´óÏó´«Ã½

"Never dull."

"A new dawn."

"Hope."

Words and phrases Everton fans are all-too familiar with and which popped up again this week.

But could it actually happen this time? Is there really some light at the end of this dark tunnel?

All optimism about the future both on and off the pitch has been pinned on The Friedkin Group who, out of nowhere, agreed a deal to buy the club from Farhad Moshiri this week.

The Toffees and supporters have been here before with 777 Partners, but insiders feel this is different, with the the deal being hailed as "momentous".

I am told completion should be sealed in eight to 12 weeks, so Blues fans may be enjoying a nice Christmas present at the start of December,

The Friedkins' in-tray will be overflowing with issues to sort out - making sure of the club's Premier League survival, manager Sean Dyche's future, addressing a threadbare playing squad and completing the internal fit-out of the new stadium.

For far too long, talk around Everton has been around the ownership and finances - it is time to put that to bed with the hope that this giant of English football is finally waking up.

After years of misery, fans will not be celebrating just yet, but will be starting to crack a smile about the thought of good times returning.

As Julie Clarke, secretary of the fans’ advisory board, said: "It will be lovely to just be able to enjoy football again."

Quite right.