‘No magic wand’ to fix Everton, say potential owners

There is “no magic wand, nor quick fixes” to solve the problems at Everton, says prospective new owners 777 Partners.

The deal is currently working its way through the regulatory process and BBC Sport understands 777 are “confident” of getting it done without any issues.

The Toffees have won just one of their seven Premier League games this season.

Sean Dyche’s side host Bournemouth in a crucial bottom-of-the-table match on Saturday (kick-off 15:00 BST).

In a letter to supporters before the game, 777 co-founder Josh Wander wrote: “After productive meetings with Kevin Thelwell, Sean Dyche and club officials in the last few weeks, we understand the current position of the club better, and how we can be most helpful to fix some of the underlying issues.

“We need to be clear – there will be no magic wand, nor quick fixes – the path to creating a sustainable business that then translates into on pitch success is laid with hard work and difficult decisions. Our background is in building successful businesses; holding and investing in them for the long term.

“Today, football clubs are much more complicated businesses than ever before, while remaining vital community assets. But there is one eternal truth – we need to win matches.

“We can’t promise you that will happen immediately. We can promise you that we will instil a culture that demands and inspires two things: effort and accountability.

“As Alan Ball famously said, ‘Once Everton has touched you, nothing will be the same’. Though our time on Merseyside has been brief, we feel that to be true. We also know that more of the same is not enough.

“Nothing but the best will do for Everton. On behalf of 777, [co-founder] Steve Pasko and I commit to work relentlessly to that end.”