Everton: Kevin Thelwell makes points deduction admission, plan in place
Kevin Thelwell makes Everton points deduction admission, plan already in place
Kevin Thelwell admits the threat of Everton being deducted points does not make his life any easier as he confirmed plans are already in place for the worst-case scenario.
The Telegraph reported last month that the Premier League has recommended Everton are hit with a 12-point penalty in the most severe outcome should they be found guilty of breaching profit and sustainability rules.
Speaking on the Training Ground Guru Podcast [10 November, 43:01], Thelwell gave an insight on the view behind the scenes at Goodison Park with the case ongoing.
“I can’t say it makes [my life] easier, that’s for sure,” he said. “But I think the reality is, I’m 50 years of age now so I’ve got enough experience to not pay attention to that noise and pay attention to the task at hand, make sure you take small steps forward.
“A big part of my job is doing exactly that. You’re never going to get a job where everything is rosy in the garden. You’re always going to get one of these jobs at this level where there is something to resolve. A big part of the job is navigating those difficulties.”
Asked if he is already planning for different scenarios, director of football Thelwell replied: “Yeah, that’s a massive part of the job. Everything sort of begins with a start with the end in mind type scenario – what’s the worst that can happen, then work back from that point.
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“What happens then, for me, is that when you find yourself in one of those difficult spots, if you’ve already lived it in your mind, it makes it a little easier to avoid some of that emotional noise and pressure.”
Stressful
This was an insightful interview from Thelwell in which he outlined exactly what his job as director of football entails.
Even at the best of times, overseeing behind-the-scenes activity at a Premier League club must be extremely tough.
Add in the threat of relegation, the possibility of a points deduction or severe fine, plus the ongoing takeover situation, and it is fair to say Thelwell’s job is a lot more stressful than others in the same role at rival clubs.
It makes sense for Everton to prepare for different scenarios, with one of those – let’s face it – being relegation at the end of the season.
Thankfully, results on the field have picked up enough over the past month for that to now be unlikely, although a 12-point deduction could of course change all that.
Of more immediate concern is the takeover picture, which will hopefully become a little clearer in the coming weeks.
