - A-CAP civil court case with Leadenhall as a barrier to acquisition (because it isn't). Equally, he will look at our debt and conclude most of the secured lending can be restructured over a longer term.

My big concern with Textor is the same as Friedkin — does he have enough money to invest in the squad and make us competitive on the pitch? Or will he need to add to the debt to do so?

Raymond Fox
64 Posted 12/09/2024 at 11:22:23
I posted what I thought of Textor earlier in the thread.

All potential owners are only interested in clubs to make money. Sure they will be drawn into being supporters over time, chiefly because of thier investment.

Si @39 has it right when he says, unless PSR is done away with, we along with the other 13 clubs in the Premier League are only feeder clubs for the established big 6.

We, along with 3 or 4 other clubs, have the potential to break into the Champions League positions but now PSR has blocked the only chance we have got to beat the stranglehold we are in.

Paul Hewitt
65 Posted 12/09/2024 at 11:25:56
I don't want someone coming in and just spending huge amounts on players, that's how we got into this mess in the first place.

No, we need someone with a plan and vision for the future of this club.

Steve Brown
66 Posted 12/09/2024 at 11:28:00
Textor's net worth:

“According to Forbes' Most Valuable Soccer Teams 2024, Palace is worth circa £610 million, which would mean that Eagle Football Holding's share comes out to around £274.5 million.

Bloomberg reported that Textor's football stable was worth around £780 million when in the process of his initial investment in Lyon. Therefore, it would have increased to around £940 million after upping his stake. Meanwhile, netwealth.biz claims that Teztor's net wealth is around £3.37 billion.”

Moshiri's net worth is £2.24 billion.

Barry Rathbone
67 Posted 12/09/2024 at 11:28:19
I liked his style and honesty and the huge acknowledgement the club should be aspiring to more than "8th".

He realizes doing so requires mega money which he reckons he can get and he didn't swerve the Dyche issue. In fact, he was very detailed on questions to be asked proffering possible player solutions.

I understand the cynicism but, beyond an oil state buying us, if we must go the "investment" route, this guy seems the kiddie. He knows the Premier League, understands Everton FC as an institution, and is not Dolly Daydream – like Moshiri.

Derek Taylor
68 Posted 12/09/2024 at 11:52:25
Yet another bullshit merchant who plans to throw money towards guiding Everton to a place with the elite.

Comes over as Moshiri Mk II. Failed to take over Palace so looks for another club to feed his dreams.

Out of the frying pan. Once again!

Mark Andrews
69 Posted 12/09/2024 at 11:59:18
Hopefully John Textor is the light at the end of a very long, dark tunnel, not a train coming in the opposite direction.

Everton that.

Paul Hewitt
70 Posted 12/09/2024 at 12:02:36
For fuck's sake, some people on here are never happy.

Just buy it yourself if you don't trust anyone.

Eddie Dunn
71 Posted 12/09/2024 at 12:05:22
I watched the interview and liked his straght talking. He seems to be a communicator. I liked that he was such a fan of Goodison (like myself). He really has to be an upgrade on Moshiri.

It must be almost a done deal for him to comment on Dyche; otherwise, it is way out of order. I know Sean has had a lot to deal with, but he has been under zero pressure for his job becasue everyone knew we were too broke to replace him.
This might keep him on his toes.

Kevin Molloy
72 Posted 12/09/2024 at 12:06:24
Do we never catch a break from these people? To misquote MacBeth: "I see a line of Bullshitters stretched out from here unto the crack of doom."

Letting Kenwright in, it's left the door open now to seven more just like him.

Ernie Baywood
73 Posted 12/09/2024 at 12:06:26
Don't confuse someone saying what you want to hear with honesty.

It might not be that. It will be a while before we know which it is.

Danny O’Neill
74 Posted 12/09/2024 at 12:32:51
I'm sure he's very aware of Everton's recent dealings with the Premier League, Alan, especially as he's got exclusivity rights.

With 45% of shares in Palace, I'm equally sure he's had a voice and influence over what was a relatively successful team by their historical standards.

Not sure about the Goodison bid or what that would achieve. I thought the Goodison plan and as recently posted the EitC release about continued commitment to L4, was included in the stadium project. I could be wrong.

On EitC, they do great work. I'd like to see them expand their footprint to other areas of the city and the city region personally.

For us, we just have to wait and see. He seems confident that both his sale of his Palace shares and takeover of Everton will happen reading his interview.

Martin Berry
75 Posted 12/09/2024 at 12:33:48
At last – a "potential" owner who comes out on record by face and says how it is from his point of view.

Other comments he has made included the club being financially in a fairly healthy place, also that there is no problem in funding the new stadium. He also said any other uninformed comments to the contrary were nonsense. Seems like he has looked at the books and they don't look cooked.

He obviously knows the ins and outs of the club's difficulties, does not see them as a problem for future ownership and the things that we just speculate about. Looks very promising and everything is slowly coming together.

Nigel Scowen
76 Posted 12/09/2024 at 12:54:58
Also Martin, he would surely have had a look by now at what spooked Friedkin so much and is happy with any sort of associated risk factor.
John Raftery
77 Posted 12/09/2024 at 13:53:14
I am sceptical about Mr Textor's ability to buy our club and then run it in a way which takes us forward. If he is so confident, why is he making so much noise about it? Usually the closer buyers get to a genuine deal, they stay silent until it is completed.

Stringing things along with a succession of would-be purchasers has, I think, suited Moshiri. The 30 November date is significant from the current owner's point of view. By then, he will have the keys to our new home. He may feel a completed stadium will attract more interest and ultimately provide a better deal for him.

Bill Gall
78 Posted 12/09/2024 at 14:21:05
I believe that we only see the final piece of the puzzle that is the Everton takeover and the selling off of his shares in Crystal Palace and that is John Textor.

Although he makes the final decisions I am sure he has a number of Lawyers and Financial experts at hand,that have gone over all the necessary financial paperwork, rules and regulations before he signs anything.

He seems enthusiastic about owning Everton, and hopefully if it happens, we have a modern version of John Moores.

Paul Ferry
79 Posted 12/09/2024 at 16:43:51
And now there is a story on BBC footy:

Everton say 'work to be done' on Textor takeover bid

Keith Slinger
80 Posted 12/09/2024 at 19:13:51
Apparently, Mr Textor has investors lined up,according to reports on the Web, and no doubt a reason for taking us on etc?

His experience at representing other teams in other countries could be quite useful etc, as well as the transfer aspect of any perspective future transfer dealings etc?

I think Everton will be in good hands once the takeover has been done, IMO.

Simon Harrison
81 Posted 12/09/2024 at 23:57:34
Thanks Stu [60]

I don't recall anybody ever saying I've ever explained anything clearly on here. Just usually at length ad nauseum...

Thanks again, and I agree with your summation too. Best we get that plumber in. (Hopefully Textor could be the plumber to fix the Everton piping!?) 🙂👍

Simon Harrison
82 Posted 12/09/2024 at 00:02:25
Ernie B [73]

Wise words, and well done for saying that at this time. "Words dripping with honey often disguise the bitter taste once swallowed..."

Bob [54]

That sounds like an exciting, and very interesting project to get involved in regards player pathways in Australia, with a view to enhancing the National team's progress and performance.

Never mind posting a thread discussing that on here, maybe who, or whomever takes over the club should have already done that exercise regards Everton, and hits the ground running with said plan readily in hand! 🤞

Thanks for taking notice of Si Pulford's and my exchange.

Good wishes and fingers crossed for a successful and rapid takeover. 😃👍

Bob Parrington
83 Posted 13/09/2024 at 02:31:28
Thanks, Simon.

Agreed about the last paragraph, of course! 👍🍾

Ernie Baywood
84 Posted 13/09/2024 at 07:22:52
It's easy isn't it, Bob?

Stop charging thousands for kids to play JNPL (and provide a decent side income to someone in the inner circle with a certificate) and get something other than middle class boys into the system?

Surely it's step one at least.

I'm being a bit facetious... obviously there's a lot more to consider. But that bit has really grated on me from my involvement with clubs.

Alan J Thompson
85 Posted 14/09/2024 at 09:45:03
James #57;

Sorry for the delay but to use your similie, Textor would not be moving banks – just changing accounts from "savings" to a "term deposit".

This would just be the "bank" – the Premier League – interfering where it is not necessary.

Alan J Thompson
86 Posted 14/09/2024 at 17:16:11
Danny (#74);

That wasn't a serious thought about Goodison just using Chelsea's sale of a hotel to itself to raise money for PSR.


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