Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye was gutted by the departure of Kevin Thelwell after it was recently announced that the latter will not continue as the director of football next season. The 35-year-old, in his second stint at Goodison Park, thanked Thelwell for helping him return to the club.
“Coming back to Everton felt like coming home, and I have to thank Kevin Thelwell for making that happen,” he wrote on X.
“From day one, he showed how much he cared about this club, always fighting to make it stronger, even in the toughest times. We all know the challenges Everton has faced the last three years, but through it all, Kevin gave everything to help the team move forward. Everton is more than just a football club, it’s an institution built by the people who give their heart and soul to it. Everyone who comes here plays a part in its history and growth.
“Kevin has definitely left his mark. Wishing him the best for what’s next!”
Thelwell had a difficult job at Goodison as market movements were greatly hampered by the club’s recent financial struggles. Despite this, he oversaw a period of turbulence with plenty of aplomb and helped the club generate £226m of transfer income while spending only £145m on the team during six windows – and maintained their Premier League status.
“Done more than people will ever know – thanks for giving me the opportunity to play for this great club,” wrote Tim Iroegbunam on social media, thanking Thelwell.
The Blues are expected to move on to a wider leadership role from a single director of football position. They have appointed Angus Kinnear as the new CEO and he will take over the reins after finishing the season with Leeds United, where he has served as CEO since 2017. Kinner has also been with West Ham and Arsenal in various capacities before moving to Elland Road.
Planning for the next summer transfer window is already underway, led by the sporting department along with David Moyes. Further appointments are also expected as The Friedkin Group continue to make administrative changes following their takeover.
Reader Comments (31)
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2 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:16:35
3 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:25:56
Heartfelt and meaningful and a generous public acknowledgement of the importance of important "behind the scenes" relations that we hardly ever get to see.
4 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:29:32
5 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:31:46
I just appreciate what he's done under very difficult circumstances.
6 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:35:12
7 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:37:25
What with the price of stamps nowadays, Paul.
8 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:43:15
Not many written these days, that's for sure, but in the past, or at anytime really, a letter could mean a lot more than money can buy to the receiver of the letter. I've received a couple at different but sad times, cherished them.
9 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:45:37
Imagine being sappy enough to thank another human being for their support. Why didn't they send it by telegram or morse code? Embarrassing.
10 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:49:03
11 Posted 11/03/2025 at 15:01:08
Honesty all around in my opinion and giving us an insight, because most of the time, we are mushrooms in the dark.
We know it's been a difficult time, the players and Thelwell do. They are communicating how they feel about the decision. Social media is how we communicate now.
All change at the top and we've been calling for it for years. Well, it's happening now.
12 Posted 11/03/2025 at 15:03:39
The Danish government just announced they're disbanding the Danish post office after 400 years as it is obsolete in the digital age.
So expect a similar online message from Lindstrøm
13 Posted 11/03/2025 at 15:05:02
What's a letter? What's a letter!
It's a demand for money these days.
14 Posted 11/03/2025 at 15:15:20
15 Posted 11/03/2025 at 17:04:09
16 Posted 11/03/2025 at 17:27:40
And some fell upon stoney ground….
17 Posted 11/03/2025 at 17:41:05
18 Posted 11/03/2025 at 20:03:08
19 Posted 11/03/2025 at 20:11:37
I hope Idrissa stays.
20 Posted 11/03/2025 at 20:22:30
21 Posted 11/03/2025 at 21:59:22
Reminds me what I love most about TW - you lot!!
Don't ever stop the wit - it's priceless.
"Saving their own Bacon !! FFS
22 Posted 11/03/2025 at 23:21:26
23 Posted 12/03/2025 at 01:49:43
Tipping my hat to Gana & Timmy.
24 Posted 12/03/2025 at 02:27:51
25 Posted 12/03/2025 at 08:33:23
26 Posted 12/03/2025 at 14:10:35
Your a bundle of joy and all heart😁
27 Posted 12/03/2025 at 14:37:41
28 Posted 12/03/2025 at 15:10:26
I wonder if the players that do not comment publicly think less of him?
29 Posted 12/03/2025 at 18:32:12
‘P.S. I Love You’ seems more appropriate!
30 Posted 12/03/2025 at 19:25:14
31 Posted 14/03/2025 at 14:26:23
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1 Posted 11/03/2025 at 13:53:23