Everton boss Sean Dyche has called for the Premier League to reveal the outcome of the club’s appeal against a 10-point penalty for breaching financial rules – claiming the decision is at the back of the players’ minds.
The Toffees were hit with the sanction on November 17 and were told they would find out the result of their appeal by the end of February.
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Everton’s season could well depend on the verdict with Dyche’s men level on points with third-bottom Luton and only outside the relegation zone due to a superior goal difference.
“It will be helpful if it is sooner rather than later,” Dyche said of the appeal outcome.
“But I don’t know about the legal process, the timescales and why it is taking so long, so we will just have to wait and see.
“The players are working very hard, very diligently and I am very pleased with what they are doing on a daily basis and in the games – when we get it right and even in times we haven’t.
“I don’t think it is [in their minds] in a literal way on a daily basis, but I am sure it is in the back of their minds. They are still wondering ‘when are you going to tell us where we are at and give us more of a factual view of it?’.
“As I told you originally, we are of the same mindset, it is what it is. We look at where it is now and see what comes. Unfortunately, that process is taking some time.”
With a takeover by 777 Partners also in the process of going through, it is a turbulent time for Everton.
Dyche added: “There hasn’t been much calm water since I have been at this club. Another week and then another wave comes and hits you in the face, so let’s see how it tumbles forward.”
“Myko took a knock, but we’re hopeful he’ll be alright.”
Sean Dyche provides a fitness update on his squad ahead of Saturday’s game at Brighton.@WEARFIGS 🔵 #BHAEVE PIC.TWITTER.COM/EGUYUDPKU7
— Everton (@Everton) FEBRUARY 22, 2024
Dyche’s main issue on the field is to try to find a way to solve Everton’s lack of goals. His side have not scored from open play in nine games in all competitions while main striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has gone 19 matches without a goal.
“We ask the players to defend from the front and I think they are getting better at that,” Dyche said ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brighton.
“The tactical shape and understanding within the side has improved, but it is then about finding that balance and scoring goals.
“We know the biggest part of the challenge so far is transitioning the chances we are making into actual finishes and goals. That is obviously still a work in progress.”
On Calvert-Lewin, he added: “He is staying fit, I think he is getting stronger all the time. The impact is what it is. Strikers know the rules of their job. If it is not quite working then how do you get it to work for you?
“Key habits are important – getting in the right areas, arriving at the right time in the right places – and you have got to keep doing that. I think he knows where he is at.”
Everton hope to have Vitaliy Mykolenko fit for the trip to the Amex and Abdoulaye Doucoure came through Monday night’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace unscathed.
Seamus Coleman is a doubt while Andre Gomes and Arnaut Danjuma remain sidelined.
