'Whole lot of points' - Richard Keys issues new Everton points deduction verdict

Everton will have another difficult season with a new possible points deduction for spending violations, according to Richard Keys.

The beIN sports presenter wrote on his blog (12 August) that he expects Sean Dyche’s side to struggle but not to be relegated.

However, if the Toffees are hit by a major points penalty for another FFP breach that could still send them down.

Keys wrote: “I think Everton will struggle again, but they won’t go down unless they lose a whole lot of points for FFP infringements.”

Sean Dyche kept Everton up against two deductions last term

The Toffees were hit by two separate points deductions last season which amounted to eight lost after both were appealed, with the first sanction reduced and the second appeal withdrawn.

Sean Dyche managed to keep the club in the Premier League with room to spare anyway so would surely be confident of doing the same again, much as he would rather not have to overcome the extra challenges.

The ongoing dispute over interest payments is still being assessed and a date for the next hearing has yet to emerge, with “serious trouble” financially still potentially on the horizon [Guardian, 8 August].

Kieran Maguire has suggested another charge would be a harsh one but admits the Premier League’s accounting rules could lead to one arriving, so the matter remains a “very big issue” for Everton [Price of Football, 6 August].

As things stand the transfer window looks to have strengthened the squad from last season despite the sale of Amadou Onana and exits for squad players, so if a deduction is handed down the summer signings will increase hope of pushing on regardless.

And if the club can successfully hold on Jarrad Branthwaite past the transfer deadline they would expect to improve on last season, although the ability to do so has been called into question in the wake of the Dan Friedkin takeover collapse [Talking The Blues, 20 July].

In other Everton news, a Premier League striker wants to join the Toffees if he is given the chance to sign.

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