Everton were finally given some positive news this week after the Premier League handed back four points following their appeal against their 10-point deduction.
The harshest points penalty in top-flight history saw the Toffees plummet into the relegation zone. Now Sean Dyche’s men are up to 15th, five points clear of the bottom three.
777 Partners, Everton’s perspective owners, have been informed of the decision. According to iNews, the US-based investment firm is fully committed to getting to work at Goodison as they await Premier League approval.
Attention now turns to the second charge, with the club set to find out their punishment in the middle of March. Everton, along with Nottingham Forest, could also be docked further points.
There has been talk of a decision being reached after the Premier League season, which adds another dimension to this complex story.
It feels as if it’s very much out of the frying pan and into the fire for Everton.
That’s the view shared by Alan Shearer, who has been discussing the latest Goodison Park news on the Rest is Football Podcast.
Shearer raises Everton PSR charge concern
Talking about the Premier League’s verdict, Shearer believes it was the right decision to hand points back.
“We, like so many others, said that we felt that they would get three or four points back,” he said.
“We all thought it was a pretty harsh deduction, the 10 points anyway, from what we understood the charges to be, but in a way, it’s no surprise.”
However, the former Newcastle United striker did highlight concern over the looming second charge.
“But, and it’s a huge but, because of the other charges that have been put to them and Nottingham Forest,” he added.
“I guess there’s another month before we hear that, but at the moment, it’s really good news for Everton and all their fans.”
Premier League PSR shambles
The Premier League’s handling of the situation has been laughable at best.
At no point should points totals be up in the air whilst the season is still competitive. It feels as if several of the bottom six are in false positions due to the outstanding charges aimed against Everton and Forest.
Considering there was an overlap in the assessment period, there has been talk of Everton’s second charge lessened.
For Sean Dyche, ensuring he puts as much distance as possible between his side and the relegation zone will negate the threat of further punishment come the season’s conclusion.
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