Kevin Thelwell has faced numerous challenges at Everton in recent seasons, navigating the club’s transfer dealings while adhering to the constraints of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). His job became even more difficult after the club was docked eight points last season due to two separate breaches.
However, with the Friedkin Group now in charge and David Moyes returning as manager, there are signs that Everton’s fortunes are beginning to improve.
TFG Faces a Decision on Thelwell
The most recent winter transfer window highlighted the tough circumstances Thelwell has worked under. The Friedkin Group (TFG) has been cautious with their spending, understandably reluctant to make significant financial outlays that could limit their summer budget. As a result, Carlos Alcaraz was the only new arrival at Goodison Park. While Everton now enjoy a nine-point cushion above the relegation zone, it’s clear that additional signings would have helped Moyes strengthen the squad.
It appears that TFG are weighing their options, as Graeme Bailey reported (6 February) that the club’s owners are considering a change at the director of football position, with Thelwell’s contract set to expire in the summer.
However, in an interview with Everton’s official website on 10 February, Thelwell indicated he’s already focused on the future.
“I think once we get through the summer, we’ve got a real opportunity to look up again,” he said. “We want the fans to be excited about the quality and number of players we bring in, and those players should make a significant impact on how the team performs on the pitch, translating to improved league positions. We’ll be looking upwards, not down.”
He continued, “It’s taken three hard years to get here, but the summer will be a starting point. It won’t be a revolution, but an evolution—strategic and conservative. But it will be the beginning of something, and once we’re in the new stadium, with financial regulations shifting, we’ll be in a position to build on the foundations we’ve laid.”
Thelwell’s Role in Everton’s Future
Thelwell has had to make difficult decisions during his time at Everton, but given the challenging circumstances, it’s understandable why TFG might want to reassess their leadership in such an important role as they move toward a long-term strategy.
Yet, based on how Thelwell speaks about the club’s future, it seems reasonable to consider keeping him. He’s guided Everton through one of the toughest periods in their history, and now, with signs of recovery, it could be wise to stick with him as the club enters a new era.
According to the Daily Mirror (7 February, page 56), Everton are the only Premier League club to have made a profit over the past six transfer windows, generating £224.7 million from sales such as Anthony Gordon and Amadou Onana, resulting in a profit of £80.1 million.
This demonstrates Thelwell’s ability to work effectively in challenging circumstances, keeping the club financially stable while managing to maintain competitive standing. Combined with his clear vision for Everton’s future at Bramley-Moore Dock, the decision to keep Thelwell in place seems like a sensible one. He has earned the opportunity to continue shaping the club’s future.
View: TFG surely have easy decision to make on senior Everton figure after what he said
