Cast your mind back to just over 12 months ago.
We'd started the season with a defeat to a poor QPR side, Bill Kenwrights meeting with the Blue Union was in the public domain and the transfer window had closed with the only real additions to a small squad being a loose-cannon on loan from Madrid and centre-forward, nobody had heard of or indeed could spell.
The club had become a laughing stock.
Fast forward a year and there is little cause for complaint right now.
Following a good second half to the season, a strong performance in the transfer market was key and thankfully the club delivered.
For a change we didn't rest on our laurels or worse take a step backwards.
Players were brought in with little fuss and the crown jewels retained, with the only real outgoing's two players it was probably the right time to part with.
I've heard it argued that we've had to sell to buy and that the sale of Jack Rodwell was again a case of nurturing young talent only to sell on at a profit but the reality is, Rodwell won't really be missed. Whether it be absence through injury or an inability to fulfil his potential, the fact remains he has never been a key player for Everton. It was the right time to move on.
Yes it's another body gone from a small squad but if the alternative was to cash in on Fellaini or Baines et al, it's a no-brainer.
So credit where it is due. Bill Kenwright, his board and David Moyes have done alright this time and for that they should be applauded.
I know for some that will be difficult to stomach. For some too much has passed for them to ever feel anything other than animosity to those in charge and if that's how you feel nothing I say will change your views. You're entitled to your opinion and I respect you for that. But give it some thought.
The summer spending was wise rather than extravagant. Shrewd rather than substantial.
We won't win the league this year or qualify for the Champions league and the aim will still be a top 6 finish and a cup.
But is that, really that bad?
Yes we are Everton and a club our size should challenge for top honours but the reality is, it takes billions not millions these days and that's the reality. You don't build a team anymore you build a port-folio.
The Chairman and the board in it's current guise won't ever lead Everton to a league title, of that I'm sure. But what's the alternative? You need not look too far to see what happens when you sell your soul to the devil, with promises of progress and glory.
Bill Kenwright's stance has always been he will sell to those best suitable to run Everton and not just drop his draws to the first offer that comes in. Some will argue he will only sell, when h makes profit. Perhaps only Bill and those closest to him will know the truth but for now, it is what it is.
We start every year hoping new investment isn't too far away. Nothings changed. But for now let's concentrate on what we've done well and get behind the club as a united front.
No campaigns this year. No chants. No protest marches. Let's leave that to others.
We're doing ok and that'll do me for now. A decent performance off the field has been replicated on it (let's call West Brom a blip) and for a change in the first months of the season, the next game can't come quick enough.
You can accuse me of settling for mediocrity if you wish but right now, I'm happy with my football club. Jamie O'Rourke.
Follow Jamie on twitter @JamieORourke2
Email Bluekipper at enquiries@bluekipper.com
