Everton CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale speaks out over commercial future after USM suspension

Denise Barrett-Baxendale says that suspending Everton's commercial sponsorship deals with Russian companies was 'the right thing to do'.

The Blues pulled the plug last week on all of its commercial ties with Aliser Usmanov's companies, including significant partner USM, in light of the ongoing military invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces.

And now, Everton's CEO has used an address to supporters ahead of today's important home match against Wolverhampton Wanderers to comment on the decision.

In a statement published on the club's official website, Barrett-Baxendale said: "You will be aware that we took the decision to suspend our partnership agreements with our Russian sponsors – which was undoubtedly the right thing to do – and we believe our newly restructured commercial team can fill the gap that decision creates.

"The club’s commercial strategy has now been refocused and our team is already embracing that challenge diligently and enthusiastically."

The Goodison boss, also took the opportunity to rally fans ahead of a Premier League run-in for the Blues that has now took on the position of a relegation dog-fight.

Everton enjoyed favourable midweek results from the teams around them and with Burnley losing to Brentford yesterday, now have the opportunity to put some daylight between themselves and the Clarets with a win against Wolves on Sunday.

Barrett-Baxendale said: "Monday’s result at Tottenham was a chastening experience. But we now have the opportunity to bounce back with two huge matches at Goodison Park this week, followed by a lightning quick turnaround and an FA Cup quarter-final at Crystal Palace next Sunday.

"It’s a challenging run of fixtures - but the rewards for three positive results can be enormous,