Charles Lambert: Reports from Goodison Park

The former Coronation Street actor has effectively told fans he is the central character in the Goodison Park soap opera.

Kenwright is behind a new takeover bid to take control from Peter Johnson, who resigned as chairman on Monday.

The two first battled for control four years ago, but Kenwright says all Johnson is likely to fight for now is "a fair price" for the last four years of work and "aggravation".

Bill Kenwright: I am talking to Peter (Johnson) about his shareholdings

53 year-old Kenwright has already been installed as returning chairman Sir Philip Carter's deputy following the row over Duncan Ferguson's transfer to Newcastle.

Kenwright admitted: "Everton fans must be sick and tired of hearing my name mentioned in terms of consortiums trying to buy the club."

But he says he is more sure of himself now than four years ago.

Peter Johnson: No quick sale says Kenwright

Kenwright plans to open talks with Johnson to buy the Jersey-based businessman's 68 per cent holding in the club, but does not have the money himself to fund a bid.

The Moores family - who controlled the club before Johnson - will be asked to get involved again, and Kenwright may also talk to Bahamas-based billionaire Joe Lewis.

Media link possible

Aware of the increased interest in major football clubs, the man with the theatrical background also did not rule out a media group supplying some of the cash.

The north western ITV firm Granada, which makes the soap in which Kenwright once appeared, has been linked with Goodison as TV companies scramble for involvement in football.

The former actor reluctantly said it was not out of the question.

"I wouldn't like the thought of a big company, even a media group, coming in on my shoulder. But I wouldn't rule it out," he said.

Sir Philip Carter: The club needs a fresh approach

And the life long fan warned "it doesn't have to be Evertonians," although he assured supporters that popular former chairman Sir Philip Carter was staying, whoever helped take over.

Kenwright said he was proud and humble to be working with the 71-year-old, calling the deposing of Carter in 1991 "one of the worst things this club has ever done".

Kenwright's message to fans was one of patience - they had "no idea" how difficult the world of football finance was, although he sympathised with them since he had once been ignorant himself.

But he ruled out a quick sale from Johnson at a knockdown price.

"That's not going to happen," he said. Johnson would want the right price for his trouble and the share issues he organised.

It will also take time for Kenwright to put the finance together and Johnson may want to wait until the New Year, when it will be more tax-beneficial to him.

'Smith close to quitting twice'

Meanwhile there are reports that manager Walter Smith was twice talked out of quitting the club on Monday.

Water Smith: Insiders claim he almost quit twice

Smith was furious with Johnson over the sale of striker Duncan Ferguson behind his back and demanded a statement clearing him of blame.

A source inside Everton is quoted as saying it needed the new chairman Sir Philip to talk Smith round, as the Scottish manager attended a family funeral in Glasgow.

The issue is apparantly settled with Smith now aware he must sell before he can buy new players.

Gavin McCann has followed Ferguson to the north east, joining Sunderland for £500,000, while Tony Thomas is in talks with Motherwell over a £150,000 move.

But Sir Philip has promised Smith no repeat of the Ferguson affair.