1999–2000 brought a one-place improvement upon the previous season's 14th-place finish for Everton. The season largely proved to be one of mid-table safety, with relegation never a serious threat, and a run to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup representing their best performance in the competition since they last won it in 1995, but the blue half of Merseyside was still left frustrated by their side's lack of success, something which had been a familiar scene for far too long. Manager Walter Smith, determined to address the inconsistency that had prevented Everton from doing better this season, pulled off one of the biggest transfer surprises of the close season by bringing in Paul Gascoigne and bolstering one of the most ungainly squads currently in the Premiership.[1]
Off the pitch, the big story was the battle for control of the club's boardroom, with former chairman Peter Johnson finally being forced to sell his controlling interest after the Football Association threatened both Everton and Tranmere Rovers with sanctions unless he sold his shares in one of the clubs. On the eve of the new millennium, Johnson sold his shares in Everton to theatre impresario Bill Kenwright.
[3]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
£8,300,000
£17,155,000
Paul Gerrard, 37
David Weir, 42
Richard Dunne, 32
Mark Pembridge, 34