Would an Everton FC-owned franchise in the U.S. work?

TheAlmightyFloater · October 25, 2015

If we had enough money to fund a new franchise in the US, you'd think we'd be able to afford to own our own training ground.

degsy · October 26, 2015

they can't even run the one here.

Aar_the_Toffees · October 26, 2015

BoysInBlue said:
Man City own and run New York City.
Celtic are said to be exploring the idea of starting a U.S. franchise: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34632349

This could be a way of Everton expanding their global presence in a growing market, and stealing a march on the likes of LFC, Arsenal, Man Utd and Chelsea by having a satellite club in the U.S.

With Tim Howard a national U.S. sporting hero, former player & U.S. football legend Landon Donovan starting a coaching career, plus the likes of Adrian Heath doing okay as the manager of Orlando City, there are links that could be exploited.

It could be used as a farming system; we could send the likes of Gareth Barry and Tim Howard out there as senior figures, along with some decent youngsters that need game time in a new environment.

Likewise, any decent U.S. players could be brought to England.

The club also have a growing fanbase in the U.S., comprising exiled Brits and converted U.S. fans.

It would require investment, ambition, outside-the-box thinking and foresight, plus lots of planning, so is probably a non-starter under the current board, but with right backing it could be a decent idea I think.

So we're getting rid of Howard and Barry? Don't mean to kill your mood mate as it really is a great idea, but isn't it easier just to wait for them to retire?

njligernj · October 26, 2015

BirkenheadBlue said:
Not gonna lie, sounds like you've never watched an MLS game. Certainly not in the last few years.

Also, Howard would NOT be the best player in the league. Possibly the best gk, but not even that by as far as you'd think.

If that shambles would be the best keeper in the league by even 0.0000001% over second best then it's a brutal indictment of MLS TBH.

Thuck ma Baws · October 26, 2015

We don't have the money of someone like Man City or the biff appeal of someone like Celtic or Rangers to make it work. It might work for the RS because they've got fans who get up at 2am every morning to stream matches that their ex captain plays in. As a fanbase we wouldn't be hooped.