Bill’s just a human shield... fans’ abuse so unjust
IN his guise as a leading theatre impresario Bill Kenwright has had to endure the odd bad review involving one of his productions.
But that is nothing compared with the verbal battering he suffered outside Goodison Park following last Saturday’s Everton defeat against Aston Villa.
His attempt to placate angry fans, whose venom has increased over the past weeks in unison with the club’s slide down the Premier League table, was a fruitless exercise.
It needed four or five police officers to ensure Kenwright’s safety as the anger increased.
Earlier a plane had flown over the ground complete with a banner saying ’22 years of Failure Bill @time2gobill’.
But those close to the club believe Kenwright has become a human shield for owner Farhad Moshiri and wealthy benefactor Alisher Usmanov.
They also point to the growing influence of super-agent Kia Joorabchian.
“None of the major decisions over the past few seasons have been down to Bill,” an insider revealed.
“In fact, Bill fought long and hard to prevent Rafa Benitez becoming manager, and considered his position on the board when he lost the fight.
“No one though seems prepared to have a go at Moshiri and Usmanov – because they are funding the club, and if they were to walk away, especially with the new stadium under construction, there would be financial carnage.
“It appears these days that the pair prefer the advice of an agent rather than Bill’s.” Former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher, a boyhood blue, tweeted: “Moshiri/ Usmanov have made all the mad decisions of the last 5 yrs. Kenwright’s mistakes were not having enough millions and picking the wrong billionaire.”
So why doesn’t the 76-year-old (above, in front of Moshiri) walk away?
“It’s simple, Bill is scared that he won’t be able to watch his beloved Everton at Goodison,” a close friend explained.
“If he resigns from the board all the privileges that go with it, a reserved seat and banter in the boardroom, would disappear.
“His office in London tells you all you want to know about his obsession with the club. The walls are bedecked with framed photos of the past. One of his favourites is of the 1966 FA Cup-winning side.
“Once when I was invited to join him for a home game he took me for a walk around the ground.
“We stopped off in Gladys Street, where he pointed out who lived at some of the terraced houses.
“The club is imbued in him. What’s happening now is cutting him to the core.”
Richard Keys, the bein Sports presenter, is one of many concerned for Kenwright’s well-being.
Keys said: “Whoever paid for the plane to fly over the ground ahead of the game against Aston Villa should hang their heads in shame. It was a disgusting stunt.
“If Evertonians want to get angry – and they should – concentrate your fire on Moshiri and Usmanov.”