Keith Wyness

Wed 12 March 2025 9:57, UK

Everton are looking ahead to the 2025-26 campaign after a turnaround inspired by David Moyes since he replaced Sean Dyche early in January.

The Toffees took that decision shortly after the takeover from The Friedkin Group (TFG) – who are putting plans in place for the club’s new era as they prepare to move into their Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.

Moyes’ side are 15th in the Premier League and have pulled 16 points clear of the relegation zone in recent weeks.

Everton had struggled to comply with financial rules under previous owner Farhad Moshiri and were deducted points twice in the 2023-24 campaign.

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has shared his reaction to two high-profile TFG changes after they were announced in recent days.

‘Friedkins want to take Everton to a whole new level’

Everton announced last week (7 March) that Kevin Thelwell will not stay on into next season as the club’s director of football – with a transition planned to bring in a “wider sporting leadership team”.

Meanwhile, chief commercial and communications officer Richard Kenyon is also leaving the club after 11 years at Goodison – while Angus Kinnear is heading in as the club’s new CEO.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness has suggested both exits – particularly Kenyon’s – are justified.

He claimed the departing commercial chief hasn’t been able to raise revenue to the expected levels at Everton.

Wyness told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “It’s complex.

“With Thelwell, I think everyone recognises he did a good job while he was in place.

“He did it against very hard situations. Not only with the PSR issues and the points deductions, but the whole leadership of Moshiri – which was hard to handle.

“It was a period of time where Kevin has steered the ship well.

“Richard Kenyon has fallen victim, I think, to a relentless need from The Friedkin Group to increase revenue.

“Richard has not shown the ability to do that. He’s led a stable ship and run things well in a difficult situation, but the Friedkins now want to take the club to a whole new level of sponsorships, partnerships – and making sure the stadium revenue is maximised.

“They want a new face and I think Richard may welcome the chance for a change.”

Richarlison keen on Everton return

Richarlison is attracting interest from Everton, almost three years on from his Goodison Park exit – which became necessary for financial reasons.

Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (12 March) that Richarlison would be keen on a return to Everton if his old side come in for him this summer.

He has made just 14 appearances across all competitions for Tottenham this term and told friends he wanted to quit Spurs in the January transfer window.

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