Everton have had a miserable 2023 season, with five matches remaining and the threat of relegation from the Premier League looming large. This campaign has been a struggle both on and off the pitch, with the club posting losses of more than £430m over the last five years and their new stadium on Bramley Moore Dock being built but in need of financing. They are also awaiting news of any potential sanctions after being referred to an independent commission by the Premier League over an alleged breach of financial fair play rules. To add to the toxicity and uncertainty around the Merseyside club, a civil war has erupted between the Everton board and disgruntled supporters, who feel chairman Bill Kenwright is not up to the job and owner Farhad Moshiri has squandered much of the £750m he has invested. The turn of the year saw the relationship between Everton and their faithful nosedive to a point where it looked irreparable. Following the 4-1 home loss to Brighton on 3 January, club sources said chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale was manhandled by a male fan as she left the Goodison Park directors’ box. After the 2-1 loss against Southampton 11 days later, clips shared on social media showed home-grown forward Anthony Gordon’s car blocked by a number of supporters while defender Yerry Mina was confronted. The turbulence on the touchline has continued too – Frank Lampard was sacked on 23 January, with the side second from bottom, and replaced by Sean Dyche, Everton’s sixth permanent manager in five years. Despite selling Gordon to Newcastle for £45m on 29 January – leaving them short of options up front – the club ended up failing to sign a player in the winter transfer window. Though they won two of their first three games under former Burnley boss Dyche, a run of one victory in their past 10 matches sees them remain entrenched in trouble inside the relegation zone. Until recently, a group of supporters held peaceful protest marches before every home game since Dyche’s appointment, expressing their frustration at the running of the club by Moshiri and the board of directors. Merseyside Police was called in to liaise with the club following alleged threats, which included reports of death threats sent to Kenwright and intimidating calls and emails to Barrett-Baxendale. The club are making attempts to repair the relationship with their fans and are hoping for a galvanised approach to the season end, with both parties aiming for a finish that would see them achieve the mutual goal of remaining in the top flight. A blog post published on Everton’s website on Wednesday read: “Last season showed that when we are together, we are a force to contend with. For our final games, let’s recreate that and more. Together, anything is possible.” However, a 4-1 defeat against Newcastle on Thursday sapped away any early optimism. Chris Hannon, spokesman for the All Together Now movement, told BBC Sport: “There is no way the current board members will be accepted by the fanbase again. We’re in a relegation battle at the moment so luckily for the board, we are trying to push the team more. If we go down then things will ramp up massively.” Nine-time First Division champions Everton and 2015-16 Premier League winners Leicester face off on Monday with the realistic prospect of at least one or both clubs going down at the end of the month. This is Everton’s 119th top-flight campaign, but their proud record of staying in the highest division since 1954 is under real threat. Last year, Leicester finished eighth and earned a total of £128m in Premier League broadcast and central commercial revenue, while Everton earned £117m. The difference between the guaranteed broadcasting revenue for a club in the Premier League against a year one parachute payment following relegation is around £60m, which would be a significant reduction in revenue for both clubs to contend with. Everton also have the added difficulty of paying for their new 52,888-capacity stadium, with owner Moshiri reportedly searching for outside investment. A critical 28-day period with five matches remaining will determine whether Everton remain in the top flight or not.
Alexis Mac Allister Crowned Premier League Player of the Month for April, Celebrating His Key Role in Liverpool’s Success
Recognize the impact of Alexis Mac Allister on Liverpool FC with his recent accolades and contributions. Understand his role in the team's success and the importance of teamwork in achieving individual success. Evaluate his underrated status and the future of Liverpool FC with Mac Allister at the forefront.
Champions League Race Heats Up as Manchester City Faces Tough Road Ahead
Discover the intense competition among the Premier League's top teams as they fight for a coveted spot in the UEFA Champions League. From Manchester City's resilience to Arsenal's statistical advantage, the battles on the pitch are heating up. With a record nine teams set to compete in European competitions, the stakes couldn't be higher. Get insights on the current landscape, remaining fixtures, and the implications of qualifying for the Champions League vs. Europa League. Don't miss out on the thrilling race for European glory!
Notts County Faces Setback in League One Promotion Battle as Alassana Jatta’s Red Card Overshadows Defeat to AFC Wimbledon
Discover what went wrong for Notts County in their narrow defeat to AFC Wimbledon and the impact of Alassana Jatta's red card. Analyzing the match events, the manager's perspective, and looking ahead to how Notts County can bounce back in the crucial second leg of the semi-finals.
Real Madrid Eyes Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen as Future Goalkeeping Star
Real Madrid's interest in Brighton's Bart Verbruggen has sparked speculation about the young goalkeeper's future and what it means for both clubs. Will he accept a backup role at Real Madrid, or stay to continue his development at Brighton? Explore the implications of this potential transfer and the shifting trends in the goalkeeping market.
Premier League Betting Tips: Top Picks for This Weekend’s Action
Get key insights for betting on the Premier League matches this weekend, including Wolves vs. Brighton, Manchester City vs. Southampton, and Bournemouth vs. Aston Villa. Find out the best betting options and tips for a successful wager while enjoying the return of top-tier football action. Remember to gamble responsibly and have fun with your bets.
Ruben Amorim Signals Uncertain Future as Manchester United Struggles Continue
Discover the current state of Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, as the team struggles in the Premier League reminiscent of their bleak 1973/74 season. Explore Amorim's thoughts on his future, fan frustrations, and upcoming challenges facing the club. Find out what lies ahead for Manchester United in this turbulent period.
Descubre 88 Fortunes: La Tragaperras Asiática que Ofrece Emocionantes Bonos y Grandes Ganancias
Descubre el mundo de 88 Fortunes con nuestra guía completa para jugadores. Aprende sobre las características del juego, su accesibilidad en dispositivos móviles, bonos y recompensas, y por qué ha ganado tanta popularidad. ¡Maximiza tu experiencia y aumenta tus posibilidades de ganar con nuestros consejos!
Manchester United’s Struggles: Amorim Admits Need for Major Change Amidst Worst Season in Decades
Ruben Amorim reflects on Manchester United's troubling season, highlighting the need for self-reflection and urgent changes. With alarming statistics and a lack of urgency among players, the club faces a critical moment in its history. As the Europa League final approaches, Amorim emphasizes the need for a cultural reset and a return to a winning mentality. Discover the implications of United's current situation and the path forward in this insightful article.
Arne Slot Stands Firm: Trent Alexander-Arnold Not a Distraction for Liverpool’s Title Chase
Arne Slot addresses concerns over Trent Alexander-Arnold's impact on Liverpool's title pursuit, reassuring fans and emphasizing the team's collective strength. Find out how the coach's strategic vision is guiding the club through this turbulent time and towards a potential Premier League victory.
Steven Gerrard Faces Financial Setback After Investing in Troubled Water Company
Discover the financial fallout of Steven Gerrard's troubled investment in Angel Revive, a failed health water company. Learn valuable lessons on due diligence, diversification, and emotional biases in investing as Gerrard navigates this setback while eyeing a return to football management.