View: Unpopular former Everton figure may be owed apology amid financial reveal

Kevin Thelwell left Everton at the end of last season, having overseen a difficult period, including points deductions and financial uncertainty.

For any sporting director, it was a nightmare scenario to be in. Thelwell was unable to spend as much money as required in the market to push the Blues up the table.

While he also had to deal with the internal monetary issues present. Due to his poor transfer dealings in terms of incomings, he was not the most beloved figure.

When he departed, many supporters celebrated the fact, and he went on to prove them right after failing at Rangers, leaving just months into his spell in Glasgow.

However, in terms of fixing Everton’s poor finances, Thelwell may have left the Toffees as an underappreciated figure.

Why Kevin Thelwell might have been underappreciated

Thelwell’s business in the market was rarely well received, as he often had to focus on low cost transfers and loan arrivals.

Throughout his tenure, he averaged just £7.22million spent per player bought.

However, that was not his only job, as he also had to restructure the wage bill in Merseyside, and he did quite a good job.

As revealed by journalist Chris Weatherspoon, Everton finished the 2024-2025 campaign in 15th in regard to wages paid out, with a total of £152million.

Interestingly, the Toffees ended up forking out less money than the relegated Leicester City, who currently look doomed for League One this season.

If the Blues had been in a similar position with a high wage bill and been relegated, it may have spelt disaster for the Merseyside outfit.

This reveal showcases the excellent work Thelwell did for the Merseyside club in lowering their wage budget and making sure the Toffees were not hit by any more sporting sanctions for breaking PSR rules.

Now, the Blues look to be in a healthy position once more in terms of finances, which could open the door for opportunities this summer.

While, of course, more should have been expected from Thelwell, his priority role to reduce the wages and keep Everton in the Premier League while being in a better financial position ultimately succeeded.

Everton must have plenty of room to wiggle in transfer market now

With the Toffees having a lower wage budget last season than Leicester City, hitting record levels of turnover at Everton, and a potential European campaign on the horizon, the finances in L3 must surely be in healthy fashion.

This season’s wages will no doubt be higher, but Everton will be able to deal with it.

As the Blues gear up for a potential season in European competition, they will need plenty of reinforcements to deal with two games a week.

Thanks to Thelwell’s work at fixing Everton’s wage bill and reducing the costs associated, the Toffees look to be in a good position to attack the summer window.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.

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