Everton’s takeover has been one of the most drawn-out and laughable events of the season, yet does not even scratch the surface of the many issues the club has faced this season.
It is merely one of a handful that has culminated in one of the toughest campaigns to date, with Sean Dyche the unfortunate figurehead throughout all this turmoil.
Dealing with all this off-pitch drama, as well as trying to forge a playing staff that fans can be proud of, has proven one of the great balancing acts.
But thus far, he is doing a pretty admirable job.
777 Partners suffer fresh Everton takeover setback
As noted by the Liverpool ECHO, the Miami-based firm have seemingly suffered yet another setback, with a new level having emerged for them to bypass before they can fully be sworn in as owners of the club.
This comes after six months of waiting for the Premier League to make their decision on whether they are fit and proper owners, and now another test has been forged as well.
Journalist Joe Thomas goes on to detail all the permeations from this latest hurdle placed in front of 777 Partners, but it is his first two paragraphs that succinctly sum up the process.
He writes: ‘Any decision made by the Premier League over 777 Partners’ attempted takeover of Everton will have to be ratified by a new panel.
‘The process is an extra layer of scrutiny that is expected to unfold in the days after a call is made on whether a potential new owner is deemed suitable or not.’
Everton need to be saved by new owners
It is quite clear that 777 Partners are far from the strong and stable ownership that Everton are crying out for, after so many years of turmoil under Farhad Moshiri’s leadership.
Having driven them into the ground, accumulating debt with ease and spending freely and recklessly on transfers, managers and infrastructure, a season like this was inevitable.
It is just so painful that it has come after two back-to-back relegation battles, with this third mainly induced by the punishments enacted due to their financial misconduct.
Whoever is next in line to take custodianship of this famous club must be one of a few things, but chiefly they must have deep pockets.
Such is the predicament that the Toffees find themselves in, an owner willing to clear the mountains of debts and loans would ease a monumental burden and allow the club to actually start moving forwards again.