Seven years ago today Everton fans rejoiced at the news that the club had finally found the much-needed investment, with Iranian billionaire Farhad Moshiri purchasing a 49.9% stake.
Everton had been knocking on the door of success for many years under David Moyes, often falling shy of silverware or a coveted Champions League finish at the final hurdle.
Roberto Martinez momentarily breathed new life into a stagnating side with a fifth-place finish in 2013/14, but things quickly turned sour at Goodison Park for the Spanish coach, and when Moshiri relieved him of his duties after a disappointing 2015/16 season, it felt like Everton had an owner with deep pockets and big ambitions.
Everton going backwards seven years after Moshiri investment
We are now on our seventh permanent manager since the sacking of Roberto Martinez, as Moshiri’s propensity to sack his employees creates a culture of chaos at a club once a paragon of stability.
With over £500m spent on players, Everton’s recruitment during this period has been dire, and while there were hopes that such a takeover would see the club retain its best and brightest, the opposite has in fact occurred as the Blues continue to sell its assets to the highest bidder.
The January sale of Anthony Gordon was the latest example of a key player departing the club under Moshiri’s stewardship, joining the likes of Richarlison, Lucas Digne, Ross Barkley, Romelu Lukaku and John Stones to an ever-growing list.
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Meanwhile, Everton lack an on-the-pitch identity. The 4-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion last month saw the Toffees end the game with players purchased by seven different managers, emphasizing why there is a lack of cohesion within the squad.
The Toffees now find themselves in a second successive relegation scrap, with top-flight status only secured on the penultimate game of last season in a dramatic 3-2 win over Crystal Palace. Consequently, Evertonians have taken to the streets outside Goodison Park in protest at the current regime, with plans in place to do so until there is a change of leadership.
A solitary glimmer of hope in Moshiri’s tenure to date is the under-construction stadium at the Bramley-Moore Dock, a world class venue befitting the club’s Latin motto.
However, as the Blues currently occupy the relegation zone, what division Everton will be playing in when the stadium opens continues to be a major concern.