The arrival of Carlo Ancelotti at Everton has been accompanied by almost universal speculation that he has been provided with guarantees of a big transfer pot in which to shape his future squad. As far as is possible, without getting… Read More ›
Premier League
Talking the Blues, Chelsea (h), Duncan, the candidates & lots more
After one of the most tumultuous weeks in Everton’s most recent history full of the greatest ups & downs Andy & George Costigan get together with me to go through the week and try & look forward. We talk briefly… Read More ›
Our lowest point?
Sometime after 7 pm on Thursday 5th December 2019, Everton announced Duncan Ferguson as being temporarily in charge of the first team for the Chelsea match. It was the end of an excruciating week for all Blues. A week that… Read More ›
Talking the Blues; Southampton (a),the academy, DOF, leadership & other stuff
Welcome to another episode of Talking the Blues with Andy and George Costigan. After a much needed win over Southampton we have a review of the game, then we turn our attention to the academy, the role of the DOF… Read More ›
Critical times
As I write this, it is already the second week in November and a time that was supposed to offer so much has without doubt, significant questions requiring answers in the near term. Fortunately, within the space of two months,… Read More ›
Talking the Blues – reaction to West Ham (H), how we became Blues, heading & Bill Kenwright
A much happier set of supporters after a vastly improved display against West Ham United at Goodison. We talk about “freedom and being able to express themselves”. We also have a trip down memory lane talking about how we became… Read More ›
Talking the Blues – looking for solutions
It’s a couple of days after results conspired horribly against the Blues, albeit we should never forget ultimately we are responsible for our performances and position in the Premier League. In this podcast Andy, George and myself look at solutions,… Read More ›
The more things change, the more they stay the same…..
Much has been spoken about Everton’s approach to this transfer window, the first full summer window for which Brands & Silva will have had the opportunity to plan well in advance. Whatever plans they have must be put into the… Read More ›
Diversification and our future growth strategy
Way back in 1992, the Premier League was created and built on the back of Sky’s desire to use football as their unique selling proposition as Sky strove to build a subscription-based satellite service in the UK. As competition grew… Read More ›
Everton’s January transfer window driven by regulations or pure financial sense?
There has been much talk in the media both locally and nationally regarding Everton’s ability or willingness to acquire new players during this January window. Brands commented at the Annual General Meeting on the unlikelihood of doing business in… Read More ›
Investment in squad & exceptional expenses return Everton FC to losses – Report & Analysis of 2017/18 Accounts
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year”…. Genuinely, I feel Christmas is upon us when the Everton Annual Report & Accounts slip into the inbox – time for mince pies and perhaps a glass of something warming as I… Read More ›
Time for patience – on the pitch, at least
It’s the 15th July, the World Cup Final has just finished, and undoubtedly for many Evertonians attention will return to the fact we’ve not signed anyone to date, in this window. Frustration, disbelief, anger, and fear are just some of… Read More ›
Unnecessary caution at business breakfast meeting on Bramley-Moore
This morning saw the greatly anticipated business meeting “Everton Football Stadium and Associated Regeneration” hosted by “Downtown in Business” featuring Everton’s current CEO, Robert Elstone and Liverpool City Council Mayor, Joe Anderson. The meeting was split into two parts,… Read More ›
The turning point?
Perhaps in the famous words of Winston Churchill, “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. but it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning”. Churchill’s quote came after the first Allied victory… Read More ›
Knowing your customer/fan – moving out of the dark ages
Football’s approach to “knowing your customer” lives in the dark ages. Generally, most clubs have no basis for optimising revenues from across their customer and fan base. I’ll argue some clubs, Everton included, could be accused of not knowing their… Read More ›
The role of a Sporting Director and why Everton need one.
Let’s start with the need first. It’s my belief that a sporting director is needed for many reasons, not only at Everton but among all clubs with the ambition to succeed. It’s needed at corporate and shareholder level, and most… Read More ›
The boards of the ‘big 6’ and the challenge for Everton
Arguably Premier League football is a heavily subsidised business. Subsidised by the riches of broadcasting rights which have grown exponentially over the last 25 years ago. Participation in the Premier League has guaranteed levels of income not dreamed of even… Read More ›
Analysis of Everton Annual Report & Accounts to 31st May 2017
With rather odd timing, Everton published their 2016/17 Annual Report & Accounts on the weekend immediately before Christmas resulting in almost no press comment. I do hope that the Annual General Meeting on 9th January 2018 will result in more… Read More ›