Alan Brazil ‘saddened’ as Everton administration update shared live on talkSPORT

Alan Brazil says he is “saddened” by the news that Everton could be set to go into administration.

The Toffees’ dire financial situation has led to speculation that the club could face administration and a further nine-point deduction this season, plunging their top-flight status back into jeopardy.

However, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook responded to the claims, suggesting the club feels it is safe from such a fate until next season at least.

Speaking live on talkSPORT (2 May), he said: “I think anybody who’s done any research into 777 Partners would’ve been sceptical right from the off. I think there’s a big doubt over whether they would pass the Premier League’s owners and directors test.

“I think that’s why there’s been such a delay. From what I understand, they’re [Everton] confident that if they go into administration, it won’t be this season, which would stave off the threat of a nine-point penalty, which would obviously put them back in relegation danger once again.

“There’s a concern that maybe come to the start of next season if the takeover hasn’t gone through but to go into administration and take that automatic nine-point penalty.”

Brazil responded to the news, saying on talkSPORT: “Do you know what, it’s incredible. Just when you thought they were out of it, they could be plunged straight back in. [The fans] must be dismayed here.

Everton seemingly safe from administration – for now

The news that the threat of administration is not likely to affect the club this season is welcome for Toffees supporters – or, at least, as welcome as news can be in these circumstances.

A third sanction of nine points – taking their total deduction to 17 points – would plunge Everton’s Premier League status straight back into jeopardy.

The club had mathematically secured safety by beating Brentford 1-0 on 27 April, taking them 11 points clear of 18th-placed Luton Town with only three league games remaining.

However, a nine-point deduction would have dragged Everton back down to 27 points, just two clear of the drop and very much in danger of relegation.

That fate seems likely to be avoided – but Everton fans hoping to put points deductions, takeover sagas and financial issues behind them ahead of the 2024/25 campaign may be disappointed, with the possibility remaining that the Toffees begin next season on negative points.

It seems it may be a while yet until Everton fans are able to focus solely on their team’s on-field performance.

In other Everton news, a £1billion full Toffees buyout update has been shared by Alan Myers as Farhad Moshiri’s takeover stance emerges.