The short version
- David Moyes states he has never met or spoken to Everton owner Dan Friedkin since rejoining the club in January 2025.
- The manager relies on chief executive Angus Kinnear and Rishi Majithia for communication, citing a hierarchical structure that limits direct access to ownership.
- Fan frustration peaked after a chaotic transfer window left Everton with only 18 senior players and unresolved issues regarding key asset sales.
David Moyes has confirmed that he has not spoken directly to Dan Friedkin, the owner of Everton Football Club, since returning to his role as manager in January 2025. This revelation comes amid heightened scrutiny of the club’s leadership structure and a transfer window that ended in significant turmoil for supporters. The admission underscores a distinct separation between the on-field management and the ownership group based in Houston, Texas.
Friedkin, who leads The Friedkin Group—a conglomerate that also owns Serie A side AS Roma—has not attended any home matches since completing his takeover of Everton in December 2024. Instead, he delegates day-to-day operations to his son-in-law, Rishi Majithia, who works alongside chief executive Angus Kinnear. Moyes indicated that his primary point of contact is Kinnear, with Majithia serving as the secondary link before any communication reaches the Friedkin family in America.
When questioned by reporters ahead of Everton’s match against Manchester United, Moyes offered a straightforward denial regarding any direct interaction with Friedkin over the past 20 months. He clarified that while he does not have direct conversations with the owner, information flows through Majithia. This chain of command has become a focal point for criticism as fans question who holds ultimate responsibility for key decisions affecting the squad’s composition and strategic direction.
The communication gap coincides with a period of intense dissatisfaction among Everton supporters. Anger boiled over during a recent match against Bournemouth after reports emerged that the club had accepted a £40 million bid from Nottingham Forest for England Under-19s midfielder Harrison Armstrong. Although Everton ultimately withdrew from the deal, the incident fueled perceptions of mismanagement and a lack of alignment between the boardroom and the fanbase.
Further exacerbating tensions was a chaotic conclusion to the summer transfer window. On deadline day, Everton sold striker Beto to Fiorentina without having secured a replacement. Compounding the issue, USA forward Folarin Balogun withdrew from an agreed move from Monaco at the eleventh hour. These events left the club with a severely depleted roster, comprising just 18 senior players and only one designated striker, right-back, and left-back.
Moyes attempted to bridge the divide between the management and supporters by aligning himself with fan sentiment regarding the Armstrong saga. He described the club as being managed by an Evertonian and suggested that supporters are not always wrong in their assessments of club business. This stance appears designed to reassure a base that feels increasingly disconnected from the decision-making processes occurring behind the scenes.
Acknowledging the structural challenges, Moyes noted that the new ownership group is still finding its footing within the club’s ecosystem. He expressed optimism that increased familiarity between the management team and the owners would lead to improvements in communication and decision-making. However, he stopped short of criticizing the current setup, framing it as a transitional phase rather than a systemic failure.
Despite the difficulties, Moyes remains committed to his role at Everton. He emphasized that his return was motivated by a specific desire to work with this club, citing its history and resilience. Having previously led Everton to several top-five Premier League finishes between 2002 and 2013, he believes the current squad and fanbase possess the strength to overcome the present shortages.
The manager stressed the importance of fan support in light of the squad’s numerical disadvantages. He argued that the players need extra encouragement from the stands given the limited resources available. While acknowledging the potential for frustration, Moyes expressed confidence that supporters remain with the team, a sentiment he views as critical for navigating the immediate challenges ahead.
As Everton prepares for upcoming fixtures, the focus remains on whether the current leadership structure can stabilize operations and restore trust. The lack of direct dialogue between the manager and owner highlights broader questions about accountability and strategy in modern football ownership. For now, Moyes continues to navigate these complexities while relying on intermediaries to convey messages up the chain of command.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗I've never spoken to Everton owner Friedkin - Moyes
