'Everton points deduction theory is a myth - but it may work to their advantage'

24 November 2023 , 18:30

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'Everton points deduction theory is a myth - but it may work to their advantage'

Feelings are running high at Everton over their 10-point deduction, but I still think they will avoid relegation comfortably.

Earlier this month, I said Sean Dyche would lead them clear of trouble at the wrong end of the table – and despite their setback, nothing has changed. The 10-point sanction may have dropped Everton into the bottom three, but it will galvanise them and make the atmosphere at Goodison Park, which is often electric, even more highly-charged.

Some people say the points deduction has come at a good time for Everton because it gives them plenty of time to repair the damage. Nonsense – there is NEVER a good time to be docked 10 points.

But Dyche has got Everton firing again, and even if their punishment is harsh, I can't see them being in danger of going down when they have another 78 points to play for.

What is does mean, for the wider game, is that a precedent has been set. I don't know if other clubs have broken any rules, but all eyes will now be on the Premier League to deal with subsequent cases of possible misconduct by the same yardstick and on a level playing field.

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I don't like it when league tables are skewed by points deductions, but in League One Wigan and Reading have been operating under points handicaps and it's a reminder to clubs further up the ladder: If you break the rules, you are liable to be punished.

Former Toffee returns to seventh tier

Ex-Everton striker Oumar Niasse has dropped into non-league with Macclesfield (Getty Images)

The chattering classes have gone into overdrive again about Macclesfield after we signed former Premier League striker Oumar Niasse.

At face value it's a huge statement for a club in the seventh tier to land a player who cost Everton £13.5 million only seven years ago, but he has embraced it and hopefully he will make a big impact for us between now and the end of the season.

But the truth is that he is joining a club whose attendances are nearer mid-table in League Two than Northern Premier League. And Niasse knows he will be well-coached by ex-Premier League players under our new management team of Alex Bruce, Phil Bardsley and Paul McGuinness.

When I posted on social media about his arrival at the Leasing.com stadium, my tweet got more than a million views. Welcome to Macclesfield, Oumar: We believe you'll be a good fit for us, and we'll be a good fit for you.

Robbie Savage