The morale of Everton players will be improved after the announcement of the takeover of 777 Partners – Michael Ball
Michael Ball has revealed that 777 Partners’ proposed takeover of Everton could give the team a much-needed boost, based on his own experience.
The American investment company has reached an agreement in principle to acquire Farhad Moshiri’s 94.1% stake in the Goodison Park club and the deal will be completed with Premier League approval. Meanwhile, 777 have given Everton a substantial loan to help them cover their operating costs [The Athletic, September 18.
On the pitch, Sean Dyche’s side’s fortunes improved, with the Blues picking up their first win of the Premier League season on Saturday [23 September] as they ran out 3-1 winners over Brentford and former defender Ball believes the news of the takeover may have lifted the player’s spirits.
Writing for the Liverpool Echo (September 26), he said:
“I have frequented clubs that have been taken over. At Manchester City, the Prime Minister of Thailand (Thaksin Shinawatra) came to power and at that time we were in a difficult situation.
“We don’t know what’s going on with the finances, but when the owner came to talk to the players and the coach, he told us what he wanted and his ambitions.
“It lifts morale within the club and lifts the spirits of the players who want to be part of the journey – so 777 partners have had the opportunity to do that.”
Fingers crossed
The performance against Brentford on Saturday was a sign of just what sort of quality this Everton side do have. To be honest, it is the sort of result that has been coming all season, the only difference being this time Dyche’s side took their chances.
Everton aren’t, on paper at least, one of the three weakest sides in the Premier League this season and in a majority of their performances in this campaign, they have proven that, with reasonably strong performances that have just lacked the finishing touch.
The negativity around Goodison has stemmed entirely from the uncertainty surrounding the football club which has consumed all aspects, whether it be the fans, players or now even the owners. Although 777 Partners don’t look like the perfect saviours, they represent a break away from the struggles under Mohsiri’s ownership.
For fans and players alike, that will bring some positivity back to the football club and now this deal has to be completed as soon as possible, so 777 can have a similar conversation with Dyche and his Everton team, as that Ball had with the Thai Prime Minister.
Despite the good performance in London on Saturday, Everton still have plenty of work to do to ensure their safety in the top flight for another season and any way the players can be boosted will be a bonus this year.
