What Hertha Berlin supporters think of 777 Partners as complicated relationship with Everton investors explained

“Josh Wander, the only thing we assure you is our disapproval of you!” proclaimed a banner unveiled by Hertha Berlin fans during their game against Braunschweig on September 17.

It looked like another public relations disaster for 777 Partners a mere 48 hours after their proposed takeover of Everton was announced.

While Goodison Park insiders had spent the previous days asking for the Miami-based private investment firm to be given a chance, supporters of one of the existing clubs within their group, were delivering their own damning verdict. 777 co-founder and managing partner Josh Wander has faced criticism that his ownership group prioritise profit over their clubs identity and traditions and given his background in the insurance, industry, the full message from Hertha’s angry fanbase read: “Wander: Insurance for football fans? Our investments are called identity and co-determination. Josh Wander, the only thing we assure you is our disapproval of you!”

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So what are those on the terraces in Germany’s capital city so annoyed about? Well, 777 Partners only took charge in March this year so Hertha’s bottom place finish in the Bundesliga in 2022/23 and subsequent relegation can’t all be pinned on them, but their subsequent start in the second tier had been sluggish with four defeats and just one win before the grievances from the stands of the Olympiastadion were aired in what proved to be a 3-0 victory.

Inga Böddeling, who covers Hertha for Berliner Morgenpost explains. She told the ECHO: “777 operates primarily in the background. Josh