IT has been 13 long years since an Everton captain last raised significant silverware above his head.

But that fifth FA Cup success, together with nine league titles, could be the key to selling Everton in the future says merchant banker Keith Harris.

Harris is a football finance expert, an investment hunter tasked by the Blues to find an investor who can help the club challenge for the trophies which make up such a considerable part of the club’s heritage.

He has also been hired by Newcastle United in a similar role.

But while two concrete investors have been found expressing firm interest in the North-east under-achievers, the hunt for investment in Everton has, so far, been fruitless.

Harris, however, has a positive message for Blues fans.

The Magpies have a stunning stadium, a 50-000 fan base and no immediate geographical rivals – but they have singularly failed to land silverware in the modern era.

And Harris believes that could prove crucial in his hunt for investors.

“I’ve seen reports saying we’ve made no progress with Everton,” he said.

“That’s not what I said.

“What I was asked to do was compare Everton with Newcastle, the two clubs I am publicly associated with, and I said Everton is a club with great history and tradition – and has won things. And that’s very important.

“To buy a football club and make it win things when it has never won them is quite tough. Newcastle hasn’t actually won anything for 50-odd years, when Everton clearly has.”

So why is Everton struggling to attract investors?