Everton lost almost their entire club board on another day of drama and chaos at Goodison Park.
Owner Farhad Moshiri must now look for a new CEO, chief finance officer and non-executive director after Denise Barrett-Baxendale, Grant Ingles and Blues legend Graeme Sharp all stood down with immediate effect on Monday afternoon.
And it is understood that chairman Bill Kenwright, a former owner and lifelong fan of the club, also intended to resign along with his fellow board members but was persuaded to stay on, in the short term at least, whilst replacements are found.
It comes after a hostile and sometimes vicious campaign from the Merseyside club's fanbase to remove the board, which prevented the members of the club's hierarchy from attending matches for the final three months of last season.
The shock departures mean Iranian billionaire Moshiri has lost three quarters of his board of directors at the start of a crucial transfer window for the club’s future - and amid the financial turmoil of an investigation by the Premier League into possible breaches of their profit and sustainability regulations.
Kenwright thanked the departing officers for their loyal service. A statement from the three retiring board members read: "It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as directors.
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"We would like to thank everyone who has supported us during our time here. We wish the club we have loved to serve every success in the future."
Kenwright also offered his resignation to Moshiri after a turbulent season, but the owner pleaded for continuity with the transfer window up and running. Manager Sean Dyche has been promised backing for new players.
There will be talks in the next few days over the chairman’s role, with a club spokesperson suggesting: "A statement will be made about interim (board) appointments and the future of the chairman in the next 48 hours."
Moshiri must find a new CEO swiftly to guide the club through what could be a serious investigation into their financial situation and to bring calm in the important search for new signings. That is why he was desperate for the experienced Kenwright to remain.
The new chief will also have an embarrassing legal action in his inbox, with former manager Carlo Ancelotti issuing proceedings in the high court, as he sues over what he claims are monies owed in relation to "general commercial contracts and arrangements".
Everton finished 17th in the Premier League this season and only survived relegation on the final day with a 1-0 home victory against Bournemouth. They also battled relegation during the 2021-22 campaign, finishing 16th in the table.
