Sean Dyche calls for ‘positive reaction’ after Everton’s latest points deduction

Sean Dyche has said Everton must unite again and focus on “the rise of the Toffees” in response to the club’s second points deduction of the season.

Everton slipped to 16th in the Premier League on Monday, two points above the relegation zone, after being docked two points for a £16.6m breach of profitability and sustainability rules up to 2023.

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A hearing into whether a total of £23.46m in stadium interest payments can be excluded from the club’s PSR calculations will take place after this season. That carries the threat of a third points deduction for a club in an increasingly perilous financial situation, with 777 Partners requesting more time to meet Premier League conditions for its proposed takeover.

Dyche’s team responded to November’s 10-point deduction, which was reduced to six on appeal, by winning four of their next five league games. That run included a 2-0 defeat of Chelsea, who Everton visit on Monday. The Everton manager has called for a similar show of defiance from players and fans as he tries to save the club’s top-flight status over the remaining seven games.

“A reaction to the news is important, a positive reaction,” said Dyche. “The last time we got a knock everyone pulled together and now there is another one. The badge is more important than anything – I still feel that way – and we need the players, the staff and the fans pulling together to make sure we look after ourselves and the club. We certainly did that last time.

“We changed the recent story after a tough run of results with a win [against Burnley], an important win especially looking at the news that came next. We’ve got to build on that. The time for fault and blame is gone. What’s done is done. This city has had a few knocks in my lifetime but the club’s had a few knocks recently. Let’s all pull together and get it done. The rise of the Toffees is important for us.”