Everton and Duncan Ferguson is a love affair that spans decades, with the Scotsman often vocal in his admiration for the side in which he starred for six years as a player.
Having gone on to spend many more years in the dugout alongside various managers, before taking the helm himself in interim form on a number of occasions, it has been a dream fulfilled for the 51-year-old who now plies his trade as the boss of Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
So, it only made sense that many rushed to get a comment from the former striker after the news broke regarding the ten-point deduction the Premier League had enacted on his beloved Toffees.
As pragmatic as ever, but boasting that same passion with which he always exudes, he spoke to BBC Sport: ‘Unfortunately, they’ve got the points deduction which I knew was coming, but they’ll still be safe, they’ve got a good enough squad, no problem.’
Then, when asked if he had a message to a fanbase that has often revered him, he issued the following plea: ‘Just keep supporting the club as they always do, there amongst the loyalest supporters in the land.
‘They’ve had a few knocks over the last few years to say the least, but the ten points deduction, they’ll get over it. Believe me, they’ll get over it. They’re a resilient bunch, the players and the scousers down there. Everton will be well safe this year, they’re good enough, so there’ll be no problem there.
‘I don’t know the ins and outs of it to be honest, I know people still at the club, I don’t know the ins and outs and what the problem actually is. But ten points does seem heavy doesn’t it? I mean it really does seem heavy. I’m sure they’ll appeal it and hopefully they can get that reduced.’
Do Everton have grounds for an appeal?
Given the severity of the punishment, there is a likelihood that Everton could enjoy some success with the appeal they have already promised to lodge.
After all, to be deducted ten points, more than sides are handed for entering administration, is ludicrous.
Not only that, but the overspending which resulted in such a sanction was hardly aggressive enough to warrant the Premier League issuing such a harsh challenge.
In keeping with the division’s profit and sustainability rules, a club cannot lose more than £105m within a rolling three-year period to remain safe from punishment. The Toffees would overextend themselves by just £19m, and with their sole financial breach they were still on the end of a landmark ruling.
In appealing, the club will hope to write off that tiny figure through any number of examples, citing the ongoing stadium costs and money lost on dubious player exits alongside their continued efforts to return to a sustainable model.
At the very least, a reduction in their deduction is a must from the appeal.
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