Buried in the statement, released close to midnight on Sunday, were some words from Marcel Brands that shone a light on Everton's muddled state.
Brands is being regarded in some quarters as the sacrificial lamb, the man who had to carry the can for the disorder and alarming lack of progress. What the outgoing Director of Football highlighted, however, were the chasms within Goodison Park.
'This decision has taken some time and some consideration and was one of the most difficult I have faced in my career,' said Brands. 'The Board and I agreed that there is a clear difference in the vision and direction for this beautiful club and, with that in mind, the decision was taken.