Everton takeover by The Friedkin Group is CONFIRMED as Toffees usher in a new era of stability after Farhad Moshiri’s turbulent ownership

Everton fans have been given an early Christmas present as their long-running saga of finding new owners was finally resolved on Thursday morning.

The Friedkin Group have been officially announced as the club’s new administrators – with stability said to be the key message the Texas-based billionaires want to send to fans.

Dan Friedkin, the stunt pilot and aviation expert worth £4.8 billion, will lead the new empire and has appointed Marc Watts as executive chairman, while Ana Dunkel will join the board as finance director. Colin Chong will continue in his role as interim CEO.

Friedkin said: “Dear Evertonians, I would like to express my gratitude for your continued support.

I am immensely proud to welcome one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, The Friedkin Group.

“Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honored to become trustees of this great institution. The Friedkin Group is a diverse family of companies with a global presence in industries including sports, automotive, entertainment, hospitality and adventure.

The takeover marks a new era at Everton after Farhad Moshiri’s disastrous spell

“In all our efforts, we strive to deliver extraordinary experiences that ignite people’s passions. We are pleased to bring this ethos to Everton and the Liverpool City Region.

‘Although we are new to the club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world. We are deeply committed to honoring this legacy while making a positive contribution to the community, economy and people of this remarkable city.”

Moshiri shared his own statement when the news was confirmed, declaring that the new owners represented “the best outcome” after years of takeover speculation.

“I truly believe that the transaction with The Friedkin Group is the best outcome for the club and its future success,” he said. ‘The team has put in a huge amount of effort to get to this stage and I would like to personally thank my Board colleagues John Spellman and Colin Chong and the entire senior management team, including Katie, James, Richard and of course Kevin and Sean, for their enormous commitment to the Club.

“Despite a challenging geopolitical backdrop, a significant amount has been achieved in recent years, including the delivery of a new sports department, the stabilization of our finances and the delivery of our iconic new stadium.

“I now hand over to new owners, who are confident in the prospects for the club and that our great fans will see the on-pitch success they so deserve.

It is understood the Friedkins have significantly converted Everton’s debt into equity and there has been a fresh injection of cash – separate from any borrowing.

In his farewell statement, Moshiri spoke about the club’s investment in an ‘iconic’ new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock

The new owners are keen to emphasize that they want stability and Watts has set out six main goals: strengthening the men’s team through ‘thoughtful and strategic investments’; cultivate homegrown academy stars; promote a clear on-field commercial and commercial strategy for the women’s team; respecting the club’s traditions and keeping Everton at the heart of the community; maximize the potential of the new stadium’s commercial partnership and; strengthening the club’s reputation as a unique and historic global name.

The Friedkins will back manager Sean Dyche and director of football Kevin Thelwell, with no radical changes to either department’s forecasts.

Representatives from the group are expected to be present at the Toffees’ clash with title-chasing Chelsea on Sunday.