Everton board members step down

Everton has announced its Chief Executive Officer, Denise Barrett-Baxendale, Chief Finance and Strategy Officer Grant Ingles and Non-Executive Director Graeme Sharp have left their roles.

Everton escaped potential relegation on the final day of the season after several seasons of toiling towards the bottom end of the Premier League.

Toffees fans have been widely critical of the board and ownership of the club with a number of protests in recent months.

A statement from the departing Directors reads: “We have all been fully committed during our time here and are disappointed to have made the decision to leave Everton. 

“We have worked tirelessly alongside our Chairman in what has been a challenging period to deliver some of the most significant projects in Everton’s history – projects that will safeguard and sustain the commercial future of the Club for generations to come.

“We are proud of the commercial growth projects progressed during our time on the Board, including the construction of the Club’s new waterfront stadium. This construction project – the largest currently on site in the UK - is progressing at pace. 

“The Club’s partnership portfolio has also been increased and diversified, reflected in record commercial partnerships and the expansion of our work inter­nati­onally.

“In addition to these commercial achievements, we take great pride in the continued growth of the Club’s social programmes and the plans that the Board has put in place for the community-led regeneration scheme at Goodison Park. 

“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as Directors. 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.”

A statement will be made about interim appointments and the future of the Chairman in the next 48 hours. 

In the meantime, Chairman Bill Kenwright said: “This has been a great Board who have all worked tirelessly for the Club, no matter what the circumstances. My relationship with Denise has been known as one of the closest in football. I thank her for her many achievements, particularly her magnificent work in respect of our new stadium.”