Kevin Thelwell explains Everton staff and player response to points deduction

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Kevin Thelwell has addressed Everton’s point deduction and has explained how the team have reacted to it.

Writing on the club’s official website, Everton’s director of football claimed that the staff and players remain ‘united’ during a tough period.

Everton headed into the international break in 14th place in the Premier League table, but will resume action two points from safety in the relegation zone.

The Toffees were found guilty of breaching financial fair play rules after they posted losses that were around £20 million over the maximum amount clubs are allowed over a three-year period.

Everton’s case were referred to an independent regulator by the Premier League, and it was confirmed last week that they would receive an immediate ten-point deduction.

Sean Dyche‘s side had worked hard to climb their way up the table in recent months, racking up four wins in their last seven games.

However, their upturn in form is no longer reflected in the league table as they now face a swift return to the relegation scrap.

Everton also face a huge £300 million compensation claim against them, with Leicester City, Burnley and Leeds United suing them for losses after the three clubs dropped down to the Championship. Reports have claimed that this could potentially result in them going into administration, thus receiving a further nine-point deduction.

Despite the struggle and uncertainty at Goodison Park at the moment, Kevin Thelwell have claimed that the spirit ‘remains strong’.

“We are rallying in the face of a sporting sanction in the only way we can – and that is our focus and hard work in supporting the team in delivering to their fullest on the pitch,” he said.

“Everton is a special football club. It is a special football club because of its people – our players, staff and fans.

“We go into this weekend having secured six wins from our last nine outings in all competitions. The team has displayed a level of effort, camaraderie and bravery that is synonymous with this club in earning those victories.

“That spirit remains strong – unwavering. Sean and the players are fully focused on the work that lies ahead. And everybody at Finch Farm is united.

“We know that every Evertonian is behind us. That is never taken for granted, but always hugely appreciated and valued. We feel the strength of support, and we will continue to use that backing to drive us on.”

Will Everton’s ‘united’ front be enough?

Everton’s financial problems are the fault of Farhad Moshiri and the board, though the chairman’s looming departure means he will barely even feel the effects of such a significant punishment.

Instead, it is the fans, the manager and the players that have worked so hard to turn things around that are plunged into disappointment.

There is very little this team can do to help their case, other than continue putting on brilliant performances and forcing their way as high up the Premier League table as possible.

Kevin Thelwell’s statement is very promising, because all the fans now ask of their club is to stay together and work through it. For now, the feeling is surely still that the Toffees can remain in the top flight beyond next summer.