Everton points deduction news is ‘awful for the players’ – Keith Wyness

Fri 8 March 2024 16:00, UK

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness believes the negative stories around the club’s points deduction and takeover will have a big impact on the playing squad.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – suggested that negative stories around the club will have a “subconscious” impact on players.

Despite having their initial points deduction reduced to six on appeal, the Toffees are set to shortly begin a hearing for their second financial breach.

Everton’s takeover deal with Miami-based 777 Partners has also made headlines with the Premier League still yet to make a final decision to approve or reject the takeover.

The off-pitch drama has appeared to affect results with Sean Dyche’s side in 16th place and winless in their last five league games.

Everton players cannot avoid ‘everpresent’ negativity

“I think stories about the points deduction and the takeover will affect players – they are in the environment and are seeing it in the media every day,” Wyness told Football Insider.

“While it may not overtly impact them, I think subconsciously it will have an effect and chip away at them.