Tom Cairney makes demoralising Everton relegation prediction after Premier League decision.

Everton’s four-point deduction being reduced to six has opened up a five-point cushion between the Toffees and the relegation zone

Fulham captain Tom Cairney has revealed his opinion on Everton’s recent points appeal. He believes that while it might not change the thinking of Sean Dyche’s side – it could be ‘demoralising’ for the teams below them.

The Goodison Park team were instantly deducted 10 points in November for breaking profit and sustainability criteria (PSR) in the three-year term until 2021-22. The punishment – the largest in Premier League history – dropped Everton from 14th to 19th in the table.

However, the Toffees got their 10-point deduction cut to six for breaking Premier League financial rules. This took them above Brentford and Nottingham Forest and gave them a five point lead over Luton Town in 18th position.

Reacting to the appeal ruling, Cairney told the Footballer’s Football Podcast: “I don’t think it’ll impact Everton’s thinking as much. I still think Sean Dyche will be a little bit still [with a] siege mindset.

“It’s going to be a touch demoralising (for the teams below Everton). They went on such a good run when they got the 10 points removed, they really pulled together with the fans. It encapsulates Everton Football Club nicely – they’re very as one with the fans. “Obviously, they didn’t have such terrific form of late but this will be a tiny boost. It will galvanise them. I still think they had enough in the locker to survive, but for the teams below them it’s a little bit of a hit.

“It’s gonna be interesting to see how everyone reacts.”

The Goodison Park team now face an anxious wait after being accused in January along with Forest for potential breaches in their finances for 2022-23. That case must be heard by 8 April, but, any appeal might stretch that process until 24 May, the week after the season has completed.

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