For so long, Everton were seen as the problematic Premier League club but in just over a year of David Moyes’ management and The Friedkin Group’s ownership they have become the ones to watch.
There’s a sense of calm and positivity around the Toffees right now. Rather than working out complex maths around other teams’ results and fearing the next set of financial results, fans are instead counting the possible points to secure Europe and enjoying financial security.
The next home game is the Merseyside derby. This is the closest the two local rivals have been in years and there’s a sense of optimism given the Chelsea performance was so impressive while Liverpool have been struggling.
The result on the 19th at Hill Dickinson Stadium will be the moment many around the club will really know what they can achieve this season.
By then there will be five games left but those at the top have been putting plans in place for a European charge for some time.
The latest set of finances revealed a record turnover of £196.7m, while the annual loss reduced significantly from £53.2m to £8.6m. In short it means Everton are PSR compliant and the deals with blue chip companies have made the club stable financially.
Talks are underway to secure Jack Grealish for the coming season with his experience as a Champions League winner seen as key when it comes to the dressing room.
There have been long-term deals too for Jarrad Branthwaite and James Garner. The latter has been the jewel in the crown this season and with the midfielder’s stats rivalling the likes of Declan Rice at Arsenal it is little surprise to those at Everton that he’s caught the eye of Thomas Tuchel.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been in the mix for an international call up too but it is Garner that has the best chance of a trip to the US this summer.
There’s a rebuild of the academy now underway with the appointment of Dean Rastrick as director plus there’s hope for 18-year-old striker, Braiden Graham.
He has 17 goals across all youth competitions this season and there’s much excitement. Moyes, though, believes he isn’t yet ready for the physicality of the Premier League but if there’s a European campaign next term it could see the teenager called into action.
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