Brighton & Hove Albion vs Everton

It's scandalous that they know the outcome, yet the teams actually competing to stay in the league don't know where they stand.

Doucoure is still coming back to fitness and I don't think McNeil is quite there yet. He's still recovering from his injury. Two important players for us.

But we march on. Anything is possible. Any game is winnable.

The derby is sold out already. Brighton has been sold out for weeks and Manchester United gone already.

What a support and fanbase we have.

I am so disappointed that there isn't so much more public visible and audible clamour and protest about this ridiculous and conniving delay. But if Young is selected to start tomorrow, I wonder how many of us will be in absolute despair and ready to abandon all hope?

We all have opinions on who plays but can't control that.

Young, like many players had a stinker at the last outing.

But his position on the post and instinct stopped a certain goal.

Let's go into this with confidence and belief.

However, if a decision has not yet been finalised, the Premier League could inform us.
If it has been made they could inform us when it will be delivered and why disclosure has been delayed.

Or are they waiting to refuse 777 Partners so that they can utterly shaft us in one fell swoop?

So Danny, I hope for the best but fear the worst. A bit like the result tomorrow.

As for the Premier League, they are a disgrace in letting issues affecting our club dragging on so long. A full and proper investigation into the PL should be initiated by PL clubs in order to install a fit and proper governing body.

I think the P L know they have made a major faux pas, and are in a situation, where they don't want to appear incompetent, which we all know they are, but also send some sort of message to others.

I am hoping Lawrence Rabinowitz K.C. has presented the best case forward that he could, under the circumstances, and one which will get them thinking and act accordingly. I personally think we will get some points back, (maybe 5 or 6) but not all, otherwise they have set a precedent !

Forward to our game against Brighton, if Lyndon's predicted team is correct I will be somewhat disappointed because those were more or less the same under-performers V Palace. A game that had all the ducks lined up for a win, but it wasn't to be.

Funnily enough I was on the Danny when we played them last year after a pretty poor run, we defied all odds and won 5 -1. While I can't see that happening again, I live in hope !

Now, having served up the most boring football in our recent history, he's blaming the deduction for "derailing us"!

It's not the shite football that’s derailing us then, Sean?

I hope his recent jitters will not affect the team tomorrow.

Sean, you need to keep strapped in pal and do what you said we'd do: "Just win football matches".

The appeal is out of your hands. We need to keep digging in, not panicking.

Draw? Heaven only knows but onward and upward (really?) we march.

In the meantime, Everton are preparing for this important game and they have to have the right attitude.

Turn up Everton because those supporters will.

I felt exactly the same way just before the corresponding fixture last year

Yes, our brilliant away fans. Some over 70s. Some with disabilities. Some travelling from far-flung places like Exeter and Taunton, even from overseas. Our silent, suffering away fans.

You say the club know the decision. Maybe they do, but I know for a fact the players don't, as I was talking to Seamus Coleman about 10 minutes ago, and he said he knows nothing. Of course, all players, manager etc could be sworn to secrecy and cannot tell anyone.

Seamus was dropping his kids off at the school literally a 2-minute walk from where I live, and he appeared to be in a rush, running back to his car in his full Everton tracksuit. Probably making his way to Finch Farm for the coach down to Brighton.

Tough fixture but we wiped the floor with them last season; no reason we can't go there this time and get 3 points.

The club and the Premier League have to agree when the decision is announced publically. Everton were to be informed of the decision in mid-February. Someone in the club has to know what the decision is before that can happen. So there is going to be a time-lag between the person responsible in the club getting the decision and the public announcements.

The players and manager will not know the decision until then, but I can't see Dyche having to wait on the Premier League and Everton's announcement, which he said would be before the end of the month.

Seamus does not know and I believe him. Thanks for letting us know.

After the original deduction, we fought our way out of the relegation mob and have gone backwards since the Spurs game.

If Dyche sets us up to play deep and contain them, then we are in for a very tough afternoon, I refuse to believe our players are as poor as the performances.

Playing a very good team tomorrow, way better than Palace but we have a good record at their place so hopefully, with a much-improved performance from Monday, we can take something from the game.

Rob, did Seamus look like he was over his illness?

Until that happens, they are not up to winning. The delay in itself is imposing a further points penalty.

The problem lies with 4 players in particular, Young, McNeil, Harrison and Garner.

Why no Calvert-Lewin? I think he will come good with service. Onana, Coleman Dobbin, Beto all need to come back in the mix.

Last time we played with high intensity and destroyed them, front foot football, I think I said. Same again please.

Now I watched Liverpool destroy Luton because of high tempo, fast-moving intensity from 30 minutes, blew them out the water. That's what we did last time, we need to do it again.

Onana has to come back in for me. He is our most composed central midfielder with some of the best stats for long distribution in the league. He switches play well and is very hard to dribble round.

Gueye has been excellent too since returning from Afcon and so I think Garner, who has been solid, needs to make way in the middle.

Given how poor our options are at right-back, I would play him there. He has the stamina to get up and down all day and to make those overlapping runs. He's much better on the ball than Godfrey and more reliable than Patterson. But I'd be surprised to see Dyche try it.

I'd like to see Beto given a start at some point but I'm not sure this is the game for it. Despite not scoring (again) Calvert-Lewin's all round game against Palace was pretty strong.My team would be:

Pickford
Garner Tarkowski Branthwaite Mykolenko
Onana Gueye
Harrison Doucoure McNeil
Calvert-Lewin

In fact, we're much better set up for a game like this than home games against fellow crap sides like Palace, where our lack of quality on the ball and lack of pace in attacking wide positions is most acutely felt.

Hopefully we play Patterson and Harrison on the right flank because they offer more going forward than Godfrey and Young. But otherwise, I just want a win. (Or as I just seen Sam suggest, Garner at right-back… Someone good at football, anyway...)

Finally, any news on Danjuma? We could do with him back as an option.

Ernie Baywood, spot on. The idea that somewhere, someone is dithering is ludicrous. The administration of football from Fifa down has been corrupt for generations.

How many guesses is that you've had now? ;-))

Robert #29,

Danjuma's out for a number of weeks, I believe.

How can you possibly know for certain that somebody at Everton has been told already of the Appeal decision? And that they are keeping quiet about it? Once again you are passing off pure speculation as fact. You deserve your own slot on the trashy Everton NewsNow clickbait site.

Anyway, as far as tomorrow's game is concerned, Dyche's preferred approach of sitting back and hitting on the break might actually pay dividends. We went gung ho against Fulham and Wolves and lost, we played conservatively against Chelsea and Newcastle and won. We haven't come from behind to win yet this season (apart from at Doncaster), so first and foremost, don't concede first.

I don't think we have missed Iwobi that much this season but one thing he did effectively was to transition quickly from defence to attack. He had a really effective game at Brighton last season. The question is: Have we got players who are fast enough to break quickly enough? Could Dobbin be given a role tomorrow?

I'm going for a single-goal win, with Calvert-Lewin to score.

Brian @31, I guess there'll be another guess in the next half hour. Or by the start of next week.

Just finished filling application out for Masters… there again, could be old news and he is already up there, hence the silence on our appeal.

Physical teams who are well organised will give Brighton a game. Luton gave them a beating a few weeks ago.

Anyone that plays 5 at the back against us usually does well.

Teams that move the ball quicker usually are the more successful.

Sit tight and hit them on the break. Catenaccio or as above Dycheball may do the trick.

Play to the players' strengths and don't enforce tactics they aren't comfortable with. I feel like I have written that same sentence for the last 3 years.

Young will probably start at full-back with Harrison in front.

If Doucoure isn't fit to start, I would play Onana there with Gana and Garner behind him.

Two who get praised for off-the-ball ball work… shite with the ball. One who needs to grow some balls and go past defenders.

This game away from home and second favourites to get anything, takes a little of the pressure off. These are the sort of games that we out-perform expectations.

I hope I'm not putting the mockers on the result but it's the matches where we play at home against a team down at the bottom of the league where we play poorly. These are the ones where we look a decent team.

I think we will get something out of the game.

He certainly did. From the school gates to where he parked his car must have been a good 75 - 100 yards, and he ran all the way. I managed to speak to him just as he was getting into his car.

Didn't sound ill in any way, and like Jerome, I tend to believe he didn't know the outcome of the appeal. As I say, he looked like he was in a rush so couldn't stop very long.

Maybe in a hurry to get away from, rather than get to?! I thought you might have sprinted alongside him to get an update.

Colin #37 "Harrison, Doucoure and McNeil are simply not good enough."

Preferred team for the weekend?

Before Xmas and January, with a lot of games in a short period of time, these players were fogged to death. Yes, they get paid well to do it, but McNeil and Harrison simply need either putting on the bench, and used around the 70-minute mark, or resting altogether. Dobbin could come in to offer something as a tactical change.

But you can guarantee by tomorrow, he will start McNeil again instead of using him as an impact sub. I like McNeil but he needs a rest for sure.

No, it isn't a badge of honour.

Yes, other clubs take thousands to matches every week.

Yes, those around the globe get up at ridiculous times to watch the blues, which I have utmost respect for.

I was talking about Evertonians making a long trip to Brighton and back tomorrow. No badge of honour, just dedication.

As to the comment about disposable income, you should speak to some of those who somehow find a way. I did as a youngster and do now.

Sure, it might produce a better Brighton performance based on experience, but equally it could create nerves in the Brighton team (think how we go into our shell every time we visit Anfield) and it should give the Blues confidence.

Dyche should be aloof and keep quiet on the bus down and rip in to them with a rousing speech about us vs the world and how we've been wronged and videos of the 5-1 last season just before they run out.

That'd give jaded performers like Calvert-Lewin and McNeil a boost. Garner and Onana in the middle, McNeil and Harrison on the wings, Doucoure behind Calvert-Lewin. If it's looking poor at half-time Beto and Dobbin on to freshen up the attack.

Nothing to be worried about. Beto isn't that bad. He's shown some quality finishes, just needs a run. The manager needs to hook Calvert-Lewin earlier if it's not working, protect him a bit.

Harrison's a headless chicken sometimes but put better crosses in than anyone else v Palace. Onana should be fired up after his goal. UTFT

We need speed and goals up front so I would like to see McNeil, Calvert-Lewin, Doucoure and Harrison all given license to get forward with Dobbin coming on in the second half.

I am relieved that Mitoma is out as it will relieve our right-side weakness.

Gana and Onana to beef up the central midfield and tell Pickford to vary those long hopeful punts up the pitch.

That's 3 points sorted — easy isn't it, especially on paper.

Glad you agree. The phenomenon of loads of clubs having large away followings does seem quite recent.

My own view is there is a "working class" who are minted relatively speaking and then there are those struggling with the bare necessities of life. I reckon the former see away days as a great jolly – each to their own; people can spend their dough as they wish.

James Garner has played over 200 games, from U18 to the Premier League, since signing his first professional contract. Not one has been at right back. Not one.

He'd have no idea of the positioning, the angles, the man-marking responsibilities. And he'd be out there, often isolated, against Adingra and Welbeck and, if he's healthy enough, a World Cup winger in Mitoma.

No, thank you.

The Premier League away tickets were capped at £30 around 2016-17. Prior to that, we were paying well over £40 for tickets, Arsenal and Chelsea used to be a bit eye-watering.

The Championship has no away price cap, ours would easily be £50 as the other clubs know the support we have. Another reason to stay up.

I thought Garner had played right-back in recent times, at least if only switched there mid-game?

Someone mentioned Garner for right-back, good shout. Carsley used him there for England Under-21s and he did a great job.

What rubbish are you spouting? Whilst I wouldn't advocate playing Garner at right-back, to say he's never played there before is simply a lie (at worst) or unresearched nonsense (at best).

Who played right back v Bournemouth on the final day of last season?

Who played right back for the Under-21s in the summer?

That's just off the top of my head!!!

My first choice if for would be Seamus, then Patterson. But, if neither of those are fit, even I'd accept Young at right-back.

My eleven:

Pickford
Coleman Branthwaite Tarkowski Mykolenko
Gana Onana
Doucoure
Harrison Calvert-Lewin McNeil.

I see an entertaining showing from both sides ,ending up a decent draw away from home.

A Desmond methinks for this one... 2-2.

It's something I scrimped and scraped to do as a youngster and my late mother (god bless) did her best to help me.

I had to make do following from some pretty remote locations over the years. Now I am fortunate to attend in person more regularly, which I am grateful for.

Never a jolly. These days, more of an emotional experience that gives you many breathless moments.

If you don't like McNeil, Doucoure and Harrison – then you're going to really hate their replacements...

"The club and the Premier League have to agree when the decision is announced publically."

Where did you hear that? I was under the impression the first time around that Everton heard at basically the same time it went public. Why would we need to agree as to when it is announced?

The manager and players have already stated the uncertainty is bad. If they knew we got points back, it would give them a boost; if they knew we weren't getting them back, it might inspire them to up their efforts as happened when the points were first deducted.

Why would we want to delay an announcement for a rainy day? Or indeed why would the Premier League, given there's another two investigations to be done into us and Forest, and probably appealed, all within the next few months???

I heard it from a source at the club. No more detail than that, soz.

As virtually all of our goals come from set-pieces, I'd be surprised if Onana isn't in from the start.

McNeil really looks like he needs a rest but, as Dyche seems reluctant to start Dobbin and Danjuma is not available, I expect he'll start too.

Brighton? It's miles away. Their own supporters complain about the location!

I'll get there after no doubt blagging my way into a "home supporters only" bar in the town centre for a quick pit stop.

You don't have to explain mucker. You and the rest of the away support in my mind are tops.

I've been to many away games throughout my 58 years and never once thought I'm on a jolly (except for away European games). 😂

Europe will come again! Let us just ride this storm.

As others have said, not only did Garner play right back for the tournament winners at the U21 Euros but he was picked as the best right back in the team of the tournament.

It's true that he's barely played there in the Premier League or the Championship but he impressed me at the Euros and frankly it's a fairly low bar (especially if Patterson is not to be trusted by Dyche).

Seems clear we need to strengthen our whole right side in the summer.

Although I don't think he has progressed this season whilst playing under Dyche.

What was the point of (17) anyway? It is possible to read it as a snide slur. At the very least someone who supports a club feels the need to post something that, yet again, seeks to diminish some aspect of the club. In this case BR has chosen to place his piercing gaze on the heart and soul of our club: our away fans (hey O'Neill, they are not that special because it seems to me that other clubs take thousands to away matches as well).

"Badge of honour", "Jolly", "disposable income", all used in ways that emanate from ignorance, utter speculation at best, and/or some weird pathological condition (it is a condition because BR does this over and over again) that gives BR some sort of satisfaction in chipping away at our club and us.

We have to hope that the "disposable income" comment was made without much thought going into it.

Just cooked a home made souvlaki and enjoyed a bottle of Retsina with the missus and cheffy son. Booked my rail tickets and got my seat in the away end.

Dreaming of that first (pint of bitter and Dom goal) and a great day out. Never a “jolly” – too much at stake – but buzzing like a whorehouse doorbell!

Come on Blues – give me another weekend to remember! UTFT!

Maybe some of the clubs who couldn't muster 3,000 away fans have now started taking more fans to their away games but football is a very popular sport nowadays and I don't believe it is just a sport for the working classes in this country anymore.

I agree – I've got to walk 20 minutes to my local station (possibly calling at the Black Jug for a pint of Harvey's) before getting a train that goes through Littlehampton and fucking Worthing of all places before changing at Brighton (with a shortish stop in the Prince Albert for more Harvey's) before getting the train to Falmer, just outside the turnstile, where there will be a Harvey's beer outlet.

It's a veritable yomp that the British infantryman would balk at but I'll go through it for the chance of a Dominic Calvert-Lewin goal and a win!

UTFT!!!

Anyway... we've always had a big away support, going back to 1977 when I started going on the football specials, they were always sold out, as where the coaches.

Six clubs typically brought more away fans to games than Everton. Those clubs were Newcastle and five of the Sky Six with Chelsea being the odd team out slightly behind Everton.

I watched YouTube earlier discussing Everton, with Jim White and the know-all Simon Jordan, who people forget brought Palace into administration.

Jim was complaining why we still haven't been told the result of the appeal, Jordan said suck it up, Aston Villa, a bigger club, have been relegated… asshole.

There's nothing worse than being stuck on a coach for possibly the longest journey home after a defeat, and there's been many. Bournemouth twice last season in the space of four days springs to mind, and was definitely the worst journeys home ever.

So come on, Blues, give us something to be cheerful about on that long journey home!

Absolutely, it is no longer "just a sport for the working classes", if it ever was. But it is inevitable that since 1992 the obsession to be corporate and commercial has changed the nature of the game in all its aspects for good.

Just look at the time and trouble we have spent to get corporate hospitality just right at the Dock and the layered food and drink packages.

That said, I'm sure (see what I did there, Barry, I'm not saying that I am right but that my hunch is ... ) that the majority of the 3,000 plus do not sail through life splashing the disposable on X, Y, and Z without a thought for the bank balance and utility bills, or, in Danny's case, what the wife might say.

I wonder if that is still the case a dozen years on?

In the lower Bullens, there were many empty seats.

Not every club sells out almost instantly like Everton.

I'm just grateful for friends and family who help me out alongside my membership.

I remember the Blue Streak disgorging thousands of Blues at Leicester before we gave them a good hiding in all aspects!

We took 4,000 to Palace for the FA Cup on a wet Thursday night, 8 o'clock kick-off recently.

The 900 or so Palace fans that turned up on Monday bizarrely asked “Where were you at Selhurst Park”??? Silly cunts!

No idea, there doesn't seem to be any more recent data. The one caveat though to that report is how many of those "away fans" travel?

For example, with Liverpool and Man Utd, I know of a lot of people in London who support those clubs so it's basically a home game for them, as opposed to fans taking the bus from their club's home ground. But that's a debate for another day.

Brighton do move the ball around well but, if we can keep it a tight game, then we might just come away with something.

It's hard to see us scoring many (if any) so 1-2 will do for the 3 points or 0-0 for 1 point and keep the scoreboard ticking over. Up the Toffees!

Rob, the sense of reason as always. You put the hours and miles in as much as I do for home games.

I'll see you at the stadium.

Once me and Mark find it, even though I've been there several times!!

Personally, I can't wait for the 9-hour round trip by car… luxury or what?

Enjoy your "jolly", you old yuppee!

Have a great trip and big thanks to you, Rob, Danny, Mark (etc.) and the rest of the 3,000 plus cash-flush.

I like Patterson. I like his aggression, the way he likes to get forward, and the way he carries himself on a football pitch. He is the future and in my opinion, he should be introduced into the team now.

I would like to see him played in front of Seamus, or if Seamus is injured, Godfrey. This is how Moyes first introduced Seamus into the first team. That would mean McNeil and Harrison would have to compete for a start.

This is the team I would like to see start against Brighton:-

Pickford,
Coleman, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko
Patterson, Gueye, Onana, McNeil
Doucoure
Calvert-Lewin.

PS I’d rather have a jam butty Rob.

I’ve always argued with Liverpudlians, that more Evertonians leave this city, to travel to away games, than Liverpool, and I think it was proven when the last time the clubs met at Wembley, it was the Everton trains, that left from Lime St, which is based in the city centre, whilst the Liverpool fans, got pushed out to South Parkway, which must be about 7/8 miles outside the city centre.

But getting away tickets for both clubs, is actually a closed shop now, with most supporters buying tickets, wether they are going to the game or not, so as to keep their credit rating up to date, which means that it would be near impossible for London Kopites, to get tickets for games in London, even if it would be like going to an home game.

Out of the London clubs, I always thought that both Chelsea and Spurs, always showed at Goodison, Paul, with my first memory of Arsenal coming with big numbers, being when Kenny Sansom, put through his own goal, before Mike Lyons bundled home a second, a minute later.

What a cup-tie that was the day we knocked the previous three season finalists out of the FA Cup!

Three thousand ? trust me. This club could sell an awful lot more than that.

I have been to just 6/7 away games in the past 2 seasons and on each occasion I have sat with the home fans. It was far easier to get a ticket. The thing is; There are ALWAYS Evertonians in the home section too. The desire to see their team play has never wavered.

its wrong to suggest our working class supporters go because they are minted. My experience has shown me that many Evertonians are spending money they cant afford. I saw three hungry young lads share a single pie at Fulham. Such is the camaraderie.

Danny used his London postcode to get me a ticket for that game, I was behind the goal in the home section, Yet I saw 4-5 of blues within yards. You cant keep them out.

yeah some blues can comfortably afford to travel. Others get to see their team through Ingenuity, commitment and willingness to spend money they clearly don't have.

They deserve a bleedin medal

How times have changed. I did 'A' levels at Bootle Tech (Hugh Baird) for two years in Thatcher's Britain because the "government" allowed people on the dole to have full-time education - the only thing good that they did for us- and I could afford to go to home and away matches.

We can't deny the Seagulls are playing well and it will be very difficult to get anything down there but wasn't it a similar story last season and we somehow won 5-1.

Yes, we still have scoring problems but if the effort is put in and the defense holds firm who know what may happen.

God knows we are due for a win so why not tomorrow.

Garner did not play right-back against Bournemouth. I still have that game on my DVR. He played right mid in front of a three-man backline, with Mina behind him. He was matched up most of the game against Philip "Lurch" Billing, who is not exactly an attacking force.

Fine, he played it in the U21s, I'll take your word for it. Does that mean we plug him in there in front of three professional right backs already in the squad? In a game we absolutely need to win?

No, thank you.

If we have played poorly (and that is sadly becoming too regular), my first thought, in conjunction with disappointment, is:- "Those fans have put more effort into turning up to support than has been displayed on the pitch." Usually followed by "They don't deserve such loyalty, how dare they?"

Sadly, also that is similar too for home games, where the majority have less far to travel, but also subjected to half-hearted displays.

The last 3 matches I have attended, Palace (Cup Replay), Luton, and Palace again, just gone by, have been dire contests indeed. I know it takes two to tango, but the opposition can't always be blamed either!

Can not wait till April to be back for a couple of home games, and as it is near the end of season, we should be not fighting for must-wins, unless those that should not be named have stopped putting the boot into Everton.

0796 600 7546

And give me a shout in April.

Meeting Mark in the Prince Albert near Brighton station if anyone is around. We'll sort out the navigation skills to that stadium and see some of you in there.

Thanks Dave Cashen and Mike. We go because we're hooked and have been from childhood. Win, lose or draw, you just want to be there if you can be.

In we go.

I realise Euston to Lime Street is a doddle but getting to the Amex is hardly seeking Brigadoon!

See you later, alligator! UTFT

They have that crowd control process on the way out too, which takes ages.

“I was a map reading instructor but that ground and Selhurst Park confuses the hell out of me.”

Bloody hell, Danny. Selhurst Park should be a doddle for you. Station to ground is only 10 minutes, you can do it blindfolded, entry and exit are both a doddle. Your Jamie had no problem!

Give us a ring if you get lost and we'll send out somebody to rescue you (not an army map reading instructor)!

Horrible ground which I can't get away from fast enough.

Three points, Danny (and then you can triangulate).

Always march on the compass. Not my "I think it's that way" theory.

On my way.

Some of you might find this funny, it's not. We have a mortgage to pay, please don't encourage him.

As for the announcement on the PSR deduction, surely three suits should have decided before now? I'll have my guess and say it's imminent.

UTFT

We should terminate his access to this platform so that he at least can no longer taunt other lesser souls with his fabled credentials as The Greatest Travelling Blue.

I'd offer him work on the side as a writer but he tends to get a bit repetitive and emotional… plus the pay really isn't all that good.

Perhaps you could economise on dog food, treats and toys? No, that would be cruel.

Trying to force Danny back on going the games is harsh, but starving him as well! Now that is cruel!

I work but no, I'm not wasting money. I have to pay a mortgage so, no, I don't buy makeup and perfumes.

I mentioned in another thread at the beginning of the week that the players had to be affected by the points deduction. Now Dyche confirms this.

It's imperative that the players concentrate 100% on the footy and battle every game. We really need a win.

Thank you for your thoughts.

Maybe he has been tipped-off that we will get a significant amount of points back.

I certainly think the Football world and various legal people(all with families and friends), plus all of the PL nobs could not keep some incling of the decision from leaking out.

I hope you are right.

I watched them against Wolves a few weeks ago and was amazed at how many times they lost the ball by trying to play out. With more composure, Wolves could have had 3 or 4.

If only football was so simple and easy to predict.

King of Wishful Thinking.

Love it mate, better than some miserable B's on here, no names, no pack drill ! :-)

Brighton will pin us back, therefore we have a chance of getting something.

Tell the cunts they weren't laughing last year when Dwight twatted in the 5th.

A lot of angry Brighton fans that day, in fact some of their hand gestures towards Everton players were quite rude! Tut, tut.

Best thing – No VAR!

He's hopeful of being at the ground for kick-off; however, from experience, I think he might be struggling. Horrendous getting to that ground from central Brighton.

I don't understand all this about it being a difficult ground to get to? It's literally a 10-minute direct train, included in the ticket, from Brighton Central to the away turnstiles! I've been to this fixture for the last 6 seasons and it's no problem whatsoever!

It's easier than Lime Street to Kirkdale!

The feeling of a monstrous drubbing accompanied by a million excuses pervades.

Dunno why… it just does.

If you can't get the train you intended, then you are in trouble getting in for kick-off. Better planning needed from me I think.

Anyway, I'm not there today but still worrying about my lad getting in on time…

I came across it in a report two weeks ago. It does make sense given the sensitivity of the situation and the media advantage that could be gained by jumping the gun. Neither Everton nor the Premier League would want to make it more political than it is already.

It will be put up on the Everton and Premier League sites at the same time. As for mid-February that was reported after the Appeal had just finished.