Marcel Brands has admitted it could take 'serious time' to build a 'structure' at Everton but thanked owner Farhad Moshiri for his support.
Director of football Brands signed a three-year contract extension this week and is hoping to bring silverware to Goodison Park alongside current manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Brands told evertonfc.com : "“When I took the decision to choose Everton three years ago, I took a long time to think about it, because it was a big step.
“But if you look at last week [a club-statement slamming plans for a European Super League was met with widespread approval] I think everyone recognised why you should choose for a club like Everton.
“[We are] authentic, we respect the values of human beings, we respect the values of our fans. That is one of the most important things.
“I always feel close to the fans and close to the people. I really realise that, without fans, I have no job. We play football for our fans and we should never forget that.”
Brands helped bring Ben Godfrey, Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure and James Rodriguez to Everton last summer but believes the club are also making 'good progress' on-and-off the pitch.
He continued: “When I came to England almost three years ago my plan wasn’t to stay only three years.
“My job is a long-term job and in the previous clubs where I worked, I stayed a long time.
“I am really happy to stay at this club longer.
“It is a long-term job, trying to build something for a long time, with a structure behind it.
“From academy to first-team, from recruitment to sports science and medical – all departments involved in football.
“It takes serious time to get all these departments in line with each other and we are working hard on that.”
He added: "The ambitions of the club are great, everyone wants to be part of that – especially me, not only as director of football, but as a board member, working closely with my colleagues.
“A lot of ambitious and good things are happening with our club and, for that, I have to thank our owner, Farhad Moshiri, because he is really supportive.
“Once I choose something – I go 100 per cent.
“I am never satisfied – we have to do more and work harder.
"I think we are making good progress but there is still a lot to achieve.
"We want to win things and be in Europe – but then I will want more.
"You should always try to get best out of yourself and the people around you.”
