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Protest plans bubble amongst Everton fans

Comment: 0 September 9th, 2011 by: admin

Following a string of protests in the La Liga and Serie A, fans of Premier League club Everton are planning to stage a demonstration highlighting the club’s financial situation.

The protest, led by a group of supporters named ‘The Blue Union,’ is scheduled before a match against Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Spokespersons for the group explained that the protest is meant to address Everton’s financial binds created by a lack of investments. Reports indicate that a number of fans are unhappy at the lack of success in finding investors after years of searching.

Blue Union members explained that while the protest is a reaction to the said situation, it is in no way meant to criticise Everton chairman Bill Kenwright.

‘[The protest’s] aim is to promote the concept of allowing the CEO to be left to concentrate on reducing costs, developing our revenue streams and repairing the fanbase,’ read a statement announcing the protest.

Union spokesman Joe Jennings stated that the protest was to put across supporters’ frustrations, and to emphasize how ‘Evertonians want strong leadership and a strong board with a strong business plan.’

Known for having kept the club afloat upon taking the chairman post, Kenwright explained that the current financial situation presented a lack of any investors.

A couple of players – Mikel Arteta and Jermaine Beckford – had been sold seemingly to buoy the club financially.

‘We’ve come to a stage at our bank where we just can’t borrow anymore; the banks are tightening in,’ Kenwright had said.  ‘The world is in a recession and I don’t know any business that isn’t suffering at the moment and I include football in that.’

Union spokesman Joe Jennings responded by rejecting any ‘excuses’ for the situation.

‘No Evertonian wants the club to spend money they have not got,’ he said.  ‘The club is in no position to do so because the current board have disposed of all the tangible assets.  We’re now disposing of the only assets which are left, the intangibles, the players.’

‘We hope as many Evertonians as possible take the opportunity on Saturday to convey their unhappiness at the situation,’ said Union spokesman Joe Jennings.

The protesters plan to take the protest to the directors’ entrance immediately after Saturday’s kickoff.

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