“We can engage so why would we not want to help a homeless group, or those suffering with dementia, or embrace education programmes?
“All football clubs should know what they can give back. Sadly, some football clubs do not have the courage to tackle social issues that do not align with the sport.
“We have to attend to mental health as much as physical health and break the stigma. It is a major campaign for us this year.”
These community ventures – Goodison legacy projects – will ensure when the team follows other departments to the dockside, the soul of the club remains at its current site.
“Everton will never leave Liverpool 4,” says Barrett-Baxendale.
That said, the club hope to take another significant stride towards a new home in the coming months. A stadium development director is about to be named, and planning application being prepared.
“There is a lot of work to do. I have a view on how the club should be led,” says the chief executive.
“I live and work in this city. I understand the symbolism of the club and what it means to the people. I will treasure this role. “The chairman [Bill Kenwright] and I love the club, but we understand that has to be used to make good decisions.”
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