Most of you will know I also covered #EFC for 18 years before switching solely to #LFC in 2018, so I've always kept a close eye on things at Goodison. I've been quite forceful in my belief they were never in genuine trouble of relegation - until watching them last night...
Everton clearly have more talented players than Burnley. They also have more talent than Watford or Norwich. But talent is nothing without application and belief. And while no player doesn't try, it's clear they don't all believe in each other right now - which is a big worry...
You find out more about players in tough situations, whether at the top or the bottom of the table. And Everton players don't look like they trust the reliability of each other at present. Plus nobody is galvanising them or bringing them together on the pitch - no real leaders...
Yes, they have had some chronic injury problems. But Liverpool showed last season that can be overcome if you are led right and stick together and trust the process. Everton are barely doing any of those things. In fact, what IS the process? What's the plan? Is there one?...
Everton have been sleepwalking into this situation for years. The issues are obvious - bad recruitment of players and managers, too many short-sighted and panicked decisions, the classic inability to spend money properly having finally got access to it after decades of waiting...
But the bigger picture is going to have to wait until the summer. Everton simply have to ensure they now stay where they are - 17th will be a success this season. The review can come later - and it needs to conclude with a long-term plan about what's happening on the field...
The new stadium, while crucial in safeguarding the future of the club, can't be used as a smokescreen or distraction. By definition the board - and primarily Moshiri - are to blame for this situation. But the buck ultimately stops with the players for the predicament now...
It's alarming how many of these Everton players have previously suffered relegation. They will know how much it hurts a club, a town, a city. But that they still ended up at one of the biggest sporting institutions in the country shows it didn't harm their careers terminally...
However, there is still enough in the squad to stay up. Lampard needs to find it, and that there are still nine games left means there are nine opportunities to get it right. Results will keep them up, yes, but they need performances. When did Everton last actually play well?...
But could Lampard be sacked before end of season? Everything done under Moshiri suggests it wouldn't be a surprise. That, though, would be the final confirmation the owner really doesn't know what he is doing in terms of football decisions. He has to start owning his mistakes...
The many Everton fans I know and work with have never been as fearful as in the last few weeks. I didn't agree with the worries but fans know their team best. They were right. They deserve better than to see their team relegated - but is that the same for everyone at the club?...
I hope Everton stay up. I still think they will. The city needs both clubs and, if Everton go, I'd be fearful short term. But the manager and players need to start trusting each other and simply have a plan - ANY plan - and stick with it. Belief and confidence comes from that...
At the same time, the owner and board need to start taking a long hard look at themselves and wonder whether what they are doing is best for their own future or that of the club. Everton will be there a long time after they've gone...
Yes, the remaining games aren't easy. But it's doable. Everton, though, can now only live day to day, one game at a time. It's the only way the squad can avoid being overwhelmed by the enormity of what they and the fans hope won't happen come May 22. Now crack on.
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