It will be a summer of change for Everton off the pitch following Monday's announcement that CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale, chief finance officer Grant Ingles and club legend Graeme Sharp had stepped down from the club's board.
An announcement on the future of chairman Bill Kenwright will soon follow, as investment from USA group MSP inches ever closer.
But on the pitch, Everton have much work to do. Sean Dyche's side narrowly avoided relegation last seasin and Kevin Thelwell is in dire need of funds as he goes about strengthening the playing squad with new signings.
The ECHO has asked fans for their say on the current issues facing Everton, and now we've asked writers Chris Beesley and Paul Wheelock their views on the state of the club right now.
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Chris Beesley
What do you think Everton’s priority in the transfer market should be this summer?
It has to be more firepower. Director of football Kevin Thelwell was understood to be targeting a couple of attacking options in the January transfer window but they never materialised. After just 34 goals in 38 Premier League games in 2022/23, additions up front are an absolute must.
The first team’s two senior strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Neal Maupay only scored one goal apiece from open play during the whole campaign and with the former’s continued injury woes – he missed over half of Everton’s matches for the second consecutive year – unfortunately he cannot be relied upon to stay fit.
Would you be happy for Everton to sell key players to fund more signings?
Ideally no, but unfortunately with funds believed to be tight with Financial Fair Play restrictions biting hard after the previous period of profligacy under Farhad Moshiri, it might be the only way. Therefore it depends who it is.
Big money saleable assets are few and I’d be loathed to part with Jordan Pickford after he signed a new contract as it would be impossible to replace England’s number one with another goalkeeper of the same ability. Amadou Onana only scored once this season but has the ability to develop into a world-class midfielder, although you fear it will be elsewhere so it would be easier to cope with his potential departure.
How many new players do Everton need to sign in the summer transfer window?
As stated earlier, a couple of attacking players (eg a centre-forward and a winger), a left-back and depending on what happens with Jarrad Branthwaite after Yerry Mina and Conor Coady’s departures, possibly a centre-back.
What would you prioritise for Everton’s squad this summer?
Young, hungry players who have their best days ahead of them, like David Moyes would often do. The aforementioned Onana only had a mediocre debut season in English football at a team that just about stayed up but he could still probably now be sold on for a considerable profit should the Blues wish to cash in on him.
Would you be open to new people coming onto the board, should they pass the appropriate regulatory tests?
Following Monday evening’s exodus, there’s clearly a huge void at boardroom level now so the change that was obviously required at the top after what was the lowest equivalent points total in Everton’s 135-year history in the Football League/Premier League will now take place. The individuals who step in have to be top professionals who know what they’re doing and have fresh ideas and a clear strategy as the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford have shown just how much relative minnows with far less resources than the Blues can achieve if you’re a well-run club.
Paul Wheelock
What do you think Everton’s priority in the transfer market should be this summer?
Where do you start? A new left-back to challenge or even replace Vitalii Mykolenko and while the Blues are strong - in terms of numbers - at centre-back, another of those would not go amiss to partner James Tarkowski, given the departure of Yerry Mina. More creativity in midfield is needed, as is another option on the wing, but Everton’s biggest priority in the transfer market this summer has to be up front. Two strikers are needed.
Would you be happy for Everton to sell key players to fund more signings?
No, but given the situation the club finds itself in, it may have to be a necessity. Jordan Pickford and Amadou Onana are probably the Blues’ most saleable assets but to lose both of those players could be disastrous. The club also has to make decisions over Alex Iwobi and Demarai Gray, who are going into the final year of their contracts.
How many new players do Everton need to sign in the summer transfer window?
At least five - left-back, centre-midfielder, wide player and two strikers. And I’d up that to six with another centre-back if one or more of Michael Keane, Mason Holgate, Ben Godfrey and Jarrard Branthwaite were to leave.
What would you prioritise for Everton’s squad this summer?
If Everton started the season with exactly the same squad they have now, and could only make two additions - a quality left-back and striker - then I may take that. But I'd worry that still wouldn't be enough.
Would you be open to new people coming onto the board, should they pass the appropriate regulatory tests?
Given the departures that were announced this week, then yes. The current board passed the point of no return with the supporters and change was and is needed. But whoever takes over from Denise Barrett-Baxendale and Co, the onus must still be on the owner, Farhahd Moshiri, to oversee and run the club better.
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