Everton boss Sean Dyche is pleased the club’s penalty for breaching financial rules has been cut to six points, believing it gives clarity “for all”.
The Toffees were hit with the original sanction on November 17 after a £19.5million overspend of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability rules covering the period from 2018-2022. The club admitted wrongdoing but disputed the size of the breach, insisting it was only £7.9m.
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They subsequently appealed after describing the punishment as “disproportionate and unjust” with an independent appeal board agreeing in part, issuing a four-point reduction on Monday.
Dyche’s side are now 15th in the Premier League table, five points above the relegation zone.
“I think we’re pleased we got something back obviously. You’re always greedy aren’t you, you want more,” he said ahead of Saturday’s game with West Ham at Goodison Park.
“The points the club put forward have obviously been listened to and we got the four points back, so we’ll take that and now of course it brings clarity to the situation which I think is good for us, good for the players, but I think it’s good for all actually.”
Everton are not completely worry-free, however, with a second breach of PSR guidelines covering the period 2019-2023 still to be ruled on.
Dyche added: “There’s nothing we can do [about the second case] at this time. The main focus was on this appeal and what came from it. We’ve certainly parked that now because it’s become a fact now.
“The line’s drawn under that now, the players are clear of that, we’ll take on the rest of the season at this time and with an open mind.”
“It brings clarity to the situation.”
Sean Dyche gives his reaction to the Club getting four points back. ???? pic.twitter.com/ZmyBe9KUCg
— Everton (@Everton) February 29, 2024
Everton have won just one of their last 13 games in all competitions but Dyche has not been too displeased with the performances.
“I think performances have stayed solid,” he said. “We haven’t had the wins that we’d want obviously but I think the performance level has been solid.
“Adding the detail is important but I think getting four [points] back gives some form of….I don’t think a boost is the right word but I think it’s an adjustment to the table that is now apparent and was needed because I think everyone felt 10 in the first place was harsh.
“I’m always greedy but some would argue maybe we were expecting more back but I would say it’s done now and that’s all we were looking for. The main thing was to bring clarity.”
The weekend will see a return to Goodison for former Everton boss David Moyes. The Scot has come under fire from West Ham fans this season for a perceived negative way of playing.
Dyche remains a fan, however, adding: “David Moyes is someone I have a massively high regard for. He’s someone who has always been a voice there if I’ve needed it.
“Or even after games being available to speak to him with the vast experience he has got. So there’s an immediate respect there. He’s a good guy and someone I get on socially very well with as well. I’ve been in his company and had a bit of fun with him. He’s done a great job over a period there and he did here, he’s very highly-regarded at Everton and rightly so.
“There’s always question marks over what we do. If you look at the period he’s had at West Ham and from where they were to where they now I think there’s been a lot of progress. He always has an outfit who are competitive. So we have to find those defining moments.”
