The news out of Everton yesterday declared that owner Dan Friedkin was “exploring new investment options for Everton Football Club, including the potential sale of a controlling interest.” Supporters seem to fall into two camps. The majority see things as being half empty. For them, this is just more chaos. The half full supporters believe that after TFG took over the club almost two years ago, the club now sits in a position of growing strength financially and the days of chaos and scrambling to survive
are beginning to be seen in the rear view mirror.
The takeover news has thrown the fanbase into another tailspin online. I am here to say that we need to realize that the sale of the team will happen at some point, but we cannot let that uncertainty take our focus off the very good start that our team has made this season. We need to be positive!
For me, the willingness of Evertonians to allow doom and gloom to take over is something that has a long history at our club and it was something that I have talked to other supporters as it fascinates me why this dynamic is so prevalent amongst our fanbase.
Three weeks ago, after a one nil víctory over Ipswich, Everton headed into the international break, sitting in fifth place in the Premier League table and into the next round of the Carabao Cup. I had been lucky to be able to return to England in the two weeks before the international break to see the Tottenham, Wolves and Ipswich matches in person.
When I am at home in Canada, watching the matches on television, I am oblivious at most times to the goings on in the stands. Of course, we can hear the songs and the chants which add a special feeling to the matches. For me, it is a moment of joy when I hear Evertonians sing, “It’s a Grand Old Team”.
The dynamic changes significantly when you are in the crowd with Evertonians all around talking, laughing, commiserating and cheering. While I was in England this time, I became more aware of how quickly Evertonians go from joy and elation to hesitation and negativity.
“A difference between negative (sack the board, sack the manager, picking on individual players, etc. social media going for clicks) and the pessimism of not getting your hopes up so you’re not disappointed if the game doesn’t go well. Although in our heart of hearts you are desperate for a win.” Jeff G
It really is not something that is new to me as I have been able to get back to England many times over the years. At a Wigan match many years ago, a young Seamus Coleman was berated incessantly by a woman in front of me. Coleman was a young, energetic player who has become an Everton legend. However, on that day, the vile taunting was quite surprising, considering I was sitting in the Everton away end.
During this most recent trip, I was at the train station heading to the Ipswich match and the family in front of me bought a ticket which would allow them to travel all day on Merseyrail as it was cheaper to do it that way. The supporter who was going to the match responded to the ticket seller by saying, “Well, if we are losing by halftime, I can go and spend some time at the seashore.” Liverpool humour perhaps, but there is more to it.
“Evertonian pessimism is being 2 nil ahead and never believing the game is won.” – Steve Foulkes
I have wondered about this mindset and it is present on the terraces and online. Evertonians have a hard time being happy. When we are doing well, as we are now, we should embrace that moment and re-double our efforts to support the team rather than wait for the inevitable downturn, which is perceived to be the norm.
I had an interesting conversation with a group of Evertonians before the Ipswich match and we were talking about the difference between supporters who support and fans who are fanatics.
I have been and Evertonian all my life. I am not delusional in believing that everything is rosie, but I do believe that with my support the team will do better. Of course, as I sit in my living room in Ontario, Canada, I am not impacting the matches in anyway, but I do believe that if I share my support online or when I am talking to Evertonians, we can rid ourselves of this negative mindset.
“Evertonians are generally pessimistic, based on many years of experience. Many older fans, such as myself, are used to seeing us win the League, FA Cup and even the European Cup winners cup. I have some great memories but, as we are constantly reminded, we have won nothing since 1995. Since then, we have often been lead to believe that we are on the verge of gaining a trophy. However, experience has shown that, for various reasons, it does not happen.” – Brian Kenny
The end of the transfer window was very poor for our team, but the players had knuckled down and we have started the season so well. On transfer deadline day, I am quite sure that the majority of Evertonians did not foresee what has happened up to the Ipswich victory.
We have had a three week break to digest the start of the season and we have to look at the fact that we have started the season very well. We do have a small squad, but I have seen since preseason that David Moyes is starting to play his younger players.
Tyler Dibling had a strong preseason and has actually been on the pitch for matches. His confidence is growing, which is also true of Thierno Barry. He may have ended up as the lone striker for our team, which is giving him the chance to grow as a player and build his confidence as a young man.
“Its the hope that kills you.” – Steve
It is always difficult to stop worrying about your team when you care so deeply about them. I believe that the support that we give makes a huge difference and if you are one of those Evertonians who are blessed to go to matches on a regular basis, the players hear you and see you. Show your support and don’t let your fanaticism bring the players down.
The potential for new investment or a new owner may be up in the air right now but that is an off the field decision. We all became Evertonians for different reasons, but what we all want is for the team to succeed. Cheer loudly, complain less, and hope more. Our boys need it more than ever and together we will continue this successful run. Most importantly, enjoy every moment as the team builds on a great start.
Come on you Blues!
