EVERTON CEO RESPONDS TO POINTS DEDUCTION APPEAL VERDICT.

Like other Evertonians, I had been eagerly awaiting the decision of our appeal against the unfair 10-point deduction that was issued to us back in November. On Monday, we learned of the Appeal Board’s decision, and we return to Goodison today for our fixture against West Ham with four points added back to our overall score.

A large length of time has gone since the verdict of the first commission was handed down and that period has also contributed to much confusion. I would like to put on record my thanks to the various organised supporter organizations and the general fanbase for their passionate backing of the Club and the team throughout these trying times.

I am also grateful for your patience and understanding throughout the process – and the proactive role the Fan Advisory Board played in delivering a statement to the Appeal Board which made very clear the impact on fans.

We had no option but to protest what we considered was an unwarranted points reduction. But although navigating the legal process, and respecting that process in constructing what we considered was a strong case for appeal, the uncertainty most definitely had an affect on everybody throughout the Club.

The great love and backing of fans for the players and the Club was important despite such uncertainty. Both at Goodison Park and in every game away from home, the support, backing, emotion and devotion of every supporter for the Club has never ceased to blow me away. It is what makes our club so special, and so admired.

Of course, Monday’s declaration was not the end of the road. We are continuing to build our case against our second PSR accusation for the accounting period that concluded in June 2023, two weeks after my appointment as Interim CEO. As we also approach the vital run-in to the season, the ongoing solidarity of fans, players and staff is imperative.

As our statement read earlier this week, we were particularly happy with the Appeal Board’s decision to overrule the original commission’s determination that the Club failed to operate in greatest good faith. That – coupled with the inconsistency of the sanction when evaluated against other sanctions meted out by the League and other regulatory bodies – was the main emphasis of our case in the appeal process. It is also why we feel vindicated in pursuing the appeal with such rigour.

To that end, I would also like to thank our legal team and all those involved in supporting our appeal. I have seen first-hand the effort, determination and care that has gone into presenting our case. That labor is deeply appreciated and continues with same gusto.

Premier League rules and legal guidelines does not authorize me, or the Club, to publish any details at this time of the second commission hearing, or the arguments that will be put forward. However, I tell you we will build the most robust case conceivable in our defence.

In the meanwhile, our priority on the pitch is in gaining as many points as possible in our final 12 games.

Of course, we now know that we are 14 months away from our final fixture at our beloved Goodison Park. Every matchday at the Grand Old Lady will be savoured, with the knowing it will be the most emotional of days when we say away. We have received a very encouraging reaction to Season Ticket renewals for the 2024/25 campaign – another evidence of the sense of anticipation building for that historic campaign.

In the weeks and months ahead, we will share more of the plans and details of how we hope to remember our final season at Goodison in a really unforgettable way.

And, of course, there is also excitement for the new stadium that awaits us – a facility that is important to a successful future. The commercial potential our new home will bring are immense. And, unlike Goodison, it will provide us with an arena that can host, amuse and offer experiences 365 days a year, considerably raising our income in the process. We need to take advantage of the opportunities ahead with a clear aim to expand our commercial prowess at Everton Stadium.

There is a lot of effort being done to ensure we maximise that potential – and adequately prepare for the transfer. And the nature and scale of some of the new business options – and how those opportunities will enhance the experience of attending Everton Stadium – is something we look forward to revealing.

It is an exciting time – and I thank our Commercial team for their hard work, diligence and innovation in generating and securing these possibilities.

We are also preparing our plans for the procedure fans can follow to move into our future home. Thousands of Blues completed the migration poll we circulated before Christmas – and hundreds have been engaged in focus groups held in recent weeks. That consultation process is ongoing and, once complete, will ensure our finished plans are fair, clear and molded by you. We look forward to developing that migration plan and releasing it in the first half of next season.

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