I think what we are describing here is a process of laying foundations. I've said for some time, if we can get on a role under Moshiri we will probably sustain that momentum far better and who knows where it could end.
What the last 4 years have probably shown me, is the centrality and importance of a first team manager. You can have all the other things in the background but if you're manager isn't good enough it will be in vain.
I know you have some criticisms of the squad, but honestly it's much better than 2 years ago, never mind 4 years ago. We have a number of players under 25 who have good potential. We are not having to play Martina, or Kenny, or Davies (at 19). We are not throwing bad decisions after bad with Tosun and Walcott.
It's not been shown on the pitch yet, but I'm pretty certain we will be as close to the top 6 and probably the top 4 as we have been since Martinez's first season.
The manager is pivotal absolutely.
But in essence every link in the chain is important. The four years of Moshiri are at present a mismatch between grandiose ambition on one hand and a spectacular failure of structure and delivery on the other. We may have stumbled, more by accident than design, and not a little luck and good timing, with being to lure Ancelotti here. He is the fulcrum on which everything else turns now. For improvement in our results, for signing players, and even for help with securing better sponsorship deals on the back of his reputation and hope of an up-turn in our fortunes.
The worry is that we are not set-up behind the scenes to deliver success. I have grave doubts about the calibre and competence of some of our key figures at board-level, in fact all of them have much to prove really, from Barrett-Baxendale to Brands. The period heading into the summer and the summer itself will provide Ancelotti with the first real insight into, to paraphrase David Moyes, "how Everton work", when promises made in meetings will have to be fleshed out.
The positives I see are some tentative signs that lessons have been learned from previous mistakes and hopefully won't be repeated. Brands must deliver this summer in that respect. The commercial operation must also deliver on a significantly improved shirt sponsor and sleeve sponsor deals. Time for talking is over.
Secondly, despite my concerns about the size and make-up of our board and senior management, I am very encouraged by what I have to say is their almost perfect handling of Bramley Moore thus far. Deadlines have been met, communication both with fans and the wider audience has been sleek and professional, and being a sceptic, I am more hopeful than ever that this is now going to be done and done well. If this way of working can transit itself to the football business operation, then it can only have positive implications.
The final factor that gives me hope and encouragement is the strengthening links with Usmanov. Supposedly he met with Ancelotti prior to his taking the job. That is hugely significant in terms of having a guarantor of promises and outcomes. I could not accept that Ancelotti has come here for an easy pay-day. It doesn't make sense at any level. He wants to be that manager, that finally, and once and for all, turned hype into success here. So far, I think Moshiri would be kidding himself if he thought that the last few years were anything other than a hugely disappointing return for all the hype and investment, but the fact that Usmanov is set to continue to fortify his links with Everton must surely mean that both men remain confident that our fortunes can be radically overturned, not least on the back of the opportunities that Bramley Moore will bring.
So, despite what are on paper quite alarming financial results, there is much reason for optimism. But the club can only progress if it gets critical decisions right and does that consistently. The delivery of the stadium is critical but we cannot hang our fortunes on that alone. It is vital we are able to use the interim 3-4 year period to get our internal house in order before moving house. I would expect the club to add to the personnel at board level with individuals with expertise in project development and delivery and also at commercial level. Fans don't get caught up in that nitty-gritty and rightly so but we must progress all levels of the club simultaneously and with a clear vision.
