Everton's chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale has addressed changes to the club on and off the pitch in recent months and how it aligns with a "cohesive approach" that has been prioritised.
The Blues have begun the campaign on the pitch with four points from their first six matches, but with the mood very high among supporters as they can see a real strategy from manager Frank Lampard. New signings have strengthened key areas of the pitch and the recent performance in a 0-0 draw with Liverpool at the weekend brought with it a lot of positive aspects to focus on for the future.
The club has also gone through significant changes off the pitch, too, with numerous new appointments being made to various different positions. Everton's CEO didn't want to go into the finer details of the club's specific plan, but listed a number of key points which prove that change is on its way for the Blues.
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She wrote in her regular programme notes, ahead of the Liverpool match: "With the window having now closed, it is a timely opportunity to reflect on the tangible realignment that has taken place across our football operations over the past nine months. As a board, we felt it was vital to evaluate and enhance our operations to ensure our footballing structures were in the best possible position to deliver results on the pitch.
"The implementation of a new footballing structure across all areas of our Finch Farm operation continues to be driven and delivered by Kevin [Thelwell], shaped by the roadmap defined by myself and the board at the start of the year. It isn't appropriate to go in depth into the details of that plan - but I am keen to share and highlight the tangible evidence of the progress that has been made.
"A greater clarity and alignment on our player recruitment process and strategy is just one element of what is an ongoing and thorough process. On Monday we welcome James Vaughan back to the club in the new role of Loans Pathway Manager. His appointment is the latest as part of the ongoing changes that have seen several new positions and senior roles filled at Finch Farm, including the recruitment of Gareth Prosser as our new Academy Director.
"The changes to the structure at Finch Farm reflect a more cohesive approach to our football strategy that is designed to provide future stability to our footballing operation - and offer immediate enhancements to our player development pathway.
"It was crucial that we made the right appointment for our Director of Football to deliver this vision - and Kevin's credentials, insight and expertise has been clear for everyone at the club to see over the past six months. And that is why I and my fellow board members have every confidence in the direction we are taking in terms of our future on the pitch."
Barrett-Baxendale also took the time to highlight the changes that have taken place in the Women's side of the club, particularly with the appointment of new manager Brian Sorensen. Everton take on Leicester City in their opening match of the season this weekend.
The Blues CEO added: "There have also been significant changes to our Women's team this summer, with Kevin having supported Everton Women CEO Alan McTavish and our Women's Board in the appointment of Brian Sorensen. Brian has brought an injection of dynamism that is reflected in the new, fresh approach we are seeing from our women's side.
"We were all thrilled by the exploits of the Lionesses this summer - including so many players who honed their skills in an Everton shirt - and their historic success means that the profile afforded to the WSL promises to be greater than ever this season.
"Brian has made eight new signings ahead of the curtain raiser against Leicester City next weekend and I encourage you to get down to Walton Hall Park to support the Blues."
Everton's first WSL match of the season kicks off at 1pm on Sunday 11 September. Season Ticket Members and Everton Members can get free entry, otherwise tickets are priced at £8 for adults and £4 for juniors and seniors.
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