The consequences of Everton’s defeat to Sunderland will extend far beyond the failure to qualify for Europe. Much further.
A return to midweek continental football seemed far fetched at the start of the season. But after March’s demolition of Chelsea, the Blues were within touching distance of the top six.
Everton were on the cusp of seizing the initiative in the battle for Europe, despite a run of five games without a win, when they led Sunderland at half time on Sunday. Then came the collapse. Any realistic hope of trips abroad in the opening months of next season? Gone.
The miserable second half showing that condemned the Blues to a 3-1 loss will be felt into the summer and next season. By the club. And by its supporters.
Monday night football returns
If Crystal Palace win the Europa Conference League final, nine Premier League clubs will compete on the continent next season. Nine.
Even if they don’t, Monday night football the ghoulish spectre that has haunted the first season at Hill Dickinson Stadium, will return with a vengeance. Maybe even with a few Friday games thrown in.
That’s the price of finishing mid table. No glamour. No primetime. Just awkward kick offs and disrupted routines.
The table looks more sinister
A win against Sunderland could have taken Everton into the final weekend with sixth a possibility and a top half finish a probability.
Now? There’s every reason to look down, not up.
Newcastle are suddenly ahead of David Moyes’ side. So are Sunderland. Leeds United are within touching distance.
Everton sit 12th. They could drop to 14th if they lose to Spurs on Sunday.
The financial hit
Last season, each extra league position was worth typically £2.6m. The season before, around £2.8m.
Had a win against the Black Cats been followed by a defeat at Tottenham, a finish of eighth 10th was still likely. Now? Conservative projections leave the club’s finance chiefs preparing for a £10m or so loss in merit payments.
Ten million pounds. Gone. Because of one second half collapse.
What it means for the summer
In his Sunderland programme notes, chief executive Angus Kinnear wrote of the coming months seeing the culmination of a two year rebuild in the transfer market.
Moyes spent last summer complaining that the lack of European football was limiting the club’s ability to attract the talent he wanted.
Nine other clubs could once again have that advantage. And three of the others who could miss out, Newcastle, Tottenham and Chelsea may be more attractive propositions despite their struggles.
The bottom line
Everton are not a selling club. But they’re not a destination club either. Not right now.
Without Europe, without the merit payments, without the pull of continental football, they face another summer of scrambling.
Moyes wanted to build. Instead, he’s left to count the cost of a collapse that will hurt for months to come.
Monday nights. Reduced revenue. A table that looks more sinister with each passing result.
The Sunderland defeat wasn’t just a bad day at the office. It was a turning point. And not the kind Everton needed.
