Anjishnu Roy 11/03/2025 24comments  |  Jump to last

Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye was gutted by the departure of Kevin Thelwell after it was recently announced that the latter will not continue as the director of football next season. The 35-year-old, in his second stint at Goodison Park, thanked Thelwell for helping him return to the club.

“Coming back to Everton felt like coming home, and I have to thank Kevin Thelwell for making that happen,” he wrote on X.

“From day one, he showed how much he cared about this club, always fighting to make it stronger, even in the toughest times. We all know the challenges Everton has faced the last three years, but through it all, Kevin gave everything to help the team move forward. Everton is more than just a football club, it’s an institution built by the people who give their heart and soul to it. Everyone who comes here plays a part in its history and growth. 

“Kevin has definitely left his mark. Wishing him the best for what’s next!”

Thelwell had a difficult job at Goodison as market movements were greatly hampered by the club’s recent financial struggles. Despite this, he oversaw a period of turbulence with plenty of aplomb and helped the club generate £226m of transfer income while spending only £145m on the team during six windows – and maintained their Premier League status.

“Done more than people will ever know – thanks for giving me the opportunity to play for this great club,” wrote Tim Iroegbunam on social media, thanking Thelwell.

The Blues are expected to move on to a wider leadership role from a single director of football position. They have appointed Angus Kinnear as the new CEO and he will take over the reins after finishing the season with Leeds United, where he has served as CEO since 2017. Kinner has also been with West Ham and Arsenal in various capacities before moving to Elland Road.

Planning for the next summer transfer window is already underway, led by the sporting department along with David Moyes. Further appointments are also expected as The Friedkin Group continue to make administrative changes following their takeover.

 

Reader Comments (24)

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Paul Hewitt
1 Posted 11/03/2025 at 13:53:23
Sentimental drivel. Not a fan of it.
Liam Mogan
2 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:16:35
You in a bad mood today, Paul? 🤣
Paul Ferry
3 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:25:56
Rubbish Paul (3).

Heartfelt and meaningful and a generous public acknowledgement of the importance of important "behind the scenes" relations that we hardly ever get to see.

Paul Hewitt
4 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:29:32
He could have just wrote him a letter and posted it then.
Joe McMahon
5 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:31:46
No, it's not, Paul. I'm actually sad to see Kev leave also, and I never even knew him.

I just appreciate what he's done under very difficult circumstances.

Liam Mogan
6 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:35:12
What's a 'letter'?
Nigel Scowen
7 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:37:25
Paul @4,

What with the price of stamps nowadays, Paul.

Dave Abrahams
8 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:43:15
Liam (6),

Not many written these days, that's for sure, but in the past, or at anytime really, a letter could mean a lot more than money can buy to the receiver of the letter. I've received a couple at different but sad times, cherished them.

Liam Mogan
9 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:45:37
They are all at it now - Tim Iro, Doucs - with embarrassing, gushing, Boys-Pen-Bill declarations of thanks.

Imagine being sappy enough to thank another human being for their support. Why didn't they send it by telegram or morse code? Embarrassing.

Paul Hewitt
10 Posted 11/03/2025 at 14:49:03
Give him a party if your sorry to see him go. Just no need to make it public.
Danny O'Neill
11 Posted 11/03/2025 at 15:01:08
A few harsh comments here. He obviously has the respect of the players.

Honesty all around in my opinion and giving us an insight, because most of the time, we are mushrooms in the dark.

We know it's been a difficult time, the players and Thelwell do. They are communicating how they feel about the decision. Social media is how we communicate now.

All change at the top and we've been calling for it for years. Well, it's happening now.

Kieran Kinsella
12 Posted 11/03/2025 at 15:03:39
Paul & Dave,

The Danish government just announced they're disbanding the Danish post office after 400 years as it is obsolete in the digital age.

So expect a similar online message from Lindstrøm

Alan J Thompson
13 Posted 11/03/2025 at 15:05:02
Liam (#6),

What's a letter? What's a letter!

It's a demand for money these days.

Liam Mogan
14 Posted 11/03/2025 at 15:15:20
Always the same, those Danish, saving their own bacon.
Si Pulford
15 Posted 11/03/2025 at 17:04:09
The players are obviously trying to give fans a bit of insight here — completely missed by some obviously — as to what a good job the man did under tough circumstances, and want him to be appreciated for it.
Ray Roche
16 Posted 11/03/2025 at 17:27:40
Liam@14

And some fell upon stoney ground….

Dennis Stevens
17 Posted 11/03/2025 at 17:41:05
As I recall, The Letter was a hit song for The Box Tops.
Brian Wilkinson
18 Posted 11/03/2025 at 20:03:08
Correct Dennis, some of the posters want a bit of Elvis: Return to Sender.
Jack Convery
19 Posted 11/03/2025 at 20:11:37
Good on the players for their kind words. An obviously well respected DoF and man by the players.

I hope Idrissa stays.

Mike Gaynes
20 Posted 11/03/2025 at 20:22:30
PH #1, you didn't reel me in this time! (Liam is more obvious.)

Robert Williams
21 Posted 11/03/2025 at 21:59:22
I bet this new fella Anji is trying to make out what the hell he has taken on here with you lot of comedians.
Reminds me what I love most about TW - you lot!!
Don't ever stop the wit - it's priceless.
"Saving their own Bacon !! FFS
John Pickles
22 Posted 11/03/2025 at 23:21:26
Your Hafnia laugh!
Dupont Koo
23 Posted 12/03/2025 at 01:49:43
If the person, who brought you to your current job, is leaving (for fair reasons or not) the company, it is normal to show some appreciations.

Tipping my hat to Gana & Timmy.

Eric Myles
24 Posted 12/03/2025 at 02:27:51
As an aside, does anyone else think Ajishnu's penmanship (following the letter theme) has improved in the last few threads he's put up?

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