‘Many supporters have a feeling of dread again’

After what has been a positive few weeks for Everton fans with some early business in the transfer window, fending off low offers for Jarrad Branthwaite and a successful pre-season in Ireland, you can understand why many supporters have a feeling of dread again.

The news the Friedkin Group’s takeover is off has shocked many because the American investors had already paid off a loan of £200m.

My understanding is the issue lies with the money 777 put into the Blues during their failed takeover.

After missing deadlines to complete the deal and then news a number of lawsuits against them were being made, the Miami-based consortium stepped away last month.

It is those lawsuits that the Friedkin Group feel are too big of an issue to resolve right now and Everton are back on the market.

If you want to look for the positives, their loan means the new stadium on Liverpool‘s waterfront is funded and construction will complete at the end of this year.

I also understand it means currently there’s no financial uncertainty at the club, with the stance on Branthwaite unchanged so there won’t be a fire sale and the wider transfer plans remain the same with incomings still likely in the next 10 days.

But it isn’t ideal with a pre-season friendly on Friday against Sligo Rovers meaning manager Sean Dyche will face the media for the first time since the summer break and will again be asked a lot of questions about the ownership saga rather than his plans for the new season.