The Consolidation Trap: Why Everton Must Trade Pragmatism for Ambition
FAN VIEW
The Friedkin Group has provided off-pitch professionalism and crucial financial backing. But an elite ownership model requires an equally forward-thinking sporting vision on the pitch
I am a 51-year-old Dublin Evertonian who fell in love with the bullying, in-your-face team of the 1980s. I’ve been paying for it ever since! Sadly, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer late last year. This really sets your mind thinking about life choices, hopes and dreams for the future; what you may or may not live to see. The following article outlines my desire for Everton in the immediate future, and the hope I will be around to see it come to fruition. Love to Blues everywhere… Keep the faith!
When The Friedkin Group officially completed their takeover of Everton, the overarching promise was stability. After years of financial tightrope walking, boardroom dysfunction, and white-knuckle relegation battles, "consolidation" felt like a welcome relief.
Yet, as another season dawns at Hill Dickinson Stadium, that once-reassuring word is beginning to feel like a self-imposed ceiling. Evertonians are finding themselves trapped in a footballing Groundhog Day: pragmatic, risk-averse tactics designed to keep the club afloat, while the opportunity to forge a modern, progressive identity passes them by.
The Comfort Zone of Pragmatism
The decision to retain—and lean heavily into—a manager known for pragmatic, conservative footballing principles was understandable during the height of crisis management. David Moyes is an established, dependable hand who knows how to organise a backline, minimise risk, and navigate turbulent waters.
However, there is a distinct difference between steadying a sinking ship and building a modern footballing structure.
While conservative tactics may offer a floor of safety, they also limit the ceiling. This is where Moyes irks me. His "knife to a gunfight" mentality immediately takes the pressure off him and the squad to be brave and to play out of their comfort zone. To hide behind gallant failure. He is an elite-level manager, earning elite-level wages but the expectations he places on himself and the squad are anything but elite-level.
The current approach prioritises defensive shape and set-piece capitalisation over proactive possession, vertical fluidity, or high-pressing intensity. For a fanbase that has spent years enduring attritional battles, watching a team play not-to-lose rather than playing-to-win is rapidly exhausting goodwill. Stability was the remedy for crisis; it should not be the permanent philosophy.
Squad Evolution: New Blood, Old System?
The transfer market highlights the contrast in Everton’s strategy. Summer additions bring genuine promise and youth:
- Hayden Hackney & Merlin Röhl: Dynamic, technically gifted midfielders capable of carrying the ball and breaking lines.
- Tyrique George: A youthful, energetic wide option bringing raw pace and unpredictability. So far I'm unconvinced.
- Tyler Dibling: Who knows what this lad is capable of? He has not been given a fair crack; his confidence must be shot by now.
- Christian Nørgaard: Experienced positional discipline to anchor the engine room. This lad will excel; a very astute signing.
- Right Back: Why, oh why, have we not nailed at least one down?!
There is talent within this squad, alongside established figures like Jarrad Branthwaite when fit, and Iliman Ndiaye (for now). The core issue is not a total lack of quality, but rather how that quality is deployed.
Signing young, expressive talent only to instruct them to play within a rigid, low-block structure creates a fundamental misalignment. When creative players are shackled by cautious instructions, their impact is naturally diluted.
Financial Fair Play: An Explanation, Not an Excuse
It is impossible to discuss Everton’s trajectory without acknowledging the financial constraints. Years of previous mismanagement and strict Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR)—compounded by ongoing legal and financial obligations—mean the new ownership cannot simply open a bottomless war chest.
However, financial limitations should not be used as an excuse to stick to outdated methods. Across European football—and within the Premier League itself—clubs operating under tight budgets have shown that tactical innovation can bridge the financial gap:
- Identity Over Expenditure: Modern coaching frameworks, sharp pressing structures, and fluid positional play cost nothing in transfer fees.
- Player Value Creation: Young managers who cultivate aggressive, modern styles consistently increase the market value of their squad.
- Cohesive Recruitment: A clear, modern playing philosophy allows a club to recruit specifically for a profile, rather than relying on expensive individual brilliance.
FFP forces a club to be smarter, not safer.
Running Out of Patience: The Need for Vision
Evertonians are not demanding instant trophies or irresponsible spending; they have been through enough boom-and-bust cycles to appreciate financial discipline. What they are demanding is hope and direction.
"Consolidation without ambition is just stagnation in slow motion."
The Friedkin Group has provided off-pitch professionalism and crucial financial backing. But an elite ownership model requires an equally forward-thinking sporting vision on the pitch. Continuing to rely on old-school, defensive coaching methodologies risks alienating a fanbase eager to fall in love with football again.
To truly usher in a new era, Everton must eventually take a calculated leap: appointing a young, dynamic manager with a bold tactical identity. Until the club embraces a modern approach, "consolidation" will remain a euphemism for standing still. Hopefully modern medicine and a change in management will mean I live to see this transformation.
Reader Responses
Selected thoughts from readers04/08/2026 22:39:08
Firstly I’d like to say I’m very sorry to hear of your cancer diagnosis and my prayers are with you, god willing you make a full recovery.
The Friedkin group. An entity who talks big and are yet to deliver anything of any substance. I have no idea what their ownership model is. Ok you could say they’ve cleared debt and have us on a level footing financially with “stability”(there’s that magic word again) at the heart of operations but let’s be honest any Tom Dick and Harry could of delivered that.
I don’t think Daniel Friedkin or any TFG rep has even been in attendance at the Hill Dickinson stadium for a match, I’ve never seen him in the crowd, no mention of anything. Seems like we are a set and forget investment with a hands off approach! Just check in annually to make sure you’re hitting your returns!
04/08/2026 23:40:34
Alan, your article captures for me the frustration of being an Evertonian. It's one thing to consider them as a club savior and quite another to believe they have the same drive or ambition as every blue. Their drive is to make money, extract value for shareholders and the cost of winning silverware or competing at the highest levels is tempered by how much profit is made. Investment in squads with high quality and high cost is tempered by firstly PSR and now by the new squad ratio calculations and the lack of high commercial income. Whilst the latter has been the primary focus, turnover is the key to attracting and paying for, high quality players, it's going to take time to achieve it. At least that may be the plan..
But in the total absence on communication, no shareholder meetings, a FAB who surely are seen as the token gesture to placate fans, and a happily dissatisfied Muppet as CEO, just where we a re going, how we are getting there and what will be the measure of that success is open to question!
Good article Alan, spoken with concise clarity and clear frustration.
Fan láidir, coinnigh na daoine is breá leat gar duit agus aoibh gháire. (stay strong, keep those you love close and smile) My Irish is not as good as it used to be..I hope that makes sense. My mam would be chastising me for it with a ruler on my knuckles! Everyday is a win, God bless.
05/08/2026 00:20:10
what a time that was Alan. There's footage of Howard Kendall watching Kevin Ratcliffe lift the FA Cup, and it can still choke me up. He was so pleased. He knew what it meant.
05/08/2026 00:54:05
Alan, first of all, wishing you nothing but the very best. I have loved ones fighting Stage 4 as well, so let's beat the bastard!
All I would like to add on to your well-written piece is that TFG is committing to spend USD 700 Million (£520 Million eq.) to set up a new National Hockey League (NHL) team at either Houston (where the TFG HQ is) or Austin (the upwardly mobile State Capital of Texas, where Matthew McConaughey co-owns the MLS Team Austin FC).
Without even getting our feet into how much confidence TFG has with Moyes to give him a war chest of any size, the above would not help the finances of both Roma and Everton: TFG surely would have lined up all the usual suspects to provide the financing (not like Moshiri recklessly throwing away Usmanov's money), but it is not a small sum on the mother company's books. For a group organisation like Everton that is yet to be self-viable financially (thank you but no thanks to that £38 Million compensation to Burnley), there will be repercussions.
05/08/2026 08:27:21
Nail on head Alan, succinct and to the point.
Fans are emotionally invested creatures with expectations, and there us a restless mood with the current state of affairs.
Best wishes to you Alan, there are many people living with the daily weight of life affecting disease, its not easy, be strong and live long.
05/08/2026 09:14:23
Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement, I knew I could count on Evertonians around the world to offer their love and support during this dreadful time. Lyndon, it was always going to be Evertonia.com, there is no other fan site that comes close to mature, insightful content and well balanced contributors. Writing these articles can be a very catharthic process and I enjoy the moments of clarity when the words just seem to flow!
I really hope TFG are in a holding pattern with a definite plan A, B and C - depending on how this season turns out. We cannot continue the cycle of recent seasons and need to break away from the comfort of the herd. An Abe Simpson quote, reminds me of the current mentality at Everton: "Oh son, don't overreach. Go for the dented car, the dead-end job, the less-attractive girl." We deserve better, and we can do better.
@Christine - Iontach ar fad - really wonderful!
05/08/2026 11:40:20
Hi Alan,thanks for reminding me of abe Simpson's quote you've got it spot on there
Good luck to you mate hope it all goes well
UTFT
05/08/2026 12:03:31
Alan, first and foremost I wish you well. We all do. Thanks also for such a well put together article.
Totally agree the club needs better coaching (right through all the age groups), a footballing identity and much more effective recruitment, etc. And because we cannot compete (yet) financially with at least 8 other clubs - we have to find a way to do this without money (initially) if we're to kick on.
In terms of the managerial appointment - I would like us to move for Kieran McKenna at the end of this season. He reminds me very much of Brendan Rogers and Roberto Martinez. Like those two, he has been the driving force behind the transformation of a poor, unfashionable club. For Swansea and Wigan, read Ipswich.
That is very different to, say, Potter, Hurzeler, Frank and Andrews who are all immensely flattered by exceptional recruitment and development that they have nothing to do with. I think Everton fans would see Hurzeler in particular as utterly incompetent if he achieved so little with us as he has done at Brighton, given the players and money made available to him there.
The reason I admire Rogers and Martinez is that they set their teams up like Champions League teams by overcoming (as you say in your article) the disadvantage of inferior players and inferior budgets. Playing out from the back, high fullbacks who operate more like midfielders than defenders - ball playing midfielders (rather than chasers and tacklers) and pace, width and mobility in attack. You could say the same of Vincent Kompany's Burnley - a blueprint which saw Burnley relegated, but has taken Bayern deep into the Champions League (some magnificent, thrilling attacking performances too) and scoring ridiculous numbers of goals in the Bundesliga.
Like each of Rodgers, Martinez and Kompany - McKenna has his flaws, especially defensively. The big question mark is whether he has the tactical nous to keep the "goals against" column under control in the Premier League. I can't answer that.
Would I have liked Iraola - yes. He did very well last season and showed that, despite his only "success" being a cup trophy in the Cypriot league, he has earned a step up. However, let's be honest - Iraola was never going to come to Everton this time around.
Do I think Glasner is the answer? Not sure. I think our squad (unlike that of Forest) is poorly set up for his trademark 343 / 5221 formation and would have required more first XI signings than a 433 / 4231 manager. We might also find he too was flattered by a well assembled squad put together by the club (which again he had nothing to do with).
Otherwise - who are the new Premier League managers?
Maresca (failed at Chelsea after promotion with Leicester - and let's face it we were never going to compete with Man City for him)
Alonso (failed at Real after a brilliant spell at Leverkusen - but never coming to Everton)
Sage (did great with a very well assembled RC Lens squad in France but at 47 has fewer than 100 professional matches under his belt - very, very high risk appointment)
Arbeloa (after a short caretaker spell at Real - seems like an appointment to leverage loans and purchases from Madrid academy / reserves more than anything else. Again, a very high risk appointment.)
Rose (the strongest of the three mid-table appoints but sacked at Leipzig for a poor run of form and sacked after just one season at Dortmund for disappointing form there too).
Jaissle (certainly young and not lacking confidence - but his background at Salzburg and Saudi doesn't translate well to a mid-table side whose immediate financial peers are Brighton, Bournemouth, Palace and Brentford).
That's not to say these new managers are all poor - some of them may well have very strong seasons. However, some of them will get found out by the Premier League and it seems unlikely all of them will survive the season without being sacked.
In that context, I can see why TFG have retained Moyes - but also not extended Moyes' contract. If we get McKenna next summer (which might well be Plan A) then it might all be worth it too.
05/08/2026 12:15:37
A really concise, well-balanced read, Alan. That pretty much encapsulates Evertonian thinking at the moment.
I haven’t really had major concerns about TFG, I’m still scarred by the last 30 odd years of buffoonery and I still think we’ve got about 3 more signings in the pipeline, so I was reserving judgement until the transfer window shuts. But, if the rumours are true that TFG have just hijacked Everton’s interest in the outstanding right back Molina in favour of Roma, (who already have 3 RBs), then clearly we’re their B team. And that will really start to grate. But let’s see.
And all the luck in the world to you, Alan. I’ll be looking out for your posts in future. Ádh mór a chara.
05/08/2026 12:18:11
I sometimes think that owners like TFG work and plan in financial years, rather than in football seasons. The end of Moyes'contract brings us up to the end of the next financial year in footballing terms.
I think/assume/guess that TFG will assess where the club is at as a whole at the end of next June. Once the club has been set up in a proper manner, to a level they feel is stable and secure, especially after years of mismanagement, then perhaps TFG will feel more confident and comfortable with the club taking a chance on ambition, on flair, on progressive decision making.
05/08/2026 17:36:29
Alan I think your point about the lack of vision is the most worrying thing. Without going into the ins and outs of the opinions of the manager things had progressed at the club pretty much as I expected up to 30th June, i.e. appoint a manager who could steady the ship and avoid relegation in the first 6 months of TFG ownership. Then, whilst still having to operate within the severe PSR financial restrictions, establish the team safely in mid-table last season.
The disappointment has been since July. Moving to the new financial management model SCR my expectation was we would be reaping the benefits of the stadium with the increased revenue and reduced wage bill allowing us to be more aggressive/ambitous in the transfer market.
Unfortunately whether it be TFG not being sufficiently engaged or the the managers innate caution we still seem to be acting as if we have to manage the pennies carefully and, I fear, we are being left behind even the like of Leeds this season.
Hopefully my pessimism is unfounded and the next 3 weeks or so will see a big change!
05/08/2026 18:09:37
An excellent piece well articulated and I suspect one that resonates with what now seems a majority of evertonians. Equally good and interesting read from Robert #9 which will no doubt stir a range of opinions - was Howe still in post when you penned it as his omission seems strange?
I for one, lost faith in Moyes 3/4 years before his first tenure ended and whilst I acknowledge his achievement in averting a Dyche catastrophe, we should have shook his hand, thanked him for his service and moved him on.
Like many I look forward to the new season with enthusiasm and sometimes even hope but under ‘ dour, defensive Davy’ all I can see is negative anti football, with little or no prospect of entertainment. To hear a positive, aspirational, uplifting, enthusiastic or challenging speech from him would be a road to Damascu moment ……. but I’m not holding my breath.
05/08/2026 18:36:37
Alan,
Most importantly stay strong and fight this evil disease and I hope you will be in full remission to see us win something that is long overdue.
Also compliments on a very well written article that highlights all our concerns and frustrations.
I am sure that the curse will be lifted at some point (nothing lasts forever) but I hope we are around to see it.
Good luck.
05/08/2026 19:39:05
James # 13, I just did new managers so left out Howe and included his replacement Jaissle.
I’m not a big fan of Howe. He’s more attacking than Moyes so might be fun - but fans expecting the “success” Newcastle have had would be sorely disappointed to discover he can’t do it without the money to buy players like Isak and all the rest of them.
05/08/2026 21:34:07
Alan, wizhing you the very best a d our thoughts and prayers are with uiu and your famiky.Your a fightet who has shown great insight to the cuurent Everton FC.
I watched The Oddysey recently, and like the book it was inspiring, it sums up the coursr of life and making choices.
As an Evertonian of a certain age, its taking almost 40 years for Everton to get a semblance of astute stability but it feels like the shackles are being loosened but wont cone off for the next few year in terms of being at the top tsble to compete with the rich clubs on the EPL.
So as reality, this next season, I hope Everton, can acheive consistency and play good to watch football.
The percentage of home games at night last seazon, and the lack of reliable goal scorers acros the team, led to the enjoyment of watching Everton, waning significantly.
Its gonna take a long time yo e.erge from the match day at zGoodison Park.
The new stadiil majestic ot is, adds some weight to acheving success on the pitch.
On reflection for me the EPL, last season was one of the poorest for a long time.
The loss of form in the last 7 games, was massve and still will hang as the Palace game approaches.
But more importantly, Alan, all the best, and lets hope Everton, turn up with belief and a positive approach and try to play to win.
Blind faith, it is, but new season hope, but any lack lustre and medocre efforts by Everton. Wont be accepted and so lets see where Everton are in mid September.
05/08/2026 22:44:16
Alan, from one stage 4 to another please stay strong and positive. Keep close to your loved ones and best wishes for your future. I totally agree with your article in every aspect. You have completely nailed it. My only addition to your excellent summary is that I can't understand the logic of TFG being satisfied with the income generated from their investment in HDS alone surely a more success team playing at the stadium would generate significant more income and therefore profit on their investment.
06/08/2026 02:58:47
Alan, I'm just another Evertonian who's had enough of watching us tread water, and your piece said everything I've been thinking over for months.
You're right about Moyes. I've tried to accept him, told myself stability matters, that we can't afford to be flashy. But you've nailed it—he's coaching not to lose, and that mindset trickles down from the dugout to the boardroom to every young lad sat on the bench wondering why they were ever signed. And Alan the bit about Dibling and Alcaraz? That's not just tactics—that's money we don't have going up in smoke while we watch. It breaks the whole model, and you've called it out more honestly than anyone
But what really got me was the hope in your closing line—that you might live to see the transformation. That's not sentimentality, that's a challenge to every single one of us.There is no excuse to accept mediocrity. You've given us a gift with this article—a clear-eyed, unsentimental, but deeply hopeful vision of what we could be. And you've reminded us that being an Evertonian isn't about waiting for glory, it's about demanding better, for each other and for the shirt.
This is a valuable contribution to Everton. It is Evertonians like you that give Everton legitimacy and that is the real value that TFG brought into at Everton and need to take heed of it's essential existence.
Keep writing, keep fighting, and know that every Evertonian who reads this is pulling for you. When that young, dynamic manager finally walks through the door and we start playing football that you will recognise as the team heading in the right direction., I want you in that stands—or in your armchair—watching it with great satisfaction.. You've earned that. We all have. Alan.
I expect TFG to face a Crisis this coming season and having to make changes, as they did at Roma.
Good luck.You will be in my prayers
06/08/2026 08:35:31
Hi all, I have to say I'm absolutely blown away with the love and support, both for the article and my fight.
But not at all surprised. Evertonians are one massive family, a support network, a web of counsellors, a tribe who will always look out for eachother. We are all so lucky to be a part of this. We should demand the best after years of patiently tolerating mediocrity and indeed pure anti-football. I will continue the good fight with a heart full of hope and optimism, in the knowledge that I belong to the best set of fans in the world.
UTFT
06/08/2026 18:19:27
Alan, being part of something that lifts your heart, makes you smile and laugh, feel so proud you cry. An extended family who you know so well but have never met, who share your dream, your pain, annoyance or joy. Of knowing your tribe, where you belong without knowing why.
An Evertonian is forever.
You cannot dismiss being one, cannot ignore the love, the passion or the knowledge that you are part of something special, something so few will ever understand, irrational, beautiful, nonsensical, illogical.
We defy common sense, upbringing, fame or fortune, be you a pauper or Prime Minister (Two even) once touched there is no going back. My first love.
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04/08/2026 22:13:25
A well-written and well-argued piece, Alan, that I'm sure will resonate with many. Thank you for taking the time to write it and for honouring Evertonia as the place to publish it.
My feeling is that TFG, having not committed to Moyes with a new contract or bit the compensation bullet to heave him out, have us in a holding pattern for now.
How this season pans out will, I believe, determine their next steps. Anything short of European qualification and I think they will take steps to bringing in a new man for the future.
So sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Wishing you all the best and pulling for you that you may get to see whatever plans TFG have for the Blues play out over many, many years to come 🤞