With the furore that has surrounded English football this week, there has been precious talk around the ‘other’ clubs. While the ‘big six’ have made a conscious push to move off to their own little world, other clubs with large followings have been left flabbergasted. One club that might feel a little left out from the glare is Everton, who have enjoyed a fantastic revival under Carlo Ancelotti and look a fair bet to finish in a European spot this year. However, part of the hard work that has gone into turning Everton around has come from the boardroom, with Marcel Brands, formerly of PSV Eindhoven, seen as a key player.
The Dutchman was brought into the club in 2018 and was soon moved onto the club board in 2019. Now, a new deal has been arrived to see Brands prolong his stay by a further three years. Having gained a reputation at PSV as a man who could spot talent at good prices, his work at Everton has helped to turn the squad around. A mixture of young talent with ambition such as Richarlison and older, technically gifted veterans such as James Rodriguez has created an exciting Everton team that has the potential to go further.
Just as some fears exist around a major club ‘poaching’ Ancelotti, though, some worried that Brands might be tempted by a move to a juggernaut. Given his body at work at both Goodison Park and PSV, he has made a huge impression on the European game. His re-signing at Everton, then, is a major sign that the club, which is pushing forward with new stadium plans, intends to continue to be ambitious both on and off the pitch for a long time to come.
Who is Marcel Brands?
Brands is a Dutch football mind who has worked for Everton since 2018, playing a key role in their rejuvenation under Farhad Moshiri. His work so far has been mostly built around creating a squad that can compete for a European place, whilst ensuring that players signed have logical value for the long-term future of the club.
With a new deal in place now, Everton and Brands can focus on trying to finish the season in a UEFA Europa League or UEFA Champions League spot. Speaking about the latest contract, Brands told the official club website: “Everton is a very special football club and a club with clear and exciting ambitions. We are making good progress and I believe we have everything in place for us to be successful.
“I am delighted to continue to work alongside such supportive and ambitious colleagues on our Board and Executive team and this, together with such a talented manager and supportive owner and Chairman, puts us in a really strong position for the future.”
For Everton, then, this is another step forward in the desire to create a club that has the potential to finally challenge at the top-end of the English top flight once again.