Former chairman Sir Philip Carter has returned to Everton's board of directors as they face some of their most demanding ever challenges.Sir Philip was previously chairman between 1978 and 1991 and then again from 1998 to 2004 before he was succeeded by current owner Bill Kenwright.

Everton's acting chief executive Robert Elstone said: "Sir Philip has never really been away simply because as life president he continued to aid and assist everyone at the club.

"He remains one of English football's great elder statesmen and when he indicated a willingness to return to the club's board we were more than happy to take him up on his offer.

"His wealth of experience will prove to be invaluable to us in the coming years."

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