Everton Takeover: Stefan Borson impressed as boardroom twist reported

Everton need their independent directors to challenge club decisions more as Dan Friedkin reportedly wants to appoint local businessmen Andy Bell and George Downing to the board.

That is the view of finance expert Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider there is a question over whether those two individuals can remain objective because they are supporters of the club.

Newspaper journalist Alan Nixon reported on 27 October Friedkin is looking to incorporate Andy Bell and George Downing onto the Everton board despite their failed takeover attempt.

The American billionaire is keen to install some local knowledge behind the scenes when he is officially handed the reins from Farhad Moshiri.

Friedkin has agreed a deal to purchase the Everton owner’s 94.1 per cent stake at Goodison Park, but he is still waiting to receive the necessary regulatory approval before he can complete the takeover.

Everton directors haven’t challenged key decisions

Borson insisted supporters often find it “very difficult” to remain objective after Bell and Downing have been linked with a place on the board.

He told Football Insider: “They are both definitely high-quality businesspeople in the UK and are supporters.

“I think you need a good balance of independence, to be honest. You don’t just want a load of supporters on the board.

“I think you need independent non-executive directors, who can give a view outside of being a supporter.

“I think part of the problem Everton have had over the years is they have not had a challenge from the independent directors around the table, which has led them into some situations.

“They have had overly dominant owners. It’s always a problem in football because of the structure of most of these clubs.

“They tend to be owned 100 per cent by the investor and, therefore, it’s hard for people who are running the club to say no.

“I think the best organisations will have some challenge come from the board and will have some challenge coming from the independent directors.

“It’s just a question over whether those two individuals can be sufficiently objective.

“We know that as much as we don’t like to admit it, people find it very difficult to be objective about football.”

In other news, Everton respond to star’s plan to join new club.

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