Ryazantsev: Everton is more than just a project

Good to finally hear him speak, I prefer him to Elstone!

Big change is coming; hopefully the Docks is part of it as that will be streets ahead of of the regeneration across Stanley Park.

The stadium is key now, and I think where it is built, will tell us what kind of people we have got behind the scenes.

We've had three years of bullshit and most lapped it up from the start. This time let's save the acclamations until we see points in the table and, as they said elsewhere, spades in the ground.

Good luck to all involved - even our revered chairman.

There seems to have been a lot of preparation undertaken long before the deal was done given the rate of change around the club.

The photo above, would suggest.... about 10 minutes!!

Looks and sounds like a bloke who says what he means and means what he says. He seems sharp, I can see why Moshiri has put him in place. Interesting this, I'm impressed.

Mentioned the stadium too, judging off first impressions this Ryazantsev doesn't seem the type to talk bollox so expect a new stadium. Actions speak louder than words so watch this space......

Docks for me!

Personally I find this new business like approach intoxicating.

Farhad does his speaking very subtly.

Duncan Ferguson is to stay - he is saying to the tea lady and all the other people whose living depends on their jobs at Everton your jobs are safe.

Bill Kenwright does the press interview to announce Ronald Koeman as our new manager - He is saying he respects Kenwrights contribution and love for the club - you can see your days out with us.

His money man and lieutenant on the board Sasha Ryazantsev tells us that "we" are not going to fall behind the other 3 north western clubs but we are going to compete with them, that the stadium project is real, and that the culture of the club is important to the new people.

As an aside when I looked at the interview on the official website I spotted the item about the kids from Chernobyl visiting the academy for the 11th year on the trot. I wonder if our Russian benefactors new about that before the investment - I suspect so.

That sort of thing makes me feel very proud to be an Evertonian. This is a great club a with a great heart.

U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt's foreign policy: "speak softly, and carry a big stick." Roosevelt described his style of foreign policy as "the exercise of intelligent forethought and of decisive action sufficiently far in advance of any likely crisis".[1]

The idea of negotiating peacefully, simultaneously threatening with the "big stick", or the military, ties in heavily with the idea of Realpolitik, which implies a pursuit of political power that resembles Machiavellian ideals.

It's a change from - 'knives to gun fights' and 'phenomenal philosophy's'

I think this lad Sasha Ryazantzev, is the real deal and thought his performance in the interview was excellent. No bragging bullshit, just a clear, unambiguous response of what the Board's intentions are. He also made it clear that Farhad Moshiri is determined to keep aflame the spirit of Everton Football Club, and that he is fully capable of pushing forward Farhad Moshiri's aims. Impressive and I liked the bit where he replied "Everton is more than a project." spot on!

I keep thinking back to Mr Moshiri's piece in the programme against Chelsea and forgive me if I paraphrase (can't find the sodding thing) "I will give this Club all that I have" I think he meant "I will give this Club my all" but won't object either way!

Like you Laurie, I've had a good feeling about Farhad Moshiri since reading his piece in the programme and it just keeps getting better and better.

Sasha's "We are not going to fall behind the other 3 north western clubs" is a clear statement of intent and I've no doubts that Mr Moshiri will ensure that everyone at the club will do their best to make it so.

I can't help thinking that there might well be another Russian who sees Everton as a club where great things can be achieved. Don't have to tell me that he's bought 30% of Arsenal's shares but my guess is he not prepared to just sit on his thumbs at that club much longer.

I think though that he has given his pal the funds to buy into EFC. I think that he will likely be frustrated as anything with Kroenke and might well flog his shares. I would not be surprised to see Mr Usmanov to follow his mate "Up North"

I'm happy enough with Mr Moshiri being the main man at our club but I look back to that open letter they both wrote.

As it is, there has been actions and, so far, they have been decisive.

Then a meeting with Liverpool council on when they will give us the docks.

This guy looks the business, not one to take shit, may be Russian, but pretty sure he carries a Violin case around with him.

I think it's Peel Holdings who have the land on Clarence Dock. I seem to remember that they at one time said they wouldn't have a Stadium down there. Can't remember exactly but it was raised a few years ago...maybe in the Echo.

This is the part I like... note 'projects' in plural.

I wonder what they have in mind, interesting times indeed.

Based on Sasha Ryazantsev's interview I would say the water has been tested.

I am also convinced that Alisher Usmanov trusts Farhad Moshiri implicitly and that they are partners in the truest sense of the word.

I wonder what Stan Kroenke makes of all this?

Winners are grinners - and I have got a smile on my dial like a Cheshire Cat. We're back and they better watch out.

Completely agree. Years of stomping round in circles due to lack of funds, and (quite literally) Red Tape have scuppered any hopes we ever had - be very interesting to see how negotiations go (and how quickly) now that Mr Moshiri and his team are involved....

Oh, and just on the off chance that someone from his team might be reading this banter board (you never know...), Docks area please.

"Something's changed at Everton: there's a new project. If he leaves, it's has to be a good deal for all parties involved."
Taken from the Evening Standard.
Big u turn from Raiola it seems.

If Rom has any sense, he too will change his tack when openeing his gob in future to the media in France, or he could be in a spot of bother with the new firm!

Cant help but love the things these guys are saying, and I see no reason why they wont back the talk with actions - already things seem to be moving at a pace that Kenwright and co couldnt and wouldnt dream of.

Onward Comrades!

When he talks of it taking a while "to get to him" (Koeman) it's almost like they put a contract out! Clearly not taking "no" for an answer this lot.

Lots of other nice touches (keeping our culture and Koeman being the guardian of that, Everton family, we have ongoing projects within us (team/stadium) but Everton are much more than that, couldn't have fallen behind our neighbours indicates the belief that we are out to compete, contend and beat them, the sense of excitement at the thought of the first game and getting out of the blocks) - and behind the laughter and the smiles what looks like pure steely determination...

...and it all seemed very seriously believable.

The u-turn from Lukaku's agent suggests that the ripples of change are being felt by even the most thick skinned. If Lukaku stays and we add another top 3 or 4 players worth £100m then I will start to get very excited about what we could achieve next season.

Last time I looked, his role as Chief Executive had been confirmed for the conceivable future and he had been appointed to the Board. No doubt with a decent rise thrown in.

Like it or not, he continues to be responsible for the day to day management of the Club whilst BB, Moshi, Sasha and Woods -particularly the newcomers- are the governance team (policy makers).

The imminent appointment of a Director of Football will likely bring an end to Bill's role as 'Conductor of Transfers'and thus diminish his influence even further. Hopefully we have heard the last of his tear-stained sentimentality in respect of such matters !

But please, don't expect too much too soon. Koeman will have his work cut out to make anymore than top six or seven and even if a deal is done for land on which to build we know from past experience that planning and bureaucracy takes its time.

So, a promising start indeed but please don't let the dream fade on the alter of impatience. Meanwhile, Elstone focusses on servicing the more demanding agenda of his new bosses.

What is striking to me is that Everton, in a few short weeks, are exuding dignitas in the way we do business. Certainly we are now being taken seriously (even by Rom's big gob super agent) by more and more of the press.

I don't think it was just by waving cash that we have captured Ronald Koeman. Yes we are paying him well; but if I remember aright, we made David Moyes one of the most well paid managers in the Premier League. I believe he was impressed by what Farhad Moshiri has planned for Everton.

Bill Kenwright was excited by Roberto's vision. The difference now is Ronnie Koeman is excited by Farhad Moshiri's vision.

I don't expect Everton have been in anything like this state since Sir John Moores was at the helm. What I find very impressive is except for his message to us in the Chelsea programme, Farhad Moshiri is letting actions speak.

I think the issue of the Stadium will be interesting. I seem to remember Peel Holdings saying once, that they would not have a Stadium on their property. But Joe Anderson has mentioned it as a "wouldn't it be great" sort of statement.

I think now, Peel Holdings may well consider that there is a potential partner who can make things happen "Down at the Docks."

Ben - 46 - Lukaku's agent has got the message alright, lining his own pockets with a higher bid from the "European powers" or a fat increase if Rom stays, along with his 25% cut. Slimy tw*t.

People keep mentioning Usmanov, what, because you heard it on twitter? No links whatsoever.

Oh and docks land is owned by Peel Holdings, not the City Council.

Very pleased so far with the new majority share holder and his sidekick, let this continue.

The open letter that he co - signed with Farhad Moshiri, indicated that he wanted to become involved in the running of that club, and that seems out of the question.

Whether he sells his shares in Arsenal and becomes a shareholder in Everton, we will wait and see. My guess on the matter however, is that he would see Everton as an attractive proposition to become involved in.

If he doesn't, then we've got a feller who looks like he can manage quite successfully in taking this club forward.

“[However] something's changed at Everton. There's a new project. If he leaves, it has to be a good deal for all parties."

"Romelu certainly has the qualities to play in Italy. But as the Italian landscape currently looks, there's no team that can afford him. He is too expensive for Serie A."

“Only a global power can pay for him. The top clubs in England, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain."

Which reads....

"Rom, we're going to have to whack the brakes on here... you wont believe this but we could be sitting on the golden goose at Everton... I know, I know, I know what I said but I think I could be wrong.

Look, lets not cut our noses off to spite our face, we could both be onto a good thing here... Lets make a gentle retreat... use Everton as a backstop just in case... and send out another little "come and get me" just to push your wages up and let everyone else know we're still up for fucking Everton off at the first opportunity if the moneys right.

Is that OK? You say your Dad's sticking his thumbs up....? Great, I'll get onto it."

Parasites.

As far as the dock land is concerned if Farhad Moshiri wants to build a stadium there he will get our pal Sasha to make Peel a (financial) offer they can't refuse.

I can't wait for the last verse, when we finally pick up the European cup, 35 years after we were through out of this cup for nothing!

Let's all get behind the team and manager no matter what this season, I think it will be the most important thing.

Yes, we have appointed a well known manager and yes the positivity is clearly higher than it has been for many a year, but apart from changing the manager and a much needed spruce up of the façade of Goodison Park, since the end of last season, nothing has actually been achieved so far.

By the end of August we shall see which players have been purchased and sold, and that will give us all a better indication of what the future may hold. As silly as it seems the proposed transfer fund of £100m is not that fantastic an amount of money, given that some players are being priced at £25m plus e.g Troy Deeney at Watford.

As for the ground moves, nothing of any note has been announced, aside from the possible sites being identified. The presence of Bill Kenwright as the Chairman at Goodison Park, will continue for at least another two years, unless something dramatic happens with regard to the ownership in the coming months. Robert Elstone may not have uttered a significant word in the last few months but he remains the CEO and his position has been enhanced since the new man bought into Everton FC.

It is fair enough, for Evertonians to have dreams at this point in time, but if all of those dreams don't reach fruition as soon as we would like, we mustn't revert to barracking those in charge, as they haven't yet made it abundantly clear what their plans are or how they are going to achieve them.

I happen to believe that many of the things we have wished for, for so long, will in time be delivered but that's not based on any real tangible evidence, just a gut reaction and I honestly hope that my 'sixth' sense is not way off beam.

Kevin, so many good things happening or in the works, Harold will be happy and proud wherever he is.

And we haven't even spent a penny yet!

I'm going to make a doctor's appointment just in case. I don't want to miss any of this.

Should Lukaku stay? Or should we cash in on him? I don't know. Should he actually stay then no downing tools. This guy could score 30-plus goals should he actually look interested and apply himself.Play for the team, make a real difference, make his goals count, win football matches. Up the Toffees.

When I hear of big clubs like Barcelona, PSG, Juventus etc., coming to look at our facilities, and emulating our Community and FPP work, it always fills me with great pride.

I really want to believe that this is the Tipping Point (read Malcolm Gladwell) for our club to be a true world great once again.

Mike 80, it's all speculation at this point, people connecting the dots between what's happening at Arsenal and what his buddy Moshiri is doing here. I think I read a few ITKs that vehemently denies such a situation happening. Even if it's all Moshiri's doing alone should be exciting enough.

I (like everybody else) was completely pissed off with Martinez's tip tap fucking tippity tap football. Two 4-0 defeats to Liverpool, losing for the first time ever to Swansea, Fortress Goodison destroyed. The list is endless. I wished that I could have walked away.but I can't. But I got to a stage were I did not much really care. That is Martinez's legacy, for me. Making hard nosed supporters not care. Only Martinez's Everton has made me feel like that and I have seen a few poor Everton teams. I know that a number of you ToffeeWebbers felt the same. Rant over.Surely everything now will improve under Koemans management. Surely now there will be no more Kones and Niasses at Everton. Surely now players will be played on merit; no more passengers. Surely we will improve on last season. Surely now we will beat all teams below us and give the top teams a good run. And surely now we will never have to endure any more shit gobbledeegook press conferences....just plain talking from now on. My sixth sense tells me that we might just do something special this season. But there again, I couldn't back the winner in a one horse race. Up the Toffees.

Laurie, re: Docks, hope so! But perhaps you were also alluding to the possibility that Sasha and his boys may 'persuade' Peel representatives?

Arsenal is probably what he really wants, but with Moshiri (who is best mates with him) now having a proxy on Everton's board, it's not too much of a leap to think that he might just sack Arsenal off at some point.

Why don't we listen to Big Nev and consider Wayne Hennessey? If he is good enough for Wayne, he is good enough for me!

s? If h

Rom to agent: 'What did cuddly Bill say?'

Agent to Rom: 'I never got to see cuddly Bill... there was just some KGB assassin, with Duncan Ferguson standing behind him!

Rom to agent: 'What did they say?'

Agent to Rom: 'Absolutely nothing... just stared in silence!'

Rom to Agent: ' So what do we do?'

Agent to Rom: 'We're bloody-well staying!'

If you check Alisher Usmanov on Wiki, you'd see they've been partners for years and as I've said a few times before, I'm sure it was mooted in the very early days, Usmanov was to follow Moshiri.

Alisher was listed by Forbes(?) in 2005(?) as the richest man in Russia and a bit later(?) as the second richest man in the UK.

You'll have to check it for the correct details but it's an interesting read. I hope this helps.

Paul (87) It doesn't seem to me that you were presenting evidence, as that is usually only presented when a conclusion is reached. I'd think that Mr Moshiri is fully capable of negotiating and carrying out, any development proposal with Peel Holdings, should they be open to such a development taking place. but (like you) I wouldn't be massively surprised if Mr Usmanov become involved.

As for those who are worried that some are being overly optimistic, it looks to me that most posts are really glad the way things are taking shape. That we have a manager who is a proven winner as a footballer and has a decent record in the premiership and other leagues, and is probably the best we could hope to recruit.

We have a director of the club stating that "we couldn't have fallen behind." Those words were not chosen at random, and in my view the statements are unambiguous. That's cause for optimism, though cautious optimism, on both the playing side and the stadium issue.

I'd be happy to see our team come out and have the attitude "You're going to have to beat us because we'll give you nothing but a cup of tea" as Shankly was reputed to have said. That they fight for the whole 90 minutes and all have a go at winning their individual battles. That they get stuck in and stop being "nice!"

Hopefully we will bring in a few good quality players and I'll be happy if we make progress in the first season to around 7th, to maybe fifth.

Ther ground? well, the is the point that Peel holdings may not want a stadium, as that was their previous stance and nothing to the contrary has surfaced. But perhaps now, they might consider there is more of a likelyhood of it not being "Pie in the Sky."

But if it doesn't happen down at the docks, I could see progress being made on the redevelopment of GP. Stonebridge Cross looks iffy to me.

Richard #79, this is nothing like when Martinez took over. Never wanted him in the first place and he couldn't go quick enough for me. As others have said, it's all,positive now, something Martinez could never manage in spite of all his bullshit.

Does NSNO have meaning again?

I would be very worried if he was, because he just doesn't appear to have the wealth that is required, to sustain all the things now being mentioned for our club.

"Usmanov's frustration at Arsenal is more than the kids' twittersphere stuff. I think it's reasonable to think he might well buy in to Everton."

Tony:

"It definately looks like Moshiri, is not alone in this purchase of Everton FC."

Strong stuff, especially from you Tony ('definitely' looks like.. ), Evidence?

Dude looks more like a Russian art student.

He's saying al the right things and seems the real deal...

But to say he looks like a guy who shoots people point blank or breaks kneecaps?? No way. This dude likes to paint abstracts in the park.

Harold Matthews would have loved this guy.

«Alexander Ryazantsev may refer to:

Aleksandr Ryazantsev (born 1986), Russian footballer
Alex Riazantsev (born 1980), Russian ice hockey player
Alexander Riazantsev (born 1985), Russian chess Grandmaster»

I hope our Sacha is the last one.

I only want Farhad Moshiri to use his money and his mind. That should be more than enough to get him the land he needs if he wants to build us a new stadium on the waterfront.

As far as Mr Usmanov is concerned it is pure speculation on my part that he could be involved. He has stated that his investment in Arsenal is "long term for his family". I don't think he will go back on that - so I think the shares will be staying in his family.

As far as him "coming to Everton" is concerned he doesn't have to. Here endeth my speculation :)

One thing I am absolutely sure about is that Julie's post # 69 is really good counsel. We have to get 100% behind the team, the manager, and the hierarchy no matter what this coming season.

In the meantime I am going to enjoy the optimism I am sharing with Evertonians everywhere at the moment.

Up the Blues!