Finance expert takes dig at 777 Partners as new Everton takeover concerns emerge

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A football finance expert has taken a swipe at potential new Everton owners, 777 Partners.

Financial expert Kieran Maguire, writing on Twitter, has aimed a dig at 777 Partners as fresh concerns have arisen over their proposed takeover of Everton.

Maguire said, “sounds more like 666 partners than 777.”

Questions over the security of 777 Partners’ finances have arisen in recent days. The New York Times reported that the firm have failed to meet a deadline for providing audited financial statements to the Financial Conduct Authority.

Meanwhile, as per The Times, a loan made by the investment group to Everton has doubled from £20 million to £40 million. The Premier League will still want assurances about the financial health of 777 Partners before allowing their takeover of the Toffees to progress to completion.

Whilst such deals are never straightforward, the Merseyside outfit need this process to run as smoothly as possible. Certainly, in a week in which Sean Dyche will be working to prepare his side for a Premier League clash against bitter rivals Liverpool, this takeover turmoil is an unwelcome distraction.

Everything at stake for Everton

777 Partners have previously discussed their ambitions for Everton. However, that will all prove a moot point if they aren’t able to get their attempt take control at Goodison Park over the line.

The section of the fanbase who are desperate to see current owner Farhad Moshiri gone will be equally keen for this hurdle to be overcome.

Insight from figures like Maguire ought to be taken seriously though. Poor ownership can be disastrous for a club, on and off the pitch. Whilst Everton have been mired in relegation battles in recent seasons, and the mood at the club has been bleak, at least they have been able to retain their top fight status and avoid a complete financial collapse.

The due process around any new owners must be thorough. It would be a disaster if 777 Partners were to take charge, only to discover that the scale of a club like Everton is beyond their means, leaving fans regretting that they weren’t more careful about what they wished for.