Everton owners try to head off open revolt

Everton’s decision to reject Nottingham Forest’s offer for teenager Harrison Armstrong has headed off the possibility of open revolt against owners The Friedkin Group from a furious fanbase.

The revelation that Everton had received a £40m bid from Forest for the gifted 19-year-old, and it was under consideration, sparked an instant backlash from fans angry at the idea the club’s best homegrown product for years could be sold.

Instead, after a day of drama on and off the field, Everton’s board – led by chairman and billionaire owner Dan Friedkin – decided to unanimously reject Forest’s approach and keep Armstrong.

Everton’s fans made their feelings clear during the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. The reaction was so loud, and toxic, that it is sure to have been heard by Everton’s delegation at The Vitality Stadium and relayed back to the hierarchy in the United States.

It is highly unlikely to be coincidence that a deal that looked to be advancing was then stopped in its tracks.

And it will also pacify manager David Moyes, whose mood looked ominous post-match at Bournemouth, as he will now keep a young talent regarded as a key part of the club’s future.

Everton’s supporters may reluctantly accept that important players could be prised away by Champions League clubs, but the notion of Nottingham Forest being able to do the same added another layer to their fury.

Forest are one of the club’s Everton and their fans would hope to surpass, not bolster them by selling one of their crown jewels to them.

For The Friedkin Group, it is a PR catastrophe avoided.